Colorado Today

Episodes

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  Conservative ballot measures in a liberal legislature, water success on the Western Slope, Columbine survivor memoir 10.11.2026 17m

  Colorado’s next governor and legislature will have to implement ballot measures many of them are opposed to. Then, as the region continues to dry, the Western Slope is finding new ways to make every drop count. Plus, a new memoir traces the long shadow mass shootings leave on those who survive 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 Sun’s Jesse Paul and Jennifer Brown on the potential tweaks Democrats are considering to the recently-passed ballot measures. CPR’s Tom Hesse on how tax funds have helped lessen drought impacts on the Western Slope CPR’s Ryan Warner interviews Krista Hanley about her memoir, How to Survive a Mass Shooting. This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Arlo Pérez Esquivel and Jackie Sedley. It’s edited and produced by Mateo Schimpf, Madilyn Rose, and Michael Hughes. The executive producer is Megan Verlee. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.
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  Republican Party’s future in Colorado, clergy learn about red flag law, octogenarian hockey players 09.11.2026 18m

  After their drubbing last week, Republican leaders are questioning how the party can regain some of its lost influence in Colorado. Then, many people turn to religious leaders in a time of crisis. A new training aims to help those leaders understand their options when the person confiding in them seems like they could be a danger to themself or others. You might think ice hockey is a young person’s game — but never tell that to the inductees of the 80+ Hockey Hall of Fame. 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 the future of the Colorado GOP CPR’s Haylee May on clergy and Colorado’s red flag law CPR’s Tony Gorman on the 80+ Hockey Hall of Fame Legends Showcase This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Arlo Pérez Esquivel and Mateo Schimpf. It’s edited and produced by Mateo Schimpf, Madilyn Rose and Megan Verlee. The executive producer is Megan Verlee. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.
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  Boebert poised to lose CD-4, Durango flood updates, Denver bans foie gras 06.11.2026 15m

  Democrat Eileen Laubaucher led Republican incumbent, Lauren Boebert, by around 3,000 votes on Thursday evening. What’s behind the potential flip in Colorado’s Fourth Congressional District? Then, more than 50 people have been rescued from the recent floods in Southern Colorado. We get an update from Durango on how people are recovering. And, we bid farewell to a certain delicatessen 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 Caitlyn Kim on Lauren Boebert’s fight to keep her congressional seat. CPR News is updating coverage on flooding in southern Colorado. Denverite’s Kyle Harris covered the decision to ban foie gras in Denver. This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Jackie Sedley. It’s edited and produced by Arlo Pérez Esquivel, Megan Verlee and Michael Hughes. The executive producer is Megan Verlee. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.
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  Is it ‘all aboard’ for the Front Range train, CSprings congressional contest, CO’s political history 05.11.2026 15m

  Editor's Note: The original audio for this episode of Colorado Today contains an error. We said Amendment 85, which requires ballot measures be written at an 8th grade level, was passing. As of Thursday morning, it had gotten more than 50% of the vote, but as a constitutional amendment, it needs 55% to pass. The show audio has been updated. Front Range voters gave the green light to a new tax for passenger rail, so when will things really get rolling? Then, Colorado Springs might be about to send its first Democrat to Congress, ever. Jessica Killen talks about her priorities if she goes to Washington. Plus, people keep saying this was a historic election in Colorado, so we talked to someone on our team who’s seen her share of the state’s political history. Email us at coloradotoday@cpr.org. Colorado Today is supported by CPR’s members. Read more on the stories in today’s show: Find the latest results from all races on CPR’s 2026 Election page This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Arlo Pérez Esquivel and Jackie Sedley. It’s edited and produced by Mateo Schimpf, Madilyn Rose, Megan Verlee and Michael Hughes. The executive producer is Megan Verlee. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.
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  Election results: Dems sweep statewide races, flip congressional seats; what passed and failed on the ballot 04.11.2026 17m

  Colorado voters delivered a historic election result, with Democrats leading in all four of the state’s Republican-held congressional districts as votes continue to be counted. Democrats also made gains across state offices, sending familiar faces into new roles. We break down the ballot measures and election results that could reshape Colorado’s laws, from public education funding to criminal justice and transgender athletes in sports. Plus, we take you to watch parties across the state.  Email us at coloradotoday@cpr.org. Colorado Today is supported by CPR’s members. Read more on the stories in today’s show: Statewide election results CPR’s Caitlyn Kim on Colorado’s congressional race flips CPR’s Bente Birkeland on Weiser’s swift victory in the governor’s race CPR’s results page for statewide ballot measures This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Jackie Sedley and Arlo Pérez Esquivel. It’s edited and produced by Mateo Schimpf, Madilyn Rose, Jackie Sedley, Arlo Pérez Esquivel and Megan Verlee. The executive producer is Megan Verlee. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.
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  Flooding in Durango, Universal Pre-K heads to Supreme Court, deal over forced labor claims at Aurora ICE facility 03.11.2026 14m

