Podcasts about The Colorado Sun

For a lot of farmers in Colorado, and across the country, insecticides known as neonicotinoids, or neonics, have been a game changer. But what's been a breakthrough for some has been a nightmare for others. Neonics are being blamed for die-offs in domestic bees and native pollinators, and there's growing concern over their potential impacts on human health as well. This year, some Democratic lawmakers proposed a bold step to reduce the chemicals' use in Colorado; they wanted farmers to get something like a prescription to be allowed to use neonic-treated seeds.CPR's Bente Birkeland and Rae Solomon discuss what those lawmakers tried to do, and why they faced such fierce opposition from the get go.Read our coverage: Farmers bristle as state lawmakers weigh the future of a ubiquitous pesticide Democrats' bill to control pesticides that threaten pollinators dies at statehouse 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. Sound design and engineering by Shane Rumsey. The theme music is by Brad Turner. Megan Verlee is the executive producer.

Show Notes & Links (by story) 1) CPW Commission advances the “commercial sale of wildlife fur” petition (6–4) Outdoor Life — “Colorado Advances Fur Ban…” CBS Colorado — “CPW advances controversial fur ban petition…” CPW — Parks & Wildlife Commission Meeting (March 4–5, 2026 page + materials list) Center for Biological Diversity — Citizen petition for rulemaking (June 16, 2025) CPW — “Hunting Furbearers” (species list + bobcat sealing language) The Colorado Sun — security/tension + furbearer program context CPW news release (Dec 5, 2025) — furbearer stakeholder report summary Engage CPW — Beaver Conservation and Management Strategy overview Rocky Mountain PBS — Denver voters rejected Ordinance 308 (fur sales ban) 2) The petition text: what it proposes + exemptions3) Colorado furbearer species + hunting mechanics4) Meeting tension + furbearer management context5) Broader management backdrop6) Related history: Denver fur ban ballot measure (Ordinance 308) Hunting Stories Links⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Want to be a guest?⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Democrats are debating dueling data center bills in the Colorado legislature this year. One focuses on tax incentives for businesses that build the sprawling buildings. The other seeks to address their environmental impacts. Colorado Sun political reporter Taylor Dolven talked about the measures on the latest edition of Purplish with CPR News reporter Sam Brasch and KUNC's Lucas Brady Woods. Read more: https://coloradosun.com/2026/01/23/colorado-data-center-bills-incentives-regulations/ Photo by Kathryn Scott, Special to The Colorado SunSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, Colorado Sun business reporter Tamara Chuang gets into a new report that looks at the state of Denver restaurant scene and possible suggestions to help out restaurateurs and service industry workers. Photo by Corey Robinson, Special to The Colorado TrustSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

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.

Data centers, the infrastructure underpinning the artificial intelligence boom, are popping up in communities all across the country, including in Colorado. And with each new build, come more questions from residents about what these structures mean for their utility bills and quality of life. At the State Capitol, lawmakers are choosing between two competing visions of how Colorado should approach data centers — with incentives plus some guardrails, or strictly with regulations.CPR's Sam Brasch, The Colorado Sun's Taylor Dolven and KUNC's Lucas Brady Woods dig into the competing data center bills, one that offers tax breaks to lure centers here and another that requires them to mitigate their impacts. They also discuss the local backlash against these buildings when they start going up in communities, and the politics of it all. Catch up on our latest coverage: CPR News: Colorado bill would require renewable energy for new data centers to guard against rising energy bills CPR News: Colorado lawmakers brace for their biggest battle yet over AI data centers The Colorado Sun & KUNC: Tax breaks vs. renewable energy offsets: Democrats plan to duel over conflicting Colorado data center bills CPR News: Does the AI boom threaten local air quality? A north Denver neighborhood is about to find out Mountain West News Bureau: Wired, Wired West: What happens with AI data centers move in 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. Megan Verlee is the executive producer. Sound design and engineering by Shane Rumsey. The theme music is by Brad Turner. Additional editorial support on this episode provided by Tegan Wendland.

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.

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.

