Colorado Today

<p>The Colorado news you need in less than 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 <a href="http://cpr.org/"><strong>cpr.org</strong></a>.</p>

Nov. 24, 2025: Undocumented Coloradans lose coverage, Dems under ethics review, Colorado’s car market cools

Thousands of undocumented Coloradans are set to lose their health coverage next year as the state winds down OmniSalud. Then, a group of Democratic lawmakers is facing an ethics investigation over a weekend retreat and concerns about special-interest influence. Plus, what the cooling car-buying market says about consumer confidence and Colorado’s broader economy.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 Mateo Schimpf reports on immigrants losing health insurance coverage. The Colorado Sun’s Taylor Dolven reports on the ethics investigation into a group of Democratic state lawmakers. CPR’s Nathan Fernando-Frescas reports on the car buying market amid Colorado’s economic slowdown. This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Arlo Pérez Esquivel and Bazi Kanani. It’s edited and produced by Mateo Schimpf, Corey Jones, Stephanie Wolf, Rachel Estabrook and Tyler Bender. The executive producer is Rachel Estabrook. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.

11-24
18:41

Nov. 21, 2025: Trump calls Crow a traitor, rare Earth minerals in Colorado, snow and drought, remembering Purnell Steen

President Trump has called Colorado’s Jason Crow a traitor over the congressman’s message to troops. Then, the search for rare Earth elements and critical minerals in Colorado. Plus, an update on the weather, drought, and prospects for ski season. And, we remember a local legend of music and civil rights who died this week.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 Caitlyn Kim reports on the war of words between Trump and Crow. KRCC’s Shanna Lewis reports on the search for rare Earth minerals and elements. Hear the full interview with Lisa Hidalgo on the Colorado Matters podcast.  CPR’s Rachel Estabrook shares more on the life and legacy of Purnell Steen. This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Bazi Kanani. It’s edited and produced by Mateo Schimpf, Stephanie Wolf, Sandy Battulga, Rachel Estabrook and Tyler Bender. The executive producer is Rachel Estabrook. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.

11-21
15:56

Nov. 20, 2025: Teacher detained by ICE returns to Peru, sheriff’s idea to prevent school attacks, legacy of a lynching

A local teacher was detained by ICE and is now back in Peru. Then, after the Evergreen school shooting, the Jefferson County sheriff has an idea she hopes could prevent a future tragedy. Plus, you’ll hear the sounds of a vigil that just took place for a boy murdered by a mob 125 years ago. And, you’ll get an updated snow forecast.Email us at coloradotoday@cpr.org. Colorado Today is supported by CPR’s members.Read more on the stories in today’s show: The Denver Post reports on the Douglas County teacher detained by ICE. Denverite’s Kiara DeMare reports on a vigil for a lynching victim, and the effort to spread his story.  This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Arlo Pérez Esquivel. It’s edited and produced by Mateo Schimpf, Rachel Estabrook and Tyler Bender. The executive producer is Rachel Estabrook. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.

11-20
16:32

Nov. 19, 2025: Storage unit drug bust, buffalo harvest, Denver says goodbye to penny production

Millions of doses of fentanyl were discovered in a storage unit in metro Denver connected to the Sinaloa cartel. Then, an Indigenous ceremony to cull a buffalo, feed Native people, and restore traditions… Right off of I-25. Plus, pennies were made in Denver for more than a century. You’ll hear some of their history, and what currency could be next to cease production.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 Ava Kian reports on the massive fentanyl seizure in metro Denver. CPR’s Sam Brasch and Hart Van Denburg report on the buffalo harvest in Douglas County. This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Arlo Pérez Esquivel. It’s edited and produced by Mateo Schimpf, Sandy Battulga, Rachel Estabrook and Tyler Bender. The executive producer is Rachel Estabrook. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.

11-19
14:15

Nov. 18, 2025: Medicaid may face state cuts next, mobile healthcare alternative, women’s soccer stadium in doubt

Balancing Colorado’s yearly budget is getting harder to do, as the state has entered a cycle of billion dollar budget shortfalls, largely because of Medicaid costs growing out of control. Then, some Coloradans losing health insurance coverage may decide to skip vaccines and screening tests, but there is a new alternative on one corner of the state. Plus, Denver’s national women’s soccer team threatens to leave Denver before it ever starts, and move to the suburbs. And, a brief update on President Trump’s effort to free Tina Peters.Email us at coloradotoday@cpr.org. Colorado Today is supported by CPR’s members.Read more on the stories in today’s show: The Colorado Capital News Alliance’s Jesse Paul reports on the state budget problems. Juanita Hurtado-Huerfano reports on mobile health units in Weld County. Denverite’s Paolo Zialcita reports on the National Women’s Soccer League team threatening to build a stadium in the suburbs. CPR’s Bente Birkeland reports on the latest effort to help Tina Peters. This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Arlo Pérez Esquivel. It’s edited and produced by Mateo Schimpf, Stephanie Wolf, Sandy Battulga, Rachel Estabrook and Tyler Bender. The executive producer is Rachel Estabrook. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.

