Colorado Matters

 The state's newest congressional district, District 8, was designed to be Colorado's only toss-up seat between the two major parties. Today we hear from the two candidates vying for that seat. Democratic incumbent Yadira Caraveo is a pediatrician and Colorado's first Latina member of Congress. Republican Gabe Evans is a state representative, former police officer, veteran and grandson of Mexican immigrants. 

He has influenced JD Vance. Now Patrick Deneen, author of "Why Liberalism Failed," is the University of Colorado's visiting conservative scholar. Then, Colorado Mesa University composer Brian Krinke's latest work tells a story through a musical trio. Plus, we answer a Colorado Wonders question about the health of the state's forests. 

The Colorado lawsuit to stop what would be the largest grocery store merger in U.S. history heads to court. We look at what it could mean for shoppers. Then, the JBS meatpacking plant in Greeley faces scrutiny after claims of an unsafe workplace and inhumane living conditions. Plus, a 70th anniversary milestone for Colorado's Filipino community. And new citizens sign up to vote for the first time. 

Residents of Aurora’s Delmar Parkway neighborhood say they’ve coped with violence for years but nobody noticed until a viral video put the area at the center of the nation’s immigration debate. Then, Denver abandons plans to demolish homes and rebuild a highway ramp. Also, a high school class studies the election. And, touring a historic clock tower.

The University of Colorado leads the MAVEN project to study Mars' volatile atmosphere with the hope of helping human exploration there. Then, Pamela Friend was in a cradle the first time her parents took her to the drive-in they owned in Montrose. Decades later, Friend is still popping the popcorn and running the projector. And, a new take on "Hamlet" from the Denver Center Theater Company.

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.