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In his first seven years in office, Democratic Gov. Jared Polis had a lot of challenges and tragedies to contend with: the COVID-19 pandemic; the 2021 Marshall Fire and other climate disasters; shootings in Boulder, Highlands Ranch, Colorado Springs and Evergreen. These events defined his governorship, as did, what he’s heralded as, some big-ticket policy wins: free full-day kindergarten and universal preschool, cutting the income tax, and wooing the Sundance Film Festival to Boulder. But during his final State of the State address this month, Polis made it clear there’s still work to be done in his lame-duck year.  CPR’s Bente Birkeland, KUNC’s Lucas Brady Woods and The Colorado Sun’s Jesse Paul discuss what’s on the governor’s to-do list, how policy clashes with his own party could play out this session and the pressures from a White House that seems bent on punishing Colorado.  Catch up on our latest coverage: Purplish: Get ready for a new legislative session under Colorado’s Gold Dome Colorado Matters: Polis talks advancements on Colorado agenda amid federal pressure The Colorado Sun: Colorado’s governor gave his 8th and final State of the State speech. We analyzed everything he said. The Colorado Sun: House declines to override Trump veto of bill to complete water pipeline in southeastern Colorado Tina Peters from CPR, KUNC and The Colorado Sun Purplish: A rare veto showdown at the State Capitol Purplish: The embattled Labor Peace Act  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. Purplish’s producer is Stephanie Wolf. Megan Verlee is CPR News’ executive producer of podcasts. Sound design and engineering by Shane Rumsey. The theme music is by Brad Turner. Editor’s Note: A previous version of this episode erroneously stated that Gov. Polis wants Colorado to reach 100% renewable energy by 2030. The governor's desired target is actually 2040, while the state's current target is 2050. The audio has been corrected.

From another big budget shortfall to unsettled business over artificial intelligence to other pressing policy issues, like housing, the environment and surveillance, the 2026 legislative session kicks off in less than a week and Colorado lawmakers already have a lot on their to-do lists.  Plus, while Democrats continue to hold a wide majority in both legislative chambers, tensions between the more progressive and more moderate factions of the party threaten to bubble over. On top of all of that, a big election year that will deliver new leaders for the state.  CPR’s Bente Birkeland, KUNC’s Lucas Brady Woods and The Colorado Sun’s Jesse Paul dig into the politics, the policy and the pressures expected to shape a new session.  Catch up on our latest coverage: Purplish: Budget balanced (for now), AI decisions punted, relationships ruptured: What went down during special session Purplish: Crude Signal chats, social media attacks, mistreated aides: lawmaker conduct is back in the headlines CPR: Trump cites Colorado in new executive order banning states from creating ‘cumbersome’ AI laws The Colorado Sun: How Medicaid became such a drag on Colorado’s state budget KUNC: Democrats, local governments are gearing up for another round of battles over housing in Colorado The Colorado Sun: Colorado Ethics Commission advances complaints against Democrats who attended dark money-funded retreat The Colorado Sun: Colorado state Sen. Faith Winter was legally drunk when she caused car crash that killed her, authorities say Purplish: Drinking at the Colorado Capitol  CPR: Democratic Sen. Faith Winter changed State Capitol culture in the #MeToo era 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. Purplish’s producer is Stephanie Wolf. Megan Verlee is CPR News’ executive producer of podcasting. Sound design and engineering by Shane Rumsey. Purplish’s theme music is by Brad Turner. Additional reporting for this episode from Taylor Dolven of The Colorado Sun and CPR’s John Daley.

Colorado, like the rest of the country, is experiencing more, and worse, climate disasters, wreaking havoc on people’s homes — and their homeowner’s insurance rates.  In the wake of devastating hail storms and massive wildfires, Coloradans face rising premiums, less choice and availability, and in some cases, getting dropped by insurers altogether. The state is now one of the top ten most expensive in the country for homeowners insurance. And escalating the issue is climate change.  CPR’s Bente Birkeland and Rocky Mountain PBS’ Andrea Kramar look at what’s happening with the home insurance market in Colorado, and what state lawmakers are trying to do to make sure that, when the flames approach or the hail falls, Coloradans don’t lose everything. Plus stay tuned for a full-length documentary on this reporting. “Undercovered” airs on Rocky Mountain PBS Thursday, Jan. 15 at 7 p.m. MST, and will be available to stream on the free RMPBS+ app and Youtube. Purplish is produced by listener-supported 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. Purplish’s producer is Stephanie Wolf. Sound designed and engineered by Shane Rumsey. Theme music is by Brad Turner. CPR’s executive producer of podcasts is Megan Verlee.

