Purplish

Life as a new state lawmaker Feb 21, 2025

Nearly a third of Colorado's 65 House members are new to the statehouse this year. They come from all walks of life and bring a variety of experiences to their new jobs, which, in the end, will likely shape the policy proposals they bring to the chamber floor. It’s a demanding job, with a steep learning curve.

On this episode, CPR’s Bente Birkeland and KUNC’s Lucas Brady Woods introduce us to two new legislators, from very different backgrounds — Rep. Dusty Johnson, a Republican from Fort Morgan, and Rep. Yara Zokaie, a Democrat from Fort Collins. They share what drove them to public service, how they are adjusting to their new jobs and titles, and how their personal experiences influence their legislative priorities.

And here's something to add to your calendar: CPR is about to launch a new podcast designed to keep you up to date on the state each weekday -- and you can already get a sneak peek! Join us at a listening event at CPR's future headquarters in Denver on February 25 by signing up at this link.

Purplish’s producer is Stephanie Wolf. This episode was edited by Megan Verlee and sound designed and engineered by Shane Rumsey. Our theme music is by Brad Turner.

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. Funding for the Alliance is provided in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

The billion-dollar budget hole Feb 14, 2025

Here's a mystery: Colorado's economy is healthy. It's unemployment rate is low and its tax collections are healthy. So why are lawmakers looking at a recession-sized budget gap? And just as importantly: where are they going to find the savings to close it?

CPR's Bente Birkeland and The Colorado Sun's Brian Eason explore the colliding circumstances that got Colorado into this situation, and talk about the hard choices lawmakers must face as they craft next year's spending plan.

CPR is about to launch a new podcast designed to keep you up to date each weekday -- and you can get a sneak peek! Join us at a listening event at CPR's future headquarters in Denver on February 25 by signing up at this link.

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. Funding for the Alliance is provided in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

This episode of Purplish was edited by Stephanie Wolf and Megan Verlee and produced by Shane Rumsey. Our theme music was composed by Brad Turner.

An assault weapons ban by any other name... Feb 07, 2025

Democratic lawmakers say they're getting serious about enforcing Colorado's ban on high-capacity ammunition magazines. But their solution would take a wide range of firearms off the shelves of gun stores statewide, including some of the most popular varieties of semi-automatics.

Past efforts to ban so-called assault rifles have failed, but this year's bill debuted with an unprecedented level of support. Still, it's future is far from certain.

CPR's Bente Birkeland, KUNC's Lucas Brady Woods and The Colorado Sun's Jesse Paul explain what the bill would do, and why -- if it ultimately becomes law -- it would be one of the most sweeping gun restrictions in the nation.

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. Funding for the Alliance is provided in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

This episode of Purplish was edited by Stephanie Wolf and Megan Verlee and produced by Shane Rumsey. Our theme music was composed by Brad Turner.

The embattled Labor Peace Act Jan 31, 2025

Colorado was once the scene of guerilla warfare over labor organizing. This year's fight at the State Capitol isn't as bloody, but it could have far-reaching consequences for Colorado workers.

At issue is an 1943 law that makes it harder for workplaces to fully unionize. The last attempt to repeal it died in a surprise veto from a Democratic governor. Is this year's effort headed for the same fate?

Hosts Bente Birkeland from CPR News and Jesse Paul of the Colorado Sun dive into the Labor Peace Act: how it works, where it came from and why labor thinks this is the year to have this fight.

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. Funding for the Alliance is provided in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

This episode of Purplish was edited by Megan Verlee and produced by Shane Rumsey. Our theme music was composed by Brad Turner.

What are SMART Act hearings? Jan 24, 2025

Before they can get to the fun stuff -- passing laws and debating policy -- Colorado's legislators spend the start of each session sitting through hours (and hours, and hours) of presentations from all the departments and agencies they oversee, going into exhaustive detail on the work they do.

A lot of times, these hearings are long on slide decks and short on answers. but lawmakers say, when done right, they can be a powerful tool for transparency and accountability.

Hosts Bente Birkeland from CPR News and Lucas Brady Woods from KUNC explore how these hearings got started, and what it takes for them to live up to their full potential.

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. Funding for the Alliance is provided in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

This episode of Purplish was edited by Jo Erickson and Megan Verlee and produced by Shane Rumsey. Our theme music was composed by Brad Turner.

New Congress, old normal (for now?) Jan 17, 2025

From cute kids and ceremonial photos to the peaceful democratic transfer of power, the opening weeks of the 119th Congress have managed to avoid the drama that marked the start of the 117th and the 118th. But that's not to say there's not a lot going on. Colorado has three new congressmen trying to settle in, at the same time one of its congresswomen is working to change how the House operates.

Host Bente Birkelandtalks with CPR News' D.C. reporter Caitlyn Kim about what she's seen and heard around the Capitol as the new Congress gets to work.

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. Funding for the Alliance is provided in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

This episode of Purplish was edited by Jo Erickson and Megan Verlee and produced by Shane Rumsey. Our theme music was composed by Brad Turner.

