May 19, 2021: For Jordan Finegan, Victim Advocacy Runs In The Family
Jordan Finegan, director of the Colorado Healing Fund, has been raising and allocating money for victims of the Boulder and Colorado Springs mass shootings. Then, Colorado painter Jordan Casteel talks about how her art connects her with people. Plus, a listener remembers the chance to “leave it to Lily.”
By Ryan Warner
Artist Jordan Casteel Finds Connection With The People She Paints
he latest issue of Time magazine features a work of art, a mother holding her daughter. It’s titled “God Bless the Child” by Jordan Casteel, who’s from Denver. It’s part of a special project from Time called “Visions of Equity.” Casteel uses art to understand individual people, as well as her own experience. It’s something Ryan spoke with her about in 2019 before her big debut at the Denver Art Museum.
By Ryan Warner
‘Kitchen Shelf’ Rekindles Memories Of ‘Leaving It To Lily’
The other day we told you that the first Thai restaurant in the U.S. opened in Denver in the early 1960s. Lily Chittivej was the proprietor of Chada Thai. Our story knocked some memories loose for listener Irene Clurman, of Evergreen. She recalls eating at Chada in the 70s. Plus, some good news for food historian Holly Arnold Kinney about her dog-eaten cookbook!
By Ryan Warner
May 14, 2021: Connecting Across The Continental Divide; The Symbolism Of Aprons
Two Colorado writers forged a friendship in isolation by becoming pen pals. They talk about place, politics, and the pandemic. Plus, the Apron Chronicles explores what aprons mean in American society and culture.
By Ryan Warner
An Epistolary Friendship Blooms During The Pandemic
The pandemic has kept people apart. It has exacerbated political divisions. But it’s also been a chance to find connection. When Colorado went on lockdown, authors Amy Irvine and Pam Houston began corresponding with an email ritual focused on place, politics, and the pandemic. Their letters, are collected in the book “Air Mail.”
By Ryan Warner
You Can Now Flash A Digital ID In Durango, Denver And These Other Places If You Get Pulled Over
A major goal of the digital ID program is to reduce how long officers are on the side of the road during a traffic stop.
By Ryan Warner
May 12, 2021: Colorado Implements Digital IDs; Exploring New Financial Literacy Standards
Colorado’s new digital IDs could save time and lives during traffic stops. Then, CPR’s Bente Birkeland explains immigration bills in the General Assembly. Plus, lawmakers and advocates discuss new financial literacy standards for high schoolers. Also, students are fighting back against sexual violence.
By Ryan Warner
May 10, 2021: Policing & Dementia; Expanding Arts For Kids Of Color
An incident in Loveland involving a woman with dementia highlights the need for police training and awareness. Then, a ranch that’s become a cultural flashpoint. Also, Denver arts educator Ilaseia Gray on her experiences as a Black actress and her hope to expand the arts for children of color. And a Colorado singer’s make-or-break moment on “The Voice.”
By Ryan Warner
A Year Later, Coloradans’ Pandemic Projects Find Some Successes, Some Dents And One Giant Pumpkin
We asked Coloradans to share their pandemic projects that did not go quite as planned.
May 7, 2021: Film Explores COVID & Aurora ICE Facility; Thai Food’s On ‘The Kitchen Shelf’
A new film examines what the pandemic’s been like inside the ICE facility in Aurora. Then, pandemic infighting in Douglas County. Also, Purplish looks at where some of the biggest bills of the session stand now, including transportation, guns and climate change. Plus, cooking up Thai food and local history in “The Kitchen Shelf.” And, musician Rachel Baiman.
By Ryan Warner
The First Thai Restaurant In The U.S. Was In Denver — Here’s An Original Recipe
Chada Thai opened in Denver in the early 1960s — despite the city’s longtime cowtown image.
By Ryan Warner
May 5, 2021: Colorado’s New GOP Chair Plans For 2022; Examining Washington’s Public Option
Kristi Burton Brown is the new chair of the Colorado Republican Party and she’s focused on the 2022 election. Then, how a plan for a public option in Colorado compares to a system in Washington. Plus, Tandoori Kitchen’s service stands out during the pandemic. Also, finalist Aidyn Reid sees poetry everywhere she goes. And, the next Spirituals Project song.
By Ryan Warner
Celebrating Pandemic Excellence At Tandoori Kitchen
The pandemic hit hospitality workers especially hard, and in the past year, we’ve told many of their stories — of layoffs, reduced hours and COVID fears. Now, we’re taking time to celebrate service people who’ve brought customers a little bit of light in dark times. Bruce Rosard, of Boulder, wrote in to tell us about the royal treatment he gets at an Indian restaurant in Lafayette, Tandoori Kitchen, and most notably the kindness of Raj Gautam, whose parents started the business.
By Ryan Warner
Pandemic Projects That Fell By The Wayside… And Why That’s OK!
Coloradans share the projects they planned during the pandemic, but didn’t quite finish. Like working out. Sewing a dress. Reading Don Quixote. And we’ll share an essay — from an insightful teenager — about why it’s all OK.
May 3, 2021: Investigating Police Use Of Prone Restraint; Unfinished Pandemic Projects
9News Investigative Reporter Chris Vanderveen shares what he uncovered when it comes to police use of prone restraint. Then, Purplish explores the complexity of criminal justice reform. Plus, sharing unfinished pandemic projects and why it’s okay they’re incomplete! Also, working to overcome a rural doctor shortage. And music returns to the Botanic Gardens.
By Ryan Warner
April 30, 2021: Examining Restraint In Schools; Black BBQ History In ‘Black Smoke’
Chalkbeat Reporter Melanie Asmar talks about the use of physical restraint on young children in schools. Then, Girl Scout Julia Trujillo explains her fight for student access to free menstrual products. Plus, Adrian Miller explores Black history and barbecue in his book “Black Smoke.”
By Ryan Warner