Colorado Matters

We run down state lawmakers' "to-do" list as they head back to the Capitol this week, with Purplish. Then, the author of the new book, "Jesus Springs" on how evangelical Christianity shaped Colorado's second-biggest city. Plus, join Ryan live and in-person for "On Fire For God" Friday at the Denver Press Club. Also, tempting tastes in the Pikes Peak region with "Side Dish." And we hop on the Atchi...

Tina Peters is back in court next week as her lawyers try to free her from prison. Unless and until that happens, Colorado may continue to feel the Trump Administration's wrath. Then, after a history of oil booms and busts -- and its most recent collapse, an expert at DU on what comes next for Venezuela. Also, could Denver experience a wildfire? Denverite talks with concerned residents. Plus, an i...

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....

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...

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 Whitfiel...

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 C...

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...

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, i...

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 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 th...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 m...

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 i...