Colorado Matters

What cuts through political polarization? Fighting corruption. Voters are generally disgusted by overt self-dealing, says DU political scientist Seth Masket. This is borne out by the midterm results. Today, a post-election edition of our series "If You Can Keep It," about the state of our democracy. Then, how "Mortified" gets Coloradans to read from their teenage diaries on stage. "Mortified Colorado's" 10th anniversary show is November 19 at Denver's Oriental Theater. Plus, I share my own "Mortified" story in this podcast bonus!

Jared Polis will be governor for two more months; he sits down with Ryan Warner to answer questions after Democrats' big win in the midterm, his support for passenger rail, his legacy with Tina Peters, and what's ahead for Colorado. Then, a New York Times Magazine article has sparked national debate over school segregation, parental choice, and the complexities to achieve academic success. Chandra Thomas Whitfield speaks with a panel of Black parents who've navigated this issue in Colorado.

Democrats swept the statewide offices. They now have a supermajority in the state legislature. In even the reddest congressional districts, races are still too close to call. Meanwhile, voters sent mixed messages via ballot measures. We break it all down with our panel of experts: Democratic strategist Craig Hughes, Republican columnist Krista Kafer, and unaffiliated communications consultant Alton Dillard.

Dr. Reiland Rabaka, founder and director of the Center for African and African American Studies at the University of Colorado Boulder (CAAAS), widely known as "The Cause," joined Colorado Matters host Chandra Thomas Whitfield in August to discuss the Center's fifth anniversary and his work as a scholar and author. The author of the books, The Funk Movement and Black Feminist Funk, Dr. Rabaka shared his reflections (and playlist) that he says trace the cultural and political power of Black music and its role in shaping history.

Krista Hanley survived the attack on Columbine High School April 20, 1999. For years, she did everything she could to avoid being "the Columbine girl." In her new memoir "How To Survive A Mass Shooting," Hanley comes to terms with her trauma. She joins Senior Host Ryan Warner at Lighthouse Writers Workshop in Denver for the book's launch.

Do you dare open the door on Denverite's 4th annual DenverFright? From ghosts to readings to climate horror, plus a little comedy to laugh in the face of fear, nothing is off limits at the Bug Theatre in Denver.

The race to be the next governor of Colorado has bucked campaign norms; Purplish takes a closer look in the final countdown to Election Day. Speaking of governing, a middle-schooler gets to run the office for a day. Then, voters in Grand Junction will decide the fate of a swimming pool that's been used for generations. And, remembering a San Luis Valley lawyer who was a champion for farmers and ranchers in a landmark case he took on pro bono for decades.

Usually the U.S. welcomes election observers from abroad, but not this time. Meanwhile, the Trump administration wants to send federal observers to Colorado. Then, what to know about how your ballot is counted. Also, a new documentary examines the ongoing evolution of the First Amendment. And the Second Verse choir, featuring people with dementia and memory loss, gets ready for a fall performance.

Colorado's 8th Congressional District is one of the state's most competitive and diverse, designed to be a 50/50 swing district. Democrat Manny Rutinel joins us to discuss why he thinks he's the right person to represent it; incumbent Republican Gabe Evans has declined an interview. Then, we break down Proposition NN and what it could mean for Colorado schools. Plus, the beauty and the danger of the Million Dollar Highway. And a Grand Junction filmmaker's "American Vampires."

Colorado’s 5th Congressional District encompasses most of El Paso County. It’s the only House seat in the state never to elect a Democrat. Could this conservative stronghold be in play this election? Republican incumbent Jeff Crank and Democratic challenge Jessica Killin spoke with CPR's southern Colorado reporter Dan Boyce.

An unusually warm October is making way for a big cooldown, but for how long? Denver7 chief meteorologist Lisa Hidalgo joins Ryan Warner for their monthly chat about Colorado weather and climate. Then, a 78-year-old former priest from Uganda is released from ICE custody after more than a year, but his fight to stay in the U.S. is not over. Also, the debate over a a proposed solar farm near Mesa Verde National Park. Plus, Measure 7A and what it means for the future of passenger rail along the Front Range. And the Local 303 celebrates the old, new, and the reimagined on the Colorado music scene!

