Claim OwnershipColorado Matters
Subscribed: 587Played: 84,021
Subscribe
© Colorado Public Radio
Description
Hosted by Ryan Warner and Chandra Thomas Whitfield, CPR News' daily interview show focuses on the state's people, issues and ideas.
2485 Episodes
Reverse
The Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame marks its 40th anniversary this year, and today we're commemorating this milestone, talking with three remarkable inductees who’ve shaped Colorado through activism, engineering, community building and fierce advocacy. Velveta Golightly Howell is the founder and CEO of Sister-to-Sister, an international network of professional African American women. Jill Tietjen is an electrical engineer, author and former president of the Society of Women Engineers. And Dusti Gurule is president and CEO of the Colorado Organization for Latina Opportunity and Reproductive Rights.
The story of the tent-like roof at Denver International Airport begins with two architects in a downtown Denver bar. One of the architects, Jim Bradburn, recently died just as the airport turned 30. Today, we hear behind the scenes stories from his collaborator, Curt Fentress. Then, US United hopes to change the culture of divisiveness ahead of National Unity Day on Saturday. Plus, books to enjoy this holiday season, or to give as gifts. And Colorado centenarian Howard Berger celebrates 102!
Our series continues about unprecedented politics, named for the famous Benjamin Franklin line in 1787: "A republic, if you can keep it." University of Denver political scientist Seth Masket provides historic context. Then, it takes a lot of work to keep Mustang standing strong outside DIA. Also, tech firm Ibotta makes a 10-year commitment to downtown Denver, which other businesses have fled. And the family stories behind Denver's Little Saigon at History Colorado Center.
Protecting children from the harmful side of social media has been a years-long fight, but Congress may finally be taking action. Today we hear about one mother's determination to bring change in memory of her daughter. Meanwhile, experts will offer research assistance to state legislators next session. Then, they followed the rules set up by the federal government, but still face deportation. It's just one development in the immigration debate affecting thousands of people in Colorado. And, he's the only Colorado native to play in the Negro Baseball League. Now, a century later he finally gets his due.
For most state jobs, you don't need a college degree. It's the skills that matter. Governor Jared Polis has championed this change in the private sector, as well. Reporter Lawrence Lanahan writes about this trend in a piece titled, “No college degree, no problem? Not so fast!” Then, comedian Tig Notaro remembers Colorado's late poet laureate Andrea Gibson with the new film, "Come See Me in the Good Light." Also, a mother and daughter from Colorado reconnect with their family's World War II legacy in Italy. Plus, pairing wine and solar on the Western Slope.
It's one of the darkest moments in Colorado history: the Sand Creek Massacre of 1864. Today, through the letters he wrote, we learn about a man who refused to take part: Capt. Silas Soule. Then, from oil and gas drilling to cattle grazing and conservation, the issues facing public lands in Colorado under the Trump administration. And for Aging Matters, free help clearing sidewalks thanks to the Snow Buddies.
Today, on World AIDS Day, Ryan visits the Colorado AIDS memorial in the heart of Denver with Barb Cardell, program director at the Positive Women's Network USA. They discuss science, stigma, and, for our series Aging Matters, what it means to enter your senior years with HIV. Then, what a trip to the grocery store says about a "silent recession." Plus, a number of craft brewers have closed in Colorado; what does that signal for the industry? Also, calling all book lovers! And a Denver musician goes from busking to Red Rocks.
According to Gallup, barely a third of Americans express a great deal or even fair amount of trust in newspapers, TV, and radio. In the 1970s, trust was as high as 72 percent. At Front Range Community College, students meet the press: Greg Moore, former editor of The Denver Post and recent National Association of Black Journalists Hall of Fame inductee; Corey Hutchins of the Colorado College Journalism Institute and “Inside the News In Colorado”; and Jeffrey Roberts of the Colorado Freedom of Information Coalition. Our panelists mentioned resources for the community and for journalists at The News Literacy Project and Colorado News Collaborative. This discussion first aired on November 10, 2025.
A remarkable Coloradan - and an American pioneer - celebrated his 92nd birthday in September. Ed Dwight was the first Black man to be selected for astronaut training more than 60 years ago. And six decades later, he became the oldest person to go to space. Dwight’s history-making didn’t stop there. He went on to become a celebrated artist, sculpting important monuments to Black legends. His body of work appears in Denver and at memorials across the country, and in museums like the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C. This year, he was nominated for a Congressional Gold Medal. Chandra met Dwight at his work space in north Denver. This story first aired on September 9, 2025.
