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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 6:00 a.m. with hosts Bazi Kanani and Arlo Pérez Esquivel. Follow this show, and consider donating to support future episodes at cpr.org.
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Colorado’s once booming job market has been lagging the nation for a while now, and last year it may have hit an unpleasant milestone. Plus, why thousands of workers at the JBS meatpacking plant in Greeley are preparing to hit the picket line Monday. Then, after two weeks of war Persians in Colorado are holding on to the hope that this could be the start of something better for Iran. And the state is preparing to celebrate its 150th birthday in all sorts of ways, including one that involves an acronym you possibly haven’t thought of in years: NFT.Email us at coloradotoday@cpr.org. Colorado Today is supported by CPR’s members.Read more on the stories in today’s show:
CPR’s Sarah Mulholland breaks down Colorado’s jobs numbers for 2025.
CPR’s Allison Borden on the planned strike at the JBS meatpacking plant.
CPR’s Ava Kian spoke with Iranians in Colorado about their hopes and fears.
CPR’s Haylee May reports on the state’s plans for an art NFT auction.
Denverite can help you with where and how to watch the Denver Summit FC this weekend.
This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Bazi Kanani and Arlo Pérez Esquivel. It’s edited and produced by Arlo Pérez Esquivel, Bazi Kanani, Megan Verlee and Tyler Bender. The executive producer is Megan Verlee. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.
President Donald Trump has long opposed all-mail elections, now he’s trying to strong-arm Congress into banning them. For Colorado, the impact of that change could be significant. Then, ICE officials were on the stand in a Denver courtroom this week, and their testimony gave rare insights into the agency’s operations in Colorado. Plus, we meet two members of Team USA competing in wheelchair curling in Milan, and learn a bit about what the sport entails.Email us at coloradotoday@cpr.org. Colorado Today is supported by CPR’s members.Read more on the stories in today’s show:
6th grader Nikhil Ganta is this year’s winner of the Colorado State Spelling Bee.
CPR’s Caitlyn Kim on President Trump’s push to end mail-in elections through the SAVE America Act.
CPR’s Allison Sherry on what ICE officials told a judge this week during a hearing on warrantless arrests.
Meet the members of Team USA competing in wheelchair curling at the Winter Paralympics.
This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Arlo Pérez Esquivel. It’s edited and produced by Mateo Schimpf, Madilyn Rose, Megan Verlee and Tyler Bender. The executive producer is Megan Verlee. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.
State lawmakers are considering requiring AI chatbots to implement new safety measures as concerns grow about the risks to kids. Then, the School of Mines has a new effort to prepare its undergraduates for jobs in quantum industries, and it involves a lab deep under the earth. And, a film about poet Andrea Gibson, who died of cancer last summer, is up for Best Documentary at the Oscars this weekend.Email us at coloradotoday@cpr.org. Colorado Today is supported by CPR’s members.Read more on the stories in today’s show:
Jesse Paul with the Colorado Sun reports on the bill to put new rules on AI chatbots.
CPR’s Sarah Mulholland on School of Mines’ experimental quantum mine.
Listen to Ryan Warner’s full Colorado Matters interview with Tig Notaro about her documentary on Andrea Gibson, Come See Me in the Good Light.
This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Haylee May and Arlo Pérez Esquivel. It’s edited and produced by Mateo Schimpf, Madilyn Rose, Corey Jones, Megan Verlee and Tyler Bender. The executive producer is Corey Jones. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.
While the war with Iran is thousands of miles away, its effects are already being felt locally. That includes higher prices at the fuel pump. Then, Colorado is in danger of running short on nurses. The state’s universities hope to shore things up. Plus, can pumping oxygen into your home help with altitude sickness and insomnia?Email us at coloradotoday@cpr.org. Colorado Today is supported by CPR’s members.Read more on the stories in today’s show:
Vote for your favorite train name.
CPR’s Ryan Warner on CSU’s new nursing program.
CPR’s Tom Hesse on home oxygenation.
KRCC’s Andrea Chalfin on the death of Sgt. Benjamin N. Pennington.
This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Arlo Pérez Esquivel. It’s edited and produced by Mateo Schimpf, Madilyn Rose, Megan Verlee and Tyler Bender. The executive producer is Megan Verlee. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.
