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


    • Feb 27, 2026 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 16m AVG DURATION
    • 1,365 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

    Author Aaron Simmons on the book he "co-authored" with his late wife, Polly

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 27, 2026 24:50


    Author Aaron Simmons sits down with The Sun's Kevin Simpson to discuss the book he co-authored with his late wife, Polly, titled "widow- widower- widowest-: a grief mosaic".See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Why is Nederland still waiting for fire cleanup?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2026 18:36


    Today, Colorado Sun rural reporter Tracy Ross has updates on the pile of rubble still in the parking lot of the Nederland shopping center that burned down in early October. Read more: https://coloradosun.com/2026/02/23/nederland-closer-to-removing-fire-debris-future-uncertain/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    A big fight over data centers & Questions around the search for new CSU chancellor

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 25, 2026 19:23


    Today, Sun reporters John Ingold and Michael Booth talk about a big fight over data centers, plus questions around the search for a new CSU chancellor.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Colorado companies react to SCOTUS tariff ruling

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 24, 2026 19:37


    Today, Colorado Sun business reporter Tamara Chuang looks at how Colorado small businesses and big companies are responding to the U.S. Supreme Court ruling that the Trump administration’s tariffs are illegal. Read more: https://coloradosun.com/2026/02/20/supreme-court-trump-tariff-colorado-implications/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Colorado ski season insights and some great Colorado Olympic moments

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 23, 2026 17:19


    Today, Sun outdoors reporter Jason Blevins gets us caught up on the Colorado ski season, from the latest backcountry conditions after last week’s storm cycles, to wondering if the resorts can recover from a tough year and his favorite moments for the Colorado Olympians. Read more: https://coloradosun.com/2026/02/18/avalanche-danger-spikes/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    G. Brown of the Colorado Music Experience talks breakup songs

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2026 21:55


    G. Brown of the Colorado Music Experience and the Sun's Kevin Simpson talk breakup songs. https://cossa.co/conference https://coloradosun.com/outsiderSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Child care costs are pricing out both Colorado families and providers

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 19, 2026 15:44


    Today, we're tuning in behind the scenes of a new series The Colorado Sun is reporting on the state's struggling child care system. The series, funded by a grant from Gary Community Ventures, will explore why child care has become too expensive for many families, the reasons why many child care providers are scraping by and what solutions might make child care more accessible. Read more: https://coloradosun.com/2026/02/15/colorado-child-care-unaffordable-out-of-reach-school-families/ & https://coloradosun.com/2026/02/17/new-mexico-is-making-child-care-free-for-all-working-parents-why-isnt-colorado/ Photo by Jeremy Sparig, Special to The Colorado Sun https://cossa.co/conference https://coloradosun.com/outsiderSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Why the Trump administration is targeting Colorado

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 18, 2026 32:45


    The Trump administration has rolled back hundreds of millions of dollars in funding for Colorado among other punitive actions directed toward the state. Colorado Sun reporter Taylor Dolven explored why alongside Colorado Public Radio reporters Bente Birkeland and Caitlyn Kim on the latest edition of Purplish. Purplish is a production of CPR News and the Colorado Capitol News Alliance. The Colorado Sun is a member of the alliance. Read more: https://coloradosun.com/2025/08/04/colorado-attorney-general-phil-weiser-lawsuits-trump/ https://cossa.co/conference https://coloradosun.com/outsiderSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Colorado inflation surpasses U.S. numbers

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 17, 2026 16:34


    Today, Colorado Sun business reporter Tamara Chuang puts the latest inflation numbers in perspective and what Coloradans are cutting back on as they adjust their spending. Read more: https://coloradosun.com/2026/02/14/denver-consumer-prices-cpi-inflation-tariffs/ https://cossa.co/conference https://coloradosun.com/outsiderSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Bilked investors in Argo Mill saga get a bit of closure

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 16, 2026 13:41


    Today, Sun outdoors reporter Jason Blevins has updates on the 5-year saga around the Idaho Springs gondola project and a Virginia woman who pleaded guilty recently to stealing $4.5 million from them. Read more: https://coloradosun.com/2026/02/13/woman-pleads-guilty-to-scamming-nearly-5-million-from-idaho-springs-gondola-investors/ https://coloradosun.com/2024/07/26/mighty-argo-idaho-springs-gondola/ https://cossa.co/conference https://coloradosun.com/outsider Photo: Brian Malone, Special to the Colorado SunSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Author Eugene Buchanan on his ode to a river titled "Yampa Yearnings"

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 13, 2026 25:56


    Author Eugene Buchanan joins the Sun's Kevin Simpson to talk about his new book "Yampa Yearnings". https://www.eugenebuchanan.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    CPW has plenty going on

