A new feeling for this Denver restaurateur: Hope for Syria
Obeid Kaifo, who is Syrian-American, has high hopes post-Assad.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Interview: Gov. Jared Polis on safeguarding democracy, Space Command, immigration, and working with a new presidential administration
Polis told Colorado Matters, “We want to make sure that states have the space, including Colorado, to protect every citizen, even when we face adversity from our own federal government.”
Nov. 13, 2024: Trans Continental Pipeline sees surge in requests for help; Avian flu update
Following the election, a Colorado non-profit’s been inundated with requests. The Trans Continental Pipeline helps trans people move to Colorado, where protections are stronger. Then, avian flu was likely more prevalent in Colorado’s dairy workers than first thought; we’ll track the outlook. Plus, another chance to celebrate 20 years of African cuisine. And Chris Pandolfi takes us “Inside the Musician’s Brain.”
