Colorado Matters

Medicaid patients in Colorado cannot go to Planned Parenthood for any type of healthcare under the One Big Beautiful Bill. We talk with the head of the Rocky Mountain region about the impact and what's next. Then, hear from Gov. Jared Polis on the resounding pushback to stop a pedestrian walkway from being built in front of the State Capitol. Also, what's in a name at the Eisenhower-Johnson Memorial Tunnel ? And the 29th annual Chicano Music Festival celebrates identity and culture! 

Republican Congressman Gabe Evans, who represents Colorado's District 8, has signed onto the Dignity Act, which he says will reform the immigration system and give legal status to undocumented people without giving them citizenship or amnesty. We also ask about ICE arrests, international aid, and the economy. Then, the Trump administration wants to stop Colorado from shutting down coal plants in the state. And the great-granddaughter of "the unsinkable Molly Brown" is in Denver to share new history about her legendary great-grandmother. 

Public media across the country and here in Colorado are figuring out what their existence looks like without federal funding. Then, before rescission, Congress passed the mega tax and spending package known as the "One Big Beautiful Bill." We get perspective on what it could mean in Colorado with "Purplish."

 Congress has slashed foreign aid and funds for public media. We talk through how Colorado's delegation voted, the politics and ramifications with our Washington, D.C. correspondent Caitlyn Kim. Then, he survived the Aurora movie theater shooting at age 12; now he's sharing his recovery story through music with "Youth on Record." Plus, would a boycott help Colorado Rockies? And, celebrate 719 Day with us! 

An estimated 100,000 Coloradans stand to lose health coverage next year amid a 28 percent hike in premiums; Governor Polis holds Congress responsible. We ask about that along with wildfire resources, immigration, and the proposed bridge outside the State Capitol. Then, for Marcus Weaver, surviving the mass shooting inside an Aurora movie theater 13 years ago, was life-changing in ways he never expected. Also, Indie 102.3 host and local music director Alisha Sweeney joins us to spotlight musicians on Colorado's indie scene ahead of the Underground Music Festival.

Wildfires churn on Colorado's Western Slope, leaving evacuees to wonder and worry. Then, in a rare move, a paramedic is charged with manslaughter in Boulder. Plus, nurse-turned-comedian Nancy Norton on "playing with your pain." Also, an invitation to "Turn the Page" with David Baron, author of "The Martians." And, Colorado Wonders about how to pronounce places, and DIA clears its free concert series for takeoff!

Gov. Jared Polis is pushing back against what he calls President Trump's "reckless tariff policy." Meanwhile, state lawmakers regroup after federal budget cuts and tax changes. Also, hear from a summer camp operator about wildfire and flood safety. Then, we remember Colorado's poet laureate, Andrea Gibson, who died Monday at age 49 of ovarian cancer. And later, a CU graduate hopes to revolutionize audio with ethical AI. 

Colorado Democratic Rep. Brittany Pettersen sees little value in the 'One Big Beautiful Bill' and is bracing for the impact on everything from healthcare to immigration. Plus, the "skinny' Farm Bill continues to leave farmers and ranchers in limbo. Then, a Metro State anthropologist has discovered what may be the world's oldest sign language. And finding harmony in the workplace. 

Republican Rep. Jeff Hurd answers questions about how the "One Big Beautiful Bill," now federal law, will affect people in Grand Junction, Pueblo, and more rural parts of his district. Plus, his high hopes for new drilling, as well as border security under ICE. Then, author Paolo Bacigalupi marks a 10-year milestone with "The Water Knife" which has proven more accurate than he hoped. Plus, drought and demand are tapping aquifers in Southeastern Colorado, where tens of thousands of people rely on well water. And a Grand Junction baseball team adopts a rare alter ego. 

Trauma can be a shared experience, but the journey to process it and overcome is often silenced. A new podcast by journalist Erika Mahoney hopes to change that and create connection. Her father Kevin was killed in a mass shooting at a Boulder grocery store in 2021. Then, rebates for EVs will soon be scaled back. And the Colorado Black Arts Festival returns for a 39th year this weekend! 