  The southwestern corner of the state is dealing with a second round of historic flooding, with muddy floodwaters overwhelming communities and disrupting daily life. Then, the U.S. will hear arguments Tuesday over Colorado’s Universal Preschool program, and whether the state can require religious preschools follow nondiscrimination policies in order to get funding. Plus, after more than a decade of legal wrangling, a class action lawsuit alleging forced labor at the Aurora immigrant detention center reached a deal on the eve of trial. Email us at coloradotoday@cpr.org. Colorado Today is supported by CPR’s members. Read more on the stories in today’s show: How to look up ballot drop boxes and voting locations in your county CPR’s Haylee May on flooding in the Durango area and Stina Seig on flood damage around Pagosa Springs Chalkbeat’s Ann Schimke on Catholic preschools’ challenge to Colorado Universal Pre-K program rules CPR’s Allison Sherry on the settlement in the class action lawsuit against detainee labor at the GEO facility in Aurora This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Arlo Pérez Esquivel and Jackie Sedley. It’s edited and produced by Mateo Schimpf, Jackie Sedley, Arlo Pérez Esquivel, Megan Verlee and Michael Hughes. The executive producer is Megan Verlee. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.
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  Where do Colorado’s congressional races stand? Voter concerns ahead of the election, county clerks brace for trouble 02.11.2026 17m

  With less than 24 hours to go before Election Day, we get a final update on Democrats’ ambitious play to flip one or more congressional seat in Colorado. Then, how are your fellow Coloradans feeling this election season? We hear from voters across the state. And, for election professionals, this fall has been a particularly fraught time — how are they preparing for any potential election challenges? 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 Madilyn Rose on flooding in southwestern Colorado Jesse Paul from the Colorado Sun on the race in Colorado’s 5th Congressional District. CPR’s Caitlyn Kim on how voters are feeling in the 5th congressional district and in the 8th Congressional District CPR’s Stephanie Wolf on clerks’ preparations for any potential election interference This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Arlo Pérez Esquivel and Mateo Schimpf. It’s edited and produced by Arlo Pérez Esquivel, Mateo Schimpf, Madilyn Rose and Megan Verlee. The executive producer is Megan Verlee. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.
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  Voters weigh limits on trans youth, Boulder firebomber guilty plea, creepy Colorado ghost stories 30.10.2026 16m

  There aren’t many trans youth participating in competitive sports in our state, and minors getting gender affirming surgery are even rarer. But voters may decide to ban both those things in Colorado. Then, federal election monitors will not be allowed inside Vote Centers on Election Day, and the man who attacked a peaceful protest in Boulder pleads guilty on federal hate crimes charges.  Plus, just in time for Halloween, we share some creepy Colorado stories that might make you think twice about what’s lurking in your basement… 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 voter guide on Proposition 134 and Proposition 135 CPR’s Bente Birkeland on the state’s requirements for federal election monitors CPR’s Allison Sherry on Mohamad Soliman’s guilty plea on federal hate crime charges CPR’s Shelby Filangi compiled listener’s ghost stories into Creepy Colorado This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Arlo Pérez Esquivel and Jackie Sedley. It’s edited and produced by Mateo Schimpf, Jackie Sedley, Megan Verlee and Zain Hacque Piccione. The executive producer is Megan Verlee. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.
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  Should mail ballots require voter ID? Tina Peters’ election conspiracy tour, the science of hating candy corn 29.10.2026 17m

  Colorado has done a lot to make it easier to vote, but voters this fall will decide whether people should have to do a bit more to prove their ballot belongs to them. Then, as worries swirl around potential federal election interference, a familiar Colorado figure has hit the road, again sowing distrust in the vote. Plus, there’s one Halloween candy that sparks more debates than any other. We look into the science behind those strong feelings around candy corn. 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 Ban Markus on the arguments and spending around Amendment 84 CPR’s Bente Birkeland, Tom Hesse and Nicole Vap on Tina Peters’ post-release travel CPR’s Haylee May on why people love to hate candy corn (publishes Friday morning) This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Arlo Pérez Esquivel and Jackie Sedley. It’s edited and produced by Mateo Schimpf, Madilyn Rose, and Michael Hughes. The executive producer is Megan Verlee. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.
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  Melat Kiros and Denver’s political future, new money to take on PFAS, ‘Mortified’ brings teen diaries to the stage 28.10.2026 16m

