Podcasts about The Colorado Sun

The most critical feedback loop in a democracy is a free press and access to vital information. Yet decades of corporate consolidation allowed giant conglomerates to annihilate local news outlets and predatory hedge funds are leaving news deserts in their wake. In 2025, a fifth of people in the U.S. live with little or no access to local news and three quarters of newspaper jobs have been axed over the last 20 years. But new models are crystallizing to fill the void, thanks to innovating journalists and publishers. Featuring Larry Ryckman, co-founder and Editor of The Colorado Sun, was previously: Senior Editor at The Denver Post; Managing Editor at The Gazette in Colorado Springs; and City Editor at the Greeley Tribune.  Madeleine Bair, founder of El Tímpano, an award-winning civic media organization designed with and for the Bay Area's Latino and Mayan immigrant communities.  Jacob Simas, Oakland-based Community Journalism Director at Cityside Journalism Initiative.  Credits Executive Producer: Kenny Ausubel Written by: Claire Reynolds & Kenny Ausubel Producer: Claire Reynolds Senior Producer and Station Relations: Stephanie Welch Associate Producer: Emily Harris Producer: Teo Grossman Interview Recording Engineer: Rod Akil at KPFA studios Production Assistance: Kaleb Wentzel Fisher Host and Consulting Producer: Neil Harvey This is an episode of the Bioneers: Revolution from the Heart of Nature series. Visit the radio and podcast homepage to for show notes and more.

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.

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.

Denverites are paying higher rates for water this year, in part, to fund construction on the expansion of Gross Reservoir in Boulder County. But longtime Denverites will be forgiven for asking: Didn't dam-building in the West go the way of the dodo decades ago? Producer Paul Karolyi sits down with Denver Water's new CEO/Manager Alan Salazar to talk about the legal battle his agency has been waging with environmentalists over the expansion of Gross Reservoir in Boulder County and how he's thinking about Denver's future growth.  For more on the details of the legal fight over Gross Reservoir, we recommend the Colorado Sun's ongoing coverage. And if you haven't seen it, you should really check out “I water that way” by the Splashstreet Boys.  What do you think about Denver Water's expansion of Gross Reservoir? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418 For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm Learn more about the other sponsors of this June 11th episode: RAQC Central City Opera Denver Health Multipass Edgewater Music Festival Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.

2020 was an extraordinary year for the Colorado legislature. COVID-19 forced lawmakers to break halfway through session. They returned to work in May with a short list of priorities: balance the budget and respond to the pandemic. But almost immediately, the Capitol became the epicenter of protests over the killings of George Floyd and other Black people at the hands of police. The chants of “Black lives matter” outside the statehouse walls pushed lawmakers to take up the issue of police reform that summer. They ultimately wrote and passed an ambitious bipartisan bill, which included body camera requirements and deadly force use limits. The governor signed into law within weeks.CPR's Bente Birkeland looks at what made this major piece of police accountability legislation possible and, along with CPR's Ben Markus, examines the law's impact in the five years since.Read more: How protests over George Floyd's death led Colorado to rewrite its rules for policingPurplish is produced by CPR News and the Capitol News Alliance, a collaboration between KUNC News, Colorado Public Radio, Rocky Mountain PBS, and The Colorado Sun, and shared with Rocky Mountain Community Radio and other news organizations across the state. Funding for the Alliance is provided in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.Purplish's producer is Stephanie Wolf. This episode was edited by Megan Verlee and sound designed and engineered by Shane Rumsey. Our theme music is by Brad Turner. Additional reporting in this episode from Allison Sherry and broadcast tape came from NPR and CBS News Colorado. Special thanks to KDUR at Fort Lewis College for allowing us to record in their studio.

Send us a message! Really!This week on the Get More Smarter Podcast, what do you call it when you throw a press conference, get boo'd by the crowd so loud you can't hear the questions from the press to try and sell a very unpopular bill outside your district? We ask our 7th favorite member of congress from Colorado. Then, our favorite Congressional Bread sandwich surrenders to President Trump and speaker Mike Johnson and sets up every rural hospital in his district for disaster for really no reason at all! Then, in a new segment, Governor Polis vetoes more bills -- we talk about all the bills Governor Polis is vetoing, and some of them may surprise you. And finally we take a peek at the 2026 candidate roster to see how primary elections that are now only a whole year away are shaping up. But first, he's the legendary liberal columnist for the Colorado Sun...Mike Littwin joins us to talk Trump, Colorado Media, the state of US Journalism, and what gives him hope.  

