EMERGING FORM is a biweekly podcast about the creative process. Join Christie Aschwanden and her co-host, the poet Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer, as they discuss creativity, usually over a glass of wine.

On this week’s Regional Roundup, we hear about an abortion ban recently approved by voters in Idaho. Then, we continue our election coverage with a look at how the climate crisis figured into this year’s midterms. We head to Arizona, where historic flooding didn’t stop Diné voters from casting their ballots. Then we travel to Montrose, Colorado, for a look at the recent Uncompahgre Powwow. We also have an audio postcard from Boulder, where birders are on the lookout for the Townsend Solitaire. And we wrap up in Crested Butte, where an accordion player is keeping polka music alive and connecting the community to its immigrant mining roots.

When Carlos was 14, he became a marked man. He’d witnessed a gang execution in his Latin American hometown, and suddenly, his life was precarious. He fled. Entering the United States, the teenager registered with authorities and asked for asylum.That means Carlos is not a lawful permanent resident, and his ability to remain here depends on the outcome of his application. Despite limited English and without his parents to help, Carlos graduated from public high school in my western Colorado town, bolstered by caring teachers and friends who got to know him through their own children. Now 18, he wants to become an electrician, he says, to help the country he credits with saving his life.

Forest Service approves South Uncompahgre forest health and fuels project; Montrose to unveil new Veterans Memorial Plaza; Congressional District 4 race may not be called until Friday; Elected officials assess flood damage; Hostile interactions with residents factor into Paonia's debate over future of trash service

Boebert's fate hangs in the balance while most races across the state are called; Federal LEAP program can help Coloradans with heating costs; Ouray County recognized for outstanding organ donation rates; Destructive flooding impacts voting access for people on the Navajo Reservation

We are on week 2 of our three part series on the mindful remembrances. Last week, we talked about the importance of remembering the miraculous and impermanent nature of life. And today, we're going to talk about remembering that everything we use and consume, is a gift.

Colorado’s night-sky heritage stretches across the Western Slope – from Paonia to the West End – and Naturita, Nucla, and Norwood are proud to be part of that constellation of DarkSky Communities. Last week, we talked about the lost art of looking up. Today, I want to explore something connected - something we don’t talk about nearly enough: accessibility.Natural darkness is one of the most accessible experiences we have. You don’t need special equipment. You don’t need technical knowledge. You don’t need to hike miles into the backcountry. You simply need a place where the night is allowed to be night. That’s what makes the Western Slope of Colorado so special.

CD 3, CD4, some state and local ballot measures remain undecided; Montrose County gives update on ballot count; Moab 240 cancelled mid-race