Colorado Matters

Her adult son was shot seven times in the back by a Douglas County sheriff's deputy. Today, a mother's search for answers. Then, as Boulder prepares to host the Sundance Film Festival in 2027, could a film production there be a sign of things to come? Plus, Colorado Wonders why the school year is shorter than in other states. Also, Colorado will be getting 15 new judges. And a chance to celebrate...

What to expect from the Sundance Film Festival, courtesy of the town that lost it. From Park City, insight into the minuses and pluses from an art film owner. Then, an Oscar-winning filmmaker in Boulder who helped lure the event. Later, former Rep. Yadira Caraveo, MD, gets candid about mental health. Plus, a frozen world that's no longer frozen. Arctic adventurer and author Jonathan Waterman, of C...

Denver author and entrepreneur Danaya Wilson wants to create change. Her book is "Changemakers Wanted: Your Blueprint for Lasting Impact and Ethical Change." Then, March and April are two of the snowiest months of the year, so as part of Aging Matters on Colorado Matters, now's the time to sign up for free snow shoveling, before the next storm. And it turns out the programs benefit not only the re...

 Colorado's senior U.S. Senator, Democrat Michael Bennet, is angry at his own party as the Trump administration undertakes what Bennet calls the "wanton destruction" of the federal government. Then, why hot springs operators are concerned about Colorado's energy future. Plus, the CEO of Good Times talks about tariffs, trends and competition with big burger. And, a Colorado Springs family marks Ram...

A pediatrician explains how federal funding cuts could undo decades of progress in HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention, at home and abroad. Then, in a special out Friday, Denver comedian Adam Cayton-Holland marks 20 years of stand-up where his career began, at Lion's Lair Lounge. Plus, "Colorado Wonders" why seatbelt use lags here. And a Ukrainian family faces further uncertainty as they try to make...

The state wants to ease the housing crunch by having cities allow more homes in less space and with less parking. But not everyone agrees it's the right approach. We'll explore the debate and how some cities are pushing back with Purplish . Then, from her challenging years on a southern Colorado broomcorn farm to the hills of Hollywood, the story of author Sanora Babb, "Riding Like the Wind." 

Colorado gets important things from Canada, like gas and lumber, and, when it comes to U.S. tariffs, Canada's Consul General in Denver is perplexed. Then, "The Trip," CPR's series about Colorado's journey to legalize psychedelics. This time, the long view: the Indigenous view of plant-based medicine. Then, Colorado Wonders why the Front Range is sometimes colder than higher elevations. Plus, long-...

Former US Ambassador to Mexico Ken Salazar is back home in Colorado. We discuss US-Mexico relations including trade, border security, cartels, and understanding history at a time of political posturing and division. Then, spring has sprung, so what's in store for Colorado's weather? And CSU is ready for some March Madness! 

People who are dying have a lot to teach us, according to a Denver palliative care chaplain and host of the podcast, "Dying to Tell You," which features people confronting death by reflecting on life. Then, the senior community rallies around residents displaced by an explosion at their care facility. Also, how Colorado's black license plates may become a victim of their own success. 

 The big city with the highest violent crime rate in Colorado is Pueblo. But they've managed to get their murder rate down by cracking down on other offenses. Then, the lure of spring gardening is upon us! Ryan goes to a greenhouse in Colorado Springs to answer listener questions, from plants to pests. Plus, new poetry from Robin Walter, a CSU professor. And "The Middle" comes to Colorado to talk...

LaRonda Jones, the mother of Kilyn Lewis, wants the new district attorney to reopen the investigation into the death of her son who was shot and killed during an encounter with Aurora police last May. Then, Colorado Parks and Wildlife is keeping a close eye on our iconic state animal, the Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep. Plus, how did Colorado's high country parks come to be? And the legacy of a judi...

 From molybdenum to lithium, modern life depends on chemicals. But what the U.S. mines is rarely processed here. We'll get perspective on how mining could change under the Trump administration amid rare bipartisan agreement. Then, it's crunch time for state lawmakers as the session reaches the halfway point; Purplish looks at the big issues that still need to be resolved , including a balanced bud...