Colorado’s latest wildlife debate centers on fur trapping, where unlike big game hunting, trappers don’t have to report how many animals they take. Then, what a super-deep drilling experiment in Weld County might say about the energy future in Colorado. Plus, we visit a very unusual office party, thrown by artists with an unusual vision for Denver’s empty highrises.Email us at coloradotoday@cpr.org. Colorado Today is supported by CPR’s members.Read more on the stories in today’s show:
Colorado Sun reporter Tracy Ross on the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commision’s vote on commercial fur trapping
CPR’s Sam Brasch on the experimental geothermal drilling project in Weld County.
Denverite reporter Kyle Harris on what a DiY party in an empty highrise could say about the future of downtown Denver.
Tickets for the live show!
This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Arlo Pérez Esquivel and Bazi Kanani. It’s edited and produced by Mateo Schimpf, Madilyn Rose, Megan Verlee and Tyler Bender. The executive producer is Megan Verlee. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.
Governor Polis is between a rock and a hard place when it comes to Tina Peters, the former clerk in prison for helping to tamper with Mesa County’s election equipment. He’s made it clear he thinks her sentence is too long, but shortening it could set off a furor in his party. Then, ten renewable energy projects around Colorado are racing to break ground and buy equipment in time to take advantage of federal help before it dries up. And Colorado Today first hit your podcast feeds on March 3, 2025. But if you’ve ever forgotten your anniversary, you’ll understand why we’re celebrating today.Email us at coloradotoday@cpr.org. Colorado Today is supported by CPR’s members. And don't forget to check out our March 10 event with NPR's A Martinez!Read more on the stories in today’s show:
Denverite’s Kiara DeMare on the long awaited return of snow to Denver.
CPR’s Bente Birkeland and Tom Hesse on the pressures Gov. Polis faces as he decides what to do about Tina Peters.
CPR’s Ishan Thakore on the Xcel Energy projects taking advantage of expiring tax credits
This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Bazi Kanani and Arlo Pérez Esquivel. It’s edited and produced by Madilyn Rose, Corey Jones, Megan Verlee and Tyler Bender. The executive producer is Megan Verlee. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.
A problem with Apple Podcasts caused today's episode not to appear in people's feeds, so we are trying again. Apologies if this means you're getting the same episode twice.A new report raises concerns about conditions inside Colorado’s largest immigrant detention center in Aurora. Then, a long-distance bus network across the state is seeing explosive growth, but the popular service is also running out of money. Plus, a citizen police oversight commission created after the Black Lives Matter protests is now asking to be disbanded. And we take you to one of Colorado’s fiercest competitions this year…. A high school student's battle for the state poetry title.Email us at coloradotoday@cpr.org. Colorado Today is supported by CPR’s members.Read more on the stories in today’s show:
Denverite’s Kyle Harris on conditions in the Aurora ICE detention center.
CPR's Haylee May on Bustang's budget troubles.
KRCC's Andrea Chalfin on Colorado Springs' Law Enforcement Transparency and Advisory Commission request to disband.
More information about Poetry Out Loud in Colorado.
This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Arlo Pérez Esquivel and Bazi Kanani. It’s edited and produced by Mateo Schimpf, Madilyn Rose, Megan Verlee and Tyler Bender. The executive producer is Megan Verlee. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.
A new report raises concerns about conditions inside Colorado’s largest immigrant detention center in Aurora. Then, a long-distance bus network across the state is seeing explosive growth, but the popular service is also running out of money. Plus, a citizen police oversight commission created after the Black Lives Matter protests is now asking to be disbanded. And we take you to one of Colorado’s fiercest competitions this year…. A high school student's battle for the state poetry title.Email us at coloradotoday@cpr.org. Colorado Today is supported by CPR’s members.Read more on the stories in today’s show:Denverite’s Kyle Harris on conditions in the Aurora ICE detention center.This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Arlo Pérez Esquivel and Bazi Kanani. It’s edited and produced by Mateo Schimpf, Madilyn Rose, Megan Verlee and Tyler Bender. The executive producer is Megan Verlee. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.
