Colorado Inside Out

Colorado’s November election is heating up, with a crowded ballot and growing concerns about voter participation, campaign spending and trust in the democratic process. We examine the debate over Colorado’s public lands, federal disaster aid following devastating wildfires and floods, and the controversy surrounding the state’s wolf reintroduction program. Plus, a look at several high-profile legal cases, including the fallout from the Missy Woods investigation and the Colorado Supreme Court’s review of the Kendrick Castillo case.

Colorado’s November election is set, but questions remain about how smoothly it will be administered — from mail delivery to protecting voters’ private information. We examine the growing debate over campaign money, legal challenges surrounding ICE enforcement, and the disappearance of maternity care in rural Colorado. Plus, a lighter look at Denver’s newest reality: driverless Waymo cars on our streets — and our Insiders’ highs and lows of the week.

Plans for Colorado’s midterm election are moving forward, as new federal efforts regarding mail ballots create some confusion. Election officials everything will go as planned. On Colorado Inside Out, we look at the latest measures to make the ballot as the deadline to qualify appraoches. In Denver, could a rising Democratic Socialist movement give mayoral challenger Shontel Lewis a real shot against Mike Johnston? And with devastating wildfires prompting Colorado to seek federal disaster aid, will the federal government provide some help? 

On this week’s Colorado Inside Out, we examine how Colorado and the Trump administration are increasingly at odds. Colorado is also taking legal action against the company running the Aurora ICE detention center over access to health records in a tuberculosis investigation. As students head back to school, new testing results show progress in some areas — and persistent gaps in others. And the Insiders weigh in on some of the many issues that will make the statewide ballot in November.

This week on Colorado Inside Out, we examine the changing boundaries of political coverage as candidates, journalists and voters navigate debates, past statements and when family becomes part of political coverage. We explore Colorado’s very different approaches to the growing demand for data centers — and the tension between economic opportunity and demands on our resources. With wildfires still burning, Colorado Congressman Joe Neguse is a lead sponsor of a new Wildfire Response and Readiness Act in Washington. And we get the latest on the Broncos’ proposed stadium district, as questions remain about the site, timeline and massive development surrounding it.

Colorado's campaign season begins to take shape as new polling hints at competitive races across the state. On this week’s Colorado Inside Out, we discuss the rollout of Colorado's new gun law, leadership changes at Denver City Hall, and the Colorado stories our panel believes deserve your attention as summer winds down.

As Colorado celebrates 150 years of statehood, Colorado Inside Out reflects on the achievements, challenges, and choices shaping the state’s next chapter. We discuss Colorado’s top ranking for education, the future of elections, and a changing political landscape. We explore the balance between growth, preservation, and protecting what makes Colorado unique. And we consider what we’ve learned from this powerful landscape as we look toward the next 150 years.

Colorado turns 150 years old in one week and a new statewide poll reveals what residents love, worry about, and hope for in the future. This week, Colorado Inside Out also examines Denver’s State of the City, the political strategy behind Democratic gubernatorial candidate Phil Weiser’s choice of Jefferson County Commissioner Lesley Dahlkemper as his running mate, and the ongoing debate over Colorado’s gray wolf reintroduction program as a new pack is confirmed in Eagle County.

This week on Colorado Inside Out, we examine the latest debate over election integrity and what it means for trust in Colorado's elections. We also discuss whether Republicans can build unity heading into November, the mixed signals surrounding Colorado's economy, and new developments in immigration enforcement. 

This week on Colorado Inside Out… a razor-thin Republican governor’s race raises questions about recounts, party unity, and what comes next for the GOP. We’ll look at the impact of Colorado’s progressive primary victories and whether they signal a broader political shift. Then, with a major transition of leadership coming to the state, what will a changing Capitol mean for Colorado’s future? And as wildfires, extreme heat, and water concerns continue, our Insiders examine Colorado’s capacity to respond.

Colorado voters have spoken, and the primary election results are already reshaping the political conversation heading into November. This week on Colorado Inside Out, the panel breaks down the strong showing by progressive Democrats, the surprisingly close Republican race for governor, and what the primary results could mean for both parties. We also take a closer look at how Colorado administers close elections, from ballot curing to automatic recounts. Then, as dangerous wildfires burn across the state heading into the Fourth of July holiday, we discuss preparedness, public safety, and the responsibility we all share in preventing the next fire.

With Primary Election Day just days away, Colorado Inside Out examines a campaign season coming down to the wire as voters prepare to lock in their final decisions. The Insider panel also looks at the growing role of money in Colorado politics, with major donations and outside spending shaping key races and raising questions about whether this is the new normal. The show also covers the Missy Woods plea deal involving mishandled DNA evidence and closes with a remembrance of journalist and former panelist Lynn Bartels.

The primary election is almost here and the mud is flying! This week on Colorado Inside Out… we talk about who’s ahead in the final weeks and the Denver Public Schools ban on student cellphones, is it a good idea? And what’s to “HOWL” about regarding Colorado Parks and Wildlife, we dig into that discussion too. Krista Kafer fills in as Guest Host for Kyle Dyer.

