The Daily Sun-Up

Today, Sun water reporter Shannon Mullane and Fresh Water News editor Jerd Smith talk about the controversy surrounding Gross Reservoir, a key water storage bank for metro Denver. Read more: https://coloradosun.com/2025/05/02/gross-dam-expansion-case-heads-for-crucial-federal-hearing-in-denver-tuesday/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last week, The Colorado Sun hosted an event at the University of Denver recapping the state's 2025 legislative session. On today's podcast, we're featuring an excerpt of that event. Colorado Sun political reporter Jesse Paul and Megan Verlee, public affairs editor at Colorado Public Radio, interviewed Colorado Senate President James Coleman and House Speaker Julie McCluskie live at DU. The Sun and CPR News are partners through the Colorado Capitol News Alliance. Learn more: https://coloradosun.com/2025/05/09/colorado-legislature-2025-themes/  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, Colorado Sun business reporter Tamara Chuang explores the differences between Colorado’s state-mandated retirement savings plan and the 401(k) alternative launched by the Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce, and what each option offers to small businesses and their employees. Read more: https://coloradosun.com/2025/05/17/colorado-springs-retirement-plan-chamber-employer/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, Conor Hall, director of Colorado’s Outdoor Recreation Industry Office and a Colorado native, talks about leading and growing the state’s $65 billion outdoor economy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, the Sun’s Kevin Simpson chats with G. Brown, director of the Colorado Music Experience, about a local legend whose recent death left a huge void in the music scene.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bente Birkeland and Lucas Brady Woods, both hosts of Purplish, delve into Colorado's 2025 legislative session, sharing insights shaped by their journalism careers. They explore the experiences of first-time lawmakers navigating party dynamics and building relationships. Key debates over AI and gun legislation highlight shifting tensions between lawmakers and lobbyists. With a surprisingly calm session, the duo reflects on creative haikus about significant laws like K-Trucks legalization and clean energy initiatives, infused with personal stories from the Capitol.

Today: Michael Booth and John Ingold preview some of the wide variety of topics on tap for Friday's in-person SunFest at the University of Denver, from the science of happiness to a live recycling quiz show.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, Colorado Sun rural reporter Tracy Ross looks at how the national AmeriCorps program helps thousands in Colorado and what the DOGE funding cuts will mean to Coloradans who rely on AmeriCorps' young people. Read more: https://coloradosun.com/2025/05/11/colorado-americorps-mile-high-youth-corps-doge-cuts/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, Sun outdoors reporter Jason Blevins takes a look at how the new tariffs could be a boon for Colorado’s secondhand market for outdoor gear. And, start planning now for those ski swaps.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This Friday SunLit editor Kevin Simpson talks with a science fiction author and Colorado Book Award finalist about his novel in which artificial intelligence calls all the shots.  Get "The Future Lies" here: https://johnbe.com/shop See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.