A man in Colorado has been arrested after setting fire to people marching for the release of Israeli hostages. The FBI are treating it as a terror attack. The Colorado Sun has the latest. Dozens were reported dead or severely injured in southern Gaza, reportedly near the controversial U.S.-Israeli aid sites. CNN has been following the conflicting reports. With Russia-Ukraine talks set to begin, a Ukraine drone attack took Putin by surprise. The Wall Street Journal’s Thomas Grove explains how Russia revamped its economy to be focused solely on efforts to advance the war. Plus, an ICE raid caused chaos in San Diego, Canada’s wildfires continue as the Midwest faces air-quality warnings, and beekeepers swarmed to the rescue after millions of honeybees escaped in Washington. Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

State lawmakers have bid adieu to the Colorado State Capitol — for now. But lots of questions remain. For example, what's next for Colorado's controversial artificial intelligence law? What about federal spending cuts? Will state lawmakers have to return to Denver before next January to absorb changes from Washington? And the big question: where is Governor Jared Polis on all of this?After so much Polis talk on Purplish this year, this is a chance to hear from the governor himself. Polis spoke with The Colorado Sun's Jesse Paul during the the Sun's 2025 Legislative Session Recap, a live event held at The University of Denver on May 15, 2025. This episode, hosted by CPR's Bente Birkeland, includes excerpts from that conversation, as well as a discussion about the hot issues of the session with Senate President James Coleman, a Democrat from Denver, and House Speaker Julie McCluskie, a Democrat from Dillon. They address the moments of tension between the legislature and governor this session, TABOR reform, the potential impacts of proposed federal Medicaid cuts and more.Purplish is produced by CPR News and the Capitol News Alliance, a collaboration between KUNC News, Colorado Public Radio, Rocky Mountain PBS, and The Colorado Sun, and shared with Rocky Mountain Community Radio and other news organizations across the state. Funding for the Alliance is provided in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.Purplish's producer is Stephanie Wolf. This episode was edited by Megan Verlee and sound designed and engineered by Shane Rumsey. Our theme music is by Brad Turner. Special thanks to The Colorado Sun for partnering on this episode and the technical crew at DU for recording it.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

State lawmakers took it right down to the wire on some of the biggest issues of the 2025 legislative session, including immigration, artificial intelligence, labor unions, rights for transgender Coloradans and rideshare safety. While some are poised to become law, others crashed and burned in the final stretch. And a few made it over the finish line, but are likely headed to a veto at the hand of the governor. CPR's Bente Birkeland, KUNC's Lucas Brady Woods and The Colorado Sun's Jesse Paul come full circle on the various issues they discussed all session long, including policies that got settled earlier in the year, like the gun bills. We also check back in with the first-time lawmakers we met early in the session, and learn how things went for them, on the path from day one to day 120.Purplish is produced by CPR News and the Capitol News Alliance, a collaboration between KUNC News, Colorado Public Radio, Rocky Mountain PBS, and The Colorado Sun, and shared with Rocky Mountain Community Radio and other news organizations across the state. Funding for the Alliance is provided in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.Purplish's producer is Stephanie Wolf. This episode was edited by Megan Verlee and sound designed and engineered by Shane Rumsey. Our theme music is by Brad Turner. Special thanks to CCNA editor Chas Sisk, who helped get the Alliance up and running and heads back home now that the regular legislative session has wrapped.

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.

