Colorado Matters

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.