Colorado Matters

As the United States marks 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 on July 4th and Colorado prepares to celebrate 150 years of statehood on August 1st, today for our series Aging Matters, we feature “Portraits In Aging,” a series of conversations Chandra Thomas Whitfield had with a diverse mix of Coloradans who talk about what it’s like growing older here. Aging, in their own words. And their perspectives are especially relevant and timely; those age 65 and older are the fastest growing population in our state, impacting everything here from housing to healthcare.

As Colorado embarks on its psychedelic experiment, people can now receive psilocybin-assisted therapy at healing centers. The state is also grappling with how to enable therapy with the psychedelic ibogaine, which has shown promise for treating addiction. The use of psychedelic-assisted therapy was a component of Colorado’s psychedelic law approved by voters in 2022. We share a conversation from the most recent Aspen Ideas Festival as part of our coverage, "The Trip," about Colorado’s psychedelic journey. Krista Tippett, who created and hosts the podcast “On Being,” interviewed Gül Dölen, a psychology professor at the University of California Berkeley and a leader in psychedelics research. This episode of Colorado Matters originally aired on February 2, 2026

The Democratic Party formally censured Gov. Jared Polis this week after he commuted the sentence of former Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters. CPR public affairs Bente Birkeland joins us with context about the censure, and what's next for Peters. Then, Denver7 chief meteorologist Lisa Hidalgo has the weather outlook for the Memorial Day holiday weekend and if this week's rain had any impact on the statewide drought. Plus, an inspiring commencement speech at Red Rocks Community College. And Ryan sits down with Denver Mayor Mike Johnston to ask about the new homelessness count, data centers, crime, rapid bus transit and courting the DNC.

Ahead of the primary election, we hear from three of the four Democratic candidates for state attorney general. Former federal prosecutor Hetal Doshi, Boulder County District Attorney Michael Dougherty, and attorney David Seligman. They took part in a candidate forum moderated by Chandra Thomas Whitfield at the Colorado Women's Bar Association conference in Vail on Friday, May 15, 2026. The fourth Democratic candidate on the primary ballot, Secretary of State Jena Griswold, did not participate. The two candidates on the Republican primary ballot, Colorado Springs District Attorney Michael Allen and attorney David Willson, were also invited to take part. Allen declined and Willson was unable to attend at the last minute.

She’s a student of government – and a participant. Melat Kiros is taking a break from graduate school in hopes of pulling off a political victory: Unseating Denver’s longtime congresswoman Diana DeGette. Kiros is our guest today. You can also read and listen to Ryan Warner’s interviews with Wanda James and Diana DeGette. Then, how Steven Ramm, an aerospace engineer at Lockheed Martin, turned spreadsheets into survival skills. Plus, a new magical muse for Denver singer/songwriter Neyla Pekarek who performs this Friday at the Oriental Theater.

A familiar name will be on the Democratic primary ballot in Denver. Diana DeGette wants to stay in Congress, and today makes her case. You can also read and listen to Ryan Warner's interviews with Melat Kiros and Wanda James now. Then, the cost of child care is akin to the cost of college tuition, and it impacts everyone-- even those without kids. CPR education reporter Jenny Brundin leads the new series, "Raising Colorado: The Untold Story of a Broken Child Care System." Plus, Purplish shares some of the state's new laws as the legislative session ends.

There’s a three-way Democratic primary next month to represent Denver and Glendale in Congress. We hear from them this week. A coin toss determined the order. We start with entrepreneur and current CU Regent Wanda James. You can also read and listen to Ryan Warner's interviews with Melat Kiros and Diana DeGette now. Then, what's next for former Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters as reaction comes swiftly to the governor's decision to commute her sentence. And, tonight's Local 303 meetup celebrates Colorado artists in May!

Democrat Michael Bennet hopes to leave the US Senate and become Colorado's next governor. Ahead of the June 30th primary, Bennet is our guest today. Yesterday, we heard from his opponent in the Democratic race, Attorney General Phil Weiser. We asked both what their boldest idea is for Colorado, how they'll achieve it, plus healthcare, water, AI regulation, and the state's now perennial budget gaps.

The state's top attorney wants to be its next chief executive. Democrat Phil Weiser is running for governor. Ahead of the June 30th primary, Weiser is our guest today. Tomorrow: his opponent in the Democratic race, Senator Michael Bennet. We'll ask both what their boldest idea is for Colorado, how they'll achieve it, plus healthcare, water, AI regulation, and the state's now perennial budget gaps.

The state's top attorney wants to be its next chief executive. Democrat Phil Weiser is running for governor. Ahead of the June 30th primary, Weiser is our guest today. Tomorrow: his opponent in the Democratic race, Senator Michael Bennet. We'll ask both what their boldest idea is for Colorado, how they'll achieve it, plus healthcare, water, AI regulation, and the state's now perennial budget gaps.