For "Turn the Page with Colorado Matters," former NPR science reporter David Baron, of Boulder, talks about his new book, "The Martians: The True Story of an Alien Craze That Captured Turn-Of-the-Century America." Listen to a captivating conversation in front of an audience at Library 21c in Colorado Springs. This first aired on August 15, 2025.
November is National Adoption Month. Today, how one Colorado organization is supporting families through the beauty and complexity of transracial adoption and creating a sense of belonging and safety for adoptees and their parents too. Then, a Colorado Wonders question about accountability after wildfires. And Colorado Hall of Fame skier Bob Meserve's remarkable journey on and off the slopes as a pioneering adaptive athlete.
There's a political power play across the country to redistrict for control of Congress. Purplish explores if it could actually happen here, and whether it should. Then, what do car prices say about a possible "silent recession" in Colorado? Plus, a freshman at Lafayette's Centaurus High School lands in the top ten of the National Civics Bee finals.
Even if things change fast, November is on track to be record-setting dry and warm. We ask Denver7 Chief Meteorologist Lisa Hidalgo for the Thanksgiving and ski outlooks. Then, CU economist Brian Lewandowski on whether the state faces a "Silent Recession." Plus, the aerial search for precious minerals in Southern Colorado, meet the new Denver Botanic Gardens CEO, and we hold onto 'Autumn' a little longer in the Local 303.
For Aging Matters, around since the 1970s, the Senior Companion Program is more relevant than ever today, helping older Coloradans with tasks while creating friendship. Then, community colleges are stepping up with an equivalency program to get a high school diploma. Also, what's it like leading a nonprofit focused on DEI -- diversity equity and inclusion -- when it's become "dirty word" to some? Plus, mobile health support in Weld County, and a tribute to Denver's late jazz icon, Purnell Steen.
Democrats did well in this month’s election, then almost immediately capitulated, opting to reopen the federal government without healthcare concessions from Republicans. Today, an assessment from the state party chair. Then, we remember Denver jazz pianist Purnell Steen. Also, lingering lessons from the pandemic. And "rock" music with "Formations" from University of Colorado composer and geologist Jeffrey Nytch.
Her father fought in a key battle on Riva Ridge in Italy to help end World War II. Now, 80 years later, Susannah LeVon of Grand Junction reflects on his legacy through an unexpected, and enduring friendship. Then, a growing body of research finds that moms are struggling with their mental health, battling things like stress, anxiety and even depression. Two Denver moms say they have the perfect pick-me-up to help! Then, author Devon O'Neil explores grief and tragedy after a rescue attempt in the Colorado backcountry. Plus, the history of Raton Pass.
Geriatricians – doctors trained to treat older adults – are scarce. We meet Dr. Erika Altneu, of Salida, who discusses "deprescribing" and battling loneliness in one's later years. Then, dads answer the call for tutors at one Denver school. And CPR's former resident poet, David Rothman, shares "The Radio Poems: Transmissions from Colorado."
Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman walks Ryan through a new homeless navigation campus that encourages work and sobriety with nicer and nicer accommodations. Then, for Thanksgiving, a celebrated Boulder sommelier chooses three wines to pair with turkey, ham, and vegetables. Plus, the impact of tariffs on a specialty cheese shop in Denver. And, indie rock and classical come back together as DeVotchKa performs with the Colorado Symphony.
Colorado’s economy has been flashing warning signs for a while, but is a recession really on the horizon? Today, the launch of our special report, "Silent Recession," looking at the numbers driving the state's economics. Then, the government shutdown has left many nonprofits scrambling to provide assistance for people missing their food benefits -- including one here in Colorado that focuses on sharing homemade lasagna made with love. And, do you want to help those in need of food? One local engineer has created an app for that!
Soon enough, Colorado will have new leadership. In 2026, top seats are wide open for the first time in eight years. From the governor, attorney general, secretary of state and treasurer to the U.S. Congress, we take stock of the midterm election with Purplish. Then, new music from the Gasoline Lollipops, which defies musical genres.
Download from Google Play
Download from App Store
United States
Love CPR, and Colorado Matters!
left leaning, typical Commifornia imported garbage.