A bipartisan tradition fades in the CO House, while Democrats preview both ambitions and fault lines Jan 14, 2025

Before state lawmakers hit the gas on their new session, we look over its opening days. In the House, strains of national politics wove themselves into long-standing traditions in new ways, while in the Senate, the first few bills illuminate an ambitious Democratic agenda on guns and voting. Plus, why some Democrats left the State of the State address upset with Gov. Jared Polis.

Hosts Bente Birkeland, of CPR News, and KUNC's state capital reporter Lucas Brady Woods are your guides through all the dramatic moments as the session gets underway.

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. Funding for the Alliance is provided in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

This episode of Purplish was edited by Jo Erickson and Megan Verlee and produced by Shane Rumsey. Our theme music was composed by Brad Turner.

Budget cuts on tap for Colorado Jan 03, 2025

Colorado's General Assembly gavels in on Jan. 8 with one big issue hanging over its head: the state budget. With painful cuts looming, lawmakers have some hard choices to make. They'll also be navigating the start of the second Trump administration as "an island of blue in a sea of red."

The new legislature also marks a new beginning for Purplish. Joining Bente Birkeland in the studio is KUNC state capital reporter Lucas Brady Woods. CPR and KUNC, along with the Colorado Sun and Rocky Mountain PBS, are partnering to form the Capitol News Alliance with the goal of deepening coverage of Colorado's lawmakers and state government. Funding for the Alliance is provided in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

Going forward you'll see Purplish in your podcast feed weekly, and encounter new voices and stories from the Alliance on the show.

This episode of Purplish was edited by Jo Erickson and Megan Verlee and produced by Shane Rumsey. Our theme music was composed by Brad Turner.

How it all went down Nov 08, 2024

Election night has come and gone, but when we went to the mics, there was still one race too close to call. Hosts Bente Birkeland and Caitlyn Kim talk about what happened there, plus what the results in Lauren Boebert's districts -- old and new -- say about the future of Republican representation in the state.

Plus, editor Megan Verlee joins to go through all the ballot measures (she couldn't stay away!) and news fellow Kiara DeMare takes us to the 'bittersweet and boozy' Democratic Party's party.

This episode was produced by Shane Rumsey and edited by Jo Erickson and Megan Verlee.

What will make the difference in this election? Nov 01, 2024

On the eve of the election, hosts Bente Birkeland and Caitlyn Kim discuss what they've heard from voters, volunteers and campaigns about the top races on Coloradans' ballots. From Pueblo County to Mesa and Weld, we look at how voters' feelings about the presidential race mirror, and diverge from some of the state's most consequential congressional contests.

This episode was edited and produced by Jo Erickson, Shane Rumsey and Megan Verlee.

How Colorado secures the vote Oct 25, 2024

Once again, conspiracy theories about voting fraud are front and center ahead of a presidential election. Led by their nominee, Republican voters in particular are worried about things like non-citizens voting en masse and bad actors rigging voting machines.

Hosts Caitlyn Kim and Bente Birkeland -- with special guest, news fellow Kiara DeMare -- walk through the safeguards in place that keep those things from happening. The tools are as simple as database searches and double-checking results, but the implications are profound for trust in our democracy.

This episode was produced by Shane Rumsey and edited by Megan Verlee.

All. The. Ballot. Questions. All of them. Oct 18, 2024

Grab your ballot and follow along as hosts Bente Birkeland and Megan Verlee introduce you to the dozen-plus questions on the state ballot this fall. From protecting abortion and school choice to banning big cat hunting and taxing guns, they'll provide essential context on all the measures, big and small.

If you're left with any questions, more information awaits you at our voter guide: www.cpr.org/voterguide2024

This episode was produced by Shane Rumsey and Jo Erickson.

The Colorado congressional races to know about Oct 11, 2024

For this episode, we're doing something we never have before: recording the show in front of a live studio audience. Hosts Caitlyn Kim, Bente Birkeland and Megan Verlee discuss what's at stake for congress in the upcoming congressional races.

Which party controls the U.S. House could have a lot to do with how voters in Colorado's newest district are feeling about their first term congresswoman, and her law-and-order challenger. Plus, Rep. Lauren Boebert's district-hopping gamble has scrambled the races in two of the state's Republican seats. And, what could a new congress hold for other members of the Colorado delegation?

Will ranked-choice voting rewrite Colorado's elections? Prop. 131 explained. Oct 04, 2024

Voters this fall will decide whether to change how Colorado selects its leaders in the future, by doing away with partisan primaries and ranking candidates in general elections. These reforms are part of a national effort backers say could help push politics back toward the center, and that opponents warn could further erode trust in elections.

Hosts Andrew Kenney and Bente Birkeland explain how Prop. 131 would work, introduce you to the multi-millionaire behind it, and break down how these reforms have worked in other states.

This episode was produced by Shane Rumsey and edited by Megan Verlee.

Coming soon: Purplish's 2024 election season Sep 27, 2024

Purplish is coming back to help you prepare for Colorado's 2024 election, including contentious congressional races and 14 statewide ballot measures.

Tune in for the stories behind those initiatives, and to hear arguments for and against them. Also, why Coloradans will choose new representatives in all the congressional seats Republicans hold. Episodes start October 4.

Plus, you can participate in the first Purplish live taping on October 8 in Denver. Get tickets here: cpr.org/purplishlive.

