We got you something special: The 10th annual Colorado Matters Holiday Extravaganza!
A CPR holiday tradition turns 10. The 2025 Colorado Matters Holiday Extravaganza is brimming with music, memories, and laughter. Cozy up as we celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and togetherness.
Dec. 16, 2025: Aging Matters: From the gift of time to decluttering, avoiding scams and the love of letters
In this Aging Matters special, if you have an older person in your life, or you’re just stumped in general about what to give a loved one this holiday season, have you considered the gift of time? Then, how to avoid scams that are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Later, when it comes to downsizing, how do you get rid of decades of stuff? Plus, “Love for our Elders” relieves loneliness through letter writing.
Dec. 11, 2025: Working to ease vaccination confusion; Art as healing and rehabilitation
As the federal government rolls back vaccination recommendations, where does that leave Coloradans, especially the parents of young children? We hear from a pediatrician and the state epidemiologist, who are working to address confusion — and provide clarity. Then, art, as a form of healing and rehabilitation. Plus, a local grassroots non-profit celebrates 20 years working to keep Africa on the minds of Coloradans. And it’s a music Hall of Fame moment for Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats.
Dec. 9, 2025: Three Colorado women in the hall of fame on inclusion, visibility, history, and the future
The Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame marks its 40th anniversary this year, and today we’re commemorating this milestone, talking with three remarkable inductees who’ve shaped Colorado through activism, engineering, community building and fierce advocacy.
Dec. 4, 2025: Protecting children from social media harm; Venezuelans living in the shadows
Protecting children from the harmful side of social media has been a years-long fight, but Congress may finally be taking action. Today we hear about one mother’s determination to bring change in memory of her daughter. Then, they followed the rules set up by the federal government, but still face deportation. It’s just one development in the immigration debate affecting thousands of people in Colorado. And, he’s the only Colorado native to play in the Negro Baseball League. Now, a century later he finally gets his due.
Dec. 2, 2025: ‘Witness at Sand Creek’; Changing vision for Colorado’s public lands
It’s one of the darkest moments in Colorado history: the Sand Creek Massacre of 1864. Today, through the letters he wrote, we learn about a man who refused to take part: Capt. Silas Soule. Then, from oil and gas drilling to cattle grazing and conservation, the issues facing public lands in Colorado under the Trump administration. And for Aging Matters, free help clearing sidewalks thanks to the Snow Buddies.
Amid DEI pushback, Colorado nonprofit says funding Black-led and focused organizations is extra challenging but more important than ever
The Black Resilience in Colorado Fund is marking its 5th anniversary.
Nov. 27, 2025: From astronaut to artist, Ed Dwight reflects on a journey making history as he turns 92
A remarkable Coloradan – and an American pioneer – celebrated his 92nd birthday in September. Ed Dwight was the first Black man to be selected for astronaut training more than 60 years ago. And six decades later, he became the oldest person to go to space. Dwight’s history-making didn’t stop there. He went on to become a celebrated artist, sculpting important monuments to Black legends. His body of work appears in Denver and at memorials across the country, and in museums like the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C.
National Adoption Month: Heritage Camps help families of transracial adoption build community and cultural connection in Colorado
Nine different camps focus on cultural identity from childhood to adulthood
Nov. 25, 2025: Creating community for transracial adoptees; A remarkable journey on and off the slopes
November is National Adoption Month. Today, how one Colorado organization is supporting families through the beauty and complexity of transracial adoption and creating a sense of belonging and safety for adoptees and their parents too. Then, a Colorado Wonders question about accountability after wildfires. And Colorado Hall of Fame skier Bob Meserve’s remarkable journey on and off the slopes as a pioneering adaptive athlete.
‘Mom Dance Party’ offers community, joy, and mental health support in Colorado
The founders say their mission is rooted in serious research about maternal mental health
Nov. 20, 2025: For Aging Matters, help with tasks while fostering friendship; Diversity amid DEI cutbacks
Around since the 1970s, the Senior Companion Program is more relevant than ever today, helping older Coloradans with tasks while creating friendship.
Nov. 18, 2025: An enduring friendship forged in war; Moms find connection, self-care in dance parties
Her father fought in a key battle on Riva Ridge in Italy to help end World War II. Now, 80 years later, Susannah LeVon of Grand Junction reflects on his legacy through an unexpected, and enduring friendship. Then, a growing body of research finds that moms are struggling with their mental health, battling things like stress, anxiety and even depression. Two Denver moms say they have the perfect pick-me-up to help! Then, author Devon O’Neil explores grief and tragedy after a rescue attempt in the Colorado backcountry. Plus, the history of Raton Pass.
As the Voting Rights Act marks its 60th anniversary, two Colorado analysts say it’s facing its greatest tests yet
Colorado has since passed its own version of the act to protect access to voting.
‘Lasagna Love’ helps Coloradans facing greater food insecurity after government shutdown, soaring food prices
A regional coordinator for the organization said Lasagna Love’s mission is to feed families, spread kindness and strengthen communities.
Nov. 13, 2025: Is Colorado heading toward a ‘silent recession?’; Helping overcome food insecurity
Colorado’s economy has been flashing warning signs for a while, but is a recession really on the horizon? Today, the launch of our special report, “Silent Recession,” looking at the numbers driving the state’s economics. Then, the government shutdown has left many nonprofits scrambling to provide assistance for people missing their food benefits — including one here in Colorado that focuses on sharing homemade lasagna made with love. And, do you want to help those in need of food? One local engineer has created an app for that!
