Colorado Matters

Hosted by Ryan Warner and Chandra Thomas Whitfield, CPR News' daily interview show focuses on the state's people, issues and ideas.
Airs Monday-Friday: 9 a.m.-10 a.m. & 7 p.m.-8 p.m.; Sundays: 10 a.m.-11 a.m.
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Latest Episodes

Marshall Fire flames and smoke rise in grassland between neighborhoods in Superior

Dec. 15, 2025: Tackling Colorado’s rising homeowners’ insurance; A Hanukkah song with a twist

Colorado is in the top ten states for the most expensive homeowners’ insurance, thanks to wildfires and hail. Purplish looks at what can be done to bring the cost down. Then, President Trump says he’s pardoned Tina Peters, even though he lacks the jurisdiction to do so; we’ll discuss the reasoning and what happens next. Plus some Colorado ranchers are frustrated with federal policy. Then, why are so many people in China wearing hats that say Colorado? And Farmer Dave helps us celebrate Hanukkah with a song in Ladino.

Dec. 12, 2025: This artist lost his sight, but not his vision; Author reminds children, ‘you are not alone’

The effort to extend the tax credit for the Affordable Care Act stalls in Congress, so what’s next? Then, President Trump claims he pardoned Tina Peters despite lacking jurisdiction; we revisit the state crimes she was convicted of, and why the prosecutor says it wasn’t political. Plus, a new exhibit at the Denver Art Museum features works exclusively by veterans. Also, Longmont author Ingrid Law shares her new book with kids at the Denver Public Library. And the Local 303 for December highlights “high energy emo revival.”
Photo shows a bald man with glasses and a beard smiling in a lime green shirt. He his holding a pencil sketch in front of him of a farm truck filled with pumpkins parked in front of a barn.

Dec. 11, 2025: Working to ease vaccination confusion; Art as healing and rehabilitation

As the federal government rolls back vaccination recommendations, where does that leave Coloradans, especially the parents of young children? We hear from a pediatrician and the state epidemiologist, who are working to address confusion — and provide clarity. Then, art, as a form of healing and rehabilitation. Plus, a local grassroots non-profit celebrates 20 years working to keep Africa on the minds of Coloradans. And it’s a music Hall of Fame moment for Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats.

Dec. 8, 2025: The story of DIA’s signature tent roof; Books to enjoy or give for the holidays

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!
MUSTANG-SCULPTURE-AIRPORT

Dec. 5, 2025: ‘If you can keep it’ on unprecedented politics; Maintaining Mustang; Tech firm commits to downtown

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.

Dec. 4, 2025: Protecting children from social media harm; Venezuelans living in the shadows

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. 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.

Staff

Tom Hesse.
Colorado Matters Western Slope Producer

Tom Hesse