Colorado Matters

Her father fought in a key battle on Riva Ridge in Italy to help end World War II. Now, 80 years later, Susannah LeVon of Grand Junction reflects on his legacy through an unexpected, and enduring friendship. Then, a growing body of research finds that moms are struggling with their mental health, battling things like stress, anxiety and even depression. Two Denver moms say they have the perfect pick-me-up to help! Then, author Devon O'Neil explores grief and tragedy after a rescue attempt in the Colorado backcountry. Plus, the history of Raton Pass.

Geriatricians – doctors trained to treat older adults – are scarce. We meet Dr. Erika Altneu, of Salida, who discusses "deprescribing" and battling loneliness in one's later years. Then, dads answer the call for tutors at one Denver school. And CPR's former resident poet, David Rothman, shares "The Radio Poems: Transmissions from Colorado."

Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman walks Ryan through a new homeless navigation campus that encourages work and sobriety with nicer and nicer accommodations. Then, for Thanksgiving, a celebrated Boulder sommelier chooses three wines to pair with turkey, ham, and vegetables. Plus, the impact of tariffs on a specialty cheese shop in Denver. And, indie rock and classical come back together as DeVotchKa performs with the Colorado Symphony.

Colorado’s economy has been flashing warning signs for a while, but is a recession really on the horizon? Today, the launch of our special report, "Silent Recession," looking at the numbers driving the state's economics. Then, the government shutdown has left many nonprofits scrambling to provide assistance for people missing their food benefits -- including one here in Colorado that focuses on sharing homemade lasagna made with love. And, do you want to help those in need of food? One local engineer has created an app for that!

Soon enough, Colorado will have new leadership. In 2026, top seats are wide open for the first time in eight years. From the governor, attorney general, secretary of state and treasurer to the U.S. Congress, we take stock of the midterm election with Purplish. Then, new music from the Gasoline Lollipops, which defies musical genres.

He survived the battle of Iwo Jima; 100 year old Jim Blane of Denver reflects on this pivotal moment in World War II and how it affected his life. Then, walking in the victorious footsteps of the 10th Mountain Division which trained in Colorado. Also, veterans with brain injuries and PTSD from combat often have stomach problems too; now researchers in Colorado are exploring new treatment options. And later, the Fall of Saigon fifty years ago shapes an unexpected friendship.

According to Gallup, barely a third of Americans express a great deal or even fair amount of trust in newspapers, TV, and radio. In the 1970s, trust was as high as 72 percent. At Front Range Community College, students meet the press: Greg Moore, former editor of The Denver Post and recent National Association of Black Journalists Hall of Fame inductee; Corey Hutchins of the Colorado College Journalism Institute and “Inside the News In Colorado”; and Jeffrey Roberts of the Colorado Freedom of Information Coalition. Our panelists mentioned resources for the community and for journalists at The News Literacy Project and Colorado News Collaborative.

We ask Jason Crow, who represents Colorado's 6th Congressional District -- one of the country's most diverse -- if flight reductions will become an incentive to end the government shutdown. Plus, his views on ICE crackdowns and gerrymandering as a political power strategy. Then, Jefferson County's sheriff lobbies for changes she hopes will prevent future mass shootings. Plus, we explore a redevelopment site that's unearthing artifacts of Coors history.

Growing up in Colorado, John Herrington fell in love with rock climbing. Little did he know that would start his climb to the stars. A citizen of the Chickasaw nation, Herrington is the first Native American to go into space. Then, the impact of federal energy cuts on innovation in Colorado. Also, training and retaining nurses in rural areas. And, Dia de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead.

Colorado voters said yes to propositions LL and MM in Tuesday's election, to pay for school meals for all; cafeteria workers and local farmers will benefit too. We talk through what's next with Anya Rose from Hunger Free Colorado. Plus, Denver voters keep a ban on flavored tobacco in place and say yes to a $950 million bond package to create a "vibrant" Denver. Also, will a shuttered private prison in Walsenburg reopen as an ICE facility? Later, Colorado's film industry tries to get a foothold at the same time a Colorado town celebrates filmmakers.

