Colorado Matters

Colorado's prisons are close to capacity. That's been the case for some time now. It raises a host of concerns, not the least of which, is safety. But is the solution to build more prisons? We look into state lawmakers' debate with Purplish. Then, the Pueblo Star Journal's "Prison Journalism Project" marks five years as it trains and publishes writers who are incarcerated. 

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. 

If you think "The Godfather" only happened in New York, you might need to think again. A new historical novel, "The Descendant" by Linda Stasi, reflects on how Sicilian immigrants helped shape Colorado, from miners to the mafia. Then, one of the founders of the Dante Alighieri Society of Denver talks about keeping Italian heritage alive in our state today. Also, kicking the nicotine habit can be tough; we visit a school that's trying to help kids who are hooked. Plus, a lawsuit challenges the Trump Administration's efforts to dismantle NCAR, the National Center for Atmospheric Research, in Boulder. And, the warm weather this winter has one classroom of kids wondering if it's affecting birds. 

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.

As we get older, it's one of the toughest decisions we face -- when to stop driving. Colorado has nearly a million people over the age of 65 behind the wheel. And although getting older does not automatically make someone a bad driver, AAA says many people are outliving their ability to drive safely by 7 to 10 years. In Aging Matters, we talk through what to look for and how to have what can be a hard discussion within the family. Then, female genital mutilation affects more than 230 million women worldwide, and doctors in Colorado say the see its lasting impact in their own exam rooms. A candid discussion with Vera Idam, founder and publisher of Afrik Digest Magazine based in Denver. 

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. 

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. Also, what's the impact if after-school funding is cut in Colorado? Then, Colorado's new women's soccer team, the Denver Summit, kicks off its inaugural season. Later, she grew up in Crested Butte, met Philip Seymour Hoffman in New York, and became a Hollywood producer whose film is up for 13 Academy Awards on Sunday. Plus, the lack of snow puts cross-country ski spots on edge, and a memory-filled goodbye to a long-standing community gathering place in Boulder, the World Famous Dark Horse. 

Survivors of the Amache internment camp in southeastern Colorado worry history could repeat itself. It's why they want to tell their stories, especially now. Then, friends remember Renee Good, who grew up in Colorado and was killed by an ICE agent in Minneapolis. Later, as a new hotel oxygenates its rooms in Telluride, it appears to be part of a trend in the high country. Plus, how special actors are helping medical students and doctors test their skills at CU Anschutz. Also, state lawmakers debate restrictions on AI chatbots. We check-in ahead of tomorrow's semifinals with Team USA's Paralympic Sled Hockey team which trains in Superior and features Colorado athletes. And share in the delight of a singing telegram in Denver. 

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.

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. 

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. 

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.

The idea of a nursing shortage may be a little scary to those in need of health care. 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. 

Former University of Denver chancellor Rebecca Chopp made significant life changes when she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2019. Now, new tests indicate she may have been misdiagnosed. She shares her journey as she works to raise awareness about preventing cognitive decline and new testing diagnostics as she continues to embrace life to its fullest. Then, the challenges of relitigating the trial of a man convicted more than 30 years ago in a series of Western Slope pipe bombings. Also, Denver Pride's new vision amid construction on Colfax and in Civic Center. And, we remember Colorado centenarian Nancy Tipton. 

Colorado dance legend Cleo Parker Robinson is celebrating a dream fulfilled. Her vision? A community gathering place and center for the healing arts, with state of the art design to ensure inclusivity while preserving her original studio's historic integrity. The Cleo Parker Robinson Center for the Healing Arts is a $25 million, 25,000 square foot facility in Denver's historic Five Points neighborhood which incorporates the century-old Shorter AME Church into its lobby. Chandra Thomas Whitfield sat down with Cleo Parker Robinson to talk about this legacy building that's designed to serve the community for years to come. 

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, Colorado has 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. Plus, an audit raises questions about how "Caring for Denver" is allocating money. And the largest homeless shelter in Western Colorado closes its doors. 

