Colorado Matters

Election watchers say a last-minute Republican wave could help GOP candidates in several close races across the country, but with the midterm elections just days away, that may not be the case in Colorado. Then, voices of voters who don't fit into partisan boxes and why long-shot candidates run for office.

Children's doctors in Colorado are dealing with a 'tripledemic' of RSV, the flu, and COVID-19. Then, how do you judge which judges to retain this election? Plus, the 45th Denver Film Festival is all about discovery and hidden gems. And one of the featured films, "The Whale," which is generating a lot of buzz, got its start as a play in Denver.

Election Day is in one week and the voting process is under a magnifying glass of scrutiny. County clerks say they welcome the chance to show skeptics how the system works. That's the focus of Purplish, CPR's podcast about politics and policy. Then, we head to Vail, home of North America's highest botanic gardens, to get ideas for preparing your garden for winter.

Former University of Denver chancellor Rebecca Chopp talks about her Alzheimer’s diagnosis and what she’s doing to keep her mind and body healthy. Then, what researchers in Colorado are learning about Alzheimer’s and dementia. And, a spooky ghost town that was once a thriving mining town. Also, a new season for a resilient ballet company.

A panel of students from Metropolitan State University in Denver recently had the opportunity to question Colorado's U.S. Senate candidates as part of The Solution Studio. They asked Democratic incumbent Michael Bennet and Republican Joe O'Dea about affordable housing, immigration, and homelessness. Today's focus is on immigration. Later, the challenges for social workers in El Paso County.

Coloradans will vote on a statewide measure to address the issue of affordable housing. We’ll break that down along with about a dozen local ballot measures on the issue. Then, voters who don’t fit neatly into partisan boxes. And, remembering a trailblazing female judge. Also, solutions to the rise in car thefts and a new conductor for the Colorado Symphony.

In addition to key statewide races for governor, U.S. Senate, and House of Representatives, there are eleven statewide ballot measures to consider. We break them down with Purplish, CPR's podcast about politics and policy. Then, Indigenous people join in a spiritual walk to save their home for future generations. Later, a love of the Rocky Mountains and of history woven into a series of short stories.

A Colorado Springs Starbucks store is closing, just before members of a union there planned to begin bargaining with the company. Then, U.S. senate candidates Joe O’Dea and Michael Bennet talked about the mental health crisis in a recent debate. Bennet is the democratic incumbent; O'Dea is his Republican challenger.

In 1922, at a time of deep racial segregation, two Denverites realized their dream of building a resort in the Rocky Mountains for middle class African Americans to socialize and, for a time, escape the stress of racism. State historian Jared Orsi joins Chandra Thomas Whitfield as retired Denver county judge Gary Jackson shares his family's legacy on the centennial of the Lincoln Hills resort.

The U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, former Colorado Senator Ken Salazar, discusses cracking down on fentanyl trafficking and relations between the two nations. Then, the TABOR check rollout. Also, listening to voter voices before the midterms. Plus, understanding ketamine and its various uses. And, a museum on communication, found inside a library.