Fiftieth Anniversary Of Colorado Abortion Law; Water ‘Banking’ On The Western Slope; CSU Prof Mentored Legislative Interns
Fifty years ago, former Colorado Gov. Richard Lamm was a freshman legislator when he sponsored what became the nation’s first law to ease restrictions on abortion. This week, the group American Right to Life, based in Wheat Ridge, sent state legislators a letter denouncing the 1967 law, saying it led to the deaths of thousands of lives. Then, farmers on the Western Slope are letting their land lie fallow this year and “banking” their water to hedge against future shortages. And, Colorado State University Professor John Straayer is retiring after shepherding more than 1,000 students through internships at the Colorado legislature over 37 years. His former students include Republican U.S. Sen. Cory Gardner and former Democratic Gov. Bill Ritter. Plus, police shootings and racial issues left an impression on Denver comic book creator Alan Brooks, who wrote a graphic novel on the subject.
The West Is Seeing More Wildfires. Here’s How To Combat Them
A new study by the University of Colorado Boulder says there’s a ‘new normal’ with warmer temperatures and an increase in wildfires. That means there needs to be a shift in how fire managers and communities approach mitigation.
Six Steps To Rain Barrel Success
Beginning Wednesday, you can use rain barrels legally. Here are a few tips to get you set up correctly.
Free Speech Zones On Colorado Campuses? Not Anymore
Governor John Hickenlooper recently signed a bill to end the practice of separate roped-off free speech zones on the campuses of Colorado’s public universities and colleges. Reporter Corey Hutchins of the Colorado Independent followed the bill, which had rare bipartisan support.
Thirty Years On, Memories Of The Denver Dry Linger
The downtown location of the Denver Dry Goods department store closed on April 10, 1987. A new book explores the store from its pioneer beginnings to a Colorado staple.
A Colorado Congressman On ‘The Swamp,’ Sexting Bill, Airport Worker Shortage, Drinkable Sunscreen, Teen Motocross Pro
“Drain The Swamp” was a rallying cry during the 2016 election. It’s also the title of a new book from U.S. Rep. Ken Buck, a Republican who represents northern and eastern Colorado. Buck joins us to talk Washington political culture, President Trump’s performance, immigration and more. Then, state lawmakers have a new compromise on teen sexting. They’ve decided on a small penalty for teen couples who send each other nude images. And, DIA concession owners are struggling to fill 400 open jobs. Plus, a Colorado man’s controversial product, drinkable sunscreen, is the subject of a lawsuit claiming it’s phony and dangerous. Also, at age 19, Colorado native Dawson Newby is a pro motocross rider. He’ll race in Denver this weekend.
Right This Way? Colorado Tourism Roadmap Hopes To Build Off Recent Success
A multi-million dollar national ad campaign increased the number of tourists flocking to Colorado last year. The state’s tourism director wants to spread that CO love to rural areas too — while protecting the state’s natural resources from being loved to death.
Step inside the Old Stapleton Airport tower
The 800-square-foot observatory at the top of the tower is stripped to studs and concrete. But the views are still breathtaking.
Syrian War Resonates In Denver; Autism On Film; Grand Canyon’s First Female Ranger; DU Hockey Championship
A Denver woman says the Assad government killed eleven members of her family last week. She hopes the U.S. missile attacks, ordered by President Trump, scare Asad. Then, Grand Canyon National Park has its first female leader, and the University of Colorado graduate will have to address a rash of sexual harrasment complaints from employees. Also, a Colorado teen made a documentary as a way to tell people about his autism. Then, NPR’s Kirk Siegler on the urban-rural divide. And we speak with an assistant coach on the University of Denver’s men’s hockey team, which won a national championship on Saturday.
Former Colorado Reporter Explores Urban-Rural Divide For NPR
NPR has a new beat covering the urban rural divide. Kirk Siegler reported about rural Colorado while at KUNC Radio in Greeley, and he grew up in Montana. He’ll be reporting from Colorado and Utah this week.
Stopping Distracted Driving; DU Hockey Seeks National Championship; Coal In The North Fork Valley; Bison Bone’s Debut Album
More than 600 people died on Colorado roads last year. The state says it’s an epidemic of distracted driving — especially among teens. New technologies created by a Boulder entrepreneur and a major automaker aim to lower the number of deaths. Then, the University of Denver’s men’s hockey team plays for the national championship this weekend, led by Will Butcher, who is up for an award given to the nation’s best player. Also, West Central Colorado has seen the worst of the coal slump and residents aren’t counting on President Donald Trump to bring back the industry. And, you might think of Nashville, not Denver, as a hotspot for country music but bands like Bison Bone are here to change that. Their debut album,“History Of Falling” is out today.
Using Technology To Curb Colorado’s Distracted Drivers
The state’s transportation director says there’s an “epidemic of distracted driving” in Colorado. Automakers and local entrepreneurs are developing new technology that seeks to curb the trend.
Essential Air Service Remains Just That For Small Colorado Airports
The Essential Air Service Program was introduced by Congress following U.S. airline deregulation in the 1970s. President Trump’s 2018 budget proposal plans to scrap the program.
Cyberpunk Returns With New Colorado Anthology
“Cyberworld: Tales Of Humanity’s Tomorrow” is nominated for a 2017 Colorado Book Award. Its editors say it’s giving the genre a big boost.
Weld County Struggles With Feds Over Immigration Enforcement, Vandalism At A Fort Collins Mosque
The Weld County sheriff wants his department removed from a Trump administration list of places that failed to cooperate with federal immigration authorities. The dispute points to difficulties Colorado counties say they’re having complying with national enforcement efforts. Then, a Fort Collins mosque was vandalized over the weekend, one in a growing number of such cases nationwide. Mosque leaders say they’re grateful for the town’s support after the incident. And, a Colorado Book Award nominee, “Appealing For Justice,” profiles the first woman appointed to Colorado’s Supreme Court, and her later role in a landmark civil rights case. Then, a tour of the iconic Air Force Academy Chapel, which will soon close for up to four years of repairs and renovation.
New Book Highlights Colorado’s Beers, Hikes and History
Denver author and journalist Ed Sealover says a bond exists between history, hiking and drinking in Colorado. If you want to find the “soul of Colorado,” it’ll be outside the “cookie-cutter restaurants and strip malls.”
