Colorado Matters

Rising temperatures are sapping the Colorado River, according to a new study, and it’s worse than forecasters realized. Then, what if you could cool a building 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, using no electricity, water, or energy? That might be possible someday with new technology developed at CU Boulder. Next, a teacher from Douglas County teaches history in a revolutionary way. And, the Fox Theater in Boulder celebrates 25 years. After a six-year hiatus, the Boulder band Rose Hill Drive is back with a new album.

Reports of sexual assaults on college campuses have increased dramatically over the last five years, including recent high-profile cases including student athletics at CU Boulder and CSU Pueblo. Denver attorney Scott Lewis trains schools across the country to prevent violence and comply with Title IX, the federal law that covers these cases. Then, this is the last year students at Denver’s South High School will get to hear from WWII veterans. And we hear about a 99-year-old veteran of that war who got some long-overdue recognition. Also, Denver’s Gypsy Swing Revue brings a little Paris to Colorado.

A comedy show at the University of Colorado Boulder brings levity to a serious, potentially cataclysmic subject: climate change. Then, what “place” means to Latinos in America today. It’s the subject of a new show at the Denver Art Museum. And, at 90 years old, this Denver figure skater still made it to the rink five times a week. A new documentary pays tribute to Yvonne Dowlen, who died last May.

Colorado Senator Cory Gardner held a telephone town hall Wednesday, and people were eager to connect. He took questions from listeners about healthcare, Russia and marijuana. We share highlights. Then, the search for the best artist to design a memorial to the victims of the Aurora Theater Shooting. It’s been narrowed down to four candidates. Plus, a Franken-instrument built in Gunnison, Colorado. And, a Denver photographer remembers artist Jean-Michel Basquiat.

President Donald Trump hopes local police can help federal immigration agents arrest and detain people in this country illegally. But one Colorado county says they tried that before and there were challenges. Then, a new film, “Beyond Standing Rock,” tells of other tribes in the West that have struggled with sovereignty over their land and resources. And, our space expert talks about the discovery of seven earth-like planets which NASA calls a major leap forward in answering the question “Are we alone out there?” Plus, about 75 people across Colorado work in remote areas tending to the state’s water supply.

When victims of human trafficking break free, they’re met with a whole new set of challenges, often legal ones. A Denver non-profit is creating a network of attorneys who can help trafficking survivors. Then, Colorado pays for some young people to have their tattoos removed — literally erasing their ties to gang life. One of the removal services is mobile, set up in an old ambulance. And, a new website helps ex-cons move beyond their pasts. Plus, “No more screen zombies!” has become a motto for two country singers. They saw their kids constantly staring at screens and it inspired them to make a kids’ album called “Let’s Go Outside.”

The Trump administration has sent mixed signals on climate change and alternative energy and the future of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden is cloudy. Then, what doctors and hospitals must learn about Colorado’s new aid-in-dying law. And, a Denver mom writes a children’s book to help kids cope with death. Also, an update on transportation negotiations from the state capitol. Plus, Colorado musicians vye for an appearance at NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert.

Senators and members of Congress haven’t hosted town halls in Colorado this week. CPR’s Sam Brasch explains what they have been up to. Then, how the Trump Administration’s decision about transgender students and bathrooms will affect Colorado schools. Plus, Russia’s representative in the western United States is in Colorado to talk about trade. And Aurora high school sophomore Francesca Belibi could dunk a basketball before she knew the rules of the game. A video of her went viral, after ESPN made it a top 10 play.