They're being charged… to work. At two Denver strip clubs, employees of all kinds are victims of wage theft, according to an investigation by the city. The clubs say they're being unfairly targeted. Then, President Trump plans to invoke the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 as part of his deportation plan. The law has a dark history in Colorado. Plus, transparency in state government, The Brown Palace's p...

It used to be a death sentence for a baby born 23 weeks early. But many, like Zev Hauser, now survive. Today, we hear from Zev’s mother about the miraculous story of his birth and from his doctor, who says, with proper treatment, babies like Zev can now thrive. Then, the Historic Park Theater may very well be the oldest single-screen movie theater in the country, and its owner says it's a real hau...

 Russ Young of Littleton, speaks to his late wife in a garden, on a phone that's not connected to anything. It's known as a wind phone, a unique way to cope with grief. Then, Coloradans are turning to town halls for answers and accountability from their congressmembers. Later, a Colorado researcher's groundbreaking research that shows being gay is not a mental illness. And later, a Denver chef wil...

Wilma Webb. Her name is synonymous with Colorado history. The former state lawmaker and first lady of Denver was recently honored for her lifetime of achievements and community service by the Colorado Women's Chamber of Commerce with the 2024 ATHENA Leadership Award. She spoke with Chandra Thomas Whitfield as part of Women's History Month. 

Survivors of sexual assault in Colorado often wait more than a year and a half for DNA results in their cases. Without results, criminal investigations may stall. Purplish looks at how state lawmakers hope to fix this problem. Then, the Justice Department examines the conviction of former Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters. And why are Colorado's forests emitting more carbon than they take in? Plus, tr...

 In the eyes of the Trump Administration, trans people do not exist. The president signed an executive order declaring, in part, “it is the policy of the United States to recognize two sexes, male and female." Reality is more nuanced than that. We get perspective from Rev. Paula Stone Williams, a pastor, therapist, and mayor pro tem of Lyons, Colorado. Then, the sandhill cranes return this weekend...

There were hours of testimony, accusations and threats on Capitol Hill as Denver Mayor Mike Johnston defended the city's actions when it comes to immigration. Johnston was part of a panel of mayors called by Republicans to answer questions about their cities’ immigration policies. Then, churches have historically been places of sanctuary. But in the immigration debate now underway, do they still f...

 Colorado confirmed its first COVID case 5 years ago. Today, vaccination rates are flagging -- and so are investments in our health. We'll get a check-up on COVID and what doctors are watching for now. Then, Denver Mayor Mike Johnston testifies in Washington, D.C. about so-called sanctuary cities and immigration. Plus, a Colorado company's about to make history on the Moon in more ways than one. A...

 As Congress debates a budget that slashes spending, there's concern those cuts could include Medicaid. We'll talk through the potential impact to patients, community health centers, hospitals -- and the state's economy. Then, doctors say it's been quite a flu season in Colorado; we'll get answers to the many questions. Also, it's Fat Tuesday, but you don't have to head down South to get a taste o...

 Our coverage of Colorado deepens today with the launch of CPR's new daily podcast, "Colorado Today." We share the inaugural episode and meet hosts Bazi Kanani and Arlo Pérez Esquivel. Plus, today is a new state holiday: "Buy Colorado Day." It elevates supporting local businesses and building Colorado's brand across the world. 

 U.S. Rep. Jeff Hurd, (R) answers questions about DOGE, possible Medicaid cuts, relocating the BLM, and the fact that people close to the president have made what appear to be Nazi salutes. Then, boycotts in the digital age. Also, a Colorado Wonders question about property taxes. And a Denver filmmaker is up for an Oscar for "Anuja," his film about sisterly love amid the trappings of child labor. 

Denver International Airport opened 30 years ago this week. We talk with two people who work at DIA who also worked at the old Stapleton Airport, about the big move, the iconic tent roof, the infamous automated baggage system and the ongoing construction. We also speak with former Denver Mayor Wellington Webb on this 30-year milestone. Webb was instrumental in the opening of the airport. He reflec...

 The Colorado-built Lunar Trailblazer will try to find water on the Moon. Then, a sixth-grade science teacher in Longmont's poem is displayed on the International Space Station. Plus, students in a small school district explain why they think cell phones should not be banned from the classroom. And, as DIA marks its 30th anniversary, a chance to tour the old airport's air traffic control tower whi...