Colorado Matters

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.

Colorado’s 4th Congressional District includes some of the state’s least-populated places, and booming communities like Parker and Loveland. Democrat Trisha Calvarese and Republican Lauren Boebert each begin by answering a key question: Name a problem in the district and why voters should choose you to solve it.

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.”