The episode elucidates the prevailing national risk landscape characterized by a rapidly advancing multi-hazard storm on February 18, 2026. We delve into the severe winter storm and blizzard conditions affecting the upper Midwest and Great Lakes, juxtaposed with critical fire weather conditions across the High Plains. The National Weather Service has issued multiple warnings for blizzard and winter storm conditions, particularly around western Lake Superior, where hazardous travel is imminent. Furthermore, we examine the dire situation in Northern California, with significant travel disruptions and ongoing search and rescue operations following an avalanche incident. Our analysis extends to various states, detailing the complex interplay of winter weather and fire hazards, underscoring the necessity for vigilance and preparedness amidst these perilous conditions.Takeaways:* The podcast emphasizes the severity of the multi-hazard storm impacting various regions across the nation.* Blizzard and winter storm warnings are active in the upper Midwest, affecting travel and safety.* Critical fire weather conditions are prevalent in the High Plains, particularly impacting states like Colorado and Nebraska.* Winter storm warnings in Northern California have led to significant travel disruptions and highway closures.* Local authorities report ongoing rescue operations following an avalanche incident in the Sierra region.* Oklahoma is facing a serious wildfire situation with coordinated emergency response efforts underway.Sources[NWS | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=usa&wwa=blizzard+warning][NWS | https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?zoneid=CAZ069][NWS | https://www.weather.gov/sto/][ABC7 / AP | https://abc7news.com/post/rescue-underway-missing-skiers-reported-avalanche-castle-peak-area-sierra-nevada-sheriffs-office-says/18612994/][ABC10 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/california-winter-storm-interstate-80-traffic-sierra-avalanche-warning-outage/103-d82bfe99-61b2-425c-a4ce-e25e71521343][NWS | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=usa&wwa=winter+storm+warning][NWS | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=bou&wwa=red+flag+warning][Colorado Sun | https://coloradosun.com/2026/02/17/fires-evaucations-eastern-plains/][CBS Colorado | https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/video/fire-that-burned-over-5000-acres-on-colorados-eastern-plains-is-now-contained/][NWS | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=usa&wwa=winter+storm+warning][NWS | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=usa&wwa=winter+weather+advisory][NWS | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=usa&wwa=red+flag+warning][NWS | https://forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.php?firewxzone=NEZ080&lat=40.2347&local_place1=2+Miles+W+Culbertson+NE&lon=-100.8782&product1=Fire+Weather+Watch&warncounty=NEC087&warnzone=NEZ080][NWS | https://forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.php?firewxzone=MIZ003&lat=47&local_place1=Toivola+MI&lon=-88.74&product1=Winter+Storm+Watch&warncounty=MIC061&warnzone=MIZ003][NWS | https://forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.php?firewxzone=MIZ016&lat=45.9706&local_place1=3+Miles+N+Rapid+River+MI&lon=-86.972&product1=Winter+Storm+Watch&warncounty=MIC041&warnzone=MIZ013][NWS | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=usa&wwa=blizzard+warning][NWS | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=dlh&wwa=winter+storm+warning][NWS | https://www.weather.gov/ggw/][NWS | https://www.weather.gov/byz/montana_statewide_information][NWS | https://forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.php?firewxzone=NEZ080&lat=40.2347&local_place1=2+Miles+W+Culbertson+NE&lon=-100.8782&product1=Fire+Weather+Watch&warncounty=NEC087&warnzone=NEZ080][NWS | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=usa&wwa=red+flag+warning][NWS | https://forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.php?firewxzone=MNZ008&lat=48.3003&local_place1=10+Miles+E+Holt+MN&lon=-95.9822&product1=Winter+Storm+Watch&warncounty=MNC089&warnzone=MNZ008][NWS | https://forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.php?firewxzone=NDZ010&lat=48.3124&local_place1=Stanley+ND&lon=-102.3928&product1=Winter+Storm+Watch&warncounty=NDC061&warnzone=NDZ010][OK OEM | https://oklahoma.gov/oem/news/newsroom/wildfire-situation-update-1---february-17--2026.html][KOCO | https://www.koco.com/article/oklahoma-wildfire-woodward-evacuations-forgan-fire-beaver-county/70397791][NWS | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=usa&wwa=winter+storm+warning][NWS | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=usa&wwa=red+flag+warning][NWS | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=usa&wwa=winter+weather+advisory][NWS | https://forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.php?firewxzone=WIZ002&lat=46.7163&local_place1=6+Miles+SSE+Cornucopia+WI&lon=-91.0496&product1=Winter+Storm+Warning&warncounty=WIC007&warnzone=WIZ002] This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit emnetwork.substack.com/subscribe

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.

