July 30, 2025: Former ambassador on diplomacy under Trump; New chapter for Colorado Springs philharmonic
Christopher Hill, a former U.S. ambassador from Colorado who was the nation’s top diplomat in five countries under both Republican and Democratic administrations joins us to talk about the nation’s new approach to foreign policy. Then, Coach Prime reflects on overcoming bladder cancer. Also, Rep. Gabe Evans’ immigration story draws questions. Plus, Ryan Warner shares his favorite book author moments as keynote speaker of the Colorado Book Awards, and a young book collector on her love of reading. Plus, the Colorado Springs Philharmonic gets a new leader.
At Colorado Book Awards, Ryan Warner shares his favorite moments with writers
The Colorado Book Awards took place over the weekend. The gala celebrates novelists, mystery writers, children’s authors and poets. Colorado Humanities puts on the event, which became a fundraiser. The group’s federal funding has been slashed. This year, Sr. Host Ryan Warner delivered the keynote and shared some of his favorite moments with writers on Colorado Matters.
‘I never met her, but I adore her.’ Molly Brown’s great-granddaughter visits Denver
Helen Benziger spoke with Colorado Matters during a recent visit to Denver to celebrate Margaret’s birthday and to pore over family letters the museum has acquired.
July 25, 2025: A summer of heat, drought and flooding; ‘Western Soul’ singer/songwriter at UMS
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.
Schvitzing through summer with Denver7’s Lisa Hidalgo
Summer has brought heat, drought, and wildfire. We bring context in our regular climate & weather chat with Denver7 Chief Meteorologist Lisa Hidalgo. Do you know what Denver’s all-time record high is? Hidalgo has the answer!
Listen: The new leader of Denver’s biggest LBGTQ+ organization takes on a changing world
The Center on Colfax’s new executive director, Kim Salvaggio, shared her takes on Pride fundraising, policing, advocacy and resiliency.
July 24, 2025: Fighting backlash, Denver Pride sends powerful message; Aspen trees as wildfire breaks
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.
July 23, 2025: Planned Parenthood can no longer treat Medicaid patients; Festival honors Chicano culture
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!
Listen: Months after unveiling pedestrian bridge, Gov. Jared Polis says he’ll ‘chain’ himself to Capitol to stop it
“It’s certainly easier for us to not build a bridge, than build a bridge, in many ways.”
July 22, 2025: Rep. Evans on Dignity Act; Molly Brown’s great granddaughter on Titanic moment
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.
July 21, 2025: Public media at a crossroads; How ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ could impact Colorado
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.”
Colorado’s Johnson Tunnel on I-70 isn’t named for LBJ, y’all
In Colorado Wonders, we debunk a common assumption about the eastbound tunnel at the Continental Divide.
July 18, 2025: Colorado’s split vote on the rescission bill; Overcoming trauma with music; Celebrate 719 Day!
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!
July 17, 2025: Gov. Polis on insurance price hikes, wildfires; Shooting survivor on moving forward
An estimated 100,000 Coloradans stand to lose health coverage next year amid a 28 percent hike in premiums; Governor Polis holds Congress responsible. We ask about that along with wildfire resources, immigration, and the proposed bridge outside the State Capitol. Then, for Marcus Weaver, surviving the mass shooting inside an Aurora movie theater 13 years ago, was life-changing in ways he never expected. Also, Indie 102.3 host and local music director Alisha Sweeney joins us to spotlight musicians on Colorado’s indie scene ahead of the Underground Music Festival.
July 14, 2025: Pettersen braces for impact of ‘Big Beautiful Bill;’ Decoding ancient sign language
Colorado Democratic Rep. Brittany Pettersen sees little value in the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ and is bracing for the impact on everything from healthcare to immigration. Plus, the “skinny’ Farm Bill continues to leave farmers and ranchers in limbo. Then, a Metro State anthropologist has discovered what may be the world’s oldest sign language. And finding harmony in the workplace.
One Big Beautiful Bill a ‘catastrophe’ for local communities, says Colorado Democratic Rep. Brittany Pettersen
Pettersen represents Colorado’s 7th Congressional District, including the western Denver metro area and central counties south and southwest of the metro area.
