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

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May 22, 2025: A ‘final exam’ for education — in the classroom with Colorado’s teacher of the year; Monarch migration

Today we go inside the classroom, with Colorado’s Teacher of the Year, Janet Damon of Delta High School, an alternative public school in Denver. How growing up in Colorado helped shape her as an educator, plus, her students share the qualities they’ve learned from her that will help them seize the summer. Also, documentary filmmaker and Colorado College alum Mike Shum speaks at graduation day. Plus, scientists estimate that as many as 75 percent of the insects in the world have vanished over the past 50 years. Among the species hardest hit: the Monarch butterfly. What you can do to help.

May 21, 2025: ‘Countdown’ examines how the U.S. is updating its ‘geriatric’ nuclear arsenal

This country’s nuclear arsenal is “geriatric.” And many of the people who maintain it are heading towards retirement. Plus, the agency that oversees the nuclear arsenal has not been immune to the possibility of federal staffing cuts. Colorado science writer Sarah Scoles examines the future of nuclear defense in her book, “Countdown: The Blinding Future of Nuclear Weapons.”

May 19, 2025: Polis on vetoes, housing laws; Evolving vision for downtown Denver

Governor Jared Polis is flexing his executive power. He vetoed a priority bill for Democrats and threatens to withhold funds from cities that don’t follow new housing laws. Also, Denver Mayor Mike Johnston talks about an evolving vision for downtown Denver and big project investments. Then, Denver Post reporter Sam Tabachnik on his investigation into the death of a 7-year-old Grand County boy and the questions it raises about child abuse investigations. Later, a human trafficking survivor shares a message of strength at the Front Range Community College commencement. And the Green Box Arts Festival is back!

May 16, 2025: Denver mayor on immigration, federal lawsuit, and housing; CSU alum now at MSNBC

It’s been a trying year for Denver’s mayor. Mike Johnston has battled with the Trump administration over the city’s welcoming immigration policies. On the flipside, a top attraction, the 16th Street Mall, is finally reopening. Then, a steel startup in Boulder plans to make climate-friendly iron. And MSNBC’s Eugene Daniels returns to his alma matter, CSU, as president of the White House Correspondents’ Association.
A woman is seen working on strips of orange straps. She is standing behind a table that has square measurements on it.

May 15, 2025: Colorado raft supply companies navigate the uncertain waters of tariffs; Preserving oral histories

Navigating the on-again-off-again tariffs can be like navigating the rapids on a river in Colorado. We hear from two raft supply companies about the impact. Then, words to live by from the student speaker at Western Colorado University’s commencement. Plus, how older Coloradans are connecting with kids in the classroom for mutual benefit. And a creative way to preserve oral histories in Denver’s Curtis Park neighborhood.
Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser

May 14, 2025: Attorney General Weiser on 20 lawsuits and counting; Jewish music for all

President Trump has signed executive orders at a dizzying pace: 152 as of this morning. Any number affect Colorado. That has kept Democratic Attorney General Phil Weiser very busy — he’s filed filed 20 lawsuits so far challenging some of those orders. Then, cuts to food aid are on the table as Congress considers a new spending bill. Plus, a landmark climate lawsuit moves forward in Boulder. And the second annual KlezKolorado festival is this weekend with Jewish music for everyone.
Just a small handful of the 700 cards and letters 92-year-old Angela Lee has received

May 13, 2025: How letters bring love to seniors facing loneliness; Finding care for ‘The Invisible Patient’

When Angela Lee moved to senior care facility, she was lonely. Until one day changed it all. Love For Our Elders is a non-profit organization that relieves loneliness through letter writing. Then, a new documentary examines “The Invisible Patient” and the challenges parents face finding care for their mentally ill adult children. Seniors for Seniors pairs older pets with older adults.

Staff

Tom Hesse.
Colorado Matters Western Slope Producer

Tom Hesse