Abby O'Brien
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Articles by Abby O'Brien
Voter ID requirements and plain language ballot measures — what you need to know about Amendments 84 and 85
play_arrow Voter ID requirements and plain language ballot measures — what you need to know about Amendments 84 and 85 Abby O'Brien Amendments 84 and 85 are on all Coloradans’ ballots this election. Both seek to amend the state’s constitution. Amendment 84 would add voter ID requirements for voters who cast their ballot by mail– which is more than 90% of the state’s voters, according to voter data published by the Secretary of State.
Watch the Boulder mayoral candidate debate
Five of the six candidates running to be Boulder’s next mayor joined KGNU and the Boulder Reporting Lab for a debate this afternoon. Candidates answered questions about experience, housing, homelessness, trust, public safety, and wildfire mitigation. Present were Aquiles La Grave, Taishya Adams, Aaron Brockett, Jameson “Jamo” Goldstein, and Lisa Ann Jacobs. Fred Smith was not in attendance. Watch the debate below. The upcoming election on Nov.
‘Breaking ICE’ is a compilation of community tactics to resist state terror
play_arrow ‘Breaking ICE’ is a compilation of community tactics to resist state terror Abby O'Brien Sonali Kolhatkar is the host of Rising Up With Sonali, a news and commentary platform focused on social justice, workers’ rights, immigration, and community organizing.
Activists report surge in ICE flights arriving to Denver
play_arrow Activists report surge in ICE flights arriving to Denver Abby O'Brien Activists have reported a recent increase in ICE-operated flights arriving to Denver International Airport. The Boulder Immigrant Partnership Team (IPT) is part of a statewide and national network of groups organizing against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) deportations. The small group of volunteers has been going to the airport since June to witness and document ICE activities.
Imagination Library Denver carries on Dolly Parton’s legacy in our community
play_arrow Imagination Library Denver carries on Dolly Parton’s legacy in our community Abby O'Brien Musical and cultural legend Dolly Parton died yesterday at the age of 80. When I heard the news, I called up Brigid Moore, executive director of the Imagination Library Denver. “ I’m heartbroken. I think we all are,” said Moore.
What life is like for the 144,000 Coloradans in default on their student loans
play_arrow What life is like for the 144,000 Coloradans in default on their student loans Abby O'Brien The number of Americans in default on their student loans has more than doubled in the past year, from 4.2 million to around 9.5 million from April 2025 to March 2026. That statistic includes 144,000 Coloradans who are in student loan default. And many more at risk of ending up in the same spot.
Who reads books anymore? …The answer might surprise you
play_arrow Who reads books anymore? …The answer might surprise you Abby O'Brien Will Pass is a novelist based in Fort Collins. His first book, The Second-Smartest Dog That Ever Lived, was published in October 2024. Pass’s second novel is set to be released this September. He’s recently been garnering attention on social media for a series he films in public places — asking strangers about their reading habits.
Pride celebrations bringing joy during a hard year for LGBTQ+ communities
play_arrow Pride celebrations bringing joy during a hard year for LGBTQ+ communities Abby O'Brien Bruce Parker, the Executive Director of Rocky Mountain Equality (RMEQ), brings us a Pride Month reflection. RMEQ and partners have organized pride events all month. Denver Pridefest is still to come this weekend. Parker says expressions of joy are especially important during a hard year for the community.
Chautauqua is almost finished renovating their auditorium, but they’re only halfway done raising the funds to pay for it.
play_arrow Chautauqua is almost finished renovating their auditorium, but they’re only halfway done raising the funds to pay for it. Abby O'Brien Sundance is coming to Boulder next year, and The Colorado Chautauqua is almost finished with their ambitious auditorium renovation. The project will cost between $11-15 million, but they’ve only raised about half that amount so far. Now they’re looking for donors to help the rest of the way.
Sam Fuqua on leaving Boulder’s Walnut St home
play_arrow Sam Fuqua on leaving Boulder’s Walnut St home Abby O'Brien This week is KGNU Radio Week, where we celebrate all things KGNU, and recognize the impact of independent, community-driven media here on the Front Range. We’re marking KGNU’s 48 years of providing local news, eclectic music, and community-led programming, while helping foster creative, innovative spaces. And this year is special because the station is preparing to move into a new home in downtown Boulder.
Micha Claire’s unexpected journey that led her to organize a Palestinian film and culture festival
play_arrow Micha Claire’s unexpected journey that led her to organize a Palestinian film and culture festival Abby O'Brien Micha Claire is one of the organizers of Echoes of Home: a Festival of Palestinian Film and Culture. The festival is happening in Boulder this Friday and Saturday. Claire became an activist for Palestine in an unexpected way that began with a message on Instagram.
