
Oct. 3, 2025: Adams State president on funding cuts and welcoming first gen students; Fall gardening questions answered!
It may come as no surprise that Adams State University in the San Luis Valley would be the first in Colorado to be designated a “Hispanic Serving Institution,” given how deep the valley’s Hispanic heritage runs. But the school is now losing the money that came with the title. Then, how the Trump administration’s crackdown on student visa holders is impacting international students in Colorado. Plus, answering questions about fall and winter gardening, the state’s little-known apple crop, and Colorado Springs’ underground music scene.

By Ryan Warner

‘We’ve never not faced adversity, and yet we have always risen:’ Adams State University President on overcoming obstacles to serve Southern Colorado
The designated Hispanic Serving Institution regroups after federal funds are cut.


Fall gardening in Colorado: Overwintering, first frosts, and what to plant now
Colorado Matters spoke with the head grower at Phelan Gardens in Colorado Springs to discuss the best tips on gardening in Colorado during fall.


Oct. 1, 2025: The impact of federal troops deploying in US cities; Colorado representatives react to government shutdown
Experts say expanded, domestic use of the military – and talk of civil war – deserve scrutiny. As President Trump talks about fighting a war against “the enemy within,” we speak with a political scientist about the implications. Then, on Day 1 of the government shutdown, we speak with our Washington reporter Caitlyn Kim. Also, college campuses are microcosms of a lot of the big issues society grapples with, from cultural clashes to the cost of living. The president of Colorado Mesa University offers potential solutions to those issues. And, Colorado Wonders on why this rural airport is named “Happy Butt.”

By Ryan Warner

Mesa president on the next 100 years, skepticism of higher ed and why he’s glad he’s not at Harvard
As Colorado Mesa University turns 100, President John Marshall discusses where the institution stands


Why is this Colorado airport called ‘Happy Butt’?
A landing strip in Byers has an unusual name. Here’s how it came to be.

By Ryan Warner

Sept. 26, 2025: Ukrainian bike shop owners shift gears on mobility; Solar strategy with ‘Here Comes the Sun’
A couple who fled the war in Ukraine and found a home in Boulder is hoping their adaptive efforts with the bike shop they own will help them continue building a life for their family in Colorado. Then, the return of “Sun Day” amid a call for increased solar energy efforts with author Bill McKibben. Also, Colorado’s mission to collect stardust. Plus the Local 303 celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month, and a chance to “Circle Round Live” with WBUR in Parker on Oct. 5.

By Ryan Warner

Tricycles might keep this Ukrainian family in Boulder
An update on the Ukrainian family that fled Kiev and landed in Boulder, where they run a bike shop. Ievgen Potykun and Hanna Boiarska, of Freedom Folding Bikes, are adapting trikes for clients with limited mobility. As time runs out on their immigration status, they hope this specialty can help keep them in the United States.

By Ryan Warner

Sept. 24, 2025: Planting the seeds for food security; Climate change’s impact on lightning, water, and snowmelt
Seed vaults preserve genetic material for crops in case of natural or man-made disaster– even warfare. The nation’s largest repository is in Fort Collins. We speak with an architect of the concept, World Food Prize laureate Geoffrey Hawtin. Then, Denver7 Chief Meteorologist Lisa Hidalgo on the recent rain and studies that link climate change to lightning and faster snowmelt. Plus, encouraging lifelong learning, what it takes to come to the U.S. legally, and the legacy of Babi Yar.

By Ryan Warner

5 takeaways on the world’s seed vaults and why Colorado is part of the story
The scientist behind the Global Seed Vault in Norway visited Fort Collins, where he shared why Colorado’s seed bank plays a vital role in protecting the world’s food supply.


Sept. 22, 2025: A Palmer ‘Divide’; Climbing with 10th Mountain descendants in Italy
In a small town between Denver and Colorado Springs, a lesson in civics and civility. What’s going on in Palmer Lake is about more than a proposed Buc-ee’s travel plaza. Purplish explores the debate. Then, CPR’s Stina Sieg joins us from Italy where descendants from Colorado are retracing the steps of loved ones who fought with the 10th Mountain Division during World War II. Later, does music soothe animals’ souls?

By Ryan Warner

Hiking in their fathers’ and grandfathers’ footsteps
10th Mountain Division descendants are in the high country… of Italy. They are retracing the tracks of their forebears who helped win World War II during 1945’s Battle of Riva Ridge. CPR’s Stina Sieg is following them on the 80th anniversary.

By Ryan Warner

Sept. 19, 2025: New CBI director works to rebuild trust amid DNA tech scandal, rape kit backlog, mortuary investigation
He says he took over a “beleaguered” department. The new head of the Colorado Bureau of Investigation is Armando Saldate. The CBI has had some highly public missteps; Saldate says he’s eager to get to work and to rectify mistakes. Then, moms reflect on their anxiety and how they cope after the school shooting in Evergreen. Later, Colorado Elvis Festival starts Thursday; we re-share some of Elvis’ Colorado history. And Sunday’s Jillith Fair honors Denver-born singer Jill Sobule’s life and music.

By Ryan Warner

Sept. 17, 2025: Ryan Warner marks 20 years at Colorado Matters
Two decades ago, radio journalist Ryan Warner fled churning hurricanes in Florida for higher, drier ground in Colorado. Warner, Senior Host of Colorado Matters, reflected on his career and on the state of public media recently at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at DU. The moderator is journalism ethicist Bob Steele.

By Ryan Warner

Sept. 15, 2025: Violence and teen brains; Gov. Jared Polis on endorsements and what’s next
School shootings reverberate beyond any single classroom or campus or community. We’ve invited back a family therapist to discuss the violence we’ve seen here and elsewhere lately. Then, do Democrats take Colorado for granted? It’s a question we have for Gov. Jared Polis in the final installment of our special from Grand Junction. Plus, what it takes to convert a vacant office building into homes in the Denver Tech Center. And a pet project takes sixth graders from the classroom to Fountain Creek.

By Ryan Warner

Gov. Jared Polis on endorsements, Colorado’s political landscape, and what’s next
Do Democrats take Colorado for granted? They have total control of state government. It’s been 20 years since a Republican was governor. It’s a question we have for Jared Polis in the final installment of our special from Grand Junction. Ryan also asks about endorsements and what’s next for the term-limited Polis after he leaves office.
