Before Obamacare there was Jeffersoncare and Franklincare
In the new book, “Revolutionary Medicine,” University of Denver historian Jeanne Abrams writes about the founding fathers’ and mothers’ contributions to medicine.
By Ryan Warner
The Mood Of Latino Voters, Birds In The Suburbs
Anxious. Frightened. Angry. Those are words that describe the mood of voters this year. The big question, especially for Latinos in Colorado, is whether those feelings will inspire more people to vote, or to tune out. CPR News partners with NPR to look at the overall tone of the election… and how that may play out in our swing state. Then, in an encore presentation, ornithologist John Marzluff has advice on how to make a home for birds and other wild animals in the face of rapid development in the West.
By Ryan Warner
Silverton And Superfund, Amazon And Taxes, Typewriters And Video Stores
Silverton is a town that resisted Superfund designation for years, now appears to be courting it after the Gold King Mine Spill. We speak with the editor of the Silverton Standard, who says a designation would address a whole cluster of leaky mines. Then, if you buy stuff on Amazon to skirt sales taxes your tax-free holiday is coming to an end. But why now, after all this time? We get your feedback in Loud and Clear. And then, Colorado businesses that deal in aging technology: A shop that fixes typewriters finds new interest in them. And one of Denver’s last video rental stores seeks help in the non-profit world.
By Ryan Warner
Fire And Grief Consume Characters In Boulder Author’s ‘Night in Erg Chebbi’
Edward Hamlin’s collection “Night In Erg Chebbi” won the 2015 Iowa Short Fiction Award
By Ryan Warner
Child Care And Obesity, National Western Complex Development, Historian Patricia Nelson Limerick
Fewer sugary drinks, and less screen time. Those are just some of the new rules designed to improve the health of children at thousands of private child care centers in Colorado. Then, neighborhoods around the National Western Stock Show complex — in North Denver– haven’t seen any major development in 30 years. It’s something the city’s mayor pledged to change. And, we ask Colorado’s new state historian, Professor Patricia Nelson Limerick, what she thinks is least understood about Colorado’s history.
By Ryan Warner
A Prisoner Is Set Free, Skilled Trades Workers Needed, Strumming For A Missing Friend
Today, the saga of Clarence Moses-El. He spent 28 years in prison for a rape he says he didn’t commit. Key DNA evidence in his case was thrown in the trash. Then, something’s missing from Colorado’s workforce: People skilled in trades. We talk about how the state is filling the gap. And, a Colorado musician copes with a friend missing in the wilderness the only way she knows how: “I began playing to her every night.”
By Ryan Warner
Chipotle’s Crisis Management, Grades Tied To Good Looks, Dr. King’s Link To Gospel In Denver
The co-CEO of Denver-based Chipotle made a mea-culpa on national TV last month, saying he was “sorry for the people who got sick” in a multi-state E-coli outbreak. We’ll explore what else can the company do to lure back customers. Plus, it turns out good-looking women get better grades than not-so-good-looking ones — but the same doesn’t go for men. And, on Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, we learn that he first heard one of his favorite gospel songs in Denver.
By Ryan Warner
Gene Editing, Photographer John Fielder, Maura Weiler’s First Novel, Meat Judging
There’s a new, faster way to manipulate human genes that may lead to life-saving cures, but scientists also urge caution. Then, nature photographer John Fielder turns his lens on the Yampa River. Author Maura Weiler’s first novel explores the question of “Who Is Art For?” And, in the Stock Show’s competitive world of meat judging, it’s not just about the taste.
By Ryan Warner
What Gov. Hickenlooper Wants In 2016, Post-Revolution Comic Book, New Jokes For A New Year
With the state legislature back in session, we’re speaking with the most powerful people under the Gold Dome. Today: the governor. Ahead of his State of the State speech Wednesday, he lays out his priorities this session. And we hold him accountable for promises he made in the last session. Also, after a revolution, what comes next? That’s the subject of a new, dark comic book from a Denver restaurant owner. Also, we hear some new jokes for a new year.