11-18
15:13

Nov. 17, 2025: Money to upgrade your home, religious schools challenge state laws, preserving Little Saigon

Christian schools in Colorado challenge the state’s laws that bar them from tax money. Then, hear how you can get thousands of dollars to help make energy-saving changes in your home. Plus, it’s good for a meal or some shopping, and now you can hear the people behind Denver’s “Little Saigon” share its history.Email us at coloradotoday@cpr.org. Colorado Today is supported by CPR’s members.Read more on the stories in today’s show: Chalkbeat reports on a Pueblo Christian school’s effort to be publicly funded. CPR’s Sam Brasch reports on energy rebates available for homeowners to upgrade appliances and heating. CPR’s Sandy Battulga reports on a new History Colorado experience about Little Saigon. This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Arlo Pérez Esquivel and Bazi Kanani. It’s edited and produced by Mateo Schimpf, Sandy Battulga, Rachel Estabrook and Tyler Bender. The executive producer is Rachel Estabrook. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.

11-17
17:53

Nov. 14, 2025: Life after shutdown, new homeless strategy in Aurora, drug test finds cancer, Boebert and Epstein

The government is open again, but life won’t just go back to normal for thousands of Coloradans. Then, Aurora has high hopes for a solution to homelessness. But there’s a catch. Can it work? Plus, a Broncos player talks about his recent cancer diagnosis. And Colorado Representative Lauren Boebert stands her ground on the Epstein files.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 Haylee May reports on flight delays at DIA. CPR’s Sarah Mulholland reports on the Federal Center’s missing lunch crowd. Hear the full interview with Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman on the Colorado Matters podcast. CPR’s Kaitlyn Kim reports on Rep. Lauren Boebert’s demands to release the Epstein files. This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Bazi Kanani. It’s edited and produced by Mateo Schimpf, Alejandro A. Alonso Galva, Sandy Battulga, Stephanie Wolf and Tyler Bender. The executive producer is Rachel Estabrook. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.

11-14
17:42

Nov. 13, 2025: Red flags in state economy, school board election shakeups, sculptor’s tribute to a legend

Is Colorado quietly slipping into a recession? CPR journalists take a closer look at the warning signs. Then, the election brought big changes to some school boards. It led to a contentious meeting in Douglas County this week. Plus, sculptor Jane DeDecker in Loveland explains her new tribute to an entertainer who was also an activist and spy.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’s most recent report on Colorado jobs. CPR’s Jenny Brundin reports on changes at the Douglas County school board. CPR’s Ryan Warner interviews sculptor Jane DeDecker. This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Arlo Pérez Esquivel. It’s edited and produced by Mateo Schimpf, Stephanie Wolf, Rachel Estabrook and Tyler Bender. The executive producer is Rachel Estabrook. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.

11-13
16:09

Nov. 12, 2025: Judge blocks social media warnings, church loses case over homeless encampment, gut health and your brain

Colorado lawmakers’ efforts to protect kids from the harms of social media hit another setback — this time in court. Then, it’s a city versus a church in a long battle over helping people who are unhoused in their community. Plus, hear about a new study on veterans linking our gut microbiomes with mental health.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 reports on a judge’s decision to block efforts to regulate social media for teens. CPR’s Tom Hesse reports on Montrose’s court battle with a church in town. CPR’s Andrea Dukakis reports on a study linking gut health with brain health. A probiotics guide recommended by the doctors featured in this episode. This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Bazi Kanani. It’s edited and produced by Mateo Schimpf, Arlo Pérez Esquivel, Rachel Estabrook and Tyler Bender. The executive producer is Rachel Estabrook. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.

11-12
14:59

Nov. 11, 2025: Federal shutdown wind down, Iwo Jima survivor’s story for Veteran’s Day

A plan is being voted on that could end the longest government shutdown in US history. You’ll hear what is in it, what is not, and how Colorado representatives are voting on it. Then, for Veteran’s Day, a special story about a 100-year-old survivor of one of the most famous battles in WWII.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 Caitlyn Kim reports on the winding down of the federal government shutdown. CPR’s Bente Birkeland shares the story of a veteran of the battle for Iwo Jima. This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Arlo Pérez Esquivel. It’s edited and produced by Mateo Schimpf, Megan Verlee, Stephanie Wolf, Shane Rumsey, Rachel Estabrook and Tyler Bender. The executive producer is Rachel Estabrook. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.

