Colorado Matters

As 2025 draws to a close, we revisit the stories of four people who now call Colorado home. They have a common bond: They all survived the American tragedy known as Hurricane Katrina, which devastated New Orleans 20 years ago and remains one of the deadliest and most destructive hurricanes in U.S. history. They share their journey from Louisiana to Colorado and how it forever shaped their lives, in a Colorado Matters special: “After the Storm: Reflections on Hurricane Katrina.”

There’s promising new research out of Colorado in the effort to treat Alzheimer’s Disease. The study focused on the drug Leukine, which is already on the market to treat other disorders. Andrea speaks with the study’s senior author, Huntington Potter, who directs the University of Colorado Alzheimer’s and Cognition Center. Then, another study shows how lifestyle can help prevent memory loss. Also, the city of Denver won’t meet its first big climate goals. We ask the mayor why the city is falling short, and about the plan moving forward.

The expansion of gambling in Colorado means added temptations for problem gamblers. It’s led the state to invest millions of dollars to treat gambling addictions. We look at the changes to gambling in Colorado and talk with a therapist and a Denver man in recovery. Then, he dedicated his career to treating patients with lung cancer and never expected that one day, he too would be diagnosed with the same disease. Dr. Ross Camidge shared his story with Andrea in October.

This is the first day of Kwanzaa, a celebration of African American culture and heritage along with seven guiding principles, such as unity, purpose, and self-determination. Light the kinara with us as we share some of our favorite Kwanzaa memories from our annual Colorado Matters Holiday Extravaganzas! Plus, Chandra’s conversation from August with Denver musical artist Such, whose passion to help others has been a guiding principle in her life.

A CPR tradition turns 10 this year. The Colorado Matters Holiday Extravaganza returns with bluegrass, mariachi, comedy and storytime. And as always, we pay homage to Judy Garland. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or simply value togetherness, this audio gift is for you!

We’re counting down to the 10th annual Colorado Matters Holiday Extravaganza with some of our favorite musical artists over the past decade. Like Hazel Miller and Claire Dunn. Plus a centuries-old classic played on a massive pipe organ inside the historic Central Presbyterian Church in Denver.

Laughter is fundamental to the holidays. After all, “Ho Ho Ho” is one of Santa’s favorite expressions. Which is why comedians have always had a place in our annual Colorado Matters Holiday Extravaganza. As we celebrate ten years, we’ve assembled those acts for a special filled with good cheer and memories.

Dec. 22, 2025: An extravaganza of Hanukkah stories, music and connection!