As the Creede Repertory Theatre celebrates a milestone — 60 years of performances — it grapples with federal funding cuts to the arts. We also breakdown how the "One Big Beautiful Bill" may impact healthcare in Colorado including Medicaid. Then, what to do about the Emerald Ash Borer, a tiny green beetle that's killing trees along the Front Range. And, an arctic adventurer from Carbondale shares his first-hand view of climate change at the top of the world. 

Now that the "One Big Beautiful Bill" has been signed into law, what's next? And what might it indicate for an already-divided Congress moving forward? Then, elevating the past, present and future of Ute culture in Colorado. Plus, the state's embrace of tattoos ahead of the Villian Arts 8th Annual Denver Tattoo Arts Festival. And, our fascination with fireflies. 

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. 

Happy Fourth of July! Today, how the bald eagle finally became the nation's bird after nearly 250 years and the return of the bison to Colorado. Plus, a Fort Collins horticulturalist is preserving the legacy tree of Johnny Appleseed, and the Colorado inspiration for "America the Beautiful." 

For 101-year-old Harold Berger, connecting with people is just one key to longevity and enjoying life. Then, the clean up continues in Galeton, Colorado where there was a massive oil spill two months ago. Also, understanding the impact of "forever chemicals" known as PFAS with climate reporter and author Sharon Udasin. Plus, we revisit how robotics are revolutionizing liver transplants. And Denver funk band Lettuce collaborates with the Colorado Symphony. Lettuce is back in Denver for a show at Cervantes, backing GZA of the Wu-Tang Clan, on July 4. 

At the most recognizable intersection in Colorado Springs, where crashes have been frequent, a statue of a man on a horse will remain. So will people's strong feelings. Then, two brothers who never imagined they'd be farming rye for whiskey. Plus, the Sky Sox are back in Colorado Springs, at least for now. Later, a meaningful hike along Fountain Creek with author Jim O'Donnell. Also, Colorado College's new president, a callout to federal workers and potential new spots for immigrant detention. 

"Give Outdoor Learning" is a first of its kind, statewide campaign that creates nature-based outings for the public. And because many programs are at risk due to budget cuts, it's also a fundraising campaign similar to Colorado Gives Day. CPR's Jenny Brundin speaks with an organizer from the Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education and two young adults who share how nature has changed them. Then, five years after a state law took effect, why is it still a challenge to track use of force by Colorado law enforcement? And later, sorting out senior living options with Aging Matters. 

Water problems in the West go deeper than the Colorado River. Beyond reservoir levels, diminishing groundwater is now an important consideration according to new research. Then, Denver's "soul food scholar" delves into the history of Asian chefs who served U.S. presidents, often on the high seas. 

With Colorado's attorney general, we decipher an important Supreme Court ruling today related to birthright citizenship. Then, we take the pulse of conservation under President Trump with Salida journalist Ben Goldfarb. Later, we sit down with the CEO of Colorado's hometown burger chain, Good Times. Thank goodness we had napkins. And new music from Arvada artist Holly Lovell, who was recently featured in the Local 303.

It's the falsetto that's captured the hearts of music lovers for more than 5 decades now -- and the long list of awards and accolades behind his name affirms that his fandom comes for, well, good "Reasons." A talk with Denver native and East High School graduate Philip Bailey as he reflects on his life and legacy as lead singer of Colorado's adopted hometown band, Earth, Wind and Fire. Also, each year thousands of Coloradans visit the U.S. Capitol, hoping to catch the attention of the state's Congressional delegation. Recently, a lot of those lobbying efforts visits have been about Republicans' huge tax and spending package. 

Too much rain fosters growth of grasses and underbrush, and not enough rain makes everything dry out, raising the risk of wildfires. So, is there a "Goldilocks" amount of rain that's just right? That's just one thing we ask Denver7 chief meteorologist Lisa Hidalgo in our regular conversation. Plus, a Western Colorado University student on the challenges of forecasting weather in Gunnison. Also, Douglas County voters reject home rule. Then, what it takes to become a confidential voter in Colorado. Plus, the Boulder Comedy Festival, how to find Indie films in movie theaters, and celebrating Pride with the Local 303.

