Legislation That Would Limit Opioid Prescriptions Divides Some Doctors
The bill would affect prescriptions written for patients in acute but short-term pain. Gov. Hickenlooper has yet to sign the measure into law.
The Legislative Session’s Dramatic Close; E-Cigs and The Resurgence of Teen Smoking
Lawmakers put a wrap on the 2018 legislative session, grappling with some of the thorniest issues right up to the last minute. The session will bring changes for people stuck in traffic, for state workers unsure of their retirement, and for people who prefer full-strength beer. Then, the number of underage teens smoking electronic cigarettes has skyrocketed and is starting to draw federal scrutiny. Plus, one of the most enduring symbols of the Cold War turns 60.
‘Red Flag Warning’ Gun Bill; Colorado’s Painful History of Lynching
A pivotal vote is scheduled at the state Capitol today on the so called “Red Flag Warning” bill. If passed, it would allow judges to take guns from people deemed a risk to themselves or others. Its co-sponsor, Cole Wist is in hot water with some of his fellow Republicans. Then, Colorado is ground zero for marijuana legalization, but as more states seek to expand or legalize sales, many policy makers are getting key facts wrong about Colorado’s pot market. Also, Colorado’s painful history of lynching, and how a local artist is recreating artwork destroyed by ISIS.
Open Primaries For Unaffiliated Voters Come With A Catch
The open primary model adopted by voters in 2016 allows unaffiliated voters to cast a ballot in June’s primary elections without joining a party.
Gov. Hickenlooper Hears The Teachers Protest, And Offers A Remedy
Colorado’s governor says taxpayers need to change the state constitution to provide money for schools because it’s largely the reason the state has fallen about $6 billion behind in education funding. “Through hiking” the entire Continental Divide Trail from Canada to Mexico means covering 3,100 miles, and Felicia Hermosillo says there aren’t enough signs. Jess Davidson was sexually assaulted by another student at DU. She’s supporting a bill in the state legislature she hopes will help future victims. And, states along the Colorado River have come together in recent years on water conservation experiments. But the University of New Mexico’s John Fleck says there are cracks in the cooperation.
How Tornado Chasing Legend Tim Samaras ‘Caught The Storm’
Journalist Brantley Hargrove recently wrote a book about Coloradan Tim Samaras, a legend among storm chasers.
Candidate For Governor Victor Mitchell, Republican, On The Record
Mitchell has run six different companies, accruing enough wealth to self-fund his campaign to be the next governor of Colorado.
Washington Post’s Marty Baron On Tough, Ethical Journalism In Today’s Political Climate
Baron speaks with Colorado Matters about working in an era of “fake news” and tough economics in publishing.
Droughts And Wildfires Mean Floods Are Likely. Is The Front Range Ready?
Craig Fugate, who was just in Colorado, tells Colorado Matters why he was just in the state talking to various communities about preparedness.
A Race To Find Remains At Teller Indian School; A War Veteran And His Art
At least 23 American Indian students died at a boarding school in Grand Junction at the turn of the last century. Where are their remains? War veteran Mark Fitzsimmons uses conceptual art to make connections and change perceptions. Seed specialist John Coykendall talks about the alarming disappearance of vegetable crop varieties in the past 100 years. And the latest adventure for Nick Petrie’s ex-Marine Peter Ash rolls from the mountains to downtown Denver.
Listen To This 6-Year-Old Girl From Fruita Bugle Like An Elk
Ava King’s parents are both hunters, but she didn’t learn to call elk from them –she taught herself.
With State Party Assemblies Over, Here’s A Recap: Stories, Speeches
CPR News reporters Sam Brasch and Ann Marie Awad were at the assemblies, and we also hear highlights from speeches by key players from each party.
Down ‘The River Of Lost Souls’ With Jonathan Thompson
A new book puts the Gold King Mine spill within the long history of mining and pollution in Southwest Colorado. An inner-city youth program near the Denver-Aurora border aims to change the lives of young men. Then, one quarter of rural households in the state go without high speed internet. A new subsidy aims to change that. And preview of a moving new violin concerto by Colorado composer Jeffrey Nytch about a violinist hero in an Italian cruise ship disaster called “Costa Concordia.”
Stapleton, Lamborn Ballot Signature Dust Ups Show System Works, SOS Williams Says
Two recent skirmishes over ballot petition signatures cast this coming weekend’s state party assemblies in an unexpected new light.
What Will CPR’s New President Bring To A Shifting Media Landscape?
Stewart Vanderwilt will lead CPR News, Classical, and Open Air, taking over from Max Wycisk, who retires at the end of June.
Where Things Stand On The State Budget; The Lumineers’ Stelth Ulvang
While a surplus has eased tensions among state lawmakers jockeying for budget priorities, it also has them scrambling for the extra dollars. Does an EPA rollback on car emissions mean “America First,” or bad air and hit to wallet for Coloradans? The annual Denver Auto Show just kicked off. Stories told by war veterans inspired Jeff Campbell to write his latest play, “Honorable Disorder.” The Lumineers’ Stelth Ulvang somehow finds time to write and record his own music.
