
Colorado Matters
Hosted by Ryan Warner and Chandra Thomas Whitfield, CPR News' daily interview show focuses on the state's people, issues and ideas.
Latest episodes

Jun 27, 2024 • 51min
June 27, 2024: A school welcomes new immigrants beyond the classroom; Is a law to help renters working?
Children who made the harrowing journey from South America to the U.S. are filling up Denver's classrooms. Beyond teaching, schools have become a one-stop shop for everything from dental care to warm clothes and other necessities. A new film documents packed classrooms, overwhelmed teachers, and a community trying to fill the gaps. Then, Colorado has a new law that's supposed to save renters money. But is it working? And, one man's very personal mission to make outer space inclusive.

Jun 26, 2024 • 51min
June 26, 2024: How the primary shapes the general election; Judy Collins’ Rocky Mountain reflections
Some twists and turns, and perhaps some mixed messages, as Colorado tabulates the primary results and looks to the general election. We'll get perspective from Sara Hagedorn, a political science professor at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs. Then, Denver's next district attorney. Also, election integrity with Matt Crane, the head of Colorado's County Clerks Association. And, escape to the Rocky Mountains with the iconic Judy Collins.

Jun 25, 2024 • 11min
Raising awareness in the effort to find missing trans and LGBTQ people
When someone is reported missing, police say the first few days are most critical. That’s when investigators typically circulate photos and gather important information while people’s memories are still fresh.

Jun 25, 2024 • 51min
June 25, 2024: Older workers answer the call for preschool, aging care jobs; From football to dentistry
The fastest growing population in Colorado is 65 and older. But instead of retirement, it can also be an opportunity to help others while staying engaged. Then, the complexities of finding missing LGBTQ+ people. Also, a summer music festival rises to a creative challenge. And he traded in the football drills for the dental ones. Plus, illustrations as art.

Jun 24, 2024 • 49min
June 24, 2024: 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. Worrisome– if you believe, as the U.S. does, that nuclear deterrence keeps us safe. Colorado science writer Sarah Scoles examines the future of nuclear defense in her new book, “Countdown.” She spoke with Ryan Warner at the Center for the Arts in Crested Butte during the recent Mountain Words Festival.

Jun 21, 2024 • 12min
Heat dome comes west, says Denver7’s Mike Nelson
In their regular climate & weather chat, Denver7 Chief Meteorologist Mike Nelson tells Ryan Warner about the heat that will descend over the weekend. Plus, a visit from a Ford Model T in Steamboat Springs opens a discussion of automobile emissions.

Jun 21, 2024 • 52min
June 21, 2024: The heat is on this summer; Congressional races in districts 5 and 8
The heat dome that's gripped the Northeast is headed our way, with temperatures hovering close to 100 degrees. We'll get the summer outlook from Denver7 chief meteorologist Mike Nelson. Then, Purplish takes a closer look at the primary races in congressional districts 5 and 8. And later, educators share their stories in a new podcast and on-stage event, "Hot for Teacher."

Jun 20, 2024 • 50min
June 20, 2024: A Half Century of Pride Stories
When Denver celebrated its first Pride 50 years ago, about 50 people took part. Now that number is 500,000. On a special Colorado Matters, we share "A Half Century of Pride Stories," reflecting on the past while looking forward to the future.

Jun 19, 2024 • 48min
June 19, 2024: Celebrating Black culture and history while building community through trivia
To commemorate the Juneteenth holiday, we’re re-sharing an event that highlights Black culture and history while building community along the way. “Black People Know Things” is a trivia night held monthly at local breweries. We sat in on a special Colorado Black history edition in February at Spangalang Brewery in Five Points.

Jun 18, 2024 • 50min
June 18, 2024: Colorado’s ‘Red Flag’ gun safety law used inconsistently; JoFoKe bares her soul on stage through music
When it comes to Colorado's so-called "Red Flag" gun violence prevention law, where you live often dictates when it's used, if it's used at all. Then, her family's musical legacy goes back four generations, but JoFoKe isn't relying on that as she makes her own mark, baring her soul on stage. For Black Music Month, we re-share our February interview with the Denver singer/songwriter. Plus, a big fossil find near Colorado Springs.