Colorado Matters

Colorado Matters broadcasts from Colorado Springs this week, as CPR News launches a new partnership with KRCC. Ryan Warner asked KRCC’s managing editor, Andrea Chalfin, to choose a place in the Springs that represents where the city is right now. Then, a back-to-basics discussion about coronavirus. Also, ensuring the history of “The Dry” is not lost.

Gov. Polis talks about how Colorado is planning for coronavirus and the state’s move to abolish the death penalty. Then, we speak with DIA’s CEO about the airport’s 25th birthday and what changes to expect there, including shorter security lines. Also, the dawn of the craft beer revolution in Colorado and how the beer scene has changed over the decades.

Amy Klobuchar, hopes a “blue wall” of voters through the west will be the key to Democrats winning the presidential election. Plus, we talk with NPR’s Ari Shapiro who’s in Pueblo speaking with voters. Then, Coloradans retrace the footsteps of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. And, the “Jackie Robinson of Classical Music.”

Coloradans tell us that health care is driving their vote in 2020. We paired voters Alison Nuanes and Paul Jones with two healthcare experts to answer questions about the presidential candidates’ health plans. Plus, what they might expect if President Trump is re-elected.

Democrats may control both houses of the state legislature as well as the governor’s office, but that doesn’t mean they agree on everything. The debate over a proposed family leave measure has lawmakers at odds. Then, a Colorado Wonders query about naming peaks raises a new question about Mount Evans. And, vying for a 3X3 Basketball Olympic debut.

Denver Mayor Michael Hancock talks about the reasons that he vetoed an ordinance to overturn the city’s ban on pit bulls. He also answers questions about affordable housing, sidewalks, climate change, and youth gun violence. Plus, a profile of a Colorado voter and potato farmer from the San Luis Valley.

CPR’s Vic Vela hosts weekend edition. Before that, he covered the State Capitol for us. Vic says his CPR gig is the first job he’s ever had sober. And it’s in the clarity of sobriety that he had an idea: A podcast about recovery, in all its forms. Season one of “Back From Broken” debuts today Friday, February 21. We share the first episode in this special Colorado Matters. And Vic will take us behind the scenes.

As a bill that would restrict vaccine exemptions in schools advances in the state senate, a sociology professor breaks down where vaccination concerns come from. Plus, how one teen is overcoming trauma and helping others. Later, Carter Wilson’s “The Dead Girl in 2A” is nominated for an award. Finally, what CPR News is hearing from voters ahead of Super Tuesday.