Regional Roundup: Protest, Policy, and Community Voices Across the Mountain West
This week on Local Motion, we feature a special edition from Rocky Mountain Community Radio’s Regional Roundup, hosted by Maeve Conran. The episode takes us across the Mountain West to hear voices from the “No Kings” protests and dives into critical policy changes affecting rural communities.
No Kings: Protesters Speak Out Across the Region
On June 14, tens of thousands joined “No Kings” rallies across Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, and New Mexico. Protesters called attention to threats against democracy, cuts to public programs, and rising authoritarianism. In Denver and Boulder, speakers including Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold urged civic engagement. In Glenwood Springs, State Rep. Elizabeth Velasco stood with demonstrators, highlighting Colorado’s protections for immigrants, abortion access, and the trans community.
In Paonia, local groups organized a well-attended protest at Town Park. Ellie Goldstein of North Fork Indivisible said, “We need to stand firm and proud—even take some chances to be proactive.”
Salt Lake City Tragedy: A Protest Turns Deadly
In Salt Lake City, a massive crowd of over 10,000 gathered peacefully—until a tragic shooting left one bystander dead. Fashion designer Alpha Alu, a beloved member of Utah’s Pacific Islander community, was killed when a volunteer peacekeeper opened fire on an alleged gunman. KRCL’s Laura Jones recounts the confusion and grief, noting, “It was a shocking loss because everything had been peaceful up to then.”
Public Lands and Medicaid Under Threat
The episode also looks at a proposed federal budget bill that includes a plan to sell millions of acres of public land in western states. Advocates like Wilderness Workshop and Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance decried it as a giveaway to fossil fuel and development interests.
Meanwhile, Medicaid recipients in rural areas face steep cuts. A proposed $600 billion reduction could leave millions without care. In Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District, nearly half of all children rely on Medicaid. Health providers warn the cuts would devastate already fragile families and communities.
Endangered Species Act Rollbacks Raise Alarm
Changes to the Endangered Species Act would redefine “harm” to exclude habitat destruction. Delia Malone of the Colorado Natural Heritage Program says the move would fast-track extinction for species like the black-footed ferret and lesser prairie chicken.