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


    • Jul 17, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 16m AVG DURATION
    • 1,207 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

    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.

    Colorado is aging. Can we do it gracefully?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2025 15:32


    Today, Sun reporter Jennifer Brown discusses The Sun’s latest series “Aging in Colorado” and how a remote area in southern Colorado has become the state’s oldest county, and one of the oldest in the country.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Lydia Reeder discusses her book "The Cure for Women"

    Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2025 23:21


    This Friday, Sun writer and editor Kevin Simpson talks with the author of a book about the pioneering doctors who helped debunk the 19th-century pseudoscience around women’s health.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Latest updates on Gross Reservoir's federal court drama

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2025 16:04


    Today, Sun water reporter Shannon Mullane and Fresh Water News editor Jerd Smith talk about the controversy surrounding Gross Reservoir, a key water storage bank for metro Denver. Read more: https://coloradosun.com/2025/05/02/gross-dam-expansion-case-heads-for-crucial-federal-hearing-in-denver-tuesday/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Top Democrats at the Colorado Capitol talk about the 2025 legislative session

    Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2025 43:11


    Last week, The Colorado Sun hosted an event at the University of Denver recapping the state's 2025 legislative session. On today's podcast, we're featuring an excerpt of that event. Colorado Sun political reporter Jesse Paul and Megan Verlee, public affairs editor at Colorado Public Radio, interviewed Colorado Senate President James Coleman and House Speaker Julie McCluskie live at DU. The Sun and CPR News are partners through the Colorado Capitol News Alliance. Learn more: https://coloradosun.com/2025/05/09/colorado-legislature-2025-themes/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Colorado's retirement mandate sparks alternative from local chamber

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2025 16:18


    Today, Colorado Sun business reporter Tamara Chuang explores the differences between Colorado’s state-mandated retirement savings plan and the 401(k) alternative launched by the Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce, and what each option offers to small businesses and their employees. Read more: https://coloradosun.com/2025/05/17/colorado-springs-retirement-plan-chamber-employer/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Conor Hall on Navigating Colorado's outdoor economy

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2025 22:54


    Today, Conor Hall, director of Colorado’s Outdoor Recreation Industry Office and a Colorado native, talks about leading and growing the state’s $65 billion outdoor economy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Paying tribute to singer-songwriter Jill Sobule with G. Brown and the Sun's Kevin Simpson

    Play Episode Listen Later May 16, 2025 23:59


    Today, the Sun’s Kevin Simpson chats with G. Brown, director of the Colorado Music Experience, about a local legend whose recent death left a huge void in the music scene.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Big takeaways from Colorado's 2025 legislative session

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2025 32:48


    On today's edition we're sharing another episode of Purplish, the politics and policy produced by Colorado Public Radio and the Colorado Capitol News Alliance. On it, Colorado Sun political reporter Jesse Paul breaks down Colorado's 2025 legislative session with Bente Birkeland of Colorado Public Radio and Lucas Brady Woods of KUNC. Read more: https://coloradosun.com/2025/05/09/colorado-legislature-2025-themes/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Make Your Colorado Sun Podcast a Live Experience at Friday's SunFest

    Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2025 15:31


    Today: Michael Booth and John Ingold preview some of the wide variety of topics on tap for Friday's in-person SunFest at the University of Denver, from the science of happiness to a live recycling quiz show.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    AmeriCorps plays big role across Colorado. Now what?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2025 16:07


    Today, Colorado Sun rural reporter Tracy Ross looks at how the national AmeriCorps program helps thousands in Colorado and what the DOGE funding cuts will mean to Coloradans who rely on AmeriCorps' young people. Read more: https://coloradosun.com/2025/05/11/colorado-americorps-mile-high-youth-corps-doge-cuts/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Colorado secondhand gear market may get new life

    Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2025 13:44


    Today, Sun outdoors reporter Jason Blevins takes a look at how the new tariffs could be a boon for Colorado’s secondhand market for outdoor gear. And, start planning now for those ski swaps.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    John Be Lane Explores an AI-Dominated Future in "The Future Lies"

    Play Episode Listen Later May 9, 2025 24:16


    This Friday SunLit editor Kevin Simpson talks with a science fiction author and Colorado Book Award finalist about his novel in which artificial intelligence calls all the shots. Get "The Future Lies" here: https://johnbe.com/shop See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Getting schooled on Colorado's school funding

    Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2025 17:15


    Today, Colorado Sun education reporter Erica Breunlin outlines the school finance bill the state legislator passed Wednesday on the last day of the session and what it would mean for Colorado’s 178 school districts. Read more: https://coloradosun.com/2025/05/07/colorado-education-school-funding-legislation-2025/ https://coloradosun.com/2025/04/30/watch-the-colorado-sun-discusses-education-funding/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Democrats in the Colorado legislature buck Jared Polis

    Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2025 32:52


    The Colorado legislature is challenging Gov. Jared Polis this year unlike it ever has before. Colorado Sun political reporter Jesse Paul joined Bente Birkeland of Colorado Public Radio on the latest edition of Purplish to explore the dynamics. Purplish is the podcast from CPR and the Colorado Capitol News Alliance. https://coloradosun.com/2025/04/28/colorado-legislature-jared-polis-veto-override-fails/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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