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 12, 2026 14:31


    With so much swirling around Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Colorado Sun rural reporter Tracy Ross has updates on the latest on the agency’s director search, the death of a 12th reintroduced wolf, and perhaps new hunting regulations around beavers, coyotes and other furbearers. Read more: https://coloradosun.com/2026/02/09/laura-clellan-colorado-parks-and-wildlife-boss/ https://coloradosun.com/2026/01/30/colorado-answers-federal-demand-for-information-about-wolf-reintroduction/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The future of gender-affirming care in Colorado & Layoffs hit Colorado's renewable energy lab

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 11, 2026 17:11


    Today: environment reporter Michael Booth and health reporter John Ingold update listeners on a crucial and wrenching court case involving the future of gender-affirming care, and a new round of layoffs at Colorado's storied renewable energy lab. Photo: AP Photo/Jacquelyn MartinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    How is Colorado doing one year into higher tariffs?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 10, 2026 16:58


    We are one year into the Trump administration’s maneuver to raise tariffs to balance the trade deficit. Today, Colorado Sun business reporter Tamara Chuang talks about international trade and tariffs and the impacts on Colorado.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Eldora ski area sale moving forward

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 9, 2026 16:48


    Today, Sun outdoors reporter Jason Blevins has updates on the pending sale of Eldora ski area to the town of Nederland and how the deal is coming together. Read more: https://coloradosun.com/2026/02/06/303-ski-nederland-eldora/ coloradosun.com/valentine https://coloradosun.com/eventsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Author Jody Pritzl explores the colorful history of Christmas stamps

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 6, 2026 25:23


    Author Jody Pritzl joins the Sun’s Kevin Simpson to talk about The December Dilemma and the surprisingly colorful history of Christmas stamps.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Roller derby's role continues to evolve in Colorado

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 5, 2026 15:30


    Today, Colorado Sun arts and culture reporter Parker Yamasaki looks at the changing role that roller derby has within the sport but also in society. Read more: https://coloradosun.com/2026/02/01/fort-collins-roller-derby-all-gender-league/ Photo by Seth McConnell, Special to The Colorado SunSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Gov. Jared Polis enters last year leading Colorado

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 4, 2026 29:56


    Gov. Jared Polis is entering his last year leading Colorado. That means it's his last legislative session as head of the state. Colorado Sun political reporter Jesse Paul joined Bente Birkeland of Colorado Public Radio and Lucas Brady Woods of KUNC on the latest episode of the Purplish podcast to talk about what it all means. Read more: https://coloradosun.com/2026/01/15/2026-colorado-state-of-the-state-annotated/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Colorado population creeps past 6M mark

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 3, 2026 17:13


    More than 6 million people now call Colorado home, and today Sun business reporter Tamara Chuang looks at how we got here despite more people leaving Colorado than coming in the past year and the state’s lower-than-usual growth rate. Read more: https://coloradosun.com/2026/01/29/colorado-now-has-6-million-people/ AP Photo/David ZalubowskiSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Colorado is well-represented at 2026 Winter Olympics

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 2, 2026 21:51


    Today, Sun outdoors reporter Jason Blevins talks about some of the more than 30 Colorado athletes headed to Italy for the Winter Olympics and what to watch for from the Colorado contingent.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Inside The Gatepost with Author Tim Weed

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 30, 2026 19:55


    In this episode, author Tim Weed sits down with SunLit editor Kevin Simpson to talk about his forthcoming novel, The Gatepost.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Colorado woman leads up the state's cattlemen

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 29, 2026 17:50


    Today, Sun rural reporter Tracy Ross profiles the Colorado woman who is guiding the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association and why her role is so important right now for farmers and ranchers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    What's going on with health insurance & CPW searches for bald eagle shooter

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 28, 2026 17:37


    Today reporters John Ingold and Michael Booth talk about health insurance, eagle injuries and the coldest part of watching the Broncos lose the AFC title game.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Colorado business numbers from 2025 rolling in

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 27, 2026 18:13


    Today, Sun business reporter Tamara Chuang puts context around a variety year-end reports and statistics, including the 1 million business in Colorado, the state’s GDP as it relates to job growth, and the growing vacancy rates for both downtown Denver office space and metro area apartments. https://coloradosun.com/2026/01/24/new-colorado-businesses-2025-but-slow-renewals-dissolutions/ https://coloradosun.com/2026/01/22/denver-downtown-office-vacancy-rate-tenants-workplace/ https://coloradosun.com/2026/01/21/apartments-in-metro-denver-reach-highest-vacancy-rate-in-16-years-pushing-down-rents-again/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Colorado farmers fighting fires

