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

Coal’s Future In Colorado, ‘Beer Archeology,’ Refugees And Immigrants Ask What A Trump Administration Means For Them

Promises of a renewed coal industry by candidate Donald Trump revved up a Grand Junction crowd in October. But is a coal resurgence possible in Colorado? Meanwhile, new immigrants and refugees wonder how a Trump administration will affect their lives. CPR’s Megan Verlee has been listening to their concerns. And beer has been around for 8,000 years — the Egyptians drank a version of it. A University of Colorado historian, who fancies himself a “beer archeologist,” on reproducing ancient beers.

What Republicans Might Do With The Affordable Care Act, Innovative Classroom Design, A Guide For Avalanche Fans

The open enrollment season now underway could be the last for the current Affordable Care Act, otherwise known as Obamacare. Republicans have promised to repeal and replace the law — but what would that look like? Then, an innovative classroom design that includes whiteboard-equipped desks and “wobble chairs.” And, “100 Things Avalanche Fans Should Known & Do Before They Die.”

Academic Standards Debate, Young Climate Change Crusader, Gay Games, Directing Theatre From A Wheelchair

A part-time professor at Community College of Aurora complained that a recent change in the school’s curriculum made some classes too easy. He says he was fired because of it, but the school says he was dismissed because he didn’t implement the curriculum effectively. Then, a 16-year-old from Boulder sued the government for not doing more to stop climate change. Also, Denver is vying to host the Gay Games, a major sporting and cultural event for the LGBT community. And, Denver’s Phamaly Theater Company features actors with disabilities. Its new artistic director is believed to be the only person in a wheelchair leading a major U.S. theater group.

Sanctuary Cities Under Trump, Know Your Skier Liability, Smart Tech Coming To I-70, Colorado’s Newest CoverGirl

Donald Trump says there will be consequences for communities that don’t fully cooperate with Federal immigration officials. CPR’s Vic Vela reports on what that could mean for places like Denver and Aurora. Then, we talk liability on the slopes — recently a snowboarder was ordered to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars for running into a skier. Plus, a stretch of I-70 between Golden and Vail could soon become “smart.” What the in-road sensors could mean for traffic to the mountains. And CoverGirl’s new mascara model hails from Colorado. She’s also the first to wear a hijab.

Amendment T’s Demise, Medical ‘Miracles,’ A Fix For Wet Electronics

Why the ballot effort to eliminate the legal slavery reference from the state constitution went down in defeat. Also, a Colorado pediatrician asked physicians for stories about unforgettable patient recoveries and collected them in a new book. Then, some Colorado entrepreneurs have developed a machine that dries waterlogged electronics. Staples stores across the country have bought the machines and are offering the service to customers.

Hickenlooper On A Trump Administration, Ski Forecast, Protecting Elephants And Rhinos

In our first interview with John Hickenlooper since Donald Trump’s election, the governor says if he had Trump’s ear he’d urge caution in healthcare, immigration, trade and the nation’s power supply. Also, where does the governor find promise in a Trump administration? Then, Joel Gratz has been called “Snowstradamus.” He’s the founder of the popular snow forecasting website OpenSnow. We get a preview of ski season. Plus, in Nepal elephants trample rice crops, which is what people eat, so the animals are often shot. A Colorado zookeeper may have a way to save the crops — and the elephants. Hint: it involves bees. And, a Thanksgiving recipe from U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet.

‘Vindication’ For Moses-EL, How To Listen At Thanksgiving, And Truths About Water In The West

This’ll be the first Thanksgiving in almost 30 years that Clarence Moses-EL won’t spend in prison. The Denver man was just cleared of a crime he always said he didn’t commit. Then, for those who are about to see relatives for the first time since the election, and dread talking with them about politics, we ask the founder of StoryCorps for tips on asking and listening, even when you hate what you hear. And the Colorado River faces more stresses than ever, like population growth and climate change, but instead of fighting, some Western states are working together to save water, and avoid federally mandated cutbacks.

Staff

Tom Hesse.
Colorado Matters Western Slope Producer

Tom Hesse