How do you help someone break the cycle of homelessness, if they don't want help? Denverite's Kyle Harris joins us with one woman's story that raises bigger questions about finding solutions to an issue that can divide communities. Then, a new state law puts portable solar panels within reach, especially for renters. Also, amid drought and water restrictions, one homeowner fights to re-use water. Plus, a "Sex and the City" star has a message for CU-Boulder graduates, CPR's new host of Morning Edition, Bazi Kanani, talks about her journey in journalism, and Aging Matters puts the focus on fitness; it can be as simple as going for a walk.

As much as we hear about Iran, there's a lot we don't know about daily life and politics there. Shideh Dashti is a professor at the University of Colorado Boulder. She speaks regularly with her father, who lives in Iran, and spoke with Andrea Dukakis, about what he's experiencing. Then, we meet Sam Nilsson, head grower at Phelan Gardens in Colorado Springs, to talk about planting in a drought amid water restrictions. And, a new exhibit at the Pioneers Museum celebrates the art and history of tattoos.

There are new rules of the road for Colorado teens as a new state law requires hours more training before young drivers can even get a permit, and it doesn’t stop there. We'll get you up to speed on passenger limits, curfews, and the rules on cell phone use. Then, hundreds of Colorado moms are asking for a little help...in the name of fun and self-care. We talk with the founders of the Mom Dance party -- back this Mother’s Day weekend in metro Denver -- about their mission to boost the mental health of moms through music and movement. Also, two harbingers of Spring...it's peak real estate season in Colorado but it's getting harder for home sellers to find buyers. Meanwhile, local colleges and universities are sending graduates out into the world. We're featuring the words of wisdom they hear as they depart. And, a new wheelchair rugby force to be reckoned with calls Denver home.

The Sundance Film Festival relocates to Boulder January 21-31, 2027. What will it be like? Who is welcome? Will there be enough popcorn? At this year's CU Conference on World Affairs, Colorado Matters previewed Sundance and discussed its year-round mission, in front of a live audience. Our guests are director Lulu Wang ("The Farewell"), producer and Sundance Institute trustee Gigi Pritzker, and CU-Boulder student filmmaker Kate Yezzi.

May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Today, we talk with the head of one publication that’s been telling stories of that community here in Colorado for two decades. We’ll also discuss some recent big milestones in our state and the challenges that persist. "Asian Avenue Magazine" is part of CEME, the Colorado Ethnic Media Exchange, a coalition focused on elevating the voices of diverse and often underserved communities. Annie Guo VanDan is the magazine co-founder and president. Nga Vương-Sandoval is featured on the May cover. She is receiving the Asian American Hero of Colorado Award, largely for her extensive work as the founding executive director of "Refugees + Immigrants United," a Colorado nonprofit dedicated to “empowering, advocating for, and celebrating the voices of refugees and immigrants.” And, we revisit the effort to make sure Denver's Chinatown is not lost to history.

State democrats want Colorado to push back against ICE, but how is still up for debate. Purplish explains why coming up with a unified approach has proven to be challenging. Then, Gunnison author C. William Langsfeld's debut novel, "Salvation," explores the feelings that unspool after a murder in a small Colorado town, the pitfalls of westerns masculinity, and isolation. And, Colorado Wonders about the lakes in Denver's City Park.

ICE deportations mean criminal suspects in Colorado are not always held accountable. CPR justice reporter Allison Sherry shares her investigation. Then, Denver Health serves people across the state as a "safety net" hospital, which makes it particularly vulnerable to federal cuts. Plus, how an atmospheric scientist at Colorado State University is keeping us safe from "rain bombs." And “12 Tablecloths” by artist Chloé Duplessis tells stories long overlooked of labor, resilience and survival. It's now at the Fort Garland Museum and Cultural Center through May 30.

The 1965 Voting Rights Act was designed to ensure the right to vote for all citizens, regardless of race, gender, class, sexual orientation, and background. The Supreme Court rolled back a key provision of the landmark legislation on Wednesday. We talk through what it means, and what protections are in place in Colorado. Then, older Coloradans are especially at risk for scams -- and they can often suffer in silence. For our series Aging Matters, we talk about efforts to stay one step ahead as scammers get more sophisticated.

April will end with much-needed rain, and even some snow in the mountains. This also marks the start of tornado and severe weather season. Denver7 Chief Meteorologist Lisa Hidalgo is back for our regular chat about weather and climate. Then, "Dude Talk Dinners" help connect men in a non-judgmental environment. Plus, as more people hop on e-bikes, what to know about safety and the rules of the road.

The murder convictions in one of the most notorious criminal cases in Grand Junction history were tossed out, but there are still unanswered questions about the pipe bombings that killed two people in 1991. Today, we hear from the original public defender in the case against James Genrich, who is now eligible for parole. Then, for "Raise the Curtain," the Arvada Center explores racism in America through theater. And a project to preserve loving memories, through lullabies.