Masked and vaxxed, the Colorado Matters Holiday Extravaganza returns to the stage at the University of Denver&#039;s Newman Center to share music, memories, laughter and light.

Colorado Matters

The 6th Annual Colorado Matters Holiday Extravaganza!

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&#039;s southernmost tree, and recovering a treasured bracelet.

Dec. 16, 2021: Surviving COVID; Fire protection between cities and untouched wilderness

A new space telescope will orbit the sun using a state-of-the-art optical system built by Colorado&#039;s Ball Aerospace. Plus, fighter pilot Nichole Ayers, of Divide, Colorado, joins the newest astronaut class. Then, the complexity of housing instability. Also, books by Colorado authors or with a Western theme to read or give as gifts.

Dec. 15, 2021: NASA’s complex telescope mission; Coloradan joins elite astronaut class

We reflect on the life of Broncos&#039; 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&#039;s landmark airport tower building.

Dec. 14, 2021: Remembering Demaryius Thomas; What state lawmakers will juggle in January

A survival story today. Of a small business that has survived shutdowns, changing public health orders, and labor & supply shortages. Step into a day in the life of Zomo Asian + American Eatery in Englewood. From dawn ‘til dinner, it’s a race to find ingredients, prepare them, and serve a hungry (and sometimes impatient) public.

Dec. 13, 2021: This is what it takes to run a family-owned restaurant in the pandemic

With broad access to vaccines, Governor Jared Polis says the medical emergency is over. We ask Polis about masks, abortion access, wildfires, highway construction, and crime. Then, the new star-studded satire "Don&#039;t Look Up" is about a comet hurtling towards Earth, a metaphor for climate change. And a member of the Colorado Matters family is moving on.

Dec. 10, 2021: Gov. Polis on COVID, abortion law, wildfires, roads; Climate change satire

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&#039;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.

Dec. 9, 2021: Afghan refugees await resettlement; The dark tale of a Navy Seal in Iraq

The pandemic&#039;s meant challenges and opportunities in the workplace, especially for restaurants. That&#039;s where concepts like "ghost kitchens" come in. Then, the "new builders" are redefining entrepreneurship. And, Olympic hopeful Alex Hall and the Winter Games&#039; newest sport, Freeski Big Air.

Dec. 8, 2021: ‘Ghost Kitchens’ help restaurants innovate; Who are the ‘New Builders?’

The holidays are all about giving and goodwill. But that can extend beyond people and pets -- we talk with sustainability experts about everything from gift wrapping to fashion. Then, how to take care of poinsettias. Also, a veteran sailor&#039;s memories of being at Pearl Harbor 80 years ago. And, an increasingly tight housing market in Pueblo.

Dec. 7, 2021: Finding holiday sustainability in food, trees, fashion

Assistant state climatologist Becky Bollinger on why Colorado’s so dry. Then, how the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling on abortion might impact the state. And, remnants of an esoteric religion in Southern Colorado. Also, hidden secrets of the Ludlow Massacre. Plus, helping early learners catch up. Finally, “We Are Santa.”

Dec. 6, 2021: The state’s dry spell; What a landmark abortion case might mean for Colorado

Fifteen teenagers were shot in almost as many days in Aurora. Officials are struggling to identify a pattern. Then, an analysis of 1993&#039;s "Summer of Violence" shows the importance of context in crime reporting. Plus, remembering justice and poet Gregory Hobbs. Also one woman&#039;s journey through Alzheimer&#039;s. And Dolly Parton helps Colorado kids read.

Dec. 3, 2021: Solutions after teen shootings; ‘Summer of Violence’ fueled by newspaper war

What are monoclonal antibodies and how effective are they if someone catches COVID-19? Then, the "Youth Gun Violence and Suicide Prevention Wellness Weekend" is designed to help people, especially young Black men, cope with life&#039;s "triggers." Plus, remembering Colorado Music Hall of Fame drummer Jim Gallagher of the Astronauts.

Dec. 2, 2021: Treating COVID with monoclonal antibodies; Coping with life’s ‘triggers’

Long-haul COVID offers an opportunity to learn more about chronic fatigue, a condition that&#039;s often dismissed. We&#039;ll hear from a doctor about how he navigated the illness. Then, a former drug user and federal prisoner in Pueblo who grew his family&#039;s small business. And, the story of Grammy-winning musician Marc Cohn and his near-death experience in Denver.

Dec. 1, 2021: What long COVID teaches about other conditions; From prison to small business

We talk with pulmonologist Anuj Mehta about the state&#039;s work to track the omicron variant, and to get grounding about the concern. Then, Colorado Sun reporter David Gilbert investigated sexual misconduct and abuse allegations at the Colorado Center for the Blind. Also, restoring the Air Force Academy chapel.

Nov. 30, 2021: Tracking omicron variant in Colorado; Center for the Blind investigation

Rev. Paula Stone Williams, of Left Hand Church in Longmont, transitioned at age 60. The evangelical circles she’d dedicated her life to as a man rejected her as a trans woman. Williams&#039; new book is “As A Woman: What I Learned about Power, Sex, and the Patriarchy After I Transitioned.” She joined us in July for “Turn The Page,” our regular reading circle.

Nov. 26, 2021: Transgender pastor shares revelations in ‘As a Woman’

Hosted by Ryan Warner, CPR News' daily interview show focuses on the state's people, issues and ideas.

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