May 23, 2025: Polis on a bevy of lawsuits, federal budget cuts; Severe weather season tears through Colorado
“Cruel” and “disastrous” is how Gov. Jared Polis describes the US House’s budget plan. Meanwhile, Colorado cities sue him over housing requirements. Also, Polis on immigration and a pedestrian bridge proposed at the State Capitol. Then, a destructive start to severe weather season. Later, how two rafting companies navigate tariffs. And Joe Cocker joins the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. He found inner peace in Colorado.
Polis says House budget bill would be ‘disastrous’ for Colorado
In an interview with Colorado Matters, the governor discussed how the so-called ‘big, beautiful bill’ will affect Colorado, plus a lawsuit he faces over housing policy.
May 21, 2025: ‘Countdown’ examines how the U.S. is updating its ‘geriatric’ nuclear arsenal
This country’s nuclear arsenal is “geriatric.” And many of the people who maintain it are heading towards retirement. Plus, the agency that oversees the nuclear arsenal has not been immune to the possibility of federal staffing cuts. Colorado science writer Sarah Scoles examines the future of nuclear defense in her book, “Countdown: The Blinding Future of Nuclear Weapons.”
May 19, 2025: Polis on vetoes, housing laws; Evolving vision for downtown Denver
Governor Jared Polis is flexing his executive power. He vetoed a priority bill for Democrats and threatens to withhold funds from cities that don’t follow new housing laws. Also, Denver Mayor Mike Johnston talks about an evolving vision for downtown Denver and big project investments. Then, Denver Post reporter Sam Tabachnik on his investigation into the death of a 7-year-old Grand County boy and the questions it raises about child abuse investigations. Later, a human trafficking survivor shares a message of strength at the Front Range Community College commencement. And the Green Box Arts Festival is back!
Human trafficking survivor is student speaker at Front Range Community College commencement
At graduation this year, students at Front Range Community College heard from classmate Chelsea Carroll. She is a survivor of abuse and human trafficking and intends to turn those experiences into helping others, likely through a career in neuroscience.
Interview: Denver Mayor Mike Johnston on standing up to Trump, the housing shortage and 16th Street Mall
Colorado Matters host Ryan Warner spoke with the mayor at his office.
May 16, 2025: Denver mayor on immigration, federal lawsuit, and housing; CSU alum now at MSNBC
It’s been a trying year for Denver’s mayor. Mike Johnston has battled with the Trump administration over the city’s welcoming immigration policies. On the flipside, a top attraction, the 16th Street Mall, is finally reopening. Then, a steel startup in Boulder plans to make climate-friendly iron. And MSNBC’s Eugene Daniels returns to his alma matter, CSU, as president of the White House Correspondents’ Association.
Denver Mayor Mike Johnston on standing up to Trump; housing shortage; 16th Street Mall
It’s been a trying year for Denver’s mayor. Mike Johnston has battled with the Trump administration over the city’s welcoming immigration policies.
May 14, 2025: Attorney General Weiser on 20 lawsuits and counting; Jewish music for all
President Trump has signed executive orders at a dizzying pace: 152 as of this morning. Any number affect Colorado. That has kept Democratic Attorney General Phil Weiser very busy — he’s filed filed 20 lawsuits so far challenging some of those orders. Then, cuts to food aid are on the table as Congress considers a new spending bill. Plus, a landmark climate lawsuit moves forward in Boulder. And the second annual KlezKolorado festival is this weekend with Jewish music for everyone.
CSU graduate Eugene Daniels wanted to be president. Instead, he covers presidents
The MSNBC correspondent and host returns to his alma mater to deliver this year’s commencement speech.
May 12, 2025: Taking stock of the legislative session with bills that passed, new lawmakers and… poetry
Now that this year’s state legislative session has ended, what did lawmakers accomplish? And what did they miss? We’ll take stock with “Purplish.” Plus two freshman lawmakers reflect on their experience. And a little poetry to sum up the session.
May 9, 2025: How deportations are playing out in Colorado; A milestone on Colfax Ave.
Colorado’s a flashpoint when it comes to immigration, especially Aurora and Denver, which the new administration has singled out. CPR justice reporter Allison Sherry and Denverite’s Kyle Harris join a roundtable with our colleagues at “The Middle” hosted by Jeremy Dobson. Then, a milestone for construction on Colfax Avenue. Plus, a new passenger train could be on track for the mountains. And changes at Ford Amphitheater to address noise complaints as a new season kicks off.
Colorado flower farmers are a hardy bunch. Mother’s Day is their early season
The Colorado Flower Collective connects local florists with local growers, including Artemis Flower Farm in Longmont.
May 7, 2025: State lawmakers head to the finish line; Colorado Flower Collective helps farmers bloom
How much did Colorado lawmakers cross off their “to do” list, and what’s left to do as they head into the final day of the legislative session? Then, what potential federal funding cuts could mean to public media in Colorado. Plus, how the Colorado Flower Collective is helping local flower farmers. Later, words to remember to stay safe from lightning this severe weather season. And celebrate 25 years of otherworldly observations in the San Luis Valley.
May 5, 2025: How to turn an office high-rise into homes; United expands in Denver
It’s a rough time for commercial real estate. Could vacant high-rises be turned into apartments? In downtown Denver, a developer has bought two buildings with that in mind. We’ll find out what a conversion takes. Then, United’s new flight to Rome is the latest example of the airline’s investment in Denver. Plus, Purplish explores a rare veto showdown at the state Capitol. And, remembering Denver’s Jill Sobule.
May 2, 2025: How The Women’s Bank of Denver fostered inclusion, opportunity, and empowerment
Not that long ago, women seeking a loan or line of credit faced invasive questions from bankers. “Are you planning on having children?” “What type of birth control are you using?” “Where’s your husband?” Against that backdrop, in the 1970s, The Women’s Bank of Denver was founded–changing financial lives for generations. Sr. Host Ryan Warner speaks with financial journalist Grace L. Williams, author of “Give Her Credit,” at History Colorado Center.
