Colorado Matters

At the most recognizable intersection in Colorado Springs, where crashes have been frequent, a statue of a man on a horse will remain. So will people's strong feelings. Then, two brothers who never imagined they'd be farming rye for whiskey. Plus, the Sky Sox are back in Colorado Springs, at least for now. Later, a meaningful hike along Fountain Creek with author Jim O'Donnell. Also, Colorado College's new president, a callout to federal workers and potential new spots for immigrant detention. 

"Give Outdoor Learning" is a first of its kind, statewide campaign that creates nature-based outings for the public. And because many programs are at risk due to budget cuts, it's also a fundraising campaign similar to Colorado Gives Day. CPR's Jenny Brundin speaks with an organizer from the Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education and two young adults who share how nature has changed them. Then, five years after a state law took effect, why is it still a challenge to track use of force by Colorado law enforcement? And later, sorting out senior living options with Aging Matters. 

Water problems in the West go deeper than the Colorado River. Beyond reservoir levels, diminishing groundwater is now an important consideration according to new research. Then, Denver's "soul food scholar" delves into the history of Asian chefs who served U.S. presidents, often on the high seas. 

With Colorado's attorney general, we decipher an important Supreme Court ruling today related to birthright citizenship. Then, we take the pulse of conservation under President Trump with Salida journalist Ben Goldfarb. Later, we sit down with the CEO of Colorado's hometown burger chain, Good Times. Thank goodness we had napkins. And new music from Arvada artist Holly Lovell, who was recently featured in the Local 303.

It's the falsetto that's captured the hearts of music lovers for more than 5 decades now -- and the long list of awards and accolades behind his name affirms that his fandom comes for, well, good "Reasons." A talk with Denver native and East High School graduate Philip Bailey as he reflects on his life and legacy as lead singer of Colorado's adopted hometown band, Earth, Wind and Fire. Also, each year thousands of Coloradans visit the U.S. Capitol, hoping to catch the attention of the state's Congressional delegation. Recently, a lot of those lobbying efforts visits have been about Republicans' huge tax and spending package. 

Too much rain fosters growth of grasses and underbrush, and not enough rain makes everything dry out, raising the risk of wildfires. So, is there a "Goldilocks" amount of rain that's just right? That's just one thing we ask Denver7 chief meteorologist Lisa Hidalgo in our regular conversation. Plus, a Western Colorado University student on the challenges of forecasting weather in Gunnison. Also, Douglas County voters reject home rule. Then, what it takes to become a confidential voter in Colorado. Plus, the Boulder Comedy Festival, how to find Indie films in movie theaters, and celebrating Pride with the Local 303.

June is Pride Month, centered on acknowledging the accomplishments and the experiences of members of the LGBTQ+ community. And for one Colorado nonprofit, it's also time to celebrate a big milestone and focus on the work left to be done. Then, Colorado author and history buff Samuel Marquis sets the record straight about his ninth-great-grandfather, the notorious pirate Captain Kidd, who was not at all the pirate legend might have you believe. 

The U.S. struck three Iranian nuclear sites over the weekend in what our guest calls “a watershed moment.” Now what? And how did we get here? Key questions Ryan asks the head of the Center for Middle East Studies at the University of Denver, Micheline Ishay. Then, Purplish explores the debate over home rule as Douglas County holds a special election Tuesday. Plus, Denver's tall, zigzagging yellow sculpture celebrates 40 years; we revisit a Colorado Wonders question asking how it came to be. 

A major psychedelics conference wraps up in Denver today. Its mission is to get more people, especially policy makers, comfortable with what has been underground. We speak with the founder of MAPS, the Multidisciplinary Association of Psychedelic Science, about the science and what's left to learn as Colorado licenses psilocybin healing centers. Plus a company in clinical trials, and an awareness campaign about the potential risks. Then, nurse Tara Rynders used to hold in all the trauma of the job. But through music and movement, she's managed to change that for herself and for other practitioners. Now she has a one-woman show, "A Nurse is Calling."

Today is Juneteenth, a time to celebrate and reflect. We talk with people who took part in Denver's annual celebration and parade. Then we head to the Boulder History Museum where an exhibit called "Proclaiming Colorado's Black History" ends its three-year run in September. Plus, the perseverance of 101-year-old Tuskegee Airman Lt. Col. James Harvey of Centennial. And Denver singer JoFoKe shares her music, her message, and her family's musical legacy that goes back generations in Colorado. 

