The Daily Sun-Up

Who's really responsible for high gas prices? One political candidate believes it's not who you think.

Wed, 16 Sep 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Colorado Sun Public Policy Editor Justin George and Colorado Sun Elections Editor Jesse Paul discuss the 8th Congressional District and Republican Gabe Evans’ assertion that Colorado Democrats are to blame for high gas prices. Later they shift to the 5th Congressional District, where Democrat Jessica Killin has launched attack ads against Republican Jeff Crank involving wedding gifts.

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Who's really responsible for high gas prices? One political candidate believes it's not who you think.

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 08:00:00 +0000

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Making avalanches go “Boom Whoosh”

Mon, 14 Sep 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Today, Sun outdoors reporter Jason Blevins talks about a new avalanche mitigation system being developed on the Western Slope that will help bring even more safety to the dangerous work at ski resorts in Colorado and the West.

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Wayne Hicks and the Story Behind Did All My Friends Have Fun at Play?

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Author Wayne Hicks discusses Did All My Friends Have Fun at Play?, his oral history of the beloved children’s television program “Romper Room.” Hicks shares the stories of the teachers who hosted the show and helped make it a childhood institution for generations of viewers.

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Colorado ranchers fight through beef industry challenges

Thu, 10 Sep 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Today, Colorado Sun rural reporter Tracy Ross talks about how the Colorado ranching community is adjusting to the latest Trump administration moves affecting the beef industry and one ranchers approach in Boulder County.

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Transgender Care Court Battle & Clean Energy Jobs on the Eastern Plains

Wed, 09 Sep 2026 08:00:00 +0000

John Ingold and Michael Booth offer insights into a key upcoming court date in a battle between Children's Hospital and parents of transgender children, and a report highlighting how important clean energy jobs have become on the Eastern Plains.

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Amy Redford: Sundance can help Colorado filmmakers

Tue, 08 Sep 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Today, Colorado Sun arts and culture reporter Parker Yamasaki catches up with Amy Redford to talk about the humble beginnings of the now world-famous Sundance Film Festival, which moves to Boulder in January, and her father Robert Redford’s connection to Boulder.

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North South gravel bike race covers Colorado top to bottom

Mon, 07 Sep 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Today Colorado Sun reporter Parker Yamasaki gives her take on the recent North South bike race, a self-supported 643-mile race that started Aug. 28 in Fort Collins and ends when the last finisher rides into Trinidad.

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Author Chris Vanjonack on his speculative short story collection "Out of Body"

Fri, 04 Sep 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Author Chris Vanjonack sits down with the Sun's Kevin Simpson to discuss creating his speculative short story collection "Out of Body".

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The Colorado Sun celebrates its 8th birthday

Thu, 03 Sep 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Today Sun reporter Jennifer Brown interviews Publisher Larry Ryckman about the Sun's upcoming 8th birthday and our future plans.

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Colorado and the cost of racism

Wed, 02 Sep 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Today Colorado Sun Public Policy Editor, Justin George, and reporter Colleen Slevin are talking about a story that reframes how we think about the state and its history before it became a top destination for craft beer drinkers and mountain bikers. What many might now know is that towns such as Estes Park and Fruita carry histories of racism and discrimination, pasts that a group of researchers have been digging up for the Legislature.

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Small-town northern Colorado businesses get a boost

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Today, Colorado Sun rural reporter Tracy Ross talks about how the growth in northern Colorado spurred a push to create a chamber of commerce in the once sleepy town of Timnath and also team with nearby Severance and other area communities.

https://coloradosun.com/2026/08/29/rural-chamber-of-commerce-timnath-severence/

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Ski industry giants facing antitrust lawsuits filed in Denver

Mon, 31 Aug 2026 09:10:36 +0000

Sun outdoors reporter Jason Blevins has covered the evolution of lift ticket pricing for decades and today he breaks down three antitrust lawsuits filed in Denver against the ski industry’s four largest players, arguing the operators conspired to inflate lift ticket prices.

https://coloradosun.com/2026/08/27/antitrust-lawsuit-targeting-resort-operators/

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G. Brown & Kevin Simpson on Harry Tuft, Dolly Parton and Colorado music history

Fri, 28 Aug 2026 08:00:00 +0000

G. Brown, director of the Colorado Music Experience, sits down with the Sun's Kevin Simpson to discuss Harry Tuft, Dolly Parton and Colorado music history.

