Colorado Matters

When it comes to the changing climate and increasing wildfires, you may not think of dragonflies, but it turns out they’re a good test case to show the impact on an entire ecosystem. Then, Aging Matters looks into classes to help older Coloradans avoid scams. Plus, how a small town football team in Colorado started winning for the first time in generations. Leif Lathrop is the coach at Primero High School in Weston, and author of “The Hill.”

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.

Ahead of his concert in Denver October 16 at the Ogden Theater, we re-share Chandra’s conversation with Grammy-winning Christian rapper Lecrae. As he was getting a unique tattoo that shows his connection to Colorado, he reflects on how growing up in Denver shaped his life and music and how his faith has guided him.

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.

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.

“Chaos and confusion.” That’s what the head of the American Academy of Pediatrics says families are up against as the federal government rethinks established science for everything from vaccines to autism. Dr. Susan Kressly was recently in Colorado for the AAP’s annual conference. Then, an effort to get girls interested in construction jobs. Plus, we visit “The Gathering Place” which elevates the southwest in the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center. And, remembering renowned conservationist and researcher Dr. Jane Goodall with her visit to Colorado.

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.”

The federal government could shut down tonight if Congress doesn’t find common ground. CPR’s Washington, D.C. correspondent Caitlyn Kim explains the impasse and potential impact on Colorado. Then, a program that creates a bond between inmates and wild mustangs comes to an end; StoryCorps shares the experience of two men whose lives were changed by the program. Also, a Denver man’s very personal experience of choosing to die on his own terms amid debate about Colorado’s Medical Aid in Dying Law. And for Hispanic Heritage Month, how the Latino Leadership Institute is fostering future leaders amid DEI pushback.