- All this week, it’s the Colorado Matters Holiday Extravaganza… Extravaganza! We’re bringing you five years of seasonal joy after a year defined by pandemic disruptions. Today is the first holiday show from 2016, featuring Grammy-winning jazz vocalist Diane Reeves, country singer Clare Dunn, Hanukkah memories from Hal and Annie Aqua, and more!
- It's the 5th Annual Colorado Matters Holiday Extravaganza. Grammy-nominated jazz cornetist Ron Miles headlines; Broadway star Beth Malone channels Judy Garland; and Colorado Springs comedian Rion Evans brings some levity to 2020. They're just some of the acts in a virtual event this year-- so we spread merriment and not virus. We hope you enjoy!
- Today, answering questions about the COVID-19 vaccines. Who gets a shot and when? Will your doctor let you know when to get a shot? What if you don't have a doctor? What’s known about allergic reactions? What's the difference between vaccines? What's the plan to reach out to communities hardest hit? A panel of guests helps answer these questions and more.
- What lessons have colleges and universities learned about the pandemic from the fall as they get ready for students this spring? Then, hear from teachers as they grapple with another return to the classroom. Plus, two celestial shows to watch for in the night sky this week! Also, two Colorado astronauts lead the return to the Moon. And the messages of masks.
- Elizabeth Hernandez, of Denver, shares how the pandemic is affecting her family and her job reporting on higher education disparities. Plus, Ken Buck tries to reassure the GOP that Colorado's election system is reliable. Then, stories of Colorado women who played a key role in World War II. And, Colorado's Clare Dunn has new music in time for the holidays.
- In the pandemic, there are the people who've been able to stay home -- and those who must go in to work. It's a difference that is painfully clear to Elizabeth Hernandez, of Denver. On Thanksgiving, her cousin died of COVID-19. And he was not the first in the family to get the virus. Hers is another in Colorado Matters' profiles of how the pandemic is affecting people in the state.
- Gov. Jared Polis is hopeful that a COVID-19 vaccine will arrive in the state as soon as next week. He also talks about the pandemic relief after the special session. Later, CPR politics podcast Purplish with insight into the session and the politics of masks. Finally, it takes a lot to be Santa’s helper, and the look-alikes even have a school for it.
- We check back in with two working parents who have juggled their children’s remote learning, among other things. Then, the pandemic hit the oil industry hard in Colorado. Later, meals delivered to homes by... a school? Plus, the podcast, “The Modern West” from Wyoming Public Media, explores the rise and fall and maybe rise again of Walden, Colo.
- Gov. Jared Polis talks about his COVID-19 diagnosis, efforts to fight the virus, and the special legislative session on pandemic relief. Then, Colorado Teacher of the Year Gerardo Muñoz on remote learning challenges. And, Rosalind Wiseman on her "Distance Learning Playbook for Parents." Plus, Colorado Wonders about Denver's classic holiday window displays.