Today, we share the latest installment of "If You Can Keep It," our series about unprecedented presidential politics with Seth Masket, of the University of Denver. We take stock of the state of the union and the Supreme Court's tariffs ruling. Plus, people in Douglas County gather to learn their rights as the federal immigration crackdown stokes fear. Later, a live jazz orchestra accompanies the new ballet "Decadent Desires" for Denver's Wonderbound. And Denver's hometown metal violinist Mia Asano shares her creative musical journey as she embarks on her first national solo tour. 

Colorado continues to push back against the federal government's dismantling of science-based health care. Then, tucked away in deep canyons, or even hidden in plain sight, you might find images on rock walls from long ago — made by Indigenous people in what's now Colorado. We go exploring with Colorado Wonders. Plus, we "Raise the Curtain" with actress Annie Barbour, known for her approach to high language. And for Black History Month, we celebrate the legacy of the late jazz icon, Denver's own Purnell Steen. 

Even flowers are confused by this unseasonably warm and dry winter. We talk with CSU horticulturalist Allison O'Connor about what to know about watering your plants given the current weather. Then, Michelin is expanding the restaurants it might honor across Colorado. We speak with Grand Junction chef Josh Niernberg about the impact it could have on business. Then, as IKEA plans to expand in Colorado, we explore its history and the origin of its name. And, we answer a Colorado Wonders question about the giant, problem-plagued LED sign that greets travelers at DIA. 

The Denver City Council has unanimously advanced a proposal to ban law enforcement from wearing masks and to require them to show identification. It was prompted by the actions of unidentifiable ICE agents who've been arresting people across the country. Then, Coloradans vacationing in Puerto Vallarta share their experiences after violence and explosions following the death of a notorious drug cartel kingpin. Also, how one woman's quest to get a birth certificate is changing guidelines in Colorado. And "Black History Live Chautauqua" honors the legacy of Paul Robeson.

Data centers use a lot of electricity and water to power artificial intelligence. They're also economic drivers. The issue divides state lawmakers who are considering two bills: One would give developers a tax break if they build in Colorado; the other would regulate their impacts on neighborhoods and the environment. We present the debate with Purplish, the podcast about politics and policy from CPR News and the Colorado Capital News Alliance. 

Federal prosecutors have claimed a Venezuelan gang is entrenched in Colorado. Case filings reveal otherwise. Then, a week of whirlwind weather makes way for the return of warmer and drier days ahead. Plus, meet Colorado's new home-grown state supreme court justice, Susan Blanco. And the Local 303 celebrates Black History Month across musical genres. 

Finding affordable housing has been a challenge in Colorado for years. A measure passed by voters statewide four years ago is starting to make a difference. We'll talk through what it's meant for the state's small mountain towns and what still needs to be done. Then, we remember civil rights activist, Reverend Jessie Jackson, who died this week. We also remember the loss of the occasionally high-strung, legendary coach of the Denver Nuggets, Doug Moe. And we celebrate Lunar New Year with a behind-the-scenes look at the tradition of lion dancing! 

Denver comedian Josh Blue may be best known for "putting the cerebral in cerebral palsy," but there is so much more to his life than laughing audiences know. In his new autobiography, "Something To Stare At," Blue recalls his formative years in West Africa, his Paralympic soccer career, and his comedic rise. Enjoy a mix of stand-up and conversation with Sr. Host Ryan Warner — recorded at The Dairy Arts Center in Boulder. 

The history of Colorado and the West is the history of the Black cowboy; now it's inspired the play "Godspeed" which just had its world premiere in Denver. Plus, we visit a museum that shares an often untold and overlooked aspect of the history of the West. Also, about half of counties in Colorado do not have emergency shelters for people trying to leave abusive situations at home. We hear from a researcher who's mapped the state about what she found in the search for a solution. And later, for Aging Matters, we revisit a that pairs older volunteers, with older companions, leading to bonds of friendship and helpfulness as we age. 

