Colorado Matters

The first healing centers to offer therapy using psychedelics are open in Colorado and they've been a longtime coming. They're meant to treat things like PTSD and depression. For our series, The Trip: CPR’s Coverage of Colorado’s Psychedelic Journey, Denverite's Kiara DeMare visited some of these new facilities. Then, state lawmakers will consider a bill today with the goal of reducing domestic violence fatalities. Plus, still trying to make good on that New Year's Resolution to kick that tobacco habit? The good news is that there's free help available and an extra incentive through Colorado Quitline. And we "Raise the Curtain" with theatre critic John Moore of the Denver Gazette who shares highlights of the recent True West Awards and the healing power of theatre and storytelling.

As Colorado embarks on its psychedelic experiment, people can now receive psilocybin-assisted therapy at healing centers. The state is also grappling with how to enable therapy with the psychedelic ibogaine, which has shown promise for treating addiction. The use of psychedelic-assisted therapy was a component of Colorado’s psychedelic law approved by voters in 2022. We share a conversation from the most recent Aspen Ideas Festival as part of our coverage, "The Trip," about Colorado’s psychedelic journey. Krista Tippett, who created and hosts the podcast “On Being,” interviewed Gül Dölen, a psychology professor at the University of California Berkeley and a leader in psychedelics research.

As some Coloradans halt work to protest today, Congress is at work-- to avert a shutdown. The future of ICE is central to both. Then, "I'll consider her case--as I would any other." The governor has said that repeatedly -- when asked about clemency for Tina Peters. We looked into his past pardons for clues. Also, 40 years ago, Americans watched as Challenger broke apart; we speak with a CU Boulder professor who worked for NASA. Plus, we meet Colorado's new poet laureate; Crisosto Apache of Lakewood is the first Indigenous person to hold the title. And, Colorado Wonders about a cluster of curvy courts on Denver's North Side.

Although she's been a theater actress for most of her life, Jenna Bainbridge never envisioned herself performing on the grandest of stages -- Broadway. The issue wasn't one of talent or confidence, but rather, accessibility. Partially paralyzed as a child, Bainbridge didn't think she'd find the accommodations necessary for her to live and work in New York. However she's now performing on Broadway in the long-running hit, Wicked.

Rural life often means being exposed to the sun. With it: the risk of skin cancer. But dermatologists can be hard to come by in the country. At least one practice, though, is making investments in small towns. Then, Colorado has taken some costly hits from the Trump Administration in recent months. It might seem punitive, but the growing number has others seeing a pattern. Also, as a store close to her heart changes hands, Kali Fajardo-Anstine, bestselling author of "Woman of Light" and "Sabrina and Corina," provides an ode to the independent bookstore. And, meet our new CPR Classical host, Monique Brooks Roberts.

Public transit touches nearly every corner of life in Colorado, from how people get to work to how our region grows. But the state’s largest transit agency is facing big questions from riders, workers, and lawmakers about reliability, safety and trust. CPR's Haylee May spoke with RTD CEO and GM Debra Johnson. Then, amid DEI backlash, a statewide coalition is working to share the stories of diverse communities here, starting with working to ensure the media outlets they support, stick around. We speak with Brittany Winkfield, the executive director of the Colorado Ethnic Media Exchange.

This legislative session is the swan song for Colorado's outgoing governor, Jared Polis. He still has a lot on his "to do" list, but policy clashes within his own party could create some challenges. We explore that today with Purplish. Then, a researcher at the Colorado School of Mines has developed a new way to treat deep wounds, and that could just be the beginning for its use. Also, what Colorado's two largest cities are doing to send a message to ICE. Plus, we answer a Colorado Wonders question about the impact of moose on our state.

You can't go home again, as the saying goes. But Denver author Josiah Hesse did. He returned to Mason City, Iowa — with a journalistic lens— to better understand his evangelical upbringing, and the social and economic forces that shaped it. We spoke in front of an audience at the Denver Press Club for the release of "On Fire for God: Fear, Shame, Poverty, and the Making of the Christian Right – a Personal History."

Colorado now has a plan to reintroduce wolverines to the state, but meantime, the reintroduction of wolves is on hold for now. Then, cannabis businesses are still waiting for the executive order to reclassify marijuana to take effect. Also, a milestone for the survival rate for all types of cancer combined. We re-visiting Southern Colorado's "Gathering Place" and celebrate a pop culture moment with DeVotchKa.

An arctic blast is moving into Colorado after months of record warmth; we talk about the impact with Denver7 chief meteorologist Lisa Hidalgo. Then, a survivor of childhood polio shares her story in the face of changing vaccine guidelines. Plus, former Denver Bronco Ryan Harris is back as the team prepares for the AFC championship game without its starting quarterback. And the Local 303 shares new music from Colorado artists for the new year!

