Advertise on podcast: Colorado Today

Shorts-weather in February? The Front Range is having another warm, dry week as drought worsens around the state. In the shadow of this nearly-snowless winter, Western states are trying to cut a deal on the future of the Colorado River. Then, meet some of Colorado’s Winter Olympians to watch, from comeback stories to first time events. And, fmr. Sen. Ken Salazar’s roots in Colorado go back much further than there’s been a Colorado. Now his family history is part of a new exhibit, "Borderlands," at History Colorado. Email us at [email protected]. Colorado Today is supported by CPR’s members. Read more on the stories in today’s show: Find information on Puppy Bowl XXII. Denverite’s Andrew Kenney on Denver slipping into ‘severe’ drought. CPR’s Ishan Thakore on the approaching Colorado River deadline CPR’s Tony Gorman reports on some of the Colorado athletes at the Winter Olympics  CPR’s Ryan Warner talks with Ken Salazar about “Borderlands” This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Bazi Kanani and Arlo Pérez Esquivel. It’s edited and produced by Mateo Schimpf, Bazi Kanani,Arlo Pérez Esquivel, Megan Verlee, and Tyler Bender. The executive producer is Megan Verlee. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.

The controversy over whether to build a Buc-ee’s on Monument Hill may be on pause, after the company dropped its annexation application. Plus, the investigation into the Evergreen High School shooting ends without charges for the shooter’s parents. Then, Colorado election officials respond to the president’s call for Republicans to “take over” elections in some places. And the family of a man killed by a Douglas County Sheriff’s deputy has filed a wrongful death lawsuit. Finally, meet the Broncos’ Fan(s) of the Year, and the former firehouse they converted into a shrine to the team. Email us at [email protected]. Colorado Today is supported by CPR’s members. Read more on the stories in today’s show: KRCC’s Andrea Chalfin and CPR’s Bente Birkeland on Buc-ee’s change of plans on Monument Hill. CPR’s Ava Kian on the results of the Evergreen High School shooting investigation. Colorado County Clerks head Matt Crane talks to Colorado Matters about President Trump’s call to “nationalize” elections. CPR’s Tony Gorman on the wrongful death lawsuit filed by the family of Jalin Seabron. KKTV tours the converted fire station where the Broncos Fan of the Year couple houses their collection. This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Arlo Pérez Esquivel and Bazi Kanani. It’s edited and produced by Mateo Schimpf, Bazi Kanani, Arlo Pérez Esquivel, Megan Verlee and Tyler Bender. The executive producer is Megan Verlee. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.

Avian flu has returned to Colorado, putting poultry farms, wild birds and backyard flocks at risk. Then, we'll look at efforts by Democratic state lawmakers to put new controls on how immigration enforcement agents operate in Colorado, including opening them up to civil suits. And one of the state’s most well-known Olympians is pushing through a major knee injury to compete on one of winter sports’ biggest stages in Italy. Email us at [email protected]. Colorado Today is supported by CPR’s members. Read more on the stories in today’s show: CPR’s Teagan Wendland on the new avian flu outbreak in Weld County. Here's the USDA's bird flu data. The Colorado Sun’s Taylor Delvon on Democratic efforts to further regulate federal immigration enforcement in Colorado. Outside Contributor John Henderson on Lindsey Vonn's determination to race in Olympics.  This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Haylee May. It’s edited and produced by Arlo Perez Esquivel, Mateo Schimpf, Megan Verlee and Tyler Bender. The executive producer is Megan Verlee. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.

As Colorado struggles to balance its budget, families at risk of losing Medicaid services are anguished — and angry — to learn the program lost tens of millions of dollars due to an overpayment error. Then, the state wants to shutter all of its remaining coal plants by 2031, but the Trump administration has thrown a wrench in those plans. Plus, the Colorado Symphony just wrapped up a sold out run on two of New York City’s most legendary stages — and hopes its home state takes note. 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 reaction to the Medicaid overbilling revelations. CPR’s Sam Brasch on the fight over the future of Colorado’s coal plants. CPR’s Caitlyn Kim on the Colorado Symphony’s New York City concerts. 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.

Colorado parents could soon be allowed to use federal education dollars for private school tuition and other expenses , a shift supporters say opens the door to new possibilities. Then, a Colorado family pleads for help as they wait for answers about a loved one being held by the Taliban. Plus, in Colorado Wonders, we tour a corner of Denver where developers once imagined building a Scottish-style village,  and the traces of that vision that still remain. Email us at [email protected]. Colorado Today is supported by CPR’s members. Read more on the stories in today’s show: CPR’s Jenny Brundin reports on Colorado signs up for federal scholarship program that could fund private education CPR’s Sarah Mulholland  reports on Streets in Denver’s Highlands neighborhood tell a story about a Scottish-inspired dream This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Arlo Pérez Esquivel and Bazi Kanani. It’s edited and produced by Mateo Schimpf, Megan Verlee and Tyler Bender. The executive producer is Megan Verlee. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.

