Aug. 27, 2025: A fall check-up on vaccines and viruses; Keeping water in the Colorado River
Heading into fall, we get a check-up on COVID vaccines, the seasonal flu, measles, and West Nile with Dr. Ned Calonge, the state’s chief medical officer. Then, as Western states divvy up water from the Colorado River, a new documentary wants to make sure the river isn’t run dry. Plus, new research from CU Boulder on drought conditions and human-caused climate change. Later, an update on bodies found in a Pueblo mortuary. And an unexpected moment of joy thanks to a TikTok video and one family’s lost wedding photos.
Aug. 25, 2025: Special session closing budget gap as AI debate continues; Local 303 has August’s ‘hot’ artists
Lawmakers remain in special session at the State Capitol after working over the weekend. The first order of business: close a billion dollar budget gap. But they’re also trying to legislate artificial intelligence. Then, Systemic asks what can be done to keep young people from getting guns. And later, the Local 303 showcases “hot” artists for the month of August.
Aug. 22, 2025: A cooldown at long last amid drought, wildfires; Tennis’ farewell tour nears an end
Denver7 chief meteorologist Lisa Hidalgo joins us to discuss weather, climate, and water in the face of worsening drought and wildfires on the Western Slope. Then, researchers hope to unravel the mystery of hailstorms. Plus, Denver music duo Tennis nears the end of their farewell tour in Colorado; their last date here is Tuesday, August 26 at Mission Ballroom in Denver. Plus, helping teachers help themselves to build housing in Southern Colorado. And the National Goalball Championships in Colorado Springs showcase our state’s future in the sport.
Field trips that were as dry as dirt helped shape Denver7’s Lisa Hidalgo
In her regular climate & weather chat with Colorado Matters, Denver7 Chief Meteorologist Lisa Hidalgo reveals a little something about her father… and her own parenting. We swear it’s relevant.
Aug. 20, 2025: Intervention to prevent youth violence at a crossroads; Boulder author on dating smarter
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. 18, 2025: From campus costs to curbing gun violence: Two conversations about Colorado’s future
CU Boulder’s new chancellor 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
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. 11, 2025: Disability rights movement sprouted in Colorado; No summer lull for legislature
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
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. 6, 2025: Could tracking denied gun sales prevent tragedy?; Many arrested by ICE aren’t ‘worst of the worst’
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.
Aug. 4, 2025: Colorado business juggles unpredictable tariffs; Could unclaimed property help state budget?
“Made in America.” It’s something the president wants to see more of, and it’s one reason behind his tariffs. But they’re hitting companies that are already making in America. We speak with a local manufacturer about the impact. Then, as the state faces another big budget gap, could it make up the shortfall using Coloradans’ unclaimed property? Purplish explores the idea and how to find out if you’re owed something. Plus, celebrating a century of lawn bowling!
Aug. 1, 2025: New state historian is a map geek; 748 area code dial tone jam
Colorado’s new state historian has dedicated her career to maps — not just as tools of navigation — but of influence and conquest. We speak with Dr. Susan Schulten. Also on this Colorado Day, we set the state’s new area code to music! Plus a chance to see the governor’s mansion. Then, you can vote on your favorite flower at CSU’s Flower Trial Garden. And The Barlow are back with upcoming performances with their brand of “Colorado Country.”
Colorado’s new 748 area code is here. Here’s a new song about it
While 748 won’t roll out fully for a while, our new track drops today!
State Historian Susan Schulten on the maps that shaped — and distorted — Colorado’s history
The new state historian will help Colorado plan its 150th birthday next year.
Former ambassador talks diplomatic rollback, international implications
Christopher Hill has served as US ambassador to five different countries.
July 30, 2025: Former ambassador on diplomacy under Trump; New chapter for Colorado Springs philharmonic
Christopher Hill, a former U.S. ambassador from Colorado who was the nation’s top diplomat in five countries under both Republican and Democratic administrations joins us to talk about the nation’s new approach to foreign policy. Then, Coach Prime reflects on overcoming bladder cancer. Also, Rep. Gabe Evans’ immigration story draws questions. Plus, Ryan Warner shares his favorite book author moments as keynote speaker of the Colorado Book Awards, and a young book collector on her love of reading. Plus, the Colorado Springs Philharmonic gets a new leader.