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Matt Barnes on what three years of wolf reintroduction have taught Colorado

Thu, 27 Aug 2026 08:00:00 +0000

The Colorado Sun's rural reporter Tracy Ross talks with rangeland conservationist and wolf advocate Matt Barnes about the new film documentary In the Company of Wolves, some interesting evidence he's seen around using cattle to fend off wolves, and how he thinks Colorado's wolf reintroduction is going, coming on three years after Colorado Parks and Wildlife brought the first 10 wolves from Oregon to the state.

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Staying Safe Around Bears & Investigating Tuberculosis in ICE Detention

Wed, 26 Aug 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Today reporters John Ingold and Mike Booth have tips for keeping you safe around bears, as well as an update on a tuberculosis investigation at the immigration detention center.

https://coloradosun.com/2026/08/19/geo-group-lawsuit-tuberculosis/
https://coloradosun.com/2026/08/20/geo-group-immigrant-detention-center-public-health/

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Waymo rides close to starting in Denver

Tue, 25 Aug 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Today, Colorado Sun business reporter Tamara Chuang gives us her first-person account of riding in a new driverless Waymo vehicle, which will be available to the general public soon in the downtown Denver area.

https://coloradosun.com/2026/08/21/waymo-cars-denver-map-laws-autonomous/

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New Colorado River water cuts hit Lower Basin state

Mon, 24 Aug 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Today, Colorado Sun water reporter Shannon Mullane breaks down a new federal plan on how to share Colorado River water over the next two years as the states continue to remain at loggerheads over a bigger long-term plan.

https://coloradosun.com/2026/08/21/colorado-river-water-restrictions-cuts-federal-management-plan/

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Sec. Ken Salazar on his new book "Borderlands: My Fight for an Inclusive America"

Fri, 21 Aug 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Former U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar joins us to discuss his new book, Borderlands: My Fight for an Inclusive America. Salazar reflects on his life, career and the experiences that shaped his vision for a more inclusive country.

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Breaking down this year's Colorado student testing scores

Thu, 20 Aug 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Today, Colorado Sun education reporter Erica Breunlin has the results from the annual Colorado Measures of Academic Success assessment and breaks down this year’s data and what it means for educators, administrators, parents and students across Colorado.

https://coloradosun.com/2026/08/19/colorado-students-cmas-psat-sat-results-standardized-testing/

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Ballot-box democracy is being bought

Wed, 19 Aug 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Justin George, public policy editor for The Colorado Sun, sits down with Colorado Sun political reporter Colleen Slevin to discuss why Colorado’s citizen-initiative process — designed more than a century ago to give voters a check on powerful interests — is increasingly shaped by special interest groups with money. We also discuss just how successful ballot initiatives are.

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Minimum wage increases headed to Colorado for 2027

Tue, 18 Aug 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Today, Colorado Sun business reporter Tamara Chuang breaks down the upcoming increases to minimum wage next year in Colorado and select cities, including Denver and Boulder, which have their own rate.

https://coloradosun.com/2026/08/15/colorado-minimum-wage-2027-impact-data/

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Bears very active this summer in Colorado mountain towns

Mon, 17 Aug 2026 11:44:54 +0000

Today, Sun freelance reporter Betsy Welch discusses the uptick in bear activity this summer in Colorado’s high country, and how town and wildlife officials are addressing the increased interactions.

https://coloradosun.com/2026/08/14/feeding-bears-illegal-colorado-penalties/

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Ian Patterson Discusses His New Novel, Fruits of Our Labor

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Author Ian Patterson discusses his new speculative novel, Fruits of Our Labor, which imagines a future where women can reproduce without men.

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Colorado’s November ballot measures lining up

Thu, 13 Aug 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Today, Sun politics and policy editor Justin George has a primer for the November 3 midterm election and talks about some of the statewide measures that have made it on the ballot.

Colorado Sun politics home page: https://coloradosun.com/category/news/politics/
SOS Initiatives page: https://www.sos.state.co.us/pubs/elections/Initiatives/titleBoard/

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The controversial arguments to retire an giant Colorado River dam

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Today, we're re-airing an interview from May, when reporter Shannon Mullane interviewed an author about his award-winning book on Lake Powell.

