Colorado Today

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, Colorado Today-lovin’ pet pic to share? Or, you know, thoughts and feedback? 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 on the gun safety questions that remain from the Evergreen High School Shooting (publishing later today) Jesse Paul with the Colorado Sun on the No Going Back PAC’s support for Rep. Jeff Crank Colorado Matters’ Andrea Dukakis interviews Kirsten Wilson about her one woman show, “No Contract” This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Arlo Pérez Esquivel. It’s edited and produced by Mateo Schimpf, Madilyn Rose, and Zain Haque-Piccione . The executive producer is Megan Verlee. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.

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 coloradotoday@cpr.org . 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 and the voters they’re trying to woo CPR’s Ishan Thakore on the potential litigation around the Colorado River Compact Magellan Strategies’ polling on Coloradans thoughts around AI and Data Centers. The LA Times on the two young people arrested with a gun in a Waymo This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Madilyn Rose. It’s edited and produced by Madilyn Rose, and Tyler Bender. The executive producer is Megan Verlee. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.

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 coloradotoday@cpr.org . Colorado Today is supported by CPR’s members . Read more on the stories in today’s show: CPR’s Ryan Warner talks with Alan Salazar, CEO of Denver Water . KRCC’s Shanna Lewis on the questions around the Pueblo wastewater spill . CPR’s John Daley on the Conifer hummingbird sanctuary . This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Mateo Schimpf. It’s edited and produced by Mateo Schimpf and Madilyn Rose. The executive producer is Megan Verlee. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.

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 coloradotoday@cpr.org . Colorado Today is supported by CPR’s members . Read more on the stories in today’s show: CPR’s Ben Markus on Coloradans’ frequent bets on table tennis. CPR’s Rae Solomon on how today’s students are taught about 9/11 CPR’s Ryan Warner on the 9/11 FEMA photo exhibit at the CU Denver Experience Gallery This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Arlo Pérez Esquivel. It’s edited and produced by Mateo Schimpf, Madilyn Rose, Jack Armstrong, and Zain Haque-Piccione. The executive producer is Megan Verlee. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.

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 coloradotoday@cpr.org . Colorado Today is supported by CPR’s members . Read more on the stories in today’s show: CPR’s John Daley on where to get a COVID-19 vaccine Visit Denverite’s Politics page for updates on the mayoral race CPR’s Molly Cruse on Colorado’s early fall colors. This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Arlo Pérez Esquivel. It’s edited and produced by Mateo Schimpf, Madilyn Rose, and Peter Creamer. The executive producer is Megan Verlee. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.

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 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 Missy Woods’ sentenced for manipulating state forensic testing Colorado Sun’s Jason Blevins on the lawsuit against the major ski resort companies Denverite’s Kiara DeMare on the coffee shop working to fight recidivism (coming soon) This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Arlo Pérez Esquivel. It’s edited and produced by Mateo Schimpf, Madilyn Rose, and Zain Haque-Piccione. The executive producer is Megan Verlee. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.

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 coloradotoday@cpr.org . Colorado Today is supported by CPR’s members . Read more on the stories in today’s show: KRCC’s Briana Heaney on the struggles to keep water flowing after the Aspen Acres fire CPR’s Caitlyn Kim on Colorado being awarded disaster recovering funds Rae Solomon on Colorado’s ballooning childcare assistance wait list Denverite’s Kiara DeMare on this week’s professional sumo demonstration in Denver This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Mateo Schimpf. It’s edited and produced by Mateo Schimpf, Madilyn Rose, Stephanie Wolf, and Sandy Battulga. The executive producer is Megan Verlee. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.

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 coloradotoday@cpr.org . 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 Rose, and Shane Rumsey. The executive producer is Megan Verlee. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.

