Colorado Matters

Hosted by Ryan Warner and Chandra Thomas Whitfield, CPR News' daily interview show focuses on the state's people, issues and ideas.
Airs Monday-Friday: 9 a.m.-10 a.m. & 7 p.m.-8 p.m.; Sundays: 10 a.m.-11 a.m.
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Latest Episodes

Ned Calonge, Chief Medical Officer for Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment

Aug. 27, 2025: A fall check-up on vaccines and viruses; Keeping water in the Colorado River

Heading into fall, we get a check-up on COVID vaccines, the seasonal flu, measles, and West Nile with Dr. Ned Calonge, the state’s chief medical officer. Then, as Western states divvy up water from the Colorado River, a new documentary wants to make sure the river isn’t run dry. Plus, new research from CU Boulder on drought conditions and human-caused climate change. Later, an update on bodies found in a Pueblo mortuary. And an unexpected moment of joy thanks to a TikTok video and one family’s lost wedding photos.
Black and white image shows the face of original Broncos player Lionel Taylor

Aug. 26, 2025: Denver’s original unsung Bronco, Lionel Taylor; Chandra’s Katrina story

He’s a Denver Broncos original who was a game changer even though he avoided the spotlight. From player to coach, we remember Lionel Taylor. Also, the influence of James Dobson on today’s Conservative Christian movement following the evangelical leader’s death. Plus, Manitou Springs grapples with the changing cannabis market in El Paso County. Then, Chandra shares her personal family story surviving Hurricane Katrina 20 years later. Later, a college degree in Mariachi music, and the origin of the People’s Republic of Boulder.
LEGISLATURE SPECIAL SESSION 20250822

Aug. 25, 2025: Special session closing budget gap as AI debate continues; Local 303 has August’s ‘hot’ artists

Lawmakers remain in special session at the State Capitol after working over the weekend. The first order of business: close a billion dollar budget gap. But they’re also trying to legislate artificial intelligence. Then, Systemic asks what can be done to keep young people from getting guns. And later, the Local 303 showcases “hot” artists for the month of August.
LEE FIRE MEEKER

Aug. 22, 2025: A cooldown at long last amid drought, wildfires; Tennis’ farewell tour nears an end

Denver7 chief meteorologist Lisa Hidalgo joins us to discuss weather, climate, and water in the face of worsening drought and wildfires on the Western Slope. Then, researchers hope to unravel the mystery of hailstorms. Plus, Denver music duo Tennis nears the end of their farewell tour in Colorado; their last date here is Tuesday, August 26 at Mission Ballroom in Denver. Plus, helping teachers help themselves to build housing in Southern Colorado. And the National Goalball Championships in Colorado Springs showcase our state’s future in the sport.
Tim Molnar is a Boulder-based author and dating coach

Aug. 20, 2025: Intervention to prevent youth violence at a crossroads; Boulder author on dating smarter

Where youth violence was once rampant, it has plummeted. A successful program screens young people for their susceptibility. But now Denver’s Youth Violence Prevention Center is itself susceptible to federal budget cuts. Then, a lot of single people are sick of dating in the modern era; Boulder author and dating coach Tim Molnar has ideas to make relationships strategic. Plus, it’s all in the family at a school in the San Luis Valley.
Water flows through a series of sediment retention ponds built to reduce heavy metal and chemical contaminants from the Gold King Mine accident

Aug. 19, 2025: Gold King Mine 10 years later; Bad behavior at the State Capitol

A decade ago this month, the Animas River in southwest Colorado turned bright orange after a toxic plume from the Gold King Mine spilled downstream. In the ten years since, what’s been the impact and what’s changed, or hasn’t, to prevent future problems? Then, Purplish examines what’s being done to address harassment and other workplace misconduct, both in-person and on social media, at the State Capitol as lawmakers return for a special session.

Staff

Tom Hesse.
Colorado Matters Western Slope Producer

Tom Hesse