Colorado Matters

Public transit touches nearly every corner of life in Colorado, from how people get to work to how our region grows. But the state’s largest transit agency is facing big questions from riders, workers, and lawmakers about reliability, safety and trust. CPR's Haylee May spoke with RTD CEO and GM Debra Johnson. Then, amid DEI backlash, a statewide coalition is working to share the stories of diverse communities here, starting with working to ensure the media outlets they support, stick around. We speak with Brittany Winkfield, the executive director of the Colorado Ethnic Media Exchange. 

This legislative session is the swan song for Colorado's outgoing governor, Jared Polis. He still has a lot on his "to do" list, but policy clashes within his own party could create some challenges. We explore that today with Purplish. Then, a researcher at the Colorado School of Mines has developed a new way to treat deep wounds, and that could just be the beginning for its use. Also, what Colorado's two largest cities are doing to send a message to ICE. Plus, we answer a Colorado Wonders question about the impact of moose on our state. 

You can't go home again, as the saying goes. But Denver author Josiah Hesse did. He returned to Mason City, Iowa — with a journalistic lens— to better understand his evangelical upbringing, and the social and economic forces that shaped it. We spoke in front of an audience at the Denver Press Club for the release of "On Fire for God: Fear, Shame, Poverty, and the Making of the Christian Right – a Personal History." 

Colorado now has a plan to reintroduce wolverines to the state, but meantime, the reintroduction of wolves is on hold for now. Then, cannabis businesses are still waiting for the executive order to reclassify marijuana to take effect. Also, a milestone for the survival rate for all types of cancer combined. We re-visiting Southern Colorado's "Gathering Place" and celebrate a pop culture moment with DeVotchKa. 

An arctic blast is moving into Colorado after months of record warmth; we talk about the impact with Denver7 chief meteorologist Lisa Hidalgo. Then, a survivor of childhood polio shares her story in the face of changing vaccine guidelines. Plus, former Denver Bronco Ryan Harris is back as the team prepares for the AFC championship game without its starting quarterback. And the Local 303 shares new music from Colorado artists for the new year! 

Teachers in Colorado are chronically tired, underpaid, and leaving the classroom in record numbers. A new report from the Colorado Education Association shows the situation is more complicated now because of directives handed down by the Trump administration and new conditions in the classroom. Then, how climate change is shaping some students in Boulder. Plus, as the New Year starts, rethinking sustainability through the clothes we buy. Also, cattle ranchers navigate the hard realities of supply and demand at the Stock Show. Later, restoring the Governor's office to its original grandeur, a chance to get organized, and creating tactile photography. 

Spirituals are rooted in a history of pain and hope. Today, Colorado Matters presents an encore episode: "Journey to Freedom" with the Spirituals Project Choir based at the University of Denver's Lamont School of Music. Our colleagues at CPR Classical spent 2022 sharing spirituals chosen by the choir's director, M. Roger Holland II. The collaboration culminated in a special event at DU’s Newman Center. A spiritual singalong with the theme of building community, music that continues to resonate today. 

In his final year as governor, Jared Polis says he wants to "lean into the value of mercy" -- would that apply to jailed former Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters? We sat down with Polis after his State of the State address to discuss that as well as housing, healthcare, coal, and why Polis hasn't read the Epstein Files. Then, why the Broncos just might pull off what they failed to do last post-season Saturday against Buffalo. And, rodeo as...diplomacy? Ahead of Canada night at The Stock Show, we speak with a bull fighter-turned-producer from Alberta. 

Former Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters gets her proverbial day in the Colorado Court of Appeals. We'll break down the oral arguments and what happens now. Then, Denver's annual Marade marks a milestone this year, and organizers say Dr. King would see it as a fitting tribute. How the event to honor the late Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. came to be, how it got its unique name, and what it took to make it a state, and ultimately federal, holiday. Plus, how AI is helping train Colorado teachers and how students are using it in the classroom. 

One year into President Donald Trump's second term, he continues to break democratic norms. In our series, "If You Can Keep It," University of Denver political scientist Seth Masket provides context as the president intensifies his punishment of Colorado. Plus, Mary Jane turns 50! Also, a Denver man finds hope with a new program to help break the cycle of addiction. And a food bank café takes an innovative approach to hunger and nutrition in Grand Junction.