ICE agents can detain someone without a warrant under certain conditions. Now a judge will decide if agents are flaunting federal law in Colorado. Then, a noteworthy development with the reintroduction of grey wolves in Colorado. Plus, a farm that honors Native American heritage at the site of much pain. Also, Purplish explores uncovered history hidden inside the state capitol. Second graders in Grand Junction embrace the power of a single act of kindness. And music from Littleton artist Conrad Mata, with a little help from his dad!

Who gets into public service these days? We're at Colorado State University to find out from students in a leadership program. Then, it's been a century since performer and civil rights champion Josephine Baker left the U.S. for France. In Loveland, a sculptor lovingly captures her in clay. And later... one part ska. one part punk. one part pirate?! Music from the Fort Collins band, "The Swashbuckling Doctors."

A Halloween haunting with Denverite's third annual DenverFright. Local writers gather on stage at The Bug Theatre to send chills down your spine, including Stephen Graham Jones and Teague Bohlen. Denver historian Phil Goodstein takes us to a cursed block Uptown. And the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance's scariest resident shambles in!

As the Supreme Court deliberates changes, the Voting Rights Act turns 60. We look at its past, present and future with local political analysts -- this after Colorado took action in its last legislative session to make sure access is enshrined in state law. Colorado state law also requires all county jails to offer in-person voting for eligible individuals -- we explore how the process is working in Jefferson County.

The bombing victims of United Flight 629 will be memorialized after seven decades. It was the first attack on a US commercial airliner. Atop Denver's old control tower, we speak with a woman who lost her parents. Then, a new film about musician and AIDS activist Carl Bean, who sang what's considered the first gay anthem.

A Colorado doctor was diagnosed with the same lung cancer he’s researched and treated all his life. He only recently decided to share his story when chemotherapy made him horribly sick. Dr. Ross Camidge talks about sharing the same path as his patients, and how he views death and what comes next. Then, from artwork to hidden history on the walls, Purplish explores the many stories the state capitol has to tell. Plus, just in time for Halloween, a Colorado haunting... and a reimagining of Ichabod Crane.

A lot of people risk falling rather than use a walker; there's just too much stigma around them. Today in Aging Matters on Colorado Matters, we visit a lab where they're developing a so-called "sexy walker," but the project is about far more than vanity: it's frankly life or death. Then, food banks prepare for a rush as SNAP benefits run dry. Plus, our colleagues at Indie 102.3 help score the season with local musicians to add to your autumn playlist.

All Things Considered Host Ari Shapiro, who has just left NPR after 25 years, came to Denver to receive a prestigious award. We spoke at this year's Damon Runyon dinner. Then, the disproportionate toll domestic violence takes on children. Plus, how your Google search affects the air you breathe. And Denver band BRŪHA is a family affair.

The government shutdown will hit federal workers hard tomorrow as they miss their first paychecks. What will it take to find a solution? We'll check-in with our Washington, D.C. reporter, Caitlyn Kim. Then, the cost of child care can often rival college tuition. At the same time, child care workers have traditionally been underpaid and undervalued. A new documentary, "Make A Circle," challenges the system to change. Also, we continue the series "Wired, Wired West," and celebrating 20 years of roller derby action in Colorado Springs!

We continue "If You Can Keep It," our series to get historic context about this moment in presidential politics; political scientist Seth Masket from the University of Denver joins us. Then, a Denver man hopes to create a brand for unity in America to show people are less divided than it seems. Later, will Halloween be a trick or a treat this year? It's just one thing we ask Denver7 chief meteorologist Lisa Hidalgo in our monthly weather and climate chat. And the Museum of Contemporary Art's new director talks about elevating local artists and his vision for the Denver institution.