Nov. 7, 2023: Reaction to second Elijah McClain verdict; Psychological film ‘Soft Liquid Center’
After the latest verdict came down Monday afternoon, juries in Adams County has found two of the three officers who forcibly stopped Elijah McClain not guilty, with a third convicted of lesser charges. A discussion whether Elijah McClain has received justice, and what these verdicts mean for policing in Colorado. Then, the “reddest” part of Colorado. Plus, a psychological thriller, “Soft Liquid Center” is being shown at the Denver Film Festival.
Nov. 2, 2023: Officer charged in McClain’s death takes the stand; ‘Deconstructing Karen’ challenges white supremacy
Nathan Woodyard, the officer accused in the death of Elijah McClain, takes the stand in his own defense. We’ll hear some of his testimony. Then, difficult, uncomfortable conversations about dismantling white supremacy with “Deconstructing Karen.” Later, the first run of the ski season is an annual challenge for two friends. Plus, Colorado’s lost ski resorts.
‘Deconstructing Karen’ aims to dismantle white supremacy and racism
Regina Jackson, a Black woman, and Saira Rao, an Indian American woman, are co-authors of a New York Times best-seller called, “White Women: Everything You Already Know About Your Own Racism and How to Do Better” and the documentary, “Deconstructing Karen,” based on their event founded in Colorado called “Race 2 Dinner.” It brings groups of white women together for difficult conversations about racism and dismantling white supremacy.
Oct. 31, 2023: Politicizing school board races; A culinary celebration of Día de los Muertos
Election Day is a week away and some local school board races have become a focal point in the political divide. CPR education reporter Jenny Brundin reports. Then, Día de los Muertos is a time of remembrance and a celebration of life. Food is a central part of it. Chef Yvette Marquez-Sharpnack joins us. Plus, a scary Halloween story from D.L. Cordero.
Domestic violence deaths in Colorado are at an all-time high for the second year in a row, according to a new report
Nearly 100 people were killed in domestic violence-related incidents in Colorado in 2022.
Oct. 26, 2023: Report on domestic violence in Colorado; New Speaker of the House
For a second consecutive year, domestic violence deaths are at an all-time high in Colorado. A new report, just released by Colorado’s Attorney General’s office, provides details. And we hear from a woman who calls herself a victor — not a victim. Then, the U.S. House is back to work after finally electing a new Speaker. CPR’s Washington, D.C. reporter, Caitlyn Kim, has been following the weeks of drama closely.
Interview: ‘The voice’ of the Denver Nuggets on the NBA Champions’ return to Ball Arena
Kyle Speller has been the PA announcer for the Nuggets for 19 seasons.
Oct. 24, 2023: State lawmakers with roots in Israel, Gaza; Meet ‘the voice’ of the Nuggets
As the war escalates between Israel and Hamas, we hear from state lawmakers with roots in the region. Then, as the defending NBA champion Denver Nuggets start their new season, a familiar voice will call the players to the court. Kyle Speller begins his 19th year as the team’s stadium announcer. He’s also the team chaplain. Plus, how did “No Name” get its name? And rethinking how we buy and discard clothing.
Remembering Colorado arts titan, actor, playwright and director Ken Grimes
Denver’s arts community is mourning the loss of playwright, director and actor Ken Grimes. A fixture in Denver’s arts scene, Grimes had written, directed, and acted in dozens of plays since he was a teenager. He died of ALS last week at the age of 74.
One of the nation’s first abortion counselors on how times have changed
One in three abortions in Colorado last year was for someone who traveled out of state to undergo the procedure.
Oct. 19, 2023: Abortion access in Colorado after 50 years; Perseverance marks ‘Lessons in Chemistry’
Thirty percent of abortions in Colorado last year were for people from out of state, and that number’s increasing. We talk with Linda Weber who helped found the first clinic in Colorado with abortion access 50 years ago. Then, a closer look at what’s on the November ballot. And, we remember playwright and arts mentor Ken Grimes. Also, a Fort Collins native helms “Lessons in Chemistry.”
Oct. 17, 2023: Proposition HH and property taxes; Why is leaded fuel still used at small airports?
One of the statewide issues voters will decide in this election is Proposition HH, designed to lower property taxes. We look at both sides with Purplish, CPR’s podcast about politics and policy. Then, why do small airports still use fuel containing lead for planes? Also, a new LGBTQ+ community center opens soon in Colorado Springs. And we answer a Colorado Wonders question about the Blue Book.
Oct. 13, 2023: The McClain verdicts and police accountability; Coloradan in Gaza
One trial ends with split verdicts for two Aurora police officers and the next trial is beginning in the death of Elijah McClain. We’ll take a closer look at police accountability and changes to Colorado law. Then, we speak with a Colorado doctor who is in Gaza, unable to leave. And the U.S. Forest Service is rethinking housing on Forest Service land.
Oct. 12, 2023: Denver Basic Income seeks homelessness solutions; Matthew Shepard’s legacy
There’s no “one size fits all” solution for homelessness, but one big idea being tested is literally giving unrestricted money to those struggling. We ask how the Denver Basic Income Project is working out and hear from a man who says it’s transformed his life. Then, 25 years ago… a young college student named Matthew Shepard was brutally attacked and left for dead — all because he was gay. His parents reflect on his legacy and their ongoing work toward acceptance.
Oct. 10, 2023: Is the consent decree resulting in police reform in Aurora?
The forceful tactics Aurora police used to stop and subdue Elijah McClain four years ago, and protests a year later, led to a state investigation. It concluded that the Aurora Police Department has a pattern of racist policing. As a result, Aurora became the first city in Colorado placed under state oversight. It’s now required to overhaul its policies and practices. We ask how that consent decree is going.
Oct. 5, 2023: New exhibit showcases Colorado’s Black history; Student loan questions and answers
Colorado’s Black history is diverse and rich, but not widely known. A new exhibit, “Proclaiming Colorado’s Black History,” is working to change that by illuminating the stories of Black people across the state. It’s at the Museum of Boulder. Then, student loans have come due after a pandemic reprieve. We’ll talk about the changes and things to consider.
