Colorado Matters

Dr. Reiland Rabaka, founder and director of the Center for African and African American Studies at the University of Colorado Boulder (CAAAS), widely known as "The Cause," joined Colorado Matters host Chandra Thomas Whitfield in August to discuss the Center's fifth anniversary and his work as a scholar and author. The author of the books, The Funk Movement and Black Feminist Funk, Dr. Rabaka shared his reflections (and playlist) that he says trace the cultural and political power of Black music and its role in shaping history.

Krista Hanley survived the attack on Columbine High School April 20, 1999. For years, she did everything she could to avoid being "the Columbine girl." In her new memoir "How To Survive A Mass Shooting," Hanley comes to terms with her trauma. She joins Senior Host Ryan Warner at Lighthouse Writers Workshop in Denver for the book's launch.

Do you dare open the door on Denverite's 4th annual DenverFright? From ghosts to readings to climate horror, plus a little comedy to laugh in the face of fear, nothing is off limits at the Bug Theatre in Denver.

The race to be the next governor of Colorado has bucked campaign norms; Purplish takes a closer look in the final countdown to Election Day. Speaking of governing, a middle-schooler gets to run the office for a day. Then, voters in Grand Junction will decide the fate of a swimming pool that's been used for generations. And, remembering a San Luis Valley lawyer who was a champion for farmers and ranchers in a landmark case he took on pro bono for decades.

Usually the U.S. welcomes election observers from abroad, but not this time. Meanwhile, the Trump administration wants to send federal observers to Colorado. Then, what to know about how your ballot is counted. Also, a new documentary examines the ongoing evolution of the First Amendment. And the Second Verse choir, featuring people with dementia and memory loss, gets ready for a fall performance.

Colorado's 8th Congressional District is one of the state's most competitive and diverse, designed to be a 50/50 swing district. Democrat Manny Rutinel joins us to discuss why he thinks he's the right person to represent it; incumbent Republican Gabe Evans has declined an interview. Then, we break down Proposition NN and what it could mean for Colorado schools. Plus, the beauty and the danger of the Million Dollar Highway. And a Grand Junction filmmaker's "American Vampires."

Colorado’s 5th Congressional District encompasses most of El Paso County. It’s the only House seat in the state never to elect a Democrat. Could this conservative stronghold be in play this election? Republican incumbent Jeff Crank and Democratic challenge Jessica Killin spoke with CPR's southern Colorado reporter Dan Boyce.

An unusually warm October is making way for a big cooldown, but for how long? Denver7 chief meteorologist Lisa Hidalgo joins Ryan Warner for their monthly chat about Colorado weather and climate. Then, a 78-year-old former priest from Uganda is released from ICE custody after more than a year, but his fight to stay in the U.S. is not over. Also, the debate over a a proposed solar farm near Mesa Verde National Park. Plus, Measure 7A and what it means for the future of passenger rail along the Front Range. And the Local 303 celebrates the old, new, and the reimagined on the Colorado music scene!

From rolling through nature with the wind blowing through your hair, to senior companionship, and even miniature horses, today we're all about connection and staving off loneliness as we get older in an Aging Matters Special. Experience Cycling Without Age Littleton, the Senior Companion Program, Rhythmic Equine, and Colorado Animal Rescue's "Seniors for Seniors."

Bad management gets called out on social media when leadership expert George Stern, of Snowmass, reads exchanges between bad managers and -- often dumbfounded -- employees. Stern's videos earn him millions of views. Then, children who appear to have had past lives in our monthly series, "Searching for Jobie," inspired by the death of CPR's Andrea Dukakis' daughter. Researchers delve into thousands of cases that seem to defy explanation.

It's estimated nearly 7 in 10 children in Colorado participate in youth sports. And in writing about the $40 billion a year industry and its pressures on kids and families, journalist Kyle Newman had to deal with some uncomfortable feelings about coaching his ten-year-old son. He spoke with CPR's Anthony Cotton about his series for the Denver Post, "Pay to Play." Then, the Aspen Acres fire this summer is the sixth fire to burn in the same area in 20 years; we visit the region to understand why.

When he was 19, Taveuan Williams held up a Radio Shack, shot at police, and took a hostage for hours. Williams got 30 years for the crime. Today, why his prosecutor, Denver's Senior Chief Deputy District Attorney Steven Abraham, came to advocate for him to be released from prison early. Plus, CPR's Ben Markus investigates the spending of the Victor Marx gubernatorial campaign.

