Colorado Matters

Fresh off two Grammy wins, Christian rapper Lecrae talks with Colorado Matters host Chandra Thomas Whitfield about growing up in Denver and growing in his faith, all while getting a unique tattoo that represents far more than art. 

On Purplish, our political reporters take a deep look at Proposition 131, the ranked-choice voting measure on a crowded November ballot. Plus, hundreds of entrepreneurs pitch their products at DIA’s Souvenir and Snack Expo. And, DenverFright returns for Halloween. Plus a re-envisioned, blood-chilling “Dracula” at the Arvada Center.

 When Tina Peters was sentenced to prison, Matt Crane was in the courtroom. He leads the the Colorado County Clerks Association and joins us to talk about election integrity. Then, how Lauren Boebert's departure has changed the political landscape in Colorado's 3rd Congressional District. Plus, discover a dining gem in Delta. And, the Colorado Symphony's new music director has a global vision for the orchestra.

 The state's newest congressional district, District 8, was designed to be Colorado's only toss-up seat between the two major parties. Today we hear from the two candidates vying for that seat. Democratic incumbent Yadira Caraveo is a pediatrician and Colorado's first Latina member of Congress. Republican Gabe Evans is a state representative, former police officer, veteran and grandson of Mexican immigrants. 

He has influenced JD Vance. Now Patrick Deneen, author of "Why Liberalism Failed," is the University of Colorado's visiting conservative scholar. Then, Colorado Mesa University composer Brian Krinke's latest work tells a story through a musical trio. Plus, we answer a Colorado Wonders question about the health of the state's forests. 

The Colorado lawsuit to stop what would be the largest grocery store merger in U.S. history heads to court. We look at what it could mean for shoppers. Then, the JBS meatpacking plant in Greeley faces scrutiny after claims of an unsafe workplace and inhumane living conditions. Plus, a 70th anniversary milestone for Colorado's Filipino community. And new citizens sign up to vote for the first time. 

Residents of Aurora’s Delmar Parkway neighborhood say they’ve coped with violence for years but nobody noticed until a viral video put the area at the center of the nation’s immigration debate. Then, Denver abandons plans to demolish homes and rebuild a highway ramp. Also, a high school class studies the election. And, touring a historic clock tower.

The University of Colorado leads the MAVEN project to study Mars' volatile atmosphere with the hope of helping human exploration there. Then, Pamela Friend was in a cradle the first time her parents took her to the drive-in they owned in Montrose. Decades later, Friend is still popping the popcorn and running the projector. And, a new take on "Hamlet" from the Denver Center Theater Company.

A record number of Coloradans are nearing retirement age, and that could be good news for pre-schools. Industries that are struggling to find staff, like education and senior care, are hiring older people who may be looking for a second career or simply a way to stay involved and active. Then, we meet a group that gets older people outside, socializing, and trying something new. Cycling Without Age Littleton provides bike rides to people who can no longer ride themselves. This is an Aging Matters on Colorado Matters special.

Before the King Soopers killer got 10 life sentences, survivors and loved ones shared memories. And their pain. We’ll hear several of these victim impact statements made in Boulder Monday. Then, can GOP candidates count on the state party? And, a bluegrass tradition in Westcliffe, Colo.