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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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Data shows that Coloradans are losing more money than ever to online sports betting. Two bills at the state legislature could put some limits on both sportsbooks and the state lottery. Then, a state program that offers Medicaid-style coverage to undocumented children and pregnant women is way over budget, and could be on the chopping block for big cuts. Plus, Bella’s Bagels in Colorado Springs is headed to a regional taste test in Los Angeles.Email us at coloradotoday@cpr.org. Colorado Today is supported by CPR’s members.Read more on the stories in today’s show:
FAQ on installing a new Archbishop, from DenverCatholic.org.
CPR’s Ben Markus on potential restrictions to online betting.
The Colorado Sun’s Jesse Paul and John Ingold on how Cover All Colorands blew past its budget.
Learn more about the battle for best bagel at bagelfest.com.
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 justice system is under scrutiny over whether some of its youngest defendants are being denied protections meant for those presumed innocent, especially when detention can worsen underlying conditions. Then, state leaders aim to strengthen civil rights enforcement as federal priorities shift… but funding those efforts could prove a challenge. Plus, a CSU researcher is studying the science behind friendship, and what it really takes to find people you click with.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 Allison Sherry on the Juvenile Detention Lawsuit.
Last Week Tonight segment featuring Allison’s work.
CPR’s Elaine Tassy on the Civil Rights Bill.
CPR’s Hayley Sanchez on the science of friendship.
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.
Following a no-confidence vote, Brita Horn says she’ll resign as head of the Colorado GOP after next month’s state convention. But some candidates question whether the party can make it through that all-important step in the primary selection process. Then, in Mesa County organizers are changing the name of the upcoming Cesar Chavez Day celebration, and trying to keep the focus on honoring the labor of farm workers. Plus, who was Phil Milstein and how did his name end up on arguably the worst park in Denver?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 Bente Birkeland and Rae Soloman on disarray in the Colorado GOP
Denverite’s Paolo Zialcita on Phil Mistein, and the woebegone park that bears his name.
This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Arlo Pérez Esquivel and Bazi Kanani. It’s edited and produced by Mateo Schimpf, Madilyn Rose and Megan Verlee. The executive producer is Megan Verlee. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.
Colorado’s prison system is bursting at the seams. To deal with it, the governor’s office wants money to reopen a shuttered prison, but lawmakers aren’t eager to write that check. Plus, the Denver City Council votes next week on the contract for a new vendor to replace Flock’s license plate surveillance system, but concerns remain. And if you’re listening to this with a tissue in your hand, you’re not alone — this year’s allergy season really is a doozy.Email us at coloradotoday@cpr.org. Colorado Today is supported by CPR’s members.Read more on the stories in today’s show:
Purplish explores the prison crowding problem, and the debate over what to do about it.
Denverite’s Kyle Harris on Denver’s replacement for Flock.
This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Arlo Pérez Esquivel and Bazi Kanani. It’s edited and produced by Madilyn Rose, Arlo Pérez Esquive, Megan Verlee and Tyler Bender. The executive producer is Megan Verlee. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.
Colorado is experiencing record temperatures this week, and water managers want people to start thinking about conservation now. Then, disturbing accusations about the late labor leader Cesar Chavez have Denver rethinking whether to honor him. And sentencings this week in two high profile criminal cases. Plus, a state board considers whether to ban Colorado’s SNAP recipients from using their benefits on sugary drinks. And the latest twist in Grand Junction’s long-running baseball team name drama.Email us at coloradotoday@cpr.org. Colorado Today is supported by CPR’s members.Read more on the stories in today’s show:
Rae Soloman on the activation of the state’s drought task force.
Denver’s Paolo Zialcita on Denver cancelling Cesar Chavez celebrations.
CPR’s Ava Kian on the sentencing of former Littleton bus aide Kiarra Jones.
The Associated Press on the sentencing of Carrie Hallford, former co-owner of the Return to Nature funeral home.
CPR’s John Daley on the debate over SNAP benefits and soda.
CPR’s Stina Sieg on Grand Junction’s departed Humpback Chubs.
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.
The group that oversees the National Center for Atmospheric Research is suing the government departments that fund it, arguing NCAR is being dismantled not for policy reasons, but to punish Colorado. Then, the Southern Colorado city of Walsenburg has been without reliable water since last week, as crews try to plug leak after leak. Plus, after a surprising assembly upset, a political newcomer will appear first on Denver’s Democratic ballots, over 15-term congresswoman Diana DeGette. And each year Denver transfers juvenile members of its bison herd to different tribes and nonprofits. We’ll take you to this year’s load up.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 Sam Brasch on the lawsuit to stop NCAR’s dismantling.
Matthew Craddock’s coverage of the Walsenburg water leak for the Huerfano World Journal.
Denverite’s Kiara DeMare on Melat Kiros’ surprisingly strong performance at the Denver Democratic assembly.
CPR’s Molly Cruse on the annual Denver bison transfer.
This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Mateo Schimpf and Madilyn Rose. 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.
We bring you the latest on the strike on one of the largest meatpacking plants in the country. Then, Jefferson County Public Schools is pushing back as the Department of Education accuses it of Title IX violations over accommodations for trans students. And a Colorado producer talks about her work on, “One Battle After Another.”Email us at coloradotoday@cpr.org. Colorado Today is supported by CPR’s members.Read more on the stories in today’s show:
Sam Tabachnik writes about the JBS workers’ strike for the Denver Post.
CPR’s Jenny Brundin on Jefferson County Public Schools
CPR’s Ryan Warner interviews the producer of One Battle After Another
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 lawmakers face painful budget decisions that could affect programs for people with severe disabilities. Then, recycling in Colorado gets a high-tech upgrade, we visit a new facility where AI-powered systems sort materials with air cannons. Plus, rock art sites across the state reveal glimpses into the lives and ideas of people who lived here thousands of years ago.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 CPR’s Bente Budget cuts and disability services
Denverite’s Kevin Beaty AI-powered Recycling
KRCC’s Shanna Lewis on where to find rock art in Colorado
This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Arlo Pérez Esquivel / Bazi Kanani. It’s edited and produced by Mateo Schimpf, Madilyn Rose, Stephanie Wolf, Megan Verlee and Tyler Bender. The executive producer is Megan Verlee. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.
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.
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