
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

Feb 9, 2024 • 52min
Feb. 9, 2024: Trump v. Anderson highlights; South Asian filmmaker says ‘no’ to STEM
Hear highlights of Thursday's Trump v. Anderson hearing at the US Supreme Court. Colorado State University student filmmaker Ali Niaz shares his award-winning documentary, "The Rocket Scientist v. The Journalist." And why the term "sanctuary city" is squishy.

Feb 8, 2024 • 50min
Feb. 8, 2024: Supreme Court hears arguments in Trump ballot case; Purplish looks at Colorado legislative session
The nine justices of the U.S. Supreme Court spent hours wrestling with the knotty legal issues of Trump v. Anderson — the presidential eligibility case from Colorado. CPR's Washington correspondent Caitlyn Kim was in the courtroom and breaks down what happened. Then Purplish looks at the first month of the state legislative session and what's ahead. Also, the Lunar New Year, and Denver native and Grammy winner Lecrae.

Feb 7, 2024 • 50min
Feb. 7, 2024: Colorado plaintiffs on case to keep Trump off ballot; Climate change and ocean acidity
Tomorrow, the U.S. Supreme Court hears the Colorado case to keep Donald Trump off the state's primary ballot. Krista Kafer and Norma Anderson are two of the plaintiffs. Then, Colorado researchers on how climate change is changing the acidity of the Antarctic Ocean. Also, the largest air pollution penalty in state history. And "Hooked" explores how easy it is for teens to get tobacco products.

Feb 6, 2024 • 49min
Feb. 6, 2024: Mom hoped to educate, not incarcerate; Broomfield stylist elevates African designers
A Black mother was verbally assaulted by a white mother using a racial slur outside their daughters' elementary school; she wanted the justice system to educate, not incarcerate. Systemic tells the story. Then, a Broomfield stylist wants designers in Africa to get their due; she's working to bring the modern looks of the Motherland to the Mile High and beyond.

Feb 5, 2024 • 49min
Feb. 5, 2024: Colorado ranks high in alcohol deaths; An adaptive skier comes ‘Full Circle’
Colorado is sixth in the nation in alcohol-related deaths, with the problem taking an increasing toll on women and younger people. Denver Post health reporter Meg Wingerter’s series is “Colorado’s Quiet Killer.” Then, a task force wants to overhaul Colorado’s school funding system. And, “Full Circle: A Story of Post Traumatic Growth,” chronicles an adaptive skier's journey both on and off the slopes.

Feb 2, 2024 • 49min
Feb. 2, 2024: Sen. Michael Bennet on immigration; ‘Colorado’s Most Endangered Places’
As Congress tries to address the record number of people crossing the border, host Ryan Warner asks Colorado's senior senator, Michael Bennet, about ongoing immigration reform failures. Then, Colorado's Most Endangered Places list now includes a bowling alley and a century-old schoolhouse. And we remember photographer and filmmaker Jim Havey.

Feb 1, 2024 • 46min
Feb. 1, 2024: Marking Black History Month with a visit to Lincoln Hills
In 1922, at a time of deep racial segregation in the US, two Denverites realized their dream of building a resort in the Rockies for Black people to socialize and escape the stress of racism. They called it Lincoln Hills. For Black History Month, we revisit Lincoln Hills with retired Denver County judge Gary Jackson and former state historian Jared Orsi in 2022. Winks Lodge at Lincoln Hills was designated a National Historic Landmark in December.

Jan 31, 2024 • 51min
Jan. 31, 2024: What does it mean to be a quantum hub?; From prison to professor
Colorado is a quantum technology hub, but what does that mean? Then, a program that empowers prisoners to become professors. Also, an online map that documents environmental injustice by neighborhood isn't working the way it should. Plus, her name's on the ballot but she's not running for president. We revisit the historic Hayden Granary, and new music from Cousin Curtiss!

Jan 30, 2024 • 48min
Jan. 30, 2024: How the tobacco industry made it cool to smoke in Colorado’s communities of color
For decades, the industry's own documents show that Big Tobacco targeted communities of color in Colorado and across the nation. The effects are still being felt today. Keith Wailoo is the author of the book, "Pushing Cool: Big Tobacco, Racial Marketing, and the Untold Story of the Menthol Cigarette."

Jan 29, 2024 • 49min
Jan. 29, 2024: Colorado student leads youth environmental council; The fight to keep Space Command
A college student from Colorado leads the EPA’s new National Environmental Youth Advisory Council. Then, a new exhibit featuring conservationist John Fielder who left a legacy, and a timeline, for scientists studying climate change. And "Purplish," has the behind-the-scenes story of Colorado’s effort to keep the U.S. Space Command in Colorado.