March 20, 2026: Choir taps music memory in the face of dementia; Spring allergies in full bloom
Second Verse is a new choir for people with dementia. The choir’s also for caregivers. We listen in on a rehearsal for Aging Matters as music taps into long-term memory. Then, the state Republican party is in disarray ahead of the state assembly. Also, Denver renames its park and city holiday that had honored César Chávez. Plus, options for relief with allergies getting an early start on this first official day of spring. And we re-share our conversation with professor Carol Anderson, author of “One Person, No Vote: How Voter Suppression is Destroying Our Democracy” as Congress debates the SAVE America Act.
‘Second Verse’ is a new choir in Colorado for people with dementia
The choir, which also welcomes caregivers, helps fight the isolation of dementia and memory loss.
March 18, 2026: The state of friendship in the US; Breaking the ‘starving artist’ stereotype
There’s a loneliness epidemic. Yet the vast majority of people report having a friend. What gives?! We ask friendship expert Natalie Pennington, assistant professor at Colorado State University and co-founder of the American Friendship Project. Then, families of children with developmental disabilities brace for state budget cuts. Also, Western Slope artist Pavia Justinian on life as a professional artist ten years and counting. And a gift of bison with deep cultural and historical significance.
March 16, 2026: When does surveillance tech cross the line?; Ryan tries out the state’s first robot massage
The technology’s supposed to make Colorado safer but it comes with concerns about privacy and misuse. Flock cameras, and other license plate readers, are installed across the state. In Purplish, CPR’s Bente Birkeland and Denverite’s Andrew Kenney dig into the evolution of surveillance tech and efforts to restrict it. Then, Ryan saw a sign the other day for a “Robot Massage” and had to check it out.
I got a massage from the state’s first ‘Aescape’ robot
Walking in Denver’s Larimer Square, I saw a sign for “Robot Massage.” Sway Wellness Spa is the first in Colorado to offer the Aescape service.
March 13, 2026: SAVE America Act likely can’t be saved; Summit FC kickoff; Bye-bye beloved Boulder bar
The SAVE America Act is supposed to ensure the integrity of your vote, but President Trump also wants it to eliminate mail-in ballots which are widely popular in Colorado. Our Washington, D.C. reporter Caitlyn Kim updates the chances Congress will take action.
If most Americans care about the climate, why is the US clawing back protections?
Two thirds of Americans say they are concerned about climate change. Asked whether they are directly affected, and the percentage plummets.
March 11, 2026: Changing worry about climate change into action; Colorado’s plan for NFTs to celebrate 150th
Two-thirds of Americans say they’re worried about climate change, but far fewer actually do something about that concern. We speak with climate and atmospheric scientist Katharine Hayhoe about solutions. Then, Colorado plans to auction NFT art to help celebrate its 150th birthday. And a film about Colorado’s late poet laureate Andrea Gibson, “Come See Me in the Good Light,” is nominated for an Academy Award for best documentary feature. The Oscars are Sunday night.
March 10, 2026: Pivotal time for environmental law; Flu season check-up; A fly fishing sisterhood
The Trump Administration has revoked the cornerstone greenhouse gas decree. The Endangerment Finding said methane and carbon are a threat to our health. Meanwhile, fossil fuels are intertwined with military interventions in Venezuela and Iran. We get perspective from Chris Winter, executive director of the Getches-Wilkinson Center for Natural Resources, Energy and the Environment at CU Law. Then, a Colorado oil and gas company drills for geothermal energy. We also get a check-up on flu season ahead of Spring Break. And the outdoor adventuring group “Sisters on the Fly” marks 25 years.
March 9, 2026: Neonics protect crops but at what cost to pollinators?; Meet Denver Paralympic curler Dan Rose
For many farmers, insecticides known as neonics are a game changer for protecting crops. But they’re also blamed for killing pollinators and there’s concern about their impact on people. We’ll explore the debate with Purplish. Then, getting college credit for work experience. Plus, Dan Rose of Denver is competing in his first Paralympics on the mixed wheelchair curling team.
How students can turn work experience into college credit
For college students who have front-loaded their lives with work, there is a way to translate that experience into college credit. Schools are increasingly offering Prior Learning Assessments (PLAs).
As the war in Iran continues, a University of Denver expert offers perspective on the ever-shifting conflict
There’s a long history of Presidents saying a war will be quick, only to see it drag on. Think Vietnam. Think Iraq and “Mission Accomplished.” President Trump wants out of the Iran melee in a matter of weeks, but that timeline may have to be adjusted as the war approaches the end of its first week.
Micheline Ishay, the director of the Center for Middle East Studies at the University of Denver offers some perspective on what led the U.S.
March 6, 2026: What’s left on state lawmakers’ plate; DU Middle East expert on Iran; ‘Raise the Curtain’ with Annie Barbour
Whether you consider it half over, or half started, there’s still a lot to tackle in the legislative session, from agriculture to AI. We get a halftime check-in from our public affairs team. Plus, ensuring the “Colorado Proud” label isn’t abused. Then, there are no fewer than four fronts to the war in the Middle East, says Micheline Ishay, the director of the Center for Middle East Studies at the University of Denver. We talk with her about what could be next for the region. And we “Raise the Curtain” with second generation actor Annie Barbour, currently starring in “Brooklyn Laundry” at the Dairy Arts Center in Boulder.
March 5, 2026: CSU Pueblo offers solutions for nursing shortage; A sensory fine arts experience in Colorado Springs
For those needing health care, the idea of a nursing shortage may be a little scary. But the head of CSU Pueblo’s school of nursing is offering solutions for what has become a national problem. Then, alleged malfeasance in Aguilar, Colorado. Also, textile artist and painter Ana Maria Hernando has opened a new show in Colorado Springs that provides a fabric dreamscape. And, with the prestigious Michelin Guide going statewide, there’s a chance Colorado Springs will see the inspectors who grant stars.
Nursing shortage acute among managers and educators
The nursing shortage is critical among nurse managers and educators. We discuss it with nurse Kristine Morris, PhD. She has led CSU Pueblo’s nursing school for less than a year, but came with solutions.
March 2, 2026: The economics of deportation; How history is held inside the pocket
What are the economic effects of widespread deportations? It’s something CU Denver economist Hani Mansour studied before the current crackdown, but many of the fundamentals persist. Then, there’s a design and merchandising museum in Fort Collins. Its current exhibit is “Thanks! It Has Pockets” about the politics of pockets, particularly in women’s clothing.
