Colorado Matters

Governor Jared Polis discusses the importance of mercy while addressing the controversial case of Tina Peters. He dives into Colorado's housing crisis, pushing for universal healthcare, and confronting challenges in clean energy. Ryan Harris offers insights on the Broncos' postseason hopes and highlights the team's resilience, predicting a win against the Bills. Keenan Vine shares his experience in rodeo, the significance of the National Western Stock Show, and how rodeo acts as cross-border diplomacy between the U.S. and Canada.

Tom Hess, a Western Slope reporter, unpacks the latest in the Tina Peters appeal, discussing her asserted defenses and the judges' skepticism. Meanwhile, Wilma Webb, a former Colorado state representative, delves into the history and significance of Denver's Marade, recalling Dr. King's local connections and her activism for the MLK holiday. They also touch on the challenges and innovations of AI in education, highlighting both the potential benefits and limitations of technology 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. 

It's a common New Year's resolution to start exercising, but after a few weeks, it's easy to lose motivation and fall back into old habits. A fitness expert has ideas on how to get active at any age. Plus, we share another "Portrait in Aging" featuring people in the state's fastest growing population: those 65 and older. Today, the story of 71-year-old Lucy Guo of Denver. Also, the challenge of storage for Colorado law enforcement as evidence goes digital. Then, our discussion continues about how Evangelical Christianity has shaped Colorado Springs and beyond with historian William Schultz, author of "Jesus Springs." And Colorado Wonders, who comes up with the clever messages on E-470's smart signs?

We run down state lawmakers' "to-do" list as they head back to the Capitol this week, with Purplish. Then, the author of the new book, "Jesus Springs" on how evangelical Christianity shaped Colorado's second-biggest city. Plus, join Ryan live and in-person for "On Fire For God" Friday at the Denver Press Club. Also, tempting tastes in the Pikes Peak region with "Side Dish." And we hop on the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe. 

Tom Hess, a CPR News reporter based in Grand Junction, dives into the legal battles surrounding Tina Peters, detailing her latest appeals and the potential implications for Colorado. Zachary Schell, a reporter from Denverite, discusses the increasing wildfire risks in Denver, emphasizing preparedness steps and local resiliency initiatives. The conversation also touches on Venezuela's economic struggles and geopolitical complexities, highlighting resident feelings towards U.S. actions. Plus, a quirky look at why you can't check your bags at Union Station!

Women have helped in wartime since the nation’s founding, but they've only been allowed to serve in combat for the last 10 years. Today, a call to review the military’s physical fitness standards could lead to fewer women on the frontlines. We look at the changing role of women in the US military. Then, when you hear the word “prepper,” you might picture someone stockpiling supplies for doomsday. But disaster preparedness looks a lot different. Also, Dry January doesn’t have to mean white-knuckling your way through happy hour. And, Colorado Wonders about those mysterious-looking large domes that are often found along highways while driving the Western Slope. 

The flu picture ain’t pretty in Colorado, with numbers and hospitalizations spiking skyward. But we’re going to look at it anyhow with Dr. Ken Lyn-Kew, a critical care pulmonologist at National Jewish Health in Denver. Then, they were some of the first black law students at CU, but their names had been lost to history. A trip to the law library sheds some light. Also, local companies, from Denver to Creede, produce plenty of top-notch theater -- that's the focus of a new series, which we raise the curtain on today, with Colorado Springs actor Anne Terze-Schwarz in the spotlight. 

The fastest growing population in Colorado is people 65 and older. But we all age differently; today we hear about misperceptions and opportunities from everyday Coloradans who are part of the state’s fastest-growing group, people ages 65 and older. Their personal reflections are featured in a sub-series of our ongoing Aging Matters series, called "Portraits in Aging." Host Chandra Thomas Whitfield takes a closer look at what life is like for older adults across Colorado, exploring how they are living, aging and thriving at this stage of life in their own words. 

Images of overrun apartment buildings in Colorado -- and severed fingers -- landed in the president's Venezuela speech over the weekend, part of Donald Trump's justification for his actions in Venezuela. Justice reporter Allison Sherry provides some context. Then, Colorado had to try hard to become a state. It took five attempts over two decades. In time for this year’s sesquicentennial, History Colorado lays out the saga. Also, four generations of the Gresham family have weathered blizzards, drought and long nights in the calving barn -- all on the same land for more than a century. The Gresham Farm was recently named a Centennial Farm. And, Ski Mountaineering is new at this year's Olympics. The games take place in February in Italy. Crested Butte’s Cam Smith will be there.