Colorado Matters

Colorado voters approved a proposition in the last election that funds victims’ services and other support programs through an excise tax on guns. We talk with an advocate about efforts to reduce gun violence. Then, what’s next for RTD now that voters have weigh-in on new board members and funding? Also, how the fantasy novel “Navola” helped the author escape climate change anxiety. And a mother’s immigration story is at the heart of “Avaaz,” now playing at the Denver Center Theater Company.

For the first time since this month’s consequential election, we sit down with Governor Jared Polis, who has just launched a new national project to “safeguard democracy.” We also ask about immigration, U.S. Space Command, and working with the incoming presidential administration. Then, artifacts in glass cases are one way to share history, but History Colorado now incorporates works by living artists — to connect past and present.

Following the election, a Colorado non-profit’s been inundated with requests. The Trans Continental Pipeline helps trans people move to Colorado, where protections are stronger. Then, avian flu was likely more prevalent in Colorado’s dairy workers than first thought; we’ll track the outlook. Plus, another chance to celebrate 20 years of African cuisine. And Chris Pandolfi takes us “Inside the Musician’s Brain.”

Without the horse, says historian Tim Winegard, the world would look nothing like it does today. The Colorado Mesa University professor has written, “The Horse: A Galloping History of Humanity.” He joined Sr. Host Ryan Warner on stage in Grand Junction in September for our reading series, “Turn The Page.” They discuss how goods, ideas, and diseases proliferated on horseback. Plus, The Great Manure Crisis?!

Next Chapter, a pilot program based in El Paso County, aims to reduce veteran suicides. Then, in Vietnam a group of fighter pilots volunteered for a seemingly impossible mission: preventing the delivery of weapons and supplies from the North to the South. Their work is chronicled in the documentary “The Misty Experiment: The Secret Battle for the Ho Chi Minh Trail.” And, Donut Dollies supported the troops in World War II, Korea and Vietnam.

R&R Head Labs is a mission-based barbershop that hires people who were formerly incarcerated and returning veterans. As it marks one year in business, it’s looking to expand. Then, we remember a Valeria Takata, a Colorado centenarian who shared her love for skiing. Plus, Denver’s unique place in U.S. patent history and a Colorado invention makes Shark Tank’s holiday gift guide.

Colorado’s election results are in sharp contrast to the national picture. What’s behind the state’s move from purple to a very solid blue? And how does the Colorado Republican party differ from the national one? We speak Seth Masket, a professor and blogger who’s been following the GOP over the past four years for an upcoming book.

Coloradans sent Lauren Boebert back to Congress while protecting gay marriage. They passed a gun tax at the same time they boosted law enforcement, and rejected a spin on ranked-choice voting, while sending 10 electoral college votes to Vice President Kamala Harris. Trying to make sense of it? Colorado Matters is here to explain how ‘Colorado’s gonna Colorado.’