  Democratic Socialist Melat Kiros is in her final week of campaigning for Denver’s House seat — in a race that could have a wider impact on the city’s politics. Then, the head of the EPA chose Colorado to announce a new effort to find solutions to PFAS pollution. And, for the past decade, ‘Mortified’ has given Denverites a chance to share the deepest darkest thoughts of their teen years … In front of a live audience. 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 Dan Boyce on clean up efforts as floods recede in Southern Colorado Denverite’s Voter Guide to the 1st Congressional District candidates CPR’s Ishan Thakore on the EPA’s new effort to take on ‘forever chemicals’ More information about Mortified’s 10th anniversary show This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Jackie Sedley. It’s edited and produced by Mateo Schimpf, Jackie Sedley, Megan Verlee and Michael Hughes. The executive producer is Megan Verlee. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.
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  Flood damage in the SLV, Colorado’s carbon sequestration ambitions, coffin racing in Manitou Springs 27.10.2026 17m

  The impacts from last weekend’s slow moving storm keep spreading through southern Colorado. We meet a business owner in one tiny community who’s still figuring out what he lost, and hear how water company employees known as ‘ditch riders’ helped keep things from being even worse. Then, Colorado recently got federal permission to start permitting carbon sequestration projects. But the technology comes with a lot of controversy. And in Manitou Springs last weekend, the 32nd Emma Crawford Coffin Races helped keep things weird. 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 Tony Gorman reports on the latest with the flooding in southwestern Colorado CPR’s Jinny Kim on the debate over carbon capture and sequestration  KRCC’s Jess Hazel on the history of the Emma Crawford Coffin Races (archive) Owen Woods from the Alamosa Citizen on flooding in southern Colorado This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Arlo Pérez Esquivel and Jackie Sedley. It’s edited and produced by Mateo Schimpf, Arlo Pérez Esquivel, Jackie Sedley and Michael Hughes. The executive producer is Megan Verlee. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.
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  Flooding in southwest Colorado, Ballot proposition NN, ICE flights at DIA, Ballot postage FAQs 26.10.2026 18m

  Communities in southwest Colorado are cleaning up and recovering after the San Juan River crested late last week, bringing intense flooding. Then, why school districts are pinning their hopes on voters this fall. And, how 9News uncovered DIA’s little-known role in moving detained immigrants around the country. Plus, we answer some common questions about mail-in ballots and postage. 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 Tony Gorman on the flooding in southwest Colorado CPR’s Rae Solomon on Proposition NN 9New’s Chris Vanderveen on the increase in  ICE flights out of DIA Handy FAQs on mail-in ballots from the Secretary of State’s office This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Arlo Pérez Esquivel and Jackie Sedley. 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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  Federal election monitors in Colorado, whether to simplify ballot language, and a new queer roller rink 23.10.2026 15m

  Adams County is in one of the most competitive congressional districts in the country, and now the Justice Department says it wants to have a closer eye on voting there. Then, a proposed amendment aims to make Colorado’s ballot language easier to understand, but some worry it would have other results. Plus, today is the grand opening of Rainbow Dome, a new roller rink built specifically with the metro area’s queer community in mind. 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 Tony Gorman on the coming change in the weather CPR’s Bente Birkeland and Caitlyn Kim on the federal plan for election monitors in Adams County CPR’s Ben Markus on Amendment 87 and the complexity around simplifying ballot language Denverite’s Camelia Heins on the grand opening of Rainbow Dome roller rink This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Arlo Pérez Esquivel and Jackie Sedley. It’s edited and produced by Arlo Pérez Esquivel, Jackie Sedley, Megan Verlee and Zain Haque-Piccione. The executive producer is Megan Verlee. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.
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  Denver’s water crackdown results, retired priest released from ICE detention, Colorado’s saffron experiment 22.10.2026 13m

  Denver Water implemented a strict lawn watering ban on October first. Early data suggests it's working. Then, a retired Ugandan priest had to be carried out of an ICE detention center in Aurora this week, after a judge ordered his release. The asylum-seeker claims he suffered malnutrition and pneumonia, and received minimal health care, while in federal custody. Plus, could the world’s most valuable spice become a financial lifeline for Colorado’s agriculture? 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 Jinny Kim on the early results of Denver Water’s October irrigation ban CPR’s Allison Sherry’s earlier reporting on Edward Nalwamba and concerns over health care for detained immigrants This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Arlo Pérez Esquivel and Jackie Sedley. It’s edited and produced by Mateo Schimpf, Madilyn Rose, and Michael Hughes. The executive producer is Megan Verlee. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.
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  Suspicious letters to CO Congressmembers, the Attorney General's race, how an inmate made the case for early release 21.10.2026 14m

