August 21, 2025: Vaccine questions answered, Denver layoff details and controversies, opera’s modern twists

The layoffs and elimination of jobs in Denver’s city government could be a sign of things to come in other cities and the state, and they’re generating backlash. Then, this year’s rollout of fall vaccines is leaving some providers and parents confused. We’ll answer your questions. Plus, lawmakers arrive back at the Capitol for a special summer session. And, you’ll get a trip to the opera and hear its new leader’s ideas to draw you in. This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Bazi Kanani. It’s edited and produced by Mateo Schimpf, Stephanie Wolf and Kiara DeMare. The executive producer is Rachel Estabrook. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño. Email us at coloradotoday@cpr.org. Colorado Today is supported by CPR’s members . Read more on the stories in today’s show: Denverite’s Paolo Zialcita reports on layoffs in the city government , and a City Council member who’s furious her husband lost his job . CPR’s John Daley has more answers to your vaccine questions . CPR’s Lauren Antonoff Hart reports on the new leader at Opera Colorado .