Assessing the primary as the dust settles Jun 28, 2024

Our hosts discuss the big themes that emerged from Republican primary results and what they mean for the future of the party, and for the general election.

GOP rifts in the Congressional Districts 5 and 8 primaries Jun 21, 2024

How a pair of two-man races in El Paso County and along the northern Front Range are illustrating the increasingly bitter divisions in Colorado's Republican Party.

The primary fight for Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District Jun 14, 2024

With Rep. Lauren Boebert out of the running, which of the half dozen Republicans trying for the seat is likely to win the primary and take on Democrat Adam Frisch?

In eastern Colorado, a primary and a vacancy election Jun 07, 2024

What to make of the nine major party candidates -- including Rep. Lauren Boebert -- all running in Colorado's fourth congressional district? And how does the vacancy race to fill out Ken Buck's term factor into it all?

What are Colorado voters worried about? May 31, 2024

From the future of our democracy to the state of their bank accounts, Colorado voters have been telling us about their top concerns for the upcoming election.

Ending on a high note May 11, 2024

Lawmakers were in an usually good mood as they wrapped up their session this week, a marked change from recent years.

Drinking at the Colorado Capitol May 03, 2024

Lawmakers say sharing an occasional drink can build camaraderie and release stress during long days under the golden dome, but the legislature’s long tradition of social drinking comes with risks […]

The new oil and gas war Apr 19, 2024

Battles over air quality and the future of drilling are threatening to spill out of the state capitol and onto your ballot.

Is Colorado really about to commit to passenger rail? Apr 05, 2024

The state has a “train guy” for governor, and the federal government is offering billions in funding.

Lawmakers’ $1.5B tax credit battle royale Mar 22, 2024

Spending limits make it hard for the legislature to put new priorities in the budget. But the tax code is another matter altogether.

Is Colorado’s medical aid in dying law too hard to use? Mar 08, 2024

Each year, hundreds of Coloradans with terminal illnesses use medication to aid their deaths. But guardrails put in to prevent abuse can turn into major roadblocks for patients. Now lawmakers are considering some changes to the policy.

What do all the new immigrant arrivals mean for Colorado? Feb 23, 2024

Denver is cutting its budget to keep up with the cost of sheltering the steady flow of arrivals from the southern border, and that's leading to strain between cities, and questions about what role the state should play.

The first month of session, down Feb 08, 2024

The session started with a protest over the war in Gaza and the issue has continued to reverberate.

Inside the fight to keep Space Command in Colorado Jan 29, 2024

From fateful tarmac conversations to contentious committee hearings, Colorado leaders tell the inside of story of their years'-long fight to ensure the high tech command stays in the state permanently. And why it may not be over yet.

Tina Peters is headed to trial – how did we get here? Jan 23, 2024

The Mesa County clerk is accused of breaching the security of her office's election computers in order to hunt for evidence of massive fraud. How did Peters, a political novice who ran on lowering DMV wait times, become such a pivotal figure in the ongoing campaign to prove false claims that American elections are rigged?

The legislature returns: what lies ahead? Jan 10, 2024

Lawmakers start their annual session Wednesday, after an off-season that contained more than the usual number of bumps and bruises.

Could this Colorado case determine Trump’s political future? Nov 16, 2023

We break down the electoral courtroom drama playing out in Denver right now.

What’s up with Prop. II? Oct 20, 2023

The state collected more money from new tobacco and nicotine taxes than it expected, and now voters must decide what to do.

What’s up with Prop. HH? Oct 17, 2023

Wondering what this Prop. HH measure you see on your ballot is all about? We explain what this proposal would mean for your finances, and the state's.

Colorado Springs’ next mayor is a man few thought would win. What happened? Jun 02, 2023

Yes, politics may be shifting in this conservative bulwark, but that's only one part of the story.

Land use, property taxes and party conflicts — how the legislature wrapped up May 11, 2023

The end of session brought dramatic developments, bruising disagreements and a few goofy moments.

The legislature’s spending dance May 04, 2023

Here’s a math problem for you: how do you get hundreds of different bills to add up to one balanced budget?

The year that could change how Colorado grows Apr 21, 2023

Single-family homes have ruled Colorado development for a century, but Gov. Jared Polis and his allies believe the future needs to look very different.

Colorado’s blockbuster filibuster (and why it matters) Apr 06, 2023

As Republican lawmakers adapt to their ‘super-minority’ in the House, they’re grappling with a big question: is it better to negotiate when they can, or dig in on delays?

Xcel’s winter of discontent Mar 24, 2023

Sky-high utility bills and record corporate profits have many Coloradans — and lawmakers — asking if it’s time to rethink Xcel’s business model.

Disability rights at center stage Mar 11, 2023

Housing, recreation, government -- advocates for people with disabilities say there are a lot of ways Colorado could be doing more to make those things accessible to all.

Rent control in Colorado? Mar 03, 2023

The policy has been banned in Colorado for four decades, but that could all change this year.

How Colorado’s gun laws have changed from frontier days to today Feb 10, 2023

From the founding of the state to modern mass shootings, we look at the forces that have driven changes to Colorado law over the years, and what it means for this year's brewing debate.

