Colorado Today

Epizodai

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  Electrical grid upgrades, Bus Rapid Transit: coming soon to Colfax, the inaugural Dolly Days 25.09.2026 12min

  The Trump administration has awarded $250 million to help Colorado upgrade its transmission system to better connect with other states, and the result could be more renewable energy powering homes here. Then, Colorado’s first Bus Rapid Transit project has snarled East Colfax for years, but now the first section is almost ready to open. Plus, a weekend of Dolly Parton-themed celebrations kicks off today with costume contests and children’s storytimes. 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 Energy Department’s big investment in Colorado’s grid Denverite’s Camelia Heins and Paolo Zialcita on the opening of BRT on Colfax CPR’s Elaine Tassy on Colorado’s first Dolly DaysFind celebrations near you This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Arlo Pérez Esquivel. It’s edited and produced by Sandy Battulga, Jackie Sedley, and Michael Hughes. The executive producer is Megan Verlee. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.
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  Methane emission rules tightened, Jeffco tackles pine beetles, Christian Glass memorialized with new art center 24.09.2026 14min

  Colorado has long been a step ahead of the rest of the country when it comes to reining in methane emissions. New rules will help make sure the technology that does that is actually working. Then, some mountain homeowners are getting help to slow pine beetle damage on their land. Plus, four years after Christian Glass was killed by a sheriff’s deputy, his family has opened a new art center in his honor. 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 Colorado’s new methane emission regulations Independent reporter Amanda Williams on JeffCo's tree removal program, as well as proposed solutions to the pine beetle problem CPR’s Tony Gorman on The Creative Grounds arts Center in Lyons This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Arlo Pérez Esquivel. It’s edited and produced by Mateo Schimpf, Madilyn Rose, Jackie Sedley and Michael Hughes. The executive producer is Megan Verlee. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.
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  Armed security at USPS facility, homebuilding down, wild horse contraception, the Bug Man of Hollywood 23.09.2026 14min

  As private security guards are being sent to a postal service processing facility in Denver, some state officials are concerned about timing ahead of the election. Then, the number of single-family homes being built in Colorado is at its lowest level in at least six years. Also, the BLM is turning to birth control to help rein in wild horse herds. Plus, the Tarantula Festival in La Junta is hosting a guest from Hollywood: an entomologist who has spent decades wrangling creepy crawlies for film shoots. Email us at [email protected]. Colorado Today is supported by CPR’s members. Read more on the stories in today’s show: CPR’s Allison Sherry on the U.S. postal service sending private security guards to the state’s largest mail-sorting facility. CPR’s Stina Seig reported earlier this summer on wild horse round-ups CPR’s Ryan Warner and Hayley Sanchez talk with Steven Kutcher, the “Bug Man of Hollywood.”The 2026 La Junta Tarantula Festival Additional reporting done by CPR’s Ben Markus This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Arlo Pérez Esquivel. It’s edited and produced by Sandy Battulga, Jackie Sedley and Michael Hughes. The executive producer is Megan Verlee. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.
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  Oxygen supply scare at UCHealth, FEMA aid denials, Denver neighborhood tries to protect local beavers 22.09.2026 13min

  Patients at Colorado’s largest hospital had to rely on the emergency backup oxygen after someone disrupted the main supply to the building. Then, the Aspen Acres Fire is mostly contained, but the people who lost their homes to it just found out they won’t be getting help from the federal government. Plus, a Denver neighborhood worries a park upgrade could drive away their beloved beavers. 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 the oxygen tampering at UCHealth CPR’s Caitlyn Kim on the most recent denial of FEMA funds for Colorado Denverite’s Paolo Zialcita on the Ruby Hill beaver battle This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Arlo Pérez Esquivel. It’s edited and produced by Madilyn Rose, Sandy Battulga, and Daniel Mescher. The executive producer is Megan Verlee. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.
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  Medicaid busting the state budget, courts shutdown livestreams over fears of misuse, St. Mary’s glacier has vanished 21.09.2026 15min

  Medicaid continues to be the 800-lb gorilla in the room when it comes to the state budget — with cost overruns that could get close to a half a billion dollars this year. Then, Colorado judges are turning off the livestreams in their courtrooms, after hundreds of clips of proceedings have shown up on social media. Plus, the snowless winter and summer heat were too much for one iconic snowfield near Idaho Springs. 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 the state’s ongoing Medicaid funding woes, and on the recent cases of measles CPR’s Ava Kian on Colorado courts’ temporarily dropping livestreaming  CPR’s Amanda Kesting on the melting out of St. Mary’s Glacier This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Arlo Pérez Esquivel. It’s edited and produced by Mateo Schimpf and Madilyn Rose. The executive producer is Megan Verlee. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.
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  Uncertain winter snow forecast, Colorado universities tackle enrollment, fall bird migration 18.09.2026 15min