In her arresting new novel "Penitence," author Kristin Koval creates a plot in which forgiveness is difficult, yet inescapable. The storyline allows her to explore issues of gun safety and juvenile justice, as well. Koval, who lives in the Boulder area, joined us at the 20th annual Lit Fest for our reading series "Turn The Page with Colorado Matters." 

It's a changing of the guard for the group that guides the nation's vaccine policy. We spoke with a Colorado pediatrician who used to be on the panel about how that could reshape guidance and the concerns she has moving forward. Then, a Denver woman unravels the mystery of her mother's past after fleeing Nazi Germany, and the art her family left behind. Plus, "Cycling Without Age" offers freedom for people with mobility issues. We go on another ride for "Aging Matters on Colorado Matters."

The Justice Department wants Colorado's voting records. We ask the Secretary of State and the head of Colorado's County Clerks about the request and the reasons. Then, a new way to measure snowpack from the air could help waters planners make sure there's enough to go around. Plus, the debate over the sale of federal public lands, how the land is managed, and cuts to staffing. Also, Colorado Wonders about coal trains. And later, a whole bunch of Ryans will descend on Coors Field. 

About the same time a man shot flames at Jewish people in Boulder, Rabbi Caryn Aviv hit "send" on the final draft of her new book, “Unlearning Jewish Anxiety.” Aviv is the spiritual leader of Judaism Your Way in Denver and Boulder. Previously she taught Israel-Palestine studies at a university level. Rabbi Aviv is also Sr. Host Ryan Warner's rabbi. 

In the wake of 2020's racial reckoning, DEI initiatives surged across the country, from corporations to the classroom. But that momentum has taken a big hit in recent months under a new presidential administration as evidenced by federal funding cuts, restructured priorities and arguably a growing political backlash against DEI policies. So what's been learned? And what's next? Chandra Thomas Whitfield hosted a panel discussion at the Blair Caldwell African American Research Library as part of Juneteenth. She was joined by retired senior Denver County Court judge Gary Jackson, community advocate and "actionist" Candice Bailey, Boulder author Rosalind Wiseman, and recent CSU graduate and budding documentarian Jevon "JJ" McKinney.

Colorado Matters travels to Northern Colorado, as crews in Greeley build the state's third medical school. How it could ease the physician shortage. Then, we visit the test gardens that help determine which plants you find in your local nursery. And a commencement speech at CSU from a budding documentarian who defies cultural expectations. 

As the state allows its first psilocybin healing centers, a church in Colorado Springs is finding connection through psychedelics. We visit the church with "The Trip: CPR's coverage of Colorado's psychedelic journey." Then, Colorado led the nation for police accountability reform in response to the Black Lives Matter movement. We find out how it's working five years later and what's still to be done, with Purplish. Plus, for Pride Month, we re-share a conversation about how Scouting America became inclusive for all young people.

As a girl growing up in Gunnison, Shelley Read swam in Blue Mesa Reservoir. And she knew of the watery ghost town just beneath her. That ultimately led to her writing about it; the novel, now a global bestseller, is called "Go As A River." And it's not just about the disappearance of the town of Iola, Colorado. Then, students creating a workforce for climate resiliency. And, Colorado Wonders why some holders of annual state park passes may have to pay an extra fee to enter. 

 "The Impact Project" is a tool to track and display cuts to federal agencies; we speak with the founding director. Then, an update on the survivors and the suspect in Sunday's firebomb attack in Boulder. Plus, a nationally renowned Colorado theater company that makes theater-going more accessible adapts in the face of canceled grants. And Festival Flamboyan is a first-of-its-kind event that hopes to connect Coloradans. 

We hear from a survivor of the firebomb attack in Boulder as the community gathers to show support and solidarity. Then, what to know about the spread of measles as the busy summer travel season begins. Plus, a summit ahead of Father's Day aims to "restore, rebuild, and reimagine" fatherhood in a supportive and inclusive way. Later, how federal cuts to arts funding is having a ripple effect on a unique exhibit in western Colorado. And singer/songwriter Kayla Marque kicks off the Cultural Caravan Festival.

Hiroshima survivor Tamayo Terada welcomed us into her Denver home, as her adult children gathered round. Less than a month after that gathering, Terada passed away. Then, advice for jobseekers in uncertain times. Plus, a Colorado woman's half-century journey with diabetes. And, Colorado country music, according to The Barlow. 