For parents who need to work but can't afford the steep cost of child care, federally funded scholarships can be a lifeline. Delivered through state child care assistance programs, the scholarships can mean the difference between a parent working full time—or not at all. But qualified families are increasingly being turned away, thanks to the rising costs of child care and the end of pandemic-era funds, and some families that had scholarships have seen them end. In three states—Arizona, Colorado and Texas—parents who apply face long waitlists. Other states have increased copayments for parents or have said they will serve fewer children. In March, the Trump administration laid off some employees who helped states implement child care assistance. It's left advocates worried about the future of federal child care programs. “What it means is that ultimately child care will become less safe, it's going to become more expensive, and it's going to become harder to find,” said Ruth Friedman, who was the director of the Office of Child Care under former President Joe Biden. In Colorado, a dozen counties stopped accepting new applications for the state's child care assistance program because they ran out of money, The Colorado Sun reported. For states trying to maintain child care assistance scholarships, the costs of running the programs have risen. Because many child care providers operate on the margins, the Biden administration increased the amount they receive when they take scholarship students. It's all evidence that the problems that vex the child care industry have not necessarily abated with the pandemic, said Karen Schulman, senior director of child care policy at the National Women's Law Center. “The crisis was going on long before COVID,” Schulman said, citing the unaffordability of care for many families, along with the low pay of the child care workforce. Even as providers struggle to make a profit, child care is prohibitively expensive for many families. In a study of 2022 child care prices, the Labor Department found the median cost of care for an infant in a center was more than $15,600 in large counties—higher than the median rent in many places. This article was provided by The Associated Press.

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.

Today, Colorado Sun tech reporter Tamara Chuang breaks down why a bill addressing how Colorado businesses implement artificial intelligence was pulled from a state legislative committee and what that means for the new AI law set to go into effect Feb 1st. Learn more: https://coloradosun.com/2025/05/05/colorado-artificial-intelligence-law-killed/ https://coloradosun.com/colorado-sunfest Promo Code: COSunPodcast10See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After she lost her seat in Congress last November, Yadira Caraveo stepped back from politics and opened up about her struggles with mental health. But a few weeks ago, she announced a campaign to retake the District 8 seat from Republican Gabe Evans. Picking back up on a previous investigation regarding complaints about Carveo's office culture, Colorado Sun reporter Jesse Paul talked to four of her former aides and published a blockbuster exposé revealing allegations of traumatic mistreatment. So host Bree Davies is sitting down with Kyle Clark, who interviewed Caraveo about mental health and her run for re-election two days before the big story broke, to break down this complicated political moment and what it could mean for the Democrats' push to retake control of Congress in 2026. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm What do you think about Yadira Caraveo's chances for re-election? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418 Learn more about the sponsors of this May 5th episode: Aura Frames - Get $35-off plus free shipping on the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST Regional Air Quality Council Colfax Ave BID Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lawmakers got behind a bill this session that would have required social media companies like Snapchat, Facebook and Instagram to do more about illegal activity on their platforms. It was a significant policy change, and it seemed poised for success, passing the legislature with broad bipartisan support in both chambers. But then the bill hit the governor's desk, where Polis, concerned about its potential impacts on privacy and free speech, pulled out his veto stamp.What happened next was a rare -- and somewhat surprising -- showdown between two branches of government, and a window into the complex politics that surround the power of the veto.CPR's Bente Birkeland and The Colorado Sun's Jesse Paul examine how it all went down and what this moment could mean looking ahead, as Colorado's Democratic majority at the statehouse appears to be increasingly willing to challenge Polis during his waning time in office.Purplish is produced by CPR News and the Capitol News Alliance, a collaboration between KUNC News, Colorado Public Radio, Rocky Mountain PBS, and The Colorado Sun, and shared with Rocky Mountain Community Radio and other news organizations across the state. Funding for the Alliance is provided in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.Purplish's producer is Stephanie Wolf. This episode was edited by Megan Verlee and sound designed and engineered by Shane Rumsey. Our theme music is by Brad Turner.

Today, Colorado Sun business reporter Tamara Chuang breaks down the recent changes in the rental market and why renters in Denver and Colorado are seeing some relief in monthly charges. Read more: https://coloradosun.com/2025/04/26/apartment-rents-denver-falling/ https://coloradosun.com/colorado-sunfestPromo code: COSunPodcast10See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From tariffs to immigration, the Department of Government Efficiency, and an avalanche of executive actions and policies, President Donald Trump's first 100 days have been a whirlwind.In a special episode of Purplish, recorded before a live audience at the Buell Public Media Center in Denver, two lawmakers — from different parties, different chambers and different capitols — share their perspectives and insights on this moment in American politics. CPR's Bente Birkeland and CPR's Caitlyn Kim interview U.S. Democratic Rep. Joe Neguse, who represents Colorado's 2nd Congressional District, and Republican state Sen. Barbara Kirkmeyer, whose seat is in Weld and Larimer counties. They dive into the many ripple effects of Trump's first 100 days on Colorado, covering topics like federal funding cuts, trade policy, state's rights, Trump's immigration crackdown, and, of course, the country's rapidly evolving political climate.Purplish is produced by CPR News and the Capitol News Alliance, a collaboration between KUNC News, Colorado Public Radio, Rocky Mountain PBS, and The Colorado Sun, and shared with Rocky Mountain Community Radio and other news organizations across the state. Funding for the Alliance is provided in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.Purplish's producer is Stephanie Wolf. This episode was edited by Megan Verlee and sound designed and engineered by Shane Rumsey. Our theme music is by Brad Turner. Rocky Mountain PBS partnered on this episode and hosted the live event.

