Colorado Matters

On this Fourth of July, from George Washington to Johnny Appleseed, horticulturist Scott Skogerboe of Fort Collins is rooted in American history through the living legacy of trees. Then, celebrating the artistry of Tuskegee airman Clarence Shivers. The exhibit in Colorado Springs closes July 6. And Colorado's connection to "America the Beautiful."

Police in Aurora are under scrutiny again for the killing of an unarmed Black man. Kilyn Lewis was fatally shot by an officer in May. Then, meet "Some Girls and a Mural," who are brightening Colorado's eastern plains. Later, Colorado's big investment in quantum technology. And a new roof for Trinidad's historic Temple Aaron.

Denver just experienced its second-hottest June on record, and that's led to poor air quality. It's likely a sign of things to come this summer. Then, Phillip Lamar is the founder and front man of Colorado's premiere Prince tribute band; he reflects on The Artist's legacy on the 40th anniversary of the iconic Purple Rain. And Aging Matters revisits scams and how to avoid them.

McMeen Elementary knows first-hand what it's like to absorb some of the thousands of Venezuelan and other new immigrants who arrived in Denver this schol year. A new film, “McMeen in the Middle, Denver’s Migrant Crisis,” profiles the real-life challenges for these new students and their families and the burden felt by teachers.

An hour of lunar exploration with Colorado Springs author Rebecca Boyle. In "Our Moon," she explains how the moon has guided evolution on earth. Boyle visits moon rocks in a special storage facility. Plus, a conversation about resource extraction and lunar preservation. This episode of "Turn The Page with Colorado Matters" was recorded on a stage at Colorado College.

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.