Colorado Matters

University of Colorado President Mark Kennedy joins us to talk about what's ahead for the state's four campuses, from remote learning to financial stress and a new board of regents. Then, what's the future of the Bureau of Land Management in Colorado? And, working to make rock climbing more inclusive.

This election raised a lot of questions about the security and diversity of the nation’s voting systems. Former Denver elections director Amber McReynolds now leads the National Vote At Home Institute. She talks about how the current voting system came to be, and what could be improved. Then, remembering Holocaust survivor Fanny Starr who died at the age of 98.

People are gearing up to head into Colorado's backcountry this winter after a summer in isolation, causing safety concerns. Then, two doctors talk about the new film, "Palliative," and discussions about death. Also, why does Mesa County now have such a high rate of COVID-19 cases? And Big Hearts Club on making music in isolation.

An emergency department nurse talks about fatigue among health care workers as COVID-19 cases increase. Then, what might the U.S. learn from countries that have healed bitter political divides? And Purplish welcomes two special guests to explore Colorado's politics and the message from voters moving forward.

Sen. Michael Bennet on the presidential transition of power, his new colleague in the Senate and a pandemic relief package. Then, beavers are playing an important role in river restoration projects in Colorado. More on how the critters impact the environment. Later, CPR News host Jo Ann Allen talks about her podcast, “Been There Done That.”

It's seen as a hidden crime, one that's often met with denial. But Colorado has a plan to take on human trafficking. Then, a Robo Cafe opens in Golden with a robot barista. Also, an artist elevates Dia de los Muertos. And a Colorado golf trainer with unique insight into the Masters.

Today, a Veterans Day special, sharing stories of bravery and survival in World War II with two Colorado veterans. Then, from photography to entrepreneurship, finding ways to help veterans adjust to life after the military. And, one veteran's row across the Atlantic Ocean to raise awareness about mental health and staying engaged.

We ask Governor Jared Polis and state epidemiologist Dr. Rachel Herlihy about Colorado's response to COVID-19, amid news of a possible vaccine, county pleas for state-at-home orders, and the upcoming holidays. Then, next steps in the plan to reintroduce wolves in Colorado. And, understanding compulsive eating with "Empty" author Susan Burton.

A big concern during Colorado’s COVID-19 wave is having adequate staffing in ICUs, but the good news is people aren’t spending as much time in the hospital as they were earlier on. Then, a cancer patient who’s watching the ACA’s latest test in the Supreme Court test. And, a Coloradan remembers Alex Trebek. Plus, new music from Denver’s Zack Heckendorf.

Pueblo County went from blue to red back to blue. The city’s mayor shares some insights about the 2020 election results. Then, CPR’s politics podcast, Purplish analyzes this election week. Later, artists in Pueblo are bringing art back to an old levee. Finally, trumpeter Wes Watkins talks about his new music inspired by a mural painted of him in Denver.