Today, Sun events specialist Kristina Pritchett has updates on a slew of Sun events coming up online, including next week's virtual education formula funding discussion, and in-person — our May 15 end-of-the-session legislative wrap, our 3rd annual Colorado SunFest on May 16, how to safely summit one of Colorado's 14ers event May 21 and an upcoming new homebuyers seminar in June. Daily Sun-Up Podcast listeners can save 10% of their Colorado SunFest tickets by using promo code: COSunPodcast10 https://coloradosun.com/events/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Colorado already has numerous laws in place to protect the rights of immigrants. But as President Donald Trump takes unprecedented steps to carry out his campaign promise of mass deportations, Democratic state lawmakers believe those protections might no longer be enough. They've introduced an immigration bill that expands and hones numerous policies in direct response to the White House's crackdown. But state Republicans say their colleagues are overstepping and risk straining state resources further. CPR's Bente Birkeland and KUNC's Lucas Brady Woods dig into what the proposal would do and what it means to potentially pass something like this in the midst of strong sentiments among voters and politicians, both for and against immigrant protections. They're later joined by CPR's Allison Sherry to learn what she's seen happening on the ground in Colorado while reporting on ICE raids and arrests.  Purplish is produced by CPR News and the Capitol News Alliance, a collaboration between KUNC News, Colorado Public Radio, Rocky Mountain PBS, and The Colorado Sun, and shared with Rocky Mountain Community Radio and other news organizations across the state. Funding for the Alliance is provided in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.Purplish's producer is Stephanie Wolf. This episode was edited by Megan Verlee and sound designed and engineered by Shane Rumsey.  Additional reporting for this episode came from Denverite's Kevin Beaty. Our theme music is by Brad Turner.

At a time when the federal government is rolling back rights and recognition for transgender Americans, Colorado is moving to expand its protections in a number of areas, including medical care, harassment, death certificates and more. Democratic state lawmakers and proponents say they want to ensure certain rights for the state's transgender community get the protection of law. But opponents, including GOP lawmakers, argue the proposals go beyond equality. CPR's Bente Birkeland and KUNC's Lucas Brady Woods look at the various legislative efforts before Colorado lawmakers this session, how the debates are shaping up at the statehouse and what this could mean for trans Coloradans, against the backdrop of anti-trans rhetoric and actions increasing on the federal level.  And if you've ever wanted to see the Purplish team in action, here is your chance: we're hosting a live taping of the show, the evening of Tuesday, April 22, in Denver. Find all the details, and get your tickets, here.Purplish is produced by CPR News and the Capitol News Alliance, a collaboration between KUNC News, Colorado Public Radio, Rocky Mountain PBS, and The Colorado Sun, and shared with Rocky Mountain Community Radio and other news organizations across the state. Funding for the Alliance is provided in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.Purplish's producer is Stephanie Wolf. This episode was edited by Megan Verlee and sound designed and engineered by Shane Rumsey. Our theme music is by Brad Turner.

There's no question that a national political upheaval is underway. In Colorado, both Republicans and Democrats are looking to or for new leaders to shepherd them through the changes. Colorado Sun political reporter Jesse Paul joined Colorado Public Radio reporters Bente Birkeland and Caitlyn Kim on the Purplish podcast to discuss. https://coloradosun.com/2025/03/29/brita-horn-colorado-gop-chair-dave-williams/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

