Colorado Matters

Age discrimination is getting pretty sneaky in the Internet era, including job ads that are placed specifically not to reach older workers and online applications that don’t allow you to enter certain birth dates. A 49-year old IT professional in Denver did a little experiment to land a job. Then, to fight the opioid epidemic, Vancouver is trying some unusual things, and Denver’s intrigued. Plus, what’s next for the Denver Broncos after their 5-11 season.

Forty percent of American workers surveyed earlier this year said a political discussion at the office had left them stressed and less productive. In our series Breaking Bread, CPR’s search for common ground, we meet two colleagues who worked it out and even became closer because of it. Then, what can businesses do when it’s not so harmonious? And, remembering a Pueblo funeral director, whose hearses stood out.

Colorado’s minimum wage goes up again Jan. 1. Two perspectives on how it helps and hurts. Also, maybe you had some awkward political conversations with family over the holidays…but what about at work? More this week from our series Breaking Bread. Then, remembering a Colorado man who became a Disney imagineer.

Sixty years ago, black students integrated a high school in Little Rock, Arkansas. We speak with a member of that group, Carlotta Walls Lanier, who lives in Denver, about her views on racial discrimination then and now. Also, our colleagues at Open Air remember musicians who’ve died in 2017 by having local bands play their music.

In 2017, we heard the stories behind the songs. Today we revisit some of our favorite music interviews from the past year. That includes the thoroughly Colorado career of John Oates, the classical connection of a father and son, and a touch of bluegrass with the Cody Sisters and Jonny Miller of The Lonesome Days.

DEA investigators in Denver believed they had an open and shut case; a drug company they thought played a role in the opioid crisis. But in the end, they say the company got only a slap on the wrist. What that means for the fight against opioids. Then, films that came out of Colorado this year. And, the new head of public health at the CU School of Medicine is an air quality expert. He plans to make things better. Also, we remember a Colorado mountain climber who was “an uncensored soul.”

A Denver coffeehouse offers apprenticeships to workers who’ve struggled in previous jobs. Then, nonprofits worry that tax changes will cut donations. Also, we remember a Coloradan who used a little-known rule to challenge the jury system. Plus, historians recover the voices of history in Grand Junction. And, how to exercise that airport wait away.

The Fray’s Isaac Slade and his wife, Anna, were the opening act for the 2nd annual Colorado Matters Holiday Extravaganza, a showcase of artists sharing their favorite holiday songs, memories and traditions. Guests included comedian Josh Blue, Denver Latin ska band Roka Hueka and soprano Christie Conover.