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, become more likely this time of year. Plus, a judge blocks Colorado’s plan to require health warning labels on new gas stoves. And we explore the strange industrial relics still standing in the state’s high country.

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This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Arlo Pérez Esquivel. It’s edited and produced by Mateo Schimpf, Megan Verlee and Tyler Bender. The executive producer is Megan Verlee. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.

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 OpenSnow, meteorologist Joel Gratz, pulls back the veil on what might lie in store for Colorado's anemic snowpack. And finally, OpenAir Local Music Director Alisha Sweeney looks back at some significant Colorado music moments of 2025, and shares some acts to watch in 2026.

Email us at [email protected]. Colorado Today is supported by CPR’s members.

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This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Arlo Pérez Esquivel and Bazi Kanani. It’s edited and produced by Stephanie Wolf, Corey Jones, Megan Verlee and Tyler Bender. The executive producer is Megan Verlee. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.

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 Today for the year. The show will return January 2nd, with all-new stories of the events and people that shape our state. All of us at Colorado Today wish you a happy New Year and a bright start to 2026!

Email us at [email protected]. Colorado Today is supported by CPR’s members.

Read more on the stories in today’s show:

This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Mateo Schimpf, Arlo Pérez Esquivel, and Bazi Kanani. It’s edited and produced by Mateo Schimpf, Stephanie Wolf, Sandy Battulga, Megan Verlee, Michael Hughes and Tyler Bender. The executive producer is Megan Verlee. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.

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 are tackling real world problems. 

 Email us at [email protected]. Colorado Today is supported by CPR’s members. 

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This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Bazi Kanani. It’s edited and produced by Mateo Schimpf, Corey Jones and Tyler Bender. The executive producer is Megan Verlee. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.

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 stolen possessions.

Email us at [email protected]. Colorado Today is supported by CPR’s members.

Read more on the stories in today’s show:

This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Arlo Pérez Esquivel and Bazi Kanani. It’s edited and produced by Mateo Schimpf, Stephanie Wolf, Sandy Battulga, Megan Verlee and Tyler Bender. The executive producer is Megan Verlee. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.

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 designs.

Email us at [email protected]. Colorado Today is supported by CPR’s members.

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This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Arlo Pérez Esquivel and Bazi Kanani. It’s edited and produced by Mateo Schimpf, Stephanie Wolf and Tyler Bender. The executive producer is Megan Verlee. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.

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.

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This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Arlo Pérez Esquivel and Dan Boyce. It’s edited and produced by Mateo Schimpf, Stephanie Wolf, Megan Verlee, Haylee May and Tyler Bender. The executive producer is Megan Verlee. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.

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 also-rans, it’s CPR's 17th annual Classical Carol Countdown.

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You can listen to Kabin Thomas' Carol Countdown special and find a holiday-free classical stream at our website. Tickets and information for Tuesday night's Holiday Brass concert are at the Colorado Symphony's website.

This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Arlo Pérez Esquivel and Haylee May. It’s edited and produced by Mateo Schimpf, Stephanie Wolf, Megan Verlee and Tyler Bender. The executive producer is Megan Verlee. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.

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! We’re celebrating with music from the Iberian diaspora.

Email us at [email protected]. Colorado Today is supported by CPR’s members.

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This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Dan Boyce and Arlo Pérez Esquivel. It’s edited and produced by Mateo Schimpf, Stephanie Wolf, Megan Verlee and Tyler Bender. The executive producer is Megan Verlee. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.

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 hats.

Email us at [email protected]. Colorado Today is supported by CPR’s members.

Read more on the stories in today’s show:

This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Bazi Kanani. It’s edited and produced by Mateo Schimpf, Sandy Battulga, and Tyler Bender. The executive producer is Megan Verlee. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.