Colorado Matters

Fewer sugary drinks, and less screen time. Those are just some of the new rules designed to improve the health of children at thousands of private child care centers in Colorado. Then, neighborhoods around the National Western Stock Show complex -- in North Denver-- haven't seen any major development in 30 years. It's something the city's mayor pledged to change. And, we ask Colorado's new state historian, Professor Patricia Nelson Limerick, what she thinks is least understood about Colorado's history.

Today, the saga of Clarence Moses-El. He spent 28 years in prison for a rape he says he didn't commit. Key DNA evidence in his case was thrown in the trash. Then, something's missing from Colorado's workforce: People skilled in trades. We talk about how the state is filling the gap. And, a Colorado musician copes with a friend missing in the wilderness the only way she knows how: "I began playing to her every night."

The co-CEO of Denver-based Chipotle made a mea-culpa on national TV last month, saying he was "sorry for the people who got sick" in a multi-state E-coli outbreak. We'll explore what else can the company do to lure back customers. Plus, it turns out good-looking women get better grades than not-so-good-looking ones -- but the same doesn't go for men. And, on Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday, we learn that he first heard one of his favorite gospel songs in Denver.

There's a new, faster way to manipulate human genes that may lead to life-saving cures, but scientists also urge caution. Then, nature photographer John Fielder turns his lens on the Yampa River. Author Maura Weiler's first novel explores the question of "Who Is Art For?" And, in the Stock Show's competitive world of meat judging, it's not just about the taste.

With the state legislature back in session, we're speaking with the most powerful people under the Gold Dome. Today: the governor. Ahead of his State of the State speech Wednesday, he lays out his priorities this session. And we hold him accountable for promises he made in the last session. Also, after a revolution, what comes next? That's the subject of a new, dark comic book from a Denver restaurant owner. Also, we hear some new jokes for a new year.

State lawmakers are back in session Wednesday, and this week we're hearing from the most powerful among them. Today, it's the Democratic Speaker of the House, Dickey Lee Hullinghorst. Also, with the ranchers' standoff in Oregon, we'll take the long view of the federal lands in the West. Then, Colorado photojournalist Rick Wilking reflects on his career covering everything from the Vatican to the White House in a new book. And, a Denver sculptor who works not with clay or stone, but fire.

The state Capitol will be abuzz later this week when lawmakers are back for the 2016 legislative session. Today we speak with the Senate president, Republican Bill Cadman. Then, is the creator of "Star Wars" an innovator or copycat? The Denver Film Society gives the franchise a critical look. And a Colorado take on "Humans of New York" -- the interesting characters one man met walking the 500-mile long Colorado Trail.

Making people who are really sick more comfortable is the focus of a first-of -it's-kind palliative care master's degree program at the University of Colorado. Then, Hollywood actor Bill Pullman previews his new stage play in Denver. And, Elvis Presley would be 81 today. When he performed here, he made friends including police officer Robert Cantwell, and discovered his favorite sandwich, which is still served today in Golden.

If someone collapsed in front of you, chances are you'd respond. Maybe even administer CPR. But if that same person were having a mental health crisis, would you know how to help? Turns out there's a class for that. Then, does Colorado need a lieutenant governor? Two political scientists raised that question recently and we put it to Lt. Governor Joe Garcia himself as he steps down from the role. Also, if you're frustrated by Congress, listen up. There's a new idea for governing out of the University of Denver. Plus your feedback: Some listeners find the Stock Show distasteful.

As the president spoke Tuesday about gun safety, a young man in Boulder watched closely. He's developing technology that makes guns "smart." Then, with term limits, we find that lobbyists, not lawmakers, are the ones who have the long view of bills at the state Capitol. Also, Conquistador and Cuchara are among the state's "lost" ski areas; we talk to a couple who tracked them down. And, a Basalt photographer is fascinated by a huge game reserve in Tanzania. Of the countless pictures he took there, one was of a bird with a young crocodile in its talons.