City Council held an informal vote to keep the Boulder Municipal Airport open. Here’s why that’s controversial.
play_arrow City Council held an informal vote to keep the Boulder Municipal Airport open. Here’s why that’s controversial. Abby O'Brien On April 23, Boulder City Council directed city staff to keep Boulder Municipal Airport open indefinitely, a decision that likely brings to a close one of the city’s most contentious land-use debates in years and could lead the city to accept federal grant money that could further limit future efforts to close the facility.
Women Powering Change is “an antidote to the nightly news”
play_arrow Women Powering Change is “an antidote to the nightly news” Abby O'Brien Tomorrow, May 7, is the annual “Women Powering Change” conference, a Colorado event which highlights the critical roles of women in creating a more sustainable, secure, and just world. KGNU spoke with founder Cynda Collins Arsenault to learn how the event went from a small backyard gathering to a major annual event.
What’s that empty grocery bag in my mailbox? Stamp Out Hunger has fed families since 1993
play_arrow What’s that empty grocery bag in my mailbox? Stamp Out Hunger has fed families since 1993 Abby O'Brien If you’ve noticed what looks like an empty grocery bag with a postcard in your mailbox, that’s because this Saturday, May 9 is the annual Letter Carriers’ Stamp Out Hunger ® Food Drive.
SCOTUS will take Colorado Catholic preschool case
play_arrow SCOTUS will take Colorado Catholic preschool case Abby O'Brien Last week, the Supreme Court of the United States decided to take a Colorado case involving public funding for Catholic preschools that refuse to admit children from LGBTQ families. KGNU’s Abby O’Brien spoke with Chalkbeat education reporter Ann Schimke, who has been covering the story.
How people of faith can show up for our immigrant community, with Pastor Juan Peña
play_arrow How people of faith can show up for our immigrant community, with Pastor Juan Peña Abby O'Brien Juan Peña is a founding pastor at Providence Bible Church in Denver, where he’s been for the past 18 years. Though he is an immigrant himself, he says the last few years in particular have opened his eyes to the injustices currently faced by immigrants in our community. In December 2022, busses of immigrants started arriving in Denver from the US’s southwest border.
Gardening advice for the dry growing season ahead
play_arrow Gardening advice for the dry growing season ahead Abby O'Brien On this special Earth Day edition of A Public Affair, KGNU was joined by two local gardening experts to answer your questions. Andrea Montoya created the City of Boulder’s Pollinator Advocates program. Her work focuses on native plants and pollinators, and community connection through gardening. Rich Pecoraro of MASA Seed Foundation also joined to talk about vegetables and herbs.
EPA proposal to weaken coal ash regulations won’t affect Boulder’s Valmont Station, says CDPHE
play_arrow EPA proposal to weaken coal ash regulations won’t affect Boulder’s Valmont Station, says CDPHE Abby O'Brien The Colorado Department of Health and Environment (CDPHE) says a new EPA proposal to loosen requirements on coal ash disposal will not affect the Valmont Station project in Boulder. In February, KGNU brought you a report about Xcel’s obligation to safely clean up around 1.8 million tons of coal ash at Valmont Power Station in Boulder.
While the US cuts research funding, China is beefing up theirs
play_arrow While the US cuts research funding, China is beefing up theirs Abby O'Brien KGNU’s Joe Richey brings us an excerpt from a Tuesday, April 14 panel about scientific research funding cuts, from the University of Colorado Boulder’s Conference on World Affairs. You can listen to the full episode of Hemispheres, which features this excerpt plus a panel about climate change at kgnu.org/shows/hemispheres.
How art connects us to each other, with Boulder writer Megan O’Grady
play_arrow How art connects us to each other, with Boulder writer Megan O’Grady KGNU News KGNU’s Abby O’Brien spoke with Megan O’Grady, Boulder-based arts and culture writer and assistant professor of art and art history at the University of Colorado Boulder, about her forthcoming book, How It Feels to Be Alive: Encounters with Art and Our Selves. The book is an exploration of how art shapes emotional life, perception, and meaning, especially in moments of personal and cultural uncertainty.
Appeals court upholds body cam ruling against Boulder
play_arrow Appeals court upholds body cam ruling against Boulder Abby O'Brien In December 2023, Boulder police fatally shot 51-year-old Jeanette Alatorre, a mentally ill woman who was brandishing a replica gun. After a police misconduct complaint was filed, Yellow Scene Magazine requested body camera footage of the incident and was charged close to $2,900 in fees.
