

Colorado Matters
Colorado Public Radio
Hosted by Ryan Warner and Chandra Thomas Whitfield, CPR News' daily interview show focuses on the state's people, issues and ideas.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 3, 2024 • 52min
July 3, 2024: Aurora police under scrutiny again after shooting; ‘Painting the plains’ one mural at a time
Police in Aurora are under scrutiny again for the killing of an unarmed Black man. Kilyn Lewis was fatally shot by an officer in May. Then, meet "Some Girls and a Mural," who are brightening Colorado's eastern plains. Later, Colorado's big investment in quantum technology. And a new roof for Trinidad's historic Temple Aaron.

Jul 2, 2024 • 50min
July 2, 2024: A hot and smoggy summer; Denver’s own Prince celebrates The Artist’s 40-year milestone
Denver just experienced its second-hottest June on record, and that's led to poor air quality. It's likely a sign of things to come this summer. Then, Phillip Lamar is the founder and front man of Colorado's premiere Prince tribute band; he reflects on The Artist's legacy on the 40th anniversary of the iconic Purple Rain. And Aging Matters revisits scams and how to avoid them.

Jul 2, 2024 • 16min
Film shines light on one school’s struggle to accommodate flood of new immigrants
McMeen Elementary knows first-hand what it's like to absorb some of the thousands of Venezuelan and other new immigrants who arrived in Denver this schol year. A new film, “McMeen in the Middle, Denver’s Migrant Crisis,” profiles the real-life challenges for these new students and their families and the burden felt by teachers.

Jul 1, 2024 • 46min
July 1, 2024: You’ll never look at the moon the same way again
An hour of lunar exploration with Colorado Springs author Rebecca Boyle. In "Our Moon," she explains how the moon has guided evolution on earth. Boyle visits moon rocks in a special storage facility. Plus, a conversation about resource extraction and lunar preservation. This episode of "Turn The Page with Colorado Matters" was recorded on a stage at Colorado College.

Jun 28, 2024 • 50min
June 28, 2024: Indian Citizenship Act prompts reflection, not celebration; Elephants name each other
Strange as it seems, Native Americans became U.S. citizens only 100 years ago. Southern Ute leaders here say the milestone is reason to reflect, rather than celebrate. Then, Colorado researchers find that elephants seem to have names for one another, much like humans. Also, meet the boys who found a rare junior T-Rex fossil. Plus, an award-winning literary road trip with "Reading Colorado." And Hanging Lake comes back from the brink.

Jun 28, 2024 • 5min
The kids who unearthed ‘Teen Rex’
Three young explorers who found bones from a young T-Rex were recently at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science where the fossils are part of an exhibit called "Discovering Teen Rex." 12-year-old Jessin Fisher, his nine-year-old brother Liam and their 11-year-old cousin, Kaiden Madsen made the extremely rare discovery on a hike with their dad two years ago in North Dakota.

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.