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 Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe. 

Tom Hess, a CPR News reporter based in Grand Junction, dives into the legal battles surrounding Tina Peters, detailing her latest appeals and the potential implications for Colorado. Zachary Schell, a reporter from Denverite, discusses the increasing wildfire risks in Denver, emphasizing preparedness steps and local resiliency initiatives. The conversation also touches on Venezuela's economic struggles and geopolitical complexities, highlighting resident feelings towards U.S. actions. Plus, a quirky look at why you can't check your bags at Union Station!

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. But disaster preparedness looks a lot different. Also, Dry January doesn’t have to mean white-knuckling your way through happy hour. And, Colorado Wonders about those mysterious-looking large domes that are often found along highways while driving the Western Slope. 

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 to Creede, produce plenty of top-notch theater -- that's the focus of a new series, which we raise the curtain on today, with Colorado Springs actor Anne Terze-Schwarz in the spotlight. 

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 Whitfield takes a closer look at what life is like for older adults across Colorado, exploring how they are living, aging and thriving at this stage of life in their own words. 

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 Colorado lays out the saga. Also, four generations of the Gresham family have weathered blizzards, drought and long nights in the calving barn -- all on the same land for more than a century. The Gresham Farm was recently named a Centennial Farm. And, Ski Mountaineering is new at this year's Olympics. The games take place in February in Italy. Crested Butte’s Cam Smith will be there. 

Kristen Koval, a novelist and former trusts and estates attorney, dives deep into her debut novel, "Penitence," which tackles juvenile fratricide and the complexities of forgiveness. She shares her journey from law to fiction, including her fears and the valuable lessons learned from early rejections. Koval examines the themes of gun safety and juvenile justice, critiquing tough-on-crime policies. With a focus on character development and emotional depth, she highlights how forgiveness isn't just for the transgressor but a key to healing for those left behind.

Kristin Koval, a novelist and former attorney, dives into the complexities of forgiveness in her debut novel, Penitence. She discusses societal judgment, the impact of cancel culture, and why she chose fiction to explore redemption. Koval unpacks themes of juvenile justice, gun safety, and the intricacies of familial relationships, particularly through the lens of a tragic sibling event. The podcast also reflects on rock legend Joe Cocker's legacy in Colorado, showcasing his community ties and personal happiness.

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, in a Colorado Matters special: "After the Storm: Reflections on Hurricane Katrina." 

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 city of Denver won't meet its first big climate goals. We ask the mayor why the city is falling short, and about the plan moving forward.