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

MOVE MANOR MONTE VISTA

Oct. 10, 2025: This café is run by a food bank; We spend the night at a movie motel

A mission-driven restaurant in Grand Junction takes an innovative approach to hunger and nutrition. Then, the plight of federal workers amid layoffs, furloughs and the shutdown. Later, we check in to the Movie Manor in Monte Vista. Also, the filmmakers behind short horror movie “The Ant” who are crawling their way to the top. And, a choreography of hot air balloons from around the world.
A dragonfly on a burned tree limb

Oct. 9, 2025: Domino effect of wildfire impact on dragonflies; Small town football team takes on ‘The Hill’

When it comes to the changing climate and increasing wildfires, you may not think of dragonflies, but it turns out they’re a good test case to show the impact on an entire ecosystem. Then, Aging Matters looks into classes to help older Coloradans avoid scams. Plus, how a small town football team in Colorado started winning for the first time in generations. Leif Lathrop is the coach at Primero High School in Weston, and author of “The Hill.”
A woman's face is seen looking through shelves of books

Oct. 8, 2025: Rep. Jeff Hurd on shutdown, militarizing U.S. cities; New Denver City Librarian on book bans

In Rep. Jeff Hurd’s district, which includes Grand Junction and Pueblo, the cost of some health insurance plans is about to be astronomical. But Hurd says the issue shouldn’t be used as leverage in the shutdown. We also ask about militarizing U.S. cities and the Epstein files. Then, Denver’s new city librarian on the evolution of libraries, from digital literacy to distributing food. Then, why the Biennial of the Americas in Denver is going hyper-local. And Colorado Wonders about the Unaweep Canyon’s unique claim to fame.

Oct. 6, 2025: Investigating ICE assault claims; SCOTUS considers Colorado’s conversion therapy ban

Federal officials have said attacks on ICE agents are up more than 1,000 percent. CPR’s Ben Markus and Allison Sherry spent more than a month investigating these claims; here’s what they found. Then, Colorado banned conversion therapy for minors; the U.S. Supreme Court could upend that. We go into the case with Purplish. Plus, how school crossing guards are dealing with increasingly hostile drivers. And how becoming a paramedic influenced Anthony Ruptak’s music.
ADAMS STATE UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT DAVID TANDBERG

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.
A woman in a blue dress stands in front of a large screen with words that say Nevertheless, we persisted

Oct. 2, 2025: Pediatricians push back against federal dismissal of science; ‘Gathering Place’ elevates Southern Colorado

“Chaos and confusion.” That’s what the head of the American Academy of Pediatrics says families are up against as the federal government rethinks established science for everything from vaccines to autism. Dr. Susan Kressly was recently in Colorado for the AAP’s annual conference. Then, an effort to get girls interested in construction jobs. Plus, we visit “The Gathering Place” which elevates the southwest in the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center. And, remembering renowned conservationist and researcher Dr. Jane Goodall with her visit to Colorado.

Staff

Tom Hesse.
Colorado Matters Western Slope Producer

Tom Hesse