Colorado Matters

A record number of Coloradans are nearing retirement age, and that could be good news for pre-schools. Industries that are struggling to find staff, like education and senior care, are hiring older people who may be looking for a second career or simply a way to stay involved and active. Then, we meet a group that gets older people outside, socializing, and trying something new. Cycling Without Age Littleton provides bike rides to people who can no longer ride themselves. This is an Aging Matters on Colorado Matters special.

Before the King Soopers killer got 10 life sentences, survivors and loved ones shared memories. And their pain. We’ll hear several of these victim impact statements made in Boulder Monday. Then, can GOP candidates count on the state party? And, a bluegrass tradition in Westcliffe, Colo.

Monica Márquez’s name is synonymous with firsts. In 2010 Governor Bill Ritter appointed her to the Colorado Supreme Court, making her the first Latina and the first openly gay justice to serve on Colorado’s highest court. As of 2021, she is the longest-serving of eleven openly LGBTQ-plus state supreme court justices in the United States. And on July 26 this year, she was sworn in as the chief justice for the state’s high court, again making her the first-ever Latina to serve in that role in Colorado. Chandra Thomas Whitfield sat down with Justice Márquez at the Ralph L. Carr Colorado Judicial Center in Denver, to talk about her journey, the responsibility she feels as a role model, and her priorities for the court.

Democrat Trisha Calvarese, a healthcare advocate, and Republican Lauren Boebert, a current congresswoman, each lay out their visions for Colorado's 4th District. They tackle key issues like border policies, immigration's role in agriculture, and the vital need for water resource management. The discussion dives deep into the ongoing care crisis in rural areas, with an emphasis on healthcare access and funding for families. They also highlight the challenges posed by wildfires and the intricate balance between energy policies and sustainable agriculture.

The first day of fall is Sunday. In our regular chat with Denver7 chief meteorologist Mike Nelson, we take stock of a record-hot summer, changing leaves, and what's ahead for winter. Then, the origins of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, which has thrust Aurora into the national spotlight. Later, for "Girls in Aviation Day", and encore with pioneering pilot M'Lis Ward.

The defense rests in the trial of a man accused of killing ten people at a Boulder grocery store. We'll get perspective on the case ahead of closing arguments. Then, the owners of a funeral home where nearly 200 bodies were found decomposing avoid a federal trial. Also, climate migrants and the rich, evolving tattoo culture of Colorado.

Colorado Rep. Jason Crow says the Secret Service is spread thin heading into the general election. Crow is on the task force investigating the assassination attempt of former president Donald Trump in Pennsylvania. Then, people whose lives have changed because of Denver Basic Income. Then, preserving the legacy of the Sugar Beet League in Colorado. Plus, Colorado Wonders about the state's welcome sign, and Avourneen celebrates 10 years!

More gray wolves are coming to Colorado, nearly four years after voters decided to reintroduce them to our state. But the process has not been without problems. CPR climate and environment reporter Sam Brasch joins us with an update. Then, for Hispanic Heritage Month, we share stories of family, culture, and community with ¿Quién Are We? and one man's special connection with his father.

Mesa County has traditionally been an affordable alternative to the Front Range, but that's changed dramatically in recent years. Then, a new theatre at Colorado Mesa University could be an economic driver beyond the campus. Plus, we'll talk with CMU's president, John Marshall, about the skyrocketing student enrollment. Later, unique pinto bean recipes in Cortez, and how the Montezuma-Cortez Middle School band is "Bringing Music to Life."

Without the horse, says historian Tim Winegard, the world would look nothing like it does today. The Colorado Mesa University professor has written, "The Horse: A Galloping History of Humanity." He joins Sr. Host Ryan Warner on stage in Grand Junction for our reading series, "Turn The Page."