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?
Hiking in their fathers’ and grandfathers’ footsteps
10th Mountain Division descendants are in the high country… of Italy. They are retracing the tracks of their forebears who helped win World War II during 1945’s Battle of Riva Ridge. CPR’s Stina Sieg is following them on the 80th anniversary.
Sept. 19, 2025: New CBI director works to rebuild trust amid DNA tech scandal, rape kit backlog, mortuary investigation
He says he took over a “beleaguered” department. The new head of the Colorado Bureau of Investigation is Armando Saldate. The CBI has had some highly public missteps; Saldate says he’s eager to get to work and to rectify mistakes. Then, moms reflect on their anxiety and how they cope after the school shooting in Evergreen. Later, Colorado Elvis Festival starts Thursday; we re-share some of Elvis’ Colorado history. And Sunday’s Jillith Fair honors Denver-born singer Jill Sobule’s life and music.
Sept. 17, 2025: Ryan Warner marks 20 years at Colorado Matters
Two decades ago, radio journalist Ryan Warner fled churning hurricanes in Florida for higher, drier ground in Colorado. Warner, Senior Host of Colorado Matters, reflected on his career and on the state of public media recently at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at DU. The moderator is journalism ethicist Bob Steele.
Sept. 15, 2025: Violence and teen brains; Gov. Jared Polis on endorsements and what’s next
School shootings reverberate beyond any single classroom or campus or community. We’ve invited back a family therapist to discuss the violence we’ve seen here and elsewhere lately. Then, do Democrats take Colorado for granted? It’s a question we have for Gov. Jared Polis in the final installment of our special from Grand Junction. Plus, what it takes to convert a vacant office building into homes in the Denver Tech Center. And a pet project takes sixth graders from the classroom to Fountain Creek.
Gov. Jared Polis on endorsements, Colorado’s political landscape, and what’s next
Do Democrats take Colorado for granted? They have total control of state government. It’s been 20 years since a Republican was governor. It’s a question we have for Jared Polis in the final installment of our special from Grand Junction. Ryan also asks about endorsements and what’s next for the term-limited Polis after he leaves office.
Sept. 12, 2025: Gov. Polis Goes West pt. 2: Vaccines, housing, wildfires, and water
Gov. Jared Polis joins Ryan Warner on stage at the Asteria Theatre in Grand Junction to answer questions in front of an audience about issues affecting the Western Slope as well as statewide and national concerns. In this second part of the conversation, they discuss RFK Jr. and changing vaccine guidance, addressing the high cost of housing, the impact of wildfires, negotiations for water from the Colorado River, and transportation infrastructure.
Polis talks fires, housing and where Colorado stands on river negotiations with Western Slope audience
Colorado’s Governor fielded questions from residents in Grand Junction during a Colorado Matters event.
Tina Peters is not a bargaining chip and other takeaways from a live interview with Gov. Jared Polis
The governor fielded questions from Colorado Matters and Western Slopers during an audience event in Grand Junction.
Sept. 11, 2025: Gov. Polis Goes West pt. 1: ICE, healthcare, and Tina Peters
Gov. Jared Polis joins Ryan Warner on stage at the Asteria Theatre in Grand Junction to answer questions in front of an audience about issues affecting the Western Slope as well as statewide and nationally. In this first part of the conversation, they discuss “Governor’s Safeguarding Democracy,” the use of the National Guard, immigration enforcement, convicted former Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters and the pardon power, healthcare, and balancing the state budget.
Sept. 10, 2025: Bringing wolverines back to Colorado; A temple comes to Grand Junction
First, there were moose. Then lynx. Then wolves. Now, Colorado’s planning to reintroduce wolverines to the state. We’ll get an update on the plan. Then, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is opening temples around the world, including Grand Junction. Plus, a push to keep coal power in Colorado. Also, answering a Colorado Wonders question about what happens to the invasive smallmouth bass when the fish is caught. Finally, the 89-year-old at the heart of Vail’s Oktoberfest.
What conservation easements mean for that perfect Palisade peach
The Colorado West Land Trust formed in the ‘80s to protect agricultural land in Western Colorado.
Sept. 8, 2025: Conserving land on the Western Slope; Retracing family history 80 years after WWII
A land trust has helped conserve more than 150,000 acres on Colorado’s Western Slope, from fruit orchards in Palisade to ranches on The Grand Mesa. Then, descendants of the 10th Mountain Division of skiing soldiers retrace their fathers’ and grandfathers’ journey in Italy 80 years after the end of World War II. Plus, we visit a medical clinic in a Grand Junction church that offers free health care amid growing need. Later, we say good-bye to a familiar voice on CPR News; Mike Lamp is stepping away from the mic on Friday. And later, new music from ChuckJay.
Longtime CPR Morning Edition host Mike Lamp retires after 44 years in radio and TV
Lamp came to Colorado Public Radio in 2000 after a broadcast career in Flagstaff and Phoenix, Arizona.
Sept. 5, 2025: Broncos’ season hopes are a mile high; ‘Soles of a Survivor:’ escaping horror amid hope
The Denver Broncos kick-off the regular season Sunday at Empower Field at Mile High Stadium against the Tennessee Titans, and hopes for the season are a mile high! We get perspective from former Bronco and sportscaster Ryan Harris. Then, “Soles of a Survivor” recounts a harrowing journey from oppression to freedom, with author Nhi Aronheim of Englewood. The book has just been published in paperback.
