Colorado Matters

Latest Episodes:

May 4, 2026: Colorado's complicated pushback against ICE; 'Salvation' by Gunnison's C. William Langsfeld May 04, 2026

Show notes

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.

May 1, 2026: ICE impact on criminal cases in Colorado; Flying into rain bombs; Untold stories of '12 Tablecloths' May 01, 2026

Show notes

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.

April 30, 2026: Impact of Supreme Court's Voting Rights Act ruling; Aging Matters on avoiding scams Apr 30, 2026

Show notes

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 29, 2026: Rain, severe weather, and the summer ahead; 'Dude Talk Dinners' help men connect Apr 29, 2026

Show notes

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.

April 28, 2026: Grand Junction pipe bombings revisited; Exploring racism through theater Apr 28, 2026

Show notes

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.

April 27, 2026: Debating state lawmaker pay; Immersive theater explores foster care in Colorado Apr 27, 2026

Show notes

Should Colorado lawmakers get a pay raise at the same time the state faces a $1.5 billion dollar budget shortfall? We'll get into the debate today with Purplish, and the reason it could impact policies and laws in Colorado. Then, "Crossroads: The Journey of Becoming," is a new immersive play that explores what it's like to be a child in Colorado’s foster care system.

April 24, 2026: SCOTUS, voters will decide LGBTQ+ issues in Colorado; Music festival season is back with FoCoMX! Apr 24, 2026

Show notes

The US Supreme Court will hear another case from Colorado that pits LGBTQ rights against questions of religious freedom. Meantime, Colorado voters will decide two initiatives on transgender youth this fall. Then, how an artist in Pueblo saved a painting by a Holocaust survivor that faced an uncertain fate. We also re-share the amazing achievement of Durango speed skier Ross Anderson 20 years after his record-setting feat. And today and tomorrow, FoCoMX, the Fort Collins Music Festival, is back with more than 450 artists from around Colorado. We get a preview with the Local 303 from Alisha Sweeny at Indie 102.3.

April 23, 2026: Can the Avs and Nuggets make sports history? 'Raising the Curtain' with kindness at the Arvada Center Apr 23, 2026

Show notes

There's never been an NBA and NHL champion that's come from the same city in the same year; as the playoffs begin, the Avalanche and Nuggets hope to change that. Denver Post sports columnist Troy Renck sizes up their chances. Then, a Denver man walks free after 27 years in prison. What his release says about the justice system and reasonable doubt. And, we "Raise the Curtain" on how the latest work at the Arvada Center is excavating history and providing kindness.

April 22, 2026: What makes a vibrant, sustainable and successful downtown? Apr 22, 2026

Show notes

What makes a downtown successful? Why are some bustling while others are hollowed out? Downtown Colorado, Inc. came to Main Street in Grand Junction to award innovators across the state. Some of the finalists joined Ryan Warner on stage to discuss delicate downtown ecosystems. Kat Correll is the executive director of Downtown Colorado, Inc., Kimberlee McKee is the executive director of Longmont’s Downtown Development Authority, Lynn Clark is the executive director of the Historic Arkansas Riverwalk of Pueblo Authority; and from Telluride, but appearing on behalf of a project in Montrose: Jay Raible, who co-owns the new Rathbone Hotel.

April 21, 2026: Primary ballots come into focus; Coloradans' memories of Prince 10 years after passing Apr 21, 2026

Show notes

Primary ballots will arrive in mailboxes in a few weeks, and now, we know which candidates will be on them. Today Purplish looks at which candidates rallied enough support at the recent state assemblies and what this method of selecting candidates means in the big picture. Then, today marks 10 years since the passing of pop icon and musical virtuoso, Prince. Chandra shares her personal reflections on what his music meant to her, and speaks with Coloradans about their memories of his visits here and the influence he had on their lives.

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