This week, we're in Colorado discussing the state's most prolific serial killer. Then we'll talk about a disgruntled employee.Buckle up and join us on this dark and twisted ride through the Centennial State.Be sure to subscribe on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and leave a review, or email us at unitedstatesofmurder@gmail.comFollow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!Sources: Vincent Groves Wikipedia, Douglas County Sheriff's Office, People v. Groves, Denver Gazette, Rhonda Marie Fisher - The Independent, The Colorado Sun, 1993 Aurora, Colorado Shooting, People v. Nathan DunlapMusic by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pixabay⁠

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.

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.

Again and again, President Trump has made it known he has a beef with Colorado, whether it's anger over his presidential portrait that was displayed at the State Capitol or the state's policies on immigration, artificial intelligence and voting. And it's not simply talk. Since Trump has returned to the White House, Colorado is losing a military command, and a major scientific research center is in jeopardy, as are hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funding.Democrats say Trump's actions add up to retaliation. Others, particularly on the right, say this is a situation the state has brought upon itself due to its policies. Regardless of the political lens you look through, Trump has made it clear he doesn't like a lot of things about this blue state. CPR's Bente Birkeland, The Colorado Sun's Taylor Dolven and CPR's Caitlyn Kim look at the president's different actions against the state, how Colorado leaders are responding to those actions and how some are pushing back.Catch up on our latest coverage: CPR News: Policy differences or punishment? How Colorado lawmakers view Trump's actions towards the state CPR News: From a South Dakota stage to a national platform: The winding road that got Tina Peters on the President's radar The Colorado Sun: Trump administration must keep funding Colorado's poorest families, judge rules in temporary reprieve CPR News: House refuses to override Trump veto of Colorado water project CPR News: As the Trump administration targets NCAR, scientists rally to defend the ‘mothership' of atmospheric research The Colorado Sun: Trump administration cancels $109M in environmentally focused transportation grants for Colorado CPR News: FEMA denies Colorado disaster declaration requests 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. Megan Verlee is the executive producer. Sound design and engineering by Shane Rumsey. The theme music is by Brad Turner.

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 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.

Send us a textToday, we're joined by a trio of CU Boulder student journalists who dug up a story in Gold Hill, where failing backup batteries cut emergency services for residents during power outages.The systems, supplied by Lumen Technologies, are supposed to keep land lines operational when the power's out. But some of those batteries are over 20 years old and failing, turning power outages into potentially life-threatening situations.Sydney Schrader, Corey Neumeier and Sophia Collins tell us what's going on in Gold Hill, and mountain towns across the county, and what the residents are doing about it.Their story was originally published by the Colorado Sun. Read it here.AlsoStructure fire in AllensparkNederland ice rink still not frozenGolden Gate Canyon OKs Community Wildfire Protection Plan. View it here. Support the showThank you for listening to The Mountain-Ear Podcast, featuring news and culture from peak to peak! Additional pages are linked below.If you want to be involved in the podcast or paper, contact: Barbara Hardt, our editor-in-chef, at info@themountainear.com Tyler Hickman, podcast host, at tyler@themountainear.com Jamie Lammers, podcast host, at media@themountainear.com General inquiries: frontdesk@themountainear.com Head to our website for all of the latest news. Subscribe online and use the coupon code PODCAST for a 10% discount for all new subscribers. Submit local events to promote them in the paper and on our website. Find us on Facebook @mtnear and Instagram @mtn.ear Listen and watch on YouTube today. Share this podcast by scrolling to the bottom of our website home page or by heading to our main hub on Buzzsprout.Thank you for listening!

