Colorado Matters

The Colorado Auto Show opens today amid tariffs. We ask the head of the Colorado Automobile Dealers Association about car buying in today's economy. Then, a judge on the Western Slope orders ICE to stay out of county courthouses. Also, a man who dresses as a chicken has a serious message about self-care in Colorado's ski towns. Plus, as the Nuggets begin the playoffs, the untold story of star center Nikola Jokić, the FoCoMX music festival begins, and how an ice castle and troll are helping towns in Teller County.

Imagine living abroad, or even in another part of the U.S. for a few months or longer, with your family in tow and using the world as your classroom. It might not be as far-fetched as you think. Three Boulder moms wrote a book on how to do it: "Wonder Year: A Guide to Long-Term Family Travel and Worldschooling." Chandra Thomas Whitfield spoke with co-author Julie Frieder in August, as well as a Denver family who took up the adventure. This is an encore episode of Colorado Matters which first aired on August 27, 2024.

Comedian Nancy Norton shares highlights from The Tromedy Podcast. Norton, a former nurse in Boulder, is trained in therapeutic humor. Then, for a second year, Colorado sends a Windsor High School student to the Poetry Out Loud national finals. And, an astrophysicist at NCAR receives one of France's highest honors.

For the first time in nearly three decades, Colorado has three confirmed cases of the measles. But it's not considered an outbreak yet. Then, as the federal government rolls back rights for transgender Americans, Colorado is moving to expand protections. We'll look at the debate with Purplish. Plus, rural Colorado braces for Medicaid cuts and the impact of tariffs.

She was the first in her family to go to college. Now she's a college president, helping other first-gen students navigate higher ed. We speak with the new president of Fort Lewis College, Dr. Heather Shotton, about job readiness in rural Colorado. Then, the San Luis Valley braces for cuts to Medicaid. And artist and historian Chloé Duplessis' new exhibit, "12 Tablecloths" at the Trinidad History Museum, gives a seat at the table to Black domestic workers whose stories were nearly forgotten.

A trial is underway in Denver for a man accused of torture in The Gambia. We'll talk through the accusations and why it's happening in Colorado. Then, a Colorado entrepreneur is working to bring audio in movies and online content to the next level, using ethically-sourced Artificial Intelligence. Plus, why the pine beetle is spreading again. And a sendoff for a beloved ski lift!

In rounding up the "worst first," immigration agents also conduct what they consider "collateral arrests." Then, the French ambassador to the US visits Colorado where he discusses aerospace and business opportunities amid tariffs. Also, the region's new EPA administrator on energy, climate change, and clean air & water. And later, creating harmony in the workplace.

Student athletes face a lot of pressure to win. And on the ever-changing playing field of college sports, that can create even more anxiety. Today, we share a panel discussion about stress, students, sports, and solutions, hosted by the CU Anschutz Medical Campus. Then, NCAA President Charlie Baker speaks with CSU President Amy Parsons about the changing collegiate sports landscape. Later, preserving the water in the Arkansas River Basin in southern Colorado.

As tariffs send shockwaves through world markets, what sorts of decisions should everyday investors make? Then, Purplish on how, in Colorado, both Republicans and Democrats are regrouping, with politics in upheaval. Plus, what's the alchemy that makes a recipe go viral? We'll cook up some theories with food writer Allyson Reedy in her Broomfield kitchen.

Today, we'll bust some myths about young people and reading. As much as kids are on their phones, many crave paper. Plus, book bans, the hottest genres among young adults, and the role of school libraries in 2025. Then, proxy voting on Capitol Hill. Plus, dedicated volunteers are keeping Colorado Springs clean. Later, survivors of sexual assault are empowered with Rise art. And 'Pinch Hitting' tells the story of an unlikely hero in baseball.

A pet dog or cat are often considered part of the family. But for older adults, they can become much more than that. In an Aging Matters on Colorado Matters special, paring up with a pet, and how to make the decision that's right for you. Then, a group of Latino seniors finds a solution to unexpected loneliness. And when people talk about retiring, having enough money is often the first thing that comes up, but there's a lot more to consider. A program through the University of Colorado Denver called "Change Makers" helps navigate the next chapter in life.

The first case of measles has been confirmed in Colorado following a recent outbreak in other states; today, what to know to stay safe. Then, two Colorado researchers trying to prevent HIV grapple with frozen funding. And, a seed vault in Fort Collins critical to state and national food supply could be at risk from federal cuts. Plus, as baseball season begins, we re-share the story of the Sugar Beet League and a Greeley family's legacy of playing ball.

Her adult son was shot seven times in the back by a Douglas County sheriff's deputy. Today, a mother's search for answers. Then, as Boulder prepares to host the Sundance Film Festival in 2027, could a film production there be a sign of things to come? Plus, Colorado Wonders why the school year is shorter than in other states. Also, Colorado will be getting 15 new judges. And a chance to celebrate the artistry and legacy of Selena.

What to expect from the Sundance Film Festival, courtesy of the town that lost it. From Park City, insight into the minuses and pluses from an art film owner. Then, an Oscar-winning filmmaker in Boulder who helped lure the event. Later, former Rep. Yadira Caraveo, MD, gets candid about mental health. Plus, a frozen world that's no longer frozen. Arctic adventurer and author Jonathan Waterman, of Carbondale, on the rapid changes facing wildlife, plants, and people.

Denver author and entrepreneur Danaya Wilson wants to create change. Her book is "Changemakers Wanted: Your Blueprint for Lasting Impact and Ethical Change." Then, March and April are two of the snowiest months of the year, so as part of Aging Matters on Colorado Matters, now's the time to sign up for free snow shoveling, before the next storm. And it turns out the programs benefit not only the recipient, but the volunteer too!

Colorado's senior U.S. Senator, Democrat Michael Bennet, is angry at his own party as the Trump administration undertakes what Bennet calls the "wanton destruction" of the federal government. Then, why hot springs operators are concerned about Colorado's energy future. Plus, the CEO of Good Times talks about tariffs, trends and competition with big burger. And, a Colorado Springs family marks Ramadan.

A pediatrician explains how federal funding cuts could undo decades of progress in HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention, at home and abroad. Then, in a special out Friday, Denver comedian Adam Cayton-Holland marks 20 years of stand-up where his career began, at Lion's Lair Lounge. Plus, "Colorado Wonders" why seatbelt use lags here. And a Ukrainian family faces further uncertainty as they try to make a life in Boulder.

The state wants to ease the housing crunch by having cities allow more homes in less space and with less parking. But not everyone agrees it's the right approach. We'll explore the debate and how some cities are pushing back with Purplish. Then, from her challenging years on a southern Colorado broomcorn farm to the hills of Hollywood, the story of author Sanora Babb, "Riding Like the Wind."

Colorado gets important things from Canada, like gas and lumber, and, when it comes to U.S. tariffs, Canada's Consul General in Denver is perplexed. Then, "The Trip," CPR's series about Colorado's journey to legalize psychedelics. This time, the long view: the Indigenous view of plant-based medicine. Then, Colorado Wonders why the Front Range is sometimes colder than higher elevations. Plus, long-time CPR Classical host Jean Inaba signs off.

Former US Ambassador to Mexico Ken Salazar is back home in Colorado. We discuss US-Mexico relations including trade, border security, cartels, and understanding history at a time of political posturing and division. Then, spring has sprung, so what's in store for Colorado's weather? And CSU is ready for some March Madness!