In today’s show, two new measles cases are causing disruption for some students at a Front Range high school. Plus, Denver is auditioning for a starring role in the next presidential election. Then, a pipe bombing trial decades in the making is delayed in Grand Junction. And a young musician from Denver who’s making a name for herself shredding on the electric violin.Email us at coloradotoday@cpr.org. Colorado Today is supported by CPR’s members. And don’t forget to get your tickets for our anniversary event next week, Colorado Today Live with Up First’s A Martinez.Read more on the stories in today’s show:
CPR’s John Daley on the recent measles cases at Broomfield High School.
Denverite’s Andrew Kenney on Denver’s being named a finalist for the DNC.
CPR’s Tom Hesse on the trial delay in an infamous Grand Junction pipe bombing case.
CPR’s Sandy Battulga’s interview with Denver-born electric violinist Mia Asano.
This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Arlo Pérez Esquivel and Dan Boyce. It’s edited and produced by Madilyn Rose, Mateo Schimpf, Arlo Pérez Esquivel, Megan Verlee and Tyler Bender. The executive producer is Megan Verlee. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.
Colorado’s Democratic members of congress are likely to join an effort to check President Trump’s power to wage war with Iran. Then, Denver has set up a potential federal show down by banning all law enforcement officers — including ICE — from hiding their identities while working. Plus, a bill to remove all criminal penalties for prostitution is stirring up talk at the state Capitol. And bears spend their winters hibernating, so what does it mean when winter never really arrives?Email us at coloradotoday@cpr.org. Colorado Today is supported by CPR’s members. Tickets are still available for our anniversary event next week, Colorado Today Live with Up First’s A Martinez.Read more on the stories in today’s show:
CPR’s Caitlyn Kim on the congressional reaction to the war with Iran.
Denverite’s Andrew Kenney on Denver banning masks for law enforcement.
The Colorado Sun’s Jesse Paul on the prostitution decriminalization proposal at the Capitol.
More information about the Colorado Bear Coalition HERE
Colorado Parks and Wildlife information on 2025 bear encounters
This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Dan Boyce. It’s edited and produced by Mateo Schimpf, Madilyn Rose, Megan Verlee and Tyler Bender. The executive producer is Megan Verlee. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.
President Trump is reportedly considering an emergency order that could upend how Colorado and other states conduct their election. But even if that doesn’t happen, the state’s top election official is concerned by what she’s hearing from Washington. Then, pine beetles are attacking the Front Range’s ponderosa forests with devastating consequences. And a fashion exhibit in Fort Collins explores the hidden history of… Pockets.Email us at coloradotoday@cpr.org. Colorado Today is supported by CPR’s members. Tickets are still available for Colorado Today Live with NPR’s A Martinez.Read more on the stories in today’s show:
CPR’s Bente Birkeland on the election security call held by DHS and FBI.
CPR’s Bente Birkeland on the damage pine beetles are doing along the Front Range.
Listen to today’s Colorado Matters episode for Ryan Warner’s full conversation from the Avenir Museum’s pocket exhibit (closing March 14).
This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Dan Boyce, Arlo Pérez Esquivel and Bazi Kanani. It’s edited and produced by Mateo Schimpf, Madilyn Rose, Megan Verlee and Tyler Bender. The executive producer is Megan Verlee. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.
It’s been a scary week for fire danger on the Front Range, but a ray of hope is on the horizon. Then, Denver Mayor Mike Johnston signed an executive order that limits what ICE can do in the city, setting up potential conflicts between federal and local law enforcement. Plus, parents are turning back to an old technology to help their kids learn communication and social skills: landlines.Email us at coloradotoday@cpr.org. Colorado Today is supported by CPR’s members — thank you to everyone who gave during CPR’s recent pledge drive!Read more on the stories in today’s show:
Get tickets for Colorado Today Live with NPR’s A Martinez.
CDOT warns: Speed warnings begin on I-25 this weekend.
CPR’s Kevin Beaty on the damage from Wednesday’s grassfire in Thornton.
Denverite’s Kyle Harris on the Denver mayor’s ICE order.
CPR’s Allison Sherry on ‘Tin Can’ phones for kids.
This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Bazi Kanani and Arlo Pérez Esquivel. It’s edited and produced by Mateo Schimpf, Madilyn Rose, Arlo Pérez Esquivel and Tyler Bender. The executive producer is Megan Verlee. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.