Even if you think Valentine's is a Hallmark holiday, we think you'll be heartened by a love story that begins in grade school. Then, a castle sits in disrepair in Gunnison. It's just landed on Colorado's Most Endangered Places list. Plus, we "Raise the Curtain," on the Denver New Play Summit. And, Ryan asks, "Would I date that building?"

Colorado is mourning the loss of a radio legend; we remember the life and legacy of James "Dr. Daddio" Walker whose radio station KDKO was long known as "The Soul of the Rockies." Then, how do you recruit more teachers of color? Students at Northglenn High School recently tried to address that concern. Also, black holes, microplastics and new beginnings sound like things that may not go together. But for a Colorado Springs artist they have quite a lot in common. 

Over the weekend, pairs skaters Danny O'Shea and Ellie Kam helped the U.S. figure skating team win gold. O'Shea graduated from the University of Colorado - Colorado Springs. Kam's still a student there. Pairs competition begins in earnest this weekend. We reached their coach, Drew Meekins, of Denver, Tuesday, in Italy. Then, Gunnison author Shelley Read's debut novel, "Go As a River," has now topped 1 million copies worldwide. We turn the page with her again at Colorado Mesa University. 

There's been an evolution in understanding concussions and a Colorado researcher has teamed up with experts worldwide to offer an easy guide for coaches and parents to recognize and to know what to do when a young athlete gets a concussion. Then, a push for juvenile justice reform at the state capitol through the first-hand stories of adults who were incarcerated as children. Also, the unseasonably warm weather has meant more fatal traffic crashes; we talk with a woman working to help injured motorcyclists and their families. Plus, a Valentine's Day tradition that has volunteers waiting in years' long lines to help. 

President Trump has made it clear: He has beef with Colorado, from his ire over the presidential portrait that once hung in the State Capitol to mail-in balloting to immigration policy. We delve into that with Purplish. Then, long before the COVID pandemic, novelist Peter Heller imagined a world wiped out by a virus, and some lonely Colorado survivors, in his debut novel, "The Dog Star" in 2012. Now it's headed to the big screen. 

He's been U.S. Senator, Interior Secretary, and Ambassador to Mexico. Now, Ken Salazar is donating his papers and many keepsakes to History Colorado. They paint a picture of his public service and of his family's deep roots in The San Luis Valley. Then, a promise to high schoolers in the Gunnison Valley of free tuition to Western Colorado University. Plus, we "Raise the Curtain" on the new play "Cowboys and East Indians" with Fort Collins author Nina McConigley. And the Colorado Symphony debuts in NYC! 

Club 20 has been the political force on Colorado's Western Slope since the 1950s. The group's newest leader says he wants to be a lot louder fighting for issues in the region while also being more hospitable to Front Range politicians. Then, for Aging Matters, we share another "Portrait in Aging," celebrating our state's fastest-growing population. Today, an 80-year-old Arvada woman who still loves to work. Plus, the pushback and debate over coal power plants in Colorado. Also, Colorado's Great Outdoors is not always inclusive of people with disabilities; a new booking platform works to change that. And, we "Raise the Curtain" on the future of local theater and anticipated shows this season. 

The president just suggested nationalizing elections. The constitution has something to say about that. So does our guest, Matt Crane, the head of the Colorado County Clerks Association. Then, two Colorado-based figure skating coaches talk about the artistry, pressure, and finding balance as three of their skaters get ready to compete at the Olympics. Plus, why some parents are opting for landlines instead of smart phones for children. And the Colorado South Asian artist collective celebrates its first anniversary in Evergreen and looks forward to the future. 

The first healing centers to offer therapy using psychedelics are open in Colorado and they've been a longtime coming. They're meant to treat things like PTSD and depression. For our series, The Trip: CPR's Coverage of Colorado's Psychedelic Journey, Denverite's Kiara DeMare visited some of these new facilities. Then, state lawmakers will consider a bill today with the goal of reducing domestic violence fatalities. Plus, still trying to make good on that New Year's Resolution to kick that tobacco habit? The good news is that there's free help available and an extra incentive through Colorado Quitline. And we "Raise the Curtain" with theatre critic John Moore of the Denver Gazette who shares highlights of the recent True West Awards and the healing power of theatre and storytelling. 