From rolling through nature with the wind blowing through your hair, to senior companionship, and even miniature horses, today we're all about connection and staving off loneliness as we get older in an Aging Matters Special. Experience Cycling Without Age Littleton, the Senior Companion Program, Rhythmic Equine, and Colorado Animal Rescue's "Seniors for Seniors."

Bad management gets called out on social media when leadership expert George Stern, of Snowmass, reads exchanges between bad managers and -- often dumbfounded -- employees. Stern's videos earn him millions of views. Then, children who appear to have had past lives in our monthly series, "Searching for Jobie," inspired by the death of CPR's Andrea Dukakis' daughter. Researchers delve into thousands of cases that seem to defy explanation.

It's estimated nearly 7 in 10 children in Colorado participate in youth sports. And in writing about the $40 billion a year industry and its pressures on kids and families, journalist Kyle Newman had to deal with some uncomfortable feelings about coaching his ten-year-old son. He spoke with CPR's Anthony Cotton about his series for the Denver Post, "Pay to Play." Then, the Aspen Acres fire this summer is the sixth fire to burn in the same area in 20 years; we visit the region to understand why.

When he was 19, Taveuan Williams held up a Radio Shack, shot at police, and took a hostage for hours. Williams got 30 years for the crime. Today, why his prosecutor, Denver's Senior Chief Deputy District Attorney Steven Abraham, came to advocate for him to be released from prison early. Plus, CPR's Ben Markus investigates the spending of the Victor Marx gubernatorial campaign.

We continue our conversations with the major party candidates for Colorado attorney general, who's tasked with handling a wide range of issues from consumer protection to public safety to water rights. Today, it’s Democrat Jena Griswold, who is currently secretary of state. Yesterday we heard from Republican Michael Allen, who is DA in the state’s largest judicial district. You can read and listen to both interviews now by clicking on their names. Then, they're playing the sport they love, well into their 80s: hockey!

Today and tomorrow we're speaking with the major party candidates for Colorado attorney general, tasked with handling a wide range of issues from consumer protection to public safety to water rights. Today, it's Republican Michael Allen. He's currently the DA in the state's largest judicial district. Tomorrow, it's Democrat Jena Griswold, the current secretary of state. You can read and listen to both interviews now by clicking on their names. Then, as Hispanic Heritage Month draws to a close, we reflect on Chicano history in Colorado.

We're speaking with the highest-profile candidates for U.S. Senate this week. Today, Democratic incumbent John Hickenlooper, who was elected to the position in 2020, following terms as Colorado governor and Denver mayor. We ask about healthcare, ICE, and standing up to President Trump, as well as his approach to political change, efforts to address affordability, and what his goals are if voters send him back to Washington. We heard from Republican Mark Baisley yesterday, and Forward Party candidate Bob Chew on Monday. You can read and listen to all of the interviews by clicking on their names. Then, voters in Pueblo weigh a tax measure to help fund the zoo. Plus, a field day that's tailor made for its participants. Editor's Note: A previous audio version of this story incorrectly stated how much the measure would save the city of Pueblo. The correct figure is around $1 million.

We're speaking with the highest-profile candidates for U.S. Senate this week. Today, Republican candidate Mark Baisley. Baisley has served in the Colorado legislature since 2019 and previously worked in the aerospace and technology industries. We discuss a variety of issues including the economy and tariffs, the moving of Space Command, and whether he identifies as MAGA. Monday we heard from Forward Party candidate, Bob Chew. Wednesday on Colorado Matters at 9 a.m. and 7 p.m., hear from the incumbent, Democrat John Hickenlooper. You can also listen to all three interviews now by clicking on their names. Plus, a long-time book store sells in Colorado Springs, along with a commitment to community.

We speak with the highest-profile candidates for U.S. Senate this week, starting with the Forward Party candidate, Bob Chew. He's spent more than $1 million of his own money on his campaign. We discuss a variety of issues including the one that got him into the race: the national debt. Tuesday on Colorado Matters at 9 a.m. and 7 p.m., hear from Republican Mark Baisley and on Wednesday, the incumbent, Democrat John Hickenlooper. You can also listen to all three interviews now by clicking on their names. Plus, we "Raise the Curtain" on theater columnist John Moore's new play based on his mother, "The Crime Reporter," which has a reading on Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. at the Denver Press Club.

