July 21, 2025: Trump tries to force coal plants open, Denver bond, public media funding, Eisenhower Tunnel history

The Trump administration is trying to force Colorado to keep its coal plants open, over state objections. Then, Denver’s mayor hopes to ask voters for almost a billion dollars in bonds. But it’s already drawing pushback, and comes as the city plans to cut jobs. Plus, how public radio and television plans to stay on the air without federal funds. And, those tunnels you get stuck at on I-70? Have you ever considered their names? This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Arlo Pérez Esquivel and Bazi Kanani. It’s edited and produced by Jo Erickson, Stephanie Wolf, Jon Pinnow and Lauralyn Duff. 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 Sam Brasch reports on the dispute over Colorado’s plan to retire coal . Denverite’s Paolo Zialcita reports on what’s in the Denver mayor’s proposed Bond package, why it’s controversial, and what it means for his political future . CPR’s Ryan Warner reports on who the Eisenhower - Johnson Memorial Tunnels are named after . Listen to the Lost Highways episode on former Colorado politician “Big Ed” Johnson .