Colorado Matters

For a look at how inflation hits families on the Western Slope, we visit a food bank in Clifton near Grand Junction and meet the woman who makes sure volunteers treat people with dignity. Then, is the state on-track to release gray wolves on the Western Slope? And, wine-making in the face of climate change.

The Center for African and African American Studies, or CAAAS (known as “the Cause” to its founder), creates a space that builds community, as well as respect and connection for Black students, staff and faculty at the University of Colorado Boulder. Then, the new film “This is Not Who We Are” explores the experiences of people of color in Boulder.

On this Labor Day, we re-share a day in the life of a restaurant; how one eatery in Englewood made it through the pandemic and the ongoing impact of inflation, the supply chain disruption, and staff shortages. Then, Colorado’s free transit ride is over; will it make a difference when it comes to cleaning up the air and changing commuting habits? Plus a new vision for Denver’s “sports mile.”

Salma Rahin is an Afghan medical student who has resettled in Colorado. Her father was killed in a bomb blast as they tried to escape Kabul a year ago. She is one of the refugees being helped by Broomfield’s Resettlement Task Force, led by city councilwoman Heidi Henkel. Then, the story of a Ukrainian cobbler living in Colorado Springs. And, the push to electrify homes.

Afghans who escaped Kabul a year ago are making a life for themselves. Or trying to. Like other refugees, they contend with enduring trauma, culture shock, homesickness, and obstacles to employment. Today we meet Ahmad Siddiqi, an Afghan who now calls Colorado home with his wife and four children. Then, Jefferson County grapples with half-empty schools. And how did Broomfield get its name?

More than 700,000 people in Colorado could be affected by President Biden’s student loan forgiveness plan. Then, working to overcome COVID-19 vaccine disparities. Plus, how age influences voting. Also, a directory that helps people find and support Black-owned businesses. And the “thankless” job of being an umpire.

The new president of Front Range Community College, Colleen Simpson, talks about her vision of inclusivity and the opportunities and challenges ahead. Then, a group in Denver is working to make sure people with disabilities are able to enjoy the outdoors. And ¿Quién Are We? host and co-creator May Ortega shares her own story about identity.

Ballots for the November election go out in just under two months. We talk about the key Colorado races. Then, Coloradans share their inflation hacks at the supermarket and the pump. Plus, a health condition meant she could no longer wear heels, so Boulder entrepreneur Leontyne Ashmore started her own shoe brand. Also, Colorado musicians you should know.