Lucas Brady Woods
Reporter, State CapitolEmail: lucas.woods@kunc.org
I’m the State Capitol Reporter at KUNC, which means I help make sense of the latest developments at the Colorado State Capitol. I cover the legislature, the governor, and government agencies.
My work as a reporter has always been about practical, responsible journalism. But there’s also more to it than that, especially these days. Fact-based journalism about elected officials, elections, and government policy helps us participate in our democracy. It also holds those in power to account. I’m also a firm believer in public radio as a way get that reporting to the public. KUNC and stations like it go a long way in keeping the news independent and free for everyone.
Before joining KUNC, I was the news director at KSJD, an NPR station in Montezuma County, in Southwest Colorado. While I was there, one of my stories there covering the housing crisis won an award from the Colorado Broadcasters Association in the spring of 2022.
When I’m not reporting, I could be exploring a new neighborhood in Denver or a trail in some far-flung corner of our beautiful state. That, or hanging out on my couch with my dog.
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With screenwriters and actors striking for better wages and work protections, Colorado film productions are on pause. But the state’s commercial productions and reality TV shows are going strong.
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The Colorado State Forest Service seedling nursery hasn’t been properly maintained in decades. That has hampered its capacity and undermines the quality of its plants. Now, the facility is getting a new influx of money from state lawmakers who consider it to be a crucial part of preparation for future natural disasters.
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A day after his inauguration, Denver’s new mayor Mike Johnston said the state of emergency will allow officials to access funding and address the issue with the urgency it calls for. He also pledged to shelter 1,000 unsheltered homeless Denverites before the end of the year.
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Mike Johnston took his oath of office in downtown Denver Monday morning. He painted an ambitious picture of his “dream of Denver,'' the city he wants Denver to become. He also referenced the threats facing democracy and called on the public to actively participate in the democratic process.
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Union representatives told Congresswoman Yadira Caraveo at a roundtable this week that a communication breakdown is preventing their members from working on projects receiving federal funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act. They also discussed apprenticeship programs and barriers undocumented people face when hoping to join a union.
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Ten new state laws took effect this weekend. They impose new penalties for motor vehicle theft and create opportunities for collaboration on affordable housing. They also make investments in job training and the environment.
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Democrats at the statehouse passed historic protections this year for reproductive healthcare. Now, with an influx of out-of-state patients coming to Colorado for care, lawmakers and advocates are crafting a ballot measure to amend the state constitution.
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This year’s Western Conservative Summit focused on claims that faith and traditional family values are under attack by the left and featured speakers like Colorado Congresswoman Lauren Boebert and presidential hopeful former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson. Organizers, however, had hoped to draw in more leading presidential candidates and national support to the convention than was present.
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Protestors want Gov. Jared Polis to sign an executive order banning all guns in the state and implementing a gun buy-back program. Polis said such an order would be unconstitutional.
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With only one day left in the race, the candidates are attacking each other for links to corporate interests and out-of-state donors. Centrist politicians, law enforcement groups and the business community are supporting Kelly Brough. Mike Johnston has racked up endorsements from most labor unions, progressive organizations and left-leaning elected officials.