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Fundamental Needs program helping southwestern Colorado

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Today, Colorado Sun rural reporter Tracy Ross looks into a program in Cortez that is helping area teens learn skills and getting residents on the Navajo Nation and around the Four Corners area running water in their homes and other necessities.

https://coloradosun.com/2026/08/08/navajo-nation-entrepreneurship-kids-cortez-training-jobs/

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Taxable sales are down in Colorado ski towns. Here's why.

Mon, 10 Aug 2026 08:05:00 +0000

Every year, Sun outdoors reporter Jason Blevins tracks winter and summer taxable sales in 18 large and small mountain towns near ski areas. Today, Jason looks at the recently calculated numbers for the November-through-April stretch of the 2025-26 winter and what he found out.

Misery tickets: bit.ly/4plYyZ2

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BONUS: Aspen Snowmass hopes to battle warmer winters by storing snow. Here’s how.

Sat, 08 Aug 2026 12:13:36 +0000

Introducing our new podcast, Can Colorado Do More With Less Water? Join The Colorado Sun to explore what may or may not be possible in creating water solutions across the state.

Snow storage has been used as a snow management tool in Europe for decades. Aspen is among a growing number of North American resorts embracing the practice.

Learn more: https://coloradosun.com/more-with-less-water-series/
Music: namebackwards.live/

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Author Samuel Marquis on his new historical narrative, "Empire and Frontier"

Fri, 07 Aug 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Author Samuel Marquis sits down with the Sun's Kevin Simpson to discuss his new historical narrative, "Empire and Frontier".

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Ame Warner helps keep the San Luis Valley economy running

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 08:00:00 +0000

The Colorado Sun's rural reporter Tracy Ross is talking to Ame Warner, Executive Director of Saguache County Sustainable Environment & Economic Development in the San Luis Valley about the joys and perils of living in a remote area where resources can be scarce but the community more than makes up for it.

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ICE's active summer in Colorado

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Justin George talks with Colorado Sun reporter Colleen Slevin about ICE’s recent expansion and enforcement activity in Colorado. They also discuss opposition to a proposed detention facility in Glenwood Springs.

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New life for old Colorado public records

Tue, 04 Aug 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Today, Colorado Sun business reporter Tamara Chuang discusses the $21 million project across the state to digitize public records dating back to the 1800s.

https://coloradosun.com/2025/10/16/colorado-digitize-analog-records-historic/

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Colorado tourism starting to stall

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Today, outdoors reporter Jason Blevins breaks down the 2025 Colorado tourism report and how despite record numbers of visitors and spending, there are concerns about a slowdown and what a rough 2026 could mean.

https://coloradosun.com/2026/07/30/colorado-sees-record-year-for-tourism/

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Heather Hansman discusses her new book on three women who pioneered the outdoors

Fri, 31 Jul 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Author Heather Hansman sits down with the Sun's Kevin Simpson to discuss her new book about three women who pioneered the outdoors.

Misery Tickets: bit.ly/4plYyZ2

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Colorado weather on display

Thu, 30 Jul 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Today, we have a portion of our Colorado SunFest weather panel conversation with local meteorologists Chris Bianchi, Mike Nelson and Joel Gratz as they talk about being weather geeks, how they relay important and sometimes life-saving information to their audiences and the inexact science of forecasting.

Full Sunfest weather panel:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fIKXAYTuf4E

May 19 Daily Sun-Up on weather forecasting and AI:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/colorado-weather-forecasting-and-ai/id1529487340?i=1000768526702

Misery Tickets: bit.ly/4plYyZ2

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Colorado Democrats kiss Phil Weiser's ring while Gov. Jared Polis bad talks socialism

Wed, 29 Jul 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Justin George, Public Policy Editor at The Colorado Sun, is joined by Jesse Paul, The Colorado Sun’s Elections Editor, to talk about two big Colorado political story lines: How Democrats who backed Michael Bennet are now lining up behind Democratic gubernatorial nominee Phil Weiser, and why Gov. Jared Polis keeps taking aim at socialism — and members of his own party — on national TV.

Misery Tickets: bit.ly/4plYyZ2

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With fishing blocked at two southeastern Colorado reservoirs, local businesses fear devastating economic future

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Today, Colorado Sun reporter Tracy Ross explains what the closure of two fishing holes in Southeastern Colorado means to the local economy, especially to one small business that sells fishing supplies.

https://coloradosun.com/2026/07/25/southeastern-colorado-fishing-economy-water-reservoirs-jobs/

Misery Tickets: bit.ly/4plYyZ2

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What’s happening with Sweetwater Lake?

