Colorado Matters

This legislative session is the swan song for Colorado's outgoing governor, Jared Polis. He still has a lot on his "to do" list, but policy clashes within his own party could create some challenges. We explore that today with Purplish. Then, a researcher at the Colorado School of Mines has developed a new way to treat deep wounds, and that could just be the beginning for its use. Also, what Colorado's two largest cities are doing to send a message to ICE. Plus, we answer a Colorado Wonders question about the impact of moose on our state. 

You can't go home again, as the saying goes. But Denver author Josiah Hesse did. He returned to Mason City, Iowa — with a journalistic lens— to better understand his evangelical upbringing, and the social and economic forces that shaped it. We spoke in front of an audience at the Denver Press Club for the release of "On Fire for God: Fear, Shame, Poverty, and the Making of the Christian Right – a Personal History." 

Colorado now has a plan to reintroduce wolverines to the state, but meantime, the reintroduction of wolves is on hold for now. Then, cannabis businesses are still waiting for the executive order to reclassify marijuana to take effect. Also, a milestone for the survival rate for all types of cancer combined. We re-visiting Southern Colorado's "Gathering Place" and celebrate a pop culture moment with DeVotchKa. 

An arctic blast is moving into Colorado after months of record warmth; we talk about the impact with Denver7 chief meteorologist Lisa Hidalgo. Then, a survivor of childhood polio shares her story in the face of changing vaccine guidelines. Plus, former Denver Bronco Ryan Harris is back as the team prepares for the AFC championship game without its starting quarterback. And the Local 303 shares new music from Colorado artists for the new year! 

Teachers in Colorado are chronically tired, underpaid, and leaving the classroom in record numbers. A new report from the Colorado Education Association shows the situation is more complicated now because of directives handed down by the Trump administration and new conditions in the classroom. Then, how climate change is shaping some students in Boulder. Plus, as the New Year starts, rethinking sustainability through the clothes we buy. Also, cattle ranchers navigate the hard realities of supply and demand at the Stock Show. Later, restoring the Governor's office to its original grandeur, a chance to get organized, and creating tactile photography. 

Spirituals are rooted in a history of pain and hope. Today, Colorado Matters presents an encore episode: "Journey to Freedom" with the Spirituals Project Choir based at the University of Denver's Lamont School of Music. Our colleagues at CPR Classical spent 2022 sharing spirituals chosen by the choir's director, M. Roger Holland II. The collaboration culminated in a special event at DU’s Newman Center. A spiritual singalong with the theme of building community, music that continues to resonate today. 

Governor Jared Polis discusses the importance of mercy while addressing the controversial case of Tina Peters. He dives into Colorado's housing crisis, pushing for universal healthcare, and confronting challenges in clean energy. Ryan Harris offers insights on the Broncos' postseason hopes and highlights the team's resilience, predicting a win against the Bills. Keenan Vine shares his experience in rodeo, the significance of the National Western Stock Show, and how rodeo acts as cross-border diplomacy between the U.S. and Canada.

Tom Hess, a Western Slope reporter, unpacks the latest in the Tina Peters appeal, discussing her asserted defenses and the judges' skepticism. Meanwhile, Wilma Webb, a former Colorado state representative, delves into the history and significance of Denver's Marade, recalling Dr. King's local connections and her activism for the MLK holiday. They also touch on the challenges and innovations of AI in education, highlighting both the potential benefits and limitations of technology in the classroom.

One year into President Donald Trump's second term, he continues to break democratic norms. In our series, "If You Can Keep It," University of Denver political scientist Seth Masket provides context as the president intensifies his punishment of Colorado. Plus, Mary Jane turns 50! Also, a Denver man finds hope with a new program to help break the cycle of addiction. And a food bank café takes an innovative approach to hunger and nutrition in Grand Junction. 

It's a common New Year's resolution to start exercising, but after a few weeks, it's easy to lose motivation and fall back into old habits. A fitness expert has ideas on how to get active at any age. Plus, we share another "Portrait in Aging" featuring people in the state's fastest growing population: those 65 and older. Today, the story of 71-year-old Lucy Guo of Denver. Also, the challenge of storage for Colorado law enforcement as evidence goes digital. Then, our discussion continues about how Evangelical Christianity has shaped Colorado Springs and beyond with historian William Schultz, author of "Jesus Springs." And Colorado Wonders, who comes up with the clever messages on E-470's smart signs?