Colorado Matters

State lawmakers begin a special session today to try to lower property taxes in order to keep two related measures off the November ballot. Then, who's in charge of the Colorado Republican Party after a weekend vote to remove the chairman? Plus, the Paralympics begin this week in Paris and feature events unique to the Games, like goalball.

Now that Vice President Kamala Harris has accepted the Democratic nomination for president, we'll ask two Coloradans who were at the convention about her message, and what's next. Then, critics of the state Republican party chair will try again this weekend to remove him. Plus, how will the hot, dry summer impact the fall and winter? Later, a PGA championship returns to Colorado for the longest course in its history. And Colorado's spotlight on Earth, Wind and Fire at the DNC.

As people age, physical health is often top of mind, and mental health is overlooked. For "Aging Matters on Colorado Matters," we'll talk about ways to cope with the Colorado Gerontological Society, a nonprofit that offers support programs for older adults including free mental health counseling. Then, what's it like to be a Colorado delegate at the DNC? And, victory for veterans fighting for medical benefits after serving at the K2 military base in Uzbekistan. And a unique trail of dinosaur tracks!

A huge victory this month for veterans fighting for expanded medical benefits after being exposed to toxic chemicals while serving at an Army base known as K2 in Uzbekistan. Troops say they experienced serious health conditions as a result. And after a decades-long fight, the VA has finally removed barriers to them receiving treatment.

Coloradans are inventive. The state’s in the top 10 for patents filed per capita. Denver is home to one of four U.S. Patent and Trademark Outreach offices outside of Washington, D.C., and it is marking 10 years. Molly Kocialski is the regional director and Cyndi Bray is an inventor who's obtained multiple patents. Later, young readers are likely to see themselves reflected in "Control Freaks," now available in paperback.

By day, Colorado’s convention delegates attend meetings to get motivated for the long election season. At night, they hear from the party’s most prominent leaders. Then, as kids return to school the head of the Colorado Education Association outlines the challenges and opportunities ahead. Also, exposure to the sun can be extra hard for people with darker skin. And, why Colorado raised the drinking age.

As the Democratic National Convention gets underway, Polly Baca of Denver has participated in every one of them since 1964. She says delegates are united around Kamala Harris’ candidacy. Then, Colorado ranks fifth nationwide in school absenteeism. And, Paralympic hopeful Madison Champion on why she loves her sport. Also, a poet laureate promotes rest over relentless productivity.

They may not have planned to go to college, but they did, thanks to a network of mountain campuses. As Carrie Besnette Houser steps down as the longest-serving president of Colorado Mountain College, a picture of education, employment, and equity. Then, let's ride in a Great Dale House Car, rooted in Denver history. Plus, Yoga on the Rocks. And, your chance to "Turn the Page with Colorado Matters" and author Timothy Winegard's, "The Horse: A Galloping History of Humanity."

The Museum for Black Girls in downtown Denver honors the accomplishments, resilience and “magic’’ of Black women around the world and inspires new generations. Colorado Matters co-host Chandra Thomas Whitfield toured the interactive exhibits with students from the Opening Act Theatre Camp.

People were allowed to keep Medicaid coverage during the pandemic without the usual restrictions. But when things went back to normal, some lost coverage who shouldn’t have.