Mon, 27 Jul 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Today, Sun outdoors reporter Jason Blevins has updates on plans to turn Sweetwater Lake in remote Garfield County into a recreation area in a partnership with the Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the U.S. Forest Service.

https://coloradosun.com/2026/07/24/sweetwater-lake-forest-service-study/

Misery Tickets: bit.ly/4plYyZ2

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G. Brown and Kevin Simpson on the Grammy maker, Studio C and other music topics

Fri, 24 Jul 2026 08:00:00 +0000

G. Brown, director of the Colorado Music Experience, and the Sun's Kevin Simpson discuss the Grammy maker, Studio C and other music topics.

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Colorado Parks and Wildlife hunting decisions spark big debate

Thu, 23 Jul 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Today, Colorado Sun rural reporter Tracy Ross breaks down a couple of recent decisions by the Colorado Parks and Wildlife related to the hunting and sale of 17 furbearing animals including coyotes, foxes, bobcats, beavers and martens.

https://coloradosun.com/2026/07/18/colorado-wildlife-commission-reduces-number-of-fur-bearing-animals-trappers-can-kill/

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Denver Water Users Face Questions & Children’s Hospital Faces an Allegation

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Today reporters John Ingold and Michael Booth talk about whether Denver water users are cutting back enough, as well as a contempt of court allegation against Children's Hospital Colorado.

https://coloradosun.com/2026/07/20/denver-water-drought-shortage-consumers-not-saving/
https://coloradosun.com/2026/07/20/childrens-hospital-colorado-contempt-gender-affirming-care/
https://coloradosun.com/2026/07/21/2-large-hospital-systems-partner-up-in-colorado/

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Colorado real estate market remains flat

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Today, Colorado Sun business reporter Tamara Chuang digs into the latest real estate report from the first half of 2026 in the Denver metro area, and talks about why the market continues to be flat across Colorado.

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Too much poop in the Colorado high country

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Today, Sun outdoors reporter Jason Blevins looks into the growing concerns around hikers relieving themselves in the Colorado mountains and how federal cuts to the Forest Service could mean “wag bags” will have an even greater role in keeping the lands clean.

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The Rev. Dr. Nancy Niero on her connection to Silas Soule and her book "Witness at Sand Creek"

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 08:00:00 +0000

The Rev. Dr. Nancy Niero, author of "Witness at Sand Creek", sits down with the Sun's Kevin Simpson to discuss her connection to Silas Soule and her book "Witness at Sand Creek".

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Colorado River: Tiny bubbles, big problems

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 08:20:00 +0000

Today, Colorado Sun water reporter Shannon Mullane looks at how tiny bubbles in the Colorado River are posing big problems for water officials at the Glen Canyon and Hoover dams.

https://coloradosun.com/2026/07/06/supercharged-bubbles-are-threatening-lake-powells-dam/

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Did Colorado get hit with an anti-incumbent wave on primary night?

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Progressives surprised many in Colorado’s primary elections in late June, including a shocking upset for a democratic socialist candidate who ousted a longtime incumbent in Denver in a race that grabbed national headlines. Did Colorado get hit with an anti-incumbent wave on primary night? Colorado Sun Elections Editor Jesse Paul and Colorado Public Radio Public Affairs reporters Bente Birkeland and Caitlyn Kim discuss what the shakeups say about politics in Colorado in this conversation first broadcast on Purplish. The Purplish podcast 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.

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Colorado homeowners hit hard with insurance premiums

Tue, 14 Jul 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Colorado continues to have some of the highest homeowners insurance in the country. Today, business reporter Tamara Chuang talks about why that is, the sharp increases in the past five years and how homeowners are coping.

https://coloradosun.com/2026/07/10/wildfires-insurance-homeowners-regulations/

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Colorado's outdoor community finding a singular voice

Mon, 13 Jul 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Today, Sun outdoors reporter Jason Blevins talks about how those who enjoy the outdoors are flexing their collective muscle to have a say in politics related to the trillion-dollar industry, from the local level to D.C.

https://coloradosun.com/2026/07/08/boulder-open-space-limit-mountain-bikes/

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BONUS: Are less-thirsty crops a solution to Colorado’s growing water problems?

Sat, 11 Jul 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Introducing our new podcast, Can Colorado Do More With Less Water? Join The Colorado Sun to explore what may or may not be possible in creating water solutions across the state.

