The Daily Sun-Up

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Welcome to The Colorado Sun's daily podcast, The Daily Sun-Up. Every day we’re sharing an in-depth look at one of our top stories, followed by a quick summary of important things happening in our state. For more visit us at https://coloradosun.com/.

The Colorado Sun


    • Aug 6, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 16m AVG DURATION
    • 1,221 EPISODES

    4.8 from 96 ratings Listeners of The Daily Sun-Up that love the show mention: local news, way to start the day, great way to start, concise, well produced, morning, daily, high, informative, always, like, listening, love, colorado sun.


    Ivy Insights

    The Daily Sun-Up podcast from The Colorado Sun is a must-listen for anyone looking to stay informed on local news and issues. As an online member of The Colorado Sun, I was thrilled when they started this podcast earlier this year. It has quickly become one of my favorite daily podcasts, alongside national news shows like NPR's Up First and NYT's The Daily.

    One of the best aspects of The Daily Sun-Up is its format. It delivers the news in a concise and digestible manner, making it perfect for those who don't have a lot of time to listen to long podcasts. Each episode packs a punch and covers a range of local headlines and stories. I particularly enjoy the history segment, which adds an interesting depth to the show. Additionally, the production quality is top-notch, with catchy strings music that sets the mood for each episode.

    Furthermore, The Daily Sun-Up does an excellent job of balancing local issues with a nod to the world at large. While it focuses on Colorado news, it connects these stories to broader themes and events happening globally. This approach makes it more than just a local news podcast; it provides context and global relevance to the topics discussed.

    However, there are a few aspects that could be improved upon in The Daily Sun-Up. One suggestion would be to include direct links to the articles highlighted in each episode in the show notes. This would allow listeners who want more information about specific stories to easily access them without having to search separately on The Colorado Sun's website.

    In conclusion, if you're interested in staying up-to-date with what's happening in Colorado or have a general interest in state affairs, I highly recommend listening to The Daily Sun-Up podcast from The Colorado Sun. It offers informative and concise reporting that covers a wide range of topics while maintaining the high quality that we've come to expect from this unique publication. Whether you're a longtime Colorado resident or simply curious about local news, this podcast is a valuable addition to your morning routine.



    Search for episodes from The Daily Sun-Up with a specific topic:

    Latest episodes from The Daily Sun-Up

    Colorado lawmakers are about to be called into a special session

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 6, 2025 7:30


    Colorado lawmakers are likely to be called back to the state Capitol for a special session in the coming weeks to address a roughly $1 billion hole in the state's current budget. The gap is being caused by the so-called big, beautiful bill, the federal tax and spending measure passed by Republicans in Congress and signed by President Donald Trump. Colorado Sun political reporter joined Bazi Kanani on Colorado Public Radio's Colorado Today podcast to discuss what it all means.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Coloradan are working well past the traditional retirement age

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2025 20:14


    Today, Sun business reporter Tamara Chuang looks at why the labor force in Colorado is seeing more workers over 65 and 70 and where the trend is headed. Read more: https://coloradosun.com/2025/08/04/hot-labor-trend-alert-working-past-65/ https://coloradosun.com/aging-in-colorado/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    A drop in travel to the Colorado high country

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 4, 2025 17:27


    Today, Sun outdoors reporter Jason Blevins looks at the drop in travel to the Colorado high country, especially among international tourists, and what that could mean for the upcoming ski season.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Author Ian Patterson talks about his Colorado Book Award-winning sci-fi novel "Transference"

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 1, 2025 20:44


    Today, we hear from Ian Patterson, author of the sci-fi novel "Transference," which won the Colorado Book Award for its genre.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    New Colorado State Land Board leader, Nicole Rosmarino, raises eyebrows

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 31, 2025 17:49


    Today, Sun rural reporter Tracy Ross talks about the new director of the Colorado State Land Board, Nicole Rosmarino, who some consider a controversial choice to lead the agency that generates more than $280 million a year for Colorado public schools.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Sun's newest reporter is happy to be back home in Colorado

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 30, 2025 17:04


    Today, The Sun’s latest addition to the news team, Taylor Dolven, stops by. Taylor grew up in Colorado and is back covering politics and policy and what the decisions at the state Capitol will mean for Coloradans. Read more: https://coloradosun.com/author/taylor-dolven/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Colorado still has $826 million for broadband. But who's getting it now?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2025 17:33


    Today, Sun business reporter Tamara Chuang discusses how local Colorado internet providers are scrambling after the federal government changed the rules for using Colorado’s $826 million in federal broadband dollars. Read more: https://coloradosun.com/2025/07/25/cheaper-wireless-satellite-internet-trumps-fiber-colorado-broadband-bead/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Nice Melly: Going behind the scenes at Melanzana in Leadville

