

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

May 14, 2025 • 30min
May 14, 2025: Attorney General Weiser on 20 lawsuits and counting; Jewish music for all
President Trump has signed executive orders at a dizzying pace: 152 as of this morning. Any number of them affect Colorado. That has kept Democratic Attorney General Phil Weiser very busy -- he's filed filed 20 lawsuits so far challenging some of those orders. Then, cuts to food aid are on the table as Congress considers a new spending bill. Plus, a landmark climate lawsuit moves forward in Boulder. And the second annual KlezKolorado festival is this weekend with Jewish music for everyone.

May 13, 2025 • 29min
May 13, 2025: How receiving (and writing) letters brings happiness to seniors; 'The Invisible Patient'
When Angela Lee moved to Life Care Center of Evergreen, she was lonely. Until one day changed it all...Love For Our Elders is a non-profit organization that aims to relieve loneliness among people living in care facilities through letter writing. Then, a new documentary by a retiree in Grand Junction examines "The Invisible Patient" -- stories of families with mentally ill adult children, and a community trying to become a model for mental health care. Also, Seniors for Seniors pairs older pets with older adults.

May 12, 2025 • 29min
May 12, 2025: Taking stock of the session with bills that passed, new lawmakers and... poetry
Now that this year's state legislative session has ended, what did lawmakers accomplish? And what did they miss? We'll take stock with "Purplish." Plus two freshman lawmakers reflect on their experience. And a little poetry to sum up the session.

May 9, 2025 • 49min
May 9, 2025: How deportations are playing out in Colorado; A milestone on Colfax Ave.
Colorado's a flashpoint when it comes to immigration, especially Aurora and Denver, which the new administration has singled out. CPR justice reporter Allison Sherry and Denverite's Kyle Harris join a roundtable with our colleagues at "The Middle" hosted by Jeremy Dobson. Then, a milestone for construction on Colfax Avenue. Plus, a new passenger train could be on track for the mountains. And changes at Ford Amphitheater to address noise complaints as a new season kicks off.

May 8, 2025 • 48min
May 8, 2025: Bike shop rides into the sunset amid tariffs; Federal cuts upend classrooms
A bike maker in Colorado Springs has been building Colorado-inspired bicycles for more than a decade, but the reality of tariffs means going out of business. And, from mass layoffs at the Department of Education to a crusade against DEI in schools, the Trump Administration has sent shockwaves through Colorado classrooms. Also, Welcome to the Indieverse!

May 7, 2025 • 49min
May 7, 2025: State lawmakers head to the finish line; Colorado Flower Collective helps farmers bloom
How much did Colorado lawmakers cross off their "to do" list, and what's left to do as they head into the final day of the legislative session? Then, what potential federal funding cuts could mean to public media in Colorado. Plus, how the Colorado Flower Collective is helping local flower farmers. Later, words to remember to stay safe from lightning this severe weather season. And celebrate 25 years of otherworldly observations in the San Luis Valley.

May 6, 2025 • 49min
May 6, 2025: Colorado nonprofits work to overcome cuts; What 'climate realism' means for green energy
Federal funding cuts are creating a domino effect for Colorado nonprofits as they work to figure out what's next. Then, Secretary of Energy Chris Wright says he's not a climate change denier; he's a climate change realist. What does that mean for alternative sources of energy? Plus, author Tommy Orange's commencement message for the graduating class of Fort Lewis College in Durango.

May 5, 2025 • 49min
May 5, 2025: How to turn an office high-rise into homes; United expands in Denver
It's a rough time for commercial real estate. Could vacant high-rises be turned into apartments? In downtown Denver, a developer has bought two buildings with that in mind. We'll find out what a conversion takes. Then, United's new flight to Rome is the latest example of the airline's investment in Denver. Plus, Purplish explores a rare veto showdown at the state Capitol. And, remembering Denver's Jill Sobule.

May 2, 2025 • 49min
May 2, 2025: How The Women's Bank of Denver fostered inclusion, opportunity, and empowerment
Not that long ago, women seeking a loan or line of credit faced invasive questions from bankers. "Are you planning on having children?" "What type of birth control are you using?" "Where's your husband?" Against that backdrop, in the 1970s, The Women's Bank of Denver was founded--changing financial lives for generations. Sr. Host Ryan Warner speaks with financial journalist Grace L. Williams, author of "Give Her Credit," at History Colorado Center.This interview first aired on February 17, 2025.

May 1, 2025 • 49min
May 1, 2025: Voters, Congressional delegation on Trump's first 100 days; The secret life of Mary Rippon
As President Trump marks 100 days in office, we get a read from Colorado's Congressional delegation and the state's voters. Then, she was the first female professor at the University of Colorado Boulder, but she had a secret that remained hidden for nearly a century. Plus, Colorado Wonders about a disappearing river. And, are you ready to evacuate if there's an emergency? We'll get insight into how to prepare and plan with the start of wildfire season.