March 18, 2025: Why Medicaid matters, Venezuelan gang members, college athletes get paid

Medicaid is on the chopping block and some Coloradans have a lot to lose, including their independence. Then, the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua has been declared a national enemy, and authorities say gang members are here, but without much evidence. Plus, Colorado universities might start paying their student athletes, but you won’t know exactly how much. This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Arlo Pérez Esquivel and Bazi Kanani. It’s edited and produced by Jo Erickson and Stephanie Wolf, with mixing by 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: CPR’s Allison Sherry and Ben Markus report on efforts to deport Tren de Aragua members on thin evidence . CPR’s John Daley explains what’s happening with Medicaid in Colorado . CPR’s Bente Birkeland reports on the latest state budget forecast . CPR’s Ben Markus reports on the passage of rules to pay student athletes .