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

July 1, 2024: You’ll never look at the moon the same way again

An hour of lunar exploration with Colorado Springs author Rebecca Boyle. In “Our Moon,” she explains how the moon has guided evolution on earth. Boyle visits moon rocks in a special storage facility. Plus, a conversation about resource extraction and lunar preservation. This episode of “Turn The Page with Colorado Matters” was recorded on a stage at Colorado College.

June 28, 2024: Indian Citizenship Act prompts reflection, not celebration; Elephants name each other

Strange as it seems, Native Americans became U.S. citizens only 100 years ago. Southern Ute leaders here say the milestone is reason to reflect, rather than celebrate. Then, Colorado researchers find that elephants seem to have names for one another, much like humans. Also, meet the boys who found a rare junior T-Rex fossil. Plus, an award-winning literary road trip with “Reading Colorado.” And Hanging Lake comes back from the brink.
DENVER RENT

June 27, 2024: A school welcomes new immigrants beyond the classroom; Is a law to help renters working?

Children who made the harrowing journey from South America to the U.S. are filling up Denver’s classrooms. Beyond teaching, schools have become a one-stop shop for everything from dental care to warm clothes and other necessities. A new film documents packed classrooms, overwhelmed teachers, and a community trying to fill the gaps. Then, Colorado has a new law that’s supposed to save renters money. But is it working? And, one man’s very personal mission to make outer space inclusive.

June 26, 2024: How the primary shapes the general election; Judy Collins’ Rocky Mountain reflections

Some twists and turns, and perhaps some mixed messages, as Colorado tabulates the primary results and looks to the general election. We’ll get perspective from Sara Hagedorn, a political science professor at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs. Then, Denver’s next district attorney. Also, election integrity with Matt Crane, the head of Colorado’s County Clerks Association. And, escape to the Rocky Mountains with the iconic Judy Collins.
Two women who hire older workers to help with preschool and aging care.

June 25, 2024: Older workers answer the call for preschool, aging care jobs; From football to dentistry

The fastest growing population in Colorado is 65 and older. But instead of retirement, it can also be an opportunity to help others while staying engaged. Then, the complexities of finding missing LGBTQ+ people. Also, a summer music festival rises to a creative challenge. And he traded in the football drills for the dental ones. Plus, illustrations as art.

June 24, 2024: How the U.S. is updating its ‘geriatric’ nuclear arsenal

This country’s nuclear arsenal is “geriatric.” And many of the people who maintain it are heading towards retirement. Worrisome– if you believe, as the U.S. does, that nuclear deterrence keeps us safe. Colorado science writer Sarah Scoles examines the future of nuclear defense in her new book, “Countdown.” She spoke with Ryan Warner at the Center for the Arts in Crested Butte during the recent Mountain Words Festival.

June 21, 2024: The heat is on this summer; Congressional races in districts 5 and 8

The heat dome that’s gripped the Northeast is headed our way, with temperatures hovering close to 100 degrees. We’ll get the summer outlook from Denver7 chief meteorologist Mike Nelson. Then, Purplish takes a closer look at the primary races in congressional districts 5 and 8. And later, educators share their stories in a new podcast and on-stage event, “Hot for Teacher.”

Staff

Tom Hesse.
Colorado Matters Western Slope Producer

Tom Hesse