Colorado Today

The 2026 legislative session begins today and we’ll preview the politics, policies and pressures expected to shape the next four months. Plus, more Colorado students are graduating high school on time — and fewer are dropping out, than ever before. And a Colorado nonprofit is giving women and their families the stability needed for a better life.  Email us at coloradotoday@cpr.org . Colorado Today...

Almost six years after Suzanne Morphew’s disappearance, her husband Barry pleaded not guilty Monday in an Alamosa courtroom. We catch up on the complicated case. Then, Denver is preparing for the next phase of its expansion plans at Denver International Airport — and that includes more work on the C Concourse. Plus, it’s something everyone who goes to the airport notices eventually: that little re...

A lot fewer people are dying of violence in Denver, and changing police practices get some of the credit. Also, being an Xcel customer could be getting more expensive — again. Then, why the BLM is struggling to find buyers for recent lease sales in Colorado. Plus, E-470 drivers know the tollroad’s signs can be good for a chuckle, but who comes up with those punny slogans? If you’re enjoying the sh...

The woman killed by an ICE officer in Minneapolis had roots in Colorado. Plus, how Venezuelans with ties to our state view the U.S. raid to seize President Nicolas Maduro. Then, the clip-clop of cattle hooves on downtown streets means the Stock Show is back in town — we have advice for making the most of it. And finally, we remember Rambin’ Roy Smith and the artistic oasis he built in the San Luis...

Body cameras are helping law enforcement do their jobs, but the footage they create is also bogging down the system. Can police and prosecutors keep up with mounting piles of digital evidence? Then, the Trump administration is putting conditions on funding meant to keep our state prepared for things like natural disasters, or even terrorist attacks. Colorado may have to reduce or eliminate local e...

$300 million — that’s how much in public benefits the Trump administration says it will block from coming to Colorado, money that pays for child care subsidies, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families and other programs. Officials say they’re concerned about fraud, but Colorado’s leaders say the freeze is about punishment, not policy. Then, what do new federal vaccine guidelines for children mean f...

The current flu season is shaping up to be one for the record books -- why, and how can you protect yourself? Then, authorities have released more information about the victim, and mountain lion, involved in last week's fatal attack in Larimer County. Plus, with federal tax credits for home solar installation long gone, what will happen to Colorado's solar industry? And finally, we hear about the...

Colorado unexpectedly entered the international spotlight after President Trump cited the state while justifying military action against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro… claims that don’t fully line up with what’s known about gang activity here.  Then, in the wake of the state’s first potential mountain lion fatality in decades, we look at why encounters with the big cats, while still rare, be...

From up-front pricing for online purchases to more paid leave for parents of preemies, a lot of interesting state laws took effect on New Year's Day. Then, former Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell, who died this week at age 92, had a remarkable life, one that included truck driving, Olympic judo, master jewelry design, and a stint driving the U.S. Capitol Christmas tree.  Plus, the 'Snowstradamous' of...

A U.S. District Judge in Colorado said that immigration agents can no longer arrest people based on suspicion -- what will that mean for deportations in the state. Then, as the federal government moves to downgrade cannabis on the drug schedule, many people have questions. We have some answers. And jazz pianist Annie Booth shares her love of a holiday classic. This is our final episode of Colorado...

Denver will end this year well short of where it needs to be to meet an ambitious goal of going carbon-neutral by 2040. We look at why the city is so far behind, and we ask the mayor if Denver can get back on track. Then, at Colorado ski resorts, Mother Nature is getting lots of help from snow-makers this year. Is this the future of skiing? Plus, a visit to a high school shop class where students...

President Trump is downgrading how federal authorities view marijuana, which could open new doors for research, and make life easier for Colorado's industry. Then, three stories about people taking what doesn't belong to them: tips for keeping your packages safe from porch pirates; Douglas County cracks down on shoplifting; and a Lakewood man's surprisingly successful effort to track down his stol...

Just as the state braces for dangerous winds, a pioneering weather research lab in Boulder could be shut down, and Colorado Democrats say the threat has more to do with politics than science. Then, we check in on how Coloradans are feeling about the economy. Plus, the surprising origin story behind DIA’s iconic tented roof: how budget pressures shaped one of the world’s most recognizable airport d...