American politics are in a moment of major upheaval: a Republican president and GOP-controlled Congress are reshaping the federal government and expanding the limits of executive power. At the same time, federal Democrats are struggling with how to win back voters who feel their party has failed to deliver. And even as Republicans have this moment on the national stage, Colorado's GOP party is trying to catch up, hoping a new leader can bring some unity — and less havoc — for Republicans in the state.CPR's Bente Birkeland and The Colorado Sun's Jesse Paul examine what new leadership could mean for the future of Colorado's Republican party. Then CPR's Caitlyn Kim joins to dig into how Colorado's Democratic members of Congress are looking to redirect the party ahead of the midterms.Purplish is produced by CPR News and the Capitol News Alliance, a collaboration between KUNC News, Colorado Public Radio, Rocky Mountain PBS, and The Colorado Sun, and shared with Rocky Mountain Community Radio and other news organizations across the state. Funding for the Alliance is provided in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.Purplish's producer is Stephanie Wolf. This episode was edited by Megan Verlee and sound designed and engineered by Shane Rumsey. Our theme music is by Brad Turner.

The Joint Budget Committee has finished drafting the state budget for the next fiscal year, which takes effect July 1. It's now time for the legislature to finalize it. Colorado Sun political reporters Brian Eason and Jesse Paul talk about what's in the budget — and why this may just be the start of the conversation. https://coloradosun.com/2025/03/26/colorado-lawmakers-finalize-2025-2026-budget-proposal-cuts/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, Colorado Sun business reporter Tamara Chuang breaks down the troubles some condo and townhome buyers are running into with HOA insurance coverage affecting their potential loan. https://coloradosun.com/2025/03/31/fannie-mae-hoa-blacklist-unsellable-condos-colorado/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A variety of factors have strained the state's finances as of late, and that meant state lawmakers had to find more than a billion dollars in savings in order to balance the state budget this session. Many legislators described the process as painful, with big-ticket items up for cuts, including Medicaid and K-12 education. And the hand wringing over the toughest decisions, in the end, led to delays on finalizing the spending package, aka “the long bill.”CPR's Bente Birkeland and The Colorado Sun's Brian Eason discuss the powerful body tasked with deciding where to pull back spending, the Joint Budget Committee; what were the most difficult choices before them in this tight budget year; and what it all could mean for Coloradans.Purplish is produced by CPR News and the Capitol News Alliance, a collaboration between KUNC News, Colorado Public Radio, Rocky Mountain PBS, and The Colorado Sun, and shared with Rocky Mountain Community Radio and other news organizations across the state. Funding for the Alliance is provided in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.Purplish's producer is Stephanie Wolf. This episode was edited by Megan Verlee and sound designed and engineered by Shane Rumsey. Our theme music is by Brad Turner.

https://coloradosun.com/2025/03/21/colorado-vegetable-csu-madness/ Today, Colorado Sun reporter Tamara Chuang gets you ready for the Colorado gardening season with her look at CSU’s Veggie Madness competition and her own gardening insights.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cities of a certain size in Colorado have to allow more density, because of a suite of new state development mandates. But several cities, like Westminster, Colorado Springs and Arvada, are pushing back. In some cases, they have said, flat out, that they do not intend to comply with some of the laws. Historically, local governments in Colorado and across the nation have had domain over the rules that shape their growth, so at the heart of this conflict are objections over the loss of local control.CPR's Bente Birkeland and Nathaniel Minor explain what these new laws, some of which take effect as soon as this summer, do; what the rub is for some Colorado cities; and what a potential legal standoff could mean for how Coloradans live and move through the state.Purplish is produced by CPR News and the Capitol News Alliance, a collaboration between KUNC News, Colorado Public Radio, Rocky Mountain PBS, and The Colorado Sun, and shared with Rocky Mountain Community Radio and other news organizations across the state. Funding for the Alliance is provided in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.Purplish's producer is Stephanie Wolf. This episode was edited by Megan Verlee and sound designed and engineered by Shane Rumsey. Our theme music is by Brad Turner. Special thanks to KDNK in Glenwood Springs, which made its studios available for the recording of this episode.

