Colorado Matters

Two years ago today, George Floyd was murdered by a Minneapolis police officer. His death sparked a racial reckoning across the U.S. and protests calling for police reform and accountability. In Denver, some of those protests turned violent, and a federal jury recently found police used excessive force against demonstrators. CPR’S race, diversity and equity reporter Elaine Tassy sat down with three people who were hurt.

White supremacist propaganda -- and incidents -- have been on the rise in Colorado. But this state is also a hotbed for research into hate groups -- and prevention. Then, the Mesa County district attorney disproves claims that the county’s election hard drives contained evidence of possible fraud. Also, a sooner-than-expected floral update. And, the DACA Monologues continue.

Colorado's largest utility says it messed up when that cold snap hit last year, and natural gas prices skyrocketed. The company says it ought to have warned people. A top executive addresses that, renewables, and the future of a Pueblo coal-fired power plant. Then, Sportico reporter Eben Novy-WIlliams on the crucial contest to become the Denver Broncos' new owner.

A pair of Ukrainian-Americans in Boulder, Viktoria Oliynyk and Andriy Zakutayev, send much-needed supplies to Ukrainian soldiers via their aid group, Sunflower Seeds Ukraine. Then, abortion rights groups express dismay with pro-choice governor Jared Polis. And, the 50th anniversary of Durango's Iron Horse Bicycle Classic.

It's been decades since anyone's seen the roses bloom that were planted by Japanese-American prisoners at Colorado's Camp Amache. But that may soon change. Then, the fight to recertify a creek and what that means for clean water. Plus, a Denver food critic shares "50 Things to Bake Before You Die." Later, a big step to preserve Chicano murals in Colorado.

In Ryan Warner's regular interview with Colorado's governor, he asks Jared Polis about enshrining reproductive rights in the state constitution, the new penalties for fentanyl, and a range of other topics. Then, Denver's unauthorized urban camping ban was signed 10 years ago today. Plus, Colorado's unique contribution to electric cars.

COVID numbers are rising just as people let down their guards. We review the state modeling outlook and ask a pulmonologist how health care workers are holding up. Then, where will the U.S. Space Command land? State leaders step up the fight for it to remain in Colorado. And a DACA recipient's journey from despair to inspiration. Plus, Aladar the Alpaca!

The wildfires in New Mexico are burning through lands that are ancestral homes for some Coloradans. Then, the legislative session wrapped up with some new bills to address climate change. Plus, Colorado had the highest rate of bank robberies last year.

With lawmakers wrapping up their work for the year, we hear from our public affairs team about new Colorado laws. Then, a researcher's quest to find what triggers obesity. Plus, gardening expert Fatuma Emmad answers listener questions about planting flowers, veggies, and more in the age of climate change and drought.

Colorado may give millions of dollars to public transit agencies to make bus rides free to reduce pollution but there are questions about whether it will make a difference. Then, Cliff and Avery Moers of Evergreen share their real-life CODA story. Plus, a valedictory speech from 1943 that finds hope inside a World War II internment camp.