June is Pride Month, centered on acknowledging the accomplishments and the experiences of members of the LGBTQ+ community. And for one Colorado nonprofit, it's also time to celebrate a big milestone and focus on the work left to be done. Then, Colorado author and history buff Samuel Marquis sets the record straight about his ninth-great-grandfather, the notorious pirate Captain Kidd, who was not at all the pirate legend might have you believe. 

The U.S. struck three Iranian nuclear sites over the weekend in what our guest calls “a watershed moment.” Now what? And how did we get here? Key questions Ryan asks the head of the Center for Middle East Studies at the University of Denver, Micheline Ishay. Then, Purplish explores the debate over home rule as Douglas County holds a special election Tuesday. Plus, Denver's tall, zigzagging yellow sculpture celebrates 40 years; we revisit a Colorado Wonders question asking how it came to be. 

A major psychedelics conference wraps up in Denver today. Its mission is to get more people, especially policy makers, comfortable with what has been underground. We speak with the founder of MAPS, the Multidisciplinary Association of Psychedelic Science, about the science and what's left to learn as Colorado licenses psilocybin healing centers. Plus a company in clinical trials, and an awareness campaign about the potential risks. Then, nurse Tara Rynders used to hold in all the trauma of the job. But through music and movement, she's managed to change that for herself and for other practitioners. Now she has a one-woman show, "A Nurse is Calling."

Today is Juneteenth, a time to celebrate and reflect. We talk with people who took part in Denver's annual celebration and parade. Then we head to the Boulder History Museum where an exhibit called "Proclaiming Colorado's Black History" ends its three-year run in September. Plus, the perseverance of 101-year-old Tuskegee Airman Lt. Col. James Harvey of Centennial. And Denver singer JoFoKe shares her music, her message, and her family's musical legacy that goes back generations in Colorado. 

In her arresting new novel "Penitence," author Kristin Koval creates a plot in which forgiveness is difficult, yet inescapable. The storyline allows her to explore issues of gun safety and juvenile justice, as well. Koval, who lives in the Boulder area, joined us at the 20th annual Lit Fest for our reading series "Turn The Page with Colorado Matters." 

It's a changing of the guard for the group that guides the nation's vaccine policy. We spoke with a Colorado pediatrician who used to be on the panel about how that could reshape guidance and the concerns she has moving forward. Then, a Denver woman unravels the mystery of her mother's past after fleeing Nazi Germany, and the art her family left behind. Plus, "Cycling Without Age" offers freedom for people with mobility issues. We go on another ride for "Aging Matters on Colorado Matters."

The Justice Department wants Colorado's voting records. We ask the Secretary of State and the head of Colorado's County Clerks about the request and the reasons. Then, a new way to measure snowpack from the air could help waters planners make sure there's enough to go around. Plus, the debate over the sale of federal public lands, how the land is managed, and cuts to staffing. Also, Colorado Wonders about coal trains. And later, a whole bunch of Ryans will descend on Coors Field. 

About the same time a man shot flames at Jewish people in Boulder, Rabbi Caryn Aviv hit "send" on the final draft of her new book, “Unlearning Jewish Anxiety.” Aviv is the spiritual leader of Judaism Your Way in Denver and Boulder. Previously she taught Israel-Palestine studies at a university level. Rabbi Aviv is also Sr. Host Ryan Warner's rabbi. 

In the wake of 2020's racial reckoning, DEI initiatives surged across the country, from corporations to the classroom. But that momentum has taken a big hit in recent months under a new presidential administration as evidenced by federal funding cuts, restructured priorities and arguably a growing political backlash against DEI policies. So what's been learned? And what's next? Chandra Thomas Whitfield hosted a panel discussion at the Blair Caldwell African American Research Library as part of Juneteenth. She was joined by retired senior Denver County Court judge Gary Jackson, community advocate and "actionist" Candice Bailey, Boulder author Rosalind Wiseman, and recent CSU graduate and budding documentarian Jevon "JJ" McKinney.

Colorado Matters travels to Northern Colorado, as crews in Greeley build the state's third medical school. How it could ease the physician shortage. Then, we visit the test gardens that help determine which plants you find in your local nursery. And a commencement speech at CSU from a budding documentarian who defies cultural expectations. 

