Colorado Today
The Colorado news you need in 15 minutes a day, from Colorado Public Radio’s newsrooms. Get connected with your community and understand how the biggest stories in Colorado impact your life. Available each weekday morning at 5:00 a.m. with host Arlo Pérez Esquivel. Follow this show, and consider donating to support future episodes at cpr.org.
Colorado teens' changing attitudes on drugs, a multi-million dollar water theft, meet the “Governor for a day”
After years of struggling to contain opioid overdose deaths, a new survey shows Colorado teens are now less likely to try fentanyl or prescription drugs. Then, a Denver man is accused of stealing millions of dollars worth of Colorado water -- but why? And, meet the Aurora teen who became Colorado’s Governor for a day.
Email us at [email protected]. Colorado Today is supported by CPR’s members.
Read more on the stories in today’s show:
Rae Solomon on this week's free college application days CPR’s John Daley on Colorado teens’ sh...Should local law enforcement work more with ICE? Allegations of racism at Lutheran High School, local film festivals
Voters will decide this fall whether police and sheriffs departments should be involved in immigration enforcement. Then, a Parker high school is in hot water for alleged racist behavior by its fans. Plus, we talk film festivals, and no, not that one.
Email us at [email protected]. Colorado Today is supported by CPR’s members.
Read more on the stories in today’s show:
CPR’s Allison Sherry on Amendment 81 CPR’s Tony Gorman on the racism accusations around Lutheran High School’s sports teams CPR’s Elaine Tassy...Colorado’s closest congressional race, solar farm planned near Mesa Verde, Sand Creek massacre statue unveiled
Polls suggest this election could deliver a blue wave for Democrats nationally. But in Colorado’s most closely divided district, it still looks like anyone’s race. Then, a massive solar farm proposed for just outside of Mesa Verde National Park has some locals up in arms. Plus, after years of planning, the first element of the state Capitol’s Sand Creek Massacre memorial was unveiled this week.
Email us at [email protected]. Colorado Today is supported by CPR’s members.
Read more on the stories in today’s show:
The Colorado Sun’s Jesse Paul...Accusations fly at the Boebert - Laubacher debate, life after school consolidation, hiking the Great Colorado Route
The candidates running to represent Colorado’s reddest district traded accusations at a debate this week. Did we learn anything new about the race? Then, schools are being forced to close around the state. How are parents and principals coping?. Plus, we check out one man’s route for a hike that spans the entire state.
Email us at [email protected]. Colorado Today is supported by CPR’s members.
Read more on the stories in today’s show:
CPR’s Caitlyn Kim on the debate to represent Colorado’s 4th Congressional District CPR’s Rae Solomon...Railroad ballot measure snafu, an early flu season, the secret behind Denver’s port-a-potty placement
Editor's note: The mRNA influenza vaccine, mFLUSIVA, will only be available to adults 50 years and older in Colorado this fall. More information can be found at Immunize Colorado.
Nearly a million Coloradans received ballots with a measure that wasn't meant for them. How did so many people end up with the wrong question about a railroad? Then, this year’s flu season may come earlier than usual. Plus, a look at Denver International Airport’s latest security breach. And, we get down and dirty with the algorithm behind Denver’s port-a-potty landscape.
Governor candidates forum, DOJ sues Denver over mask policy, music lift from Avourneen
Colorado’s gubernatorial candidates faced off in a forum last week. Was there anything to sway Colorado voters? Then, the federal government is suing Denver for its restrictions on immigration agents. And, a Coloradan takes his music on the road and across the sea.
Email us at [email protected]. Colorado Today is supported by CPR’s members.