We continue our conversations with the major party candidates for Colorado attorney general, who's tasked with handling a wide range of issues from consumer protection to public safety to water rights. Today, it’s Democrat Jena Griswold, who is currently secretary of state. Yesterday we heard from Republican Michael Allen, who is DA in the state’s largest judicial district. You can read and listen to both interviews now by clicking on their names. Then, they're playing the sport they love, well into their 80s: hockey!

Today and tomorrow we're speaking with the major party candidates for Colorado attorney general, tasked with handling a wide range of issues from consumer protection to public safety to water rights. Today, it's Republican Michael Allen. He's currently the DA in the state's largest judicial district. Tomorrow, it's Democrat Jena Griswold, the current secretary of state. You can read and listen to both interviews now by clicking on their names. Then, as Hispanic Heritage Month draws to a close, we reflect on Chicano history in Colorado.

We're speaking with the highest-profile candidates for U.S. Senate this week. Today, Democratic incumbent John Hickenlooper, who was elected to the position in 2020, following terms as Colorado governor and Denver mayor. We ask about healthcare, ICE, and standing up to President Trump, as well as his approach to political change, efforts to address affordability, and what his goals are if voters send him back to Washington. We heard from Republican Mark Baisley yesterday, and Forward Party candidate Bob Chew on Monday. You can read and listen to all of the interviews by clicking on their names. Then, voters in Pueblo weigh a tax measure to help fund the zoo. Plus, a field day that's tailor made for its participants.

Editor's Note: A previous audio version of this story incorrectly stated how much the measure would save the city of Pueblo. The correct figure is around $1 million.

We're speaking with the highest-profile candidates for U.S. Senate this week. Today, Republican candidate Mark Baisley. Baisley has served in the Colorado legislature since 2019 and previously worked in the aerospace and technology industries. We discuss a variety of issues including the economy and tariffs, the moving of Space Command, and whether he identifies as MAGA. Monday we heard from Forward Party candidate, Bob Chew. Wednesday on Colorado Matters at 9 a.m. and 7 p.m., hear from the incumbent, Democrat John Hickenlooper. You can also listen to all three interviews now by clicking on their names. Plus, a long-time book store sells in Colorado Springs, along with a commitment to community.

We speak with the highest-profile candidates for U.S. Senate this week, starting with the Forward Party candidate, Bob Chew. He's spent more than $1 million of his own money on his campaign. We discuss a variety of issues including the one that got him into the race: the national debt. Tuesday on Colorado Matters at 9 a.m. and 7 p.m., hear from Republican Mark Baisley and on Wednesday, the incumbent, Democrat John Hickenlooper. You can also listen to all three interviews now by clicking on their names. Plus, we "Raise the Curtain" on theater columnist John Moore's new play based on his mother, "The Crime Reporter," which has a reading on Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. at the Denver Press Club.

Stories of women at sea are rare — of Black women even rarer. Yet they were seafarers from the start. In her new memoir, "Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea," Navy veteran, poet, and professor Khadijah Queen writes about service to country, to family and to self. For "Turn The Page with Colorado Matters," we spoke in front of an audience at Library 21c in the military town of Colorado Springs.

Listen to a playlist of songs Queen invokes in her book by clicking here.

Today, we remember an unsung champion for justice and access. The lasting impact of Colorado Supreme Court justice Melissa Hart went beyond the courtroom. She died this month at the age of 57. Then, a long-vacant building in Denver is coming down; does it foreshadow what's to come? Also, the costs to consider when downsizing in Aging Matters. We "Raise the Curtain" on the fall theater season with critic John Moore. Plus, who should manage the iconic Maroon Bells? And a triumph in Colorado for Oprah Winfrey!

As winter approaches, enjoy the fall weather, and get vaccinated. That’s the word from an infectious disease specialist. He says the flu seems to be arriving early this season. He recommends people get the COVID vaccine too. Then, the U.S. Supreme Court's considering Boulder's environmental concerns, and a Colorado professor has created a concrete-like building material from a quick-growing bacteria that's environmentally-friendly. Plus, we meet a Colorado Springs painter, archiving what time changes through art.