Do religious schools have a right to public funding? That’s the question at the center of the ongoing debate about an elementary school in southern Colorado that opened last year billing itself as “Colorado’s first public Christian school.” Then, “blight” could be the label coming to the industrial area around Denver’s Burnham Yard, where the Broncos are planning to build their new stadium. That designation could have big impacts on future development there. And, AI-powered robotic masseurs have arrived in Colorado. We tried one out.Email us at coloradotoday@cpr.org. Colorado Today is supported by CPR’s members.Read more on the stories in today’s show:
Ann Schimke reports on the latest fallout from Riverstone Academy for Chalkbeat.
Denverite’s Paolo Zialcita on the Broncos’ blight request.
Get tickets for Colorado Today Live: Up First with A Martinez.
This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Arlo Pérez Esquivel and Bazi Kanani. It’s edited and produced by Mateo Schimpf, Madilyn Rose, Arlo Pérez Esquivel and Tyler Bender. The executive producer is Megan Verlee. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.
A commonly used pesticide in Colorado is under scrutiny after beekeepers say it’s harming pollinators as well as pests, and a new bill is deepening the divide between farmers and environmentalists. Then, we learn more about the deaths of six workers at a Weld County dairy farm and what consequences their employers could face. Plus, a longtime equestrian group drops a controversial element from its performances, and we remember a pioneering voice in Denver radio: James “Dr. Daddio” Walker.Email us at coloradotoday@cpr.org. Colorado Today is supported by CPR’s members.Read more on the stories in today’s show:
Rae Solomon’s story on neonicotinoids for CPR.
CPR’s Chandra Thomas Whitfield on the legacy of James Dr. Daddio Walker.
The Denver Post’s Elizabeth Hernandez on the Westernaires dropping Native American dances from their performances.
CPR's Elaine Tassy with an update about the death of dairy workers in Weld County.
This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Haylee May and Arlo Pérez Esquivel. It’s edited and produced by Mateo Schimpf, Haylee May, Madilyn Rose, Megan Verlee and Tyler Bender. The executive producer is Megan Verlee. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.
From a presidential endorsement snub to a new gerrymandering effort, there’s already a lot cooking around the midterm elections in Colorado. Then, residents and activists from a north Denver neighborhood has scored a small victory against big tech, with the city is changing its approach to the data center boom, at least temporarily. Plus, you’ll hear an Olympian from Colorado reflect on the Milano Cortina games. And, how to help your garden survive Colorado’s historically warm, dry winter.Email us at coloradotoday@cpr.org. Colorado Today is supported by CPR’s members. Tickets for our March 10th event with Up First's A Martinez are still available here.Read more on the stories in today’s show:
CPR’s Caitlyn Kim on the redistricting ballot effort in Colorado and Democratic ambitions to flip CO-5.
CPR’s Sam Brasch on Denver’s data center moratorium.
AP on Lindsey Vonn’s emergency surgery.
CPR’s Ryan Warner and Hayley Sanchez on winter gardening tips.
This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Arlo Pérez Esquivel. It’s edited and produced by Mateo Schimpf, Megan Verlee and Tyler Bender. The executive producer is Megan Verlee. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.
It’s hard to drive very far on the Front Range without having your license plate scanned by an automated camera. But in the face of privacy concerns and fears the data could be used for immigration enforcement, lawmakers may set new limits on their use. Then, an undulating sign made from nearly a thousand LED light poles greets drivers on their way to DIA — but the display is costly — and troubled. And Denver comedian Josh Blue has a new memoir, Something To Stare At.If you’re enjoying Colorado Today, please consider supporting us during the CPR funddrive. All gifts right now are also an automatic entry to win a trip for two to Panama (you can also enter the sweepstakes without a gift): get all the info here.And there’s still time to get tickets to Colorado Today’s first anniversary event, with A Martinez from Up First. More information here.Read more on the stories in today’s show:
Denverite’s Kiara DeMare reports on two state bills that would restrict how data from Flock cameras and other surveillance networks can be used.
CPR’s Ben Markus on why the DIA sign has so many troubles
CPR’s Ryan Warner talks with Josh Blue about his new memoir.
This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Bazi Kanani. It’s edited and produced by Stephanie Wolf, Bazi Kanani, Megan Verlee and Tyler Bender. The executive producer is Megan Verlee. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.
