Colorado Matters

Colorado braces for what could be another summer of wildfires. Then, in Denver, organizers want to make Juneteenth a national holiday to teach people about slavery. Denver has one of the largest Juneteenth events in the country. And, “Systemic,” a new podcast from CPR, tells the story of one man’s fight to reform policing after his cousin was killed.

As Colorado marks a vaccination milestone, there’s concern about a variant on the Western Slope. What does this mean for public health? Then, civil rights activist Elisabeth Epps reflects on a year of unrest, and points out there’s a key difference between “abolishing police” and “abolishing policing.” Plus, “The Gringa” is a Colorado Book Award finalist.

In Colorado, wildlife is part of the beauty of the place — but there’s tension as urban areas grow. Then, the city of Fountain doesn’t have enough water. Plus, young climbers in the new film “Black Ice.” And, the state’s ambitious spending plans could be limited by the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights. Also, Colorado’s newest International Dark Sky communities.

Lawmakers passed hundreds of new laws this session, so what does that mean for Colorado moving forward? Then, newly appointed post office governor Amber McReynolds talks about restoring faith in the U.S. Postal Service. And, former University of Denver chancellor Rebecca Chopp shares her personal journey after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.

At the state’s busiest coroner’s office, Dr Leon Kelly identifies stressors that are killing people in his community. Then, prompted by the simple word “imagine,” students write about their feelings. And, memories of WWII internment camp Amache as it’s considered for designation as a national historic site. Plus, the founder of the Colorado National Monument.

A Denver group wants to replace a plaque in LoDo that they say inaccurately portrays the anti-Chinese riot of 1880. Plus, how a century-old flood shaped Pueblo. Also, Sarah Maslin Nir celebrates Black cowboys in her book “Horse Crazy.” Then, the General Assembly tackles disability website access. And, examining Doug Lamborn’s constituent relations.

Immunization incentives include everything from drag queens to million dollar lotteries. Plus, acknowledging a nurse’s excellent care. Then, an update on a year of sports betting. And, Denver author Steven Dunn on his time aboard a Navy submarine and why he says there’s no such thing as improper English.

Fatal overdoses from fentanyl, a synthetic opioid far stronger than heroin, occur more frequently in Colorado than the national average. A look at the factors behind the numbers and possible solutions. Then, advocates say the stresses and isolation of COVID-19 has made it even more challenging for victims of domestic violence to seek help.