Colorado Matters

Democratic U.S. Rep. Jason Crow on the military and refugee aspects of the Ukrainian crisis. He’s just back from Poland.

Former Douglas County Schools Superintendent Corey Wise explains the circumstances of his firing and his decision to sue the school district. Then American Rabbi Yisroel Silberstein escaped Ukraine at the start of the war and he will celebrate Passover in Denver. Plus, Bente Birkeland and Andy Kenney analyze the parties’ state assemblies in Purplish and how they will shape the primary election.

In the latest edition of our series “On Pain,” a veteran and his wife share their frustrating journey seeking relief. Then, families in Commerce City await a decision that’ll determine the fate of their schools. Also, a new sculpture of Denver’s first Black mayor, Wellington Webb, at the downtown municipal building that also bears his name.

The Front Range is in trouble for violating federal air quality standards and the EPA plans to declare the area a “severe” violator. Then, the consequences of “medical gaslighting,” when patients – especially women and people of color – aren’t taken seriously. And, a new poetry collection from an unconventional professor. Also, Congress considers decriminalizing marijuana and schools encourage video games.

With crime on the rise, we talk with Dean Williams, head of the Colorado Dept. of Corrections, about how prisons are responding, from staffing and safety to ensuring inmates are ready for release. Then, the high cost and lack of child care in Metro Denver. Plus, an apology for a dark moment in Denver’s history. And rethinking what American art means is the theme of two exhibits at Denver’s Denver’s Museum of Contemporary Art.

Arvada City Councilwoman Lisa Smith is just back from Poland, where she helped refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine.

State Democratic leader Morgan Carroll talks about priorities in Colorado and the changing civility in politics. Then, Ukrainians share their realities with a Colorado-based Peace Corps volunteer. Also, a Ukrainian musician from Denver uses the arts to elevate awareness. And, we hike with Nelson Holland, who’s working to make the outdoors more inclusive.

Vanessa Wilson, who tried to restore trust within the community, has been fired from the Aurora police department for not building morale with officers. Then, crime is up in Colorado, but why, and what can be done to reverse the trend? Also, Colorado loses a trailblazer in high school sports.