Six women accuse the world’s largest online dating company of enabling sexual assault after they were attacked by a Denver man using its apps. Then, Colorado’s massive new wildlife overpass is officially complete — but how will the animals know how to use it? Plus, a throwback to Colorado’s Wild West roots, as cattle thefts are making a troubling comeback across the state. Email us at coloradotoda...

The investigation into a state public health lab found out-of-date equipment, chronic understaffing, and a culture of fear. What does it mean for the safety of your food and water? Then, we’ll see warm temperatures and wind gusts of up to 75 mph on the Front Range this week. That’s a recipe for dangerous fire conditions, and possibly power cuts. And, from the reigning champion to some intriguing a...

President Donald Trump has signed a pardon for Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters. It’s based on a unique legal theory her lawyer came up with after re-watching a Steven Spielberg film. Then, it’s not much talked about, but suicide rates among older Coloradans are disturbingly high — why, and what efforts are underway to try to bring them down? And light your candles, it’s the second night of Hanukkah!...

The job market is changing. Figuring out what you need to do, to get the job you want, isn’t easy … but the state thinks it can help. Then, neighbors in Aurora banded together to fight a plan for fracking near their homes -- we have an update on how regulators reacted to their pushback. Plus, a reporter on an international assignment halfway around the world encountered a surprising fashion trend:...

Colorado cattle ranchers are frustrated by a new White House trade policy they say threatens their bottom line. Then, we follow the path of your cans and bottles to see where Colorado’s recycling actually ends up. Learn what’s being done to improve the system. Plus, we’ve got Colorado book recommendations for the holidays. Email us at coloradotoday@cpr.org . Colorado Today is supported by CPR’s me...

An airline in Colorado wants to expand at DIA, but its proposal is hitting headwinds over its contract with ICE to transport detainees. Then, Colorado health leaders are pushing back after a federal vaccine panel voted to roll back long-standing guidance for a newborn immunization. Can public health experts catch on as social media influencers? And, a recent Pew research study on religion left out...

A longtime Democratic fixture is facing a primary challenge from within his own party, raising questions about who will shape the next generation of leadership. Then, Colorado’s craft beer industry is confronting a tough year, and brewers say survival now depends on both quality and business strategy. Plus, state lawmakers look to bring in some expert help as they navigate increasingly complex sci...

Colorado law enforcement is seizing unusually large amounts of illegal drugs, and investigators say the state’s own infrastructure helps explain why traffickers route shipments here. Then, we have an update on the ongoing debate over how Colorado high schools should handle transgender athletes, a discussion playing out without statewide data. And for Colorado Wonders, we dig into how much impact C...

Knowing what's happening with Colorado's labor market is important for the plans of both individuals and the state. But bad employment data is making it hard to understand what's really going on. Then, for decades, the federal government has helped fund permanent supportive housing for those who might otherwise spend their lives on the streets. But the Trump administration is trying to change that...

What might happen next for thousands of immigrants in Colorado after President Trump revoked their legal status? Also, gas prices in Colorado are now among the lowest in the nation. A chilly rescue after a coal train derails into the Gunnison River. Plus, we meet a high school civics champion from Boulder County. Email us at coloradotoday@cpr.org . Colorado Today is supported by CPR’s members . Re...

The national lab in Golden is losing "Renewable" from its name. Does that foreshadow a change in its mission, too? Then, Jeff Davis, the man who oversaw Colorado’s controversial wolf reintroduction program for Parks and Wildlife, has left his post. Finally, we crash an underground rave in Denver that seemed to impress even the cops who broke it up. Email us at coloradotoday@cpr.org . Colorado Toda...

A radioactive element has put a hitch in plans to open a massive new reservoir near Loveland that was supposed to start filling up last month. Then, after the shooting of two National Guard members, the Trump administration has paused asylum decisions and is subjecting Afghans already in the country to new renewed scrutiny. We hear from a lawyer with the African Community Center about what that co...