Colorado Matters

Denver7 chief meteorologist Mike Nelson talks about why the recent rain could lead to more wet weather and how a weather pattern known as "El Niño" could increase the heat. Then, navigating summer air travel at DIA and what United's expansion might mean. Also, an update on a student's fight to wear a heritage sash at graduation. And, the mystery of Colorado's missing Merci train car.

The family of Christian Glass was awarded $19 million after their son was killed by a sheriff's deputy nearly a year ago in Clear Creek County. What goes into a settlement for police misconduct and why can they vary so much? Then, Denverite and CPR News partner with the Denver Post and Denver7 for a debate with Denver's two mayoral candidates, Kelly Brough and Mike Johnston. Later, a beloved woodshop teacher retires. And, remembering the queen of rock-n-roll, Tina Turner.

Will a deal tentatively reached by three of the states that use water from the Colorado River really make a difference, or is it just one step toward solving the water crisis? Then, what does the Colorado Springs mayoral election say about the overall political spectrum? Plus, the DU women's lacrosse team makes history and their stance as a national powerhouse. Plus, what to do about dandelions.

Denver police Sgt. Carla Havard shares her 25-year journey in law enforcement and why she's working to change the culture of policing. She also filed an EEOC complaint against the department, claiming harassment and racial discrimination. Then, keeping the nation's nuclear weapons away from artificial intelligence. And the Nuggets are heading to the NBA Finals for the first time!

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.

Clippings from the rose bush at Colorado's Camp Amache are now in the ground at Denver Botanic Gardens. A survivor's daughter pays the plant a visit. Then, in Purplish, as state lawmakers pass hundreds of bills-- many with elusive pricetags, they must also balance the budget. Plus, Pueblo through the lens of a Japanese photographer.

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.