Colorado Matters

An off-duty employee at the ICE detention center in Aurora faces charges after police say he shot toward a demonstrator who was struck in the foot amid heightened tension about immigration enforcement. Then, homeowners try to cope after losing everything in the Aspen Acres fire. Plus, the Denver Sports Commission celebrates 25 years of bringing big sports events and sports history to Colorado. Also, journalist and author Linda Stasi's historic novel, "The Descendent" receives a big honor as it becomes a best seller. And the effort to save an endangered fish on the Western Slope brings together the federal government, high school students, and baseball players.

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." Editor's Note: This episode of Colorado Matters originally aired on January 23, 2026.

The constitution gives states dominion over elections. Here, mail-in ballots are popular and secure. But the president wants to turn that upside down. Reaction and analysis to Thursday's address, including the latest edition of "If You Can Keep It." Then, a Denver immigration judge -- hired during the first Trump administration -- was fired in the second. She says she refused to cave to political pressure. And, in Indie's 102.3's Local 303, Colorado musicians pull off a feat -- appearances at two festivals at the same time.

Colorado's population is aging and birth rates are dropping. We ask the new state demographer, Neal Marquez, what the changes might mean for Colorado. Then, CU Boulder researcher Mija Hubler has helped design a new material using a quick-growing bacteria that's a clean alternative to concrete and cement. Plus, a podcast examines Colorado's habitual offender law and asks if harsher sentences are truly a deterrent. Also, new hope for an infamous apartment complex in Aurora. And, a Colorado author explores salt lakes as they face an uncertain future.

Front Range passenger rail could barrel down the tracks three years from now. We speak with Sal Pace, general manager of CoCo – the Colorado Connector. Then, a new mile-high marker for Denver that's as accurate as ever. Plus, a massive bathhouse is planned for an acre in downtown Denver. How might it create community? Also, how "movies under the stars" support firefighters, and a woman who lost her home twice to flames reflects on recovery. Later, a Colorado wilderness doctor returns from Greenland where he tended to climate scientists. And Colorado Wonders, where do bats hang out during the day?

In Colorado, many families spend more than 20% of their income on child care, if they can find it all. A new documentary from Rocky Mountain PBS, "Careless: Colorado's Child Care Struggles," shares the stories of parents working to navigate the challenges of child care, and those coming up with creative solutions. Then, there's a new accelerated program at the CU School of Medicine to become a doctor. And it's one of the darkest moments in Colorado history: the Sand Creek Massacre of 1864, but Captain Silas Soule refused to take part. What the letters he wrote say about moral courage and conviction ahead of a panel discussion at the National Western Center July 25.

"I'm not an artist." That's something two art instructors who founded Purple Art hear a lot as they visit retirement communities across the Front Range. Many of their clients have dementia. In our series Aging Matters, we speak with art teachers the Colorado's Alzheimer's Association hand-picked. Then, tourists think twice about their vacations because of wildfire. Plus, an effort to make Colorado's Great Outdoors more inclusive and affordable. Also, why it's not only okay, but recommended, for kids to play in the mud. And "Cowboys and East Indians," a play about identity, culture, and belonging, is up for a Colorado Theatre Guild award.

The mayor of Colorado Springs, who’s independent, hired the Republican he beat as his chief of staff. Today, a conversation about civility, service and even and submission with Yemi Mobolade and Wayne Williams. Then, we visit a fire camp for the Aspen Acres fire near Pueblo. Plus, an adobe labyrinth by the state's oldest church in the San Luis Valley. And a living kidney donor proves you can have a normal life after giving the gift of life.

As we wait to find out who the Republican candidate for governor will be in Colorado, we speak with Democratic candidate Phil Weiser, the current attorney general. Ryan Warner asks about his statewide strategy heading into the general election as well as gerrymandering and consequential court rulings. Then, we "Raise the Curtain" on theater critics with OnStage Colorado and find out their suggestions for the summer theater season.

Denver's representative in Congress will, very likely, be Melat Kiros. Fresh off her primary upset, the Democratic Socialist goes in-depth on how she'd legislate with a Republican president. Kiros also tells us her recent comments about the Boulder firebombing fell short. Then, CSU starts a new chapter in sports history as it joins the Pac-12. We speak about the change and the opportunities it presents with CSU athletic director John Weber. And, we share Denverite's "race" to Red Rocks with a new option in public transit.

