Colorado Matters

Whether you consider it half over, or half started, there's still a lot to tackle in the legislative session, from agriculture to AI. We get a halftime check-in from our public affairs team. Plus, ensuring the "Colorado Proud" label isn't abused. Then, there are no fewer than four fronts to the war in the Middle East, says Micheline Ishay, the director of the Center for Middle East Studies at the University of Denver. We talk with her about what could be next for the region. And we "Raise the Curtain" with second generation actor Annie Barbour, currently starring in "Brooklyn Laundry" at the Dairy Arts Center in Boulder.

The idea of a nursing shortage may be a little scary to those in need of health care. But the head of CSU Pueblo's school of nursing is offering solutions for what has become a national problem. Then, alleged malfeasance in Aguilar, Colorado. Also, textile artist and painter Ana Maria Hernando has opened a new show in Colorado Springs that provides a fabric dreamscape. And, with the prestigious Michelin Guide going statewide, there’s a chance Colorado Springs will see the inspectors who grant stars. 

Former University of Denver chancellor Rebecca Chopp made significant life changes when she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2019. Now, new tests indicate she may have been misdiagnosed. She shares her journey as she works to raise awareness about preventing cognitive decline and new testing diagnostics as she continues to embrace life to its fullest. Then, the challenges of relitigating the trial of a man convicted more than 30 years ago in a series of Western Slope pipe bombings. Also, Denver Pride's new vision amid construction on Colfax and in Civic Center. And, we remember Colorado centenarian Nancy Tipton. 

Colorado dance legend Cleo Parker Robinson is celebrating a dream fulfilled. Her vision? A community gathering place and center for the healing arts, with state of the art design to ensure inclusivity while preserving her original studio's historic integrity. The Cleo Parker Robinson Center for the Healing Arts is a $25 million, 25,000 square foot facility in Denver's historic Five Points neighborhood which incorporates the century-old Shorter AME Church into its lobby. Chandra Thomas Whitfield sat down with Cleo Parker Robinson to talk about this legacy building that's designed to serve the community for years to come. 

What are the economic effects of widespread deportations? It’s something CU-Denver economist Hani Mansour studied before the current crackdown, but many of the fundamentals persist. Then, Colorado has a design and merchandising museum in Fort Collins. Its current exhibit is "Thanks! It Has Pockets!" about the politics of pockets, particularly in women's clothing. Plus, an audit raises questions about how "Caring for Denver" is allocating money. And the largest homeless shelter in Western Colorado closes its doors. 

Today, we share the latest installment of "If You Can Keep It," our series about unprecedented presidential politics with Seth Masket, of the University of Denver. We take stock of the state of the union and the Supreme Court's tariffs ruling. Plus, people in Douglas County gather to learn their rights as the federal immigration crackdown stokes fear. Later, a live jazz orchestra accompanies the new ballet "Decadent Desires" for Denver's Wonderbound. And Denver's hometown metal violinist Mia Asano shares her creative musical journey as she embarks on her first national solo tour. 

Colorado continues to push back against the federal government’s dismantling of science-based health care. Then, tucked away in deep canyons, or even hidden in plain sight, you might find images on rock walls from long ago — made by Indigenous people in what's now Colorado. We go exploring with Colorado Wonders. Plus, we "Raise the Curtain" with actress Annie Barbour, known for her approach to high language. And for Black History Month, we celebrate the legacy of the late jazz icon, Denver's own Purnell Steen. 

Even flowers are confused by this unseasonably warm and dry winter. We talk with CSU horticulturalist Allison O'Connor about what to know about watering your plants given the current weather. Then, Michelin is expanding the restaurants it might honor across Colorado. We speak with Grand Junction chef Josh Niernberg about the impact it could have on business. Then, as IKEA plans to expand in Colorado, we explore its history and the origin of its name. And, we answer a Colorado Wonders question about the giant, problem-plagued LED sign that greets travelers at DIA. 

The Denver City Council has unanimously advanced a proposal to ban law enforcement from wearing masks and to require them to show identification. It was prompted by the actions of unidentifiable ICE agents who've been arresting people across the country. Then, Coloradans vacationing in Puerto Vallarta share their experiences after violence and explosions following the death of a notorious drug cartel kingpin. Also, how one woman's quest to get a birth certificate is changing guidelines in Colorado. And "Black History Live Chautauqua" honors the legacy of Paul Robeson.

Data centers use a lot of electricity and water to power artificial intelligence. They're also economic drivers. The issue divides state lawmakers who are considering two bills: One would give developers a tax break if they build in Colorado; the other would regulate their impacts on neighborhoods and the environment. We present the debate with Purplish, the podcast about politics and policy from CPR News and the Colorado Capital News Alliance.