Natasha Gardner writes and edits longform journalism and multimedia projects for 5280 and is a regular columnist for 5280.com. She was named a finalist for a 2012 National Magazine Award in the public interest category for “Direct Fail,” an expose of Colorado’s “direct file” policy of sending juveniles to adult prison. Since that story was published, the state has dramatically changed the direct file law. Her investigation of the Colorado foster care system (“Unwanted”) received multiple awards, including a prestigious Sigma Delta Chi Award from the Society of Professional Journalists. In 2010, she was also a National Magazine Awards finalist for “Low on O2,” a service package that explores the impact of altitude on day-to-day life in Colorado (co-written with Lindsey B. Koehler). She also won The Knight-Risser Prize for Western Environmental Journalism for “Dry Times,” an investigation of Colorado’s water crisis that she co-wrote with Patrick Doyle. Gardner has appeared on Colorado Public Television to discuss her work and current affairs. She was a Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma Ochberg Fellow in 2011. Before settling in Colorado, she worked in book publishing in New York. She has a BA from Smith College and holds a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Colorado. She lives in Denver with her husband and son.
Newsmakers, innovators, and game changers who spent the past year setting lofty goals and building a metro area they believe in. These individuals, in sectors ranging from art to business to politics, are guaranteed to keep you thinking and talking well into the future, whether you agree with them or not.
The state’s executive branch wouldn’t be complete without a second-in-command. We caught up with Jared Polis' pick to talk about Colorado, campaigning, and healthcare.
The Office of the Medical Examiner has a new home—with an award-winning design.
For the abstract painter, each layer of pigment tells a story.
Before casting your ballot in the midterm election, find out how AG candidates Phil Weiser and George Brauchler compare on the issues.
Colorado’s new primary system got its first test—and we’ll be sorting through the results for a long time.
Forty years ago, disability activists stopped traffic at the corner of Broadway and Colfax Avenue and changed the way the United States works. But that wasn’t the start—or the end—of their civil rights fight.
In advance of the primary election on June 26, we have a gentle reminder for the unaffiliated voters who will receive two ballots: only return one.
Forty-five years ago, DPS was ordered to desegregate schools. Did it work?
This year, thanks to Proposition 108, unaffiliated voters can weigh in on either the Republican or Democratic primary. Inside the new law that could reshape Colorado elections.
Your guide to Colorado’s constantly shifting political topography.
Everything you need to know about the unpredictable race for the Centennial State’s executive seat.
Jon Hanover, founder of Roots Elementary in northeast Denver, will vacate his position as executive director at the end of the school year.
We sifted through the state’s 90-some distilleries—and nearly as many tours—to find the most interesting, original, and just plain enjoyable spots to visit.
Fifty-five years ago, a Colorado doc pioneered liver transplantation—and his legacy endures.
Beth McCann has made a career of breaking gender barriers, and she did so again this past November when she was elected to be Denver’s first female district attorney. One year after her historic victory, what’s next for the trailblazer?
This election season isn’t as volatile as last year's, but Denver's school board race is one to watch.
The Northeast Park Hill charter school jumps two levels.
When Jon Hanover launched Roots Elementary, a charter school in Northeast Park Hill, in 2015, he hoped to create an innovative, high-performing community school by transforming the way elementary education is taught—all on a spot once devastated by gang violence. Two years later, has the school made the grade?
More than 600 people died on Colorado roadways in 2016, and in Denver, traffic fatalities have gone up every year since 2005. Why is this happening—and what can we do about it?
Ten of our favorite federally protected wilderness areas in the Centennial State where you can hike, camp, hunt, and fish—and just generally fall more deeply in love with Colorado.
A small facility in Fort Collins is home to one of the world’s largest curated seed collections. The lab could save our food supply in the case of a disaster—but only if the federal government continues to fund it.
Well, maybe not everything. But thanks to scant housing inventory, massive population growth, and still-low interest rates, buying or selling a home in—or even near—the Mile High City means stepping into a fierce game with ever-changing rules. Here’s how to play the market right now.
Sure, you’ve tried all the hot new places. But what about the old? Here, our list of the restaurants, landmarks, museums, events, and more that make Denver special.
Here's how to make sure your first season yields more harvest than hassle.
It’s a short month, but there are still plenty of free events to keep your social calendar full.
Seven ways to save cash and keep your Instagram feed filled with like-worthy pics from local events—plus one way to splurge.
It took me awhile, but I finally became a slow cooker convert. Here's what I learned along the way.