Today, we explore grief and how to cope with it in Aging Matters. Plus, we visit a clothing and coffee shop in Longmont where they host weekly "grief circles." Then, how has Colorado state law about policing changed since George Floyd was murdered by police in Minneapolis five years ago. And later, Colorado Wonders about why there aren't more fruit trees in cities like Denver. 

The Jewish holiday of Shavuot, when Jewish people celebrate the gift of the Torah – the Hebrew bible, was marred by violence as eight people were attacked Sunday in Boulder. Attorney General Phil Weiser provided an update on the latest developments. Then, have immigration protocols shifted from finding criminals to stopping those following the current guidelines? Later, oil companies aren't always complying with fracking laws. Plus, how cancelling millions of dollars in grants has impacted addressing environmental inequities. Also, a look back as Pride 2025 kicks off, and the evolution of street art. 

Eighty percent of the world's population can't see The Milky Way. Light pollution interferes. Author and adventurer Craig Childs, of Norwood, Colorado, writes about a trek from light to dark in his new book. "The Wild Dark" takes readers from the incandescence of Las Vegas to the spangled skies of rural Nevada. Childs spoke with Sr. Host Ryan Warner at this month's Mountain Words Festival in Crested Butte. 

Due to President Trump's involvement and a recent high profile pardon, the governor's office has received hundreds of emails from people wanting to see former Mesa County clerk Tina Peters released from prison. Where does the effort stand? Then, it's long been shown that fluoride helps prevent tooth decay. A young dentist actually discovered it in Colorado Springs in 1901. We get some grounding amid a recent debate about its benefits. And, looking inside oneself to overcome professional barriers. And a unique end-of-the-year school project for students at Warren Tech.

Federal agents have been knocking on doors in Colorado; on the other side of those doors: kids who crossed the border illegally and alone. CPR Justice reporter Allison Sherry brings us her investigation, a story she broke. Then, could the BLM relocate to Colorado, again? Also, the case of a Grand Junction man convicted in deadly pipe bombings; we talk with the Innocence Project about faulty forensic science. And later, an unexpected collaboration from the Colorado Symphony, this time with Denver funk band Lettuce. 

Today, the stories of two Colorado veterans who've had two different experiences with PTSD and how to treat it. Could psilocybin be the answer, and if it is, what are the challenges to getting it? We find out with "The Trip: CPR's Coverage of Colorado's Psychedelic Journey." Then, five years after the murder of George Floyd, where does the Black Lives Matters movement stand? Plus, it's the beginning of the end for the penny. And, the story of a special education teacher in Colorado, and the effort to recruit and train more. 

"Cruel" and "disastrous" is how Gov. Jared Polis describes the US House's budget plan. Meanwhile, Colorado cities sue him over housing requirements. Also, Polis on immigration and a pedestrian bridge proposed at the State Capitol. Then, a destructive start to severe weather season. Later, how two rafting companies navigate tariffs. And Joe Cocker joins the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. He found inner peace in Colorado. 

Today we go inside the classroom, with Colorado's Teacher of the Year, Janet Damon of Delta High School, an alternative public school in Denver. How growing up in Colorado helped shape her as an educator, plus, her students share the qualities they've learned from her that will help them seize the summer. Also, documentary filmmaker and Colorado College alum Mike Shum speaks at graduation day. Plus, scientists estimate that as many as 75 percent of the insects in the world have vanished over the past 50 years. Among the species hardest hit: the Monarch butterfly. What you can do to help. 

This country's nuclear arsenal is “geriatric.” And many of the people who maintain it are heading towards retirement. Plus, the agency that oversees the nuclear arsenal has not been immune to the possibility of federal staffing cuts. Colorado science writer Sarah Scoles examines the future of nuclear defense in her book, “Countdown: The Blinding Future of Nuclear Weapons.” She spoke with Ryan Warner at the Center for the Arts in Crested Butte during last spring's Mountain Words Festival.Ryan will be back at this year's festival on May 24 to interview author Craig Childs, whose new book is "The Wild Dark: Finding the Night Sky in the Age of Light."

When it comes to planning for Colorado's fastest growing population, people 65 and older, the state's Senior Specialist on Aging, Kristine Burrows, says it needs to be a group effort that includes government, the business community, nonprofits, philanthropy, and anyone with a vision for big, bold ideas. The state just released a new report called "The Multi-Sector Plan on Aging." Today in a special Aging Matters on Colorado Matters, Burrows speaks with Chandra Thomas Whitfield in front of an audience at CPR, to talk about everything from healthcare and housing, to jobs for older workers and fighting ageism. 

