Colorado Matters

As the pandemic emergency officially ends, the state is sending notices to people whose Medicaid benefits could end. Then, a new space race ushers in new types of businesses, like a communications provider on the moon. Also, how the "great fire" of 1863 reshaped Denver. And Denver singer/songwriter Travis McNamara's debut album is full of surprises.

We continue our conversations with the candidates for mayor of Colorado Springs. Today, former city councilman and former secretary of state Wayne Williams points to his record as a leader and why he should be elected over his opponent, Yemi Mobolade. And, how Colorado's state historian is using poetry to make the state's history more inclusive.

The candidates for mayor of Colorado Springs join us today and tomorrow. Ballots in the runoff election are due May 16. Today: political newcomer Yemi Mobolade hopes to shake things up with a new perspective. Then, a Boulder high school student envisioned a smart gun for a science fair; now he's made it a reality. Later, a special mural at East High School.

Candidate Mike Johnston wants to ensure that Denver’s teachers, nurses and firefighters can afford to live in the city where they work. In an interview with Ryan Warner, Johnston outlines his solutions for renters and homebuyers, and explains how he’d approach public safety. Then, Colorado Wonders digs into the numbers assigned to political districts.

Kelly Brough, former CEO of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, faces former state lawmaker Michael Johnston in the June 6 runoff. In an interview with Ryan Warner, Brough outlines her plans for dealing with housing, homelessness and a downtown revival.

Governor Jared Polis says he'll work to limit the impact of property tax increases, and will continue to push for housing density across Colorado to increase affordability. Then, a Supreme Court justice from Colorado sold a mountain property to a prominent lawyer. We speak with the investigative reporter at Politico who broke this story about ethics on the nation's highest court. And "My Story So Far" reflects on life after the Marshall Fire.

Governor Jared Polis’ big bill to overhaul how the state builds housing is itself undergoing some rebuilding. CPR's Andrew Kenney updates the developments. Then, elite runner Kara Goucher of Boulder pulls back the curtain on the world behind her sport in a new memoir. And a documentary screening to raise awareness about Black infant and maternal mortality in Colorado and across the country.

Colorado politicians want to halt a plan that would transport oil by train along the Colorado River from Utah’s Uinta Basin. They say an oil spill would endanger local communities. Then, years ago, settlers took control of the Colorado River from Indigenous tribes. Now, as the river dries up, Indigenous tribes are working to back their rights.

Why are there more mass shootings in the U.S. compared to other countries? One researcher says it may have to do with how guns are viewed in American society. Then, a Colorado Wonders question about wind prompts even more windy curiosities. And "My Story So Far" shares the emotional stories of people touched by the Marshall Fire.

In Trinidad, a month-long program allows people to train in construction while they work to rehabilitate long-vacant homes. Then, our Purplish podcast tackles the state's housing woes by re-envisioning land use.