The Colorado Black Arts Festival marks a milestone this summer. One of the state's most enduring cultural institutions is celebrating 40 years of showcasing Black art, music, food, and community as the festival returns to Denver’s City Park July 10-12 with the theme, “Through Our Eyes,” a reflection on past, present, and future. We chat with executive director Jaleesa McIntosh and featured artist Keisha Makonese. Then, Purplish takes stock of the primary election and what it may say about the state of politics in Colorado heading into the general election.

Climate change means stronger winds and more dry lightning, says Senior Editor at Inside Climate News Michael Kodas. The Boulder journalist is the author of "Megafire: The Race to Extinguish a Deadly Epidemic of Flame." Then, Estes Park climber and restaurateur Melissa Strong has written "Climbing Through," about recovering from electrocution.

In the face of global climate change, what room is there for the concept of "Leave No Trace?" We sit on a riverbank and ask the head of the Boulder-based Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics, which is in its third decade. Then, we get a bead on Indigenous designers Adrian Stevens and Sean Snyder who have been celebrated by both Vogue and the Denver Art Museum.

As America prepares to celebrate the Fourth of July, a Colorado man with ties to one of the Founding Fathers, reckons with the country's complicated history and a family divided. Then, as wildfires continue to burn in parts of Colorado, we hear the stories of people forced to leave their homes at one of the largest, the Gold Mountain Fire near Ouray. Plus, a new documentary streaming on HBO Max shares the history of the legendary band, Earth Wind & Fire, featuring Philip Bailey from Denver. And as America marks 250 years, we re-share a musical milestone for Colorado jazz saxophonist Tony Exum Jr. who performed the National Anthem at an NFL game.

With one statewide race still too close to call, we take Colorado's political pulse after the primary election. We dip into victory speeches and get insight from a panel of politicos: Alton Dillard, an unaffiliated communications specialist; Bianca Emerson, a Democratic political strategist and president of Colorado Black Women for Political Action; and Republican Krista Kafer, weekly opinion columnist for the Denver Post.

At least five major wildfires continue to burn in parts of the state today, prompting some evacuations and air quality warnings. Then, it's Election Day in Colorado; we'll take a closer look at how your vote is counted and why it can take weeks to get final results. Also, as Colorado marks its 150th anniversary, Purplish shares the unique history inside the State Capitol. Plus, Annie Barbour is nominated for a Henry Award from the Colorado Theatre Guild for her work at the Dairy Arts Center in Boulder for "Brooklyn Laundry," a role that took on deeper personal meaning. We spoke with her in March for our series, "Raise the Curtain," highlighting Colorado's vibrant theater scene.

Long before Donald Trump came to power, the Republican party was getting ready for him... or someone like him. You can go as far back as Nixon’s loss to Kennedy, which University of Denver political scientist Seth Masket does in his new book. It’s titled “The Elephants in the Room: How Trump Voters Seized the Party from Republican Leaders.” But it’s not just a look back. It’s a reflection on political violence today. Masket also ponders what the GOP might look like after Trump. We traveled to The Tattered Cover Book Store on Colfax in Denver for the book’s release.

In mountain towns and plains communities, voters approach Tuesday’s primary with a unique agenda. CPR has been traveling the state to hear what’s on their minds. Then, Megan Falley, the widow of Colorado's late poet laureate, Andrea Gibson, reflects on loss and the possibility of an afterlife with Andrea Dukakis for "Searching for Jobie." A film of Gibson's final live performance with the Colorado Symphony premieres at Red Rocks on July 5. And later, the Local 303 celebrates Pride with local musicians ahead of this Sunday's parade and the Local 303 meetup on Monday.

Today, the story of one woman in recovery from an eating disorder that started when she was very young. The Eating Recovery Center in Denver has seen an uptick in younger kids needing treatment. Then, how the San Luis Valley overcame a justice system in crisis. Plus, we "Raise the Curtain" on a theater company in Colorado Springs with half a century under its belt. And we hike up Colorado's only active volcano!

The primary election's next week. We're talking to voters about some of the tightest races. Then, two student filmmakers take on the subject of family: the one we're born into versus the one we choose. And we pinch, pleat, fold, then turn with award-winning dumpling chef Penelope Wong of Denver's Yuan Wonton, who was recently named "Best Chef in the Mountain Region" by the James Beard Foundation.

