Colorado Matters

For a long time, gay people were considered mentally ill and subjected to cruel treatments, until a psychologist, who grew up on Colorado's Eastern Plains, decided to test that assumption in the 1950s.  Then, Denver Rockets and Nuggets player Ralph Simpson on this moment in team history. Plus, a special graduation for 28 women. And the Telluride Bluegrass Festival is back for a 50th year!

Hannie Schaft, a member of the Dutch resistance, bombed Nazi assets and assassinated high-level collaborators. She is the inspiration for "To Die Beautiful," a painstakingly-researched work of historical fiction. Boulder author Buzzy Jackson speaks with Ryan Warner at The Tattered Cover Book Store for the novel's release.

As the Colorado River endures climate change, drought, and overuse, is recycling wastewater a viable way to use less? Michael Elizabeth Sakas explores that in "Parched." Then, author Sandra Dallas taps her own life growing up in Denver for her historical fiction. She's nominated for a Colorado Book Award for "Little Souls." And hall of fame blues artist Otis Taylor gets his diploma at age 74.

We ask Denver Mayor-Elect Mike Johnston about plans for his first 100 days in office-- and beyond. Then, CPR's resident Nuggets superfan Vic Vela as the teams gets set for game 3 in the NBA Finals. And, meet a superfan in Towaoc in Southwestern Colorado. And "Colorado Wonders" about the Never Summer Mountains.

As demonstrators rally against guns outside the state capitol, we take a closer look at what they want, and talk about the new state laws aimed at curbing gun violence in Colorado. We'll also talk about a new law designed to better support survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Plus, meet Colorado's Boys and Girls Club Youth Ambassadors. And fifth graders are on a quest to save the bees.

Poet and activist Suzi Q. Smith votes. But she says that is the very least she can do to influence her beloved, and changing, city. As Denver elects its next mayor, Smith reflects on growth, affordability, and who Denver truly is for. She sat down with Sr. Host Ryan Warner at KBUT during the Mountain Words Literary Festival.

The Bureau of Land Management is investing more than $11 million to restore and preserve wetlands in the San Luis Valley and North Park. We talk with BLM director Tracy Stone-Manning. Then, John Suthers, the outgoing mayor of Colorado Springs, talks growth, the political divide, and unexpected opportunities from the pandemic. Plus, senior lifeguards!

A no, a lot of yeses, and one absence. When it comes to the deal to raise the nation’s debt ceiling, Colorado’s members of Congress have taken some different positions. Then, Nuggets superfan Nikki Swarn on the team's historic run as the NBA championships begin. We also talk with former player and coach Bill Hanzlik. And, how do you say the MVP's name?

The U.S. is at a crossroads in terms of partisanship but a global non-profit is working to bridge the divide. Stephen Hawkins is research director for More in Common. Then, Colorado Wonders asks about all those pesky miller moths. Plus, the Western Slope's new poet laureate, Wendy Videlock, is hoping to make poetry more accessible.

The mayoral runoff election is on June 6, 2023. Today the candidates, Kelly Brough and Mike Johnston, answer questions about equity and policing. Then, in "Parched," we learn why Las Vegas, a city in the desert known for its excesses, has become a leader in water conservation.