Colorado Matters

Immunization incentives include everything from drag queens to million dollar lotteries. Plus, acknowledging a nurse’s excellent care. Then, an update on a year of sports betting. And, Denver author Steven Dunn on his time aboard a Navy submarine and why he says there’s no such thing as improper English.

Fatal overdoses from fentanyl, a synthetic opioid far stronger than heroin, occur more frequently in Colorado than the national average. A look at the factors behind the numbers and possible solutions. Then, advocates say the stresses and isolation of COVID-19 has made it even more challenging for victims of domestic violence to seek help.

A local scholar says identity capitalism now figures in the movement for racial justice and gender equality. Then, hundreds of Coloradans are hospitalized with COVID-19 and almost all are unvaccinated. Plus, why didn’t police collect more video at last summer’s protests? Then, a mysterious mass grave in Pueblo. And, Colorado music stars align.

Camp Granite Lake near Golden welcomes back kids this summer. How will the pandemic change things? Plus, a final visit to “Room 132.” Then, raising awareness about the air we breathe to stop the spread of COVID-19. Purplish looks at the final push at the state capitol. We hop on-board the California Zephyr, and kick off the next “Turn the Page” book event!

On Memorial Day, stories of service that stand out: a battlefield birthday, an early trainer of Defense Department dogs, a World War II submariner, and women who served but weren’t always welcome. Plus, the veteran who created the Honor Bell used at Fort Logan National Cemetery. And host Ryan Warner shares a memory about “A Wall in Washington.”

In a special episode of Colorado Matters, we share journeys of recovery and stories of hope. Stories of people who’ve come back from broken. That includes CPR’s Vic Vela. His own journey is the inspiration behind CPR’s podcast, “Back from Broken,” which he created and hosts.

What will it take to create real change when it comes to police reform? CPR’s new podcast “Systemic” explores that through first-person stories. Producer and host Jo Erickson joins us to talk about the project. Then, evictions during the pandemic have been relatively rare in Colorado thanks to protections for renters, but that may change in the months ahead.

Denver Police Chief Paul Pazen talks about the spike in violence and police reform. Then, a Colorado Sun and 9News investigation into residential treatment centers show they aren’t keeping vulnerable children safe. Plus, the pandemic in India is nowhere close to ending and hits close to home for thousands of Coloradans.