Burping your home involves opening windows and doors to let the outdoor air in to get rid of toxins inside. We met Delphine Farmer, an atmospheric chemist at Colorado State University who studies indoor air, at a house in Westminster, to learn what to consider. Then, a mother works to balance child care with her dream of working in healthcare. And composer Grace Hale returns to her alma mater to premiere her new chamber piece, "Colored Glass" at the Colorado College Summer Music Festival.

In bear encounters and shipwrecks, Rachel Weaver was steady on her feet. But after leaving Alaska for Colorado, something knocked her off of them-- a medical mystery that dragged on for nearly two decades. Weaver's new memoir "Dizzy" is for anyone whose medical claim has been denied or who has waited an hour for the doctor... then not felt heard. The Louisville, Colorado author joined us at this year's LitFest from Lighthouse Writers Workshop for our reading series “Turn The Page.”

Summer officially starts with the solstice on Sunday, but Colorado's already feeling the heat. We get the seasonal outlook with Denver7 Chief Meteorologist Lisa Hidalgo. Then, Denver's city auditor wants input about what to scrutinize next. And Broomfield librarian and author Pardeep Toor debuts "Hands," a collection of short stories that question the American Dream.

The debate over data centers has prompted thousands of questions about the approval process and the impact in Colorado Springs. Then, what if the United States treated child care in the same way it treats schools, parks and libraries? Denver author Elliot Haspel explores that idea in his book, "Raising a Nation." And we catch up with 14-year-old Jeremiah Daniels and his parents, Joy and Terrance, as his debut movie, "The Color Book," about a father raising a son with Down Syndrome, premieres on Netflix June 19.

Kind of like renters do, oil and gas operators must leave a deposit in case they make a mess. But an investigation by Denver journalist Joe Fassler found the state's failed to collect as much as $1 billion in bonding. Then, "Raising Colorado" looks at the challenges military families have finding childcare. Plus, we visit a French-inspired restaurant in Crested Butte which opens for the season on Friday. And get a behind-the scenes tour of the new Leonardo da Vinci Museum in Pueblo.

There's a lot at stake in this month's primary election, including helping shape who takes control of Congress in the general election in November. We'll break it down with Purplish. Then, the Colorado Rockies will honor Theodore "Bubbles" Anderson in a pregame ceremony on Friday. Anderson was the only Colorado native to play in the Negro Baseball League in an era of racial segregation in America and was inducted into the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame last spring.

We go underground into the tunnels Denver International Airport wants to transform into passenger walkways between the concourses. And Ryan Warner sits down with outgoing CEO Phil Washington, about the airport's growth and what the future may hold. Then, a commencement speech at Colorado College that resonates beyond the graduating class. Also, "On Our Minds" gives budding journalists a chance to share their stories, including memories of childhood road trips to Winter Park. And an entrepreneur taps his record collection to trade in Silicon Valley for the San Luis Valley.

In its hiring and promotional imagery, the Department of Homeland Security has leaned on a familiar trope: White westerners dominating the frontier. Historian Megan Kate Nelson calls it the frontier myth... that westward expansion was limited to white nuclear families in covered wagons. In her new book "The Westerners," Nelson introduces us to extraordinary historical characters who demonstrate otherwise. We spoke at this year's Mountain Words Festival at Center for the Arts Crested Butte.

Colorado hasn’t elected a Republican governor in more than two decades. One candidate on the primary ballot thinks a renewed focus on the state budget will be her path to victory. Barbara Kirkmeyer is our guest today. Tuesday, we heard from one of her opponents in the Republican race, Scott Bottoms. The third candidate on the primary ballot, Victor Marx, has declined an interview. All three candidates answered questions for our voter guide.

Since losing her daughter, Jobie, to a brain tumor, CPR's Andrea Dukakis has contemplated whether there's an afterlife. In a new series, "Searching for Jobie," Andrea combines a journalist's lens with a mother's yearning. Then, soccer star Marcelo Balboa, who now calls Colorado home, shares his World Cup experiences as the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off.

Colorado hasn’t elected a Republican governor in more than two decades. One candidate on the primary ballot thinks unapologetic conservatism will be the key to changing that. Scott Bottoms is our guest today. Thursday, we'll hear from one of his opponents in the Republican race, Barbara Kirkmeyer. The third candidate on the primary ballot, Victor Marx, has declined an interview. All three candidates answered questions for our voter guide.

