Political unknown shakes up GOP primary for gov.; climate-proofing Denver's urban trees; fighting the 'tree of heaven'

EV battery disposal challenges; underage scooter injuries; more pay for cafeteria workers

More electric vehicles on roads is good for the climate, but it could also be a future headache for junk lots. Then, rental scooters are proving a little too tempting to underage riders in Denver. And, Colorado’s cafeteria workers could finally see a little extra cheddar in their paychecks, years after voters approved it. Email us at coloradotoday@cpr.org [coloradotoday@cpr.org]. Colorado Today is supported by CPR’s members [https://donate.cpr.org/give]. Read more on the stories in today’s show: * Welcome to CPR's 'Who's Gonna Govern?' podcast [https://www.cpr.org/2026/06/08/cpr-whos-gonna-govern-podcast-back-2026-election/] * CPR’s Sam Brasch on the law to boost EV battery recycling [https://www.cpr.org/2026/06/04/colorado-ev-battery-recycling/] * CPR’s Haylee May on the pay boost coming to Colorado cafeteria workers [https://www.cpr.org/2026/06/02/wage-increases-for-cafeteria-workers/] This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Arlo Pérez Esquivel and Mateo Schimpf.  It’s edited and produced by Mateo Schimpf, Madilyn Rose, Stephanie Wolf, Megan Verlee and Tyler Bender. The executive producer is Megan Verlee. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.

Paramedics connected to Elijah McClain’s death could get new trial; new pedestrian safety law signed

The Colorado Court of Appeals has reopened the case of the two paramedics convicted of criminally negligent homicide in the 2019 death of Elijah McClain. But the state says it will fight the decision. Then, Gov. Polis signs a new law to increase the likelihood that drivers involved in significant crashes take sobriety tests. Plus, we get an inside look at the art of modern clowning in Denver — more performance art than kiddy party. Email us at coloradotoday@cpr.org [coloradotoday@cpr.org]. Colorado Today is supported by CPR’s members [https://donate.cpr.org/give]. Read more on the stories in today’s show: * CPR’s Tegan Wendland and Sam Brasch on Gov. Polis declaring a drought emergency [https://www.cpr.org/2026/06/04/colorado-drought-emergency/] * CPR’s Allison Sherry on the appeals court ruling for the paramedics connected to Elijah McClain’s death [https://www.cpr.org/2026/06/04/elijah-mcclain-paramedic-verdicts-overturned/] * CPR’s Ava Kian on the signing of Magnus’ Law [https://www.cpr.org/2026/06/04/polis-magnus-law-teen-cycling-crash/] * CPR’s Hazel Feldstein on the Denver clowning scene [https://denverite.com/2026/06/03/denver-clowning-scene/] This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Arlo Pérez Esquivel. It’s edited and produced by Mateo Schimpf, Madilyn Rose, Stephanie Wolf, Hazel Feldstein, Megan Verlee and Tyler Bender. The executive producer is Megan Verlee. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.

Veto-rama from Gov. Polis; diversifying the golf scene

From tailored prices to takeout condiments, Governor Polis has been giving his veto pen a workout. Then, Denver plays host to the Sapphire Golf Tour, which aims to increase the sport’s diversity. Email us at coloradotoday@cpr.org [coloradotoday@cpr.org]. Colorado Today is supported by CPR’s members [https://donate.cpr.org/give]. Read more on the stories in today’s show: * CPR’s Molly Cruse on the turtle racing backlash at Charlie’s Denver [https://denverite.com/2026/06/02/charlies-denver-turtle-racing/] * CPR’s Rae Solomon on Gov. Polis’s latest round of vetoes [https://www.cpr.org/2026/06/03/polis-vetoes-progressive-bills/] * Details on the Sapphire Women’s Golf Tour [https://sapphiregolftour.com/] This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Arlo Pérez Esquivel. It’s edited and produced by Mateo Schimpf, Madilyn Rose, Stephanie Wolf, Hazel Feldstein, Megan Verlee and Tyler Bender. The executive producer is Megan Verlee. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.

New restrictions on sports betting; public Christian school closes; judge pauses NCAR dismantling

Colorado is putting new restrictions on online sports bets, in the hopes of heading off problem gambling. Then, a Christian public school in Pueblo that aimed to challenge education funding laws has closed, but the fight will go on elsewhere. Plus, a legal battle to keep a climate research hub in Boulder open got a big boost from a federal judge. And learn about an opportunity to send a message into the future. Email us at coloradotoday@cpr.org [coloradotoday@cpr.org]. Colorado Today is supported by CPR’s members [https://donate.cpr.org/give]. Read more on the stories in today’s show: * CPR’s Ben Markus on the new changes to sports betting [https://www.cpr.org/2026/06/02/sports-gambling-restrictions-law/] * Find Ben’s previous coverage here [https://www.cpr.org/2026/05/08/colorado-sports-gambling-kalshi-prediction-market/] * Chalkbeat’s Ann Schimke on the closure of Riverstone Academy [https://www.chalkbeat.org/colorado/2026/06/02/christian-public-school-riverstone-academy-closed-permanently/] * Find Ann’s previous coverage here [https://www.chalkbeat.org/colorado/2026/02/18/christian-public-school-riverstone-academy-sues-state/] * CPR’s Sam Brasch on the order blocking the Trump Administration from dismantling NCAR [https://www.cpr.org/2026/06/01/federal-judge-blocks-trump-ncar-dismantle-plan/] * Find Sam’s previous coverage here [https://www.cpr.org/2026/03/16/trump-lawsuit-tina-peters-ncar/] * Details on how to submit material for Loveland’s Colorado time capsule [https://visitloveland.com/colorado-capsule/]. This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Arlo Pérez Esquivel. It’s edited and produced by Mateo Schimpf, Madilyn Rose, Hazel Feldstein, Megan Verlee and Tyler Bender. The executive producer is Megan Verlee. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.

Tina Peters released; CO representatives weigh in on housing reform; celebrating yard art in Colorado Springs

Tina Peters is officially free, more than half a decade before the end of her full original sentence. You’ll hear her first public remarks, and reactions from Coloradans. Then, housing prices have long run amok. Can Congress come together and do something about it? Or will a division that runs even deeper than party lines derail it? Plus, an exhibit at the Fine Arts Center in Colorado Springs celebrates the freedom and expression of yard art. Email us at coloradotoday@cpr.org [coloradotoday@cpr.org]. Colorado Today is supported by CPR’s members [https://donate.cpr.org/give]. Read more on the stories in today’s show: * More details on Boulder’s 30th annual Jewish Community Festival, Sunday June 7 [https://www.boulderjcc.org/boulder-jewish-festival/]. * CPR’s Bente Birkeland with reactions to Tina Peters’ release from prison [https://www.cpr.org/2026/06/01/former-mesa-county-clerk-tina-peters-released-from-prison/]. * CPR’s Ryan Warner interviews the head of the Clerks Association about Peters’ release [https://www.cpr.org/2026/06/02/colorado-county-clerks-association-head-matt-crane-on-tina-peters/]. * CPR’s Hayley Sanchez on the ‘Art From the Yard’ show in Colorado Springs [https://www.cpr.org/2026/06/01/colorado-springs-fine-arts-center-yard-art/]. This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Arlo Pérez Esquivel. It’s edited and produced by Madilyn Rose, Megan Verlee and Tyler Bender. The executive producer is Megan Verlee. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.