Colorado Matters

Before the world knew the wonders of Yellowstone., it seemed otherworldly when people tried to describe it. We'll talk about how Yellowstone, America's first national park, represents a contradiction in government policy after the Civil War. Then, heading into the New Year's weekend, we get a taste of the "spirit-free" or "mocktail" movement.

It's been a year since the Marshall fire, the most destructive in state history. We get the latest on the investigation into its cause. We check back with a man whose new restaurant burned. Then, a tool to help gauge your vulnerability to climate disaster. And U.S. Rep. Joe Neguse on the challenges of climate change and future fire mitigation.

The Colorado Matters Holiday Extravaganza returns for a seventh year. Singer/songwriter Neyla Pekarek headlines, after a banner year of musical theater. The rabbi at one of Colorado's oldest synagogues celebrates the light of Hanukkah. Meet some real winners from Colorado Springs. And dance to a Kwanzaa beat with an intergenerational troupe of Black women.

In truth, it's not that dusty. We listen back to the 2021 Colorado Matters Holiday Extravaganza. It was the first time we gathered after the pandemic lockdowns. Jazzman Freddy Rodriguez, Jr. offered a poignant reminder of COVID-19's toll. Actor & director Betty Hart channeled Maya Angelou. And comedian Elliot Woolsey reminded us to laugh.

As you wrap gifts and prepare for the coming cold, warm up to the sounds of our 2018 Colorado Matters Holiday Extravaganza. Denver musical mainstay Hazel Miller headlines. FACE Vocal Band leaves the audience speechless. And Fort Collins comedian David Rodriguez gets them laughing.

A bevy of talented artists gathered in 2017 to help Coloradans celebrate the holidays. They included musical couple Isaac & Anna Slade, jazz singer Danette Hollowell, and comedian Josh Blue. Boulder banjo player Jayme Stone helped us celebrate Chanukkah. So sit back, relax with a cup of egg nog and a latke, and soak up the sounds of the season.

In 2016, a CPR tradition was born: The Colorado Matters Holiday Extravaganza. We still have to pinch ourselves that Denver jazz legend Dianne Reeves kicked things off for us. Plus, country singer Clare Dunn of Two Buttes, Colorado; A klezmer Chanukkah; and Muppet memories.

Hundreds of migrants have arrived in Denver; we look at what's brought them here and how locals are helping in small -- and big -- ways. Then, three Iranian-American women on how protests in Iran compare to the U.S. civil rights movement. And later: a question -- through Colorado Wonders -- about the growing demand for food stamps in our state.

Some are calling long COVID the next public health disaster; to treat it, doctors are turning to an unexpected condition for answers: concussions. The latest research and updating other seasonal viruses like the flu and RSV. Then, from a high-tech thriller about genetic manipulation, to efforts to maintain wild mustangs, plus stories for kids...we'll share gift-giving book ideas, all with Colorado or Western ties.

The French Ambassador to the U.S. has been in Colorado this week. Senior Host Ryan Warner caught up with Philippe Etienne at the state Capitol to discuss trade, Ukraine, and the French language. Then, you've heard of white noise. What about brown noise? It's catching on, especially among people with ADHD. And, preserving the history of Sikhs in Colorado.