Colorado Matters

The Aspen Ideas Festival  brings together change-makers -- from singers and scientists to students and Nobel Prize winners -- to share ideas about what's shaping our world: the opportunities, the challenges, and finding common ground.

The stakes are especially high in three of Colorado's congressional districts, where traditionally Republican strongholds will be decided this election year. Today, Purplish looks at CD4. Then, why there's a slowdown on a key RTD light rail corridor. And, how wildfire and the pandemic inspired Laura Pritchett's new novel, "Playing with Wildfire."

Gardens are where many of us see the effects of weather and climate up-close. Today, tips on adaptation from Fatuma Emmad of FrontLine Farming in Denver. Then, the state patrol's newest crime-fighting tool, "The Grappler." Plus, you can now BIKE the rails near Erie, Colo.

Colorado farmers can't find enough workers. Is technology like Artificial Intelligence the answer, and what are the trade-offs? Plus, incentives add up to buy or lease an EV. Then, "80 Something" is a vibrant new exhibit featuring artists over the age of 80. Also, learning to navigate Denver without GPS. And helping teens embrace wellness.

Colorado researchers say they can predict which babies are prone to food allergies, using a simple skin test.  We'll hear about this new test and novel treatments to prevent allergies as babies grow up. Then, people with Long COVID share essays about their experiences as they continue to fight for treatment and awareness. Later, the book "No Human Contact" raises questions about the impact of solitary confinement on both inmates and prison guards.

When people with cancer are facing the prospect of death, anxiety can consume their precious days. A medical trial in Colorado aims to change that with a drug that was once forbidden. CPR's Andrew Kenney explores how researchers are reopening the door to psilocybin, and what it's meant for one young mom, in Colorado In Depth.

As primary ballots are mailed this week, Purplish has the first results from our Voter Voices survey, in which Colorado voters prioritize the issues most important to them. Take part in the survey here. Then, Colorado Wonders why Oklahoma has a panhandle. Plus, Colorado history through matchbooks. Plus, an inspiring commencement at Front Range Community College.

Political polarization in the U.S. has only been reinforced with the conviction of Donald Trump. We talk with Stephen Hawkins, research director for More In Common, a global non-profit that fights what Hawkins now calls ossification or calcification. Then, Denver7 chief meteorologist Mike Nelson on severe weather and the summer outlook. Plus, a Colorado musical's journey from concept to stage.

Hot and dry are the operative words when it comes to the weather outlook. We get perspective on the summer ahead -- and the recent severe weather -- with Denver7 Chief Meteorologist Mike Nelson. He joins us regularly to talk about the interplay between weather and climate in Colorado.

The term "political polarization" no longer captures the state of partisanship in the US, according to Stephen Hawkins. The research director for More In Common is now using the words "ossification" and "calcification." And yet on some issues, there is plenty of evidence that common ground still exists. As Election 2024 draws closer, Hawkins reflects on polarization research and solutions.