The Polis Agenda Jan 20, 2023

In the first State of the State speech of his second term, Gov. Polis picked a big fight with local governments, while saying little on a major priority for many in his party.

The legislature is back: what do they want to do? Jan 13, 2023

State lawmakers have returned to session in Denver. We cover a bit of DC-style drama on opening day, and hear from congressional reporter Caitlyn Kim how the actual DC drama went down with the many, many Speaker votes.

Is Colorado a blue state now? Nov 11, 2022

Yes, we know what happened Tuesday, but we're still not changing the name of the podcast.

What we’re watching for on Election Day Nov 04, 2022

The big day is almost here and our team looks at where the campaigns, the polling and the voters stand, as things come down to the wire.

What keeps our elections safe? Oct 28, 2022

Colorado's election system has all sorts of checks built in to prevent fraud and subversion, but much of it happens out of public view. We go through some of the biggest security measures -- and some of the biggest conspiracy theories still circulating.

All your 2022 ballot measures explained (plus a few weird ones from history) Oct 22, 2022

There are 11 statewide measures on the ballot this year, and we're here to give you the key points on each of them. Oh, and Andy plays stump-the-hosts with 140 years of initiative history.

Housing on your ballot Oct 14, 2022

Coloradans are increasingly naming housing as a top issue, and it's one that will appear on ballots this fall in a couple of ways.

Colorado’s Latino voters and the 2022 races Sep 29, 2022

One in six Colorado voters is Latino, a fact the campaigns are very, very aware of. But are candidates and parties forging meaningful connections, or just falling back on transactional habits?

Moderates in the Midterm Sep 15, 2022

Senate candidate Joe O'Dea is getting national attention for his views on abortion, Trump and other issues that set him apart from many in his party. But will his positions be enough to win over the moderate voters so crucial to winning Colorado's elections?

What did we learn from the primary? Jun 30, 2022

Colorado's Republican establishment is celebrating a night of victories that they believe will give them a leg up on the general election, and could even be a turning point for their party.

Unaffiliated Voters — the big question mark Jun 25, 2022

the primary approaches, one big question is what influence an influx of unaffiliated voters might have on the GOP selection contests.

The GOP Divide Jun 17, 2022

The party is torn between its grassroots, with their concerns about the 2020 election and their hunger for a more combative tone from lawmakers, and its more traditional voters, who […]

What lawmakers did with their time May 14, 2022

Over the past 120 days, lawmakers have argued over justice reform, housing, behavioral health and so much more -- we'll wrap up everything they did -- and didn't -- get done.

With mental health, can Colorado achieve ‘transformative’ change? May 05, 2022

Colorado ranks last in the nation, when it comes to mental health care available, compared to the number of people who need it. This year state lawmakers are hoping to make a big difference in the problem.

The fight to ban Menthols and flavored vapes Apr 22, 2022

Lawmakers are debating whether to ban menthol cigarettes, flavored vapes and similar products. It's an issue that's pulled in tons of lobbying money and is causing some deep divisions between usual political allies.

Who’s on the primary ballot? Apr 14, 2022

And what do the choices made at the GOP state assembly say about the state of that party?

Colorado at the eye of an election conspiracy storm Apr 07, 2022

The story of how one county clerk came to believe in false claims about her own voting equipment, what it reveals about the many ways in which our election system […]

The past, and future, of abortion in Colorado Mar 24, 2022

Colorado has been a landmark state for both sides of the abortion debate: home to one of the earliest laws to liberalize access to the procedure, as well as the birthplace of the personhood movement. Now, with Roe v Wade in doubt at the federal level, state lawmakers are writing a new chapter Colorado's convoluted history on the issue.

Crime is rising in Colorado – is justice reform to blame? Mar 11, 2022

For more than a decade, Colorado lawmakers have pursued a range of criminal justice reforms.

Lawmakers’ brewing labor battle Feb 25, 2022

Some legislative leaders want to give all local public worker unions the power to collectively bargain, but they're up against a lot of powerful opponents.

Serving in the statehouse while running for Congress Feb 10, 2022

Seven percent of the state legislature is currently running for Congress — that’s the largest number in recent years and it speaks to the many ways in which this is […]

The housing crisis comes home to the Capitol Jan 27, 2022

With home values and rents rising at a dizzying rate, state lawmakers are rushing to try to address Colorado's housing crisis. They do have one ace up their sleeve: a whole lot of federal money.

Back to work at the Capitol Jan 17, 2022

The legislature has gaveled in its session. The governor has laid out his agenda. The cost of living and rising crime are high on the list of priorities on both sides of the aisle. What lies ahead for this year's policymaking?

Remembering the January 6th Capitol Riot Jan 06, 2022

When rioters broke into the U.S. Capitol a year ago, most members of the Colorado delegation were in the House and Senate chambers. A year later, the memories still haunt them.

What’s ahead when the legislature returns? Dec 09, 2021

It's beginning to look at lot like politics, at least for our public affairs team; everywhere they go they seem to be hearing about what's ahead at the legislature...

Hey, did you hear there was an election? Nov 05, 2021

And it gave us a lot to talk about.

