Colorado Matters

 Denver7 chief meteorologist Lisa Hidalgo joins us to discuss weather, climate, and water in the face of worsening drought and wildfires on the Western Slope. Then, researchers hope to unravel the mystery of hailstorms. Plus, Denver music duo Tennis nears the end of their farewell tour in Colorado; their last date here is Tuesday, August 26 at Mission Ballroom in Denver. Plus, helping teachers help themselves to build housing in Southern Colorado. And the National Goalball Championships in Colorado Springs showcase our state's future in the sport. 

Where youth violence was once rampant, it has plummeted. A successful program screens young people for their susceptibility. But now Denver's Youth Violence Prevention Center is itself susceptible to federal budget cuts. Then, a lot of single people are sick of dating in the modern era; Boulder author and dating coach Tim Molnar has ideas to make relationships strategic. Plus, it's all in the family at a school in the San Luis Valley. 

A decade ago this month, the Animas River in southwest Colorado turned bright orange after a toxic plume from the Gold King Mine spilled downstream. In the ten years since, what's been the impact and what's changed, or hasn't, to prevent future problems? Then, Purplish examines what's being done to address harassment and other workplace misconduct, both in-person and on social media, at the State Capitol as lawmakers return for a special session. 

CU Boulder’s chancellor, Justin Schwartz, describes what it takes for students to graduate — beyond tuition — and how housing, food and connection on campus factor in. Then, a youth violence prevention specialist joins Aurora police in an unconventional effort to keep young people safe and out of prison in "Systemic."

Former NPR science reporter David Baron, of Boulder, gives Colorado Matters an exclusive sneak peek at his new book, "The Martians: The True Story of an Alien Craze That Captured Turn-Of-the-Century America." Listen to a captivating conversation in front of an audience at Library 21c in Colorado Springs. 

Denver singer/songwriter Such is driven by a passion to connect and take care of others, first in nursing, now in real estate and especially, in her music. Then, Coloradans are living longer. And an Arapahoe County sheriff's deputy finds connection and community through his cowboy hat. 

Most people want to stay in their homes for as long as possible as they get older. But if you do decide it's time to downsize, where do you begin? In a special "Aging Matters on Colorado Matters," we ask what to consider when selling your home and how to start getting rid of decades and decades of stuff. Then, a neighborhood health fair at a time when it's needed the most. Also, "An Open Door" is a new documentary about CSU's Temple Grandin, a legend in animal science and autism advocacy. Plus, the return of an immersive theater experience. 

The Americans with Disabilities Act became law 35 years ago. Coloradans reflect on our state's pivotal role and on the progress still to be made. Then, ahead of a special session of the state legislature, a look at a bad budget gap and some bad behavior. Plus, the season three premiere of Systemic, CPR's podcast about changemakers. 

Denverites are trying to square something: the city's about to lay off employees but at the same time it wants voters to approve nearly a billion dollars in projects. We ask Denver Mayor Mike Johnston about that, tensions with Trump, turning office towers into apartments, and the future of the Broncos. Then, remembering a Hiroshima survivor in Denver 80 years after the bombing. Plus, the State Fair is back with a new general manager with an eye on the future. And Kyle Hollingsworth of The String Cheese Incident has a new single: Colorado. 

Psychedelics can help people see things from a new perspective. That includes veterans and first responders who are also using storytelling to help them overcome challenges. Also, handheld devices that translate nearly 100 languages, including Azerbaijani, Haitian Creole and Spanish are being used by some Colorado counties to help non-English speakers with civic needs. Then, their stories were nearly lost, but through art, "12 Tablecloths" recognizes Black domestic workers who served white families more than a century ago. The exhibit closes tomorrow at the Trinidad History Museum.