Colorado Matters

Four years ago, the COVID-19 pandemic changed life as we know it. We get a checkup on the virus now and reflect on what's been learned about treatments and vaccines. Then, we ask Denver7 chief meteorologist Mike Nelson about the recent arctic blast in a time of climate change. And later, we go on a literary road trip across Colorado. Plus, Turn the Page with Colorado Matters!

Move over Silicon Valley. Colorado Springs is home to more and more tech business, including one that's set to triple its production of microchips. Then, the Pueblo mayoral runoff election is one week away; we talk with incumbent Nick Gradisar and challenger Heather Graham. Plus muralists launch a festival of empowerment in Off the Walls.

When Minister Glenda Strong Robinson of Longmont skipped class in 1968 to march with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., there were many things that she couldn’t have foreseen.

Governor Jared Polis never said the word "migrant" in his State of the State speech, despite arrivals that've left cities struggling to provide. So, we asked about it and other issues shortly after he addressed lawmakers. Plus, reaction from a Republican House leader. Also, Turn the Page returns, and Denver's musical connection to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

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.