Colorado Has A Map — If The Court Approves Sep 30, 2021

With minutes left on the clock, the congressional redistricting commission approved a new map. We give you the lowdown on what it looks like, what it means, and how commissioners got there.

Redistricting Deadline Looms Sep 24, 2021

Marathon Zoom sessions. Painstaking geographic descriptions. And the slow struggle toward something like consensus. We head inside the final days of the Congressional redistricting commission's work to see how they're trying to get it done.

Competition Vs Commonalities — A Conundrum For Redistricting Sep 10, 2021

Colorado is one of the few states where the rules for redistricting encourage competitive districts. But is competition really all it's cracked up to be?

Colorado’s Got A Brand New Map (But It’s Not The Final Map – Yet) Sep 08, 2021

Redistricting commission staff have released a new proposal that -- if adopted -- would make some dramatic changes to Colorado's congressional districts.

Communities Urge Redistricting Commission To Consider The Ties That Bind Sep 03, 2021

Two stories in this episode about different communities that are hoping to persuade the commissions to take their concerns into account as they draw their maps.

A Road Trip Through Colorado’s (Maybe) 8th District Sep 01, 2021

The first draft of the Congressional map puts the state's newest district north and east of Denver. We hit the road to hear what residents think of that idea.

Redistricting Highlights Challenges To Latino Representation Aug 27, 2021

Denver's Northside, historic home of the Chicano movement, has been getting whiter over the last decade. At the same time, some suburbs, like Commerce City, have seen their Latino populations increase. How Colorado's new political maps reflect these changes could have a big impact on the state's Latino representation.

Colorado ‘Nonpartisan’ Redistricting Process Is Still Plenty Political Aug 25, 2021

Republican relief, a bit of Democratic chagrin, and a whole lot of thumbs hoping to sneak onto all sorts of scales -- we look at the political side of Colorado's new approach to redistricting.

Redistricting: What You Need To Know To Learn The Things You Need To Learn Aug 20, 2021

Colorado's redistricting is in the hands of new independent commissions -- we explain what led up to the change and how the process is works.

Get ready for Purplish: The Great Redraw Aug 19, 2021

Redistricting: that once-in-a-decade process with huge implications for representation and the balance of power, in Colorado and nationwide. In a special season of Purplish, we look deep into how the state's new process is working and what may come of it.

That’s All, Folks! Jun 10, 2021

Everything you need to know about the end of session, from 11th hour bill failures to last minute filibusters to post-session caucus infighting, all brought to you by two hosts who really, really need to get some sleep.

The Chopping Block Jun 04, 2021

Several mysteries unfold at the Capitol as the final days of the legislative session approach.

Into The Whirlwind May 28, 2021

We're down to the last two weeks of session and that means two things: rush, rush rush, and stall, stall, stall.

The Big Money Episode May 21, 2021

Through new fees and tweaks to the tax code, Democrats are moving forward with policies that could bring in a lot of new money to state coffers, all without having to ask voters' permission.

Race, Politics and Racial Politics May 14, 2021

Issues of race and systemic racism have boiled over repeatedly during this legislative session, in policy discussions and public comments, exposing deep divisions in lawmakers' views, and their lived experiences.

Where Are They Now? May 07, 2021

Transportation. Guns. The public option. Climate change. We check back in on how four of the biggest policy areas of the session are shaping up.

Justice Reform, A Year After George Floyd Apr 30, 2021

Some state lawmakers want to make even more changes to how police do their jobs, but their ideas face stiff opposition amid rising crime and changing politics.

Hot At The Legislature: Housing And Immigration Apr 23, 2021

Renters and undocumented immigrants are two groups that could see their situations change significantly, under a slate of progressive policies at the statehouse.

What The Heck Is The Public Option? Apr 16, 2021

Look, we know it's complicated. It could also be the biggest thing the state does on health care since the Affordable Care Act.

Maps, Data And Drama, Drama, Drama Apr 09, 2021

Congressional redistricting is a one-in-a-decade political dogfight like no other, and this go-round in Colorado is starting off with some extra challenges.

Big Changes, Little Attention Apr 02, 2021

You've heard a lot about health care, guns and transportation. But lawmakers are working on a ton of other ideas that will affect your life in ways you might not expect.

Gun Laws After Boulder Mar 26, 2021

The mass shooting at a Boulder grocery store has Colorado Democrats rethinking how far they might be willing to push for more restrictive gun laws.

BONUS: Meet The Jared Polis And Anthony Fauci Of 1918 Mar 23, 2021

How did the Jared Polis of 1918 handle *his* deadly pandemic? After a year of living through COVID we decided it would be interesting to look back and tell the tale of Colorado politics during the Spanish flu. One big difference? A lot more moustaches.

Capitol Warming Mar 19, 2021

Statehouse Democrats want to go big on climate change this year. Is Gov. Jared Polis ready to go along with them?

1.9 Trillion Is An Awfully Big Number Mar 12, 2021

Congress signed off on spending an out-of-this-world number of Benjamins this week. The Purplish crew looks at what all that money means for Colorado.

Polis’s Pandemic Year Mar 05, 2021

This episode of Purplish is brought to you by the letter P: For Polis, pandemic, policies, persuasion, piñata, and proposal.

