Colorado Matters

Fertility treatments like IVF can cost tens of thousands of dollars. A new state law may help couples with some of that hardship, but there will still be challenges. Then, what Colorado’s doing to improve behavioral health care. Also, the podcast, Wild Thing, examines nuclear energy in the age of climate change. And, remembering Dusty Saunders.

With the unofficial start of summer, we spend today’s show outside. First, a trek that (almost) leads to Hanging Lake, where trail and bridge repairs are progressing. Plus, we meet the TikTok star known as @fatblackandgettinit at a park in Jefferson County. Then, how not to love the land to death. Also, byways over highways and 1-star national park reviews.

On this Memorial Day, we re-share stories of service and sacrifice, from the Honor Bell that tolls in remembrance of the servicemen and women who died defending the U.S. to a thought-provoking battle that reflects the often untold trauma of war.

Pete and Ty Chandler, of Boulder, talk about a life-changing visit to one the 26 US veterans’ cemeteries abroad. Then, historian Benjamin Brands on how these cemeteries came to be. Later, a new film about fighter pilots’ dangerous, top-secret mission in Vietnam. And, Telluride singer-songwriter Emily Scott Robinson remembers her cousin, a late Army Ranger.

Children’s Hospital psychologist Jenna Glover has advice on talking to kids about mass shootings. Then, Denver7 Chief Meteorologist Mike Nelson predicts a hot, dry summer. And, a Denver jury’s $14 million award to George Floyd protesters could change the playbook for demonstrators nationwide. Plus, as wildfires worsen, there’s a firefighter shortage.

Two years ago today, George Floyd was murdered by a Minneapolis police officer. His death sparked a racial reckoning across the U.S. and protests calling for police reform and accountability. In Denver, some of those protests turned violent, and a federal jury recently found police used excessive force against demonstrators. CPR’S race, diversity and equity reporter Elaine Tassy sat down with three people who were hurt.

White supremacist propaganda — and incidents — have been on the rise in Colorado. But this state is also a hotbed for research into hate groups — and prevention. Then, the Mesa County district attorney disproves claims that the county’s election hard drives contained evidence of possible fraud. Also, a sooner-than-expected floral update. And, the DACA Monologues continue.

Colorado’s largest utility says it messed up when that cold snap hit last year, and natural gas prices skyrocketed. The company says it ought to have warned people. A top executive addresses that, renewables, and the future of a Pueblo coal-fired power plant. Then, Sportico reporter Eben Novy-WIlliams on the crucial contest to become the Denver Broncos’ new owner.