Colorado Matters

 For a long time, liver donors could expect a big scar and a three-month recovery from surgery. Now, Colorado doctors are using robots to retrieve organs from living donors for transplant. We'll hear why it's a game changer. Then, a new look at old political norms. Plus, how teachers are grappling with cell phones in school. And how Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. came to hear one of his favorite hymns for the first time in Colorado. 

 Colorado is once again on the forefront of legalizing another federally-controlled substance: psilocybin, also known as magic mushrooms. CPR's Molly Cruse and Alejandro Alonso Galva talk about what's in store with "The Trip: CPR's Coverage of Colorado's Psychedelic Journey." Then, Colorado gets a new judicial district for the first time in 60 years. Plus, Purplish looks at how the legislative session is shaping up. Also, a new directory will be a health resource for Black Coloradans. And commemorating the MLK Holiday in Colorado. 

Americans are "swapping revolution for sorting plastic bottles," writes Auden Schendler in his new book, "Terrible Beauty." For decades, Schendler has led sustainability efforts at Aspen One, formerly known as Aspen Skiing Co. He became disillusioned and lays out a more effective course in his new release, including a blueprint to sue ExxonMobil over climate change. 

 From increasing Colorado's stock of starter homes to how the state will cooperate with -- or buck -- the incoming Trump Administration, Governor Jared Polis goes in-depth after his State of the State speech. Then, a drought of more than 3,000 days ends as the Denver Broncos return to the NFL playoffs. A former player rates their chances. Also, Colorado Wonders about cowboy boot etiquette. And, Colorado Matters says adieu to a legendary journalist. Michelle P. Fulcher is retiring. 

 Since the war in Ukraine began, thousands of women have lost their spouses. A Colorado counselor just wrapped up a four-day retreat for the women to learn to cope with their grief. Then, a mother’s story about how Electroconvulsive therapy brought her son back. Also, a Colorado Wonders about culling Denver geese and local comedians on avoiding political jokes. 

 Many seniors want to stay in their homes. But what happens if aging in place doesn’t work anymore? Expert advice on our series, Aging Matters. Then, the legislature returns to work facing a budget shortfall of more than $600 million. Our public affairs podcast, Purplish, looks at the impact – and what lawmakers still hope to accomplish. Also, a Western Slope university helps first-generation students stay in school. 

 You've likely heard of a food bank, but a furniture bank? We sit on a donated sectional with the founder. Then, a sports journalist seeks to make Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokić less enigmatic. Plus, making homes less vulnerable to wildfire. And host Ryan Warner is "Mortified." 

Ira Flatow wants to turn science...into dinner conversation. The host and creator of Science Friday has spent a career quenching our curiosity, and his, and making science accessible. But amidst the fun are serious issues, like water shortages, climate change, genetic engineering, and artificial intelligence. We replay a conversation from August, when Flatow was in Colorado and spoke with CPR Southern Colorado Reporter Dan Boyce in front of an audience. 

The 119th Congress convenes Friday with new members from Colorado and a busy agenda. Washington, D.C. reporter Caitlyn Kim has a preview.  Then, pollsters look at Coloradans' political engagement and explain how polling helps a Democracy function. Also, Jimmy Carter’s Colorado connections. Plus, 10 years ago acute flaccid myelitis was a mystery; a mom and daughter share their journey navigating the illness. 

On New Year's Day, stories of second chances. Like a Ukrainian couple who fled the war... and resettled in Boulder, where they run a bike shop. And a barbershop in Denver where former inmates offer a shave and a haircut. Plus, migrant farmworkers who hope their children don't toil in the fields as they have. Education is key, and there's a program in Colorado planting those very seeds.