Colorado Matters

Women have helped in wartime since the nation's founding, but they've only been allowed to serve in combat for the last 10 years. Today, a call to review the military's physical fitness standards could lead to fewer women on the frontlines. We look at the changing role of women in the US military. Then, when you hear the word “prepper,” you might picture someone stockpiling supplies for doomsday. But disaster preparedness looks a lot different. Also, Dry January doesn't have to mean white-knuckling your way through happy hour. And, Colorado Wonders about those mysterious-looking large domes that are often found along highways while driving the Western Slope. 

The flu picture ain't pretty in Colorado, with numbers and hospitalizations spiking skyward. But we're going to look at it anyhow with Dr. Ken Lyn-Kew, a critical care pulmonologist at National Jewish Health in Denver. Then, they were some of the first black law students at CU, but their names had been lost to history. A trip to the law library sheds some light. Also, local companies, from Denver to Creede, produce plenty of top-notch theater -- that's the focus of a new series, which we raise the curtain on today, with Colorado Springs actor Anne Terze-Schwarz in the spotlight. 

The fastest growing population in Colorado is people 65 and older. But we all age differently; today we hear about misperceptions and opportunities from everyday Coloradans who are part of the state's fastest-growing group, people ages 65 and older. Their personal reflections are featured in a sub-series of our ongoing Aging Matters series, called "Portraits in Aging." Host Chandra Thomas Whitfield takes a closer look at what life is like for older adults across Colorado, exploring how they are living, aging and thriving at this stage of life in their own words. 

Images of overrun apartment buildings in Colorado -- and severed fingers -- landed in the president's Venezuela speech over the weekend, part of Donald Trump's justification for his actions in Venezuela. Justice reporter Allison Sherry provides some context. Then, Colorado had to try hard to become a state. It took five attempts over two decades. In time for this year's sesquicentennial, History Colorado lays out the saga. Also, four generations of the Gresham family have weathered blizzards, drought and long nights in the calving barn -- all on the same land for more than a century. The Gresham Farm was recently named a Centennial Farm. And, Ski Mountaineering is new at this year's Olympics. The games take place in February in Italy. Crested Butte's Cam Smith will be there. 

The legacy of Cherry Creek is rooted in Black history and it played a pivotal role shaping Denver into the city that it is today. Chandra Thomas Whitfield moderated a panel discussion called "Legacy of Cherry Creek: Growing Up Black in Denver's Transforming Neighborhood" in front of an audience this past spring. It was hosted by Arapahoe Libraries to reflect and share the personal stories of four life-long Colorado residents whose families called Cherry Creek home, and some who still do: Former Denver County Judge Gary Jackson; his uncle, Warren Scott, a retired U.S. Post Office Manager; Trudi Morrison, a retired lawyer and former Deputy Sergeant at Arms of the U.S. Senate; and Cleo Parker Robinson, the renowned founder and artistic director of Cleo Parker Robinson Dance in Denver. 

On the first day of the year, a conversation about fresh starts.  Forgiveness is the focus of Kristin Koval's riveting novel, "Penitence." We spoke at Lit Fest last Spring. Then, a final reflection on 2025 with a hall of fame moment for rock legend Joe Cocker who found happiness living in Colorado. 

As 2025 draws to a close, we revisit the stories of four people who now call Colorado home. They have a common bond: They all survived the American tragedy known as Hurricane Katrina, which devastated New Orleans 20 years ago and remains one of the deadliest and most destructive hurricanes in U.S. history. They share their journey from Louisiana to Colorado and how it forever shaped their lives, in a Colorado Matters special: "After the Storm: Reflections on Hurricane Katrina." 

There's promising new research out of Colorado in the effort to treat Alzheimer's disease. The study focused on the drug Leukine, which is already on the market to treat other disorders. Andrea speaks with the study's senior author, Huntington Potter, who directs the University of Colorado Alzheimer's and Cognition Center. Then, another study shows how lifestyle can help prevent memory loss. Also, the city of Denver won't meet its first big climate goals. We ask the mayor why the city is falling short, and about the plan moving forward. 

