The Daily Sun-Up

Today, Colorado Sun business reporter Tamara Chuang digs into the latest real estate report from the first half of 2026 in the Denver metro area, and talks about why the market continues to be flat across Colorado.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, Sun outdoors reporter Jason Blevins looks into the growing concerns around hikers relieving themselves in the Colorado mountains and how federal cuts to the Forest Service could mean “wag bags” will have an even greater role in keeping the lands clean.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Rev. Dr. Nancy Niero, author of "Witness at Sand Creek", sits down with the Sun's Kevin Simpson to discuss her connection to Silas Soule and her book "Witness at Sand Creek".See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, Colorado Sun water reporter Shannon Mullane looks at how tiny bubbles in the Colorado River are posing big problems for water officials at the Glen Canyon and Hoover dams. https://coloradosun.com/2026/07/06/supercharged-bubbles-are-threatening-lake-powells-dam/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Progressives surprised many in Colorado’s primary elections in late June, including a shocking upset for a democratic socialist candidate who ousted a longtime incumbent in Denver in a race that grabbed national headlines. Did Colorado get hit with an anti-incumbent wave on primary night? Colorado Sun Elections Editor Jesse Paul and Colorado Public Radio Public Affairs reporters Bente Birkeland and Caitlyn Kim discuss what the shakeups say about politics in Colorado in this conversation first broadcast on Purplish. The Purplish podcast is produced by CPR News and the Capitol News Alliance, a collaboration between KUNC News, Colorado Public Radio, Rocky Mountain PBS and The Colorado Sun.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Colorado continues to have some of the highest homeowners insurance in the country. Today, business reporter Tamara Chuang talks about why that is, the sharp increases in the past five years and how homeowners are coping. https://coloradosun.com/2026/07/10/wildfires-insurance-homeowners-regulations/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, Sun outdoors reporter Jason Blevins talks about how those who enjoy the outdoors are flexing their collective muscle to have a say in politics related to the trillion-dollar industry, from the local level to D.C. https://coloradosun.com/2026/07/08/boulder-open-space-limit-mountain-bikes/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Introducing our new podcast, Can Colorado Do More With Less Water? Join The Colorado Sun to explore what may or may not be possible in creating water solutions across the state. In this episode we focus on Colorado’s resilient, adaptable farmers who can raise just about anything and use less water doing it. But will enough people buy what they produce? Learn more: https://coloradosun.com/more-with-less-water-series/Music: namebackwards.live/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

James Ellroy, legendary crime fiction author, chats with the Sun's Kevin Simpson about his latest novel, the L.A.-centered "Red Sheet".See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, Colorado Sun rural reporter Tracy Ross talks about how ranchers are dealing with the wildfires burning across Colorado and what might be in store after they return and survey the damage. https://coloradosun.com/2026/07/08/colorado-wildfires-ranchers-cattle-livestock-aspen-acres/  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Today's Sun-Up, John Ingold and Michael Booth offer some air quality tips for an unhealthy wildfire season, and introduce a surprising study of exactly how long moose have roamed Colorado.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, Colorado Sun business reporter Tamara Chuang looks into the expanding role of private AI programs and how a southern Colorado hospital is jumping into the artificial intelligence world to help with billing issues. https://coloradosun.com/2026/07/06/huerfano-county-health-facility-iterate-ai-trial-recover-insurance-payments/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, Sun outdoors reporter Jason Blevins looks at the record number of people getting out to enjoy nature but has warnings from local officials as wildfires rage in Colorado and fire restrictions are sweeping across the state. https://coloradosun.com/2026/07/02/recreating-during-drought-wildfires/ https://coloradosun.com/2026/07/01/mesa-county-search-and-rescue-ruby-horsethief/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Colorado Sun Public Policy Editor Justin George, is joined by political reporter Colleen Slevin to discuss the surprising results of Tuesday’s races.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, we’re checking in on our Colorado 150 series with culture and arts reporter Parker Yamasaki to talk about some of Colorado’s great venues (think Red Rocks) and mining towns (think Crystal Mill). Our series celebrates 150 awesome things about Colorado as we countdown to the Aug. 1 statehood day. Colorado 150 landing pagehttps://coloradosun.com/colorado-150/ Reader suggestionshttps://coloradosun.com/2026/04/23/what-do-you-love-about-colorado-audience-callout/ June 4 episodehttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/colorado-150th-statehood-project-full-steam-ahead/id1529487340?i=1000771127906 May 7 episodehttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/colorado-150th-birthday-celebration-underway/id1529487340?i=1000766587825 April 23 episodehttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sun-getting-in-on-colorados-150th-anniversary/id1529487340?i=1000763215424 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Author Rachel Feder sits down with the Sun's Kevin Simpson to discuss the gothic influences on her new novella, "The Turn".See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s the holiday week, so today Colorado Sun business reporter Tamara Chuang talks about the prices