Colorado Matters

The Latino Leadership Institute based in Denver, is celebrating its tenth anniversary helping elevate and empower diverse leaders in business and beyond. Then, a court case has philanthropic organizations rethinking how they support diverse communities. Later, why aren’t there more community solar gardens in Colorado? And the nation’s oldest active band comes to Colorado.

Ballots for the November election went in the mail on Friday. Among the races, all eight of Colorado’s Congressional seats will be decided. We take a closer look at some of them with a special episode of Purplish, CPR’s podcast about politics and policy. Then, the University of Colorado has become a hub for startups. And, a cookbook brings the world to Colorado.

Hurricanes there. Heat here. Our regular climate and weather chat with Denver7’s Mike Nelson seeks to unpack what we’re seeing. Then, two astronauts with ties to Colorado made history with the recent Polaris Dawn mission to advance our understanding of space. Plus, your chance to see a rare comet. And, saving Molly Brown’s summer house.

He came to the United States with the dream of becoming a doctor — instead, Dikembe Mutombo became a basketball star in Denver and around the world. But he always maintained his desire to help. Then, Colorado’s longest-running mining fight is over; locals in Crested Butte celebrated after securing permanent protections for Mt. Emmons, and now they turn to tackling affordable housing. Also, rediscovering Denver’s Manhattan Beach, and the Colorado Vocal Arts Ensemble.

Voters in the state’s 5th Congressional District, which includes Colorado Springs, have something on the ballot they haven’t seen since 2006 — an open Congressional seat. Today, we hear from the major party candidates: Republican Jeff Crank, a former political consultant and talk radio host; and Democrat River Gassen, a science lecturer and graduate research assistant at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs, who is a political newcomer.

Fresh off two Grammy wins, Christian rapper Lecrae talks with Colorado Matters host Chandra Thomas Whitfield about growing up in Denver and growing in his faith, all while getting a unique tattoo that represents far more than art.

On Purplish, our political reporters take a deep look at Proposition 131, the ranked-choice voting measure on a crowded November ballot. Plus, hundreds of entrepreneurs pitch their products at DIA’s Souvenir and Snack Expo. And, DenverFright returns for Halloween. Plus a re-envisioned, blood-chilling “Dracula” at the Arvada Center.

When Tina Peters was sentenced to prison, Matt Crane was in the courtroom. He leads the the Colorado County Clerks Association and joins us to talk about election integrity. Then, how Lauren Boebert’s departure has changed the political landscape in Colorado’s 3rd congressional district. Plus, discover a dining gem in Delta. And the Colorado Symphony’s new music director has a global vision for the orchestra.