Colorado Matters

How might the death of an Iranian leader come “home” to Colorado, with its many military installations? Then, a Republican leader’s plans for the new legislative session, where his party is in the minority. Also, we swear you haven’t heard this interview before -- it’s about deja vu. And, cooking with Claude Monet.

Democrats in the state legislature plan to take on some meaty issues this year -- paid family leave, a public option, the death penalty. But Speaker of the House KC Becker says the party wants "good policy," not an aggressive agenda. Then, ever get a whiff of moth balls in Metro Denver? We've tracked down that smell and others.

The Colorado legislature reconvenes this month. We break down some of the issues that could take center stage, and some of the laws that took effect January 1. Plus, blind veteran adventurer Steve Baskis doesn't set out to inspire, but he's definitely leading by example. And a cookbook from Antonito brings back memories of home in the San Luis Valley.

The Catholic Church is paying reparations to survivors of clergy sexual abuse but those efforts don't cover all victims. Then, athlete Christie Aschwanden goes over the many ways of recovering from exercise. And, how an environmental engineer from Littleton rescued girls in India from sex trafficking. Finally, the first poet laureate for the Navajo Nation.

Democratic presidential candidate Tom Steyer, who's polling around 1 percent, says he has a real shot at the nation's highest office. He'd offer a "Green New Deal" and a "21st-Century Bill of Rights," including quality public education and affordable health care. Plus, remarkable Coloradans who died in 2019, including a pioneering teacher and a music icon.

As 2019 comes to a close, we reflect on the historic Apollo 11 mission 50 years ago which put the first human on the moon. Then, a Colorado firm painstakingly restored what mission control looked like for that landing. Also, the last man on the moon talks about why the U.S. should go back, and why returning to the moon could be a step closer toward Mars.

It's the longest war in U.S. history, one --according to the Washington Post -- whose prospects for victory military officials lied about. A veteran from Golden, paralyzed during a firefight, says the US' strategy lacked direction. Then, the case of a Colorado fertility doctor accused of using his own semen in patients.

Democratic Rep. Jason Crow reflects on his freshman year in Congress and what's in store for 2020. Then, listener feedback on the places we live. Plus RTD's proposed service cuts. A Colorado Wonders question about Nutcracker costumes. Also, the evolution of the Colorado National Guard. And singer Marc Cohn on his brush with death in Denver.

Freshman Congressman Joe Neguse, of Boulder, is growing in influence. Neguse sits on the Judiciary committee which has been central to impeachment. He’s also become a bridge between new, progressive members and Democratic stalwarts, like Speaker Pelosi. And, we’ll talk with a GOP strategist on how impeachment could affect the 2020 elections in Colorado.

It’s a CPR tradition: a stage show full of talented Colorado performers. Kid Astronaut opens with a soulful O Holy Night. For Hanukkah, Holocaust survivor Osi Sladek. Comedian Nancy Norton Easy-Bakes. Plus, an ode to Judy Garland, Mexican-American traditions, and why we can’t quit Denver’s King Cardinal. The Andy Hackbarth Band provides our soundtrack.