for this year’s Fourth of July cookout celebrations and how Coloradans plan to celebrate within their budget. https://coloradosun.com/2026/06/27/fraser-arts-center-economic-development/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, Sun outdoors reporter Jason Blevins breaks down the recent one-day spike in the stock price for Vail Resorts shares and how the company's leader is responding. https://coloradosun.com/2026/06/26/takeover-reports-vail-resorts-stock/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Author John Andrews sits down with the Sun's Kevin Simpson to discuss his World War I novel, "An American Nurse in Paris".See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, Colorado Sun education reporter Erica Breunlin has updates on the new state law instructing all Colorado districts and charter schools to create a policy that spells out when and how students can use cellphones during the school day. https://coloradosun.com/2026/06/18/colorado-school-districts-student-cellphone-policy-state-law/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, reporters Michael Booth and John Ingold talk about a new Colorado factory that is 3-D printing homes, as well as a Colorado program trying to import prescription drugs from Canada.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, Colorado Sun business reporter Tamara Chuang looks into the high prices of beef and the challenges for ranchers and the industry right now. https://coloradosun.com/2026/06/20/beef-hamburgers-prices-inflation-agriculture/ https://coloradosun.com/2026/06/22/ready-for-your-next-steak-these-ranchers-are-battling-drought-to-bring-it-to-you/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, Sun outdoors reporter Jason Blevins looks at the “Rural Is Rad” collective of Colorado outdoor companies working together to promote their rural Colorado roots around the world while staying grounded in their smaller communities. https://coloradosun.com/2026/06/19/rural-is-rad-collective/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

G. Brown, director of the Colorado Music Experience, and the Sun's Kevin Simpson talk rock music books and other goings on.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today Colorado Sun business reporter Tamara Chuang talks about the recent Colorado Sun series looking into the real estate troubles in downtown Denver and how the city and the Downtown Development Authority are trying to revive the heart of Colorado’s biggest city. What the heck is going on downtown?https://coloradosun.com/2026/06/14/downtown-denver-commercial-real-estate-market/ Civic Center park revamphttps://coloradosun.com/2026/06/16/the-plan-for-reviving-civic-center-park-denver/ Denver Pavilions new approachhttps://coloradosun.com/2026/06/17/denver-pavilions-new-era/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we’re talking to Brian Eason, a Colorado Sun investigative reporter and the assistant editor of our politics and policy team. Last week, the Colorado Sun published a stunning investigation by Brian into huge bonuses worth six figures given to investment managers at Colorado PERA, the largest public pension plan in the state. Read more: https://coloradosun.com/2026/06/08/colorado-pera-staff-bonuses-shrinking-pension-fund-analysis/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, Colorado Sun business reporter Tamara Chuang looks at the latest inflation numbers in Colorado and the rippled down effect on affordability in a state that’s already one of the most expensive to live in. https://coloradosun.com/2026/06/10/denver-area-inflation-increases-5-percent-2026/ https://coloradosun.com/2026/06/13/inflation-affordability-denver-colorado-gas-prices/ https://www.federalreserve.gov/releases/z1/dataviz/dfa/distribute/table/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, Sun outdoors reporter Jason Blevins discusses an idea in Boulder County that would limit mountain bike access on some trails around Lyons on certain days and the pushback the idea is bringing. Read more: https://coloradosun.com/2026/06/12/lyons-mountain-bikers-boulder-county-proposal/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Author Nina McConigley sits down with the Sun's Kevin Simpson to discuss her debut novel, "How to Commit a Postcolonial Murder".See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, Colorado Sun rural reporter Tracy Ross continues to track news from Colorado Parks and Wildlife, including a rancher who says an employee killed a wolf as well as the governor’s latest appointments to the CPW commission. https://coloradosun.com/2026/06/04/ranch-owner-says-employee-killed-king-mountain-wolf/  https://coloradosun.com/2026/06/10/colorado-parks-and-wildlife-new-commissioners-jared-polis/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Temperature newsletter wranglers Michael Booth and John Ingold talk about a keystone court case pitting drug companies against the state of Colorado, and a new Sun "solutions" series on where Colorado can save water.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, Colorado Sun business reporter Tamara Chuang looks at how Colorado teens are facing new challenges to landing some of the traditional summertime jobs. Read more: https://coloradosun.com/2026/06/06/colorado-teenagers-summer-jobs-employers/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, Sun outdoors reporter Jason Blevins has a look at the final and shocking Colorado skier visits data from the rough season and also why Utah’s richest resident is poking Vail Resorts to sell him Park City resort. https://coloradosun.com/2026/06/04/colorado-skier-visits-collapse-2025-26/  https://coloradosun.com/2026/06/05/matthew-prince-park-city-vail-resorts/  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Author Marianne Rabalais Sulser sits down with the Sun's Kevin Simpson to discuss her first novel, "Like Snow Before Ice".See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, Colorado Sun arts and culture Parker Yamasaki highlights the latest installments of our Colorado 