April 12, 2023: Congressman on ‘failures’ in Afghanistan; Art therapy for medical workers
Democratic U.S. Rep. Jason Crow, who served in Afghanistan, says presidents, Congress and the military should have ended U.S. involvement earlier. Crow also said recent document leaks show the U.S. should reevaluate its relationship with Egypt. Then, new research on how art could help reduce medical workers’ stress. And, a tribute to Maj. Gen. Maurice Rose.
By Ryan Warner
April 10, 2023: Investigating Aurora Police recruitment; Is compromise a lost cause?
Prospective police officers in Aurora take a written assessment and a video test. An investigation by Sentinel Colorado in Aurora finds the city is accepting recruits who score the equivalent of a D, which would be disqualifying in neighboring communities. Then, Purplish takes on the waning art of compromise at the state Capitol.
By Ryan Warner
April 7, 2023: Former Oath Keeper on dangers of extremism; Bears Ears is an outdoor history museum
The Oath Keepers were central to the January 6th storming of the US Capitol. We talk with an Estes Park man who used to churn out the militia group’s propaganda. Then, the layered history of Bears Ears National Monument, which is, in many ways, like an outdoor museum.
By Ryan Warner
April 5, 2023: How ranked voting could reshape elections; Total solar eclipse promises to astound
Voters in Denver and Colorado Springs, your work is not done! Mayors’ races in Colorado’s two biggest cities are headed to runoffs. Then, those crowded mayoral contests got us wondering about ranked-choice voting. Plus, it’s not too early to play for the next total solar eclipse. And the evolving sounds of nature and a unique message to not feed wildlife.
By Ryan Warner
This lawmaker thinks there’s a better way to vote in crowded races
Ranked choice voting. Maybe you’ve heard of it. In crowded, non-partisan races (like the mayoral contests in Denver and Colorado Springs), State Rep. Chris deGruy Kennedy (D-Lakewood) thinks it’s the best option.
By Ryan Warner
April 3, 2023: Sexual assault still plagues Air Force Academy; Champion bull rider on making history
Despite decades of reform, an anonymous survey shows sexual assault is increasing at the U.S. Air Force Academy. Then, why caucuses matter in Congress. And, in 1982 Charlie Sampson became the first African American to be crowned a world champion bull rider. He speaks to Jo Ann Allen for her ‘Been There, Done That’ podcast.
By Ryan Warner
March 31, 2023: Archive of music by Black women composers brings young conductor to Colorado
Conductor Kedrick Armstrong learned the University of Colorado Boulder hosts a collection of classical music written by Black women. Many of the pieces have never been performed publicly. The Helen Walker-Hill Collection is why Armstrong chose to do his graduate work at CU. He speaks with Sr. Host Ryan Warner about the archive, and his own musical journey.
By Ryan Warner
March 30, 2023: Safety in schools; open space debate over Park Hill golf course
It’s a sensitive balance; the responsibility to educate young people — safely — even as some of those young people pose a threat. We look into safety plans, and weigh the duty to educate versus the duty to protect. Then, we tee up the debate over the future of Denver’s Park Hill golf course. And, “Real Talk,” a show — from us and Denver7. Hosts Nathan Heffel and Micah Smith have a preview.
By Ryan Warner
March 29, 2023: Navigating school safety and gun policy; The history of Japanese food in America
She voted to remove school resource officers as a DPS board member. Now Democratic State Rep. Jennifer Bacon helps shape gun policy as a lawmaker. We spoke at the Capitol not far from where an East High student shot two educators. Later, Denver author Gil Asakawa on the history of Japanese cuisine in America, from soy sauce and teriyaki to chips and salsa.
By Ryan Warner
March 27, 2023: Rethinking energy monopolies amid record profits and high bills
Colorado’s largest utility, Xcel, made record profits at the same time customers opened sky-high bills. In Purplish, CPR climate and environment correspondent Sam Brasch joins public affairs reporter Andrew Kenney for a closer look at utility bills, and if it’s time to rethink the energy business model. Then, Denver’s vanishing landmarks.
By Ryan Warner
March 24, 2023: Plan to fight sprawl, high housing costs; Spring weather outlook is ‘unstable’
Housing is expensive in this state. Governor Jared Polis has a plan that could reshape cities and towns, and upend the power structure. Then, Denver7 Chief Meteorologist Mike Nelson on the spring outlook and a dire new climate change report. Plus, “My Story So Far” with Luis Antonio Perez shares people’s stories– in their own words. And old-school entertainment with Pea Green Saturday Nights.
By Ryan Warner
Spring weather is ‘unstable’ in Colorado, particularly with climate change
In our regular conversation about Colorado’s weather and climate, Denver7 Chief Meteorologist Mike Nelson offers a spring preview. He also offers hope in the face of a searing report from the world’s climate scientists.
By Ryan Warner
March 22, 2023: It’s Black Restaurant Week. This ice cream shop offers scoops & a sense of community
An Ethiopian immigrant whose childhood was shadowed by violence wants her Denver ice cream shop to be a place of peace. We visit during Black Restaurant Week. Then, students in Delta County win their long fight to replace the offensive names of two local geographic features. And Purplish examines lawmakers’ efforts to make Colorado more accessible.
By Ryan Warner
For this former Ethiopian refugee, ice cream is more than dessert
Growing up in Ethiopia, Yeshi Gebremeskel was surrounded by fresh foods, and she enjoyed the company of the many kids in her family. Then she had to flee civil war. Decades later, she sees Walia Creamery as a place of safety and community for young people.
By Ryan Warner
March 17, 2023: She marched with Dr. King, and her civil rights work marches on
Minister Glenda Strong Robinson has won a lifetime achievement award from the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Colorado Holiday Commission. She marched with Dr. King in Memphis 55 years ago, just before his assassination. Robinson’s racial justice work continues with Second Baptist Church Boulder and the NAACP of Boulder County.
By Ryan Warner
March 15, 2023: Young people are getting colorectal cancer, including this married couple
Doctors increasingly see people contracting colon cancer before the recommended screening age of 45. We meet a wife and husband who were both diagnosed with it, Kacie Peters and Erik Stanley, of Denver. They juggle chemo, hospitalizations, and parenting. We also hear from oncologist Dr. Christopher Lieu, of the University of Colorado Cancer Center. March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.
By Ryan Warner