Dec. 5, 2025: ‘If you can keep it’ on unprecedented politics; Maintaining Mustang; Tech firm commits to downtown
Our series continues about unprecedented politics, named for the famous Benjamin Franklin line in 1787: “A republic, if you can keep it.” University of Denver political scientist Seth Masket provides historic context. Then, it takes a lot of work to keep Mustang standing strong outside DIA. Also, tech firm Ibotta makes a 10-year commitment to downtown Denver, which other businesses have fled. And the family stories behind Denver’s Little Saigon at History Colorado Center.
This Vietnam veteran lost his sight, but not his vision. Now, his art hangs in the Denver Art Museum
Jim Stevens directs Denver’s Veterans Arts Council and organized “Beyond the Military: From Combat to Canvas.”
Dec. 3, 2025: No degree? No problem; Tig Notaro grieves Colorado’s late poet laureate Andrea Gibson
For most state jobs, you don’t need a college degree. It’s the skills that matter. Governor Jared Polis has championed this change in the private sector, as well. Reporter Lawrence Lanahan writes about this trend in a piece titled, “No college degree, no problem? Not so fast!” Then, comedian Tig Notaro remembers Colorado’s late poet laureate Andrea Gibson with the new film, “Come See Me in the Good Light.” Also, a mother and daughter from Colorado reconnect with their family’s World War II legacy in Italy. Plus, pairing wine and solar on the Western Slope.
Dec. 1, 2025: Reflections on the past, looking forward on World AIDS Day
Today, on World AIDS Day, Ryan visits the Colorado AIDS memorial in the heart of Denver with Barb Cardell, program director at the Positive Women’s Network USA. They discuss science, stigma, and, for our series Aging Matters, what it means to enter your senior years with HIV.
At Colorado’s AIDS Memorial, 5 things to consider on World AIDS Day
Many Colorado governors have turned to activist Barb Cardell to shape HIV/AIDS policy
Nov. 28, 2025: Trust Matters: A conversation about record-low levels of trust in the media
According to Gallup, barely a third of Americans express a great deal or even fair amount of trust in newspapers, TV, and radio. In the 1970s, trust was as high as 72 percent. At Front Range Community College, students meet the press: Greg Moore, former editor of The Denver Post and recent National Association of Black Journalists Hall of Fame inductee; Corey Hutchins of the Colorado College Journalism Institute and “Inside the News In Colorado”; and Jeffrey Roberts of the Colorado Freedom of Information Coalition. Our panelists mentioned resources for the community and for journalists at The News Literacy Project and Colorado News Collaborative.
Nov. 26, 2025: When the world believed Martians were real
For “Turn the Page with Colorado Matters,” former NPR science reporter David Baron, of Boulder, talks about his new book, “The Martians: The True Story of an Alien Craze That Captured Turn-Of-the-Century America.” Listen to a captivating conversation in front of an audience at Library 21c in Colorado Springs.
Nov. 24, 2025: The great redistricting debate; Car sales sticker shock; Lafayette student’s success in civics
There’s a political power play across the country to redistrict for control of Congress. Purplish explores if it could actually happen here, and whether it should. Then, what do car prices say about a possible “silent recession” in Colorado? Plus, a freshman at Lafayette’s Centaurus High School lands in the top ten of the National Civics Bee finals.
Nov. 21, 2025: A snowless Metro Denver; New CEO takes root at Botanic Gardens; Local 303 celebrates ‘Autumn’
Even if things change fast, November is on track to be record-setting dry and warm. We ask Denver7 Chief Meteorologist Lisa Hidalgo for the Thanksgiving and ski outlooks. Then, CU economist Brian Lewandowski on whether the state faces a “Silent Recession.” Plus, the aerial search for precious minerals in Southern Colorado, meet the new Denver Botanic Gardens CEO, and we hold onto ‘Autumn’ a little longer in the Local 303.
What’s the weather picture for Thanksgiving and on into ski season?
The Front Range remains snowless. Thanksgiving week could change that. Meanwhile, flakes are falling in the High Country, but snowpack is less-than-stellar. Denver7 Chief Meteorologist Lisa Hidalgo is back for our monthly chat about weather and climate in Colorado.
Nov. 19, 2025: State Democratic chair on wins, losses and what’s next; Remembering Purnell Steen
Democrats did well in this month’s election, then almost immediately capitulated, opting to reopen the federal government without healthcare concessions from Republicans. Today, an assessment from the state party chair. Then, we remember Denver jazz pianist Purnell Steen. Also, lingering lessons from the pandemic. And “rock” music with “Formations” from University of Colorado composer and geologist Jeffrey Nytch.
Nov. 17, 2025: A geriatrician on better living through less medicine; ‘The Radio Poems’ with David Rothman
Geriatricians – doctors trained to treat older adults – are scarce. We meet Dr. Erika Altneu, of Salida, who discusses “deprescribing” and battling loneliness in one’s later years. Then, dads answer the call for tutors at one Denver school. And CPR’s former resident poet, David Rothman, shares “The Radio Poems: Transmissions from Colorado.”
Radio poems from the Western Slope’s former laureate
Colorado Matters’ former resident poet David J. Rothman has released “The Radio Poems: Transmissions from Colorado.” While the collection is a snapshot in time, there is a timelessness to it. Rothman’s bona fides include winning the Pushcart Prize. He also received a lifetime achievement award in Colorado poetry. And, he was a Western Slope poet laureate — back when he taught creative writing at Western Colorado University in Gunnison.
Nov. 14, 2025: Can an old hotel & conference center solve homelessness?; Thanksgiving wine picks with no snobbery
Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman walks Ryan through a new homeless navigation campus that encourages work and sobriety with nicer and nicer acommodations. Then, for Thanksgiving, a celebrated Boulder sommelier chooses three wines to pair with turkey, ham, and vegetables. Plus, the impact of tariffs on a specialty cheese shop in Denver. And, indie rock and classical come back together as DeVotchKa performs with the Colorado Symphony.
Three Thanksgiving wine recommendations from a celebrated Boulder sommelier
Award-winning Boulder restaurateur and oenophile Bobby Stuckey recommends three wines under $30.
Nov. 12, 2025: Colorado’s midterms mean new statewide leadership; Gasoline Lollipops break genre stereotypes
Soon enough, Colorado will have new leadership. In 2026, top seats are wide open for the first time in eight years. From the governor, attorney general, secretary of state and treasurer to the U.S. Congress, we take stock of the midterm election with Purplish. Then, new music from the Gasoline Lollipops, which defies musical genres.