 Colorado ballots are in the mail, and the final sprint to Primary Day is underway. On this week’s Colorado Inside Out, we break down campaign strategy, debate season, and the role age may play in politics. Plus, federal scrutiny of metro-area school districts and financial pressures reshaping Colorado higher education.

This week on Colorado Inside Out: a pair of gubernatorial debates put Colorado's political future on center stage, Tina Peters is back in the headlines following her early release from prison, and with ballots arriving in the mail next week, the Insiders examine why voter turnout remains such a challenge in primary elections. 

With just one month until Colorado’s primary, campaigns are in the final sprint — ads are up, debates are heating up, and races are shifting. On Colorado Inside Out this week, we have some varying perspectives into the different candidates who are in the spotlight. And, we’re also looking at youth mental health and safety concerns, new questions around national park access and fees, and growing pressure on Colorado’s infrastructure as travel surges through DIA.

This episode of Colorado Inside Out covers Governor Polis’ sentence commutation of former Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters and the debate over that decision, along with its potential electoral consequences as Colorado’s primary approaches next month. The Insiders also discuss a Colorado Supreme Court ruling involving Children’s Hospital Colorado, placing the hospital between state civil rights obligations and federal pressure over transgender care for minors. They also weigh in on two metro area city council actions — on data center construction and new rules governing police communications with the public.

On this week's Colorado Inside Out, our panel reviews the end of Colorado’s legislative session, highlighting the balanced budget and other key bills awaiting Governor Polis’ action. The Insiders also discuss proposals that failed to advance and rate Polis’ final session under the Gold Dome. The conversation turns to the emerging governor’s race, with Colorado’s primary approaching June 30. Finally, the Insiders weigh-in on renewed concerns at Suncor Energy’s refinery after another power-related incident raised safety questions, despite assurances that air quality was unaffected.

Denver’s push to land a future Democratic National Convention faced an unexpected test this week as a spring snowstorm stole the spotlight and renewed questions about how the city compares to the Denver of 2008. Meanwhile, the Trump Administration is challenging both Denver and Colorado gun laws in court, lawmakers are racing through the final days of the legislative session, and a new Supreme Court ruling on voting rights is fueling fresh debate over redistricting and election protections.

For May 1st Colorado Inside Out, the Insiders covered rising political security concerns in Colorado, ongoing legislative work after the state budget’s passage, challenges and proposed changes at RTD, and uncertainty around the state’s AI law, before ending on Denver’s pitch to host a future Democratic National Convention.

The legislative session is in its final stretch — and the pressure is on. The Colorado GOP wants a judge to block primary ballots from unaffiliated voters. A Colorado case heads to the Supreme Court over Catholic preschools and public funding. And marijuana is slowing down just as psychedelics are heating up. The panel breaks it all down.

A rare bipartisan moment — or just good politics? The Colorado GOP gathers in Pueblo with a lot to prove. Primary candidates are skipping forums in front of Black and Muslim voters — and people are noticing. Plus: nearly 14,000 Colorado kids are stuck on a childcare waitlist. How did it get this bad, this fast? The insider panel doesn't hold back. You won't want to miss this one.

This week on Colorado Inside Out, the panel dives into the federal push to reshape mail-in voting and a new legal twist in the Tina Peters case. They also break down Colorado’s evolving primary landscape, ahead of the state primary in June. At the state Capitol, lawmakers draft a state budget amidst the $1.5 billion shortfall grapple, and the rising cost of Medicaid. The conversation turns to the Supreme Court, where another Colorado law is struck down on free speech grounds.

The truce between oil and gas and conservationists to not present opposing ballot initiatives appears to be coming to an end. Affordable housing remains a challenging issue for our state. Informational signs are coming down at national parks and historic sites, following an executive order. And temperature changes are cause for concern for how the state will be able to prepare for it.

March Madness is a fitting term to describe this week with power outages at DIA and voting app glitches disrupting Democratic caucuses. But, while some things have stalled, others are moving ahead. Our Insiders breakdown the latest measures that will be on your ballot this November.

The energy of our panelists is high this week. With weather temperatures and gas prices so high, energy policies and water rights are pressing topics. Our Insiders have strong opinions about how Polis is handling the Tina Peters possible clemency. Will the state Legislators balance the budget? And Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission is challenging the new director's recommendations and the motive is worth discussing. Watch this week for this and more.

Are Colorado lawmakers OK with us being overcharged at DIA, at concerts or at sports games? The Insiders discuss the defeat of a bill that would have helped out with that. Also, Caucuses are underway in our state and in this election year will the Governor grant clemency to Tina Peters? Our Insiders have a lot to say about these topics and more on this episode of CIO.

The city of Denver and state legislators continue to monitor developments at the federal level and are making plans to keep residents safe and ensure the security of our ballots. Some issues that failed in past legislative sessions could be up to us to decide in November. Data centers and tamales are also hot topics at the Capitol, but some issues that fizzled in past sessions could be up to us to decide. Our Insiders will fill you in.

The panelists discuss the latest information about Flock's monitoring programs and the exit of Palantir's headquarters from Denver. Will Colorado become the first state in the country to decriminalize prostitution? A ruling against the CDOC found they violated the state's constitution by forcing prisoners to work by threatening punishment. And redistricting Congressional boundaries may be on the ballot this year.