11-11
15:46

Nov. 10, 2025: Colorado River deadline, arts economy, marker to a historic bombing, update on flight delays

First, a brief update on travel disruptions due to the government shutdown. Then, the states who use the Colorado River have a significant deadline coming up tomorrow. Plus, the arts economy here appears to be buzzing along – but our habits have changed. And, a tragedy seventy years ago is finally acknowledged 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 and Denverite report on disruptions to air travel. CPR’s Lauren Antonoff Hart reports on a new assessment of the state’s arts economy. CPR’s Ryan Warner shares the story of a new memorial to mark a 70-year-old tragedy. This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Arlo Pérez Esquivel and Bazi Kanani. It’s edited and produced by Sandy Battulga, Rachel Estabrook and Tyler Bender. The executive producer is Rachel Estabrook. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.

11-10
16:43

Nov. 7, 2025: Flight disruptions, anti-immigrant official loses, problems at a state health lab, Ute leadership change

Denver’s among the airports targeted by the FAA to cancel flights starting today as part of the government shutdown. Then, a prominent local ally of President Trump on immigration loses her seat in this week’s election. Plus, an investigation hits leadership  at a state lab that monitors our water and food. And, the longtime leader on the Ute Mountain Ute reservation leaves office.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 Molly Cruse and Denverite’s Kiara DeMare report on flight disruptions. Denverite’s Kyle Harris reports on the ideological shift at Aurora City Council. CPR’s Ben Markus investigates trouble at the state health and environment department. This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Bazi Kanani. It’s edited and produced by Mateo Schimpf, Sandy Battulga, Rachel Estabrook and Tyler Bender. The executive producer is Rachel Estabrook. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.

11-07
17:09

Nov. 6, 2025: Partisan redistricting chances in Colorado, Bloomberg’s millions pay off, astronaut blazes a trail

California Governor Gavin Newsom wants Colorado to redraw its Congressional maps. Some former Colorado commissioners say, “Slow down.” Then, the conclusion of an expensive, years-long political fight. The results are meant to improve kids’ health. Plus, an astronaut explains how growing up in Colorado changed him, in a special story honoring Native American Heritage Month.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 Caitlyn Kim reports on calls for partisan Congressional redistricting. CPR’s John Daley reports on the results of the vote to ban flavored tobacco. Nell London shares the story of the first Native American in space. This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Arlo Pérez Esquivel and Bazi Kanani. It’s edited and produced by Mateo Schimpf, Rachel Estabrook and Tyler Bender. The executive producer is Rachel Estabrook. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.

11-06
17:01

Nov. 5, 2025: Election results, tariffs on cheese, emergency powers requested to keep coal plant open

You’ll hear results from yesterday’s election in Colorado, including whether school lunches can be fully funded. Then, a Republican congressman requests the Trump administration use emergency powers to keep a coal plant running that’s scheduled to shut down. Plus, tariffs mean it may cost you more to create that perfect holiday appetizer this year, particularly if you’re using imported foods. Email us at coloradotoday@cpr.org. Colorado Today is supported by CPR’s members.Read more on the stories in today’s show: More election results from CPR News, Denverite and KRCC. CPR’s Ishan Thakore and Sam Brasch report on Rep. Jeff Hurd’s request to keep Pueblo’s coal plant operating. This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Bazi Kanani. It’s edited and produced by Mateo Schimpf, Stephanie Wolf, Rachel Estabrook and Tyler Bender. The executive producer is Rachel Estabrook. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.

11-05
16:53

Nov. 4, 2025: Dairy workers’ autopsies, judge weighs ICE detentions’ legality, local music lift

You’ll hear updates on the investigation into the deaths of six people at a dairy in northern Colorado in August. Then, a federal judge considers whether ICE is following the law in the state when it detains people with community ties. Plus, Denver band May Be Fern is having a moment. You’ll hear the backstory of one of the band’s hits.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 Elaine Tassy reports on autopsies for six people who died on the job at a dairy in Weld County. CPR’s Allison Sherry reports on a two-day hearing on whether ICE acts legally in detaining people who the agency hasn’t shown are a flight risk. Hear more from May Be Fern on the Local 303. Voter guides. Remember, it's election day! This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Arlo Pérez Esquivel. It’s edited and produced by Stephanie Wolf, Haylee May, Rachel Estabrook, Pedro Lumbraño and Tyler Bender. The executive producer is Rachel Estabrook. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.

