Colorado Matters

With the indictment of five officers and paramedics in the death of Elijah McClain, we check in with a state lawmaker who championed police reform. Then, perspective from CPR justice reporter Allison Sherry. Later, an Afghan woman who fled to Colorado fights to get her siblings out of Kabul. Plus, Purplish tours Colorado’s possible new 8th District.

Heritage orchards in McElmo Canyon are growing and preserving Colorado’s apple history. Then, Fort Lewis College in Durango reckons with a history that includes a boarding school that forced Native children to assimilate to Eurocentric culture. Also, the author of “Sagebrush Empire” on public lands. And from “The Kitchen Shelf” in Animas City: cookies!

Mercedes Toregano relocated to Denver after Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans 16 years ago; now her adult children and sister are dealing with Ida. Then, what do trees say about neighborhood health and equity? Plus, Avery’s headed to the Four Corners. And Purplish explores Latino representation in its ongoing special series on redistricting.

Our road trip continues in Grand Junction, where people have moved during the pandemic to work remotely. Then, how Colorado Mesa is encouraging vaccines as students return. Plus, from Hotchkiss to Hayden, farmers and ranchers navigate climate change. Also, an update on the Mesa County clerk investigation. And Cousin Curtiss covers our road trip theme!

Fort Morgan, unlike other communities on the Plains, is adding people. Many of them are immigrants and refugees. We’ll meet two women trying to up Morgan County’s vaccination rate, which lags behind the state average. Then, a Main Street businessman with a vision for helping Fort Morgan grow. And remembering Fort Morgan High School’s most famous graduate.

Colorado’s population is diverse, but its doctors don’t reflect that. We’ll explore the reasons why, the importance of inclusion, and break down the obstacles to building a broader community of physicians. Then, Ryan previews the next stop on our road trip! And Purplish asks, “How do you take politics out of something that’s inherently political?”

The Martin-Drake power plant in Colorado Springs burns its last coal this week after nearly a century, then transitions to natural gas. We talk with plant manager Somer Mese about the change, and a panel of guests on the bigger picture. Then, a teaching shift in Cripple Creek. And remembering Luis Ibarra, who brought Tejano music to southern Colorado.

Sheneen McClain says she’ll fight for the rest of her life to defend her son’s name and to reform policing. CPR criminal justice reporter Allison Sherry joins us with additional insight. Then, the Purplish team begins a special report on redistricting. And Coloradans are in Tokyo for the Paralympics, including Kyle Coon of Carbondale.