Read more on the stories in today’s show:
CPR’s Benete Birkeland on the forum with gubernatorial candidates Victor Marx and Phil Weiser Denverite’s Kyle Harris on the Department of Justice suing Denver over its law en...Victor Marx’s unusual campaign spending, a Venezuelan migrant and an international gang, find your soulmate in a photo booth
Colorado’s Republican candidate for governor is in hot water for accepting more in donations than the law allows, but where is all that money going? Then, it’s been two years since Aurora was dragged into the infamous Tren de Aragua headlines by President Trump. A new podcast from CPR and Latino USA follows the story of one Venezuelan migrant caught in the crossfire. Plus, a lot of people use dating apps to find that special someone. Some are trying out the Soulmate Booth.
Email us at [email protected]. Colorado Today is supported by CPR’s memb...
Water needs in a fast-growing county, answers in a deadly dairy farm accident, and bolo tie history
Douglas County is facing a growing demand for water as development continues. Then, the families of six dairy workers who died when pipes to exploded at their worksite are suing, and the investigation is turning up new details o what happened. Plus, we dive into the history of one of Colorado’s signature accessories: the bolo tie.
Email us at [email protected]. Colorado Today is supported by CPR’s members.
Read more on the stories in today’s show:
CPR’s Havalin Haskell on Douglas County's water plan CPR's Elaine Tassy on the lawsuit o...Maroon Bells under new management? dueling income tax proposals on the ballot, delivery drones coming to Denver
The federal government no longer wants the expense of managing the scenic — and incredibly popular — Maroon Bells, so it’s looking to turn that responsibility over to Pitkin County. But the arrangement is raising some concerns. Then, voters will see two questions on their ballots about income taxes, with very different implications. And delivery drones could be coming to Denver skies soon, thanks to Walmart.
Email us at [email protected]. Colorado Today is supported by CPR’s members.
Read more on the stories in today’s show:
Colorado P...Justices weigh climate liability, the economics of CO’s largest gold mine, CSprings pumpkin tradition
The eight Justices hearing Boulder’s lawsuit against Suncor and Exxon Mobile had tough questions during oral arguments Monday. Now the future of the case is in their hands. Then, the massive open pit mine in Teller County is touting its economic benefits, as it looks to expand into the future. And in Colorado Springs, drought hasn’t put a damper on Venetucci Farm’s annual pumpkin give-away.
Correction: Today's podcast incorrectly identifies which Boulder County Commissioner is speaking in the introduction to our segment about Supreme Court arguments. The audio is of Commissioner Marta L...
Boulder v. Suncor at the Supreme Court, downtown office demolitions, Rangely’s musical water tank loses a champion
The Justices hear arguments today over whether local governments can use state courts to try to hold companies responsible for the costs of climate change. Then, with many downtown office buildings sitting half empty, demolition could be an attractive option, but there are barriers. Plus, we remember Bruce Odland, who helped bring the unearthly acoustics of a Western Slope water tank to the world.
Email us at [email protected]. Colorado Today is supported by CPR’s members.
Read more on the stories in today’s show:
CPR’s Ishan Thakore on today’s Supreme...Legal immigrants lose Medicaid coverage, CPW suspends killing wolves, meet our new host!
People who rely on food stamps, and legal immigrants who got their health insurance from the government, are seeing those benefits cut thanks to federal changes approved by Congress last year. Then, the state says it will stop using lethal means to deal with wolves that attack livestock, at least for now. Plus, introducing Colorado Today’s new co-host, Jackie Sedley!
Email us at [email protected]. Colorado Today is supported by CPR’s members.
Read more on the stories in today’s show:
CPR’s John Daley on the latest changes to SNAP and Medic...Gov’s race in full swing, COCO spends big on ‘education’ campaign, Field Day for deaf and hard-of-hearing kids
The Republican and Democrat vying to be Colorado’s next governor have been working the campaign trail lately, firing up their supporters to help get out to vote. But what’s motivating the voters who back them? Then, a taxpayer funded campaign shared positive information about Front Range rail all summer, ahead of voters being asked to support a tax for the train. Plus, a special field day brings together deaf and hard of hearing students from around the state.
