Dec. 11, 2024: Syrian-American restaurateur has high hopes post-Assad; Mike Nelson forecasts his future
At Syrian-owned Shish Kebab Grill in Denver, it’s as if a weight has been lifted. One man’s hope for a country whose future remains in flux. Then, a farewell in Fahrenheit to longtime Denver7 chief meteorologist Mike Nelson. Later, blood medics are coming to four more Colorado counties. And a homecoming for Michael Trent of “Shovels & Rope.”
By Ryan Warner
A farewell in Fahrenheit: Denver7’s Mike Nelson retires
After a half century as a television meteorologist, Denver7’s Mike Nelson retires December 12, 2024. In his regular climate & weather chat with Ryan Warner, Nelson looks at the Christmas and Chanukkah forecast for Colorado… and the forecast for his life post-retirement.
By Ryan Warner
A new feeling for this Denver restaurateur: Hope for Syria
Obeid Kaifo, who is Syrian-American, has high hopes post-Assad.
By Ryan Warner
Dec. 9, 2024: Blindness cure in the works; Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey turns 20
Eye transplants have not successfully restored vision. Dr. Kia Washington at CU Anschutz leads an ambitious campaign to change that. Then, we linger in the rack room at Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey with the 20-year-old distillery’s head blender. Plus, cricket is a reminder of home for Afghan middleschoolers in Thornton.
By Ryan Warner
As Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey turns 20, its head blender barrels toward the future
Twenty years ago, a whiskey distillery opened in this beer-centric state. Today, Stranahan’s is a spirituous staple in Colorado. Head Blender Justin Aden clues us into the process of making whiskey at a mile high.
By Ryan Warner
Dec. 6, 2024: Trauma of Indian Boarding Schools forever changed lives
“A blot on American history” is how President Joe Biden described Indian boarding schools as he formally apologized for them in October. For survivors of these institutions, designed to assimilate Indigenous children, it may be too little, too late. CPR’s Elaine Tassy spoke with three people who endured boarding schools, Beverly Granger, Amanda Kee and Ruby Left Hand Bull Sanchez, about how their lives were forever changed. Then, re-envisioning an unused rail line between Boulder and Erie. And, what a Denver man who visited very county in the U.S. learned about embracing differences.
By Ryan Warner
Comedian Josh Blue will never completely figure out stand-up. And that’s how he likes it
In his new special, filmed at Comedy Works South in Greenwood Village, Colo., Blue invites audiences to laugh along with him at his disability, his divorce, child-rearing and the absurdity of life.
By Ryan Warner
Dec. 4, 2024: Tracking money for mental health; ER dogs bring comfort; Josh Blue’s ‘Freak Accident’
Denver taxpayers have spent millions on mental health, but how’s that money invested? CPR investigative reporter Ben Markus has answers. Then, dogs are becoming a powerful resource in medical settings to bring calm and comfort amid anxiety and uncertainty. Plus, Denver comedian Josh Blue reflects on life and comedy in anticipation of his new special, “Freak Accident.”
By Ryan Warner
This doctor was fired over medical aid in dying. Now she helps patients and providers navigate Colorado’s law
A Catholic health system fired Dr. Barbara Morris after she questioned its policy on end of life care. Now she educates patients, families and other clinicians.
By Ryan Warner
Dec. 2, 2024: A doctor’s calling shifts to medical aid in dying; Colorado Mesa’s big rainforest win
Five years after she was fired from her hospital system in a dispute over medical aid in dying, Dr. Barbara Morris runs a non-profit that educates people about, and advocates for, the practice. Then, a team from Colorado Mesa University won $5 million for its work to save the rainforest. And, the hidden history of Denver’s longest-running fire station emerges.
By Ryan Warner
Nov. 27, 2024: Indigenous chef on embracing food and family at Thanksgiving; Ensuring Western Slope water
At the first Thanksgiving, there were Native Americans and there were colonists. That story’s predominantly been told from the European point of view. Today: We hear from restaurateur Ben Jacobs, a member of the Osage Nation of northeast Oklahoma, who co-owns Tocabe in Denver. His goal – not just on the holiday – is to share the stories of his community through food. Then, why an aging power plant in Glenwood Springs is key to water security on the Western Slope. Plus, farmers celebrate the change of seasons. And the Roaring 20s at the Kirkland Museum.
By Ryan Warner
Nov. 25, 2024: Pay equity breakthrough at CU; Colorado nominee for energy secretary
The University of Colorado Boulder will pay $4.5 million to female faculty members after a class action lawsuit. We speak with one of the plaintiffs and her attorney. Then, Denver energy executive Chris Wright has been nominated to be the next energy secretary. Wright owns the world’s second-largest fracking company. And, young people offer their take on age and civic leadership in the “Youth on Rewind,” podcast produced by Youth on Record in Denver.
By Ryan Warner
Nov. 22, 2024: Envisioning Colorado’s transportation future; Charlie Burrell on life at 104
To help the climate, Governor Jared Polis wants to coax you out of your car with better alternatives. Our transportation reporter breaks down his new plan. Then, only weeks after the election, two state senators resign; now there are calls for vacancy reform. Plus, our regular climate chat with Denver7’s Mike Nelson. On the cusp of a new Administration, he has high hopes for the power grid. Later, Colorado classical and jazz icon Charlie Burrell reflects on his love for music and making the most out of life at the age of 104. And remembering Jim Bishop, who built a castle in Colorado.
By Ryan Warner
Mike Nelson forecasts Thanksgiving weather outlook… and climate policy
In our regular chat with Denver7 Chief Meteorologist Mike Nelson, we get the turkey day outlook and look further ahead at climate policy on the cusp of a new administration.
By Ryan Warner
Nov. 18, 2024: State and local officials gear up for Trump’s immigration policies
President-elect Donald Trump has made Aurora the centerpiece of his immigration policy. The specifics remain unclear but state and local officials are on alert. Then, Denver Mayor Mike Johnston is also wary of changes that could impact his city. And, remembering pioneering meteorologist Warren Washington. Plus, paleontologists discover a new species of mammal on Colorado’s Western Slope.
By Ryan Warner
Nov. 14, 2024: Gov. Polis on ‘safeguarding democracy’; Living artists connect past and present
For the first time since this month’s consequential election, we sit down with Governor Jared Polis, who has just launched a new national project to “safeguard democracy.” We also ask about immigration, U.S. Space Command, and working with the incoming presidential administration. Then, artifacts in glass cases are one way to share history, but History Colorado now incorporates works by living artists — to connect past and present.
By Ryan Warner