In this episode we focus on Colorado’s resilient, adaptable farmers who can raise just about anything and use less water doing it. But will enough people buy what they produce?

Learn more: https://coloradosun.com/more-with-less-water-series/
Music: namebackwards.live/

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James Ellroy chats about his latest novel, the L.A.-centered "Red Sheet"

Fri, 10 Jul 2026 08:00:00 +0000

James Ellroy, legendary crime fiction author, chats with the Sun's Kevin Simpson about his latest novel, the L.A.-centered "Red Sheet".

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Colorado ranchers moving herds around wildfires

Thu, 09 Jul 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Today, Colorado Sun rural reporter Tracy Ross talks about how ranchers are dealing with the wildfires burning across Colorado and what might be in store after they return and survey the damage.

https://coloradosun.com/2026/07/08/colorado-wildfires-ranchers-cattle-livestock-aspen-acres/

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Air Quality Advice for Fire Season & The Surprising History of Colorado’s Moose

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 08:00:00 +0000

On Today's Sun-Up, John Ingold and Michael Booth offer some air quality tips for an unhealthy wildfire season, and introduce a surprising study of exactly how long moose have roamed Colorado.

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AI support coming to a Colorado business near you

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Today, Colorado Sun business reporter Tamara Chuang looks into the expanding role of private AI programs and how a southern Colorado hospital is jumping into the artificial intelligence world to help with billing issues.

https://coloradosun.com/2026/07/06/huerfano-county-health-facility-iterate-ai-trial-recover-insurance-payments/

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More folks getting outside, but Colorado summer comes with warnings this year

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Today, Sun outdoors reporter Jason Blevins looks at the record number of people getting out to enjoy nature but has warnings from local officials as wildfires rage in Colorado and fire restrictions are sweeping across the state.

https://coloradosun.com/2026/07/02/recreating-during-drought-wildfires/
https://coloradosun.com/2026/07/01/mesa-county-search-and-rescue-ruby-horsethief/

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Progressives and a socialist win big in Colorado's primary election

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Colorado Sun Public Policy Editor Justin George, is joined by political reporter Colleen Slevin to discuss the surprising results of Tuesday’s races.

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Colorado has plenty of memorable venues and mining towns

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Today, we’re checking in on our Colorado 150 series with culture and arts reporter Parker Yamasaki to talk about some of Colorado’s great venues (think Red Rocks) and mining towns (think Crystal Mill). Our series celebrates 150 awesome things about Colorado as we countdown to the Aug. 1 statehood day.

Colorado 150 landing page
https://coloradosun.com/colorado-150/
Reader suggestions
https://coloradosun.com/2026/04/23/what-do-you-love-about-colorado-audience-callout/
June 4 episode
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/colorado-150th-statehood-project-full-steam-ahead/id1529487340?i=1000771127906
May 7 episode
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/colorado-150th-birthday-celebration-underway/id1529487340?i=1000766587825
April 23 episode
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sun-getting-in-on-colorados-150th-anniversary/id1529487340?i=1000763215424

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Author Rachel Feder on the gothic influences in her new novella, "The Turn"

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Author Rachel Feder sits down with the Sun's Kevin Simpson to discuss the gothic influences on her new novella, "The Turn".

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Firing up the costs of Fourth of July cookouts

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 08:00:00 +0000

It’s the holiday week, so today Colorado Sun business reporter Tamara Chuang talks about the prices for this year’s Fourth of July cookout celebrations and how Coloradans plan to celebrate within their budget.

https://coloradosun.com/2026/06/27/fraser-arts-center-economic-development/

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Vail Resorts stock sees unexpected jump. Why?

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Today, Sun outdoors reporter Jason Blevins breaks down the recent one-day spike in the stock price for Vail Resorts shares and how the company's leader is responding.

https://coloradosun.com/2026/06/26/takeover-reports-vail-resorts-stock/

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Author John Andrews on his World War I novel, "An American Nurse in Paris"

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Author John Andrews sits down with the Sun's Kevin Simpson to discuss his World War I novel, "An American Nurse in Paris".