150 series celebrating the people, places and things that make Colorado so unique leading up to the 150th anniversary celebration of statehood. Landing page:https://coloradosun.com/colorado-150/ May 7 episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/colorado-150th-birthday-celebration-underway/id1529487340?i=1000766587825 April 23 episode:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sun-getting-in-on-colorados-150th-anniversary/id1529487340?i=1000763215424 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, we're bringing you a conversation on the Colorado gubernatorial race from the Purplish podcast. This week's episode features Colorado Sun Elections Editor Jesse Paul and Colorado Public Radio's Public Affairs Reporter Bente Birkeland and Investigative Reporter Ben Markus. Purplish is produced by CPR News and the Capitol News Alliance, a collaboration between KUNC News, Colorado Public Radio, Rocky Mountain PBS, and The Colorado Sun and shared with Rocky Mountain Community Radio and other news organizations across the state.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, Colorado Sun business reporter Tamara Chuang breaks down layoffs at the state office of IT, the most recent Colorado job numbers and other labor-related news across Colorado. Read more: https://coloradosun.com/2026/05/27/colorado-overhauls-state-it-office-lays-off-employees/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, Sun outdoors reporter Jason Blevins looks at how a state decision to change the Colorado search and rescue response structure has ruffled feathers in the Colorado Search and Rescue Association. Read more: https://coloradosun.com/2026/04/10/cpw-search-and-rescue/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Author Tom Mowle sits down with the Sun's Kevin Simpson and describes his experience in the second Iraq war in "Chaos in the Green Zone"See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, Colorado Sun rural reporter Tracy Ross has updates from Fort Morgan and the labor standoff at the Cargill meat packing facility, one of the largest employers in the area, and what it means for the town's coffers and national supply chain. Read more: https://coloradosun.com/2026/05/27/cargills-lockout-of-workers-sends-ripples-through-supply-chain/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, Sun reporters Michael Booth and John Ingold talk about the threat to ponderosa pine trees in Colorado, as well as a state Supreme Court ruling on gender-affirming care Read more: https://coloradosun.com/2026/05/25/colorado-pine-beetles-ponderosa-2025-growth/ https://coloradosun.com/2026/05/18/childrens-hospital-colorado-supreme-court/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Read more: https://coloradosun.com/2026/05/23/colorado-front-range-foreclosures-housing/  Today, Colorado Sun business reporter Tamara Chuang discusses the uptick in foreclosures along the Front Range and the increase in the number of Colorado homebuyers struggling to pay their mortgage and asking for guidance.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Read more: https://coloradosun.com/2026/05/22/arkansas-river-rafting-low-flows/ Today, Sun outdoors reporter Jason Blevins looks at the outlook for Colorado’s rafting season and how outfitters, especially along the Arkansas River, are adjusting as we come off the worst winter for snow in history.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

G. Brown, director of the Colorado Music Experience, joins the Sun's Kevin Simpson to talk about the best songs of summer.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, Sun water reporter Shannon Mullane speaks to author Zak Podmore about his award-winning book, Life after Dead Pool, the future of the Colorado River, and the case retire one of its major reservoirs, Lake Powell.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From speed cameras to vaccine policy to ketchup packets, which of the laws passed by the 2026 legislature will impact people’s lives five or 10 years from now? That’s the question Colorado Sun Political Reporter Jesse Paul and other guests of the Purplish podcast tackle today, less than a week after the 2026 Colorado legislative session wrapped up. This podcast is brought to you by the Colorado Capitol News Alliance, a collaboration between KUNC News, Colorado Public Radio, Rocky Mountain PBS, and The Colorado Sun.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, we have a portion of our Colorado SunFest weather panel conversation with local meteorologists Chris Bianchi, Mike Nelson and Joel Gratz as they talk about how technology has changed and how AI is quickly changing forecasting.  Read more!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, Sun outdoors reporter Jason Blevins breaks down a big land acquisition for a Colorado mountain town that millions of people zoom past each year. With barely 200 residents, Silver Plume officials are buying up old mining claims, expanding the town’s mountain park to more than 750 acres.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today - Sun publisher Larry Ryckman chats with writer Kevin Simpson about his story on the moral courage of Silas Soule. Read more: https://coloradosun.com/2026/05/10/silas-soule-sand-creek-massacre-colorado-history/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today: The Sun's Tracy Ross talks with Dimity McDowell, a longtime runner who one day couldn't take the pain of it anymore, and began the difficult task of weaning herself from her runner's high -- a legitimate addiction. A former contributing editor at Runners World, McDowell chronicles that journey and more in her new book, The 27th Mile: How to Smooth the Rough Transition Out of Your Running Years, which she'll be reading from and speaking about at the Tattered Cover in Denver tonight. We start our conversation with Dimity explaining what a stress fracture is -- she had several over her running career and they were part of what led her to stop.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.