Colorado Matters cover image

Colorado Matters

Latest episodes

undefined
Feb 11, 2025 • 49min

February 11, 2025: Dean says she was fired for objecting to book ban; A history of pennies

A Black middle school dean says she was fired by a school district in Colorado for objecting to a book ban. Now she's filed a civil rights complaint. Then, President Trump has told the Treasury Department to stop making pennies. They're minted in Denver. We'll talk about the history and cost of the one cent coin. Plus, Chandra tries to up her "Colorado street cred" by taking on skiing thanks the BIPoC Mountain Collective. And author Laura Krantz asks, "Do you believe in magic?" 
undefined
Feb 10, 2025 • 49min

February 10, 2025: State lawmakers change approach on guns; A 'community' newsletter generated by A.I.?

High-capacity magazines are banned in Colorado. And Democratic lawmakers say they're serious about enforcement.  ut might their solution go too far? We take a closer look with Purplish. Then, in Pueblo and Fort Collins, a locally-reported newsletter lands in people's inboxes. Except it's neither local, nor reported. Plus, how a small town school district got students engaged again in learning. And how climate change is affecting beer. 
undefined
Feb 7, 2025 • 49min

Feb. 7, 2025: Assessing the ICE raids and resistance; Colorado sues over Musk access to US Treasury

 ICE enforcement this week tested the resilience of migrant communities in Colorado. How they're peacefully resisting, and the many unanswered questions about the actual raids. Then, Colorado joins eleven states in suing the Trump Administration over Elon Musk's and DOGE's access to the U.S. Treasury. Plus, the new species of mammal discovered on Colorado's western slope. And how delicate art became a sanctuary for a Ukrainian couple now in Colorado. 
undefined
Feb 6, 2025 • 48min

Feb. 6, 2025: ICE roundups in Denver; Studying psilocybin's effect on depression

Early Wednesday morning, immigration agents, along with local and federal law enforcement officers, descended on an apartment complex in Aurora. We look at what happened -- and what happens next. Then, researchers in Colorado want to know if psilocybin – also known as psychedelic mushrooms – can help people process past trauma. And, with a pair of Black quarterbacks facing off in Sunday's Super Bowl, we revisit a book focused on African-Americans and their evolution at the position. 
undefined
Feb 5, 2025 • 49min

Feb. 5, 2025: Engaging students to achieve success; Safety standards for cannabis?

Today, a check-up on school kids in Colorado. The latest national report card shows they're outpacing the rest of the country in reading and math, but chronic absenteeism remains high. We speak with the state's education commissioner, Susana Córdova, who's spent time in districts large and small, looking for innovation. Then, questions about safety standards amid concern over contaminants like mold and pesticides in cannabis. And how the Trump administration could impact Colorado's energy sector. 
undefined
Feb 4, 2025 • 49min

Feb. 4, 2025: Legislature debates the Labor Peace Act; Artificial judging and the X-Games

 The Labor Peace Act makes it harder to organize unions compared to other states. Now, Purplish weighs in as the legislature is debating if the unique, more-than-80-year-old law should be repealed. Also, this year's X Games competition in Aspen featured something new -- Artificial Intelligence. Could the trial run start a revolution to replace human-judged competitions going forward? And, the 155-acre, former Park Hill Golf Course has been at the center of a years-long battle. Soon it will become Denver’s newest public park. And, tips for decluttering. 
undefined
Feb 3, 2025 • 49min

Feb. 3, 2025 Federal workers have a decision to make; Remembering the 'Cowboy Chancellor'

Federal employees have until Thursday to resign voluntarily. There are 40,000 U.S. government workers in Colorado. Tom Temin, the host of the Federal Drive and columnist for the Federal News Network, an outlet for government workers, joins us. Then, what do Colorado voters think about the Trump presidency so far? Plus, remembering Daniel Ritchie, a steward of arts and education known as the "Cowboy Chancellor." Later, State Sen. Iman Jodeh breaks down stereotypes about the hijab. And go for another ride in the Great Dale House Car. 
undefined
Jan 31, 2025 • 48min

Jan. 31, 2025: Paying college athletes; Colorado's most endangered places

 College athletics will never be the same; the state legislature may let universities pay players. Federal court settlements are forcing the changes. Then, four historic locations in Colorado have been added to the state's most endangered places list. Plus, it's skijoring season! And the Local 303 shares the top Colorado artists of 2024 as chosen by listeners. 
undefined
Jan 30, 2025 • 49min

Jan. 30, 2025: Colorado seniors navigate the digital divide; Planning for wildfire before it happens

 Healthcare, housing, entertainment, and even friendships are all pretty much managed by technology, whether it's on a computer, tablet, or smartphone. Many people 65 and older are still on the wrong side of the so-called digital divide, but there are programs designed to help. Then, amid the devastation left by wildfires in California, or the Marshall Fire, an expert weighs in on how your family can plan and prepare before a disaster happens. And, Bill Frisell earns another Grammy nomination. 
undefined
Jan 29, 2025 • 48min

Jan. 29, 2025: ICE deportation appears imminent in Colorado; Celebrating the Lunar New Year

 The long-promised "Operation Aurora" crackdown on unlawful immigration looks like it's about to begin in Colorado. We'll sort through the developments. Then, with or without the United States, the world pursues green energy. Plus a threatened federal funding freeze sheds light on how much the state's largest safety-net hospital relies on federal money. And Colorado marks the Lunar New Year with a state holiday. 

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode