Oct. 10, 2025: This café is run by a food bank; We spend the night at a movie motel
A mission-driven restaurant in Grand Junction takes an innovative approach to hunger and nutrition. Then, the plight of federal workers amid layoffs, furloughs and the shutdown. Later, we check in to the Movie Manor in Monte Vista. Also, the filmmakers behind short horror movie “The Ant” who are crawling their way to the top. And, a choreography of hot air balloons from around the world.
Why a Grand Junction food bank opened a restaurant
The Community Food Bank of Grand Junction has opened a cafe to support its mission.
Oct. 8, 2025: Rep. Jeff Hurd on shutdown, militarizing U.S. cities; New Denver City Librarian on book bans
In Rep. Jeff Hurd’s district, which includes Grand Junction and Pueblo, the cost of some health insurance plans is about to be astronomical. But Hurd says the issue shouldn’t be used as leverage in the shutdown. We also ask about militarizing U.S. cities and the Epstein files. Then, Denver’s new city librarian on the evolution of libraries, from digital literacy to distributing food. Then, why the Biennial of the Americas in Denver is going hyper-local. And Colorado Wonders about the Unaweep Canyon’s unique claim to fame.
Shutdowns should not be used as policy leverage, Rep. Jeff Hurd says
Hurd supports an extension of health care tax credits, but not the use of shutdown to get them.
Oct. 6, 2025: Investigating ICE assault claims; SCOTUS considers Colorado’s conversion therapy ban
Federal officials have said attacks on ICE agents are up more than 1,000 percent. CPR’s Ben Markus and Allison Sherry spent more than a month investigating these claims; here’s what they found. Then, Colorado banned conversion therapy for minors; the U.S. Supreme Court could upend that. We go into the case with Purplish. Plus, how school crossing guards are dealing with increasingly hostile drivers. And how becoming a paramedic influenced Anthony Ruptak’s music.
Oct. 3, 2025: Adams State president on funding cuts and welcoming first gen students; Fall gardening questions answered!
It may come as no surprise that Adams State University in the San Luis Valley would be the first in Colorado to be designated a “Hispanic Serving Institution,” given how deep the valley’s Hispanic heritage runs. But the school is now losing the money that came with the title. Then, how the Trump administration’s crackdown on student visa holders is impacting international students in Colorado. Plus, answering questions about fall and winter gardening, the state’s little-known apple crop, and Colorado Springs’ underground music scene.
‘We’ve never not faced adversity, and yet we have always risen:’ Adams State University President on overcoming obstacles to serve Southern Colorado
The designated Hispanic Serving Institution regroups after federal funds are cut.
Fall gardening in Colorado: Overwintering, first frosts, and what to plant now
Colorado Matters spoke with the head grower at Phelan Gardens in Colorado Springs to discuss the best tips on gardening in Colorado during fall.
Oct. 1, 2025: The impact of federal troops deploying in US cities; Colorado representatives react to government shutdown
Experts say expanded, domestic use of the military – and talk of civil war – deserve scrutiny. As President Trump talks about fighting a war against “the enemy within,” we speak with a political scientist about the implications. Then, on Day 1 of the government shutdown, we speak with our Washington reporter Caitlyn Kim. Also, college campuses are microcosms of a lot of the big issues society grapples with, from cultural clashes to the cost of living. The president of Colorado Mesa University offers potential solutions to those issues. And, Colorado Wonders on why this rural airport is named “Happy Butt.”
Mesa president on the next 100 years, skepticism of higher ed and why he’s glad he’s not at Harvard
As Colorado Mesa University turns 100, President John Marshall discusses where the institution stands
Why is this Colorado airport called ‘Happy Butt’?
A landing strip in Byers has an unusual name. Here’s how it came to be.
Sept. 26, 2025: Ukrainian bike shop owners shift gears on mobility; Solar strategy with ‘Here Comes the Sun’
A couple who fled the war in Ukraine and found a home in Boulder is hoping their adaptive efforts with the bike shop they own will help them continue building a life for their family in Colorado. Then, the return of “Sun Day” amid a call for increased solar energy efforts with author Bill McKibben. Also, Colorado’s mission to collect stardust. Plus the Local 303 celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month, and a chance to “Circle Round Live” with WBUR in Parker on Oct. 5.
Tricycles might keep this Ukrainian family in Boulder
An update on the Ukrainian family that fled Kiev and landed in Boulder, where they run a bike shop. Ievgen Potykun and Hanna Boiarska, of Freedom Folding Bikes, are adapting trikes for clients with limited mobility. As time runs out on their immigration status, they hope this specialty can help keep them in the United States.
Sept. 24, 2025: Planting the seeds for food security; Climate change’s impact on lightning, water, and snowmelt
Seed vaults preserve genetic material for crops in case of natural or man-made disaster– even warfare. The nation’s largest repository is in Fort Collins. We speak with an architect of the concept, World Food Prize laureate Geoffrey Hawtin. Then, Denver7 Chief Meteorologist Lisa Hidalgo on the recent rain and studies that link climate change to lightning and faster snowmelt. Plus, encouraging lifelong learning, what it takes to come to the U.S. legally, and the legacy of Babi Yar.
5 takeaways on the world’s seed vaults and why Colorado is part of the story
The scientist behind the Global Seed Vault in Norway visited Fort Collins, where he shared why Colorado’s seed bank plays a vital role in protecting the world’s food supply.
Sept. 22, 2025: A Palmer ‘Divide’; Climbing with 10th Mountain descendants in Italy
In a small town between Denver and Colorado Springs, a lesson in civics and civility. What’s going on in Palmer Lake is about more than a proposed Buc-ee’s travel plaza. Purplish explores the debate. Then, CPR’s Stina Sieg joins us from Italy where descendants from Colorado are retracing the steps of loved ones who fought with the 10th Mountain Division during World War II. Later, does music soothe animals’ souls?
