Colorado Matters

Even flowers are confused by this unseasonably warm and dry winter. We talk with CSU horticulturalist Allison O'Connor about what to know about watering your plants given the current weather. Then, Michelin is expanding the restaurants it might honor across Colorado. We speak with Grand Junction chef Josh Niernberg about the impact it could have on business. Then, as IKEA plans to expand in Colorado, we explore its history and the origin of its name. And, we answer a Colorado Wonders question about the giant, problem-plagued LED sign that greets travelers at DIA. 

The Denver City Council has unanimously advanced a proposal to ban law enforcement from wearing masks and to require them to show identification. It was prompted by the actions of unidentifiable ICE agents who've been arresting people across the country. Then, Coloradans vacationing in Puerto Vallarta share their experiences after violence and explosions following the death of a notorious drug cartel kingpin. Also, how one woman's quest to get a birth certificate is changing guidelines in Colorado. And "Black History Live Chautauqua" honors the legacy of Paul Robeson.

Data centers use a lot of electricity and water to power artificial intelligence. They're also economic drivers. The issue divides state lawmakers who are considering two bills: One would give developers a tax break if they build in Colorado; the other would regulate their impacts on neighborhoods and the environment. We present the debate with Purplish, the podcast about politics and policy from CPR News and the Colorado Capital News Alliance. 

Federal prosecutors have claimed a Venezuelan gang is entrenched in Colorado. Case filings reveal otherwise. Then, a week of whirlwind weather makes way for the return of warmer and drier days ahead. Plus, meet Colorado's new home-grown state supreme court justice, Susan Blanco. And the Local 303 celebrates Black History Month across musical genres. 

Finding affordable housing has been a challenge in Colorado for years. A measure passed by voters statewide four years ago is starting to make a difference. We'll talk through what it's meant for the state's small mountain towns and what still needs to be done. Then, we remember civil rights activist, Reverend Jessie Jackson, who died this week. We also remember the loss of the occasionally high-strung, legendary coach of the Denver Nuggets, Doug Moe. And we celebrate Lunar New Year with a behind-the-scenes look at the tradition of lion dancing! 

Denver comedian Josh Blue may be best known for "putting the cerebral in cerebral palsy," but there is so much more to his life than laughing audiences know. In his new autobiography, "Something To Stare At," Blue recalls his formative years in West Africa, his Paralympic soccer career, and his comedic rise. Enjoy a mix of stand-up and conversation with Sr. Host Ryan Warner — recorded at The Dairy Arts Center in Boulder. 

The history of Colorado and the West is the history of the Black cowboy; now it's inspired the play "Godspeed" which just had its world premiere in Denver. Plus, we visit a museum that shares an often untold and overlooked aspect of the history of the West. Also, about half of counties in Colorado do not have emergency shelters for people trying to leave abusive situations at home. We hear from a researcher who's mapped the state about what she found in the search for a solution. And later, for Aging Matters, we revisit a that pairs older volunteers, with older companions, leading to bonds of friendship and helpfulness as we age. 

Even if you think Valentine's is a Hallmark holiday, we think you'll be heartened by a love story that begins in grade school. Then, a castle sits in disrepair in Gunnison. It's just landed on Colorado's Most Endangered Places list. Plus, we "Raise the Curtain," on the Denver New Play Summit. And, Ryan asks, "Would I date that building?"

Colorado is mourning the loss of a radio legend; we remember the life and legacy of James "Dr. Daddio" Walker whose radio station KDKO was long known as "The Soul of the Rockies." Then, how do you recruit more teachers of color? Students at Northglenn High School recently tried to address that concern. Also, black holes, microplastics and new beginnings sound like things that may not go together. But for a Colorado Springs artist they have quite a lot in common. 

Over the weekend, pairs skaters Danny O’Shea and Ellie Kam helped the U.S. figure skating team win gold. O’Shea graduated from the University of Colorado - Colorado Springs. Kam’s still a student there. Pairs competition begins in earnest this weekend. We reached their coach, Drew Meekins, of Denver, Tuesday, in Italy. Then, Gunnison author Shelley Read's debut novel, "Go As a River," has now topped 1 million copies worldwide. We turn the page with her again at Colorado Mesa University.