Governor Jared Polis is flexing his executive power. He vetoed a priority bill for Democrats and threatens to withhold funds from cities that don't follow new housing laws. Also, Denver Mayor Mike Johnston talks about an evolving vision for downtown Denver and big project investments. Then, Denver Post reporter Sam Tabachnik on his investigation into the death of a 7-year-old Grand County boy and the questions it raises about child abuse investigations. Later, a human trafficking survivor shares a message of strength at the Front Range Community College commencement. And the Green Box Arts Festival is back! 

The first 100 days of President Trump's second time as president is seen by many as a good indicator of what is to come. Early on, he set out his agenda to be tough on immigration, reduce the size of government and overhaul education. How has this affected Coloradans so far? CPR News  journalists explain how Trump's policies are changing lives in Colorado.Hosted by Caitlyn Kim.   Reported by Caitlyn Kim, Allison Sherry, Sarah Mulholland, Jenny Brudin, John Daley and Bente Birkland.  Edited by Jo Erickson, and Megan Verlee   The executive producers are Kevin Dale and Rachel Estabrook   Find more information about Trump's impacts on Colorado here.  For more episodes of Colorado In Depth, follow the show in your podcast feed. Colorado in Depth is a production of Colorado Public Radio, which is part of the NPR Network.

It's been a trying year for Denver's mayor. Mike Johnston has battled with the Trump administration over the city's welcoming immigration policies. On the flipside, a top attraction, the 16th Street Mall, is finally reopening. Then, a steel startup in Boulder plans to make climate-friendly iron. And MSNBC's Eugene Daniels returns to his alma matter, CSU, as president of the White House Correspondents' Association. 

Navigating the on-again-off-again tariffs can be like navigating the rapids on a river in Colorado. We hear from two raft supply companies about the impact. Then, words to live by from the student speaker at Western Colorado University's commencement. Plus, how older Coloradans are connecting with kids in the classroom for mutual benefit. And a creative way to preserve oral histories in Denver's Curtis Park neighborhood. 

President Trump has signed executive orders at a dizzying pace: 152 as of this morning. Any number of them affect Colorado. That has kept Democratic Attorney General Phil Weiser very busy -- he's filed filed 20 lawsuits so far challenging some of those orders. Then, cuts to food aid are on the table as Congress considers a new spending bill. Plus, a landmark climate lawsuit moves forward in Boulder. And the second annual KlezKolorado festival is this weekend with Jewish music for everyone. 

When Angela Lee moved to Life Care Center of Evergreen, she was lonely. Until one day changed it all...Love For Our Elders is a non-profit organization that aims to relieve loneliness among people living in care facilities through letter writing. Then, a new documentary by a retiree in Grand Junction examines "The Invisible Patient" -- stories of families with mentally ill adult children, and a community trying to become a model for mental health care. Also, Seniors for Seniors pairs older pets with older adults. 

Now that this year's state legislative session has ended, what did lawmakers accomplish? And what did they miss? We'll take stock with "Purplish." Plus two freshman lawmakers reflect on their experience. And a little poetry to sum up the session. 

Colorado's a flashpoint when it comes to immigration, especially Aurora and Denver, which the new administration has singled out. CPR justice reporter Allison Sherry and Denverite's Kyle Harris join a roundtable with our colleagues at "The Middle" hosted by Jeremy Dobson. Then, a milestone for construction on Colfax Avenue. Plus, a new passenger train could be on track for the mountains. And changes at Ford Amphitheater to address noise complaints as a new season kicks off. 

A bike maker in Colorado Springs has been building Colorado-inspired bicycles for more than a decade, but the reality of tariffs means going out of business. And, from mass layoffs at the Department of Education to a crusade against DEI in schools, the Trump Administration has sent shockwaves through Colorado classrooms. Also, Welcome to the Indieverse! 

 How much did Colorado lawmakers cross off their "to do" list, and what's left to do as they head into the final day of the legislative session? Then, what potential federal funding cuts could mean to public media in Colorado. Plus, how the Colorado Flower Collective is helping local flower farmers. Later, words to remember to stay safe from lightning this severe weather season. And celebrate 25 years of otherworldly observations in the San Luis Valley. 

Federal funding cuts are creating a domino effect for Colorado nonprofits as they work to figure out what's next. Then, Secretary of Energy Chris Wright says he's not a climate change denier; he's a climate change realist. What does that mean for alternative sources of energy? Plus, author Tommy Orange's commencement message for the graduating class of Fort Lewis College in Durango.