Everything You Need To Know About Transportation Reform Feb 26, 2021

It could be THE big issue at the state legislature this year, and we have all the details.

The State of the State is… Feb 19, 2021

How would YOU finish that sentence, after the year we've all had?

On With The Show Feb 12, 2021

This week, two Coloradans took center stage at the second impeachment trial of former president Trump, while back at the state capitol, state lawmakers are warming up for the restart of the legislative session, with plenty of big policies and political drama waiting in the wings.

Two Capitols, One Wild Week Jan 15, 2021

Caitlyn Kim gives us the scene from DC, recording from the same room she had to hide from rioters in just over a week ago. Bente Birkeland has been back in the Colorado Capitol for the start of a legislative session unlike any other. And Andy Kenney, stuck at home with a baby, has a lot of questions for both of them.

BONUS BONUS EPISODE: An Extraordinary Session Dec 04, 2020

Yes, that's actually what it's called.

BONUS EPISODE: Digesting Colorado’s Election Outcomes With Two Colorado Politics Insiders Nov 13, 2020

Every election is a time of reckoning -- a chance for the state to look at its choices and divisions and consider where things go from here. To begin that conversation, this final episode of the season turns to two guests with a deep understanding of the state's politics and voters.

What The Heck Just Happened? Nov 06, 2020

You know Colorado voted for Joe Biden, and chose John Hickenlooper over Cory Gardner. But what about all those ballot measures voters said yes to -- what will that mean for your life here? And hey, spare a thought for your state legislature; the balance of power came out basically static, and that's actually rather interesting. Intrigued? Good.

What We’re Watching For Oct 30, 2020

Obviously the big headlines on election night will be who wins and who loses, which ballot measures pass and which fail. But elections also tell a story -- about where the state is now, and where it might be headed. And that's what our Purplish team looks ahead to in this, our last episode before the election!

On Voter Turnout, And Attempted Voter Turn-Offs Oct 23, 2020

More than a million people have already cast ballots in Colorado. The Purplish team digs into who they are and what's motivating them to get it done so early. At the same time that lots of people are voting, there are also a lot of rumors flying about alleged attempts to prevent that from happening. A special guest joins to help separate fact from fiction.

Election Grab Bag Oct 16, 2020

You know we’re getting close — the whole Purplish team is finally together in the studio for the first time.

So Many Ballot Measures. Like, SO MANY Oct 09, 2020

Eleven, to be precise. Do we manage to talk about all of them in a half hour? Heck no. But our team does dive deep on a few, while also talking about the larger dynamics at play on the ballot.

The One About Debates Oct 02, 2020

What happens when two candidates who are both running as the "nice guy" in the race meet on stage? This week we look ahead to the upcoming run of Senate debates. What's at stake for Cory Gardner and John Hickenlooper? And what about that presidential debate, huh?

Ground Game, Grounded? Sep 25, 2020

It's political gospel that to win a campaign, you've got to reach individual voters, the more directly the better. So how are campaigns adapting their techniques to meet the challenges of the pandemic? Plus, there's about to be a giant Supreme Court nomination fight in Washington. Do Colorado voters care?

Mail Ballot Blues Sep 18, 2020

Some people worry the rapid move to mail ballots nationally is inviting massive fraud. Others fear postal slowdowns could sabotage the whole system. The Purplish team takes a local look at the reality behind the fears here in Colorado, a state with a long-running tradition of universal mail ballots.

Purplish Returns: The Election Season Sep 11, 2020

CPR's Public Affairs team is back with your weekly dive into the upcoming election: the big races and the big issues, what we're hearing from candidates — and voters, and the moments that make us go wait... what? It's all here in the new season of Purplish.

BONUS: The Democrats Competing To Take On Cory Gardner Jun 19, 2020

In this bonus episode, we talk to voters about the primary race for Colorado's U.S. Senate seat, between John Hickenlooper and Andrew Romanoff, and review the candidates' records.

The End Is Near Jun 12, 2020

The legislature is on its final sprint to adjournment and we'll catch you up on everything they've done, and are still trying to do.

Protests, Policing, And Education Cuts Jun 05, 2020

Last week lawmakers were laying aside even the most popular bills to make room to focus on the pandemic. But the past week of protests have pushed a new issue to the top of the agenda: police reform.

The Legislature Strikes Back May 29, 2020

Lawmakers returned to work Tuesday in a changed world. The first order of business was to start laying aside most of their bills from the first half of session. The second order of business was to argue passionately about how they'll work from here on out. And the third was to set a new, pandemic-driven agenda. We discuss it all on this week's Purplish.

You Can’t Kiss Babies Over Zoom May 22, 2020

…But that doesn’t mean candidates won’t try it in this, the most unusual of election seasons.

Budget Cuts and Building Rules May 14, 2020

Lawmakers have a lot of decisions to make before they return to work at the end of May. Those are as big as cutting three billion dollars from the budget, and as small as where people will sit to achieve social distancing.