In his first seven years in office, Democratic Gov. Jared Polis had a lot of challenges and tragedies to contend with: the COVID-19 pandemic; the 2021 Marshall Fire and other climate disasters; shootings in Boulder, Highlands Ranch, Colorado Springs and Evergreen. These events defined his governorship, as did, what he's heralded as, some big-ticket policy wins: free full-day kindergarten and universal preschool, cutting the income tax, and wooing the Sundance Film Festival to Boulder. But during his final State of the State address this month, Polis made it clear there's still work to be done in his lame-duck year. CPR's Bente Birkeland, KUNC's Lucas Brady Woods and The Colorado Sun's Jesse Paul discuss what's on the governor's to-do list, how policy clashes with his own party could play out this session and the pressures from a  White House that seems bent on punishing Colorado. Catch up on our latest coverage: Purplish: Get ready for a new legislative session under Colorado's Gold Dome Colorado Matters: Polis talks advancements on Colorado agenda amid federal pressure The Colorado Sun: Colorado's governor gave his 8th and final State of the State speech. We analyzed everything he said. The Colorado Sun: House declines to override Trump veto of bill to complete water pipeline in southeastern Colorado Tina Peters from CPR, KUNC and The Colorado Sun Purplish: A rare veto showdown at the State Capitol Purplish: Why is Douglas County so worked up about home rule? Purplish: Some Colorado cities plan to ignore new housing density laws Purplish: The embattled Labor Peace Act  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. Megan Verlee is CPR News' executive producer of podcasts. Sound design and engineering by Shane Rumsey. The theme music is by Brad Turner.

Anti-Trump protesters gathered outside the Capitol last Saturday, but the turnout paled in comparison to the bigger demonstrations we saw last year. Producer Paul Karolyi joins host Bree Davies to talk about the past year of anti-Trump resistance in Denver as we watch violence play out on the streets of Minneapolis. Plus, a Denver city council member has a big new idea to help out pet owners and we hear a couple of listener hacks to navigate the rising cost of takeout. Paul talked about this betting market for the CD8 Democratic primary and the Colorado Sun's coverage of Gov. Polis' State of the State speech last week.  What's the best happy hour in town? We want to hear about your fave! 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 Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

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.

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.

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.

Today, Colorado Sun co-founder, Jason Blevins, is back to give us the latest on Telluride reopening and the end of the ski patrol strike; we discuss recent developments in affordable housing in Steamboat Springs; we look at various ownership models of ski areas (including what's happening at Eldora in Colorado); and we ask the big questions: what are the responsibilities of the owners of ski areas, and how do we create more sustainable — and more stable — relationships between ski areas and mountain towns?Note: We Want to Hear From You!We'd love for you to share with us the stories or topics you'd like us to cover next month on Reviewing the News; ask your most pressing mountain town advice questions, or offer your hot takes for us to rate. You can email those to us here.RELATED LINKS: GetCARV.comBLISTER+ Get Yourself CoveredBLISTER+ Questions: contact@blisterplus.comGet Our 25/26 Winter Buyer's GuideDiscounted Summit Registration for BLISTER+ MembersNon-Member Registration: Blister Summit 2026Get Our Newsletter & Weekly Gear GiveawaysGalena Gleason's ArticleCHECK OUT OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELS:Blister Studios (our new channel)Blister Review (our original channel)TOPICS & TIMES:Carv (1:17)OpenSnow (2:07)Snowbird (2:38)Jason in Telluride Last Friday (4:16)Ski Patrol's Needs vs Needs of Other Locals (8:37)Making Patrollers Town Employees? (19:28)What Are the Responsibilities of a Ski Area Owner? (29:08)Steamboat Springs Affordable Housing (35:04)Various Models of Ski Area Ownership (39:22)What's Happening in Nederland, CO, w/ Eldora? (47:40)What Else Should We Know? (50:18)CHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS:Blister CinematicCRAFTEDBikes & Big IdeasGEAR:30 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From another big budget shortfall to unsettled business over artificial intelligence to other pressing policy issues, like housing, the environment and surveillance, the 2026 legislative session kicks off in less than a week and Colorado lawmakers already have a lot on their to-do lists. Plus, while Democrats continue to hold a wide majority in both legislative chambers, tensions between the more progressive and more moderate factions of the party threaten to bubble over. On top of all of that, a big election year that will deliver new leaders for the state. CPR's Bente Birkeland, KUNC's Lucas Brady Woods and The Colorado Sun's Jesse Paul dig into the politics, the policy and the pressures expected to shape a new session. Catch up on our latest coverage: Purplish: Budget balanced (for now), AI decisions punted, relationships ruptured: What went down during special session Purplish: Crude Signal chats, social media attacks, mistreated aides: lawmaker conduct is back in the headlines CPR: Trump cites Colorado in new executive order banning states from creating ‘cumbersome' AI laws The Colorado Sun: How Medicaid became such a drag on Colorado's state budget KUNC: Democrats, local governments are gearing up for another round of battles over housing in Colorado The Colorado Sun: Colorado Ethics Commission advances complaints against Democrats who attended dark money-funded retreat The Colorado Sun: Colorado state Sen. Faith Winter was legally drunk when she caused car crash that killed her, authorities say Purplish: Drinking at the Colorado Capitol  CPR: Democratic Sen. Faith Winter changed State Capitol culture in the #MeToo era 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. Megan Verlee is CPR News' executive producer of podcasting. Sound design and engineering by Shane Rumsey. Purplish's theme music is by Brad Turner. Additional reporting for this episode from Taylor Dolven of The Colorado Sun and CPR's John Daley.

