Safe parking program helps people experiencing homelessness who live out of their cars
People experiencing homelessness often end up sleeping in their cars. But finding a safe place to park can be challenging and at times virtually impossible. A program launched in 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic shutdowns got underway is working to change that, but as those COVID relief dollars begin to phase out, program leaders say they’re struggling to keep their sites open and keep up with ever-growing demand.
Jan. 9, 2024: State legislative leaders outline priorities amid questions of decorum on eve of session
State lawmakers get back to work tomorrow, with Democratic leadership hoping to curtail some of the issues with decorum that plagued the last session. We talk with the House and Senate leaders from both parties about the challenges and opportunities as lawmakers get back to business.
Jan. 4, 2024: First sentencing in McClain death; Returning human remains on the Western Slope
The first of three people convicted in the death of Elijah McClain will be sentenced Friday. We preview what the former police officer faces. Then, the next step in the effort to return centuries’ old human remains looted on the Western Slope to their rightful home. And, as Denver looks for solutions to homelessness, a $2 million dollar investment in a pilot project that provides human dignity. Plus, Colorado wondering about rest stops.
Pilot project extended to ensure basic income for people experiencing homelessness in Denver
As the new year begins, the city of Denver has committed $2 million to extend the “Denver Basic Income” project. The year-long pilot program is the largest of its kind in the country. It’s studying what happens when people experiencing homelessness are given different amounts of money.
Jan. 2, 2024: State expands paid leave; ‘God is Red’ explores Indigenous religion, respect for nature
Now more working Coloradoans have access to paid leave to care for a loved one or themselves. It’s a state program called FAMLI, not to be confused with the federal program FMLA. We break down the differences and how to sign up. Then, “God is Red” explores diversity of thought in religion and the importance of respecting Native traditions and our environment.
New state program called FAMLI expands paid leave from work
As of January 1, 2024, more working Coloradoans have access to paid leave from work for a specified time to care for a loved one or themselves. It’s a state program called FAMLI, not to be confused with FMLA, which is a federal program that offers qualified workers unpaid leave to handle qualifying personal matters.
Colorado’s ballroom scene is about fierce runway-style competitions and creating safe spaces
A mix of ballroom culture experts sat down with Colorado Matters Host Chandra Thomas Whitfield to discuss its impact and influence on Colorado.
Black at CU: An interview with Regent Wanda James
They spoke about what CU is doing to help make the university more welcoming and inclusive to diverse students, especially on its flagship Boulder campus.
A Colorado mom’s search for a diverse Santa reiterates the value of representation
How diverse representation of Santa’s can affect children and parents alike.
Interview: Meet the first Black ‘Clara’ in The Nutcracker in Colorado Ballet history
This year Colorado Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker had a bit of a remix of its own, with one of its principal dancers starring as the first Black “Clara” in Colorado Ballet history.
Dec. 22, 2023: Dancer makes Colorado Ballet history as Clara; the story of an ‘American St. Nick’
For Sheridan Guerin, playing Clara in the Nutcracker is a dream come true as the first Black ballerina to do so in Colorado Ballet history. Then, a Broomfield man shares the story of his dad, Richard Brookins, who became known as the “American St. Nick” in the tiny town of Wiltz, Luxembourg in World War II and years after. And Denver singer/songwriter René Moffatt’s new song, “My First Christmas (without you).”
Ballroom Culture: From fierce and fabulous runway-style competition to creating safe spaces
While Ballroom Culture centers largely around fierce and fabulous runway-style competitions, it’s also about creating safe spaces for the LGBTQ+ Black and LatinX communities.
Yours to unwrap! The 8th annual Colorado Matters Holiday Extravaganza
Music, memories and merriment return with the 8th annual Colorado Matters Holiday Extravaganza.
Looking for a diverse Santa to take a picture with? Here’s where you can find them in the Denver area
We’ve gathered a list of locations where you’re sure to find a multicultural Santa Claus, some will be waiting on their throne as soon as this weekend.
The search for diverse Santa and why representation matters
Thomas Whitfield. Kabore asked where she could find a Black Santa this holiday season. It’s a question that Chandra wondered about ever since moving to Colorado 12 years ago. So she set out to find the answer, and along the way, was reminded why representation matters.
Dec. 14, 2023: Colorado working to ban ‘excited delirium’; In vogue with ballroom culture
As the third criminal trial related to the death of Elijah McClain continues, changes are happening statewide. A look at how law enforcement and lawmakers alike are working to ban so-called “Excited Delirium” here in Colorado. Then, did you know voguing was created by members of the Black and Latino queer community back in the 1960s? We hit the dance floor with Colorado’s ballroom scene.