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Colorado school districts enacting cellphone policies

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Today, Colorado Sun education reporter Erica Breunlin has updates on the new state law instructing all Colorado districts and charter schools to create a policy that spells out when and how students can use cellphones during the school day.

https://coloradosun.com/2026/06/18/colorado-school-districts-student-cellphone-policy-state-law/

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3-D Printed Homes & Prescription Drugs From Canada

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Today, reporters Michael Booth and John Ingold talk about a new Colorado factory that is 3-D printing homes, as well as a Colorado program trying to import prescription drugs from Canada.

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Beef might be what’s for dinner, but it’s gonna cost Coloradans more

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Today, Colorado Sun business reporter Tamara Chuang looks into the high prices of beef and the challenges for ranchers and the industry right now.

https://coloradosun.com/2026/06/20/beef-hamburgers-prices-inflation-agriculture/
https://coloradosun.com/2026/06/22/ready-for-your-next-steak-these-ranchers-are-battling-drought-to-bring-it-to-you/

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For some Colorado outdoor businesses, Rural Is Rad

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Today, Sun outdoors reporter Jason Blevins looks at the “Rural Is Rad” collective of Colorado outdoor companies working together to promote their rural Colorado roots around the world while staying grounded in their smaller communities.

https://coloradosun.com/2026/06/19/rural-is-rad-collective/

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G. Brown and Kevin Simpson talk rock music, books, and more

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 08:00:00 +0000

G. Brown, director of the Colorado Music Experience, and the Sun's Kevin Simpson talk rock music books and other goings on.

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Efforts amp up to revive downtown Denver

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Today Colorado Sun business reporter Tamara Chuang talks about the recent Colorado Sun series looking into the real estate troubles in downtown Denver and how the city and the Downtown Development Authority are trying to revive the heart of Colorado’s biggest city.

What the heck is going on downtown?
https://coloradosun.com/2026/06/14/downtown-denver-commercial-real-estate-market/
Civic Center park revamp
https://coloradosun.com/2026/06/16/the-plan-for-reviving-civic-center-park-denver/
Denver Pavilions new approach
https://coloradosun.com/2026/06/17/denver-pavilions-new-era/

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As Colorado’s pension suffered, investment managers’ bonuses grew

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Today we’re talking to Brian Eason, a Colorado Sun investigative reporter and the assistant editor of our politics and policy team. Last week, the Colorado Sun published a stunning investigation by Brian into huge bonuses worth six figures given to investment managers at Colorado PERA, the largest public pension plan in the state.

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Coloradans work to manage inflation and affordability

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Today, Colorado Sun business reporter Tamara Chuang looks at the latest inflation numbers in Colorado and the rippled down effect on affordability in a state that’s already one of the most expensive to live in.

https://coloradosun.com/2026/06/10/denver-area-inflation-increases-5-percent-2026/
https://coloradosun.com/2026/06/13/inflation-affordability-denver-colorado-gas-prices/
https://www.federalreserve.gov/releases/z1/dataviz/dfa/distribute/table/

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Boulder County looks at idea to limit mountain bike access on some trails

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Today, Sun outdoors reporter Jason Blevins discusses an idea in Boulder County that would limit mountain bike access on some trails around Lyons on certain days and the pushback the idea is bringing.

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Nina McConigley on her debut novel, "How to Commit a Postcolonial Murder"

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Author Nina McConigley sits down with the Sun's Kevin Simpson to discuss her debut novel, "How to Commit a Postcolonial Murder".

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CPW investigates Colorado wolf shot by ranch hand

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Today, Colorado Sun rural reporter Tracy Ross continues to track news from Colorado Parks and Wildlife, including a rancher who says an employee killed a wolf as well as the governor’s latest appointments to the CPW commission.

https://coloradosun.com/2026/06/04/ranch-owner-says-employee-killed-king-mountain-wolf/

https://coloradosun.com/2026/06/10/colorado-parks-and-wildlife-new-commissioners-jared-polis/

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The lawsuit that could reshape drug prices & A solutions series on saving water

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Temperature newsletter wranglers Michael Booth and John Ingold talk about a keystone court case pitting drug companies against the state of Colorado, and a new Sun "solutions" series on where Colorado can save water.

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Colorado teens struggle to find summer jobs, but there’s still hope

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Today, Colorado Sun business reporter Tamara Chuang looks at how Colorado teens are facing new challenges to landing some of the traditional summertime jobs.

