Colorado Matters

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March 14, 2025: Wage theft investigation at Denver strip clubs; Step into a storied room at The Brown Palace Mar 14, 2025

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They're being charged… to work. At two Denver strip clubs, employees of all kinds are victims of wage theft, according to an investigation by the city. The clubs say they're being unfairly targeted. Then, President Trump plans to invoke the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 as part of his deportation plan. The law has a dark history in Colorado. Plus, transparency in state government, The Brown Palace's place in the 1911 Chinese revolution, and Avourneen celebrates St. Patrick's Day!

March 13, 2025: Helping extremely premature babies defy the odds; Historic Park Theater's haunted history Mar 13, 2025

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It used to be a death sentence for a baby born 23 weeks early. But many, like Zev Hauser, now survive. Today, we hear from Zev’s mother about the miraculous story of his birth and from his doctor, who says, with proper treatment, babies like Zev can now thrive. Then, the Historic Park Theater may very well be the oldest single-screen movie theater in the country, and its owner says it's a real haunt! Plus, the "Color Book" starring an Aurora boy screens at the Boulder International Film Festival this weekend. And, we remember the many R&B and jazz legends who've recently passed.

March 12, 2025: 'Wind phones' provide unique connection; Turning to town halls for answers, accountability Mar 12, 2025

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Russ Young of Littleton, speaks to his late wife in a garden, on a phone that's not connected to anything. It's known as a wind phone, a unique way to cope with grief. Then, Coloradans are turning to town halls for answers and accountability from their congressmembers. Later, a Colorado researcher's groundbreaking research that shows being gay is not a mental illness. And later, a Denver chef will be cooking on TV!

March 11, 2025: Wilma Webb on legacy, life, and service to the community Mar 11, 2025

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Wilma Webb. Her name is synonymous with Colorado history. The former state lawmaker and first lady of Denver was recently honored for her lifetime of achievements and community service by the Colorado Women's Chamber of Commerce with the 2024 ATHENA Leadership Award. She spoke with Chandra Thomas Whitfield as part of Women's History Month.

March 10, 2025: Pursuit of justice for sex assault survivors amid case backlog; Forests out of carbon balance Mar 10, 2025

Show notes

Survivors of sexual assault in Colorado often wait more than a year and a half for DNA results in their cases. Without results, criminal investigations may stall. Purplish looks at how state lawmakers hope to fix this problem. Then, the Justice Department examines the conviction of former Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters. And why are Colorado's forests emitting more carbon than they take in? Plus, tracking illicit drugs through wastewater.

March 7, 2025: Life as a trans woman under the Trump administration; The sandhill cranes are back! Mar 07, 2025

Show notes

In the eyes of the Trump Administration, trans people do not exist. The president signed an executive order declaring, in part, “it is the policy of the United States to recognize two sexes, male and female." Reality is more nuanced than that. We get perspective from Rev. Paula Stone Williams, a pastor, therapist, and mayor pro tem of Lyons, Colorado. Then, the sandhill cranes return this weekend to the San Luis Valley. Plus, how USDA cuts are affecting Colorado.

March 6, 2025: Denver mayor faces Congress on immigration; Continuing role of churches as sanctuaries Mar 06, 2025

Show notes

There were hours of testimony, accusations and threats on Capitol Hill as Denver Mayor Mike Johnston defended the city's actions when it comes to immigration. Johnston was part of a panel of mayors called by Republicans to answer questions about their cities’ immigration policies. Then, churches have historically been places of sanctuary. But in the immigration debate now underway, do they still fit into the discussion? Also, dozens of people have been caught in avalanches this winter in Colorado -- we re-share one man's amazing story of survival.

March 5, 2025: What doctors are watching for 5 years after the first case of COVID; Colorado's Lunar Outpost Mar 05, 2025

Show notes

Colorado confirmed its first COVID case 5 years ago. Today, vaccination rates are flagging -- and so are investments in our health. We'll get a check-up on COVID and what doctors are watching for now. Then, Denver Mayor Mike Johnston testifies in Washington, D.C. about so-called sanctuary cities and immigration. Plus, a Colorado company's about to make history on the Moon in more ways than one. And, Colorado Wonders about the state's sugar beet industry.

March 4, 2025: Impact of Congressional cuts on Medicaid; Flu season questions and answers Mar 04, 2025

Show notes

As Congress debates a budget that slashes spending, there's concern those cuts could include Medicaid. We'll talk through the potential impact to patients, community health centers, hospitals -- and the state's economy. Then, doctors say it's been quite a flu season in Colorado; we'll get answers to the many questions. Also, it's Fat Tuesday, but you don't have to head down South to get a taste of the official sweet treat of Mardi Gras. We'll take you to an Arvada bakery that's been serving up king cake for nearly 20 years!

March 3, 2025: 'Colorado Today' a daily dose of news; 'Buy Colorado Day' eyes global marketplace Mar 03, 2025

Show notes

Our coverage of Colorado deepens today with the launch of CPR's new daily podcast, "Colorado Today." We share the inaugural episode and meet hosts Bazi Kanani and Arlo Pérez Esquivel. Plus, today is a new state holiday: "Buy Colorado Day." It elevates supporting local businesses and building Colorado's brand across the world.

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