Colorado Matters

A new book, “No Human Contact,” traces the back stories of two men who spent decades in solitary confinement for murder. Is it inhumane or the best way to control dangerous offenders? And what's the impact on guards? Then, financial planning can be emotionally fraught. How to get past the fear and plan ahead. And, a graduation speaker tells her unusual story.

Is tapping the Pacific Ocean for drinking water a solution to decades of drought and overuse of the Colorado River? "Parched" explores the possibility. Then, Colorado's betting big on hydrogen as a green fuel of the future. And later, the "Weird Foothill Guy" hits the slopes like surfers hit the waves.

Now that he's mayor of Colorado Springs, what will Yemi Mobolade do to achieve the city of inclusion and prosperity he envisions? Then, from crop insurance to conservation, Colorado farmers and ranchers are closely watching the Farm Bill debate in Washington. And, how a Black man moved from a tough inner city neighborhood to become a professional ballet dancer.

Colorado Springs has chosen its next mayor; we'll hear part of Yemi Mobolade's victory speech. Then, a project to pass the Spanish language and its dialects onto the next generation in Colorado. Later, StoryCorps Mobile heads to Colorado Springs to collect stories of real life.

Finding affordable, attainable housing is hard enough, but some people still find themselves on the outs even if they can pay. A relatively new law is supposed to prevent discrimination and unfair housing practices, but is it working? Then, the documentary "Reclaiming Denver's Chinatown" makes sure a long-lost part of the city and its history is not forgotten.

We ask three physicians – in Denver and Grand Junction – for their long-term outlook on COVID-19. They offer their take on long COVID, vaccines, and masking. Then, one of the oldest people to graduate from CU-Boulder and why she decided to get her degree. Later, the pandemic gave two filmmakers a new home in Colorado and new inspiration for a sequel to their blockbuster.

Days of rain are finally letting up along the Front Range. State climatologist Russ Schumacher joins us with perspective. Then, new funding for search and rescue teams in Colorado. Plus, a touching and unexpected commencement speech at Western Colorado University. And, gardening expert Fatuma Emmad answers your spring planting questions!

A small school district in Colorado is drawing attention as school boards become political flashpoints. Then, why are more students in Boulder County experiencing housing instability -- and homelessness. Plus, at least two state legislatures expelled lawmakers this year...what are the rules in Colorado? Also, bringing your yard back from the winter doldrums.

A trial is underway that could put a stop to a law enforcement tactic known as the "Kansas Two-Step," which appears to target people from states where cannabis is legal. Then, a wildfire season preview. And as climate change and overuse parch the Colorado River, how's this for a solution? Bring in water from another river-- like the Mississippi. CPR's podcast "Parched" explores that idea.

As the legislative session wraps up, a look at what state lawmakers accomplished and how it will affect average Coloradans. Legislation on guns and property tax prevailed, but a major land use bill failed. Then, foreign consolutes in Colorado. And, racist themes in a popular opera Also, girls in computer science and a high school poet competes in Washington, DC.