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 26, 2026 12:41


    Today, Sun reporter Olivia Prentzel looks at how community and moral courage came together on the Eastern Plains last month after strong winds sparked wildfires and farmers drove their tractors toward the flames to help firefighters. Read more: https://coloradosun.com/2026/01/25/yuma-county-colorado-fire-2025-farmers-firefighters-neighbors/ Photo by Jeremy Sparig, Special to The Colorado SunSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    G. Brown on Neil Diamond's Colorado connection

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 23, 2026 20:59


    Music historian G. Brown, director of the Colorado Music Experience, joins us to share stories of Neil Diamond’s deep connection to Colorado. From legendary concerts to the ways the state shaped his music and his fans.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Snowpack across Colorado remains at historic lows

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 22, 2026 17:58


    Today, Sun water reporter Shannon Mullane looks at the state of the state’s abysmal snowpack and how water managers across Colorado are keeping an eye on the clouds and the dwindling reservoirs. https://coloradosun.com/2026/01/21/big-storms-needed-huge-snow-supply-gap-colorado-water-experts/ https://coloradosun.com/2026/01/16/federal-plans-no-state-input-colorado-river/ https://chambermusic.com - Promotions tab: CHAMBER SUN coloradosun.com/outsiderSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Jared Polis on his final year as governor and what's next

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 21, 2026 32:46


    Gov. Jared Polis is entering his final year in office. Ahead of the 2026 legislative session, he joined Colorado Sun political reporter Jesse Paul at an event at the University of Denver to talk about the year ahead, his legacy and what he's thinking about his future after his current term ends. Read more: https://coloradosun.com/2026/01/15/2026-colorado-state-of-the-state-annotated/ https://chambermusic.com - Promotions tab: CHAMBER SUN coloradosun.com/outsiderSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Colorado has a new "junk fee" law

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 20, 2026 16:03


    Today, Colorado Sun business reporter Tamara Chuang breaks down the new Colorado law targeting deceptive pricing — or junk fees. As she explains, fees are still allowed, they just have to be disclosed. Read more: https://coloradosun.com/2026/01/17/junk-fees-colorado-consumer-protection-tickets-rents-prices/ https://chambermusic.com - Promotions tab: CHAMBER SUN coloradosun.com/outsiderSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Telluride drama continues

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 19, 2026 17:55


    Today, Sun outdoors reporter Jason Blevins looks into the continuing fallout in Telluride after the 13-day patroller strike, including an offer by a local group to buy 51% of Telluride ski area. https://coloradosun.com/2026/01/14/telluride-owner-rejects-offer-to-sell/ https://chambermusic.com - Promotions tab: CHAMBER SUN coloradosun.com/outsiderSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Devon O'Neil on his new book, "The Way Out: A True Story of Survival in the Heart of the Rockies"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 16, 2026 24:25


    Author Devon O'Neil talks with The Sun's Kevin Simpson about his new book, "The Way Out: A True Story of Survival in the Heart of the Rockies".See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Wolves and wolverines: Colorado reintroduction plans under review

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 15, 2026 15:12


    Today, Sun rural reporter Tracy Ross has the latest updates on Colorado’s wolf reintroduction program as it heads into year three facing more road bumps, and talks about early plans for a proposed wolverine reintroduction. https://coloradosun.com/2026/01/06/colorado-wolf-pipeline-collapsing/ https://coloradosun.com/2026/01/08/us-fish-wildlife-backtracks-on-colorado-wolves/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    A new legislative session begins in Colorado

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 14, 2026 24:48


    Colorado's 2026 legislative session starts today. Lawmakers will be working under the gold dome in Denver for the next 120 days. In anticipation of the new session, we're sharing the latest edition of Purplish, the podcast from Colorado Public Radio and the Colorado Capitol News Alliance. The Sun is a member of the alliance. Photo by Jesse Paul, The Colorado SunSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Breaking down Colorado unemployment numbers

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 13, 2026 18:28


    Today, Colorado Sun business reporter Tamara Chuang looks at the latest unemployment report for Colorado and how the labor force in the state is changing and other trends in the newest data. https://coloradosun.com/2026/01/09/colorado-professional-jobs-tech-workers/ Photo provided by Activate WorkSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Stress can weigh heavy for Colorado ski patrollers

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 12, 2026 14:38


    Today, Sun outdoors reporter Jason Blevins looks at a new mental health program at Winter Park ski area to help patrollers manage the many stresses of their job, and Jason has updates on the end of the Telluride ski patroller strike. Photo by Brett Schreckengost, Special to The Colorado SunSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Mystery writers Becky Clark and Holly Harris talk about collaborating on "Colorado Mystery Merge"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 9, 2026 24:30