The expansion of gambling in Colorado means added temptations for problem gamblers. It's led the state to invest millions of dollars to treat gambling addictions. We look at the changes to gambling in Colorado and talk with a therapist and a Denver man in recovery. Then, he dedicated his career to treating patients with lung cancer and never expected that one day, he too would be diagnosed with the same disease. Dr. Ross Camidge shared his story with Andrea in October. 

This is the first day of Kwanzaa, a celebration of African American culture and heritage along with seven guiding principles, such as unity, purpose, and self-determination. Light the kinara with us as we share some of our favorite Kwanzaa memories from our annual Colorado Matters Holiday Extravaganzas! Plus, my conversation from August with Denver musical artist Such, whose passion to help others has been a guiding principle in her life. 

A CPR tradition turns 10 this year. The Colorado Matters Holiday Extravaganza returns with bluegrass, mariachi, comedy and storytime. And as always, we pay homage to Judy Garland. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or simply value togetherness, this audio gift is for you! 

We're counting down to the 10th annual Colorado Matters Holiday Extravaganza with some of our favorite musical artists over the past decade. Like Hazel Miller and Claire Dunn. Plus a centuries-old classic played on a massive pipe organ inside the historic Central Presbyterian Church in Denver. 

Laughter is fundamental to the holidays. After all, "Ho Ho Ho" is one of Santa's favorite expressions. Which is why comedians have always had a place in our annual Colorado Matters Holiday Extravaganza. As we celebrate ten years, we've assembled those acts for a special filled with good cheer and memories. 

In the darkness of winter, a celebration comes along to lighten homes, and moods. And in that bright space, enjoy music and conversation about Hanukkah, the Jewish festival of lights, compiled from our previous Colorado Matters Holiday Extravaganzas.  

A CPR tradition turns 10 this year. The Colorado Matters Holiday Extravaganza returns with bluegrass, mariachi, comedy and storytime. And as always, we pay homage to Judy Garland. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or simply value togetherness, this audio gift is for you! 

Today, Colorado musicians pay homage to Judy Garland, who inspired our annual Colorado Matters Holiday Extravaganza. The CPR tradition began after Sr. Host Ryan Warner watched Garland's 1963 Christmas special. Enjoy covers by Isaac Slade, Neyla Pekarek, Beth Malone, and Ryan himself (cringe). 

A scary puzzle comes together today: We've had the warm piece, the dry piece, and now wind. We also ask Denver7 Chief Meteorologist Lisa Hidalgo about the chances for a white Christmas. Plus, Colorado ski resorts rely on human-made snow. Also, women sue a dating app company for allegedly enabling a rapist. Later, Colorado's state historian on the sesquicentennial. And new holiday music from Denver pianist Annie Booth, with a nod to Charlie Brown. 

In this Aging Matters special, if you have an older person in your life, or you're just stumped in general about what to give a loved one this holiday season, have you considered the gift of time? Then, how to avoid scams that are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Later, when it comes to downsizing, how do you get rid of decades of stuff? Plus, "Love for our Elders" relieves loneliness through letter writing. 

Colorado is in the top ten states for the most expensive homeowners' insurance, thanks to wildfires and hail. Purplish looks at what can be done to bring the cost down. Then, President Trump says he's pardoned Tina Peters, even though he lacks the jurisdiction to do so; we'll discuss the reasoning and what happens next. Plus some Colorado ranchers are frustrated with federal policy. Then, why are so many people in China wearing hats that say Colorado? And Farmer Dave helps us celebrate Hanukkah with a song in Ladino. 

The effort to extend the tax credit for the Affordable Care Act stalls in Congress, so what's next? Then, President Trump claims he pardoned Tina Peters despite lacking jurisdiction; we revisit the state crimes she was convicted of, and why the prosecutor says it wasn't political. Plus, a new exhibit at the Denver Art Museum features works exclusively by veterans. Also, Longmont author Ingrid Law shares her new book with kids at the Denver Public Library. And the Local 303 for December highlights "high energy emo revival."

As the federal government rolls back vaccination recommendations, where does that leave Coloradans, especially the parents of young children? We hear from a pediatrician and the state epidemiologist, who are working to address confusion -- and provide clarity. Then, art, as a form of healing and rehabilitation. Plus, a local grassroots non-profit celebrates 20 years working to keep Africa on the minds of Coloradans. And it's a Colorado Music Hall of Fame moment for Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats. 