Email us at [email protected]. Colorado Today is supported by CPR’s members.
Read more o...
AG trying to block new ICE detention center, lawsuit over DIA tarmac death, Lakewood Cider Days
Colorado’s Attorney General is asking the courts to halt renovations at a planned immigration detention center in Hudson, arguing the federal government has skipped necessary steps. Then, more than 70 people are suing over May’s deadly runway collision at DIA, alleging responsibility for the tragedy goes far beyond the man who walked onto the tarmac. And, to end on a gentler note, we explore a fruity chapter of Colorado’s history, one that is still celebrated each fall in Jefferson County.
Email us at [email protected]. Colorado Today is supported by CPR’s members.
Read m...
Trump Administration’s approach to public lands, CSprings builds ties with new Space Command home, a tarantula hook-up
The Trump administration is rewriting the rules for federal lands, and it could mean big changes for the parks, forests and trails around you. Then, Colorado Springs is trying to build relationships with the Alabama city that beat it out for Space Command, in the hopes of continuing to develop its space economy. Plus, a lonely pet tarantula from Golden finds love with the help of an online personal ad.
Email us at [email protected]. Colorado Today is supported by CPR’s members.
Read more on the stories in...
School districts crunched by fuel prices, judge orders return of Honduran man deported to Africa, the legend of Jane Kirkham
The soaring cost of diesel is putting the squeeze on farmers, truckers, and school districts. We look into how they are adapting. Then, ICE deported a man to a country he’d never been to, halfway around the world. Now he’s fighting to get back to Colorado. Plus, we look for the truth behind the tale of a lady stage coach robber and her tragic end.
Email us at [email protected]. Colorado Today is supported by CPR’s members.
Donate to CPR’s Fall Pledge Drive at CPR.org/donate
Read more on t...
Electrical grid upgrades, Bus Rapid Transit: coming soon to Colfax, the inaugural Dolly Days
The Trump administration has awarded $250 million to help Colorado upgrade its transmission system to better connect with other states, and the result could be more renewable energy powering homes here. Then, Colorado’s first Bus Rapid Transit project has snarled East Colfax for years, but now the first section is almost ready to open. Plus, a weekend of Dolly Parton-themed celebrations kicks off today with costume contests and children’s storytimes.
Email us at [email protected]. Colorado Today is supported by CPR’s members.
Read more on the storie...
Methane emission rules tightened, Jeffco tackles pine beetles, Christian Glass memorialized with new art center
Colorado has long been a step ahead of the rest of the country when it comes to reining in methane emissions. New rules will help make sure the technology that does that is actually working. Then, some mountain homeowners are getting help to slow pine beetle damage on their land. Plus, four years after Christian Glass was killed by a sheriff’s deputy, his family has opened a new art center in his honor.
Email us at [email protected]. Colorado Today is supported by CPR’s members.
Read more on the stories in today’s show...
Armed security at USPS facility, homebuilding down, wild horse contraception, the Bug Man of Hollywood
As private security guards are being sent to a postal service processing facility in Denver, some state officials are concerned about timing ahead of the election. Then, the number of single-family homes being built in Colorado is at its lowest level in at least six years. Also, the BLM is turning to birth control to help rein in wild horse herds. Plus, the Tarantula Festival in La Junta is hosting a guest from Hollywood: an entomologist who has spent decades wrangling creepy crawlies for film shoots.
Email us at [email protected]. Colorado Today is supported by...
Oxygen supply scare at UCHealth, FEMA aid denials, Denver neighborhood tries to protect local beavers
Patients at Colorado’s largest hospital had to rely on the emergency backup oxygen after someone disrupted the main supply to the building. Then, the Aspen Acres Fire is mostly contained, but the people who lost their homes to it just found out they won’t be getting help from the federal government. Plus, a Denver neighborhood worries a park upgrade could drive away their beloved beavers.