Which education programs might lawmakers cut (and keep) in the state budget?
play_arrow Which education programs might lawmakers cut (and keep) in the state budget? Abby O'Brien All eyes are on the state budget right now, and the huge budget shortfall that Colorado lawmakers must bridge. Chalkbeat Colorado Higher Education and Legislative Matters reporter Jason Gonzales gives us a rundown on the proposed changes to education programs. This story aired on the Morning Magazine, KGNU’s weekday morning show featuring in-depth discussions on local news issues.
10,000 people attended the Boulder No Kings protest. What’s next?
play_arrow 10,000 people attended the Boulder No Kings protest. What’s next? Abby O'Brien Last weekend was the third nationwide No Kings protest. It saw record turnout, with about 8 million people showing up to protests across the country. Boulder’s No Kings protest was no exception, with a record 10,000 attendees. Cardboard filing boxes labeled “Epstein Top Secret” seen at the demonstration. Boulder, CO, March 28, 2026.
Anxie-D&D: How a mental health clinic is using Dungeons and Dragons as therapy
play_arrow Anxie-D&D: How a mental health clinic is using Dungeons and Dragons as therapy Abby O'Brien Dungeons and Dragons. Maybe you grew up playing it. Maybe you think it’s uncool. Maybe your main encounter with it has been on the hit show Stranger Things. Or maybe you’re actively part of a Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) campaign right now.
Honey bee expert & CU professor Dr. Sammy Ramsey featured in Nat Geo series “Secrets of the Bees”
play_arrow Honey bee expert & CU professor Dr. Sammy Ramsey featured in Nat Geo series “Secrets of the Bees” Abby O'Brien The University of Colorado Boulder’s Dr. Sammy Ramsey is featured in the next installment of National Geographic and James Cameron’s Emmy-nominated “Secrets of” franchise. KGNU’s Abby O’Brien spoke with Dr. Ramsey about his part in the series and what impact he hopes it will have on the way we understand pollinators.
CO environmental groups appealing Suncor pollution case
play_arrow CO environmental groups appealing Suncor pollution case Abby O'Brien Last week, oral arguments were heard in federal court for an appeal in a case against Suncor refinery. The case, which was dismissed back in 2024, argues that Colorado isn’t doing enough to regulate Suncor’s pollution law violations. KGNU’s Abby O’Brien spoke with Ian Coghill, a senior attorney with Earthjustice and one of the attorneys in the case, to learn more.
CO lawmakers propose guardrails on Trump-backed education funding program
play_arrow CO lawmakers propose guardrails on Trump-backed education funding program Abby O'Brien Colorado Democrats opposed to Governor Jared Polis’s decision to enroll Colorado in a new federal tax credit scholarship program have proposed rules to ensure the program can benefit all Colorado students. Jason Gonzales has been reporting on this for Chalkbeat Colorado, and he sat down with KGNU’s Abby O’Brien to break it all down.
Groups take Trump admin to court over Craig coal plant extension
play_arrow Groups take Trump admin to court over Craig coal plant extension Abby O'Brien Last week, the state of Colorado filed a challenge in federal court to overturn the Trump administration’s emergency order extending the life of Colorado’s Craig Unit 1, a coal-burning power plant. Public interest organizations Vote Solar, the Sierra Club, and the Environmental Defense Fund also filed their own challenge to the Trump administration order.
Five years after the King Soopers shooting, Erika Mahoney reflects on the “web of pain” the tragedy left behind
play_arrow Five years after the King Soopers shooting, Erika Mahoney reflects on the “web of pain” the tragedy left behind Abby O'Brien Five years ago, on Mar. 22, 2021, ten Boulder community members were killed in a mass shooting at the Table Mesa King Soopers grocery store. This Sunday will be the five year anniversary of the tragedy, and the city of Boulder is hosting its third annual Boulder Strong Day of Remembrance. One of those community members who will be remembered was Kevin Mahoney.
Coyote coexistence tips from a coyote advocate
play_arrow Coyote coexistence tips from a coyote advocate Abby O'Brien This week is Coyote Awareness Week – an annual event created by Project Coyote, an advocacy group for coyotes and other wild carnivores. Mark Surls is their Colorado and Northern Rockies Coordinator. Surls, a professional wildlife photographer, became an advocate for coyotes because he loved photographing them so much. “One of the things that drew me to have an interest in coyotes is just that I love dogs,” said Surls.
