Colorado Matters

Strange as it seems, Native Americans became U.S. citizens only 100 years ago. Southern Ute leaders here say the milestone is reason to reflect, rather than celebrate. Then, Colorado researchers find that elephants seem to have names for one another, much like humans. Also, meet the boys who found a rare junior T-Rex fossil. Plus, an award-winning literary road trip with "Reading Colorado." And Hanging Lake comes back from the brink.

Three young explorers who found bones from a young T-Rex were recently at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science where the fossils are part of an exhibit called "Discovering Teen Rex." 12-year-old Jessin Fisher, his nine-year-old brother Liam and their 11-year-old cousin, Kaiden Madsen made the extremely rare discovery on a hike with their dad two years ago in North Dakota.

Children who made the harrowing journey from South America to the U.S. are filling up Denver's classrooms. Beyond teaching, schools have become a one-stop shop for everything from dental care to warm clothes and other necessities. A new film documents packed classrooms, overwhelmed teachers, and a community trying to fill the gaps. Then, Colorado has a new law that's supposed to save renters money. But is it working? And, one man's very personal mission to make outer space inclusive.

Some twists and turns, and perhaps some mixed messages, as Colorado tabulates the primary results and looks to the general election. We'll get perspective from Sara Hagedorn, a political science professor at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs. Then, Denver's next district attorney. Also, election integrity with Matt Crane, the head of Colorado's County Clerks Association. And, escape to the Rocky Mountains with the iconic Judy Collins.

When someone is reported missing, police say the first few days are most critical. That’s when investigators typically circulate photos and gather important information while people’s memories are still fresh.

The fastest growing population in Colorado is 65 and older. But instead of retirement, it can also be an opportunity to help others while staying engaged. Then, the complexities of finding missing LGBTQ+ people. Also, a summer music festival rises to a creative challenge. And he traded in the football drills for the dental ones. Plus, illustrations as art.

This country’s nuclear arsenal is “geriatric.” And many of the people who maintain it are heading towards retirement. Worrisome– if you believe, as the U.S. does, that nuclear deterrence keeps us safe. Colorado science writer Sarah Scoles examines the future of nuclear defense in her new book, “Countdown.” She spoke with Ryan Warner at the Center for the Arts in Crested Butte during the recent Mountain Words Festival.

In their regular climate & weather chat, Denver7 Chief Meteorologist Mike Nelson tells Ryan Warner about the heat that will descend over the weekend. Plus, a visit from a Ford Model T in Steamboat Springs opens a discussion of automobile emissions.

The heat dome that's gripped the Northeast is headed our way, with temperatures hovering close to 100 degrees. We'll get the summer outlook from Denver7 chief meteorologist Mike Nelson. Then, Purplish takes a closer look at the primary races in congressional districts 5 and 8. And later, educators share their stories in a new podcast and on-stage event, "Hot for Teacher."

When Denver celebrated its first Pride 50 years ago, about 50 people took part. Now that number is 500,000. On a special Colorado Matters, we share "A Half Century of Pride Stories," reflecting on the past while looking forward to the future.