Colorado Matters

<p>Hosted by Ryan Warner and Chandra Thomas Whitfield, CPR News' daily interview show focuses on the state's people, issues and ideas.</p>

Nov. 5, 2025: From school meals to a 'vibrant' Denver, what's next after election?; ICE facility in Walsenburg?

Colorado voters said yes to propositions LL and MM in Tuesday's election, to pay for school meals for all; cafeteria workers and local farmers will benefit too. We talk through what's next with Anya Rose from Hunger Free Colorado. Plus, Denver voters keep a ban on flavored tobacco in place and say yes to a $950 million bond package to create a "vibrant" Denver. Also, will a shuttered private prison in Walsenburg reopen as an ICE facility? Later, Colorado's film industry tries to get a foothold at the same time a Colorado town celebrates filmmakers. 

11-05
50:10

November 4, 2025: Lawsuit asserts ICE is not following federal law; Colorado's grey wolves heading south?

ICE agents can detain someone without a warrant under certain conditions. Now a judge will decide if agents are flaunting federal law in Colorado. Then, a noteworthy development with the reintroduction of grey wolves in Colorado. Plus, a farm that honors Native American heritage at the site of much pain. Also, Purplish explores uncovered history hidden inside the state capitol. Second graders in Grand Junction embrace the power of a single act of kindness. And music from Littleton artist Conrad Mata, with a little help from his dad! 

11-04
50:10

Nov. 3, 2025: Why young Coloradans are considering public service; Loveland sculptor's tribute to Josephine Baker

Who gets into public service these days? We're at Colorado State University to find out from students in a leadership program. Then, it's been a century since performer and civil rights champion Josephine Baker left the U.S. for France. In Loveland, a sculptor lovingly captures her in clay. And later... one part ska. one part punk. one part pirate?! Music from the Fort Collins band, "The Swashbuckling Doctors." 

11-03
49:17

Oct. 31, 2025: DenverFright terrifies at The Bug Theatre

A Halloween haunting with Denverite's third annual DenverFright. Local writers gather on stage at The Bug Theatre to send chills down your spine, including Stephen Graham Jones and Teague Bohlen. Denver historian Phil Goodstein takes us to a cursed block Uptown. And the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance's scariest resident shambles in! 

10-31
49:36

Oct. 30, 2025: The past, present and future as the Voting Rights Act turns 60; In-person voting for inmates

As the Supreme Court deliberates changes, the Voting Rights Act turns 60. We look at its past, present and future with local political analysts -- this after Colorado took action in its last legislative session to make sure access is enshrined in state law. Colorado state law also requires all county jails to offer in-person voting for eligible individuals -- we explore how the process is working in Jefferson County.

10-30
49:50

Oct. 29, 2025: At last a memorial to Flight 629; Before Gaga, there was Carl Bean's 'I Was Born This Way'

The bombing victims of United Flight 629 will be memorialized after seven decades. It was the first attack on a US commercial airliner. Atop Denver's old control tower, we speak with a woman who lost her parents. Then, a new film about musician and AIDS activist Carl Bean, who sang what's considered the first gay anthem. 

10-29
49:41

October 28, 2025: A lung cancer doctor shares the same path as his patients; Purplish explores capitol history

A Colorado doctor was diagnosed with the same lung cancer he’s researched and treated all his life. He only recently decided to share his story when chemotherapy made him horribly sick. Dr. Ross Camidge talks about sharing the same path as his patients, and how he views death and what comes next. Then, from artwork to hidden history on the walls, Purplish explores the many stories the state capitol has to tell. Plus, just in time for Halloween, a Colorado haunting... and a reimagining of Ichabod Crane. 

10-28
50:07

Oct. 27, 2025: Innovating a 'sexy walker' to break stigma; An Indie 102.3 soundtrack for autumn

A lot of people risk falling rather than use a walker; there's just too much stigma around them. Today in Aging Matters on Colorado Matters, we visit a lab where they're developing a so-called "sexy walker," but the project is about far more than vanity: it's frankly life or death. Then, food banks prepare for a rush as SNAP benefits run dry. Plus, our colleagues at Indie 102.3 help score the season with local musicians to add to your autumn playlist.

10-27
50:06

Oct. 24, 2025: A man who considers all things; AI and air quality; The musical family behind BRŪHA

All Things Considered Host Ari Shapiro, who has just left NPR after 25 years, came to Denver to receive a prestigious award. We spoke at this year's Damon Runyon dinner. Then, the disproportionate toll domestic violence takes on children. Plus, how your Google search affects the air you breathe. And Denver band BRŪHA is a family affair. 

10-24
49:57

Oct. 23, 2025: What's next in the government shutdown? 'Make A Circle' looks at early childhood development

The government shutdown will hit federal workers hard tomorrow as they miss their first paychecks. What will it take to find a solution? We'll check-in with our Washington, D.C. reporter, Caitlyn Kim. Then, the cost of child care can often rival college tuition. At the same time, child care workers have traditionally been underpaid and undervalued. A new documentary, "Make A Circle," challenges the system to change. Also, we continue the series "Wired, Wired West," and celebrating 20 years of roller derby action in Colorado Springs! 