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 28, 2025 17:39


    Today, Sun outdoors reporter Jason Blevins gives us a rare look inside the Melanzana shop in Leadville and insight into the man behind the coveted Melly hooded fleece pullover.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Author Sarah Scoles unpacks the reality of nuclear weapons

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 25, 2025 17:17


    Science journalist Sarah Scoles discusses the present-day reality of nuclear weapons, challenging the idea that they keep us safe.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Colorado public radio stations scramble amid mixed signals

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 24, 2025 14:49


    Today, Sun arts and culture reporter Parker Yamasaki breaks down what the billion-dollar funding cuts to public radio mean for dozens of small stations across Colorado. Read more: https://coloradosun.com/2025/07/22/trumps-cuts-to-public-broadcasting-colorado-52-stations/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    New hurdles for gender-affirming care & Indigo Girls honored with lichen names

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 23, 2025 16:15


    Today: Colorado Sun health and environment reporters Michael Booth and John Ingold talk about new hazards to gender-affirming care in Colorado, and new botanic names created for the Indigo Girls that everyone will be lichen -- see what we did there. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Colorado companies trying to navigate business with tariffs

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 22, 2025 16:42


    Today, Colorado Sun business reporter Tamara Chuang discusses how tariffs put in by the Trump administration are affecting Colorado exports and imports to the state, and what business owners are thinking about the future. Read more: https://coloradosun.com/2025/07/19/colorado-global-exports-imports-tariff/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Eldora sale: How's this gonna work?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 21, 2025 17:27


    Today, Sun outdoors reporter Jason Blevins breaks down the agreement for the tiny town of Nederland to buy nearby Eldora Mountain Resort in Boulder County, and what's the vibe among the locals.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    G. Brown and Sun writer Kevin Simpson talk about all things music

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 18, 2025 22:49


    Today, the Sun’s Kevin Simpson chats with G. Brown, director of the Colorado Music Experience. Take our survey: https://coloradosun.typeform.com/2025ReaderSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Pray for rain in the Colorado River Basin

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2025 14:42


    Today, Sun water reporter Shannon Mullane breaks down the latest report that warns if we have dry conditions across the West over the next two years there could be some serious problems at Lake Powell and power coming from Glen Canyon Dam. And, what it means for Colorado. Take our survey: https://coloradosun.typeform.com/2025ReaderSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Mark McKinnon on Trump and Colorado politics

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2025 28:15


    Today, we're revisiting our SunFest keynote conversation with political commentator Mark McKinnon. Mark spoke with The Sun's Jesse Paul and Dana Coffield at the event in mid May. Take our survey: https://coloradosun.typeform.com/2025ReaderSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Goodwill of Colorado taking on EV charging stations

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2025 17:16


    Today, Colorado Sun business reporter Tamara Chuang discusses how an effort to make sure public electric vehicle chargers work when EV drivers need to plug in is getting revved up by an unlikely source: Goodwill of Colorado. Read more: https://coloradosun.com/2025/07/12/electric-vehicle-charging-stations-technicians-job-training/ Take our survey: https://coloradosun.typeform.com/2025Reader See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Good news so far from Colorado waterways

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2025 13:18


    Today, Sun reporter Olivia Prentzel looks at the decrease so far this year in deaths on Colorado waterways compared with this time last year and what officials think is helping the decline. Read more: https://coloradosun.com/2025/07/11/colorado-water-deaths-life-jackets/ Take our survey: https://coloradosun.typeform.com/2025ReaderSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Author Tim Weed discusses his new novel, "The Afterlife Project" with SunLit editor Kevin Simpson

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 11, 2025 22:17


    Today, SunLit editor Kevin Simpson chats with the Colorado-bred author of a new novel that charts a quest to save humanity from the ravages of climate change and pandemic, with elements of time travel thrown into the mix.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Colorado wolf reintroduction continues to disrupt ranchers

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2025 20:42


    The Colorado wolf reintroduction continues to disrupt ranchers trying to work with the new reality. Today, Sun rural reporter Tracy Ross talks about a recent gathering of ranchers in Pitkin County and their problems and plans.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Big Beautiful Bill's health care impact & Rocky Flats revisited

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 9, 2025 18:45


    Today, Sun reporter John Ingold talks about how the recently signed One Big Beautiful Bill Act could impact health care in Colorado, while Michael Booth previews an upcoming story on a former nuclear weapons factory.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Sun is developing its business chops

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 8, 2025 14:16


    Today, director of development Alyssa Pinkerton talks about her new role at The Sun and what it means for our listeners and supporters as we continue to expand our reach across Colorado. Alyssa's bio: https://coloradosun.com/?author_name=alyssa-pinkerton See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Colorado professor on the new science of happiness