11-04
17:49

Nov. 3, 2025: Trump intervenes on wolf reintroduction, health insurance rates rise, laid off federal workers move on

It sparked months of warnings and prompted the government shutdown. Now the health insurance marketplace is open with fewer federal subsidies. Then, the Trump administration is telling Colorado to stop importing gray wolves from Canada. Plus, what laid off federal workers are doing since their jobs got cut.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 John Daley reports on expected rate hikes on the health insurance marketplace. CPR’s Dan Boyce reports on developments in the wolf reintroduction. CPR’s Molly Cruse shares the story of government workers after their layoffs. This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Arlo Pérez Esquivel and Bazi Kanani. It’s edited and produced by Sandy Battulga, Rachel Estabrook, Zain Haque-Piccione and Tyler Bender. The executive producer is Rachel Estabrook. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.

11-03
18:37

October 31, 2025: ICE is physical with protesters, Head Start hurt by shutdown, Día de los Muertos, Casa Bonita strike

Immigration agents used aggressive tactics this week to try to disperse protesters in Durango who were upset about the detention of a family near a school. Then, childcare services for hundreds of families here could be disrupted by the federal government shutdown as it runs into November. Plus, Día de los Muertos is almost here. You’ll get the backstory on these celebrations in metro Denver. And, Casa Bonita workers go on strike. p.s. Remember to turn your clock back this weekend!**Correction: An earlier version of this episode incorrectly characterized the gender of one of the children detained in Durango. The error has been corrected.**Email us at coloradotoday@cpr.org. Colorado Today is supported by CPR’s members.Read more on the stories in today’s show: The Durango Herald reports on the violent confrontation between ICE and protesters. CPR’s Jenny Brundin reports on what will happen to Head Start in Colorado amid the government shutdown. Denverite’s Andrew Kenney explains why Casa Bonita workers are going on strike. This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Bazi Kanani and Arlo Pérez Esquivel. It’s edited and produced by Mateo Schimpf, Stephanie Wolf, Rachel Estabrook and Tyler Bender. The executive producer is Rachel Estabrook. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.

10-31
15:16

October 30, 2025: Energy innovation 'death knell,' surveillance cameras lead to false accusation, Denver Film Fest

President Trump’s own energy goals could be hurt by his decision to cut hundreds of millions of dollars in funding in Colorado. Hear what’s being lost. Then, police used Flock cameras to accuse a woman of package theft. She had to amass her own evidence to fight the charge. Plus, we learn about Carl Bean, the man behind a disco hit that inspired Lady Gaga and a new flick at the Denver Film Fest.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 Ishan Thakore investigates the Trump administration’s cuts to energy grants in Colorado. Denverite’s Andrew Kenney reports on the case of a woman falsely accused because of Flock surveillance footage. The Colorado Matters podcast explores the new film about the original gay rights anthem. The documentary debuts at Denver Film Fest. This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Bazi Kanani. It’s edited and produced by Mateo Schimpf, Bazi Kanani, Rachel Estabrook, Haylee May and Tyler Bender. The executive producer is Rachel Estabrook. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.

10-30
15:57

October 29, 2025: Bystanders shot by police may not get $20 million payout, perceptions of ICE enforcement, spider pets

A group of bystanders shot by an officer were awarded millions of dollars, but the police department says it’s not liable and won’t pay the money. Then, how the public perceives President Trump’s immigration crackdown, as the administration replaces Denver’s ICE chief to double down on its enforcement campaign. Plus, for Halloween, a woman raising nearly 100 pets — each with eight legs.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 reports on the dispute over who will pay a $20m jury award for police misconduct. CPR’s Stephanie Rivera surveys the state about Trump’s immigration crackdown. Denverite’s Kyle Harris and Kevin Beaty go inside the home of nearly 100 spiders. This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Arlo Pérez Esquivel and Bazi Kanani. It’s edited and produced by Mateo Schimpf, Rachel Estabrook and Tyler Bender. The executive producer is Rachel Estabrook. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.

10-29
16:01

October 28, 2025: College aid cut for farmworker kids, Denver bond voter guide, state tries to make snow, ski areas open

Farmworkers here have been part of an effort for decades to get their kids to local colleges. But the budgets for some of these programs are now zeroed out. Then, Denver’s mayor wants voters to approve nearly a billion dollars in debt, and the results may affect you. Plus, it’s the time of year when Colorado will try to manipulate the weather, to get extra moisture out of the clouds, and it’s trying something new. And, two ski areas have opened for the season.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 Jenny Brundin reports on the end of an aid program to help farmworkers’ kids go to college. Denverite’s voter guide to the 2025 election, including the bond questions. This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Arlo Pérez Esquivel. It’s edited and produced by Stephanie Wolf, Haylee May, Rachel Estabrook and Tyler Bender. The executive producer is Rachel Estabrook. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.

10-28
16:29

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