Colorado Matters

People who don't have a place to stay warm often end up sleeping in their cars, but finding a safe place to park is tough. That's where the Colorado Safe Parking Initiative comes in. Most of the people it serves are newly homeless, and while half have jobs, they can't afford to rent or buy a permanent place to stay. Later, unique audio guides greet visitors at the Denver Art Museum.

As Colorado's legislature reconvenes today, CPR's public affairs reporter Bente Birkeland helps frame what to expect from state lawmakers. Then, new research from CU Boulder shows cannabis can make exercise more fun. Denver journalist Josiah Hesse took part; his book is "Runner's High." And, families with transgender teens find a home in Colorado.

State lawmakers get back to work tomorrow, with Democratic leadership hoping to curtail some of the issues with decorum that plagued the last session. We talk with the House and Senate leaders from both parties about the challenges and opportunities as lawmakers get back to business.

What's next now that the U.S. Supreme Court will consider the case to keep Donald Trump off the Republican primary ballot in Colorado? Then, former police officer Randy Roedema is sentenced in the death of Elijah McClain. Also, how 10 years of recreational cannabis has affected Colorado. And "Ghosts on the Glacier" seeks to answer questions at long last about the deaths of two climbers in 1973.

Congress is back at it next week and both chambers face a pileup of work: the budget, the border, aid to allies and more. CPR’s Washington, DC reporter Caitlyn Kim talks about what's ahead. Then, Adam Cayton-Holland's new special, "Wallpaper" reflects on the comedic side of fatherhood. Plus, a milestone for Project Angel Heart. And "Turn the Page" with Colorado Matters.

The first of three people convicted in the death of Elijah McClain will be sentenced Friday. We preview what the former police officer faces. Then, the next step in the effort to return centuries' old human remains looted on the Western Slope to their rightful home. And, as Denver looks for solutions to homelessness, a $2 million dollar investment in a pilot project that provides human dignity. Plus, Colorado wondering about rest stops.

Skiing is big business in Colorado. The issues the industry faces are also big, like crowds, congestion, affordable worker housing, and climate change. We talk with Alterra Mountain Company CEO Jared Smith. Then, a Denver motel becomes more than a place to stay for migrants. Also, a retired brigadier general believes history can help prevent sexual assaults at the Air Force Academy. And Turn the Page with us to overcome heartbreak.

Now more working Coloradoans have access to paid leave to care for a loved one or themselves. It’s a state program called FAMLI, not to be confused with the federal program FMLA. We break down the differences and how to sign up. Then, "God is Red" explores diversity of thought in religion and the importance of respecting Native traditions and our environment.

A new year brings a new chance to manage your money better, whether it's paying down debt, setting a short-term savings goal, or planning for retirement. We've been asking financial experts, from all walks of life, for tips and insight into how things like credit scores work. Today: their advice, compiled in a special!

For the first time, CU-Boulder has someone focused on its relationship with tribes to encourage Indigenous students and foster economic and cultural development. Then, how the verdict in the trial of paramedics in the death of Elijah McClain might impact first responders. Later, murals as a movement, a storytelling workshop, and the silver lining in a downed tree.