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 7, 2025 17:01


    Today we talk about happiness with Dr. June Gruber, a clinical psychologist and full Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience at the University of Colorado Boulder, where she directs the Positive Emotion and Psychopathology Laboratory.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Robert Justice's novel "A Dream in the Dark" echoes Colorado wrongful conviction

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 4, 2025 16:29


    Today, SunLit editor Kevin Simpson chats with the author of a Colorado Book Awards finalist in the mystery category, a story that echoes a real-life Colorado case involving a man convicted of a crime he didn’t commit.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    What am I gonna do with all this stuff?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 3, 2025 20:47


    Today, Sun writer and editor Kevin Simpson talks about his recent stories on stuff and the often difficult process of decluttering and downsizing as part of The Sun’s Aging in Colorado series. Read more:https://coloradosun.com/2025/06/30/aging-coloardans-downsizing-experts-decluttering-stuff/ https://coloradosun.com/aging-in-colorado/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    A conversation with Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 2, 2025 31:45


    Today, we're revisiting our SunFest conversation with Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser on today's podcast. Colorado Sun political reporter Jesse Paul interviewed Weiser on May 16th at the University of Denver. Read more: https://coloradosun.com/2025/05/28/phil-weiser-interview-2025-colorado/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Sun shines down in Argentina

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2025 13:12


    Today, Sun outdoors reporter Olivia Prentzel discusses her recent trip to Argentina and what she learned about newsrooms there as part of the International Center for Journalists program The Sun is involved in.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Public lands proponents pushback on DC ideas

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 30, 2025 17:36


    Today, Sun outdoors reporter Jason Blevins reviews the myriad of policy changes and proposals coming out of D.C. that focus on public lands and how advocates across the outdoor industry are uniting to fight back. Read more: https://coloradosun.com/2025/06/24/gop-plan-to-sell-more-than-3200-square-miles-of-federal-lands-is-found-to-violate-senate-rules/ https://coloradosun.com/2025/06/23/roadless-rule-reversal-colorado-federal-lands/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Anita Mumm talks about her writing residency and her piece in "The Alma Journal"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 27, 2025 17:03


    Today, SunLit editor Kevin Simpson chats with one of the writers who contributed to “The Alma Journal,” a Colorado Book Awards finalist in the anthology category.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Matt Moseley's 17 mile swim highlights a push to protect free flowing rivers

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2025 16:53


    Today, Sun rural reporter Tracy Ross interviews Matt Moseley, a Coloradan with three jobs -- communications professional, author of three books including one about the rabble rouser, Hunter S. Thompson, and open-water swimmer in a landlocked state. He recently swam 17 miles of the Colorado River from the put in near Moab, Utah, to the takeout at Potash (pot-ash), to raise money for American Rivers to protect free-flowing rivers throughout the US. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Managing wildfire risk & Tracing measles breakthroughs

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 25, 2025 15:15


    Today, Sun reporter Michael Booth talks about a big rule change to forest management, while John Ingold looks at cases of vaccinated people getting measles.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Grand Junction candy-maker continues to grow with city

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2025 19:07


    Enstrom Toffee has been a Colorado staple since the 1960s. Today, Sun business reporter Tamara Chuang talks about her recent trip to Grand Junction to catch up with candy-makers and their expansion project as part of the town’s overall economic development plans. Read more: https://coloradosun.com/2025/06/14/enstrom-candies-expansion-downtown-grand-junction/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Easements aren't always an easy road to travel in Colorado

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2025 18:55


    Read more: https://coloradosun.com/2025/06/22/salida-rancher-conservation-easements-colorado/ Today, Sun outdoors reporter Jason Blevins looks at how conservation easements work in Colorado, what they mean and one longtime ranching family’s plans that were sidetracked because of them.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Music historian G. Brown on the legacy of the Beach Boys' Brian Wilson

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 20, 2025 21:51


    Today, the Sun’s Kevin Simpson chats with G. Brown, director of the Colorado Music Experience, about the legacy of the visionary but often troubled leader of the Beach Boys.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Debates over whether to continue protecting LGBTQ students and staff in the Trump era flare across Colorado school districts

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2025 13:50


    Today we're talking to Chalkbeat Colorado senior reporter Ann Schimke about early moves some Colorado school districts are taking to roll back protections for LGBTQ students and staff because of fears over losing federal funding. Read more: https://www.chalkbeat.org/colorado/2025/06/09/rural-district-could-remove-lgbtq-policy-protections-amid-trump-funding-threat/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Colorado Sun is free, but membership has its privileges