Read more: https://coloradosun.com/2025/03/17/restaurants-closing-opening-data-denver/ Today, Colorado Sun business reporter Tamara Chuang breaks down her latest deep data dive to try to figure out if there are more restaurants opening in Denver than closing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When it comes to green energy, Colorado Governor Jared Polis likes solar and wind. He's open to nuclear. But he's ALL IN on geothermal, and his allies in the state legislature are pushing a measure this session to accelerate geothermal drilling across the state. So what does that mean for our many beloved hot springs? Colorado Sun reporter Parker Yamasaki has been hearing from hot springs operators across the state who are worried, and her colleague Tracy Ross has been reporting on the state's most promising geothermal project at Mt. Princeton. They join producer Paul Karolyi to talk about whether there's enough hot water to go around.  Paul talked about the case studies in Iceland and Japan.  Would you give up your favorite hot spring for cheaper electricity? We want to hear from you! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬ For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm Learn more about the sponsors of this March 17th episode: Denver Health Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Colorado lawmakers are just past the halfway point of this year's legislative session. That means it's crunch time, with plenty of big, controversial bills still in play on guns, labor, housing and other topics. And on top of all that — the biggest task before lawmakers is finding more than $1 billion in budget savings in order to keep state spending in balance.It's been a busy few months at the statehouse, and CPR's Bente Birkeland, KUNC's Lucas Brady Woods and The Colorado Sun's Jesse Paul have been there for all of it. From people to policy, the three reporters sum up what's happened thus far. They also dig into the current going ons under the Gold Dome, and look ahead at what big fights and legislation lay ahead in the not-too-distant future.Catch up of past episodes that delve deeper into some of the legislation discussed in our mid-session check in: An assault weapons ban by any other name… The billion-dollar budget hole Vacancy appointments get lots of lawmakers to the capitol. Is it time for a change? Life as a new state lawmaker Purplish is produced by CPR News and the Capitol News Alliance, a collaboration between KUNC News, Colorado Public Radio, Rocky Mountain PBS, and The Colorado Sun, and shared with Rocky Mountain Community Radio and other news organizations across the state. Funding for the Alliance is provided in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.Purplish's producer is Stephanie Wolf. This episode was edited by Megan Verlee and sound designed and engineered by Shane Rumsey. Our theme music is by Brad Turner.

As of late February, 1,407 people in Colorado are waiting for DNA results from their sexual assault cases -- some of them for more than a year. Without those results, criminal investigations can stall out and victims are left in a difficult state of limbo. Colorado lawmakers have taken up the issue this legislative session — and one of their own is a part of this backlog.CPR's Bente Birkeland and RMPBS' Andrea Kramar examine the factors that have bogged down testing, how lawmakers and officials are trying to fix it, and the human toll of it all.Purplish is produced by CPR News and the Capitol News Alliance, a collaboration between KUNC News, Colorado Public Radio, Rocky Mountain PBS, and The Colorado Sun, and shared with Rocky Mountain Community Radio and other news organizations across the state. Funding for the Alliance is provided in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.Purplish's producer is Stephanie Wolf. This episode was edited by Megan Verlee and sound designed and engineered by Shane Rumsey. Our theme music is by Brad Turner.

Today, Colorado Sun business reporter Tamara Chuang reviews the annual list of consumer complaints in Colorado, and how the attorney general’s office responds. Read more: https://coloradosun.com/2025/03/03/impostor-fraud-colorado-consumer-complaints-protection/ Rula.com/sun https://coloradosun.com/colorado-sunfestSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A lot of Colorado lawmakers got their foot in the door at the statehouse not through the ballot box, but through a side door, a vacancy committee. State lawmakers leave office early for all sorts of reasons — some get new jobs or retire, occasionally people resign amidst scandal. This session, roughly 25% landed their House and Senate jobs that way. But in recent years, there's been grumbling about the vacancy committee process, with many calling it “undemocratic” and saying it's time for reform.CPR's Bente Birkeland, KUNC's Lucas Brady Woods and The Colorado Sun's Jesse Paul dig into how the process works, why it's firing up people on both sides of the aisle and what kinds of changes are being considered.Purplish is produced by CPR News and the Capitol News Alliance, a collaboration between KUNC News, Colorado Public Radio, Rocky Mountain PBS, and The Colorado Sun, and shared with Rocky Mountain Community Radio and other news organizations across the state. Funding for the Alliance is provided in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.Purplish's producer is Stephanie Wolf. This episode was edited by Megan Verlee and sound designed and engineered by Shane Rumsey. Our theme music is by Brad Turner.

