Feb. 1, 2024: Marking Black History Month with a visit to Lincoln Hills
In 1922, at a time of deep racial segregation in the US, two Denverites realized their dream of building a resort in the Rockies for Black people to socialize and escape the stress of racism. They called it Lincoln Hills. For Black History Month, we revisit Lincoln Hills with retired Denver County judge Gary Jackson and former state historian Jared Orsi in 2022. Winks Lodge at Lincoln Hills was designated a National Historic Landmark in December.
Jan. 30, 2024: How the tobacco industry made it cool to smoke in Colorado’s communities of color
For decades, the industry’s own documents show that Big Tobacco targeted communities of color in Colorado and across the nation. The effects are still being felt today. Keith Wailoo is the author of the book, “Pushing Cool: Big Tobacco, Racial Marketing, and the Untold Story of the Menthol Cigarette.”
Jan. 25, 2024: A shortage of sex offender therapists; Veterans find art therapy through photography
There’s a shortage of people qualified to treat convicted sex offenders in Colorado. We’ll talk about the reasons for the shortage, its impact, and efforts to find solutions. Then, photographs, taken by veterans, via a program that creates community and support. And, Chandra and her family take a trip to the ice castles in Cripple Creek.
The Ice Castles are back! Chandra and her family head to Cripple Creek to check out this unique winter wonderland
After a two-year hiatus due to construction at its former location in Dillon, the Ice Castles attraction is back open in the charming Teller County town of Cripple Creeks. Colorado Matters Co-Host Chandra Thomas Whitfield, who hails from New Orleans, and her family recently took the two-hour drive from Denver to check out the seasonal attraction that’s open through at least late February.
Jan. 23, 2024: Cannabis health warnings; Culture and connection with Caribbean cooking
Mold prompts health warnings about some cannabis, but Colorado growers say the recalls are not fair. We’ll get context on the concern. Then, Denver-based SafeSport wants athletes to take part in a survey about abuse and misconduct. Also, a Colorado Wonders question about solar panels. And sharing culture and connection with “Caribbean Paleo.”
Jan. 18, 2024: Aging in place in Colorado; Colorado Wonders where does lottery money go?
Colorado is aging faster than most other states, and there’s a need to ensure aging in place — older people living wherever they want, regardless of health conditions or disabilities. There’s a new program from Metropolitan State University of Denver designed to meet that need in many different ways. And, have you ever bought a lottery ticket and wondered where all that money goes? You’re not alone. Colorado Wonders has answers.
New program hopes to help Coloradans navigate aging in place
Colorado’s fastest growing population is those aged 65 and older, and that means an increased demand for support and resources to care for them. Metropolitan State University of Denver recently launched an undergraduate program focused on building up a stronger workforce equipped to support aging Coloradans.
Jan. 16, 2024: The Silicon Valley of Colorado; Pueblo’s Mayoral Runoff Candidates
Move over Silicon Valley. Colorado Springs is home to more and more tech business, including one that’s set to triple its production of microchips. Then, the Pueblo mayoral runoff election is one week away; we talk with incumbent Nick Gradisar and challenger Heather Graham. Plus muralists launch a festival of empowerment in Off the Walls.
Jan. 11, 2024: How a safe place to park is changing lives
People who don’t have a place to stay warm often end up sleeping in their cars, but finding a safe place to park is tough. That’s where the Colorado Safe Parking Initiative comes in. Most of the people it serves are newly homeless, and while half have jobs, they can’t afford to rent or buy a permanent place to stay. Later, unique audio guides greet visitors at the Denver Art Museum.
Safe parking program helps people experiencing homelessness who live out of their cars
People experiencing homelessness often end up sleeping in their cars. But finding a safe place to park can be challenging and at times virtually impossible. A program launched in 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic shutdowns got underway is working to change that, but as those COVID relief dollars begin to phase out, program leaders say they’re struggling to keep their sites open and keep up with ever-growing demand.
Jan. 9, 2024: State legislative leaders outline priorities amid questions of decorum on eve of session
State lawmakers get back to work tomorrow, with Democratic leadership hoping to curtail some of the issues with decorum that plagued the last session. We talk with the House and Senate leaders from both parties about the challenges and opportunities as lawmakers get back to business.
Jan. 4, 2024: First sentencing in McClain death; Returning human remains on the Western Slope
The first of three people convicted in the death of Elijah McClain will be sentenced Friday. We preview what the former police officer faces. Then, the next step in the effort to return centuries’ old human remains looted on the Western Slope to their rightful home. And, as Denver looks for solutions to homelessness, a $2 million dollar investment in a pilot project that provides human dignity. Plus, Colorado wondering about rest stops.
Pilot project extended to ensure basic income for people experiencing homelessness in Denver
As the new year begins, the city of Denver has committed $2 million to extend the “Denver Basic Income” project. The year-long pilot program is the largest of its kind in the country. It’s studying what happens when people experiencing homelessness are given different amounts of money.
Jan. 2, 2024: State expands paid leave; ‘God is Red’ explores Indigenous religion, respect for nature
Now more working Coloradoans have access to paid leave to care for a loved one or themselves. It’s a state program called FAMLI, not to be confused with the federal program FMLA. We break down the differences and how to sign up. Then, “God is Red” explores diversity of thought in religion and the importance of respecting Native traditions and our environment.
New state program called FAMLI expands paid leave from work
As of January 1, 2024, more working Coloradoans have access to paid leave from work for a specified time to care for a loved one or themselves. It’s a state program called FAMLI, not to be confused with FMLA, which is a federal program that offers qualified workers unpaid leave to handle qualifying personal matters.
Colorado’s ballroom scene is about fierce runway-style competitions and creating safe spaces
A mix of ballroom culture experts sat down with Colorado Matters Host Chandra Thomas Whitfield to discuss its impact and influence on Colorado.