Teachers in Colorado are chronically tired, underpaid, and leaving the classroom in record numbers. A new report from the Colorado Education Association shows the situation is more complicated now because of directives handed down by the Trump administration and new conditions in the classroom. Then, how climate change is shaping some students in Boulder. Plus, as the New Year starts, rethinking sustainability through the clothes we buy. Also, cattle ranchers navigate the hard realities of supply and demand at the Stock Show. Later, restoring the Governor's office to its original grandeur, a chance to get organized, and creating tactile photography.

Spirituals are rooted in a history of pain and hope. Today, Colorado Matters presents an encore episode: "Journey to Freedom" with the Spirituals Project Choir based at the University of Denver's Lamont School of Music. Our colleagues at CPR Classical spent 2022 sharing spirituals chosen by the choir's director, M. Roger Holland II. The collaboration culminated in a special event at DU’s Newman Center. A spiritual singalong with the theme of building community, music that continues to resonate today.

In his final year as governor, Jared Polis says he wants to "lean into the value of mercy" -- would that apply to jailed former Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters? We sat down with Polis after his State of the State address to discuss that as well as housing, healthcare, coal, and why Polis hasn't read the Epstein Files. Then, why the Broncos just might pull off what they failed to do last post-season Saturday against Buffalo. And, rodeo as...diplomacy? Ahead of Canada night at The Stock Show, we speak with a bull fighter-turned-producer from Alberta.

Former Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters gets her day in the Colorado Court of Appeals. We'll break down the oral arguments on both sides and what happens now. Then, Denver's annual Marade marks a milestone this year, and organizers say Dr. King would see it as a fitting tribute. How the event to honor the late Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. came to be, how it got its unique name, and what it took to make it a state -- and ultimately federal -- holiday. Plus, AI's use in training Colorado teachers and how students are using it in the classroom.

One year into President Donald Trump's second term, he continues to break democratic norms. In our series, "If You Can Keep It," University of Denver political scientist Seth Masket provides context as the president intensifies his punishment of Colorado. Plus, Mary Jane turns 50! Also, a Denver man finds hope with a new program to help break the cycle of addiction. And a food bank café takes an innovative approach to hunger and nutrition in Grand Junction.

It's a common New Year's resolution to start exercising, but after a few weeks, it's easy to lose motivation and fall back into old habits. A fitness expert has ideas on how to get active at any age. Plus, we share another "Portrait in Aging" featuring people in the state's fastest growing population: those 65 and older. Today, the story of 71-year-old Lucy Guo of Denver. Also, the challenge of storage for Colorado law enforcement as evidence goes digital. Then, our discussion continues about how Evangelical Christianity has shaped Colorado Springs and beyond with historian William Schultz, author of "Jesus Springs." And Colorado Wonders, who comes up with the clever messages on E-470's smart signs?

We run down state lawmakers' "to-do" list as they head back to the Capitol this week, with Purplish. Then, the author of the new book, "Jesus Springs" on how evangelical Christianity shaped Colorado's second-biggest city. Plus, join Ryan live and in-person for "On Fire For God" Friday at the Denver Press Club. Also, tempting tastes in the Pikes Peak region with "Side Dish." And we hop on the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe.

Tina Peters is back in court next week as her lawyers try to free her from prison. Unless and until that happens, Colorado may continue to feel the Trump Administration's wrath. Then, after a history of oil booms and busts -- and its most recent collapse, an expert at DU on what comes next for Venezuela. Also, could Denver experience a wildfire? Denverite talks with concerned residents. Plus, an idea that never came to pass: Why can't you check your bags at Denver Union Station when you take the train to the airport? And Colorado Wonders about those funny, punny electronic road signs.

Women have helped in wartime since the nation’s founding, but they've only been allowed to serve in combat for the last 10 years. Today, a call to review the military’s physical fitness standards could lead to fewer women on the frontlines. We look at the changing role of women in the US military. Then, when you hear the word “prepper,” you might picture someone stockpiling supplies for doomsday. But disaster preparedness looks a lot different. Also, Dry January doesn’t have to mean white-knuckling your way through happy hour. And, Colorado Wonders about those mysterious-looking large domes that are often found along highways while driving the Western Slope.

The flu picture ain’t pretty in Colorado, with numbers and hospitalizations spiking skyward. But we’re going to look at it anyhow with Dr. Ken Lyn-Kew, a critical care pulmonologist at National Jewish Health in Denver. Then, they were some of the first black law students at CU, but their names had been lost to history. A trip to the law library sheds some light. Also, local companies, from Denver to Creede, produce plenty of top-notch theater -- that's the focus of a new series, which we raise the curtain on today, with Colorado Springs actor Anne Terze-Schwarz in the spotlight.