Denver voters approved major funding for mental health care and addiction treatment, but a new audit questions how that money is being handled. Then, a federal judge in Colorado is expressing frustration as ICE agents are accused of continuing to make arrests without warrants, potentially violating his order. Plus, as Lunar New Year celebrations begin, we go behind the scenes with some lion dancers preparing for the big performances.Email us at coloradotoday@cpr.org. Colorado Today is supported by CPR’s members.Join us next month for our anniversary event, Colorado Today Live: Up First with A Martinez, March 10 at the Holiday Theater in north Denver. Get your tickets at cpr.org/coloradotodaylive.Read more on the stories in today’s show:
CPR’s Ben Markus reports on the Denver auditor’s review of spending on mental health, and Ben's original investigation into Caring For Denver.
CPR’s Allison Sherry reports on the feds apparent noncompliance with a court order blocking warrant-less arrest.
CPR’s Sandy Battulga learned how to Lion Dance.
This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Bazi Kanani and Arlo Pérez Esquivel. It’s edited and produced by Mateo Schimpf, Arlo Pérez Esquivel, Megan Verlee and Tyler Bender. The executive producer is Megan Verlee. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.
We have some safety advice after a wacky week in Colorado weather – from fragile avalanche conditions in the high country to deadly dust storms on the plains. Then, one woman's fight to get Colorado to issue her a birth certificate could change the future for other stateless adults. And, one of the last professional theater critics in Colorado shares his recommendations for what to go see this winter.Email us at coloradotoday@cpr.org. Colorado Today is supported by CPR’s members.Read more on the stories in today’s show:
Freelancer John Henderson on Mikaela Shiffrin’s Olympic gold medal performance.
CPR’s Haylee May on Colorado’s dangerous avalanche conditions.
CPR’s Dan Boyce on Colorado’s new rules for stateless people and Abigail McKinnon's life without a legal identity.
CPR’s Raise the Curtain series, which shines a light on Colorado theater and the people who make it possible.
This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Arlo Pérez Esquivel and Bazi Kanani. It’s edited and produced by Arlo Pérez Esquivel, Mateo Schimpf, Megan Verlee, Bazi Kanani and Tyler Bender. The executive producer is Megan Verlee. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.
Colorado’s highest court is back to full strength, after Gov. Polis appointed a judicial veteran to fill its open seat. Then, a splashy set of indictments last summer was supposed to show the danger a Venezuelan gang poses to Colorado, but when CPR News followed up on those legal cases, the outcomes we found tell a different story. Plus, ski areas get all the attention in low snow years, but plenty of other businesses are taking a hit to the bottom line too. And the Swedish DIY furniture giant is preparing to open a third Colorado outpost.Email us at coloradotoday@cpr.org. Colorado Today is supported by CPR’s members.Read more on the stories in today’s show:
CPR’s Rae Solomon on Colorado’s newest Supreme Court justice.
CPR’s Allison Sherry on the plea deals being offered to Venezuelan immigrants arrested on gun and drug charges.
CPR’s Haylee May on the businesses suffering from this dry winter.
CPR’s Ryan Warner covers the 2011 opening of the Centennial IKEA.
This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Haylee May. It’s edited and produced by Mateo Schimpf, Arlo Pérez Esquivel, Haylee May and Tyler Bender. The executive producer is Megan Verlee. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.
It’s a painful question many Colorado homeowners may find themselves asking this year: my home value went down, so why is my property tax bill going up? Plus, men can struggle to make the social connections that are so vital for mental wellbeing. A dinner program in the high country aims to help with that. And we remember a self-taught flutist who delighted downtown Denver for decades.Email us at coloradotoday@cpr.org. Colorado Today is supported by CPR’s members.Read more on the stories in today’s show:
Denverite’s Andy Kenney on what’s happening with Colorado’s property taxes.
CPR’s John Daley on Dude Talk Dinners in Idaho Springs.
You can learn more about Jentry McCombs in two documentaries about his life and music: Denizen ep. 6 by Rob Shearer and Jentry McCombs: 2nd to none and still Number 1.
This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Bazi Kanani and Arlo Pérez Esquivel. It’s edited and produced by Bazi Kanani, Arlo Pérez Esquivel, Mateo Schimpf and Tyler Bender. The executive producer is Megan Verlee. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.
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