Boulder wants your feedback on its Comprehensive Plan draft
play_arrow Boulder wants your feedback on its Comprehensive Plan draft Abby O'Brien “A comprehensive plan, most simply put, is a community’s vision for its future,” says Vivian Castro-Woolridge, Planning Engagement Strategist with the City of Boulder. “It’s kind of a guiding light for future decision making for a community.” KGNU spoke with Castro-Wooldridge and other city and county staff on Mar. 10, at the draft release of the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan.
Some Niwot residents want to incorporate the town — here’s what that would mean
play_arrow Some Niwot residents want to incorporate the town — here’s what that would mean Abby O'Brien Over the past few months in Niwot, there’s been a rekindling of the discussion about whether to incorporate the town. Leading the charge to incorporate is Niwot resident and business owner Nick Little, along with two dozen other Niwot residents, has formed a group called the Niwot Incorporation Committee. The group has so far raised $150,000 to support the campaign.
The community of Denver neighbors organizing against a data center
play_arrow The community of Denver neighbors organizing against a data center Abby O'Brien Data centers are digital infrastructure facilities that house servers and computer equipment used to process, store, and transmit digital information for users. It’s fair to say that basically everything you do online requires a data center to exist. And they’ve been increasingly in the spotlight lately, because of the recent artificial intelligence (AI) boom.
The Caribou Current is Boulder’s new, free arts & culture newspaper
play_arrow The Caribou Current is Boulder’s new, free arts & culture newspaper Abby O'Brien The Caribou Current is a new arts & culture publication covering Boulder County and the Peak to Peak region, recently launched under the auspices of The Mountain-Ear in Nederland. Journalist Shay Castle and managing editor Jezy Gray joined us in the studio to discuss what readers can expect.
Engineering ethics & the Bluebell fire — Campus Update
play_arrow 03-09-2026 Campus Update Abby O'Brien We were joined in the studio by the CU Independent’s Dominic Leading Fox and Sagan Randall to discuss ethics in engineering and documenting the recent Bluebell fire. Dominic Leading Fox discussed a recent Change.org petition for increased integration of ethics in engineering courses at the University of Colorado Boulder, which is garnering attention from students and staff in the College of Engineering and Applied Science.
A conversation with Terry Tempest Williams about her new book, ‘The Glorians’
play_arrow A conversation with Terry Tempest Williams about her new book, ‘The Glorians’ Abby O'Brien KGNU’s Abby O’Brien sat down with writer Terry Tempest Williams to discuss her new book, “The Glorians: Visitations from the Holy Ordinary.” Tempest Williams is an author and activist, known for her writing about humans’ relationship to the natural world. So, what is a Glorian? Tempest Williams said the word came to her in a dream.
Sundance preparation with Mayor Aaron Brockett & Charlene Hoffman
play_arrow Sundance preparation with Mayor Aaron Brockett & Charlene Hoffman Abby O'Brien KGNU was joined by Boulder Mayor Aaron Brockett and Charlene Hoffman, CEO of the Boulder Convention and Visitors Bureau, to discuss the Sundance Film Festival’s move from Park City, Utah, to Boulder. Brockett and Hoffman described their experience attending the last Sundance Film Festival in Park City, and expectations for locals and visitors alike. “ It’s in the slowest time of the year for Boulder.
The worsening of internet platforms, local demonstration against US-Israeli attack on Iran, and the proposed “Thriving Institutions” designation
play_arrow The worsening of internet platforms, local demonstration against US-Israeli attack on Iran, and the proposed “Thriving Institutions” designation Abby O'Brien On today’s Morning Magazine, KGNU reporter Don Davis and producer Joel Edelstein bring us a report on a spontaneous protest this weekend in Boulder, after the US-Israeli attacks on Iran. Next, we heard an excerpt from a January Connections episode featuring author Cory Doctorow.
“ He was a committed guy, determined, and a people person: ” Penfield Tate III reflects on his father’s legacy
play_arrow “ He was a committed guy, determined, and a people person: ” Penfield Tate III reflects on his father’s legacy Abby O'Brien KGNU’s Abby O’Brien sat down with Penfield Tate III to discuss the life and legacy of his father, Boulder’s first and only Black mayor, whose impact is still felt today.
CU’s OpenAI deal & women’s basketball news on this week’s Campus Update
play_arrow CU’s OpenAI deal & women’s basketball news on this week’s Campus Update Abby O'Brien We were joined in the studio by CU Independent campus opinion editor, Alexia Bailey, and sports editor, Lila Nuttle. In a recent opinion piece, Bailey discussed the university’s $2 million deal with OpenAI, plus CU’s recent decision to end their email-for-life program, which will prevent alumni from using or accessing their CU email addresses after graduation.
