Colorado Matters

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August 20, 2025: Intervention to prevent youth violence at a crossroads; Boulder author on dating smarter Aug 20, 2025

Show notes

Where youth violence was once rampant, it has plummeted. A successful program screens young people for their susceptibility. But now Denver's Youth Violence Prevention Center is itself susceptible to federal budget cuts. Then, a lot of single people are sick of dating in the modern era; Boulder author and dating coach Tim Molnar has ideas to make relationships strategic. Plus, it's all in the family at a school in the San Luis Valley.

Aug. 19, 2025: Gold King Mine 10 years later; Bad behavior at the State Capitol Aug 19, 2025

Show notes

A decade ago this month, the Animas River in southwest Colorado turned bright orange after a toxic plume from the Gold King Mine spilled downstream. In the ten years since, what's been the impact and what's changed, or hasn't, to prevent future problems? Then, Purplish examines what's being done to address harassment and other workplace misconduct, both in-person and on social media, at the State Capitol as lawmakers return for a special session.

Aug. 18, 2025: From campus costs to curbing gun violence: Two conversations about Colorado’s future Aug 18, 2025

Show notes

CU Boulder’s chancellor, Justin Schwartz, describes what it takes for students to graduate — beyond tuition — and how housing, food and connection on campus factor in. Then, a youth violence prevention specialist joins Aurora police in an unconventional effort to keep young people safe and out of prison in "Systemic."

Aug. 15, 2025: When the world believed Martians were real Aug 15, 2025

Show notes

Former NPR science reporter David Baron, of Boulder, gives Colorado Matters an exclusive sneak peek at his new book, "The Martians: The True Story of an Alien Craze That Captured Turn-Of-the-Century America." Listen to a captivating conversation in front of an audience at Library 21c in Colorado Springs.

Aug. 14, 2025: Denver singer/songwriter Such on finding alignment in music Aug 14, 2025

Show notes

Denver singer/songwriter Such is driven by a passion to connect and take care of others, first in nursing, now in real estate and especially, in her music. Then, Coloradans are living longer. And an Arapahoe County sheriff's deputy finds connection and community through his cowboy hat.

Aug. 12, 2025: Aging Matters: What to know about downsizing, from selling your home to decluttering Aug 12, 2025

Show notes

Most people want to stay in their homes for as long as possible as they get older. But if you do decide it's time to downsize, where do you begin? In a special "Aging Matters on Colorado Matters," we ask what to consider when selling your home and how to start getting rid of decades and decades of stuff. Then, a neighborhood health fair at a time when it's needed the most. Also, "An Open Door" is a new documentary about CSU's Temple Grandin, a legend in animal science and autism advocacy. Plus, the return of an immersive theater experience.

Aug. 11, 2025: Disability rights movement sprouted in Colorado; No summer lull for legislature Aug 11, 2025

Show notes

The Americans with Disabilities Act became law 35 years ago. Coloradans reflect on our state's pivotal role and on the progress still to be made. Then, ahead of a special session of the state legislature, a look at a bad budget gap and some bad behavior. Plus, the season three premiere of Systemic, CPR's podcast about changemakers.

Aug. 8, 2025: Denver mayor on bond, layoffs, and Broncos; New GM on future of Colorado State Fair Aug 08, 2025

Show notes

Denverites are trying to square something: the city's about to lay off employees but at the same time it wants voters to approve nearly a billion dollars in projects. We ask Denver Mayor Mike Johnston about that, tensions with Trump, turning office towers into apartments, and the future of the Broncos. Then, remembering a Hiroshima survivor in Denver 80 years after the bombing. Plus, the State Fair is back with a new general manager with an eye on the future. And Kyle Hollingsworth of The String Cheese Incident has a new single: Colorado.

Aug. 7, 2025: Veterans, first responders share psychedelic journey; Handheld device bridges language gap Aug 07, 2025

Show notes

Psychedelics can help people see things from a new perspective. That includes veterans and first responders who are also using storytelling to help them overcome challenges. Also, handheld devices that translate nearly 100 languages, including Azerbaijani, Haitian Creole and Spanish are being used by some Colorado counties to help non-English speakers with civic needs. Then, their stories were nearly lost, but through art, "12 Tablecloths" recognizes Black domestic workers who served white families more than a century ago. The exhibit closes tomorrow at the Trinidad History Museum.

Aug. 6, 2025: Could tracking denied gun sales prevent tragedy?; Many arrested by ICE aren't 'worst of the worst' Aug 06, 2025

Show notes

When someone tries to buy a gun in Colorado and is denied, it gets flagged. A CPR investigation finds that intelligence is underused. CPR justice reporter Allison Sherry on how this connects to the firebombing in downtown Boulder and to immigration enforcement. Then, Donald Trump promised to deport "the worst of the worst," but an analysis of ICE arrests doesn't square up. Plus, a challenge to rethink the immigration system altogether from a Colorado Book Award winner.

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