Stories of women at sea are rare — of Black women even rarer. Yet they were seafarers from the start. In her new memoir, "Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea," Navy veteran, poet, and professor Khadijah Queen writes about service to country, to family and to self. For "Turn The Page with Colorado Matters," we spoke in front of an audience at Library 21c in the military town of Colorado Springs. Listen to a playlist of songs Queen invokes in her book by clicking here.

Today, we remember an unsung champion for justice and access. The lasting impact of Colorado Supreme Court justice Melissa Hart went beyond the courtroom. She died this month at the age of 57. Then, a long-vacant building in Denver is coming down; does it foreshadow what's to come? Also, the costs to consider when downsizing in Aging Matters. We "Raise the Curtain" on the fall theater season with critic John Moore. Plus, who should manage the iconic Maroon Bells? And a triumph in Colorado for Oprah Winfrey!

As winter approaches, enjoy the fall weather, and get vaccinated. That’s the word from an infectious disease specialist. He says the flu seems to be arriving early this season. He recommends people get the COVID vaccine too. Then, the U.S. Supreme Court's considering Boulder's environmental concerns, and a Colorado professor has created a concrete-like building material from a quick-growing bacteria that's environmentally-friendly. Plus, we meet a Colorado Springs painter, archiving what time changes through art.

Today, we visit a library where you don't just check out books, you check out nature. The new Anythink Nature Library is touted as the first of its kind in the nation. The $43 million, 33,000 square foot facility sits on 15 acres in Adams County adjacent to the 140 acre Aylor Open Space and includes trails, gardens, and even a mud pit. Chandra Thomas Whitfield spoke with Mark Fink, executive director of Anythink Libraries. She was joined by Manny Almonte, founder of "Camping to Connect" and some of its young participants for a special tour.

Democrat Phil Weiser has a blueprint for the future of Colorado. Ryan Warner asks how he’d roll out his proposals, wrangle the Colorado state budget and where he stands on a vote to fund a Front Range passenger rail. Then, does a "public education" campaign for COCO skirt campaign finance law? Plus, meet the new co-host of Colorado Today, Jackie Sedley! And remembering the late Colorado Supreme Court justice, Melissa Hart, through poetry.

Today and yesterday, we heard from the men who wish to represent Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District which includes Pueblo, Grand Junction and Durango. Today, Democrat Dwayne Romero. You can also listen to the interview with his challenger, Republican incumbent Jeff Hurd, here. Then, it's technically Colorado's largest reservoir, but drought has drained Blue Mesa. We also remember the musical legacy of Bruce Odland who found wonder inside an old water tank in Rangely. And we visit what was once known as the Fruit Belt of the Front Range ahead of Cider Days in Lakewood.

Today and tomorrow, we hear from the men who wish to represent Colorado's 3rd Congressional District which includes Pueblo, Grand Junction and Durango. We begin with the incumbent, Republican Jeff Hurd. You can also listen to the interview with his challenger, Democrat Dwayne Romero, here. Then, she traded in the basketball court at CSU for the comedy stage; Ryan speaks with Leslie Jones about her start in Fort Collins to her time on SNL and beyond as she returns to Colorado for shows in Pueblo and Denver Friday and Saturday.

The Colorado Book Awards honor our state's authors — in categories ranging from fiction to creative non-fiction, children's to poetry. Winners were announced over the weekend at The Tivoli in Denver. Senior Host Ryan Warner delivered the keynote and takes us on a literary road trip.

What does Crocs, a company based in Colorado, have in common with the tiny European country of Malta? It turns out a lot, if you look at taxes and how companies try to avoid them. New York Times investigative reporter Jesse Drucker spoke with CPR's Andrea Dukakis. Then, FEMA denies a portion of Colorado’s disaster aid request after this summer's wildfires. Plus, Democrats canvas the Western Slope to get people to vote. And for our series "Aging Matters," a 78-year-old Alamosa man reflects on how his father's small act of kindness had a lifetime of impact.