‘Literary Forensics’ teaches you to read like a writer
play_arrow ‘Literary Forensics’ teaches you to read like a writer Abby O'Brien Local author Gary Alan McBride will be at the Boulder Bookstore this Thursday to discuss his new book, “Literary Forensics: How Reading Can Make You A Better Writer.” His book is designed to help writers, literary scholars, and anyone eager to deepen their understanding of how stories work. It teaches you to read like a writer and dissect the craft behind compelling narratives.
Bill would allow second language degree endorsement to high school graduates
play_arrow Bill would allow second language degree endorsement to high school graduates Abby O'Brien KGNU’s Abby O’Brien sat down with Jason Gonzales, higher education and legislative matters beat reporter for Chalkbeat Colorado, to discuss his reporting on a bill that concerns second language degree endorsements for graduating high school students. This story aired on The Morning Magazine, KGNU’s weekday morning show featuring local news and community members.
“We can’t forget our history:” Sundance and local orgs bring Luís Valdez documentary to Boulder County
On Wednesday, Sundance partnered with the Longmont Museum, El Comité de Longmont, the Latino Chamber of Commerce of Boulder County, and Denver’s Su Teatro Cultural and Performing Arts Center to screen the film American Pachuco: the Legend of Luis Valdez. The documentary is the winner of this year’s Audience Award – US documentary and Festival Favorite at Sundance.
True love stories from our community
play_arrow True love stories from our community Abby O'Brien This Valentines Day, we bring you true love stories from our community. Featuring the voices of KGNU’s Brigitte Mars and her partner BethyLoveLight, Saxon and Britt of Unsent, Outsources‘ Stoney Bertz and his partner Marissa, plus KGNU’s Joel Edelstein and his partner Bridget. The lovebirds in the wild were recorded by Andraa Von and Mariah Rosensweig.
There was a decline in coverage of climate change in 2025. Professor Max Boykoff explains.
play_arrow There was a decline in coverage of climate change in 2025. Professor Max Boykoff explains. Abby O'Brien Max Boykoff is a Professor in the Environmental Studies department at the University of Colorado Boulder, and is a Fellow in the Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences. Boykoff is the inaugural Faculty Executive Director of the Buckley Center for Sustainability Education.
Colorado’s constitutional right to abortion has kicked in. Now what?
play_arrow Colorado’s constitutional right to abortion has kicked in. Now what? Abby O'Brien In 2024, Coloradans voted to put abortion rights in the Colorado Constitution and lift a ban on public insurance coverage for abortion care with Amendment 79, which took effect Jan. 1, 2026. So now what? Karen Middleton is President of Cobalt, a Colorado reproductive rights advocacy organization.
What does the end of the CPB mean for local news?
play_arrow What does the end of the CPB mean for local news? Abby O'Brien A few weeks ago, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) voted to dissolve itself. This comes after Congress clawed back support for the CPB this past summer, stripping away the hundreds of millions of dollars that funded the organization.
A CPW spokesperson and an animal rights activist weigh in on recent fatal mountain lion attack
play_arrow A CPW spokesperson and an animal rights activist weigh in on recent fatal mountain lion attack Abby O'Brien On Jan. 1, a hiker near Glen Haven was killed in a mountain lion attack — the first fatal mountain lion attack Colorado has seen in over 25 years. The hiker was Kristen Marie Kovatch, a 46-year-old woman from Fort Collins. In response, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) officers euthanized two mountain lions in the area.
RISE Collective clinic is continuing Boulder’s long abortion legacy
play_arrow RISE Collective clinic is continuing Boulder’s long abortion legacy Abby O'Brien By Jack Armstrong and Abby O’Brien A new abortion provider for a new era This past May, Boulder made national headlines, when Boulder Abortion Clinic (BAC) permanently closed its doors. It happened suddenly, when the clinic’s director, Dr. Warren Hern, announced his retirement after 50+ years.
74 Colorado Nonprofits Lose Money in Flipcause Bankruptcy
play_arrow 74 Colorado Nonprofits Lose Money in Flipcause Bankruptcy Abby O'Brien At least 74 Colorado-based nonprofits have been affected by the collapse of a fundraising company called Flipcause. The Oakland, California-based company is a fundraising and community engagement software platform designed to help small nonprofits manage donations and other functions. Among the 74 nonprofits, claims reach up to $75,000 per organization, and total at least $600,000.
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