Colorado Matters

When victims of human trafficking break free, they’re met with a whole new set of challenges, often legal ones. A Denver non-profit is creating a network of attorneys who can help trafficking survivors. Then, Colorado pays for some young people to have their tattoos removed — literally erasing their ties to gang life. One of the removal services is mobile, set up in an old ambulance. And, a new website helps ex-cons move beyond their pasts. Plus, “No more screen zombies!” has become a motto for two country singers. They saw their kids constantly staring at screens and it inspired them to make a kids’ album called “Let’s Go Outside.”

The Trump administration has sent mixed signals on climate change and alternative energy and the future of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden is cloudy. Then, what doctors and hospitals must learn about Colorado’s new aid-in-dying law. And, a Denver mom writes a children’s book to help kids cope with death. Also, an update on transportation negotiations from the state capitol. Plus, Colorado musicians vye for an appearance at NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert.

Senators and members of Congress haven’t hosted town halls in Colorado this week. CPR’s Sam Brasch explains what they have been up to. Then, how the Trump Administration’s decision about transgender students and bathrooms will affect Colorado schools. Plus, Russia’s representative in the western United States is in Colorado to talk about trade. And Aurora high school sophomore Francesca Belibi could dunk a basketball before she knew the rules of the game. A video of her went viral, after ESPN made it a top 10 play.

A major trade show for outdoor retailers is pulling out of Utah over concerns about how politicians there treat public lands. The show — and some businesses on its roster –may land in Colorado. Then, the choreographer of Oscar-favorite La La Land is from Breckenridge. She tells us how she trained stars Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling. Then, the stories behind memorable lines that movie stars said — and didn’t say — through the years. And, a famed clarinetist and his pianist son share family memories ahead of a concert they’ll perform together.

Gov. John Hickenlooper says the state patrol is “not inclined” to help enforce President Donald Trump’s new immigration plan. The governor also offers his opinion on a lawsuit over Boulder’s oil and gas production moratorium, and weighs in on other issues. Then, the Denver Center’s new play, “Two Degrees,” explores climate change. And, a team from the Colorado School of Mines heads to a national competition this weekend to argue issues such as whether bartenders can refuse to serve pregnant women. Plus, a Coloradan is the first woman to appear in a CoverGirl ad campaign wearing a hijab.

An experiment’s gone on for the last several years on Colorado’s Western Slope; seeing if the cost of Medicaid can be reduced while still improving people’s health. Meanwhile, some hospitals in rural Colorado are worried about the impact of losing the Affordable Care Act. Then, a new book on healing the political divide. Also, for 12 years, Kent Thompson has served as producing artistic director for the Denver Center; he’s leaving in March. And the only building Italian architect Gio Ponti designed in the United States was the Denver Art Museum. It’s on Civic Center Park and looks like it’s covered in scales.

Nine Colorado congregations formed a network to shelter immigrants facing deportation. We look inside that network, where two women are currently in sanctuary. Then, why more young entrepreneurs are attracted to Metro Denver than anywhere else in the country. But Denver wasn’t always such a draw — we speak with Tom Clark, who was instrumental in its metamorphosis. He retires next month. And, an opera about a different sort of metamorphosis– its main character is transgender.

An immigration office in metro Denver drew protests Wednesday. The protesters tried — and failed — to stop authorities from ordering the deportation of an undocumented immigrant. Now she’s hiding in a church basement in Denver. What her case may say about President Trump’s immigration policies. Also, 75 years ago President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the executive order that led to the incarceration of thousands of U.S. residents of Japanese descent. On Sunday, Japanese Americans will hold a day of remembrance in Denver to mark the anniversary. And, every few years there’s a familiar debate in education circles. Does more money make schools better?