Colorado’s political climate is growing more intense, with protests and public confrontations adding new pressure on its members of Congress. Then, a second fatal crash this winter involving a youth sports team. And Democratic lawmakers approve roughly 800 new prison beds despite no progress on a plan to reduce the state’s inmate population. Plus, most Colorado teachers are white, while most of their students are kids of color. That has one classroom asking whether representation matters… and what could change. Email us at [email protected]. Colorado Today is supported by CPR’s members. Read more on the stories in today’s show: Denverite's Andrew Kenney on DPS participation in Friday's general strike. CPR’s Caitlyn Kim, Bente Birkeland and Denverite’s Kiara DeMare on Colorado congressmembers facing angry crowds. CPR's Tony Gorman on the fatal crash snowplow crash on I-70. KUNC’s Kyle McKinnon on state lawmakers reversing course on prison funding.  CPR’s Jenny Brundin on students taking on the shortage of teachers of color. This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Arlo Pérez Esquivel. It’s edited and produced by Bazi Kanani, Mateo Schimpf, Megan Verlee and Tyler Bender. The executive producer is Megan Verlee. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.

Schools and health care facilities could ask a judge to remove someone’s gun, under an expansion of Colorado’s Red Flag law being considered at the state Capitol. The idea is to head of suicides or violent attacks before they can happen, but opponents are worried about how the law could be used. Then, city officials in Telluride and neighboring Mountain Village have had to resign over off-the-books negotiations with the owner of Telluride Ski & Golf. We catch up on all the mountain town drama. And Colorado has a new Poet Laureate: Crisosto Apache. Email us at [email protected]. Colorado Today is supported by CPR’s members. Read more on the stories in today’s show: Colorado Matters’ interviewed author Shelley Read. KUNC’s Lucas Brady Woods on the effort to expand Colorado’s Red Flag gun law. CPR’s Tom Hesse on the drama around local officials’ meeting with the owner of Telluride Ski & Golf. CPR’s Rae Soloman on Crisosto Apache, Colorado’s 11th Poet Laureate. Win tickets to Yo-Yo Ma’s concerts in Colorado. This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Bazi Kanani. 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.

From moving Space Command to shutting down NCAR, Democrats say President Trump is singling out Colorado. Republicans see it differently. Plus, new census numbers suggest the state’s population boom has turned into more like a trickle. And, a couple working to create photos you can touch and feel, not just see.  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 Colorado lawmakers reacting to Trump’s actions against the state. Denverite’s Andy Kenney on Colorado’s slowing population growth. CPR’s Haylee May on the state’s 10-year wildlife plan winning federal approval. CPR’s Lauren Antonoff Hart reports on two artists who developed a technique for printing tactile photographs.  CPW's interactive species data. This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Arlo Pérez Esquivel / Bazi Kanani. It’s edited and produced by Mateo Schimpf, Stephanie Wolf, Sandy Battulga, Megan Verlee and Tyler Bender. The executive producer is Megan Verlee. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.

Colorado voters are being asked to decide whether local law enforcement should have to contact immigration authorities in certain cases. Plus, ICE agents reportedly left calling cards with violent implications at the site of Eagle County arrests last week. Then, can a plan to inject cow manure deep under Colorado play a small role in helping rewind climate change? And a musical lift with a psychedelic cumbia from local act, The Savage Blush. Email us at [email protected]. Colorado Today is supported by CPR’s members. Read more on the stories in today’s show: The text of Advance Colorado’s proposed constitutional amendment on immigration enforcement. CPR’s Allison Sherry reports on Ace of Spades cards left by ICE in the high country. CPR’s Sam Brasch on the manure-based carbon capture plans of Vaulted Deep. Indie 102.3’s Local 303 feature on The Savage Blush. This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Arlo Pérez Esquivel. It’s edited and produced by Mateo Schimpf, Stephanie Wolf, and Megan Verlee and Tyler Bender. The executive producer is Megan Verlee. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.

Amid the cold and snow in Denver this weekend, Broncos fans saw their Super Bowl hopes dashed, while demonstrators gathered at the state Capitol to protest the killing of Alex Pretti. Then, state lawmakers are frustrated with the Department of Corrections over the growing prison population. Plus, the legalization of sports gambling in Colorado has come with a rise in gambling addiction. And, the reopened investigation into gonzo journalist Hunter S. Thompson's death has wrapped up. Email us at [email protected]. Colorado Today is supported by CPR’s members. Read more on the stories in today’s show: The Associated Press on Alex Pretti's parents' statement after his killing by Border Patrol agents. CPR’s Bente Birkeland on the fight over how to handle crowding in state prisons. CPR’s Andrea Dukakis and Ben Markus on the rise in gambling addiction. CPR’s Ava Kian on the conclusion of the Hunter S. Thompson death reinvestigation. This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Arlo Pérez Esquivel and Bazi Kanani. It’s edited and produced by Mateo Schimpf, Megan Verlee, Arlo Pérez Esquivel, Bazi Kanani and Tyler Bender. The executive producer is Megan Verlee. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.

