Dec. 18, 2025: Boulder weather lab faces cuts, Coloradans worry about the economy, the story behind DIA’s roof

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 coloradotoday@cpr.org . Colorado Today is supported by CPR’s members . Read more on the stories in today’s show: CPR’s Sam Brasch reports on the White House’s promise to dismantle NCAR . CPR's Steph Rivera on Coloradans' economic struggles . CPR’s collected Silent Recession reporting . Listen to Andrea Dukakis’ interview with the architect who designed DIA’s tent-like roof on Colorado Matters . Or get the backstory in her Denverite article . 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.