Movement is key to life— for people and wildlife. But the way humans live can impede other species. Ryan speaks with Boulder science reporter Hillary Rosner, of CU, whose new book is "Roam: Wild Animals and the Race to Repair Our Fractured World." 

The Colorado Women's Hall of Fame marks its 40th anniversary this year, and today we're commemorating this milestone, talking with three remarkable inductees who've shaped Colorado through activism, engineering, community building and fierce advocacy. Velveta Golightly Howell is the founder and CEO of Sister-to-Sister, an international network of professional African American women. Jill Tietjen is an electrical engineer, author and former president of the Society of Women Engineers. And Dusti Gurule is president and CEO of the Colorado Organization for Latina Opportunity and Reproductive Rights. 

The story of the tent-like roof at Denver International Airport begins with two architects in a downtown Denver bar. One of the architects, Jim Bradburn, recently died just as the airport turned 30. Today, we hear behind the scenes stories from his collaborator, Curt Fentress. Then, US United hopes to change the culture of divisiveness ahead of National Unity Day on Saturday. Plus, books to enjoy this holiday season, or to give as gifts. And Colorado centenarian Howard Berger celebrates 102! 

Our series continues about unprecedented politics, named for the famous Benjamin Franklin line in 1787: "A republic, if you can keep it." University of Denver political scientist Seth Masket provides historic context. Then, it takes a lot of work to keep Mustang standing strong outside DIA. Also, tech firm Ibotta makes a 10-year commitment to downtown Denver, which other businesses have fled. And the family stories behind Denver's Little Saigon at History Colorado Center. 

Protecting children from the harmful side of social media has been a years-long fight, but Congress may finally be taking action. Today we hear about one mother's determination to bring change in memory of her daughter. Meanwhile, experts will offer research assistance to state legislators next session. Then, they followed the rules set up by the federal government, but still face deportation. It's just one development in the immigration debate affecting thousands of people in Colorado. And, he's the only Colorado native to play in the Negro Baseball League. Now, a century later he finally gets his due. 

For most state jobs, you don't need a college degree. It's the skills that matter. Governor Jared Polis has championed this change in the private sector, as well. Reporter Lawrence Lanahan writes about this trend in a piece titled, “No college degree, no problem? Not so fast!” Then, comedian Tig Notaro remembers Colorado's late poet laureate Andrea Gibson with the new film, "Come See Me in the Good Light." Also, a mother and daughter from Colorado reconnect with their family's World War II legacy in Italy. Plus, pairing wine and solar on the Western Slope. 

It's one of the darkest moments in Colorado history: the Sand Creek Massacre of 1864. Today, through the letters he wrote, we learn about a man who refused to take part: Capt. Silas Soule. Then, from oil and gas drilling to cattle grazing and conservation, the issues facing public lands in Colorado under the Trump administration. And for Aging Matters, free help clearing sidewalks thanks to the Snow Buddies. 

Today, on World AIDS Day, Ryan visits the Colorado AIDS memorial in the heart of Denver with Barb Cardell, program director at the Positive Women's Network USA. They discuss science, stigma, and, for our series Aging Matters, what it means to enter your senior years with HIV. Then, what a trip to the grocery store says about a "silent recession." Plus, a number of craft brewers have closed in Colorado; what does that signal for the industry? Also, calling all book lovers! And a Denver musician goes from busking to Red Rocks.

According to Gallup, barely a third of Americans express a great deal or even fair amount of trust in newspapers, TV, and radio. In the 1970s, trust was as high as 72 percent. At Front Range Community College, students meet the press: Greg Moore, former editor of The Denver Post and recent National Association of Black Journalists Hall of Fame inductee; Corey Hutchins of the Colorado College Journalism Institute and “Inside the News In Colorado”; and Jeffrey Roberts of the Colorado Freedom of Information Coalition. Our panelists mentioned resources for the community and for journalists at The News Literacy Project and Colorado News Collaborative. This discussion first aired on November 10, 2025. 

A remarkable Coloradan - and an American pioneer - celebrated his 92nd birthday in September. Ed Dwight was the first Black man to be selected for astronaut training more than 60 years ago. And six decades later, he became the oldest person to go to space. Dwight's history-making didn't stop there. He went on to become a celebrated artist, sculpting important monuments to Black legends. His body of work appears in Denver and at memorials across the country, and in museums like the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C. This year, he was nominated for a Congressional Gold Medal. Chandra met Dwight at his work space in north Denver. This story first aired on September 9, 2025.