Email us at [email protected]. Colorado Today is supported by CPR’s members.
Read more on the stories in today’s show:
CPR’s John Daley on the oxy...Medicaid busting the state budget, courts shutdown livestreams over fears of misuse, St. Mary’s glacier has vanished
Medicaid continues to be the 800-lb gorilla in the room when it comes to the state budget — with cost overruns that could get close to a half a billion dollars this year. Then, Colorado judges are turning off the livestreams in their courtrooms, after hundreds of clips of proceedings have shown up on social media. Plus, the snowless winter and summer heat were too much for one iconic snowfield near Idaho Springs.
Email us at [email protected]. Colorado Today is supported by CPR’s members.
Read more on the stories in today’s show:
CPR...Uncertain winter snow forecast, Colorado universities tackle enrollment, fall bird migration
The super El Nino has raised Coloradans’ hopes for an extra snowy winter, but even as we move into fall, forecasters aren’t sure whether the weather pattern will deliver. Then, some campuses in the CU system are seeing a precipitous drop in foreign enrollment, while CU Pueblo has developed a new approach to reach students who might not think of themselves as college material. Plus, millions of birds will cross Colorado this week in their fall migration. You can do one simple thing to make their trip a little safer.
Email us at color...
Travel troubles on the roads, Congress tackles data centers, new Giraffes Center at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
CDOT is warning motorists that it’s shutting down part of I-70 westbound near Denver this weekend. Then, a data center energy bill sponsored by GOP Rep. Gabe Evans passed the House yesterday, another sign that Colorado’s delegation is joining the mounting congressional concern over the AI revolution. Plus, the giraffes at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo have some fancy new accommodations, designed to keep them healthy and stimulated.
Editor's note: When we recorded the podcast Wednesday, the average price of gas in Colorado was $4.26 a gallon. As of Thursday, it had jumped to $4.37, and is now about 7 cents...
Gun safety questions after Evergreen shooting, Trump-backed PAC spends in CO, one-woman show tackles a mother’s dementia
Colorado law requires gun owners to safely store firearms where kids can’t get to them. But last year’s shooting at Evergreen High School has some parents there questioning whether the law is tough enough. Then, a superPAC connected to President Donald Trump is spending a half million dollars to help Rep. Jeff Crank’s reelection effort. It’s the latest sign that Republicans are worried about their future in Colorado Springs. Plus, a new one-woman show in Boulder explores a daughter’s relationship with her mother, as she slips into Alzheimer’s Disease.
Got a cute...
Can Democrats turn rural counties blue, legal showdown looms for the Colorado River, Coloradans don’t like AI
Colorado Democrats have long struggled to win over rural voters, but could their midterm strategy buck the trend? Then, as levels continue to drop on the Colorado River, a Supreme Court showdown is looking more and more likely. Plus, there’s new Colorado polling on AI and Data Centers. Spoiler alert: they’re very unpopular.
Email us at [email protected]. Colorado Today is supported by CPR’s members.
Read more on the stories in today’s show:
CPR’s Caitlyn Kim on what she heard from rural Democrats...‘Aridification’ has reached Denver, farmers frustrated with sewage spill, a foothills hummingbird sanctuary
Forecasts suggest we could be in for another dry winter in Colorado, and that has the state’s largest water utility warning its customers that things like lawns are likely to get even more expensive. Then, in the lower Arkansas River valley, water users are asking hard questions about the spill that poured millions of gallons of untreated sewage into the waterway. Plus, we visit a hummingbird sanctuary in the Jeffco foothills, where tiny fliers fuel up before beginning their epic migrations.
Email us at [email protected]. Colorado Today is supported by CPR’s members.
Re...
Why are so many Coloradans betting on…table tennis? Teaching 9/11 in schools, rare photos from ground zero
For people worried that problem gambling is on the rise in Colorado, there’s one sport in particular they point to: table tennis. Then we take a closer look at the legacy of 9/11. First, students are learning about the influence that moment in history still has on their present. Then, a FEMA photographer from Colorado whose photos from ground zero are now on display in Denver.