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2025 16:50


    Today, Sun membership manager Danika Worthington and co-founder Jennifer Brown talk about our new membership drive and how we don't have paywalls for anyone but members are at the core of our mission. Learn more: https://coloradosun.com/join/?utm_source=daily-sun-up&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=june-2025 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Safeway workers walking out amid another strike in Colorado

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2025 17:00


    Today, Colorado Sun business reporter Tamara Chuang has the latest information on the Safeway grocery store worker strike that started over the weekend as well as updates in the King Soopers negotiations after the strike there earlier this year. Read more: https://coloradosun.com/2025/06/15/colorado-grocery-strike-safeway/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Chairlift falls in Colorado see record numbers

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 16, 2025 16:21


    Today, Sun outdoors reporter Jason Blevins discusses a record number of chairlift falls this season in Colorado and what skiers and the industry are doing to raise awareness about putting down the restraining bar.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Author Edward Hamlin discusses novel "Sonata in Wax"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 13, 2025 22:50


    Today, SunLit editor Kevin Simpson chats with the author of a Colorado Book Awards finalist in the novel category for his story that follows a character trying to unravel the mystery behind a remarkable piece of early 20th-century music.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    One word to describe the Colorado rental market? Uncertainty

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2025 19:23


    Today, Sun editor David Krause talks about the rental market in Colorado with HUD certified housing counselor Pat Noonan, who was on our Colorado SunFest panel talking about the challenges across the state, including a record level of evictions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    State health experts fired & Coffee waste reimagined

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 11, 2025 21:30


    Today, health reporter John Ingold talks with Michael Booth about the wholesale firing of a key vaccine advice committee, updates on measles in Colorado, and a sustainable business using coffee in a way you never expected.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Recent Colorado college grads facing headwinds

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2025 19:54


    The job market is getting tighter, and that is a big challenge for recent college grads. Today, Colorado Sun business reporter Tamara Chuang talks about why and what options and opportunities are out there for younger folks entering the workforce. Read more: https://coloradosun.com/2025/06/09/social-skills-key-for-college-grads-entering-a-challenging-job-market/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Colorado ski season by the numbers

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 9, 2025 15:03


    Today, Sun outdoors reporter Jason Blevins breaks down the trend behind the 13.8 million skier visits in Colorado this season and what the leadership change at Vail Resorts will mean with Rob Katz returning to the top spot. Read more: https://coloradosun.com/2025/06/05/colorado-skier-visits-third-busiest-season/ https://coloradosun.com/2025/05/27/vail-resorts-rob-katz-ceo/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Samuel Marquis untangles the legend of Captain Kidd in his new book

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2025 24:35


    Today, SunLit editor Kevin Simpson chats with the author of a book by a distant relative of one of history’s most notorious pirates who explores the complex narrative behind the man and his exploits on the high seas.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Doug Schnitzspahn on nature, healing, and the "Open Container" podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2025 19:32


    Outdoor journalist Doug Schnitzspahn joins Tracy Ross to talk about his podcast Open Container, how time outside helps people heal, and why the outdoors remains a steady presence in an increasingly fast-paced world.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Jared Polis, legislative leaders talk about what happened at the Colorado Capitol this year

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 4, 2025 42:10


    On today's episode, we're sharing the latest edition of Purplish, the podcast from Colorado Public Radio and the Colorado Capitol News Alliance. The Sun is part of the alliance.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Utah rail line gets boost, but Colorado's not finished fighting

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2025 14:26


    Today, Sun outdoors reporter Jason Blevins dissects the recent Supreme Court decision on the proposed Unita Basin rail line and what it means for concerns about the Colorado River and Eagle County, which joined the lawsuit. Read more: https://coloradosun.com/2025/05/29/uinta-basin-railway-supreme-court-waxy-crude/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Is journalism on the brink? Let's talk.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2025 18:18


    Today, Sun publisher Larry Ryckman and the director of “Stripped for Parts: American Journalism on the Brink” Rick Goldsmith discuss the documentary, the state of media right now and more ahead of Thursday’s screening and panel discussion in Denver.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Author Mark Stevens tells how his new thriller "No Lie Lasts Forever" finally came to fruition

    Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2025 24:33


    Today, Sun writer and editor Kevin Simpson talks to Mark Stevens, longtime Denver journalist and author of the upcoming thriller “No Lie Lasts Forever.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Rolling through Colorado's San Luis Valley

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2025 17:52


    Today, Sun rural reporter Tracy Ross talks about her latest travels through the San Luis Valley and some of the hidden gems that can be found in southern Colorado.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    SunFest speakers talk preservation, family farms, and growth in Colorado

    Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2025 17:14


    On today's podcast for The Temperature environment and health newsletter, Michael Booth introduces voices from the 2025 SunFest talking about the challenges of preserving water, family farms, rural communities and chances for growth in Colorado. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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