State lawmakers are back in session Wednesday, and this week we're hearing from the most powerful among them. Today, it's the Democratic Speaker of the House, Dickey Lee Hullinghorst. Also, with the ranchers' standoff in Oregon, we'll take the long view of the federal lands in the West. Then, Colorado photojournalist Rick Wilking reflects on his career covering everything from the Vatican to the White House in a new book. And, a Denver sculptor who works not with clay or stone, but fire.

The state Capitol will be abuzz later this week when lawmakers are back for the 2016 legislative session. Today we speak with the Senate president, Republican Bill Cadman. Then, is the creator of "Star Wars" an innovator or copycat? The Denver Film Society gives the franchise a critical look. And a Colorado take on "Humans of New York" -- the interesting characters one man met walking the 500-mile long Colorado Trail.

Making people who are really sick more comfortable is the focus of a first-of -it's-kind palliative care master's degree program at the University of Colorado. Then, Hollywood actor Bill Pullman previews his new stage play in Denver. And, Elvis Presley would be 81 today. When he performed here, he made friends including police officer Robert Cantwell, and discovered his favorite sandwich, which is still served today in Golden.

If someone collapsed in front of you, chances are you'd respond. Maybe even administer CPR. But if that same person were having a mental health crisis, would you know how to help? Turns out there's a class for that. Then, does Colorado need a lieutenant governor? Two political scientists raised that question recently and we put it to Lt. Governor Joe Garcia himself as he steps down from the role. Also, if you're frustrated by Congress, listen up. There's a new idea for governing out of the University of Denver. Plus your feedback: Some listeners find the Stock Show distasteful.

As the president spoke Tuesday about gun safety, a young man in Boulder watched closely. He's developing technology that makes guns "smart." Then, with term limits, we find that lobbyists, not lawmakers, are the ones who have the long view of bills at the state Capitol. Also, Conquistador and Cuchara are among the state's "lost" ski areas; we talk to a couple who tracked them down. And, a Basalt photographer is fascinated by a huge game reserve in Tanzania. Of the countless pictures he took there, one was of a bird with a young crocodile in its talons.

Today, a conversation with Kate Schimel, of High Country News, who looked into why Colorado and other Western states are in the Top 10 when it comes to police officer-involved killings. Then, a Coloradan who's set on defying the Taliban by teaching Afghan women to climb mountains. Also, a father's fears inspire his new novel. And, a crazy chapter in the history of the National Western Stock Show, which starts this weekend in Denver.

Houses, cars, duffle bags full of money: These are all examples of property seized in alleged crimes. And law enforcement shares in the profits when the stuff's sold under a controversial federal program that's just been suspended. We'll hear what that means for agencies across Colorado. Then, a Nederland photographer who studied with Ansel Adams is making retro-sytle posters for all 59 national parks. And, from the archives, an interview with the widow of gonzo journalist Hunter S. Thompson. She wants to open their home near Aspen to visitors.

To weed out sexual predators in youth sports, two state lawmakers want to require background checks for people who coach, but critics question if screening would do much good. Then, if I ask you to think of artifacts from Colorado's history, would you picture a tofu cauldron? Also, Denver true-crime writer Harry Maclean thinks people are too quick to separate themselves from animals and how it influences his view of murder. And, 2015 was a big year for classical music in Colorado, with the first new recording from the Colorado Symphony in years.