W(h)ither The Big Bills? Apr 16, 2020

Remember the start of the legislative session, when all talk was about paid family leave, the public option, and how Jared Polis might use his power as governor in the […]

Justice — And Many Other Things — Delayed Apr 10, 2020

What happens to the right to a speedy trial when the court system is shut down during a pandemic? Can testing every last person in a small Western Colorado county yield new insights into the spread of coronavirus? What will life in Colorado look like the day after the "stay home" order lifts? And how much, really, will lawmakers actually try to push through once they're allowed back in the state capitol? Hosts Bente Birkeland and Andrew Kenney tackle those questions and more with CPR's Justice reporter, Allison Sherry.

Partisan Politics vs. Pandemic Politics Apr 03, 2020

Times of crisis generally bring people together, but even in the depths of the coronavirus pandemic, politicians can only sing kumbaya for so long.

The ‘Stay At Home’ Order, Discussed By Three People Staying In Their Homes Mar 27, 2020

Our hosts locked themselves in their bedrooms, or hid under blankets in their closets, to record this week's episode, which is all about the politics and practicalities of Gov. Jared Polis' statewide "stay at home" order.

Politics, Policy, and the Pandemic Mar 21, 2020

The legislative session is on hiatus, but politics, governing, and Purplish all definitely go on. In fact, policy-making is going on at warp speed, as Gov.

Legislation In The Time Of Coronavirus Mar 14, 2020

Lawmakers aren't getting ready for 100 years of solitude. Just two weeks or so.

Super Tuesday Might Not Mean What You Think In Colorado… Mar 06, 2020

When is an election like a bad night of speed dating? When you’ve gone through five candidates and still aren’t so sure about the one you’re finally matched with.

Sausage In The Making Feb 29, 2020

Democrats in the state legislature say they’re ready to step into two big areas where they don’t think Coloradans are being well served: with the cost of their health insurance, […]

Out Of The Statehouse, Into The National Spotlight Feb 22, 2020

With presidential candidates -- and the president himself -- flocking to Colorado, we take a look at the state of the race here, and its implication for Cory Gardner's hotly contested Senate seat.

Family Matters Feb 15, 2020

It's one of the most passionate fault-lines in state politics: how to balance the authority of parents with the need to protect children and advance society's interests. And people at the Capitol have a LOT to say about it.

Big Ideas Incoming Feb 08, 2020

We're a month into session, and Capitol newbie Andrew Kenney is starting to realize it's not all pithy quotes and snappy debates. Lawmakers are getting to wrestle with some of the session's most contested proposals.

The Matter Of Life And Death Feb 01, 2020

Should Colorado keep the death penalty? As lawmakers once again debate abolition, it's a question that divides parties, and friends, at the state capitol.

The Political Is Personal Jan 25, 2020

This week we're talking about some of the ways things can get personal -- very personal -- at the state capitol.

Things Democrats Disagree About Jan 18, 2020

Colorado’s capitol is current firmly in the hands of the Democrats, so that means smooth sailing for all their policies right? Yeah, not so much.

Trailer: Purplish Reborn Jan 11, 2020

A lot has happened, dear podcast listener, since Sam, Bente, and Megan chatted in our final episode last year.

ALL OF THE BILLS!!!! May 09, 2019

Colorado’s 2019 legislative session is over. The last four months of frantic lawmaking were a test for Democrats, who took complete control of the state Capitol last November. This episode, we look back at everything they were able to achieve — and why arguments over process at times got in the way of their biggest goals. And how Republicans, who lacked the votes to block legislation, found other ways to make their voices heard. The result was a session that showed passing bills isn’t as simple as just having a majority.

The First Fractivist Apr 06, 2019

Ken Crumb’s story likely sounds familiar. A Front Range resident sees oil and gas drilling in his community. He doesn’t like it and organizes his neighbors to pass a local drilling ban. The thing is, in Ken’s case, this all happened more than 30 years ago. And that community he rallied was Greeley -- not exactly a hotbed of anti-fracking sentiment today. This episode, we look back at perhaps Colorado’s first fractivist. What Ken did ended up limiting local control of oil and gas development. Now, Democratic lawmakers have passed a bill to tilt the scales back in the other direction.

Electoral College Dropouts Mar 02, 2019

Colorado is on the verge of becoming the 12th state to join the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact. The plan could someday commit all of Colorado’s electoral votes to the presidential candidate who gets the most votes nationwide -- no matter who wins the state.

Could Colorado Fix Congress? Feb 02, 2019

The last couple months have shown the depths of congressional dysfunction. Many think the problem isn’t so much the people who serve there. It’s a process that funnels all power to party leaders, stifling debate among the ranks. In 1988, Colorado voters recognized a similar issue in their state legislature. The remedy was something called the GAVEL Amendment -- an acronym for Give A Vote To Every Legislator.

BONUS: Hick At High Noon Jan 04, 2019

After eight years as Colorado’s governor, John Hickenlooper appears to be gearing up for a presidential run. On the campaign trail, he’s almost certain to emphasize gun control laws he signed in 2013. He led a purple state as it beat back the gun lobby to pass two controversial measures. But what did he do -- or not do -- to make that happen? And what does the story of those laws say about how Hickenlooper leads? CPR Public Affairs Reporter Bente Birkeland breaks it down. And keep an eye on this podcast feed! It’s where we’ll tell you more about the return of Purplish for the imminent legislative session.

