

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

Apr 21, 2023 • 50min
April 21, 2023: eTown’s mission of music and eco-mindedness; Mosquitoes are our deadliest predator
From a converted church in Boulder, a radio show and podcast beams out live music and eco-conscious conversation. Nick Forster is co-host of eTown. For Earth Day, we'll talk musical legends, climate change and everyday environmental heroes. Then, Denver7 Chief Meteorologist Mike Nelson on fire danger and spring runoff. Plus, what to know about mosquitos. And new music from "Kathleen."

Apr 20, 2023 • 50min
April 20, 2023: ‘Assault weapons’ ban defeated; The legacy and future of the Peace Corps
After more than 12 hours of debate, state lawmakers voted down a ban on so-called assault weapons. Then, the U.S. Supreme Court hears oral arguments about a Colorado case focused on free speech versus state stalking laws. And Colorado filmmaker Alana DeJoseph explores the legacy and future of the Peace Corps.

Apr 19, 2023 • 29min
April 19, 2023: Snowmelt spells sandbags in Dolores, CO; Winery adjusts to a changing climate
Spring runoff is the lifeblood of Colorado's rivers. It's also sandbag season in the town of Dolores, in the southwestern part of the state. Today: snowpack, snowmelt, flooding, and climate change. Then, winemakers in Palisade confront climate change.

Apr 18, 2023 • 52min
April 17, 2023: Online stalking or free speech?; Dominion v. Fox News
Where's the line between stalking, as defined by state law, and protected speech under the First Amendment? The U.S. Supreme Court this week takes up a Colorado case. Then, the case of Dominion Voting Systems, based in Denver, against Fox News. Plus, the pending grocery store merger. And answering a Colorado Wonders question about "The Dry."

Apr 18, 2023 • 51min
April 18, 2023: Can the Colorado River be saved?; Ethical standards for Colorado judges
For decades, people have used the Colorado River as if it's an unending tap, but climate change has led to a growing recognition that a new approach is needed. We’ll talk about CPR’s new podcast “Parched.” Then, a look at the ethics requirements for judges in Colorado in light of the controversy surrounding U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas.

Apr 14, 2023 • 52min
April 14, 2023: Where is the war in Ukraine headed? We ask foreign policy experts in Colorado Springs
When Russia invaded Ukraine, many thought the war would only last a few days. Now, just over a year later, there's no end in sight, and the role of outside influencers, like China, is evolving. This week, the World Affairs Council in Colorado Springs gathered experts to offer context. CPR's Southern Colorado Reporter Dan Boyce moderated the discussion.

Apr 13, 2023 • 51min
April 13, 2023: ‘Black men in white coats’ increases diversity in medicine
Black men make up roughly three percent of doctors in the United States; an initiative on the University of Colorado's Anschutz campus is answering the call to increase diversity in medicine. Then, why are more Latinos pleading guilty than white or Black defendants in Colorado.? And the Women+Film Festival elevates the work of women filmmakers.

Apr 12, 2023 • 50min
April 12, 2023: Congressman on ‘failures’ in Afghanistan; Art therapy for medical workers
Democratic U.S. Rep. Jason Crow, who served in Afghanistan, says presidents, Congress and the military should have ended U.S. involvement earlier. Crow also said recent document leaks show the U.S. should reevaluate its relationship with Egypt. Then, new research on how art could help reduce medical workers’ stress. And, a tribute to Maj. Gen. Maurice Rose.

Apr 11, 2023 • 52min
April 11, 2023: Colorado’s carbon capture enterprise; Dogs train for avalanche rescue
A new product promises to help reduce the effects of climate change by sucking carbon out of the air, but there are several hurdles to overcome first. Then, avalance rescue dogs are being trained at Steamboat’s ski resort. And, the evolution of an award-winning theater company in Boulder. Also, chronicling the lives of African Americans in the Mountain West.

Apr 10, 2023 • 51min
April 10, 2023: Investigating Aurora Police recruitment; Is compromise a lost cause?
Prospective police officers in Aurora take a written assessment and a video test. An investigation by Sentinel Colorado in Aurora finds the city is accepting recruits who score the equivalent of a D, which would be disqualifying in neighboring communities. Then, Purplish takes on the waning art of compromise at the state Capitol.