The Common Sense Institute released a new study on human trafficking in Colorado, and the data proves to be worthy of discussion. How does fundraising affect elections? Our guests offer their thoughts on the security of elections. And we finish our show discussing the growth of Greeley and the economic development challenges they are facing.

This week our panelists discuss 2nd amendment rights, a new report that shows Colorado's labor force is shrinking, Dr Lisa Calderon is adding her name to the mayoral run in Denver and energy is at the table for discussion today. Join Colorado Inside Out for a discussion on the latest in Colorado politics.

National ICE events have both Denver and Colorado looking to make changes to laws and legislation. The public comment section at regular Douglas County Commission meetings is no longer and has Denver Mayor Mike Johnston set newish city goals for this year. Join this week to hear our panelists give insight into these topics and more.

This week, our panelists discuss similarities and differences between Colorado and Minnesota, the latest pause in the Wolf reintroduction program, and what's happening in the legislature this week. They finish the show by discussing the latest report on crime in Colorado, the numbers are improving. Join us to hear different perspectives on the latest Colorado current events.

The Legislative Session is underway, and the Governor has delivered his State of the State. So, what can we expect in the next few months? The budget is tight and tensions are high. Our Insiders take a look inside the Gold Dome and share their thoughts.

Colorado Inside Out starts 2026 with a thoughtful conversation about the year we left and the one we face ahead. Our panelists discuss what stood out to them, what they are happy to have in the past, and what they are hoping to see in the New Year for Colorado, and beyond. Join us for this show of reflection as we begin another full season of CIO.

This week on Colorado Inside Out, Kyle sits down with familiar faces from the CIO table for a deeper, more personal conversation. As they reflect on the experiences that shaped their perspectives on Colorado, the panelists take on a playful artistic challenge—drawing each other’s portraits live during the interview—revealing humor, creativity, and a different side of the voices viewers trust each week.

As we wind down the year our panelists jump into a great conversation.  Windstorms are causing power outages and wildfires; the Executive Order is once again aiming its focus on Colorado. Denver City Council is weighing in where they can and finally, what do we all hope to see in the year to come.  Watch Colorado Inside Out for a deep dive in these topics, and more.

On Colorado Inside Out, our guests discuss the recent increase in fatal car accidents, SNAP, and what's to come for our state. Budget cuts continue to plague the state, and finally, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory has a new name. What does that mean for Colorado?

On Colorado Inside Out, our guests discuss the recent increase in fatal car accidents, SNAP, and what's to come for our state. Budget cuts continue to plague the state, and finally, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory has a new name. What does that mean for Colorado?

This week is meant to end on a note of Thanksgiving and excitement over the holiday season ahead, but it has also brought public controversies involving Polis, big court rulings, firings and rumors of other firings. So let our Insiders fill you in. Friday at 8.

Big financial decisions loom over the Denver City Council as we head into Thanksgiving, but one thing is certain massive amounts of illicit drugs will not cause any harm in Colorado after two huge drug seizures. All this and more in this week's Colorado Inside Out!

The federal government shutdown is over, but its impact remains. This week, our insiders start with the shutdown and its wake. There's no deal on how to manage the Colorado River, even though the first deadline to agree has passed. Colorado leaders have had big weeks, and we discuss the possibilities and challenges of home ownership in Colorado. Lots of insight this week on Colorado Inside Out.

This week, our Insiders have a lot to reflect on. They begin with a digest of the latest election and thoughts on how voter turnout might influence Colorado's politics. How do our panelists view the Congressional shutdown and impact to SNAP and the FAA. Join us this week for a timely show.

It’s Halloween on Colorado Inside Out, and guest host Alton Dillard leads the panel through a frightening lineup — soaring health insurance premiums, a looming SNAP shutdown, low voter turnout, and political twists in Denver. Tune in as our insiders unpack the scares shaping Colorado’s week on PBS12.

Our Insiders this week are tackling some complicated topics...Denver's financial standing, the video surveillance tactics local municipalities are supporting to fight crime and the growing rates of pedestrian fatalities and domestic violence fatalities. Join us for insight into these topics and more.

Colorado’s economy was reported to be "treading water" in a national report this week. Still, Governor Polis applauded his administration for saving us money and allowing us to live affordably, which is it? Ballots have arrived for the Colorado midterm elections. Listen to our panelists discuss these topics and so much more this week.

Freedom of speech keeps finding its way into the show; this time, it's a question for the students of CU. Once again, Colorado laws are being challenged at the Supreme Court. The challenge of homelessness has made its way to less urban Colorado Cities, and Polis is challenging the funding of cities that don't align with Colorado laws. Watch for this and more on Colorado Inside Out.

On Colorado Inside Out, the guests cover some of Colorado's latest news. Starting with the Federal Government shut down and will the Denver Pavilions get a much-needed overhaul? They discuss the RTD meeting board's decision to change the Access-on-Demand program from free to $4.50 per ride, and finally, what to pay attention to in the upcoming elections. Join us for insight into these topics and more.