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.

On December 27, 2025, the Telluride Ski Patrol went on strike. Chuck Horning, the owner of Telluride Ski Resort, then closed the ski area indefinitely. So what is going on in Telluride? What does it mean for the town and residents of Telluride? And what does this strike — and others — say about the current state of mountain towns and the ski-resort industry? To discuss all of these things and more, we are talking with ski-industry reporter, Jason Blevins, the co-founder of the Colorado Sun, and the man behind Blevins' Corner on our ‘Reviewing the News' series.Note: We Want to Hear From You!We'd love for you to share with us the stories or topics you'd like us to cover next month on Reviewing the News; ask your most pressing mountain town advice questions, or offer your hot takes for us to rate. You can email those to us here.RELATED LINKS: GetCARV.comBLISTER+ Get Yourself CoveredBLISTER+ Questions: contact@blisterplus.comGet Our 25/26 Winter Buyer's GuideDiscounted Summit Registration for BLISTER+ MembersNon-Member Registration: Blister Summit 2026Get Our Newsletter & Weekly Gear GiveawaysCHECK OUT OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELS:Blister Studios (our new channel)Blister Review (our original channel)TOPICS & TIMES:BLISTER+ Changes starting January 1st (1:30)Get CARV (1:56)What's Going On in Telluride? (3:00)How Did We Get Here? (5:19)What is Telluride Ski Patrol Asking For? (7:10)Who is Being Unreasonable? (8:46)The Numbers Behind the Request (11:58)Other Potential Costs (18:16)Is Crazy still Better than Corporate? (21:39)Why Won't Chuck Just Sell the Ski Area? (23:19)What is the Community Saying? (26:17)Will We See more Strikes in the Industry? (32:10)Billionaires & Ski Towns (33:34)Blevins' Prediction for Telluride (39:29)CHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS:Blister CinematicCRAFTEDBikes & Big IdeasGEAR:30 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.

Since the start of the Trump administration’s tariffs, Colorado global exports grew 6.3% between January and August, compared with the same period in 2024, and imports fell 2.6%. Today, Colorado Sun business reporter Tamara Chuang breaks down the tariff’s effects on Colorado companies. Read more: https://coloradosun.com/2025/12/15/colorado-trump-tariffs-havenly-imports-exports-trade/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Colorado, like the rest of the country, is experiencing more, and worse, climate disasters, wrecking havoc on people's homes — and their homeowner's insurance rates. In the wake of devastating hail storms and massive wildfires, Coloradans face rising premiums, less choice and availability, and in some cases, getting dropped by insurers altogether. The state is now one of the top ten most expensive in the country for homeowners insurance. And escalating the issue is climate change. CPR's Bente Birkeland and Rocky Mountain PBS' Andrea Kramar look at what's happening with the home insurance market in Colorado, and what state lawmakers are trying to do to make sure that, when the flames approach or the hail falls, Coloradans don't lose everything.Plus stay tuned for a full-length documentary on this reporting. “Undercovered” airs on Rocky Mountain PBS Thursday, Jan. 15 at 7 p.m. MST, and will be available to stream on the free RMPBS+ app and Youtube.Purplish is produced by listener-supported 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. Sound designed and engineered by Shane Rumsey. Theme music is by Brad Turner. CPR's executive producer of podcasts is Megan Verlee.

