Colorado Matters

The legacy of Cherry Creek is rooted in Black history and it played a pivotal role shaping Denver into the city that it is today. Chandra Thomas Whitfield moderated a panel discussion called “Legacy of Cherry Creek: Growing Up Black in Denver’s Transforming Neighborhood” in front of an audience this spring. It was hosted by Arapahoe County Libraries to reflect and share the personal stories of four life-long Colorado residents whose families called Cherry Creek home, and some who still do.

Could the psychedelic drug ibogaine help people get off drugs or alcohol and stay off? It’s one of the natural substances Colorado voters chose to decriminalize. We examine the research as part of “The Trip: CPR’s coverage of Colorado’s Psychedelic Journey.” Then, being born at 23 weeks used to be a death sentence; now doctors are helping many of these tiny babies survive. Plus, a national Emmy for the documentary, “The Holly.” We share our conversation from 2022. And the story of one of Colorado’s strangest and most beloved landmarks.

Do you know the hottest temperature ever recorded in Denver? We find out from Denver7 Chief Meteorologist Lisa Hidalgo as the summer heat carries on. Plus, drought and the risk of flash floods. Then, FEMA cuts funding for water quality projects in Colorado. Plus, Denver singer/songwriter YasmineEmani performs in our studio as she prepares for this weekend’s Underground Music Showcase. And later, we try crafting a viral recipe.

Amid DEI cuts, the Center on Colfax was expected to lose money this year. However, the organization that runs Denver Pride saw more than 500,000 people turn out this year, despite the backlash from Washington. We spoke with the Center’s new CEO. Then, Colorado’s Attorney General files a lawsuit regarding law enforcement’s cooperation with ICE, as the state responds to subpoenas. Also, aspen trees’ role in wildfire prevention. Plus, a tournament to reel in invasive fish, and a play centering on Black women homesteaders.

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!