- Lawmakers return to the state capitol Wednesday. House Speaker Alec Garnett and House Minority Leader Hugh McKean share some of the priorities and challenges as they convene. Then, reality star Colton’ Underwood’s journey after coming out brings him to Colorado for support and connection. Plus, remembering Colorado abstract painter Clark Richert.
- Colton Underwood shot to fame as ABCs The Bachelor. Every week millions of people watched as 30 women vied for his attention, and ultimately his hand in marriage. At the end of season 23, Underwood handed the final rose to his future girlfriend in front of adoring fans. While outwardly Underwood, a former NFL football player, looked truly in love, the whole thing was a painful exercise because he was secretly gay.
- e’s been called Colorado’s most important artist. Clark Richert was an abstract expressionist whose colorful paintings of complex geometric shapes and intricate patterns were highly regarded around the world. Richert died at age 80 in the final days of 2021. Mary Voelz-Chandler is a longtime art critic. She’s coauthor of a book that featured Richert called "Colorado Abstract: Paintings and Sculpture."
- Congressman Joe Neguse details how the federal government is offering aid to those affected by the Marshall Fire. Then, Avista Adventist's CEO recounts his hospital's massive evacuation effort. Plus, back-to-school amid the omicron surge. And, former Denver mayor and U.S. cabinet secretary Federico Peña talks about his new biography.
- Ten thousand people have died in Colorado because of COVID. Nate McWilliams of Denver was almost one of them. Then, concern about protecting the space between cities and untouched wilderness. Also, voting on a new rule limiting the greenhouse gas emissions from cars and trucks. Plus, finding the world's southernmost tree, and recovering a treasured bracelet.
- More and more development is taking place in Colorado's Wildland Urban Interface – that space between cities and untouched wilderness - and that’s a concern for firefighters tasked with keeping those who move there safe. Jacob Ware is the chief of the Elk Creek Fire Protection district in the foothills outside Denver.
- We reflect on the life of Broncos' great Demaryius Thomas, on and off the field after his sudden death at the age of 33. Then, from redistricting to midterm elections to federal relief money, Purplish looks at what state lawmakers will face in the next legislative session in January. And, a new "flight plan" for Denver's landmark airport tower building.
- The old Stapleton airport control tower is an imposing landmark in Denver’s Central Park neighborhood, the only remaining sign that an international airport used to occupy the space where homes, parks and stores are now. FlyteCo Brewing, an aviation-themed brewery, will open a second location in the building at the base of the tower next summer. Co-owner Eric Serani hopes to include a mini-aviation museum as part of the project.
- Months after they fled Afghanistan, many refugees remain temporary housing on U.S. military bases. We talk with a Marine Corps reservist and a Colorado district attorney who's helping them. Then, a Navy Seal seen as a shining star falls from grace. And, a history professor’s lifelong dream. Also, young people unite in the wake of shootings in Aurora.
- Journalist David Philipps' new novel "Alpha" recounts the story of Navy Seal Eddie Gallagher. He was charismatic, respected, tough, and a battle-tested leader. His SEAL team Alpha returned from Iraq in 2017 as heroes, having hunted ISIS in urban combat in Mosul. However, beneath Gallagher’s swagger and bravado, something much darker was lurking that shook the Navy and its elite SEAL teams to their cores. Philipps is a Pulitzer-Prize winning national correspondent for the New York Times and lives in Colorado Springs.