Nearly a third of Colorado's 65 House members are new to the statehouse this year. They come from all walks of life and bring a variety of experiences to their new jobs, which, in the end, will likely shape the policy proposals they bring to the chamber floor. It's a demanding job, with a steep learning curve.On this episode, CPR's Bente Birkeland and KUNC's Lucas Brady Woods introduce us to two new legislators, from very different backgrounds — Rep. Dusty Johnson, a Republican from Fort Morgan, and Rep. Yara Zokaie, a Democrat from Fort Collins. They share what drove them to public service, how they are adjusting to their new jobs and titles, and how their personal experiences influence their legislative priorities. And here's something to add to your calendar: CPR is about to launch a new podcast designed to keep you up to date on the state each weekday -- and you can already get a sneak peek! Join us at a listening event at CPR's future headquarters in Denver on February 25 by signing up at this link.Purplish's producer is Stephanie Wolf. This episode was edited by Megan Verlee and sound designed and engineered by Shane Rumsey. Our theme music is by Brad Turner.Purplish is produced by CPR News and the Capitol News Alliance, a collaboration between KUNC News, Colorado Public Radio, Rocky Mountain PBS, and The Colorado Sun, and shared with Rocky Mountain Community Radio and other news organizations across the state. Funding for the Alliance is provided in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

Here's a mystery: Colorado's economy is healthy. It's unemployment rate is low and its tax collections are healthy. So why are lawmakers looking at a recession-sized budget gap? And just as importantly: where are they going to find the savings to close it?CPR's Bente Birkeland and The Colorado Sun's Brian Eason explore the colliding circumstances that got Colorado into this situation, and talk about the hard choices lawmakers must face as they craft next year's spending plan.CPR is about to launch a new podcast designed to keep you up to date each weekday -- and you can get a sneak peek! Join us at a listening event at CPR's future headquarters in Denver on February 25 by signing up at this link.Purplish is produced by CPR News and the Capitol News Alliance, a collaboration between KUNC News, Colorado Public Radio, Rocky Mountain PBS, and The Colorado Sun, and shared with Rocky Mountain Community Radio and other news organizations across the state. Funding for the Alliance is provided in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.This episode of Purplish was edited by Stephanie Wolf and Megan Verlee and produced by Shane Rumsey. Our theme music was composed by Brad Turner.

This Friday, it’s time for a closer look at one of the writers making up Colorado’s literary landscape. SunLit editor Kevin Simpson chats with an author whose poetry and short stories unexpectedly coalesced into a darkly humorous novel. Denver Health: denverhealth.org/welcome Colorado Sun's Valentines Day: coloradosun.com/loveSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, Sun reporter Parker Yamasaki gets us caught up on a brewing Colorado-Nebraska rivalry that has to do with water, land and eminent domain. Read more on this story: https://coloradosun.com/2025/02/01/eminent-domain-perkins-canal-nebraska/ Denver Health: denverhealth.org/welcome Colorado Sun's Valentines Day: coloradosun.com/loveSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Read our full story: https://coloradosun.com/2025/01/21/colorado-semiautomatic-removable-magazine-gun-ban-explained/ Today we're sharing an except of Purplish, the politics and policy podcast produced by Colorado Public Radio News and the Colorado Capitol News Alliance. The Colorado Sun is a member of the alliance. Colorado Sun political reporter Jesse Paul joined Lucas Brady Woods of KUNC and Bente Birkeland of Colorado Public Radio to discuss Senate Bill 3, which would ban the manufacture and sale of certain semiautomatic rifles, shotguns and handguns that can accept detachable ammunition magazines. Denver Health: denverhealth.org/welcome Colorado Sun's Valentines Day: coloradosun.com/loveSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, Colorado Sun business reporter Tamara Chuang has the latest on King Soopers workers strike, a late Friday federal court filing and how things went over Super Bowl weekend. Read our full story: https://coloradosun.com/2025/02/08/king-soopers-public-support-unions-grocery-strike/ Denver Health: denverhealth.org/welcome Colorado Sun's Valentines Day: coloradosun.com/loveSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, Sun reporter Jennifer Brown talks about riding the rails to Winter Park as a way to get more people off I-70, and state’s efforts to extend the passenger line to and past Steamboat Springs. Read the full story: https://coloradosun.com/2025/02/03/ski-train-mountain-rail/ Denver Health: denverhealth.org/welcome Colorado Sun's Valentines Day: coloradosun.com/loveSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Democratic lawmakers say they're getting serious about enforcing Colorado's ban on high-capacity ammunition magazines. But their solution would take a wide range of firearms off the shelves of gun stores statewide, including some of the most popular varieties of semi-automatics.Past efforts to ban so-called assault rifles have failed, but this year's bill debuted with an unprecedented level of support. Still, it's future is far from certain.CPR's Bente Birkeland, KUNC's Lucas Brady Woods and The Colorado Sun's Jesse Paul explain what the bill would do, and why -- if it ultimately becomes law -- it would be one of the most sweeping gun restrictions in the nation.Purplish is produced by CPR News and the Capitol News Alliance, a collaboration between KUNC News, Colorado Public Radio, Rocky Mountain PBS, and The Colorado Sun, and shared with Rocky Mountain Community Radio and other news organizations across the state. Funding for the Alliance is provided in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.This episode of Purplish was edited by Stephanie Wolf and Megan Verlee and produced by Shane Rumsey. Our theme music was composed by Brad Turner.