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Shocking Colorado skier visitation numbers; Utah billionaire challenging Vail Resorts

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Today, Sun outdoors reporter Jason Blevins has a look at the final and shocking Colorado skier visits data from the rough season and also why Utah’s richest resident is poking Vail Resorts to sell him Park City resort.

https://coloradosun.com/2026/06/04/colorado-skier-visits-collapse-2025-26/

https://coloradosun.com/2026/06/05/matthew-prince-park-city-vail-resorts/

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Author Marianne Rabalais Sulser on her first novel, "Like Snow Before Ice"

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Author Marianne Rabalais Sulser sits down with the Sun's Kevin Simpson to discuss her first novel, "Like Snow Before Ice".

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Colorado 150th statehood project full steam ahead

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Today, Colorado Sun arts and culture Parker Yamasaki highlights the latest installments of our Colorado 150 series celebrating the people, places and things that make Colorado so unique leading up to the 150th anniversary celebration of statehood.

Landing page:
https://coloradosun.com/colorado-150/
May 7 episode:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/colorado-150th-birthday-celebration-underway/id1529487340?i=1000766587825
April 23 episode:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sun-getting-in-on-colorados-150th-anniversary/id1529487340?i=1000763215424

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A deep dive into the five who want to become Colorado's next governor

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Today, we're bringing you a conversation on the Colorado gubernatorial race from the Purplish podcast. This week's episode features Colorado Sun Elections Editor Jesse Paul and Colorado Public Radio's Public Affairs Reporter Bente Birkeland and Investigative Reporter Ben Markus. 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.

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Colorado's IT office goes through reorganization, layoffs

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Today, Colorado Sun business reporter Tamara Chuang breaks down layoffs at the state office of IT, the most recent Colorado job numbers and other labor-related news across Colorado.

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Colorado search and rescue operations change draws scrutiny

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Today, Sun outdoors reporter Jason Blevins looks at how a state decision to change the Colorado search and rescue response structure has ruffled feathers in the Colorado Search and Rescue Association.

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Author Tom Mowle on his experience in the second Iraq war

Fri, 29 May 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Author Tom Mowle sits down with the Sun's Kevin Simpson and describes his experience in the second Iraq war in "Chaos in the Green Zone"

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Colorado workers, Cargill at odds over contract

Thu, 28 May 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Today, Colorado Sun rural reporter Tracy Ross has updates from Fort Morgan and the labor standoff at the Cargill meat packing facility, one of the largest employers in the area, and what it means for the town's coffers and national supply chain.

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Ponderosa Pines are struggling & Gender-affirming care goes before the court

Wed, 27 May 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Today, Sun reporters Michael Booth and John Ingold talk about the threat to ponderosa pine trees in Colorado, as well as a state Supreme Court ruling on gender-affirming care

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Colorado foreclosures on the uptick

Tue, 26 May 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Today, Colorado Sun business reporter Tamara Chuang discusses the uptick in foreclosures along the Front Range and the increase in the number of Colorado homebuyers struggling to pay their mortgage and asking for guidance.

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Colorado rafting 2026 season will have challenges

Mon, 25 May 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Today, Sun outdoors reporter Jason Blevins looks at the outlook for Colorado’s rafting season and how outfitters, especially along the Arkansas River, are adjusting as we come off the worst winter for snow in history.

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G. Brown joins the Sun's Kevin Simpson to talk about the best songs of summer

Fri, 22 May 2026 08:00:00 +0000

G. Brown, director of the Colorado Music Experience, joins the Sun's Kevin Simpson to talk about the best songs of summer.

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The controversial arguments to retire an giant Colorado River dam

Thu, 21 May 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Today, Sun water reporter Shannon Mullane speaks to author Zak Podmore about his award-winning book, Life after Dead Pool, the future of the Colorado River, and the case retire one of its major reservoirs, Lake Powell.

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A look back at the 2026 Colorado Legislative Session

Wed, 20 May 2026 08:00:00 +0000

From speed cameras to vaccine policy to ketchup packets, which of the laws passed by the 2026 legislature will impact people’s lives five or 10 years from now? That’s the question Colorado Sun Political Reporter Jesse Paul and other guests of the Purplish podcast tackle today, less than a week after the 2026 Colorado legislative session wrapped up. This podcast is brought to you by the Colorado Capitol News Alliance, a collaboration between KUNC News, Colorado Public Radio, Rocky Mountain PBS, and The Colorado Sun.

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Colorado weather forecasting and AI

Tue, 19 May 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Today, we have a portion of our Colorado SunFest weather panel conversation with local meteorologists Chris Bianchi, Mike Nelson and Joel Gratz as they talk about how technology has changed and how AI is quickly changing forecasting.

