Colorado Matters

The Supreme Court has ended the federal right to abortion, but access remains legal in Colorado. Abortion opponent and columnist Krista Kafer hopes new restrictions here won’t be far off. Then, Karen Middleton of abortion rights advocacy group Cobalt, wants to add reproductive freedom to the state constitution. Later, a discussion of abortion alternatives when there’s an unintended pregnancy. Finally, Soul 2 Soul Sisters on how the ruling perpetuates what the group calls reproductive oppression.

Colorado businessman Joe O’Dea is a Republican candidate for U.S. Senate. He’s in a primary race with state representative Ron Hanks. The winner will face the incumbent, Democrat Michael Bennet, in the general election. We ask about issues including inflation, abortion access, climate change, and gun control and crime. Then, a new book explores the history of curanderos. And soap box derby’s young racers.

In “Tell Me Everything,” former private investigator Erika Krouse writes about the landmark sexual assault case she was assigned to in Boulder. It expanded the scope of Title IX. We read her book for “Turn The Page with Colorado Matters.” Then, why Denver model and activist Jasmine Colgan has developed “Tough Skin” as she gets comfortable in her own.

The primary election could determine the future of the Republican party in Colorado. Voters will choose between two very different types of candidates in key statewide races. Purplish assesses the GOP divide. Then, mountain towns are hiring for the summer. And exploring Colorado’s history of booms and busts.

Spirituals are rooted in a history of pain and hope. Today, Colorado Matters presents a “Journey to Freedom” with the Spirituals Project Choir based at the University of Denver’s Lamont School of Music. Our colleagues at CPR Classical spent the last year sharing spirituals chosen by the choir’s director, M. Roger Holland II. The collaboration culminated in a special event at DU’s Newman Center.

CU Regent and entrepreneur Heidi Ganahl believes her experience as a business owner, in addition to being the only Republican in statewide office, makes her the best candidate to run against incumbent Gov. Jared Polis. Then, Black Coloradans discuss what it means to recognize Juneteenth as a holiday.

Whether it’s crime or the cost of living, Republican gubernatorial candidate Greg Lopez sees himself as a convener on issues like gun laws, housing and climate change. But, he’s short on specifics. Lopez traces some of what ails the state to pandemic shutdowns, which he thinks destroyed livelihoods while trying to save lives. Lopez is running against CU regent Heidi Ganahl in the GOP Primary. Also, Juneteenth approaches and the origins of an Avs victory song.

Ten years ago today, President Obama created the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, or DACA. It allows young people brought to the US unlawfully as children to attend college or work legally. About 18,000 Coloradans have taken Obama up on that offer. We’ll hear some of their stories today. We’ll also talk with Marissa Molina, herself a DACA recipient, who advocates for immigration reform.