Colorado Matters

First, there were moose. Then lynx. Then wolves. Now, Colorado's planning to reintroduce wolverines to the state. We'll get an update on the plan. Then, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is opening temples around the world, including Grand Junction. Plus, a push to keep coal power in Colorado. Also, answering a Colorado Wonders question about what happens to the invasive smallmouth bass when the fish is caught. Finally, the 89-year-old at the heart of Vail's Oktoberfest. 

A remarkable Coloradan - and an American pioneer - celebrates his 92nd birthday today. Ed Dwight was the first Black man to be selected for astronaut training more than 60 years ago. And six decades later, he became the oldest person to go to space. Dwight’s history-making didn’t stop there. He went on to become a celebrated artist, sculpting important monuments to Black legends. His body of work appears in Denver and at memorials across the country, and in museums like the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C. This year, he was nominated for a Congressional Gold Medal. Chandra met Dwight at his work space in north Denver.

 A land trust has helped conserve more than 150,000 acres on Colorado's Western Slope, from fruit orchards in Palisade to ranches on The Grand Mesa. Then, descendants of the 10th Mountain Division of skiing soldiers retrace their fathers' and grandfathers' journey in Italy 80 years after the end of World War II. Plus, we visit a medical clinic in a Grand Junction church that offers free health care amid growing need. Later, we say good-bye to a familiar voice on CPR News; Mike Lamp is stepping away from the mic on Friday. And later, new music from ChuckJay. 

The Denver Broncos kick-off the regular season Sunday at Empower Field at Mile High Stadium against the Tennessee Titans, and hopes for the season are a mile high! We get perspective from former Bronco and sportscaster Ryan Harris. Then, "Soles of a Survivor" recounts a harrowing journey from oppression to freedom, with author Nhi Aronheim of Englewood. The book has just been published in paperback. 

Would Colorado follow the lead of Texas and California and redistrict Congressional seats for political gains? Voters changed the state constitution to make sure that sort of manipulation can't happen here. We speak with the architect of Colorado's effort to take politicians out of re-drawing districts. Then, public school teachers have faced a dizzying array of new directives from the Trump administration, from funding cuts to mandates on diversity, equity and inclusion. How one Denver teacher tries to put her students first. Then, Aging Matters provides a guide to navigating the grieving process. And, another Colorado community is hoping to embrace a dark sky. 

In the battle to keep Space Command, Colorado has lost. At least for now. We talk through the impact. Then, a Southern Colorado ranch tests the next generation Moon rover. Plus, Colorado author Erika Krouse is racking up accolades for her new short story collection. She shares a doozie and answers questions about it. Later, the evolution of Boulder's genre-defying Gasoline Lollipops. 

Ranchers in our state have a lot to juggle, says the newly-elected president of Colorado's Cattlemen's Association, Curt Russell. Things like drought, wildfire, and wolves; not to mention regulation challenges and the uncertainty of tariffs. Then, from A.I. to filling a nearly billion dollar budget hole to addressing bad behavior in the state capitol, Purplish breaks down the special session. And a classroom garden where blind students are growing confidence along with plants. 

On this Labor Day, labors, of love. Like a budding fruit orchard on property previously ravaged by historic flooding in Lyons. And a barbershop in Denver, where former inmates offer a shave, a haircut, and heart. Plus, Stranahan's celebrates 20 years of tradition where the art of making whiskey is truly a labor of love for the head blender. 

The Tuesday Group formed in Denver when the Trump Administration shut down USAID. Experts in international development are in need of aid themselves-- emotionally and in the job search. Colorado Matters visits this support group at the Posner Center for International Development, which is a nerve center for Coloradans in foreign aid. Then, a Buc-ee's-sized fight in Palmer Lake. And is the Colorado River a person? 

Today, the stories of four people who now call Colorado home. They share a common bond: They all survived the American tragedy known as Hurricane Katrina, which devastated New Orleans 20 years ago and remains one of the deadliest and most destructive hurricanes in U.S. history. They share their journey from Louisiana to Colorado and how it forever shaped their lives, in a Colorado Matters special: "After the Storm: Reflections on Hurricane Katrina."