Colorado Matters

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

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.

A new space telescope will orbit the sun using a state-of-the-art optical system built by Colorado’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.

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.

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.

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’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.

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.

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