Colorado Matters

Newly-appointed state historian William Wei says Democratic governments are facing the worst crisis since the 1930s. And he hopes to get Coloradans thinking about threats to democracy at home and abroad.

Colorado's newly-appointed state historian, William Wei, says democratic governments are facing the worst crisis since the 1930's and he hopes to get Coloradans thinking about threats to democracy at home and abroad.

The flu shot and a fresh round of COVID vaccines are coming. What's the ideal timing to get them? How much protection can we expect? We ask Dr. Tamaan Osbourne-Roberts, a leading family physician in Aurora. We also discuss long COVID, which is personal to him. Plus, the journey of an opera singer back to the stage after she, too, got long COVID. And as the Paralympics begin in Paris, we re-share t...

Imagine living abroad, or even in another part of the country for a few months or longer, with your family in tow and using the world as your classroom. It might not be as far-fetched as you think. Three Boulder moms wrote a book on how to do it: "Wonder Year: A Guide to Long-Term Family Travel and Worldschooling." Chandra Thomas Whitfield spoke with co-author Julie Frieder, as well as a Denver fa...

State lawmakers begin a special session today to try to lower property taxes in order to keep two related measures off the November ballot. Then, who's in charge of the Colorado Republican Party after a weekend vote to remove the chairman? Plus, the Paralympics begin this week in Paris and feature events unique to the Games, like goalball.

Now that Vice President Kamala Harris has accepted the Democratic nomination for president, we'll ask two Coloradans who were at the convention about her message, and what's next. Then, critics of the state Republican party chair will try again this weekend to remove him. Plus, how will the hot, dry summer impact the fall and winter? Later, a PGA championship returns to Colorado for the longest co...

As people age, physical health is often top of mind, and mental health is overlooked. For "Aging Matters on Colorado Matters," we'll talk about ways to cope with the Colorado Gerontological Society, a nonprofit that offers support programs for older adults including free mental health counseling. Then, what's it like to be a Colorado delegate at the DNC? And, victory for veterans fighting for medi...

A huge victory this month for veterans fighting for expanded medical benefits after being exposed to toxic chemicals while serving at an Army base known as K2 in Uzbekistan. Troops say they experienced serious health conditions as a result. And after a decades-long fight, the VA has finally removed barriers to them receiving treatment.

Coloradans are inventive. The state’s in the top 10 for patents filed per capita. Denver is home to one of four U.S. Patent and Trademark Outreach offices outside of Washington, D.C., and it is marking 10 years. Molly Kocialski is the regional director and Cyndi Bray is an inventor who's obtained multiple patents. Later, young readers are likely to see themselves reflected in "Control Freaks," now...

By day, Colorado’s convention delegates attend meetings to get motivated for the long election season. At night, they hear from the party’s most prominent leaders. Then, as kids return to school the head of the Colorado Education Association outlines the challenges and opportunities ahead. Also, exposure to the sun can be extra hard for people with darker skin. And, why Colorado raised the drinkin...

As the Democratic National Convention gets underway, Polly Baca of Denver has participated in every one of them since 1964. She says delegates are united around Kamala Harris’ candidacy. Then, Colorado ranks fifth nationwide in school absenteeism. And, Paralympic hopeful Madison Champion on why she loves her sport. Also, a poet laureate promotes rest over relentless productivity.

They may not have planned to go to college, but they did, thanks to a network of mountain campuses. As Carrie Besnette Houser steps down as the longest-serving president of Colorado Mountain College, a picture of education, employment, and equity. Then, let's ride in a Great Dale House Car, rooted in Denver history. Plus, Yoga on the Rocks. And, your chance to "Turn the Page with Colorado Matters"...

The Museum for Black Girls in downtown Denver honors the accomplishments, resilience and “magic’’ of Black women around the world and inspires new generations. Colorado Matters co-host Chandra Thomas Whitfield toured the interactive exhibits with students from the Opening Act Theatre Camp.

People were allowed to keep Medicaid coverage during the pandemic without the usual restrictions. But when things went back to normal, some lost coverage who shouldn’t have.

During the pandemic, the US government required states to keep people on Medicaid without checking their eligibility. Then, as the pandemic wound down, those who found jobs or earned too much to qualify, had to find other coverage. The problem was, some people who still qualified for Medicaid also lost coverage.

What's next now that former Mesa County clerk Tina Peters has been convicted on seven charges connected to breaching election system security? Then, "Aging Matters" on how to avoid real estate scams. Plus, working through challenges to harvest Olathe sweet corn. Also, Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra on bird flu in Colorado. And how Project Play is working to make sports accessib...

A packed school bus, stranded in a blizzard. The driver's gone for help, and the older children are left in charge. Today, "Children of the Storm," the story of the Pleasant Hill school bus tragedy on Colorado's southeastern plains in 1931. Author and historian Ariana Harner joins us. Then, Colorado Paralympian YanXiao Gong heads to Paris already a world champion. He talks about his childhood love...

Ira Flatow wants to turn science... into dinner conversation. The host and creator of Science Friday has spent a career quenching our curiosity, and his, and making science accessible. But amidst the fun are serious issues, like water shortages, climate change, genetic engineering, and artificial intelligence. Flatow was in Colorado recently. He spoke with CPR Southern Colorado Reporter Dan Boyce...

Colorado's county clerks have been fighting back against disinformation and election lies for years. But this election, there's a twist -- Artificial Intelligence -- and they're training to ensure election integrity, before and after the vote. Then, ballroom culture has been sweeping the nation -- and the world -- for more than 40 years. How the spirit of the LGBTQ sub-culture that originated in N...

Céline Dion’s Olympic performance came despite her struggle with stiff person syndrome. She's finding help, and hope, in Colorado. Then, lawmakers may try again to address high property taxes. Plus, Cherry Creek bucks the office vacancy rate. Also, the future of the historic Zuni power plant. And, what would your Olympic sport be? Finally, Ryan Tedder and OneRepublic premiere a new outdoor venue i...

Denver Mayor Mike Johnston is optimistic as he takes on the high cost of housing, reducing homelessness and rebuilding trust with the police. Then, a job fair that helps people with felony records start over. Plus, meet Colorado cyclist Olivia Cummins as she makes her Olympic debut and celebrates her birthday at the same time. And Aging Matters looks at the importance of advance medical planning.

As Colorado endures another tough wildfire season the state has expanded its investigative team and hopes to hold people who start the blazes accountable. Then, Melissa Stockwell of Colorado Springs trains for the upcoming Paralympics in Paris. And, a Colorado Wonders question about bunnies. Plus, echoes of an epic Summer of Love concert in a college archive.

A late-night donation highlights the spirit of community in the town of Lyons amidst the nearby Stone Canyon fire. Lyons Mayor Hollie Rogin joins us. Then, both sides position their arguments in the trial of former Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters. Also, a new state law will help protect pollinating insects and rare plants. And the Taste of Ethiopia celebrates 10 years!

Does Colorado have what it needs to fight so many wildfires at once? Governor Jared Polis discusses the three current blazes and how federal funds could help in combating them. Then, fire's effect on the air we breathe is significant. And as climate change supercharges the season, health effects become a bigger and bigger concern, says pulmonologist Dr. David Beuther. Also, a new superheroine whos...

It's illegal. And a party drug. But MDMA, also known as ecstasy and molly, shows promise in treating PTSD. The FDA has an August deadline to approve it, after clinical trials that include Colorado. Then, a father and son bond over gardening in Colorado Springs. Plus, the legacy of a tough-on-crime Denver DA from the 1920s. And En Garde! A Colorado fencer heads to the Paralympics.