Colorado Matters

A year after the first case of COVID-19 was confirmed in Colorado, restaurant owner and parent Natalie Perez finally feels optimistic. Then, Vic Vela joins us to talk about the journey to recovery as Back From Broken begins a second season sharing stories of hope, inspiration and understanding.

We hear from a mom near Durango who's navigating life with five kids and a lost job a year into the pandemic. And a Greeley mom who caught COVID-19 while pregnant talks about overcoming that anxiety. Plus, how the pandemic has affected religious services. Also, a clone may be the future of the black-footed ferret. And using beavers to help Colorado's rivers.

Niwot comedian Dia Kline on how the pandemic is raising awareness about anosmia, or the inability to smell. Plus, we follow up with the residents of Wellington a year after the pandemic started. Then, Jeannie Davis remembers her parents, who died of COVID-19. Also, Niwot author R.L.

What do doctors know now, that they wish they knew when the first cases of COVID-19 were diagnosed? Then, fighting to keep Space Command in Colorado. And, recognition for the crew of the U.S.S. Pueblo. Also, how the pandemic may change air travel, and the leisure industry. Plus, new help for frustration with the state's unemployment system and fraud.

Ravi Turman of Aurora was one of the first COVID-19 patients to be successfully removed from a ventilator. She reflects on life a year later. Then, the Purplish team takes on transportation. Plus, after 60 years, the challenges ahead for the Peace Corps include equity and climate change. And we begin our Pandemic Escape Playlist!

The Fort Morgan restaurant, Elaine’s Place, has struggled to stay afloat in the pandemic. Then, remembering Grand Junction’s Olga Archuleta who died of COVID-19 in December. Later, Tattered Cover teams up with Hue-Man, the former Denver bookstore that brought diverse literature to the city. Plus, listen to wind from Mars! And, new music from South of France.

A more contagious mutation of the COVID-19 virus could mean a storm on the horizon. Then, an aerospace engineer and former ambassador advocate for more women in national security. Plus, Denverite investigates sexual assault allegations in Denver's street arts scene. And, Amanda Gorman's poem at the inauguration inspires a Colorado poet and his daughter.

The state archeologist believes masks will become artifacts about this moment in time for future generations. Then, a Colorado Springs boutique owner on what opening a business during the pandemic has taught her. And, it took a century for CU Boulder to recognize the graduation of Lucile Berkeley Buchanan; now the school's naming a building after her.

The Aurora City Council reacts to the Elijah McClain investigation that found officers mishandled the encounter. Then, how’s the shoe repair business one year into the pandemic? We check in with cobbler Tommy Rhine of Denver. Later, Rep. Joe Neguse on his new role in the House Subcommittee on National Parks. Finally, world-record skydiver Melissa Lowe.

Colorado's top federal prosecutor, U.S. Attorney Jason Dunn, answers questions about suspected insurrectionists, crime in the pandemic, guns, street drugs, and the chances marijuana will be legalized on a federal level. Dunn recently announced his resignation. Plus, a successful touchdown for Perseverance on Mars, a mission with connections to Colorado.

More people died in Colorado in 2020 than in an average year, but COVID-19 isn’t the only reason. Also, schools find ways to reconnect students and sports. Plus, the father/son relationship and their experiences with autism that inspire the new novel based in Colorado, "To the Mountain." And a big honor for Colorado Springs-based artist Idris Goodwin.

Churches and community centers have become vaccine clinics to reach underserved populations. State Sen. Julie Gonzales shares what it took to do this in her district. Then, side-effects of the vaccine. Later, the Colorado Environmental Film Festival celebrates its 15th year. Finally, “The Kitchen Shelf” tackles pinto bean desserts from Cortez.

State House majority leader, Democrat Alec Garnett, and state Senate minority leader, Chris Holbert, talk about legislative priorities including health care and transportation funding. Then, Denver Post reporter David Migoya on his investigation of the state judicial department. Plus, exploring Colorado's Sulphur Cave. And Denver's Nathaniel Rateliff on SNL.

On this Presidents Day, perspectives from the Founding Fathers to the First Ladies. The current pandemic isn't the first time past leaders have had to overcome sickness. Then, history's take on the transition of power. Also, presidential confidantes and advisors on the White House kitchen staff. And, notable First Ladies who helped their husbands succeed.

A Denver chef shares what it's like to lose his senses of smell and taste to COVID-19, and what researchers theorize is happening to the body. Then, CPR's Washington, D.C. reporter Caitlyn Kim's observations on the Senate impeachment trial in Purplish.

Three new places have been added to the list of the most endangered in Colorado. We’ll talk about the evolving goals of preservation. Then, calls to Colorado's child abuse and neglect hotline are down, but what does that mean? Also, the "Science Moms" are on a mission about climate change. Plus a "Journey to Freedom" with the spirituals radio project.

There are three missions to Mars underway and all hope to find signs of life. Then, more from the education series, “The Workforce Behind The Workforce.” Later, choreographer Cleo Parker Robinson talks dance in the pandemic and racial justice. Plus, why making your own outdoor gear used to be a thing. And, new music from climate activist Xiuhtezcatl.

We talk with the chairperson of a Colorado Springs citizen commission that’s examining policing: from racial bias to crisis response to use of force. Then, assessing Colorado’s special needs parole law. Also, we remember anti-war and civil rights champion Rennie Davis.

Mounting frustration with the unemployment system as people are denied benefits because of the state's efforts to crack down on fraud. Then, a critical moment for the state GOP as the party tries to unify. Plus, an all-out effort to rescue horses from a wildfire. And new reflections on Selena from a stagehand who worked one of her concerts in Pueblo.

Denver's former independent law enforcement monitor talks about the challenges ahead for his replacement. Plus, two dentists on safety protocols against COVID-19 and how pandemic anxiety is showing up in people's teeth. Then, meet Koko Bayer, the Denver artist who created hearts with a message of hope. And, the "future funk" sound of Denver band, The Grand Alliance.