    Today - The Sun's Kevin Simpson talks to mystery writers Becky Clark and Holly Harris talk about collaborating on "Colorado Mystery Merge".See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Colorado mountain lion fatal attack updates

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 8, 2026 11:12


    Today, Sun reporter Olivia Prentzel discusses the fatal mountain lion attack on a hiker in northern Colorado, the investigation and what officials are saying about the rare event. Read more: https://coloradosun.com/2026/01/05/human-dna-fatal-mountain-lion-attack/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Vaccine schedule changes & A federal coal extension

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 7, 2026 18:58


    Today - The Sun's Michael Booth talks with John Ingold about a controversial new vaccine schedule, and what a federal order extending coal power plants means for Colorado.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Changes for 2026 for Colorado workers

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 6, 2026 20:49


    As we start the first full week of 2026, Sun business reporter Tamara Chuang has updates on a number of issues related to Colorado workers, including the state-administered retirement savings plan, new minimum wage numbers and an addition to the state’s paid family leave program. Read more: https://coloradosun.com/2026/01/03/colorado-retirement-growth-private-401-savings/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Telluride ski patroller strike stretches on

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 5, 2026 11:14


    Today, Sun outdoors reporter Jason Blevins has the latest in the ski patroller strike in Telluride that shut down the ski area and why the rest of the industry is watching closely. Read more: https://coloradosun.com/2026/01/01/telluride-ski-patroller-strike-resort-closure/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Colorado Sun events taking shape for 2026

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 2, 2026 18:23


    Today, events specialist Kristina Pritchett maps out some of The Sun’s in-person events for 2026, including our 4th annual Colorado Sunfest on May 1, our upcoming state legislative session preview and gatherings for first time homebuyers and would-be high-country hikers. https://coloradosun.com/events/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Colorado professor on the new science of happiness

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 31, 2025 17:38


    Today we revisit a conversation about happiness with Dr. June Gruber. Dr. Gruber is 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.

    The Sun's supporters are helping us grow

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 30, 2025 11:57


    Today, Sun director of development Alyssa Pinkerton looks at the growth in support for The Sun this year and what plans are ahead as the newsroom and operations teams plan to grow and cover even more of Colorado. coloradosun.com/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Conor Hall on Navigating Colorado's outdoor economy

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 29, 2025 23:19


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

    A conversation with Colorado Author, Christina Holbrook

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 26, 2025 21:58


    Today, we’re revisiting a 2023 conversation with Christina Holbrook, who rushed to self-publish her first novel after a brain cancer diagnosis made her worry the traditional publishing timeline wouldn’t move fast enough to bring her book into the world. The leap paid off: the novel went on to win a Colorado Book Award for romance.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Colorado woman behind thousands of visits with Santa

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 24, 2025 29:40


    Today – we’re revisiting a talk about holiday cheer, as Sun writer Kevin Simpson chats with the Colorado woman behind thousands of visits with that jolly old elf, Santa Claus.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Inside NORAD's Holiday Mission to Follow Santa

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 23, 2025 14:33


    Today - we're revisiting a conversation about how NORAD in Colorado Springs uses their aerospace technology for a very important holiday mission: tracking Santa Claus. https://coloradosun.com/2023/12/22/norad-santa-tracker-2023/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Colorado's ski season in full swing

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 22, 2025 14:52


    Today, Sun outdoors reporter Jason Blevins has updates on the ski and snowboarding season, including the return of Cuchara ski hill in southern Colorado, a new feature about getting better on the snow and now free access to his Outsider newsletter starting Jan. 1.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    G. Brown talks with the Sun's Kevin Simpson about key figures in Colorado's music history

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2025 21:04


    The Colorado Music Experience's G. Brown talks with the Sun's Kevin Simpson about some key figures in Colorado's music history.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Live check-in from the Colorado River conference

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 18, 2025 17:48


    Today, Sun water reporter Shannon Mullane checks in from the annual Colorado River conference in Las Vegas. The top water officials in the Western U.S. are together as a water-sharing agreement among the seven states is still pending. https://coloradosun.com/2025/12/17/colorado-river-gathering-rhetoric-concerns-las-vegas/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Poll reveals motivations and beliefs of Colorado's unaffiliated voters

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 17, 2025 10:00


    Unaffiliated voters now make up half of the electorate in Colorado. A new poll is shedding light on this crucial bloc. Colorado Sun political reporters Jesse Paul and Taylor Dolven dug into the data. Read more: https://coloradosun.com/2025/12/15/colorado-unaffiliated-voters-poll-2025/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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