Colorado lawmakers were recently warned that the state is stuck in a cycle of annual billion-dollar budget shortfalls. Colorado Sun political reporter Jesse Paul discussed the situation with Arlo Pérez Esquivel on the Colorado Today podcast from Colorado Public Radio Read more: https://coloradosun.com/2025/11/17/colorado-budget-cycles-1-billion-shortfall-medicaid/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Author Mark Easter chats with The Colorado Sun's Kevin Simpson about his book "The Blue Plate: A Food Lover’s Guide to Climate Chaos".See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Historian Derek Everett joins The Colorado Sun’s Kevin Simpson to explain the strange years when Colorado celebrated two Thanksgivings.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we're talking with Colorado Sun business reporter Tamara Chuang about the cost of the Thanksgiving meal in Colorado this year. Many expected costs to be higher this year, but they're not. Read more: https://coloradosun.com/2025/11/22/thanksgiving-dinner-prices-colorado-grocery-2025/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In statehouses across the country, the political playing field is being redrawn, as states wade into the murky waters of midcycle redistricting. President Donald Trump kicked off this effort, when he urged Republicans in Texas to draw new Congressional maps, years ahead of schedule. Then came Missouri and North Carolina, and earlier this month, California voters agreed to put aside their independently drawn map and give Democrats more seats. Colorado — a blue state with its congressional seats split evenly between the parties — is a tempting target as Democrats look to further offset Republican gains.But not so fast. CPR's Bente Birkeland and Caitlyn Kim dive into the guardrails Colorado voters put in place years ago to keep politics out of the state's redistricting process — and why changes to the process could be slow and costly. They're joined by NPR's Larry Kaplow, who has been covering this issue on the national level. Read and listen to our redistricting coverage: As state after state weighs partisan redistricting, the people who drew Colorado's map hope it stays out of the fray Should Colorado join the gerrymandering war? Attorney General Phil Weiser thinks so The man who helped Colorado and California take politics out of redistricting calls the race toward partisan gerrymanders a living ‘nightmare' Colorado officially has new state legislative maps Purplish's 2021 redistricting miniseries: The Great Redraw  Purplish is produced by listener-supported 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. Theme music is by Brad Turner. Big shout out to Rachel Estabrook, who has led the audio projects team this past year and is leaving CPR at the end of the month. Thanks for your leadership!Editor's note: This episode has been updated to remove an inaccuracy about the current partisan split in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Colorado may have just had a statewide election, but the Colorado Sun's politics team is already turning its attention toward the midterm elections next year. Sun political reporter Jesse Paul was recently on Purplish, the podcast produced by CPR News and the Colorado Capitol News Alliance, to talk about what's on the horizon.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, Colorado Sun business reporter Tamara Chuang digs deeper into rent decreases across the metro Denver area and how and why it has become a renter’s market right now. Read more: https://coloradosun.com/2025/11/17/rent-prices-denver-falling-apartment-data/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, Colorado Sun rural reporter Tracy Ross has updates on the Colorado wolf reintroduction as it approaches the two-year mark of when the first wolves were released in Colorado.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, Colorado Sun arts and culture reporter Parker Yamasaki breaks down the latest report on the arts in the metro Denver area and how the pandemic recovery is coming along. Read more: https://coloradosun.com/2025/11/08/arts-theater-economy-colorado/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Purplish, our focus is usually on exploring the politics of the moment. But for Veterans Day, we're offering something different -- a chance to experience a defining moment in World War II from one of the last remaining veterans to live through it.The battle of Iwo Jima was one of the toughest in Marine Corps history. Nearly 7,000 Marines lost their lives taking the volcanic island from its Japanese defenders.80 years on, few remain who served in that grueling conflict. One of them is Jim Blane of Denver.It took Blane decades after the war ended to begin to talk about his time in combat. But as he prepares to celebrate his 101st birthday this month – just as the U.S. Marine Corps marks its 250th anniversary – the veteran says when it comes to the war and Iwo Jima, he's now wide open. Blane recently shared his story with CPR's Bente Birkeland.Purplish is a production of member-supported Colorado Public Radio and the Colorado Capitol News Alliance. The CCNA is a collaboration between KUNC News, Colorado Public Radio, Rocky Mountain PBS and the Colorado Sun, with support from news outlets throughout the state. Funding for the Alliance is provided in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. I'm Bente Birkeland.Purplish's producer is Stephanie Wolf and the story editor is Megan Verlee. Sound design and engineering by Shane Rumsey – with additional sound design support on this episode from Stephanie Wolf and Megan Verlee. Our theme music is by Brad Turner. CPR News' executive producer of podcasting is Rachel Estabrook. Special thanks to the National WWII Museum in New Orleans for assisting with archival sound used in this episode, and the Library of Congress for its archive of images. 