With just about 40 days 'til the election, the CPR voter guide is here. Ballots go out Friday. Editor Alejandro Alonso Galva helped put it together — with contributions from every corner of the newsroom. Then, Purplish takes a road trip to meet voters in many of the state's congressional districts.

Seasons lose their meaning – to some extent – because of climate change. It may be autumn, but Denver will see highs in the 80s this weekend. Then a change is coming. We talk about it with Lisa Hidalgo, chief meteorologist at Denver7, and the prospects for snow this winter. Then, what can Congress do in response to wildfires? Plus crunching the housing numbers. And Indie 102.3 celebrates Colorado artists ahead of the Local 303 Meetup on Monday at Bar 404 in Denver.

National Public Lands day is this weekend, and how those lands are managed, could be changing. Public lands writer Jonathan Thompson discusses shrinking monuments, roadless rules and other changes to land policy -- and the future of water tapped from the Colorado River. Then, Colorado's deep-rooted tattoo culture. Also, Colorado Wonders about an Old West bank robber who -- legend has it -- was shot and killed by her sheriff husband.

Ben VanderWerf, a scrappy father of four, chose Arriba, Colorado, population 202, to locate his tiny home business and related RV park. He landed a Rural Jump-Start grant from the state— Lincoln County's first. With VanderWerf and local economic development chief Troy McCue, we discuss housing, employment, energy, and water on Colorado's Eastern Plains.

When six people died on the job at a dairy farm in Weld County last year, it raised questions about both worker safety and dignity. Latino USA takes a closer look at what happened and why in the podcast "To Live and Die as a Colorado Farmworker" hosted by producer Rebeca Ibarra. Then, a Boulder tech company is back to help startups find their footing. And Colorado Wonders about hummingbirds in the wake of wildfires, plus what you can do to help.

It was a weekend of debates and campaigning on the Western Slope, but who wasn't there is also a part of the story. Then, what it's like to be a woman in the trades. You'll meet a welder training at Emily Griffith as the DPS technical school turns 110 years old and welcomes its first president. Plus, he's been Hollywood's bug wrangler for decades; now he's heading to Colorado for the annual Tarantula Festival in La Junta.

When your life changes in a big way or uproots you to a new place, how do you find a new sense of belonging? That’s the premise of “Voices Unbound: A Conversation on Identity and Belonging.” Four people — from different places and who’ve lived very different lives — connected with one another to discuss topics like heritage, displacement, assimilation and the desire to belong.

There was a time, in the early 1900s, when it was widely believed there was life on Mars, and they'd engineered canals to bring water from the poles to cities. There were skeptics, but it’s hard to overstate how ingrained this idea of Martian life became. Former NPR science correspondent David Baron, of Boulder, has written, “The Martians: The True Story of an Alien Craze that Captured Turn-of-the-Century America." It was recently named a Colorado Book Award finalist in the history category; Ryan will deliver the keynote at the awards ceremony on September 26, 2026 at the Tivoli in Denver. Baron spoke with Ryan last summer in front of an audience in Colorado Springs, where some of the story unfolds.

The general election is coming fast, and, today, Colorado Matters kicks off our signature interviews with candidates. We begin with the candidates who want to run your elections and register your businesses -- the contenders for Secretary of State. Republican James Wiley envisions a return to in-person voting, on election day. He'd make vote-by-mail the exception. Democrat Amanda Gonzalez, meanwhile, is focused on maintaining what she believes is a solid system.

Dementia and caregiving are at the center of the new one-woman show called “No Contract." It opens Thursday at the Dairy Arts Center in Boulder. Playwright and performer Kirsten Wilson spoke with Andrea Dukakis about the deep bond she has with her mother and how their relationship evolved as her mother developed dementia. Then, betting on table tennis generates near a million dollars everyday in Colorado. Ben Markus explains why that's raising concerns about gambling addiction. And a century-old venue in Colorado Springs is brought back from the brink.

He embedded with the Broncos; today, what ESPN's Seth Wickersham learned about Sean Payton and how it could impact the new season. Then, climate change will force lifestyle and cultural change, says Alan Salazar, the head of Denver Water. Plus, Michelin awards a Denver restaurant with a coveted star while recognizing restaurants in other parts of the state for the first time.

