Colorado Matters

When it comes to planning for Colorado's fastest growing population, people 65 and older, the state's Senior Specialist on Aging, Kristine Burrows, says it needs to be a group effort that includes government, the business community, nonprofits, philanthropy, and anyone with a vision for big, bold ideas. The state just released a new report called "The Multi-Sector Plan on Aging." Today in a special Aging Matters on Colorado Matters, Burrows speaks with Chandra Thomas Whitfield in front of an audience at CPR, to talk about everything from healthcare and housing, to jobs for older workers and fighting ageism. 

Governor Jared Polis is flexing his executive power. He vetoed a priority bill for Democrats and threatens to withhold funds from cities that don't follow new housing laws. Also, Denver Mayor Mike Johnston talks about an evolving vision for downtown Denver and big project investments. Then, Denver Post reporter Sam Tabachnik on his investigation into the death of a 7-year-old Grand County boy and the questions it raises about child abuse investigations. Later, a human trafficking survivor shares a message of strength at the Front Range Community College commencement. And the Green Box Arts Festival is back! 

It’s been a trying year for Denver’s mayor. Mike Johnston has battled with the Trump administration over the city’s welcoming immigration policies. On the flipside, a top attraction, the 16th Street Mall, is finally reopening. Then, a steel startup in Boulder plans to make climate-friendly iron. And MSNBC's Eugene Daniels returns to his alma matter, CSU, as president of the White House Correspondents' Association. 

Navigating the on-again-off-again tariffs can be like navigating the rapids on a river in Colorado. We hear from two raft supply companies about the impact. Then, words to live by from the student speaker at Western Colorado University's commencement. Plus, how older Coloradans are connecting with kids in the classroom for mutual benefit. And a creative way to preserve oral histories in Denver's Curtis Park neighborhood. 

President Trump has signed executive orders at a dizzying pace: 152 as of this morning. Any number of them affect Colorado. That has kept Democratic Attorney General Phil Weiser very busy -- he's filed filed 20 lawsuits so far challenging some of those orders. Then, cuts to food aid are on the table as Congress considers a new spending bill. Plus, a landmark climate lawsuit moves forward in Boulder. And the second annual KlezKolorado festival is this weekend with Jewish music for everyone. 

When Angela Lee moved to Life Care Center of Evergreen, she was lonely. Until one day changed it all...Love For Our Elders is a non-profit organization that aims to relieve loneliness among people living in care facilities through letter writing. Then, a new documentary by a retiree in Grand Junction examines "The Invisible Patient" -- stories of families with mentally ill adult children, and a community trying to become a model for mental health care. Also, Seniors for Seniors pairs older pets with older adults. 

Now that this year's state legislative session has ended, what did lawmakers accomplish? And what did they miss? We'll take stock with "Purplish." Plus two freshman lawmakers reflect on their experience. And a little poetry to sum up the session. 

Colorado's a flashpoint when it comes to immigration, especially Aurora and Denver, which the new administration has singled out. CPR justice reporter Allison Sherry and Denverite's Kyle Harris join a roundtable with our colleagues at "The Middle" hosted by Jeremy Dobson. Then, a milestone for construction on Colfax Avenue. Plus, a new passenger train could be on track for the mountains. And changes at Ford Amphitheater to address noise complaints as a new season kicks off. 

A bike maker in Colorado Springs has been building Colorado-inspired bicycles for more than a decade, but the reality of tariffs means going out of business. And, from mass layoffs at the Department of Education to a crusade against DEI in schools, the Trump Administration has sent shockwaves through Colorado classrooms. Also, Welcome to the Indieverse! 

 How much did Colorado lawmakers cross off their "to do" list, and what's left to do as they head into the final day of the legislative session? Then, what potential federal funding cuts could mean to public media in Colorado. Plus, how the Colorado Flower Collective is helping local flower farmers. Later, words to remember to stay safe from lightning this severe weather season. And celebrate 25 years of otherworldly observations in the San Luis Valley.