  The super El Nino has raised Coloradans’ hopes for an extra snowy winter, but even as we move into fall, forecasters aren’t sure whether the weather pattern will deliver. Then, some campuses in the CU system are seeing a precipitous drop in foreign enrollment, while CU Pueblo has developed a new approach to reach students who might not think of themselves as college material. Plus, millions of birds will cross Colorado this week in their fall migration. You can do one simple thing to make their trip a little safer.  Email us at [email protected]. Colorado Today is supported by CPR’s members. Read more on the stories in today’s show: Fox21’s coverage of the Pueblo chile innovation coin  CPR’s Molly Cruse has the latest on the uncertain winter forecast Rae Solomon on the drop in foreign students, and CU Pueblo’s shift to ‘automatic enrollment’ Arlo Pérez Esquivel on the importance of turning off outside lights during bird migrationsPBS Terra: The Movement to Save Our Night Skies This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by 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.
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  Travel troubles on the roads, Congress tackles data centers, new Giraffes Center at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo 17.09.2026 14min

  CDOT is warning motorists that it’s shutting down part of I-70 westbound near Denver this weekend. Then, a data center energy bill sponsored by GOP Rep. Gabe Evans passed the House yesterday, another sign that Colorado’s delegation is joining the mounting congressional concern over the AI revolution. Plus, the giraffes at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo have some fancy new accommodations, designed to keep them healthy and stimulated.  Editor's note: When we recorded the podcast Wednesday, the average price of gas in Colorado was $4.26 a gallon. As of Thursday, it had jumped to $4.37, and is now about 7 cents below the national average. Email us at [email protected]. Colorado Today is supported by CPR’s members. Read more on the stories in today’s show: More details on the short-term closure of I-70 and Kipling CPR’s Caitlyn Kim on Rep. Gabe Evans’ Ratepayer Protection Act passing the House KRCC’s Orien Cenkl’s preview of Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s new International Center for the Care and Conservation of Giraffe View the zoo’s Giraffe Cam here This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Arlo Pérez Esquivel. It’s edited and produced by Arlo Pérez Esquivel, Megan Verlee and Pete Creamer. The executive producer is Megan Verlee. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.
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  Evergreen parents question gun laws, Trump-backed PAC spends in CO, one-woman show tackles a mother’s dementia 16.09.2026 15min

  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 [email protected]. 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.
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  Can Democrats turn rural counties blue, legal showdown looms for the Colorado River, Coloradans don’t like AI 15.09.2026 14min

  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 [email protected]. 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.
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  ‘Aridification’ has reached Denver, farmers frustrated with sewage spill, a foothills hummingbird sanctuary 14.09.2026 13min

  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 [email protected]. 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.
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  Why are so many Coloradans betting on…table tennis? Teaching 9/11 in schools, rare photos from ground zero 11.09.2026 14min

  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 [email protected]. 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.
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  Where to get a COVID vaccine, Denver mayoral race heats up, drought brings early fall colors 10.09.2026 13min

  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 [email protected]. 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.
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  Missy Woods sentenced for falsifying DNA evidence, lawsuits over lift ticket prices, Convict Coffee Co. 09.09.2026 15min

  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 [email protected]. 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.
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  Federal disaster help on its way, families frozen out of childcare subsidies, sumo showcase 08.09.2026 16min

  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 [email protected]. 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.
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  Purplish takeover: What’s happening with Buc-ee’s? 07.09.2026 7min

  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 [email protected]. 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.
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  Student ICE protests, trans youth care lawsuit, Denver economic climate, Peter Heller on ‘The Dog Stars’ 04.09.2026 15min

  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 [email protected]. 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.
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  Xcel data center plan gets pushback, CoSprings Utility proposes new solar fees, Latino voters’ views 03.09.2026 15min

  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 [email protected]. 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.
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  Dangerous ozone summer, confidential voters exposed, private prison lawsuits, Waymo arrives 02.09.2026 14min

  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 [email protected]. 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.
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  Sewage spill in the Arkansas River, ICE brutality allegations, studying dementia in dogs 01.09.2026 15min

  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 [email protected]. 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.
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  School phone bans take effect, late night drag racing dangers, trying to pick a Colorado ‘smell’ 31.08.2026 15min

  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 [email protected]. 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.