Rural Health News is a weekly segment of Rural Health Today, a podcast by Hillsdale Hospital. News sources for this episode: MedHOK, “How the Government Shutdown Impacts Open Enrollment: What Health Plans and PBMs Need to Know,” October 29, 2025, https://mhk.com/resource/blog/government-shutdown-healthcare-impact-on-open-enrollment-what-health-plans-and-pbms-need-to-know/.  Medicare, “Open Enrollment,” https://www.medicare.gov/health-drug-plans/open-enrollment. Madeline Ashley, “22 hospital closures in 2025,” October 22, 2025, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/finance/2-hospital-closures-in-2025/, Becker's Hospital Review.  Madeline Ashley, “26 maternity service closures in 2025,” October 21, 2025, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/finance/7-maternity-service-closures-in-2025/, Becker's Hospital Review. Rylee Wilson, “18 behavioral health closures in 2025,” June 25, 2025, https://www.beckersbehavioralhealth.com/behavioral-health-news/5-behavioral-health-closures-in-2025/, Becker's Hospital Review.  Soumya Shashikumar, MBiotech, “Health Layoffs 2025: A Roundup,” October 2, 2025, https://xtalks.com/healthcare-layoffs-2025-a-roundup-4102/, Xtalks. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, “VA to reduce staff by nearly 30k by end of FY2025,” July 7, 2025, https://news.va.gov/press-room/va-to-reduce-staff-by-nearly-30k-by-end-of-fy2025/#:~:text=WASHINGTON%20%E2%80%94%20The%20Department%20of%20Veterans,scale%20reduction%2Din%2Dforce Jennifer Brown, “Suicides devastated and galvanized Routt County, which now has a mental health response team,” October 30, 2025, https://coloradosun.com/2025/10/30/suicides-routt-county-mental-health-response-team/, The Colorado Sun. Public Health, “Suicide in Rural America,” May 16, 2024, https://www.cdc.gov/rural-health/php/public-health-strategy/suicide-in-rural-america-prevention-strategies.html, CDC Rural Health. Rural Health Today is a production of Hillsdale Hospital in Hillsdale, Michigan and a member of the Health Podcast Network. Our host is JJ Hodshire, our producer is Kyrsten Newlon, and our audio engineer is Kenji Ulmer. Special thanks to our special guests for sharing their expertise on the show, and also to the Hillsdale Hospital marketing team. If you want to submit a question for us to answer on the podcast or learn more about Rural Health Today, visit ruralhealthtoday.com.

