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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Short Story Authors Craig Childs, Kent Nelson And Antonya Nelson
Short story writers may be have to be brief, but it doesn’t mean they don’t have a lot to say. Today, we listen back to some of our favorite interviews with writers of short prose. Craig Childs lives in Western Colorado and wrote a series of essays about communing with animals. Kent Nelson, of Ouray, talks about why he enjoys writing female characters. And then, hear how novelist and short story writer Antonya Nelson can reveal the world about her characters in just a sentence.
Sexual Predators In Youth Sports, True-Crime Writer Harry Maclean, Tofu Caldrons
To weed out sexual predators in youth sports, two state lawmakers want to require background checks for people who coach, but critics question if screening would do much good. Then, if I ask you to think of artifacts from Colorado’s history, would you picture a tofu cauldron? Also, Denver true-crime writer Harry Maclean thinks people are too quick to separate themselves from animals and how it influences his view of murder. And, 2015 was a big year for classical music in Colorado, with the first new recording from the Colorado Symphony in years.
Rain Barrels, Climate Change And Kidney Disease, The Best Tunes Of 2015
Today, a wedge issue that whipped state lawmakers into a frenzy last session — we’re not talking about abortion or gun control, but about collecting rainwater. It’s part of our “Zombie Bills” series. Then, a mysterious kidney disease is killing farm workers in Central America, and a CU researcher says climate change may be a factor. Then, the best new music out of Colorado this year, according to our colleagues over at OpenAir.
Women In Combat, Art Through MS, Tales Of Buffalo Bill
Three Colorado women who served in Iraq and Afghanistan talk about the challenges and opportunities of a major military policy shift: opening all combat roles to women. Then, a Denver artist who learned she had multiple sclerosis after waking up with distorted vision learned to let her affliction guide her creative vision. And, an 1800s diary sat in obscurity at the Denver Public Library until an archivist picked it up and found tales of Buffalo Bill Cody.
Rape Victims Forced to Recant, Condos And Housing Costs, Saying ‘Enough’ At Parties
What happens when rape victims are coerced into recanting? We have the story from ProPublica. Then, state lawmakers who want to spur development and bring down housing costs have tried — with no success — for years to make it harder for condo associations to sue over construction defects. Also, some history: Denver had its first electrically-lit Christmas Tree in 1914 in the yard of a local electrician. And, holiday parties can lead you to have one too many and we have some advice on saying “that’s enough.”
