Purplish

Colorado Public Radio

Purplish is a podcast about politics and policy and how they shape Coloradans’ lives, hosted by Colorado Public Radio’s public affairs reporter Bente Birkeland and reporters from the Colorado Capitol News Alliance. They break down the latest developments at the statehouse, in Congress and in local communities, to find the bigger picture behind the political headlines.

Purplish is produced by CPR News with support from the Colorado 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.

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20 episodes
Updated July 28

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Episodes20

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July 28 · 32 min
Colorado turns 150 and it’s always been a little bit ‘purple-ish’
Throughout its history, Colorado has been at the center of some of the biggest societal questions, from women's suffrage to civil rights, and at times, there’s been backlash to change.
July 3 · 36 min
Did Colorado get hit with an anti-incumbent wave on primary night?
Colorado voters delivered a clear message on primary night: they’re tired of the status quo.
June 26 · 34 min
Colorado’s Capitol is a trove of histories, curiosities and controversies
In this re-run episode, we explore the State Capitol Building and how the many objects it contains open up bigger conversations about history and politics.
June 12 · 40 min
The Republicans and Democrats who want to represent you in Congress
The candidates who win these races this month will have a starring role in deciding which party controls Congress next year.
June 5 · 28 min
Tina Peters is free, but the story is likely far from over
Gov. Polis’ decision to commute the election-deniers’ sentence has reverberated through the political world.
May 29 · 37 min
The Democrats and Republicans who want to be Colorado’s next governor
Coloradans are guaranteed to get a new governor in the fall. But first, five hopefuls have to convince voters they should represent their party in the midterms.
May 16 · 28 min
Wrapping up the session: the policies, the politics... and the poetry
What lasting impacts did the legislature actually make this year?
May 1 · 33 min
ICE tactics have some Colorado Dems itching to respond. That’s easier said than done
From banning masks for law enforcement to empowering civil liberties lawsuits, the legislature has considered a range of proposals this session.
April 24 · 26 min
Should Colorado lawmakers get a raise? It’s a politically thorny topic
Boosting lawmaker pay during budget cuts isn’t a great look, but it’s exactly what’s set to happen next year.
April 17 · 26 min
Who’s on the primary ballot and what did it take for them to get there
Party diehards got their say on who they want to see on the ballot. The Purplish team breaks down who made it through and what it means to pick candidates this way.
April 10 · 26 min
11 questions lawmakers hope could help prevent domestic violence killings
Leaving an abusive partner is often extremely difficult, and dangerous. But research shows that when police ask the right questions, it can get a bit easier.
April 3 · 31 min
Who should have the power to pump up the volume at Colorado’s venues
It’s not often state lawmakers rush to give some of their power away to local officials. But when it comes to loud events, they could do just that.
March 27 · 33 min
Colorado’s budget woes and the ballooning costs of Medicaid
Colorado’s Medicaid spending has grown dramatically in recent years, making it tough for the state’s budget writers to avoid deep cuts to the program.
March 20 · 29 min
Colorado’s prisons have a crowding problem
The Department of Corrections says it needs money to fund additional beds. But Colorado lawmakers don’t want to keep writing short-term checks without a long-term plan.
March 13 · 36 min
What the ‘Flock’ are you looking at? License plate readers and mass surveillance
Police say the technology has improved public safety. But as public outrage over these systems grows, state lawmakers step into the debate.
March 6 · 27 min
A prescription for pesticides? Why lawmakers considered a novel approach to neonics
There’s a growing movement to restrict neonics, in the name of protecting public health and the environment. But farmers say that ignores agricultural reality.
February 20 · 26 min
Will Colorado give data centers a warm embrace, or a cool reception?
As community resistance to data centers grows, Colorado legislators weigh competing visions on the topic.
February 6 · 30 min
Colorado in Trump’s crosshairs
Are the president’s actions against the state policy disputes or political retaliation?
January 23 · 28 min
Gov. Polis is a lame duck. What does that mean for Colorado policy and politics?
Democratic Gov. Jared Polis has roughly four months to get his final legislative goals done as he also contends with the Trump administration, which seems bent on punishing Colorado.
January 9 · 26 min
Get ready for a new legislative session under Colorado’s Gold Dome
Budget woes, intraparty drama and more, Colorado lawmakers head back to the statehouse with a lot on their plates.