Anti-hunger advocates and education groups did a victory dance election night, celebrating the passage of Props. MM and LL, two statewide ballot measures to increase funding for Colorado's universal free school meal program. CPR's Jenny Brundin joins Purplish host Bente Birkeland to talk through what voters thought of these measures and what it means for the programs' future. They also dig into the results of school board races around the state. Then, a pivot to look ahead at the 2026 midterms, and the big races on the horizon, including the fight for control of Congress and the candidates who hope to win the governor's office. The Colorado Sun's Jesse Paul, KUNC's Lucas Brady Woods and CPR's Caitlyn Kim are on the podcast this week to preview what they're watching for on as the state gears up for a big election year.If you're enjoying the show and want everyone to know it, email us at purplish@cpr.org and we'll send you a Purplish sticker to thank you for being an awesome listener!Purplish is produced by listener-supported 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 Rachel Estabrook, and sound designed and engineered by Shane Rumsey. Theme music is by Brad Turner.

Kevin Fitzgerald, veterinarian and author, sits down with The Colorado Sun's Kevin Simpson to discusses his memoir "It Started with a Turtle"See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Colorado Sun is embarking on a yearlong project to take a hard look at child care issues in Colorado. Today, Sun education reporter Erica Breunlin talks about what she and other reporters will dive into and who they are wanting to hear from.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser has sued the Trump administration more than 40 times since January. Colorado Sun political reporter Taylor Dolven has been tracking the cases and Weiser's win-loss record. She joined fellow political reporter Jesse Paul to talk about what she's found. Read more: https://coloradosun.com/2025/08/04/colorado-attorney-general-phil-weiser-lawsuits-trump/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The mountain town of Nederland is regrouping after a major fire destroyed about 30% of the town’s businesses last month. Today, Colorado Sun rural reporter Tracy Ross has updates from the community west of Boulder. Read more: https://coloradosun.com/2025/10/29/businesses-rebuild-after-nederland-fire/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today: Author Allyson Reedy chats with Colorado Sun reporter Kevin Simpson about her new F. Scott Fitzgerald-inspired book, "Mrs. Wilson's Affair".See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Colorado State Capitol Building opened its doors in November 1894, a grand neo-classical monument in the West, built of local materials, but with some of the feel of the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. Like many statehouses across the country, it's a trove of artwork, history and curiosities. The building is also often the site of protests, rallies, celebrations and a variety of other public events, a “People's House,” if you will. On Purplish, we spend a lot of time under the gold dome, digging into the consequential laws and debates in the state's seat of power. But for this episode, it's the building itself we're interested in. CPR's Bente Birkeland and Stephanie Wolf travel from top to bottom to explore what's on its walls and in its halls — and phone a friend to learn what's down below the basement. Their reporting reveals that the building itself, and the various objects it contains, open up bigger conversations, not just about history but about the state right now. Read more of our reporting: Portrait donated by White House will hang temporarily in capitol where painting Trump despised used to be Should Colorado Display A Rediscovered Portrait Of Its KKK Governor? How a wonky radiator helped uncover the Capitol's bygone glory Meet the ‘Bloody Espinosas' and other Colorado Capitol legends on these free ghost tours 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 was edited by Megan Verlee and sound designed and engineered by Shane Rumsey. Our theme music is by Brad Turner.

In this episode, G. Brown, director of the Colorado Music Experience, joins The Colorado Sun’s Kevin Simpson to talk about the legacy of KBCO’s Studio C—how it began, the artists who helped define it, and its lasting impact on Colorado’s music scene.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are just two statewide questions on the ballot this year, and both are related to a universal school meals program intended to feed all public school students in the state regardless of income.Three years ago, voters approved a tax on wealthier Coloradans to fund the Healthy School Meals program for All. That original measure set out to do several things, with the marquee item being to provide free breakfast and lunch for all K-12 public school students in Colorado. But it's running short on cash, and lawmakers are going back the ballot again, asking voters to increase that tax to fully fund the program.CPR's Bente Birkeland and CPR's Jenny Brundin dig into the original measure and how its promises have matched up with reality so far, why the program is in financial trouble, and how lawmakers on both sides of the aisle feel about going back to taxpayers about the issue. They explain what Propositions MM and LL will do, and why Democratic lawmakers hope they could help with hunger at home as well as school.Read CPR's voter guide for the 2025 election 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. Theme music is by Brad Turner.And a moment of gratitude:Purplish is a Signal Award winner!The podcast won a Gold and Listener's Choice awards in the Local News show category. Thanks to all who voted! We're honored to have your support; thanks for nerding out on Colorado politics with us.