Colorado was once the scene of guerilla warfare over labor organizing. This year's fight at the State Capitol isn't as bloody, but it could have far-reaching consequences for Colorado workers.At issue is an 1943 law that makes it harder for workplaces to fully unionize. The last attempt to repeal it died in a surprise veto from a Democratic governor. Is this year's effort headed for the same fate?Hosts Bente Birkeland from CPR News and Jesse Paul of the Colorado Sun dive into the Labor Peace Act: how it works,  where it came from and why labor thinks this is the year to have this fight.Purplish is produced by CPR News and the Capitol News Alliance, a collaboration between KUNC News, Colorado Public Radio, Rocky Mountain PBS, and The Colorado Sun, and shared with Rocky Mountain Community Radio and other news organizations across the state. Funding for the Alliance is provided in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.This episode of Purplish was edited by Megan Verlee and produced by Shane Rumsey. Our theme music was composed by Brad Turner.

Amid last year's national hysteria over Tren de Aragua — the Venezuelan gang that had allegedly “taken over” several apartment buildings in the Denver metro — then-presidential candidate Donald Trump came to Colorado to announce his plans for a massive crackdown on immigration, dubbed “Operation Aurora.” Now that Trump is in office, social media is rife with stories of ICE raids, security breaches, and people being detained — so how can you tell what's fact and what's fiction? Host Bree Davies sits down with Westword staff writer Bennito Kelty, who has been covering the immigration issue in his hometown of Aurora, to discuss the actual impacts of a second Trump presidency and if any of the rumors are true. Bree mentioned Bennito's deep dive on GEO Group, the for-profit prison company running the Aurora ICE facility. She also mentioned Congress's request for Mayor Johnston to come and testify on Denver's sanctuary city policies in February. For more, the Colorado Sun recently reported that Trump's Department of Justice recently ordered several local non-profits to stop their work, which will leave many people in the ICE facility in Aurora and at the immigration courts in Denver without access to legal representation.  We're doing a survey to learn more about our listeners. We'd be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey—it's only 7 minutes long. You'll be doing us a big favor. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card–and City Cast Denver swag. Get your tickets to HEYDAY now! We're putting on an indoor fair with urban flair, like a classic county fair but with a very cool Denver twist. Join us on March 8 for classic carnival games, vintage arcade games, Denver-themed balloon art, and a full day of grandstand entertainment, featuring some of your favorite guests from the podcast. It's family friendly, too, if you wanna bring your kids. Get those tickets now at www.heydaydenver.com. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm What do you think? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬ Learn more about the sponsors of this January 29th episode: Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Denver Art Musseum Clear Peak Fertility Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jonathan talks with Jason Blevins, the outdoors reporter for The Colorado Sun, about the recent ski patrol strike, union talks, and the current state of ski areas. Jason brings some important historical reminders to the conversation, and we discuss what it all means for the future of skiing & snowboarding, as well as the future of mountain towns.RELATED LINKS:Blister Rec. Shop: Powder7Get Covered: BLISTER+Join Us! Blister Summit 2025TOPICS & TIMES:Powder7.com (1:17)Jason Blevins, New BLISTER+ member (2:17)Ski Resorts: State of the Union (7:58)Labor Movement & Strikes (15:07)Indy Ski Areas & Consolidation (26:51)Implications for Mountain Towns (41:29)The Colorado Sun (52:54) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.