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 Stars. Email us at coloradotoday@cpr.org . Colorado Today is supported by CPR’s members . Read more on the stories in today’s show: More information on Vail’s 2026 Rubber Duckie Race CPR’s John Daley on the state’s challenge to a ban on Medicaid funding for gender affirming care for youth Denverite’s Kyle Harris & Andrew Kenney on the Alterra HQ’s move ARCHIVE: Listen to Peter Heller talk about his debut novel, The Dog Stars This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Arlo Pérez Esquivel. It’s edited and produced by Mateo Schimpf, Madilyn Rose, Sandy Battulga, and Zain Haque-Piccione. The executive producer is Megan Verlee. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.

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 coloradotoday@cpr.org . Colorado Today is supported by CPR’s members . Read more on the stories in today’s show: CBS4 on the return of 'The Prize Catch' to Glenmere Park in Greeley CPR’s Ishan Thakore on how Xcel data center plan faces pushback from residents and advocates KRCC’s Briana Heaney covering how Colorado Springs Utilities wants to change how solar customers are billed The Colorado Sun's Jesse Paul on the Latino Policy Agenda poll This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Arlo Pérez Esquivel. It’s edited and produced by Mateo Schimpf, Madilyn Rose, Sandy Battulga, and Pete Creamer. The executive producer is Megan Verlee. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.

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 coloradotoday@cpr.org . Colorado Today is supported by CPR’s members . Read more on the stories in today’s show: Get a peek inside the new wing at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science CPR’s Tegan Wendland on the Front Range’s historical bad ozone summer CPR’s Allison Sherry on the confidential voter data breach CPR’s Ava Kian on recent lawsuits involving the CoreCivic private prison in Bent County Denverite’s Paolo Zialcita on Waymo’s debut in Denver This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Arlo Pérez Esquivel. It’s edited and produced by Mateo Schimpf, Sandy Battulga, Madilyn Rose, and Zain Haque-Piccione. The executive producer is Megan Verlee. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.

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 coloradotoday@cpr.org . Colorado Today is supported by CPR’s members . Read more on the stories in today’s show: NPR’s Dhanika Pineda introduces us to Dawn, the winner of Fat Marmot Week KRCC’s Andrea Chalfin on the sewage spill into the Arkansas River CPR’s Allison Sherry on new allegations of ICE brutality CPR’s Andrea Dukakis visited the Colorado State University lab studying dementia in dogs. This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Arlo Pérez Esquivel. It’s edited and produced by Mateo Schimpf, Madilyn Rose, Sandy Battulga and Daniel Mescher. The executive producer is Megan Verlee. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.

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 coloradotoday@cpr.org . Colorado Today is supported by CPR’s members . Read more on the stories in today’s show: Reporter Zachary Shell covers the DPS cell phone ban for Denverite CPR’s Ava Kian on the dangers posed by street racing on the Front Range CPR’s Sandy Battulga investigates: what is Colorado’s ‘state smell’? This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Mateo Schimpf. It’s edited and produced by Mateo Schimpf, Rae Solomon, Madilyn Rose and Arlo Perez Esquivel. The executive producer is Megan Verlee. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.

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 department never helped with their medical costs. Plus we take you on a voyage back in time, at a park in Denver where history buffs gather to fight and feast. 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 on the local response to the flooding in Nepal From CNN: how to help flood victims in Nepal and Tibet CPR's Tegan Wendland on the sorry state of Colorado's 'glaciers' CPR’s Tony Gorman on the medical debt left behind by a Jeffco K9 attack (story coming Monday) Denverite’s Paolo Zialcita on the Denver chapter of the Society for Creative Anachronism This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Arlo Pérez Esquivel. It’s edited and produced by Mateo Schimpf, Madilyn Rose, Jack Armstrong, and Zain Haque-Piccione. The executive producer is Megan Verlee. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.

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 coloradotoday@cpr.org . Colorado Today is supported by CPR’s members . Read more on the stories in today’s show: Read more on toxic algae blooms here CPR’s Caitlyn Kim on the 47-state settlement with Meta CPR’s John Daley on doctors’ growing stress over treating immigrant patients The Philadelphia Inquirer on Finn Fremstad's 2,000 mile journey to college This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Arlo Pérez Esquivel. It’s edited and produced by Madilyn Rose, Rae Solomon, Mateo Schimpf and Peter Creamer. The executive producer is Megan Verlee. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.