We visit "Remember the Love: Resilience After 9/11" on the 25th anniversary of the attacks. The exhibition features images from FEMA photographers Michael Rieger and Jim Chesnutt. Before it was safe for the news media to enter ground zero, a Colorado-based team brought the world some of the first images of the aftermath. The show runs through September 27th at the CU Denver Experience Gallery.

Pixar's "Inside Out" inspired a Colorado psychologist to create "InsideU" to help children understand and navigate emotions. Then, the future of the Colorado River may end up before the Supreme Court, and ongoing water worries after wildfire in the town of Beulah. Later, 14-year-old Jeremiah Daniels will see himself on the jumbotron in Times Square for a National Down Syndrome Society event Saturday. We catch up with the Aurora teen and his parents about representation and inclusion. And a world premiere for the Colorado Children's Chorale at Carnegie Hall!

Denver and Paonia author Peter Heller says he’s often been moved to tears seeing his 2012 novel “The Dog Stars” turned into a major motion picture. Jacob Elordi stars and Ridley Scott directed. Heller discusses the ‘transmogrification” with Ryan Warner at the Denver Press Club.

Colorado's joined another lawsuit against the Trump Administration, this time over gender affirming care for children. Then, a proposed Buc-ee's along I-25 at Monument Hill is moving forward after months of debate. We'll get context on what's next and how it got to this point with Purplish. Plus, a Colorado Wonders question about potatoes grown in the San Luis Valley.

We mean business today. First, the airline business. Scott Kirby, the CEO of United, Colorado's largest carrier, sits down Ryan Warner to talk about the carrier's growth here, where airfares are headed, greener aviation fuel, and AI. But as United expands in Denver, why are other companies leaving downtown? J.J. Ament, the president of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, lays out problems, and possible solutions.

Caring for an aging loved one can be one of life’s greatest honors, and one of its toughest challenges too. Close to a million people in Colorado are caregiving every day. In a special Aging Matters on Colorado Matters, we get a reality check on caregiving in Colorado, from who's doing it to ways to make it easier, and the joy that comes with it too. Chandra Thomas Whitfield leads a panel discussion at the Highlands Ranch Senior Center that features Kristine Burrows, Colorado’s senior specialist on aging; Sara Schueneman, director of AARP Colorado; Cameron Crawford, a caregiver and owner of Next Step Senior Placement; and Gerri Gomez Howard, a caregiver and owner of Gomez Howard Communications.

Even in ICE detention, immigration activist Jeanette Vizguerra found a way to help others struggling with their status. She's unafraid to take on the president. Time magazine recognized her work. A Denver church provided her sanctuary. Today, Vizguerra in her own words, as detention centers swell and Colorado fights for oversight. Then, a classic film with deep Colorado ties. Ryan joins the podcast "Did That Age Well?" to talk about one of his favorite movies, "Roman Holiday" and the iconic Audrey Hepburn.

When someone dies, what happens to their energy? Some scientists theorize that consciousness could survive physical death. For our series, "Searching for Jobie," Andrea Dukakis asks an experimental quantum physicist about the possibilities. Then, more schools in Colorado are implementing cell phone bans. Plus, a student bicycles more than 2,000 miles to college. Also, as Colorado marks 150 years, we revisit a museum that preserves the legacy of Black pioneers. And a neurosurgeon takes adaptive sports to the racetrack.

For now, ballots in Colorado will be mailed out per usual, despite moves by the Trump administration. But county clerks have learned to prepare for the extraordinary. Plus, what third party candidates hope to achieve this election cycle. Also, taking stock of Colorado's glaciers and rafting a record-low Arkansas River. And we "Raise the Curtain" on local actor Noelia Antweiler, now starring in two shows at Creede Repertory Theatre.

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 book, "The Wild Dark: Finding the Night Sky in the Age of Light." It takes readers from the incandescence of Las Vegas to the spangled skies of rural Nevada. It was named a finalist this month for a Colorado Book Award in creative nonfiction. Childs spoke with Sr. Host Ryan Warner at the Mountain Words Festival in Crested Butte in May of 2025 after the book's release.