By Ryan Warner
Colo. House Speaker Dickey Lee Hullinghorst, Oregon Rancher Standoff, Photojournalist Rick Wilking, Sculpting With Fire
State lawmakers are back in session Wednesday, and this week we’re hearing from the most powerful among them. Today, it’s the Democratic Speaker of the House, Dickey Lee Hullinghorst. Also, with the ranchers’ standoff in Oregon, we’ll take the long view of the federal lands in the West. Then, Colorado photojournalist Rick Wilking reflects on his career covering everything from the Vatican to the White House in a new book. And, a Denver sculptor who works not with clay or stone, but fire.
By Ryan Warner
A Top Republican’s Priorities, ‘Humans Of The Colorado Trail,’ And A Critical Look At ‘Star Wars’
The state Capitol will be abuzz later this week when lawmakers are back for the 2016 legislative session. Today we speak with the Senate president, Republican Bill Cadman. Then, is the creator of “Star Wars” an innovator or copycat? The Denver Film Society gives the franchise a critical look. And a Colorado take on “Humans of New York” — the interesting characters one man met walking the 500-mile long Colorado Trail.
By Ryan Warner
Palliative Care Inroads, Bill Pullman’s New Play, And The Elvis-Denver Connection
Making people who are really sick more comfortable is the focus of a first-of -it’s-kind palliative care master’s degree program at the University of Colorado. Then, Hollywood actor Bill Pullman previews his new stage play in Denver. And, Elvis Presley would be 81 today. When he performed here, he made friends including police officer Robert Cantwell, and discovered his favorite sandwich, which is still served today in Golden.
By Ryan Warner
Emergency Mental Health Response, Lt. Gov. Garcia Departs, Avoiding The ‘Do-Nothing’ Congress
If someone collapsed in front of you, chances are you’d respond. Maybe even administer CPR. But if that same person were having a mental health crisis, would you know how to help? Turns out there’s a class for that. Then, does Colorado need a lieutenant governor? Two political scientists raised that question recently and we put it to Lt. Governor Joe Garcia himself as he steps down from the role. Also, if you’re frustrated by Congress, listen up. There’s a new idea for governing out of the University of Denver. Plus your feedback: Some listeners find the Stock Show distasteful.
By Ryan Warner
Smart Guns, Zombie Bills And Lobbyists, Lost Ski Areas, Basalt Photographer In Tanzania
As the president spoke Tuesday about gun safety, a young man in Boulder watched closely. He’s developing technology that makes guns “smart.” Then, with term limits, we find that lobbyists, not lawmakers, are the ones who have the long view of bills at the state Capitol. Also, Conquistador and Cuchara are among the state’s “lost” ski areas; we talk to a couple who tracked them down. And, a Basalt photographer is fascinated by a huge game reserve in Tanzania. Of the countless pictures he took there, one was of a bird with a young crocodile in its talons.
By Ryan Warner
Officer-Involved Killings, Teaching Afghan Women To Climb, ‘Experimental Western,’ Stock Show Oddities
Today, a conversation with Kate Schimel, of High Country News, who looked into why Colorado and other Western states are in the Top 10 when it comes to police officer-involved killings. Then, a Coloradan who’s set on defying the Taliban by teaching Afghan women to climb mountains. Also, a father’s fears inspire his new novel. And, a crazy chapter in the history of the National Western Stock Show, which starts this weekend in Denver.
By Ryan Warner
Asset Forfeiture, Retro National Parks Posters, Hunter S. Thompson’s Widow
Houses, cars, duffle bags full of money: These are all examples of property seized in alleged crimes. And law enforcement shares in the profits when the stuff’s sold under a controversial federal program that’s just been suspended. We’ll hear what that means for agencies across Colorado. Then, a Nederland photographer who studied with Ansel Adams is making retro-sytle posters for all 59 national parks. And, from the archives, an interview with the widow of gonzo journalist Hunter S. Thompson. She wants to open their home near Aspen to visitors.
By Ryan Warner