
Sept. 9, 2025: From astronaut to artist, Ed Dwight reflects on a journey making history as he turns 92
A remarkable Coloradan – and an American pioneer – celebrates his 92nd birthday today. Ed Dwight was the first Black man to be selected for astronaut training more than 60 years ago. And six decades later, he became the oldest person to go to space.

Sept. 4, 2025: How Colorado took political power plays out of redistricting; Teacher puts students first
Would Colorado follow the lead of Texas and California and redistrict Congressional seats for political gains? Voters changed the state constitution to make sure that sort of manipulation can’t happen here. We speak with the architect of Colorado’s effort to take politicians out of re-drawing districts. Then, public school teachers have faced a dizzying array of new directives from the Trump administration, from funding cuts to mandates on diversity, equity and inclusion. How one Denver teacher tries to put her students first. Then, Aging Matters provides a guide to navigating the grieving process. And, another Colorado community is hoping to embrace a dark sky.

Colorado Matters host Chandra Thomas Whitfield shares her New Orleans family’s Hurricane Katrina story for the 20th anniversary
“The truth is, Katrina has left invisible scars that still persist for survivors.”

Sept. 2, 2025: Ranchers grapple with drought, tariffs, wolves, and inspiring the next generation
Ranchers in our state have a lot to juggle, says the newly-elected president of Colorado’s Cattlemen’s Association, Curt Russell. Things like drought, wildfire, and wolves; not to mention regulation challenges and the uncertainty of tariffs. Then, from A.I. to filling a nearly billion dollar budget hole to addressing bad behavior in the state capitol, Purplish breaks down the special session. And a classroom garden where blind students are growing confidence along with plants.

Denver Broncos remember the life and legacy of record-breaking receiver Lionel Taylor
“An original Bronco, he was one of the original members of the team’s Ring of Fame, which honors their greatest players and coaches.”

From Katrina to Colorado: Cajun restaurant owner honors the resilience of New Orleans one bowl of gumbo at a time
“That’s what it’s all about, giving people a taste of Louisiana, right here in Colorado.”

Childhood interrupted: A Hurricane Katrina survivor reflects on the tough but fulfilling transition to Colorado
“I always thought it was temporary.” Kelsey McCaffrey details how it felt to leave everything she knew in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina for life in Colorado’s High Country.

‘I had to let go and let God’: Hurricane Katrina survivor embraces life in Denver after storm’s destruction 20 years ago
“I lost all three — the job, the beauty salon, my home.” Though grateful for a place to stay, longtime teacher and beautician Mercedes Toregano said adjusting to life in Colorado was tough.

‘I’m not crazy about how I got here, but I love it here’: Hurricane Katrina survivor reflects on rebuilding her life in Colorado 20 years later
Marla Jones-Newman never imagined herself in the Rockies, but after being displaced by Hurricane Katrina, she proudly calls the Centennial State home.

Aug. 28, 2025: After the Storm: Reflections on Hurricane Katrina
Today, the stories of four people who now call Colorado home. They share a common bond: They all survived the American tragedy known as Hurricane Katrina, which devastated New Orleans 20 years ago and remains one of the deadliest and most destructive hurricanes in US history.

Aug. 26, 2025: Denver’s original unsung Bronco, Lionel Taylor; Chandra’s Katrina story
He’s a Denver Broncos original who was a game changer even though he avoided the spotlight. From player to coach, we remember Lionel Taylor. Also, the influence of James Dobson on today’s Conservative Christian movement following the evangelical leader’s death. Plus, Manitou Springs grapples with the changing cannabis market in El Paso County. Then, Chandra shares her personal family story surviving Hurricane Katrina 20 years later. Later, a college degree in Mariachi music, and the origin of the People’s Republic of Boulder.

Chandra Thomas Whitfield: My Katrina Story
While I call Colorado home now, this week marks a notable milestone — one that is extra emotional for me and my family back in my hometown of New Orleans.: the 20th anniversary of the American tragedy known as Hurricane Katrina.

The legacy of an original Denver Bronco: Lionel Taylor was record-setter who broke barriers as a player and as a coach
Lionel Taylor wasn’t one to hog the spotlight, but his achievements both as a player and as a coach illustrate his love for football. Among his many records, Taylor was the first wide receiver in pro football history to complete 100 catches in a season when he played for the Denver Broncos in the 1960s. He died at his home near Albuquerque, New Mexico, on Aug. 6.

Aug. 19, 2025: Gold King Mine 10 years later; Bad behavior at the State Capitol
A decade ago this month, the Animas River in southwest Colorado turned bright orange after a toxic plume from the Gold King Mine spilled downstream. In the ten years since, what’s been the impact and what’s changed, or hasn’t, to prevent future problems? Then, Purplish examines what’s being done to address harassment and other workplace misconduct, both in-person and on social media, at the State Capitol as lawmakers return for a special session.

Aug. 14, 2025: Denver singer/songwriter Such on finding alignment in music
Denver singer/songwriter Such is driven by a passion to connect and take care of others, first in nursing, now in real estate and especially, in her music. Then, Coloradans are living longer. And an Arapahoe County sheriff’s deputy finds connection and community through his cowboy hat.

Aug. 12, 2025: Aging Matters: What to know about downsizing, from selling your home to decluttering
Most people want to stay in their homes for as long as possible as they get older. But if you do decide it’s time to downsize, where do you begin? In a special “Aging Matters on Colorado Matters,” we ask what to consider when selling your home and how to start getting rid of decades and decades of stuff. Then, a neighborhood health fair at a time when it’s needed the most. Also, “An Open Door” is a new documentary about CSU’s Temple Grandin, a legend in animal science and autism advocacy. Plus, the return of an immersive theater experience.