10-23
49:49

October 22, 2025: Historic context for this moment in politics; Finding unity across the divide

We continue "If You Can Keep It," our series to get historic context about this moment in presidential politics; political scientist Seth Masket from the University of Denver joins us. Then, a Denver man hopes to create a brand for unity in America to show people are less divided than it seems. Later, will Halloween be a trick or a treat this year? It's just one thing we ask Denver7 chief meteorologist Lisa Hidalgo in our monthly weather and climate chat. And the Museum of Contemporary Art's new director talks about elevating local artists and his vision for the Denver institution.

10-22
49:54

October 21, 2025: Pettersen on federal cuts to mental, behavior health care; Honoring Demaryius Thomas

 U.S. Rep. Brittany Pettersen, a Democrat who represents the state's 7th Congressional District, is concerned that federal layoffs, furloughs, and funding cuts to grants, will have a devastating effect on mental and behavioral health services, including helping people trying to break addiction. Then, for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we re-share a discussion about the importance of knowing breast density. Plus, the "Wired, Wired West" explores the impact of A.I. on water. And the late Demaryius Thomas is inducted into the Denver Broncos' Ring of Fame. 

10-21
49:50

Oct. 20, 2025: Two statewide ballot measures on the menu; Authors at odds with AI settlement

There are two statewide ballot issues in the November election. Voters will decide the future of Colorado's "Healthy School Meals for All" program; Purplish explains both related measures. Then, Colorado authors respond to a massive settlement with an A.I. company that's been using their work. Plus, the "Wired, Wired West" explores the power needed to support Artificial Intelligence. Then, Coloradans join in the "No Kings" protest, and music from Littleton's Conrad Mata. 

10-20
49:31

Oct. 17, 2025: Where Hickenlooper won't budge; Remembering Susan Stamberg

Democratic U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper is a holdout on re-opening government until there's a plan to keep health insurance premiums down. We ask about paths for compromise and his frustration with cuts to green energy. Then, we remember NPR founding mother Susan Stamberg. Plus, Pueblo-born musician and composer Mary D. Watkins on honoring the Black experience in America. And Wonderbound's Rock Ballets. 

10-17
49:39

Oct. 16, 2025: What will Dominion sale mean for elections? Plus, Colorado's Voting Rights Act

 Now that Colorado-based Dominion Voting Systems is being sold, there are questions about what that will mean to upcoming elections. We talk with county clerks who rely on the system that's been at the center of election lies and debunked conspiracies. Then, as the U.S. Supreme Court appears poised to rollback another provision of the Voting Rights Act, Colorado's taken action to make sure access is enshrined in state law. Later, a mom rushed in to save her children in the Uvalde school shooting. A documentary about her actions screens in Colorado this weekend. And, known as "Pueblo's little jewel box," it's marking a 125-year milestone. 

10-16
49:24

Oct. 15, 2025: A Colorado author's trek to find 'The Wild Dark' of the night sky

Eighty percent of the world's population can't see the Milky Way. Light pollution interferes. Author and adventurer Craig Childs, of Norwood, Colorado, writes about a trek from light to dark in his new book. "The Wild Dark" takes readers from the incandescence of Las Vegas to the spangled skies of rural Nevada. Childs spoke with Sr. Host Ryan Warner at the Mountain Words Festival in Crested Butte in May. 

10-15
49:21

Oct. 14, 2025: Motorcycle crashes are up; state troopers say distracted driving is just one reason

More and more motorcycle riders are dying on Colorado roads. Last year, 165 motorcyclists died, the highest number ever recorded in our state. Sgt. Ivan Alvarado with the Colorado State Patrol explains some of the reasons behind the trend. Then, we speak with Laurie Montoya, the founder of the Lakewood-based non-profit, BikerDown Foundation, which advocates for and helps bikers who get injured and their families. Plus, Colorado jazz musician Tony Exum Jr. is back on stage in Denver on Saturday. 

10-14
49:20

Oct. 13, 2025: On Indigenous People's Day, how to get beyond acknowledgments and into action

Respect is the first law of the world's Indigenous peoples, says a man on a quest to right a historic wrong. On this Indigenous People's Day, Rick Williams has hope. We learn about his life mission in Colorado In Depth. Then, the two statewide ballot measures that voters will decide in November's election. And the Denver band, Bison Bone. 

10-13
49:34

Oct. 10, 2025: This café is run by a food bank; We spend the night at a movie motel

A mission-driven restaurant in Grand Junction takes an innovative approach to hunger and nutrition. Then, the plight of federal workers amid layoffs, furloughs and the shutdown. Later, we check in to the Movie Manor in Monte Vista. Also, the filmmakers behind short horror movie "The Ant" who are crawling their way to the top. And, a choreography of hot air balloons from around the world. 

10-10
49:02

October 9, 2025: Domino effect of wildfire impact on dragonflies; Small town football team takes on 'The Hill'

When it comes to the changing climate and increasing wildfires, you may not think of dragonflies, but it turns out they're a good test case to show the impact on an entire ecosystem. Then, Aging Matters looks into classes to help older Coloradans avoid scams. Plus, how a small town football team in Colorado started winning for the first time in generations. Leif Lathrop is the coach at Primero High School in Weston, and author of "The Hill." 

10-09
48:45

Mary Osborn

Love CPR, and Colorado Matters!

03-14 Reply

Charlie Conroy

left leaning, typical Commifornia imported garbage.

09-14 Reply

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