BONUS: What’s Next for Pur-plish? Dec 06, 2018

Now that ballots have been cast and counted, CPR is trying to figure out what the future holds for Purplish.

Blue Avalanche Nov 10, 2018

The midterm election has come and gone. In Colorado, what occurred wasn't a blue wave, it was a blue avalanche. It was a signal so strong that you could wonder if this is even a purple state anymore.

The Holdouts Nov 02, 2018

Colorado boasts some of the highest voter turnout in the country. Seventy percent of eligible adults submitted a ballot in the 2016 election, putting the state fourth in the country for voter turnout. But that still means 30 percent of eligible adults sat it out. Why? Many of the common barriers to voting don’t exist in Colorado. The process is easy. The elections are competitive. So we’re turning to one group that can help with some answers: nonvoters themselves.

You Can’t Hack Paper Oct 27, 2018

Security experts say Colorado is one of the most reliable places to cast a ballot. That’s largely because of an old technology: good, old-fashioned wood pulp.

The Prisoner Voting Dilemma Oct 19, 2018

Unlike in other states, convicted felons in Colorado who have completed parole are allowed to vote. New laws require people leaving the criminal justice system to learn about their voting rights and give parolees the chance to pre-register. A bipartisan coalition is behind those changes, but how far is it willing to go toward re-enfranchising people within the criminal justice system?

Purple State Blues Oct 12, 2018

Democratic presidential candidates are on a winning streak in Colorado. The state voted for Barack Obama twice and for Hillary Clinton in 2016. It’s been even longer since Colorado elected a Republican governor. Those results have led some to wonder if the state shouldn’t be considered purple anymore. On the electoral map, it might now be more of a light blue. One expert says not so fast.

Gerryman-don’t Oct 06, 2018

Gerrymandering is on the Colorado ballot this November. Amendments Y and Z promise to take the politics out of the drawing of congressional and legislative boundaries. To do it, they would hand the responsibility to a pair of commissions made up of heavily screened citizens -- not politicians or their hand-picked representatives. This week on Purplish, we look back at the troubled 2011 redistricting process and how it led to the current calls for reform. And we discover the amendments aren’t just about putting politicians in line. They also try to balance voters' dueling desires for electoral power and community.

The Forgotten State Of Southern Colorado Sep 28, 2018

Neglect can be a powerful political force. Southern Colorado spent a century mostly voting for Democrats, but in 2016 many countries in the region voted for President Trump. It was the first time some had supported a Republican in decades. The reason many voters cited was a sense of feeling forgotten by state and national politicians too focused on urban and suburban corridors. Reporters Nathaniel Minor and Allison Sherry recently visited Southern Colorado as a part of CPR’s election road trip series. They talked to voters about whether they feel like politicians are listening now--and what that could mean for November and beyond.

Walker Stapleton’s Family Sep 21, 2018

A name can be a tricky thing for a politician. For Walker Stapleton, the Republican nominee for governor, his name does double duty, tying him to both a controversial Denver mayor and the Bush dynasty. Stapleton trumpeted both those ties at the beginning of his political career. Today, he’s running more as his own man. CPR’s Ann Marie Awad dives into both the legacies embodied in Walker Stapleton’s name--and examines whether either might matter on Election Day.

Jared Polis’ Money Sep 14, 2018

Congressman Jared Polis has spent an unprecedented amount money on his campaign for governor. By the latest count, he’s donated $18.3 million of his own money. That’s more than the total candidate spending in the 2014 gubernatorial race. The Democratic nominee says self-financing buys him political independence. Unlike his opponent, he refuses donations from corporations and special interests, which he argues frees him to push bold proposals. Meanwhile, Republican nominee Walker Stapleton accuses Polis of trying to buy the election. These opposing talking points raise bigger questions. What does it mean for democracy when someone is ready, and able, to spend whatever it takes on a campaign? How does that change the dynamics of a race? And where does it leave voters? This episode looks back at the origin of the candidate’s fortune and how it’s long been a potent force in Colorado politics. And we’ll explore why he’s likely to be far from the last wealthy candidate in the state or the country.

The Signature Wars Sep 07, 2018

In Colorado, voters have incredible power to pass laws at the ballot. The initiative process was born out of the Progressive Era. Reformers hoped that by giving people a say in state government, they could check special interests and their influence over lawmakers. Things haven't gone exactly as planned. Today, the initiative process is often Colorado's highest-stakes political poker game, attracting a wide range of corporations and wealthy donors. So has direct democracy made Colorado voters into scientists in the laboratory of democracy? Or the test subjects?

Introducing ‘Purplish’: A Podcast About Colorado Politics And The Forces That Shape It Aug 30, 2018

“Purplish” is a show about Colorado's democracy ahead of the 2018 election. The podcast, hosted by Colorado Public Radio reporter Sam Brasch, goes behind the headlines to ask big questions about state government. Each episode hones in on a puzzling piece of news around the election. Explanations come from CPR reporters, experts and voters. The goal is to provide the context that’s often left out of election coverage. Rather than cover the horse race, it tells stories about how democracy works in Colorado and where it might be headed next.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected