September 16, 2025: Top Republican resigns, Front Range fracking project, Denver budget unveiled, Michelin stars

The top Republican at the statehouse resigns, citing a “toxic” environment. Then – you’ll hear from a Front Range community trying to prevent fracking underneath their water supply. Plus, Colorado’s two biggest cities have to shrink their budgets. You’ll hear what’s getting cut. This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Arlo Pérez Esquivel. It’s edited and produced by Mateo Schimpf, Rachel Estabrook, Shane Rumsey and Tyler Bender. 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 has details on the new Michelin-starred restaurants . CPR’s Bente Birkeland reports on the high-profile resignation at the statehouse . CPR’s Ishan Thakore reports on a community’s effort to stop fracking under the Aurora Reservoir and near their homes . Denverite’s Kyle Harris reports on Denver’s mayor’s budget proposal .