Colorado Matters

Matthew Silverstone was critically injured in the shooting at Evergreen High School. His family wants the community to know who he is as he fights to recover; we share his uncle’s message. Then, the Denver Public Library wants to get more people reading by sharing one book to encourage conversation. It’s also inspired a photo exhibit. Plus, Sunday is the “21st Night of September,” and this year it takes on special meaning for Denver’s Philip Bailey and the legendary Earth, Wind and Fire.

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.

When it comes to planning for Colorado’s fastest growing population, people 65 and older, the state’s Senior Specialist on Aging says it needs to be a group effort, from healthcare and housing to ageism.

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 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.

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.

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.

A remarkable Coloradan – and an American pioneer – celebrates his 92nd birthday today. Ed Dwight was the first Black man to be selected for astronaut training more than 60 years ago. And six decades later, he became the oldest person to go to space.