Colorado Matters

The Bureau of Land Management is investing more than $11 million to restore and preserve wetlands in the San Luis Valley and North Park. We talk with BLM director Tracy Stone-Manning. Then, John Suthers, the outgoing mayor of Colorado Springs, talks growth, the political divide, and unexpected opportunities from the pandemic. Plus, senior lifeguards!

A no, a lot of yeses, and one absence. When it comes to the deal to raise the nation’s debt ceiling, Colorado’s members of Congress have taken some different positions. Then, Nuggets superfan Nikki Swarn on the team's historic run as the NBA championships begin. We also talk with former player and coach Bill Hanzlik. And, how do you say the MVP's name?

The U.S. is at a crossroads in terms of partisanship but a global non-profit is working to bridge the divide. Stephen Hawkins is research director for More in Common. Then, Colorado Wonders asks about all those pesky miller moths. Plus, the Western Slope's new poet laureate, Wendy Videlock, is hoping to make poetry more accessible.

The mayoral runoff election is on June 6, 2023. Today the candidates, Kelly Brough and Mike Johnston, answer questions about equity and policing. Then, in "Parched," we learn why Las Vegas, a city in the desert known for its excesses, has become a leader in water conservation.

On this Memorial Day, we share stories of Coloradans who served in extraordinary conditions. Pueblo author Doug Sterner's new book is "Beyond Belief: True Stories of Colorado Heroes that Defy Comprehension." Then, why are American service members buried overseas instead of being brought back to the United States? And, singer Emily Scott Robinson honors her late cousin, Army Ranger James Twist.

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.