As the state allows its first psilocybin healing centers, a church in Colorado Springs is finding connection through psychedelics. We visit the church with "The Trip: CPR's coverage of Colorado's psychedelic journey." Then, Colorado led the nation for police accountability reform in response to the Black Lives Matter movement. We find out how it's working five years later and what's still to be done, with Purplish. Plus, for Pride Month, we re-share a conversation about how Scouting America became inclusive for all young people.

As a girl growing up in Gunnison, Shelley Read swam in Blue Mesa Reservoir. And she knew of the watery ghost town just beneath her. That ultimately led to her writing about it; the novel, now a global bestseller, is called "Go As A River." And it's not just about the disappearance of the town of Iola, Colorado. Then, students creating a workforce for climate resiliency. And, Colorado Wonders why some holders of annual state park passes may have to pay an extra fee to enter. 

 "The Impact Project" is a tool to track and display cuts to federal agencies; we speak with the founding director. Then, an update on the survivors and the suspect in Sunday's firebomb attack in Boulder. Plus, a nationally renowned Colorado theater company that makes theater-going more accessible adapts in the face of canceled grants. And Festival Flamboyan is a first-of-its-kind event that hopes to connect Coloradans. 

We hear from a survivor of the firebomb attack in Boulder as the community gathers to show support and solidarity. Then, what to know about the spread of measles as the busy summer travel season begins. Plus, a summit ahead of Father's Day aims to "restore, rebuild, and reimagine" fatherhood in a supportive and inclusive way. Later, how federal cuts to arts funding is having a ripple effect on a unique exhibit in western Colorado. And singer/songwriter Kayla Marque kicks off the Cultural Caravan Festival.

Hiroshima survivor Tamayo Terada welcomed us into her Denver home, as her adult children gathered round. Less than a month after that gathering, Terada passed away. Then, advice for jobseekers in uncertain times. Plus, a Colorado woman's half-century journey with diabetes. And, Colorado country music, according to The Barlow. 

Today, we explore grief and how to cope with it in Aging Matters. Plus, we visit a clothing and coffee shop in Longmont where they host weekly "grief circles." Then, how has Colorado state law about policing changed since George Floyd was murdered by police in Minneapolis five years ago. And later, Colorado Wonders about why there aren't more fruit trees in cities like Denver. 

The Jewish holiday of Shavuot, when Jewish people celebrate the gift of the Torah – the Hebrew bible, was marred by violence as eight people were attacked Sunday in Boulder. Attorney General Phil Weiser provided an update on the latest developments. Then, have immigration protocols shifted from finding criminals to stopping those following the current guidelines? Later, oil companies aren't always complying with fracking laws. Plus, how cancelling millions of dollars in grants has impacted addressing environmental inequities. Also, a look back as Pride 2025 kicks off, and the evolution of street art. 

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 this month's Mountain Words Festival in Crested Butte. 

Due to President Trump's involvement and a recent high profile pardon, the governor's office has received hundreds of emails from people wanting to see former Mesa County clerk Tina Peters released from prison. Where does the effort stand? Then, it's long been shown that fluoride helps prevent tooth decay. A young dentist actually discovered it in Colorado Springs in 1901. We get some grounding amid a recent debate about its benefits. And, looking inside oneself to overcome professional barriers. And a unique end-of-the-year school project for students at Warren Tech.

Federal agents have been knocking on doors in Colorado; on the other side of those doors: kids who crossed the border illegally and alone. CPR Justice reporter Allison Sherry brings us her investigation, a story she broke. Then, could the BLM relocate to Colorado, again? Also, the case of a Grand Junction man convicted in deadly pipe bombings; we talk with the Innocence Project about faulty forensic science. And later, an unexpected collaboration from the Colorado Symphony, this time with Denver funk band Lettuce. 

Today, the stories of two Colorado veterans who've had two different experiences with PTSD and how to treat it. Could psilocybin be the answer, and if it is, what are the challenges to getting it? We find out with "The Trip: CPR's Coverage of Colorado's Psychedelic Journey." Then, five years after the murder of George Floyd, where does the Black Lives Matters movement stand? Plus, it's the beginning of the end for the penny. And, the story of a special education teacher in Colorado, and the effort to recruit and train more.