For "Turn the Page with Colorado Matters," former NPR science reporter David Baron, of Boulder, talks about his new book, "The Martians: The True Story of an Alien Craze That Captured Turn-Of-the-Century America." Listen to a captivating conversation in front of an audience at Library 21c in Colorado Springs. This first aired on August 15, 2025. 

November is National Adoption Month. Today, how one Colorado organization is supporting families through the beauty and complexity of transracial adoption and creating a sense of belonging and safety for adoptees and their parents too. Then, a Colorado Wonders question about accountability after wildfires. And Colorado Hall of Fame skier Bob Meserve's remarkable journey on and off the slopes as a pioneering adaptive athlete. 

There's a political power play across the country to redistrict for control of Congress. Purplish explores if it could actually happen here, and whether it should. Then, what do car prices say about a possible "silent recession" in Colorado? Plus, a freshman at Lafayette's Centaurus High School lands in the top ten of the National Civics Bee finals. 

Even if things change fast, November is on track to be record-setting dry and warm. We ask Denver7 Chief Meteorologist Lisa Hidalgo for the Thanksgiving and ski outlooks. Then, CU economist Brian Lewandowski on whether the state faces a "Silent Recession." Plus, the aerial search for precious minerals in Southern Colorado, meet the new Denver Botanic Gardens CEO, and we hold onto 'Autumn' a little longer in the Local 303.

For Aging Matters, around since the 1970s, the Senior Companion Program is more relevant than ever today, helping older Coloradans with tasks while creating friendship. Then, community colleges are stepping up with an equivalency program to get a high school diploma. Also, what's it like leading a nonprofit focused on DEI -- diversity equity and inclusion -- when it's become "dirty word" to some? Plus, mobile health support in Weld County, and a tribute to Denver's late jazz icon, Purnell Steen. 

Democrats did well in this month's election, then almost immediately capitulated, opting to reopen the federal government without healthcare concessions from Republicans. Today, an assessment from the state party chair. Then, we remember Denver jazz pianist Purnell Steen. Also, lingering lessons from the pandemic. And "rock" music with "Formations" from University of Colorado composer and geologist Jeffrey Nytch.

Her father fought in a key battle on Riva Ridge in Italy to help end World War II. Now, 80 years later, Susannah LeVon of Grand Junction reflects on his legacy through an unexpected, and enduring friendship. Then, a growing body of research finds that moms are struggling with their mental health, battling things like stress, anxiety and even depression. Two Denver moms say they have the perfect pick-me-up to help! Then, author Devon O'Neil explores grief and tragedy after a rescue attempt in the Colorado backcountry. Plus, the history of Raton Pass. 

Geriatricians – doctors trained to treat older adults – are scarce. We meet Dr. Erika Altneu, of Salida, who discusses "deprescribing" and battling loneliness in one's later years. Then, dads answer the call for tutors at one Denver school. And CPR's former resident poet, David Rothman, shares "The Radio Poems: Transmissions from Colorado." 

Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman walks Ryan through a new homeless navigation campus that encourages work and sobriety with nicer and nicer accommodations. Then, for Thanksgiving, a celebrated Boulder sommelier chooses three wines to pair with turkey, ham, and vegetables. Plus, the impact of tariffs on a specialty cheese shop in Denver. And, indie rock and classical come back together as DeVotchKa performs with the Colorado Symphony. 

Colorado's economy has been flashing warning signs for a while, but is a recession really on the horizon? Today, the launch of our special report, "Silent Recession," looking at the numbers driving the state's economics. Then, the government shutdown has left many nonprofits scrambling to provide assistance for people missing their food benefits -- including one here in Colorado that focuses on sharing homemade lasagna made with love. And, do you want to help those in need of food? One local engineer has created an app for that!

Soon enough, Colorado will have new leadership. In 2026, top seats are wide open for the first time in eight years. From the governor, attorney general, secretary of state and treasurer to the U.S. Congress, we take stock of the midterm election with Purplish. Then, new music from the Gasoline Lollipops, which defies musical genres.