Tiny Colorado town going big on conservation efforts

Mon, 18 May 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Today, Sun outdoors reporter Jason Blevins breaks down a big land acquisition for a Colorado mountain town that millions of people zoom past each year. With barely 200 residents, Silver Plume officials are buying up old mining claims, expanding the town’s mountain park to more than 750 acres.

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Kevin Simpson on Silas Soule’s moral courage

Fri, 15 May 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Today - Sun publisher Larry Ryckman chats with writer Kevin Simpson about his story on the moral courage of Silas Soule.

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Dimity McDowell on her new book and transitioning out of her running years

Thu, 14 May 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Today: The Sun's Tracy Ross talks with Dimity McDowell, a longtime runner who one day couldn't take the pain of it anymore, and began the difficult task of weaning herself from her runner's high -- a legitimate addiction. A former contributing editor at Runners World, McDowell chronicles that journey and more in her new book, The 27th Mile: How to Smooth the Rough Transition Out of Your Running Years, which she'll be reading from and speaking about at the Tattered Cover in Denver tonight. We start our conversation with Dimity explaining what a stress fracture is -- she had several over her running career and they were part of what led her to stop.

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A Colorado hantavirus reality check after the cruise headlines

Wed, 13 May 2026 08:00:00 +0000

On Today's Temperature newsletter podcast, Michael Booth interviews Sun health writer John Ingold about the notorious hantavirus cruise and what it may or may not have to do with the Colorado version of hantavirus.

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Colorado businesses look for relief in state legislature

Tue, 12 May 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Today, Colorado Sun business reporter Tamara Chuang looks at the bills in the statehouse that will affect businesses and where they stand in the closing days of the Colorado legislature.

https://coloradosun.com/2026/05/09/colorado-legislature-swipe-fees-artificial-intelligence-centurylink-bills-laws/

https://coloradosun.com/2026/05/05/colorado-gas-prices-truckers-ride-sharing-drivers-uber-lyft/

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Western US skier visit numbers: From feast to famine

Mon, 11 May 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Today, Sun outdoors reporter Jason Blevins breaks down a few skier data sets from this season, including how the historically dry winter played out in on-mountain visits, and also the number of people who died on the hill.

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Author Mariko Tatsumoto talks about her work of historical fiction "Blossoms on a Poisoned Sea"

Fri, 08 May 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Mariko Tatsumoto, author of "Blossoms on a Poisoned Sea", sits down with the Sun's Kevin Simpson to discuss her work of historical fiction.

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Colorado 150th birthday celebration underway

Thu, 07 May 2026 08:00:00 +0000

The Sun is three weeks into our months-long Colorado 150 project celebrating 150 years of statehood. Today, Colorado Sun arts and culture reporter Parker Yamasaki and team editor David Krause talk about the first three top-10 lists and what’s coming in May.

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Can Colorado legislate ICE?

Wed, 06 May 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Today we're featuring a conversation between Colorado Sun Politics and Policy Reporter Taylor Dolven, Colorado Public Radio Public Affairs Reporter Bente Birkland and Denver Post Immigration Reporter Seth Klamann about lawmakers' efforts to hold federal immigration officers accountable when they step outside of the law. Multiple bills are being considered in the Colorado legislature that would raise questions about the limits of state authority when it comes to how federal immigration agents behave within Colorado’s borders. This conversation first appeared on the Purplish podcast from Colorado Public Radio and is being shared with the Colorado Sun through the Colorado Capitol News Alliance.

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Teachers strike divides small Colorado district

Tue, 05 May 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Today, Colorado Sun education reporter Erica Breunlin breaks down the recent teachers strike that disrupted Sheridan School District for more than three weeks and what the resolution looks like, thanks to the governor’s office stepping in.

https://coloradosun.com/2026/04/29/colorado-sheridan-school-district-consolidation-teacher-strike/

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Colorado Supreme Court revisits skier liability waivers

Mon, 04 May 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Sun outdoors reporter Jason Blevins has been following the legal challenges to skier liability waivers for years, and today he breaks down another case before the Colorado Supreme Court questioning the language in those waivers.

https://coloradosun.com/2026/04/27/ski-pass-waivers/

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/colorado-jury-pushes-back-on-liability-waivers/id1744182140?i=1000725487892

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