A pioneer in aging research has died. Tom Johnson proved that genes affect longevity. His work at the University of Colorado spawned an entire scientific field, and led to breakthroughs in diseases like Alzheimer's. For our series Aging Matters, we learn about Johnson’s legacy. Simon Melov worked with him as a post-doc in the 1990s. Melov's now a professor at California's Buck Institute for Research on Aging. Then, former Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters is free, but her story's far from over. We get perspective from Purplish.

Come along as Boulder County commissioner and former state lawmaker Claire Levy, who's Jewish, has her German citizenship restored. Then, we hear from the two Democrats vying to be the next governor of Colorado, and we take a closer look at the midterms including how to vote in third party primaries. Then, how a small town public radio station in Colorado is doing after losing a quarter of its budget. Plus, an out of this world contract for Lunar Outpost in Golden. And the Denver Greek Festival celebrates 60 years with music, dancing, food and culture.

For the first time, the three Republican candidates for Colorado governor took the debate stage together, and the result was unlike any political debate in recent memory. Then, a unique summer camp is supporting families through the complexities of transracial adoption while creating a sense of belonging and safety for adoptees and their parents. Also, the parental paradox of needing child care in order to work, and needing to work in order to pay for child care; one business in Denver is trying to helping its employees find balance. And what "Art from the Yard" says about identity, culture, and control over space.

The first reform to sports gambling in Colorado was signed into law on Monday. It addresses growing concerns about addiction and financial ruin. CPR investigative reporter Ben Markus has covered sports betting since before it was even legal, and spoke about the changes with Ryan Warner. Then, it's a dream come true for Greek and Indigenous artist Anna Tsouhlarakis whose work is now featured in the Whitney Biennial. And, what stress levels in a tiny pika can tell us about a changing climate.

Colorado hasn't elected a Republican governor in nearly 30 years. Three Republicans on the primary ballot are hoping to change that. Purplish takes a closer look at the field; yesterday, we heard about the two Democrats on the primary ballot. Then, as the average American farmer nears retirement age, there's growing concern about who will take over for them; a new program hopes to inspire and support the next generation.

Former Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters was released from prison today after Governor Jared Polis commuted her sentence. We ask Matt Crane, executive director of the Colorado County Clerks Association, about the release and the Trump administration's pushback against voting by mail. Then, Purplish breaks down the candidates for governor: today, the two Democrats; tomorrow, the three Republicans. And we share another commencement speech during graduation season; this time, Vice President JD Vance who spoke at the US Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs.

It stung to hear. Amanda McCracken’s therapist told her, “longing is your lover.” This followed decades of dates, flings, and fantasies, but no committed relationship. The Boulder journalist turned her search for a solution into a cottage industry. She has a podcast called “The Longing Lab.” She did a popular TED Talk. And her new book is “When Longing Becomes Your Lover.”

Finding affordable child care is a major challenge for many parents, and it's especially true for essential workers on 12 or 48 hour shifts. The system isn’t built for them. That's just one reason CPR News has launched a new series, "Raising Colorado: The untold costs of a broken child care system." It's led by CPR education reporter Jenny Brundin and we're featuring her work today, taking a deeper dive into what's happening. She shares the story of firefighter James Ferraro and his wife Chelsea, a nurse. They're trying to balance work and two young kids with no family in town. Jenny also speaks with Denver-based author Elliot Haspel author of "Raising a Nation: 10 Reasons Every American has a Stake in Child Care for All."

Julie Gonzales wants to make John Hickenlooper a one-term senator. The state lawmaker is running against him in the Democratic primary and spoke with Ryan Warner about her vision and priorities. Then, a commencement speaker at Front Range Community College who refused to give in to life's obstacles. Plus, how Denver is trying to keep beavers at bay. And meet Lauren Frihauf, the Denver singer/songwriter who made the finals of NPR's Tiny Desk Contest!

As the United States marks 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 on July 4th and Colorado prepares to celebrate 150 years of statehood on August 1st, today for our series Aging Matters, we feature “Portraits In Aging,” a series of conversations Chandra Thomas Whitfield had with a diverse mix of Coloradans who talk about what it’s like growing older here. Aging, in their own words. And their perspectives are especially relevant and timely; those age 65 and older are the fastest growing population in our state, impacting everything here from housing to healthcare.