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 coloradotoday@cpr.org . Colorado Today is supported by CPR’s members . Read more on the stories in today’s show: CPR’s Bente Birkeland on Colorado election officials’ fight to defend mail-ballots . CPR’s Molly Cruse on the shooting of two Colorado State Patrol officers in Woodland Park . CPR’s Tony Gorman on the effort to develop adaptive motorsports . Juanita Hurtado Huerfano on how community fundraising revived Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in two Colorado cities . This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Arlo Pérez Esquivel. It’s edited and produced by Mateo Schimpf, Rae Solomon, Megan Verlee and Zain Haque-Piccione. The executive producer is Megan Verlee. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.

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 coloradotoday@cpr.org . Colorado Today is supported by CPR’s members . Read more on the stories in today’s show: Vote for your favorite Fat Marmots here Denverite’s Kyle Harris on Denver’s chances of hosting the DNC Denverite’s Paolo Zialcita on the push to bring the NFL draft to Denver CPR’s Caitlyn Kim on Colorado’s request for a federal disaster declaration CPR’s Elaine Tassy on the new elder fraud prevention law Denverite’s Sandy Battulga on the historic sewer found underneath 16th street This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Madilyn Rose and Mateo Schimpf. It’s edited and produced by Rae Solomon, Madilyn Rose, Mateo Schimpf and Tyler Bender. The executive producer is Megan Verlee. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.

A new plan from the federal government spares Colorado from having to send more water to downstream states, at least for now, and that means some unhappy neighbors. Then, you will likely find more than a dozen statewide initiatives on your ballot this fall — why has that become such a popular avenue to make policy? Plus, Colorado’s overall growth rate has slowed, but some areas are still booming. 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 on where Colorado stands in the new federal plan for the Colorado River . The Colorado Sun’s Colleen Slevin on the history of ballot measures in Colorado . The Colorado Sun’s Jesse Paul on some of the latest measures to qualify for the fall ballot . CPR’s Ava Kian on which Colorado communities are growing the fastest . Tune in for a live taping of Purplish, CPR’s public affairs podcast, tonight at 8pm! Find all the details and a link to watch here . This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Mateo Schimpf. It’s edited and produced by Mateo Schimpf, Madilyn Rose and Rae Solomon. The executive producer is Megan Verlee. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.

Millions of tourists visit Glenwood Springs each year, many to visit the town's hot springs. But locals are concerned that plans to expand a nearby mining operation could forever alter that natural resource. Then, the federal government is rounding up around a thousand wild horses in the state this summer, reigniting the debate over how to manage this iconic, yet not-native species. And, bears! In our houses! In our parks! We put a bear behind the mic and ask him what's going on. 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 on the fight to protect hot springs in Glenwood Springs . Denverite's Kyle Harris on bear sightings in the capitol city . CPR's Hart Van Denburg's photo essay on the BLM's 2024 wild horse round-up . This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Arlo Pérez Esquivel and Mateo Schimpf. It’s edited and produced by Mateo Schimpf, Rae Solomon and Zain Haque-Piccione. The executive producer is Megan Verlee. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.

After weeks of back-and-forth, the state is going to court to try to force the private company running Aurora’s immigrant detention center to cooperate with a public health order. Then, why the end of the Roadless Rule won’t immediately impact Colorado’s National Forests. Plus, a look inside the massive emergency exercise at DIA Wednesday. And Waymo is inviting reporters to ride in its driverless taxis, as the service gets ready to start accepting customers. 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 on the state’s lawsuit against the GEO Group . CPR’s Ishan Thakore on why Colorado is exempt from the rollback of the Roadless Rule . Denverite’s Kiara DeMare on Wednesday’s plane crash simulation at DIA . Denverite’s Paolo Zialcita on his first experience riding in a Waymo . This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Madilyn Rose and Mateo Schimpf. It’s edited and produced by Mateo Schimpf, Madilyn Rose, Rae Solomon and Tyler Bender. The executive producer is Megan Verlee. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.