Email us at [email protected]. Colorado Today is supported by CPR’s members.
Read more on the stories in today’s show:
CPR’s Ben Markus on Colorada...Where to get a COVID vaccine, Denver mayoral race heats up, drought brings early fall colors
While COVID-19 cases slowly rise across the country, Colorado is trying to fight falling vaccination rates by making it as easy as possible to get the jab. Then, the field is growing in the race to be Denver’s mayor, as incumbent Mike Johnston reckons with a negative approval rating. Plus, Colorado’s leaves are changing color a little early this year, thanks in part to the drought.
Email us at [email protected]. Colorado Today is supported by CPR’s members.
Read more on the stories in today’s show:
CPR’s John Daley on w...Missy Woods sentenced for falsifying DNA evidence, lawsuits over lift ticket prices, Convict Coffee Co.
Yvonne “Missy” Woods, the former CBI DNA analyst accused of manipulating results in hundreds of cases, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison. Then, multiple lawsuits argue the soaring price of lift tickets is the result of illegal collusion by big ski companies. And, a cup of coffee that supports people entangled in the criminal justice system.
Email us at [email protected]. Colorado Today is supported by CPR’s members.
Read more on the stories in today’s show:
CPR’s Allison Sherry on Missy Woods’ sentenced for manipula...Federal disaster help on its way, families frozen out of childcare subsidies, sumo showcase
After being rejected for federal help last year, Colorado communities will finally get access to FEMA funding to help recover from this summer’s wildfires and flooding. Then, Federal subsidies can help working parents afford care for their children, but the waitlist for the program is so long, some children are simply aging out. Plus a rare chance to see professional-level sumo wrestlers in Colorado.
Email us at [email protected]. Colorado Today is supported by CPR’s members.
Read more on the stories in today’s show:
KRCC’s Briana Heaney on the struggle...Purplish takeover: What’s happening with Buc-ee’s?
On this Labor Day, we’re handing the Colorado Today feed over to our colleagues at Purplish. Host Bente Birkeland and KRCC Editor Andrea Chalfin explain why, after being rejected by the small town of Palmer Lake, Buc-ee’s is closer than ever to becoming a reality in northern El Paso County.
Listen to the full episode of Purplish: What the ‘Buc’?Email us at [email protected]. Colorado Today is supported by CPR’s members.
This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Arlo Pérez Esquivel. It’s edited and produced by Stephanie Wolf, Madilyn...
Student ICE protests, trans youth care lawsuit, Denver economic climate, Peter Heller on ‘The Dog Stars’
At schools from Denver to Grand Junction, and many points in between, students plan to walk out of class at noon today to register their anger over the Trump administration’s widespread arrests and detention of immigrants. Plus, the state recently joined a lawsuit over a federal rule making it harder for many trans youth to get gender affirming care. Then, the head of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce talks about what he sees as the headwinds for the city’s urban core. Plus, Colorado author Peter Heller’s thoughts on the movie adaption of his novel, The Dog St...
Xcel data center plan gets pushback, CoSprings Utility proposes new fees for solar customers, Latino voters’ views
Colorado’s largest utility has laid out how it plans to meet the booming demand for energy by data centers. But critics say the plan doesn’t go far enough to require that power come from clean sources. Then, a debate in Colorado Springs over whether new rules could make rooftop solar less attractive for homeowners. Plus, a new poll offers a look at how Latino voters in Colorado view the state and federal governments, and how that could affect upcoming elections.
Email us at [email protected]. Colorado Today is supported by CPR’s memb...
