
Extreme heat, smoke inhalation a growing issue at Colorado’s prisons
Researchers say prisoners are uniquely vulnerable to heat, unhealthy air, flooding and more because they can’t easily relocate.

Sept. 29, 2025: A.I. in the classroom; How wildfires spotlight life in prison
Artificial Intelligence is permeating many aspects of our lives. Teachers are using it in the classroom, for subjects like history. But does it help, or hurt, learning? Then, how wildfires are raising questions about living conditions in Colorado prisons. Plus, understanding the changes that will soon impact student loans. And Colorado Wonders what happened to downtown Denver’s Buskerfest.

Where is AI’s place in the classroom?
As artificial intelligence advances at a staggering pace, some educators worry it’s outpacing efforts to understand how it might impact learning — for better or for worse. When Chat GPT came out in 2022, school districts tried to limit access. But according to the recent Businessweek article, “How Chatbots and AI Are Already Transforming Kids’ Classrooms” by Vauhini Vara, many school districts across the country — including those in Colorado — have embraced it.

Subtle changes in mobility, like how we drive a car, could be an early sign of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia
We asked experts about studies that focus on people’s driving abilities and habits.

Evergreen High School shooting prompts questions about adolescent brain development. Here’s what a family psychologist says
What drives an adolescent to attack fellow students and how to help kids who fear they’ll be next

Handheld translation devices help non-English speakers navigate government bureaucracy
Workers say they use the devices a few times a day and they make communication easier, although they can be glitchy at times.

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

Film alleging corruption in Denver’s anti-gang efforts wins an Emmy
“The Holly” is a documentary film that centers around a shooting in 2013 and contends that Denver police have used active gang members to run the city’s anti-gang programs.

July 28, 2025: A psychedelic to treat addiction?; Helping the tiniest of babies survive
Could the psychedelic drug ibogaine help people get off drugs or alcohol and stay off? It’s one of the natural substances Colorado voters chose to decriminalize. We examine the research as part of “The Trip: CPR’s coverage of Colorado’s Psychedelic Journey.” Then, being born at 23 weeks used to be a death sentence; now doctors are helping many of these tiny babies survive. Plus, a national Emmy for the documentary, “The Holly.” We share our conversation from 2022. And the story of one of Colorado’s strangest and most beloved landmarks.

Psychedelic offers new hope for treating addiction
Psychedelic drug ibogaine on path toward use in Colorado for addiction treatment.

In the wake of the fatal flood at Camp Mystic, Colorado’s summer camps balance risk and reward
Colorado summer camp directors are well aware of the threat natural disasters like a wildfire or flood could mean for campers.

For this 101-year-old, staying connected may be the secret to longevity
Howard Berger may be among the most social 101-year-olds around.

July 3, 2025: For this Colorado Centenarian, connection is key; The impact of ‘forever chemicals’
For 101-year-old Harold Berger, connecting with people is just one key to longevity and enjoying life. Then, the clean up continues in Galeton, Colorado where there was a massive oil spill two months ago. Also, understanding the impact of “forever chemicals” known as PFAS with climate reporter and author Sharon Udasin. Plus, we revisit how robotics are revolutionizing liver transplants. And Denver funk band Lettuce collaborates with the Colorado Symphony.

Stormy or clear skies? Why forecasting in this Colorado town so often misses the mark
Colorado’s weather is unpredictable and forecasts in mountainous parts of the state are notoriously inaccurate. One challenge is the topography and another is the cost of state-of-the-art forecasting equipment. Western Colorado University student, Fenn Garnett, wrote about the problem in his school newspaper and about efforts to improve forecasts in Gunnison, where the school is located.

Denver woman unravels her family history through art plundered by the Nazis
Nina McGehee’s journey to uncover the art also helped her understand the emotional weight her family carried with them when they left Germany.

Why a Colorado doctor is concerned about the clean sweep of the nation’s vaccine advisory panel
The Trump administration says a commitment to evidence-based medicine is what drove the decision to replace members of the nation’s vaccine advisory group. That’s according to the head of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. who ousted the previous members last week. Dr. Allison Kempe, a professor of pediatrics at the University of Colorado School of Medicine served on the committee from 2013 to 2018. She talked with Colorado Matters about why she’s concerned about the overhaul and what it could mean for the future of vaccines in the US.