Colorado now has a new way for people to report alleged misconduct by federal agents,  including ICE, as state leaders say they want better oversight and documentation. Then, Colorado Parks and Wildlife says no new wolves will be brought to the state this year, after federal action stopped Colorado from importing wolves from Canada. Plus, a local musician and radio host who’s worked with major pop acts explains why you might want to spend a little more time listening to classical music, too. Email us at [email protected]. Colorado Today is supported by CPR’s members. Read more on the stories in today’s show: CPR’s Ava Kian reports on ICE and knowing your rights. CPR’s Sam Brasch reports on failing to find winter wolves. This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Arlo Pérez Esquivel and Bazi Kanani. It’s edited and produced by Mateo Schimpf, Megan Verlee, Arlo Pérez Esquivel, Bazi Kanani and Tyler Bender. The executive producer is Megan Verlee. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.

A real dose of winter is finally on the way. We break down what to expect in Colorado this weekend, and what meteorologists see longer-term for the snow outlook. Then, Colorado bucks a national trend when it comes to organ donations and transplants. Plus, introducing an unusual sporting combination: dodgeball meets archery. Email us at [email protected]. Colorado Today is supported by CPR’s members. Read more on the stories in today’s show: Colorado nominations for the James Beard Award semifinalists. CPR’s Tegan Wendland on this winter's snow drought. CPR’s Haylee May reports on the status of organ donations in Colorado as the nation, overall, experiences a decline. KRCC’s Kendra Carr on the mash-up of dodgeball and archery. This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Arlo Pérez Esquivel. It’s edited and produced by Stephanie Wolf, Megan Verlee and Tyler Bender. The executive producer is Megan Verlee. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.

Dinosaur National Monument has its first new dinosaur discovery in a century. Then, when Xcel cut power in December to guard against wildfire, it left hundreds of Boulder businesses in the dark, and sent their bottom lines into the red. Plus, Colorado is trying again to unlock disaster funding for fires and floods, after it was denied by President Trump. And data centers are driving a historic construction boom. Now state lawmakers will consider two very different options for dealing with them. Finally, a tiny skateboard subculture has a new gathering spot on West Colfax — it’s the return of the fingerboard!  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 the losses companies suffered from Xcel’s public safety blackouts. KRCC’s Briana Heaney on Colorado appealing disaster aid rejection for 2025 fires and flooding. CPR’s Sam Brasch on dueling data center proposals at the legislature. Denverite’s Kevin Beaty on a Lakewood gathering spot for fingerboarding enthusiasts. This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Haylee May. 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.

A recent survey shows Colorado teachers are unhappy with their jobs, and it’s driving them away from the profession. Then, a Denver band is in a fight with its AI twin. We talk to its members about a case of mistaken identity – and what they can do about it. And, you might want to think twice about using the phrase rodeo clown. Protecting the riders in the ring is no joke. As promised, you can find Colorado's current custom license plate auction here. Email us at [email protected]. Colorado Today is supported by CPR’s members. Read more on the stories in today’s show: CPR’s Jenny Brundin reports on what’s driving Colorado teachers away from work. Hear more about Canada night at the The National Western Stock Show on the Colorado Matters podcast. This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Arlo Pérez Esquivel and Bazi Kanani. It’s edited and produced by Mateo Schimpf, Megan Verlee and Tyler Bender. The executive producer is Megan Verlee. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.

The tourism boom in Colorado’s mountains hasn’t totally gone bust, but resort communities are definitely feeling the slowdown, and making plans for an uncertain future. Then, a special tribute on this Martin Luther King Jr. Day, looking back at a hymn King first heard in Denver and carried with him for the rest of his life. And forty years after it began, how Colorado became home to one of the largest MLK commemorations in the country. Email us at [email protected]. Colorado Today is supported by CPR’s members. Read more on the stories in today’s show: The Associated Press on the Bronco’s win and Bo Nix’s season-ending injury. CPR’s Sarah Mulholland on the decline in mountain tourism CPR’s Elaine Tassy on Dr. King’s connections to Colorado  This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Bazi Kanani and Arlo Pérez Esquivel. It’s edited and produced by Bazi Kanani, Megan Verlee and Arlo Pérez Esquivel. The executive producer is Megan Verlee. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.