As Colorado embarks on its psychedelic experiment, people can now receive psilocybin-assisted therapy at healing centers. The state is also grappling with how to enable therapy with the psychedelic ibogaine, which has shown promise for treating addiction. The use of psychedelic-assisted therapy was a component of Colorado’s psychedelic law approved by voters in 2022. We share a conversation from the most recent Aspen Ideas Festival as part of our coverage, "The Trip," about Colorado’s psychedelic journey. Krista Tippett, who created and hosts the podcast “On Being,” interviewed Gül Dölen, a psychology professor at the University of California Berkeley and a leader in psychedelics research. This episode of Colorado Matters originally aired on February 2, 2026

The Democratic Party formally censured Gov. Jared Polis this week after he commuted the sentence of former Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters. CPR public affairs Bente Birkeland joins us with context about the censure, and what's next for Peters. Then, Denver7 chief meteorologist Lisa Hidalgo has the weather outlook for the Memorial Day holiday weekend and if this week's rain had any impact on the statewide drought. Plus, an inspiring commencement speech at Red Rocks Community College. And Ryan sits down with Denver Mayor Mike Johnston to ask about the new homelessness count, data centers, crime, rapid bus transit and courting the DNC.

Ahead of the primary election, we hear from three of the four Democratic candidates for state attorney general. Former federal prosecutor Hetal Doshi, Boulder County District Attorney Michael Dougherty, and attorney David Seligman. They took part in a candidate forum moderated by Chandra Thomas Whitfield at the Colorado Women's Bar Association conference in Vail on Friday, May 15, 2026. The fourth Democratic candidate on the primary ballot, Secretary of State Jena Griswold, did not participate. The two candidates on the Republican primary ballot, Colorado Springs District Attorney Michael Allen and attorney David Willson, were also invited to take part. Allen declined and Willson was unable to attend at the last minute.

She’s a student of government – and a participant. Melat Kiros is taking a break from graduate school in hopes of pulling off a political victory: Unseating Denver’s longtime congresswoman Diana DeGette. Kiros is our guest today. You can also read and listen to Ryan Warner’s interviews with Wanda James and Diana DeGette. Then, how Steven Ramm, an aerospace engineer at Lockheed Martin, turned spreadsheets into survival skills. Plus, a new magical muse for Denver singer/songwriter Neyla Pekarek who performs this Friday at the Oriental Theater.

A familiar name will be on the Democratic primary ballot in Denver. Diana DeGette wants to stay in Congress, and today makes her case. You can also read and listen to Ryan Warner's interviews with Melat Kiros and Wanda James now. Then, the cost of child care is akin to the cost of college tuition, and it impacts everyone-- even those without kids. CPR education reporter Jenny Brundin leads the new series, "Raising Colorado: The Untold Story of a Broken Child Care System." Plus, Purplish shares some of the state's new laws as the legislative session ends.

There’s a three-way Democratic primary next month to represent Denver and Glendale in Congress. We hear from them this week. A coin toss determined the order. We start with entrepreneur and current CU Regent Wanda James. You can also read and listen to Ryan Warner's interviews with Melat Kiros and Diana DeGette now. Then, what's next for former Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters as reaction comes swiftly to the governor's decision to commute her sentence. And, tonight's Local 303 meetup celebrates Colorado artists in May!

Democrat Michael Bennet hopes to leave the US Senate and become Colorado's next governor. Ahead of the June 30th primary, Bennet is our guest today. Yesterday, we heard from his opponent in the Democratic race, Attorney General Phil Weiser. We asked both what their boldest idea is for Colorado, how they'll achieve it, plus healthcare, water, AI regulation, and the state's now perennial budget gaps.

The state's top attorney wants to be its next chief executive. Democrat Phil Weiser is running for governor. Ahead of the June 30th primary, Weiser is our guest today. Tomorrow: his opponent in the Democratic race, Senator Michael Bennet. We'll ask both what their boldest idea is for Colorado, how they'll achieve it, plus healthcare, water, AI regulation, and the state's now perennial budget gaps.

How do you help someone break the cycle of homelessness, if they don't want help? Denverite's Kyle Harris shares one woman's story that raises bigger questions about finding solutions to an issue that can divide communities. Then, a new state law puts portable solar panels within reach, especially for renters. Also, amid drought and water restrictions, one homeowner fights to re-use water. Plus, a "Sex and the City" star has a message for CU-Boulder graduates, CPR's new host of Morning Edition, Bazi Kanani, talks about her journey in journalism, and Aging Matters puts the focus on fitness; it can be as simple as going for a walk.