July 13, 2023: A push to launch LGBTQ+ astronauts; Winter Park Jazz Festival celebrates 40 years
Space may be the final frontier, but some feel it hasn’t been quite as accessible to LGBTQ+ people. Jason Reimuller, the Executive Director of the International Institute of Astronautical Sciences, is on a very personal mission to change that. Then, the Winter Park Jazz Festival, once a sleepy mountain get-together, celebrates its 40th anniversary in grand style with an all-star lineup.
‘Out Astronaut’ hopes to break barriers to reach the final frontier
There has never been an openly gay American astronaut in space. One Colorado non-profit organization provides grants to encourage LGBTQ+ people to explore the fields of science and space. Jason Reimuller is the executive director of the International Institute for Astronautical Sciences and founder of the Boulder-based nonprofit Out Astronaut which is working to increase representation in the industry.
July 11, 2023: Lawmakers sue over open meetings; Michael Hancock on 12 years as Denver’s mayor
Secret meetings and encrypted conversations. Those claims are at the heart of a lawsuit filed by two Democratic state representatives against their own party. Then, Michael Hancock reflects on the accomplishments and challenges after three terms as Denver’s mayor. And a new rule could change how more than 8 million acres of public land are managed in Colorado.
July 6, 2023: New state law helps keep your personal data private; Maternal mortality ‘unacceptably high’
A new state law that took effect on July 1 is supposed to help keep your personal data more private. Then, a new study shows a daunting trend about the number of people dying from pregnancy-related causes in the U.S. It’s especially true for Black and Indigenous women. Plus, “My Story So Far” highlights perseverance in the restaurant industry. And, the Colorado Shakespeare Festival is back!
July 5, 2023: Paying farmers to keep water in the Colorado River; Wildflower wonders!
Farmers and ranchers use about 80% of the water tapped from the Colorado River. So what if the government paid them to keep their water in the river instead? “Parched” explores that idea. Then, we answer a Colorado Wonders question about wildflowers. And a sport in southern Colorado that hearkens back to the Middle Ages.
June 27, 2023: Supreme Court rules on Colorado stalking case; Regulating psilocybin
The U.S. Supreme Court rules on a Colorado-case centered on social media posts and stalking. Then, the complex rollout of psilocybin which voters decriminalized in the November election. We also hear from survivors and victims after the Club Q sentencing. And, how food can shape the immigration stories of some people in Colorado.
June 22, 2023: What El Niño could mean here; ‘Parched’ on the price of water
El Niño has taken hold in Colorado, bringing the prospect of more rain in the east and weaker monsoons in the southwest. Then, our podcast, ‘Parched,’ explores whether cities should price water differently to cut use. And, Manitou Springs residents work to attract more pollinators.
June 20, 2023: CPR Classical host makes history in a world where diversity is still hard to come by
He’s a been a game show host abroad, a professor of classical music and a musician in a world where diversity is still hard to come by. Now he’s made history in Colorado.
A Juneteenth special: A guidebook for discussing race and racism
Things get uncomfortable on Colorado Matters. And that’s the point. Hosts Chandra Thomas Whitfield and Ryan Warner read a new guidebook to racial dialogue, “Courageous Discomfort.”
Black Pride Colorado is creating community and culturally safe spaces for Black LGBTQ Coloradans
“It’s out of comfort. It’s out of camaraderie. It’s out of protection.”
Black Pride Colorado aims to create culturally safe spaces for LGBTQ+ people of color and to celebrate community
June is Pride Month, focused on celebrating the accomplishments of the LGBTQ+ community. It’s also a time to acknowledge the challenges that they continue to face. Those challenges can often be complicated for members of the Black LGBTQ+ community.
June 15, 2023: Celebrating the Nuggets; Black Pride Colorado creates cultural safe space
Fans share stories of what the Denver Nuggets mean to them as a parade and rally celebrate the first-time NBA champions. Then, Black Pride Colorado works to create culturally safe spaces for LGBTQ+ people of color who face unique challenges in their search for identity. Plus, a historic theater in the Highlands neighborhood is saved from gentrification.
June 13, 2023: Denver Nuggets make history; Elevating Black voices in mass media
The celebration of the NBA champion Denver Nuggets continues this week with a parade and rally on Thursday and the team is already the odds-on favorite for a repeat next season. Then, Juneteenth is Monday. We share a panel discussion about elevating Black voices in mass media and why representation matters.
A panel discussion: ‘Black Voices Matter: The Impact of Black Communications and Journalism’
As part of the commemoration of Juneteenth, we share a panel discussion from a 2022 event to elevate Black voices in Colorado.
He was a Denver Rocket and Denver Nugget. Ralph Simpson and other legacy players share in the team’s success
As the Denver Nuggets’ championship run continues, watching with pride and excitement is Ralph Simpson, one of the original Nuggets back when they were actually the Denver Rockets. He helped transition the team into the NBA. Simpson spoke with Chandra Thomas Whitfield.
June 8, 2023: Can wastewater offset the Colorado River crisis?; ‘Little Souls’ author on historical fiction
As the Colorado River endures climate change, drought, and overuse, is recycling wastewater a viable way to use less? Michael Elizabeth Sakas explores that in “Parched.” Then, author Sandra Dallas taps her own life growing up in Denver for her historical fiction. She’s nominated for a Colorado Book Award for “Little Souls.” And hall of fame blues artist Otis Taylor gets his diploma at age 74.