Dangerous ozone summer, confidential voters exposed, private prison lawsuits, Waymo arrives
The numbers are in and Colorado’s air really did have a terrible summer, thanks in part to ground-level ozone. Then, the state accidentally made personal information about confidential voters searchable online, and one of those exposed is the Republican candidate for Attorney General. Plus, new lawsuits argue understaffing is endangering inmates at a private prison in Eastern Colorado. And this week driverless taxis officially started carrying fares through the streets of Denver.
Email us at [email protected]. Colorado Today is supported by CPR’s members.
Read more on t...
Sewage spill in the Arkansas River, ICE brutality allegations, studying dementia in dogs
Communities and parks along the lower Arkansas River have been warned to avoid the waterway as a massive wastewater spill continues to make its way downstream. Then, ICE arrests are up, and immigrant rights groups in Colorado are documenting cases where they say agents have used unnecessary and unlawful force. Plus, a lab at CSU is learning about dementia by studying cognitive decline in dogs.
Email us at [email protected]. Colorado Today is supported by CPR’s members.
Read more on the stories in today’s show:
NPR’s Dhanika Pineda introduces us to Daw...School phone bans take effect, late night drag racing dangers, trying to pick a Colorado ‘smell’
This school year started with a lot fewer mobile distractions in some Colorado’s classrooms. As districts roll out their new restrictions, we hear what some students think of them. Then, after a teen was hit and injured at an unauthorized late-night car meet up, her parents are asking why law enforcement can’t do more to crack down on these events. Plus, Colorado has a state flower, a state tree and two state songs — why not a state aroma?
Email us at [email protected]. Colorado Today is supported by CPR’s members.
Read more on...
Nepalis in Colorado react to flooding, K9 attack aftermath, Denverites bringing history to life
CORRECTION: In today's segment about Colorado's glaciers, we identified the expert voice throughout as Matthew Siegfried from Colorado School of Mines. However, the final two quotes are actually from Dan McGrath, associate professor of geosciences at CSU. We apologize for the error.
The floods and mudslides in Nepal have horrified the world, and for some in Colorado, the pain is personal. Plus, while a collapsing glacier is being blamed for the devastation in Nepal, the things Colorado calls glaciers are quite different. Then, a family attacked by a Jeffco Sheriff’s K9 in their backyard says the de...
Colorado's stake in the Meta settlement, immigration crackdown stresses doctors, FoCo teen bikes to college (in PA!)
Colorado helped lead the lawsuit against Meta for practices the state says have harmed kids. So what will it get from the company’s big settlement? Then, doctors say fear over immigration enforcement is keeping some patients from seeking care, and it’s taking a toll on their providers, too. Plus, a Fort Collins teen may have found the most “Colorado” way possible to get to college.
Email us at [email protected]. Colorado Today is supported by CPR’s members.
Read more on the stories in today’s show:
Read more on toxic algae blooms...CO vows to fight president's mail voting order, CSP troopers attacked, adaptive motorsports, Dolly Parton remembered
Colorado election officials are vowing to maintain the state’s all-mail ballot system, even as the Trump administration moves forward with plans to restrict who can get ballots that way. Then, two state patrolmen were shot in Woodland Park Tuesday, unleashing a huge law enforcement response. Plus, we get a look behind the controls of a new adaptive race car, designed for people with serious spinal cord injuries. And Dolly Parton, remembered not just for her music, but as ‘the book lady.’
Email us at [email protected]. Colorado Today is supported by CPR’s members.
Read m...
Denver’s ambitious hosting hopes, CO again seeks FEMA aid, preventing elder fraud, an expensive historic discovery
From political football to actual football, Denver’s jockeying to host some big-name events in the coming years. Then, Gov. Polis requested federal disaster declarations for two of this year’s wildfires. But after denying similar requests last year, will the President agree? Plus, a new law puts banks on the front lines of fighting fraud against seniors. And how a historic sewer exposed weaknesses in Denver’s financial oversight.
Email us at [email protected]. Colorado Today is supported by CPR’s members.
Read more on the stories in today’s show:
Vote for your f...