  Five members of Colorado’s congressional delegation say their offices have received threatening letters with unidentified white powder, bringing up memories of the anthrax attacks of a quarter century ago. Then, in the attorney general’s race, the candidates are divided by their legal experience, and their approach to the Trump administration. Plus, the story of how a man serving a 30 year sentence for armed robbery convinced the prosecutor who put him there that he deserves a second chance. 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 Tony Gorman on the I-70 glare detours coming soon to Floyd Hill CPR’s Nicole Vap and NPR on threatening letters sent to members of Congress CPR’s Allison Sherry on the race for Attorney General CPR’s Ava Kian on the story of Taveuan Williams’ early release from prison This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Arlo Pérez Esquivel and Jackie Sedley. It’s edited and produced by Mateo Schimpf and Michael Hughes. The executive producer is Megan Verlee. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.
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  Early voting turnout so far, Denver’s late-night hotdog problem, and returning sacred artifacts to tribes 20.10.2026 16m

  With two weeks until Election Day, we check in on early voting in Colorado and what turnout looks like so far. Then, downtown Denver’s late-night food scene is facing scrutiny over unlicensed hotdog vendors, including a fire that sent bystanders scrambling. Plus, a look at how History Colorado is working with tribes to steward sacred artifacts, or return them to the to the communities they were taken from.  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 early ballot returns Business Den’s Max Scheinblum Exploding Hotdogs Carts   Learn more about History Colorado's NAGPRA program This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Arlo Pérez Esquivel and Jackie Sedley. It’s edited and produced by Mateo Schimpf, Madilyn Rose, and Michael Hughes. The executive producer is Megan Verlee. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.
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  Colorado teens' changing attitudes on drugs, a multi-million dollar water theft, meet the “Governor for a day” 19.10.2026 14m

  After years of struggling to contain opioid overdose deaths, a new survey shows Colorado teens are now less likely to try fentanyl or prescription drugs. Then, a Denver man is accused of stealing millions of dollars worth of Colorado water -- but why? And, meet the Aurora teen who became Colorado’s Governor for a day.  Email us at coloradotoday@cpr.org. Colorado Today is supported by CPR’s members. Read more on the stories in today’s show: Rae Solomon on this week's free college application days CPR’s John Daley on Colorado teens’ shifting stance on pills and fentanyl CPR’s Ava Kian on the high country water theft case Rae Solomon on the Aurora teen who was Governor for a day This episode of Colorado Today is hosted, edited and produced by Mateo Schimpf and Madilyn Rose. The executive producer is Megan Verlee. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.
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  Should local law enforcement work more with ICE? Allegations of racism at Lutheran High School, local film festivals 16.10.2026 16m

  Voters will decide this fall whether police and sheriffs departments should be involved in immigration enforcement. Then, a Parker high school is in hot water for alleged racist behavior by its fans. Plus, we talk film festivals, and no, not that one. 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 Amendment 81 CPR’s Tony Gorman on the racism accusations around Lutheran High School’s sports teams CPR’s Elaine Tassy on the upcoming (non-Sundance) film festivals around Colorado This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Arlo Pérez Esquivel and Mateo Schimpf. It’s edited and produced by Jackie Sedley, Madilyn Rose, and Michael Hughes. The executive producer is Megan Verlee. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.
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  Colorado’s closest congressional race, solar farm planned near Mesa Verde, Sand Creek massacre statue unveiled 15.10.2026 17m

  Polls suggest this election could deliver a blue wave for Democrats nationally. But in Colorado’s most closely divided district, it still looks like anyone’s race. Then, a massive solar farm proposed for just outside of Mesa Verde National Park has some locals up in arms. Plus, after years of planning, the first element of the state Capitol’s Sand Creek Massacre memorial was unveiled 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: The Colorado Sun’s Jesse Paul on the race for Congressional District Eight. CPR’s Haylee May on the planned solar farm near Mesa Verde National Park Denverite’s Camelia Heins on the unveiling of the Sand Creek Massacre memorial Editor's Note: History Colorado is a financial sponsor of Colorado Public Radio. Financial sponsors have no editorial influence. This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Arlo Pérez Esquivel and Mateo Schimpf. It’s edited and produced by Mateo Schimpf, Arlo Pérez Esquivel, Megan Verlee, and Michael Hughes. The executive producer is Megan Verlee. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.
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  Accusations fly at the Boebert - Laubacher debate, life after school consolidation, hiking the Great Colorado Route 14.10.2026 17m

  The candidates running to represent Colorado’s reddest district traded accusations at a debate this week. Did we learn anything new about the race? Then, schools are being forced to close around the state. How are parents and principals coping?. Plus, we check out one man’s route for a hike that spans the entire state. 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 debate to represent Colorado’s 4th Congressional District CPR’s Rae Solomon on what to know about school closures and consolidations CPR’s Havalin Haskell on the Great Colorado Route This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Arlo Pérez Esquivel and Madilyn Rose. It’s edited and produced by Mateo Schimpf, Madilyn Rose, and Michael Hughes. The executive producer is Megan Verlee. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.