As Colorado embarks on its psychedelic experiment, people can now receive psilocybin-assisted therapy at healing centers. The state is also grappling with how to enable therapy with the psychedelic ibogaine, which has shown promise for treating addiction. The use of psychedelic-assisted therapy was a component of Colorado's psychedelic law approved by voters in 2022. We share a conversation from the most recent Aspen Ideas Festival as part of our coverage, "The Trip," about Colorado's psychedelic journey. Krista Tippett, who created and hosts the podcast “On Being,” interviewed Gül Dölen, a psychology professor at the University of California Berkeley and a leader in psychedelics research. 

As some Coloradans halt work to protest today, Congress is at work-- to avert a shutdown. The future of ICE is central to both. Then, "I'll consider her case--as I would any other." The governor has said that repeatedly -- when asked about clemency for Tina Peters. We looked into his past pardons for clues. Also, 40 years ago, Americans watched as Challenger broke apart; we speak with a CU Boulder professor who worked for NASA. Plus, we meet Colorado's new poet laureate; Crisosto Apache of Lakewood is the first Indigenous person to hold the title. And, Colorado Wonders about a cluster of curvy courts on Denver's North Side. 

Although she's been a theater actress for most of her life, Jenna Bainbridge never envisioned herself performing on the grandest of stages -- Broadway. The issue wasn't one of talent or confidence, but rather, accessibility. Partially paralyzed as a child, Bainbridge didn't think she'd find the accommodations necessary for her to live and work in New York. However she's now performing on Broadway in the long-running hit, Wicked.

Rural life often means being exposed to the sun. With it: the risk of skin cancer. But dermatologists can be hard to come by in the country. At least one practice, though, is making investments in small towns. Then, Colorado has taken some costly hits from the Trump Administration in recent months. It might seem punitive, but the growing number has others seeing a pattern. Also, as a store close to her heart changes hands, Kali Fajardo-Anstine, bestselling author of "Woman of Light" and "Sabrina and Corina," provides an ode to the independent bookstore. And, meet our new CPR Classical host, Monique Brooks Roberts. 

Public transit touches nearly every corner of life in Colorado, from how people get to work to how our region grows. But the state's largest transit agency is facing big questions from riders, workers, and lawmakers about reliability, safety and trust. CPR's Haylee May spoke with RTD CEO and GM Debra Johnson. Then, amid DEI backlash, a statewide coalition is working to share the stories of diverse communities here, starting with working to ensure the media outlets they support, stick around. We speak with Brittany Winkfield, the executive director of the Colorado Ethnic Media Exchange. 

This legislative session is the swan song for Colorado's outgoing governor, Jared Polis. He still has a lot on his "to do" list, but policy clashes within his own party could create some challenges. We explore that today with Purplish. Then, a researcher at the Colorado School of Mines has developed a new way to treat deep wounds, and that could just be the beginning for its use. Also, what Colorado's two largest cities are doing to send a message to ICE. Plus, we answer a Colorado Wonders question about the impact of moose on our state. 

You can't go home again, as the saying goes. But Denver author Josiah Hesse did. He returned to Mason City, Iowa — with a journalistic lens— to better understand his evangelical upbringing, and the social and economic forces that shaped it. We spoke in front of an audience at the Denver Press Club for the release of "On Fire for God: Fear, Shame, Poverty, and the Making of the Christian Right – a Personal History." 

Colorado now has a plan to reintroduce wolverines to the state, but meantime, the reintroduction of wolves is on hold for now. Then, cannabis businesses are still waiting for the executive order to reclassify marijuana to take effect. Also, a milestone for the survival rate for all types of cancer combined. We re-visiting Southern Colorado's "Gathering Place" and celebrate a pop culture moment with DeVotchKa.