Today on Colorado Edition: We explore newly released climate data that shows the last seven years have been the seven warmest years on record. We learn about the unexpected bond some people have formed with their pets – of the feathered kind. We talk with the hosts of NPR’s narrative history show Throughline about how we can understand today’s news by journeying back in time. And our film critic reviews a new movie about a young woman coping with grief.

Last week, Gov. Jared Polis downgraded the 33 Colorado counties that were classified as Level Red on the state’s COVID-19 status dial to Level Orange. On social media, Polis said he was trying to walk the difficult line between the public health crisis and the economic crisis. But the limited loosening of restrictions will not be enough to provide meaningful relief to many restaurant owners in Northern Colorado.

Lawmakers continued to grapple with gathering during a deadly pandemic that killed more than 3,500 Coloradans last year.

Today on Colorado Edition: We speak to an expert about how extremist groups gain traction and what can be done to help minimize the harm. Plus, we’ll get a picture of the mental health situation in Colorado in the new year. We’ll also learn more about legal challenges involving the rights of second home owners in Gunnison County, and get the latest on the state of the oil and gas industry.

Colorado organizations are working to address digital radicalization causing extremism and targeted crimes in the state.