In statehouses across the country, the political playing field is being redrawn, as states wade into the murky waters of midcycle redistricting.  President Donald Trump kicked off this effort, when he urged Republicans in Texas to draw new Congressional maps, years ahead of schedule. Then came Missouri and North Carolina, and earlier this month, California voters agreed to put aside their independently drawn map and give Democrats more seats.  Colorado — a blue state with its congressional seats split evenly between the parties — is a tempting target as Democrats look to further offset Republican gains. But not so fast.  CPR's Bente Birkeland and Caitlyn Kim dive into the guardrails Colorado voters put in place years ago to keep politics out of the state’s redistricting process — and why changes to the process could be slow and costly. They’re joined by NPR’s Larry Kaplow, who has been covering this issue on the national level.  Read and listen to our redistricting coverage: As state after state weighs partisan redistricting, the people who drew Colorado’s map hope it stays out of the fray Should Colorado join the gerrymandering war? Attorney General Phil Weiser thinks so The man who helped Colorado and California take politics out of redistricting calls the race toward partisan gerrymanders a living ‘nightmare’ Colorado officially has new state legislative maps Purplish’s 2021 redistricting miniseries: The Great Redraw  Purplish is produced by listener-supported 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. Purplish’s producer is Stephanie Wolf. This episode was edited by Megan Verlee , and sound designed and engineered by Shane Rumsey. Theme music is by Brad Turner. Big shout out to Rachel Estabrook, who has led the audio projects team this past year and is leaving CPR at the end of the month. Thanks for your leadership! Editor's note: This episode has been updated to remove an inaccuracy about the current partisan split in the U.S. House of Representatives.

On Purplish, our focus is usually on exploring the politics of the moment. But for Veterans Day, we're offering something different -- a chance to experience a defining moment in World War II from one of the last remaining veterans to live through it. The battle of Iwo Jima was one of the toughest in Marine Corps history. Nearly 7,000 Marines lost their lives taking the volcanic island from its Japanese defenders. 80 years on, few remain who served in that grueling conflict. One of them is Jim Blane of Denver. It took Blane decades after the war ended to begin to talk about his time in combat. But as he prepares to celebrate his 101st birthday this month – just as the U.S. Marine Corps marks its 250th anniversary – the veteran says when it comes to the war and Iwo Jima, he’s now wide open. Blane recently shared his story with CPR’s Bente Birkeland. Purplish is a production of member-supported Colorado Public Radio and the Colorado Capitol News Alliance. The CCNA is a collaboration between KUNC News, Colorado Public Radio, Rocky Mountain PBS and the Colorado Sun, with support from news outlets throughout the state. Funding for the Alliance is provided in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. I’m Bente Birkeland. Purplish’s producer is Stephanie Wolf and the story editor is Megan Verlee. Sound design and engineering by Shane Rumsey – with additional sound design support on this episode from Stephanie Wolf and Megan Verlee. Our theme music is by Brad Turner. CPR News’ executive producer of podcasting is Rachel Estabrook.  Special thanks to the National WWII Museum in New Orleans for assisting with archival sound used in this episode, and the Library of Congress for its archive of images. 

Anti-hunger advocates and education groups did a victory dance election night, celebrating the passage of Props. MM and LL, two statewide ballot measures to increase funding for Colorado’s universal free school meal program.  CPR’s Jenny Brundin joins Purplish host Bente Birkeland to talk through what voters thought of these measures and what it means for the programs' future. They also dig into the results of school board races around the state.  Then, a pivot to look ahead at the 2026 midterms, and the big races on the horizon, including the fight for control of Congress and the candidates who hope to win the governor’s office. The Colorado Sun’s Jesse Paul, KUNC’s Lucas Brady Woods and CPR’s Caitlyn Kim are on the podcast this week to preview what they're watching for on as the state gears up for a big election year. If you're enjoying the show and want everyone to know it, email us at [email protected] and we'll send you a Purplish sticker to thank you for being an awesome listener! Purplish is produced by listener-supported 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. Purplish’s producer is Stephanie Wolf. This episode was edited by Megan Verlee and Rachel Estabrook, and sound designed and engineered by Shane Rumsey. Theme music is by Brad Turner.

The Colorado State Capitol Building opened its doors in November 1894, a grand neo-classical monument in the West, built of local materials, but with some of the feel of the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. Like many statehouses across the country, it’s a trove of artwork, history and curiosities. The building is also often the site of protests, rallies, celebrations and a variety of other public events, a “People’s House,” if you will.  On Purplish, we spend a lot of time under the gold dome, digging into the consequential laws and debates in the state’s seat of power. But for this episode, it’s the building itself we’re interested in. CPR’s Bente Birkeland and Stephanie Wolf travel from top to bottom to explore what’s on its walls and in its halls — and phone a friend to learn what’s down below the basement. Their reporting reveals that the building itself, and the various objects it contains, open up bigger conversations, not just about history but about the state right now.  Read more of our reporting: Portrait donated by White House will hang temporarily in capitol where painting Trump despised used to be Should Colorado Display A Rediscovered Portrait Of Its KKK Governor? How a wonky radiator helped uncover the Capitol’s bygone glory Meet the ‘Bloody Espinosas’ and other Colorado Capitol legends on these free ghost tours 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 was edited by Megan Verlee and sound designed and engineered by Shane Rumsey. Our theme music is by Brad Turner.

There are just two statewide questions on the ballot this year, and both are related to a universal school meals program intended to feed all public school students in the state regardless of income. Three years ago, voters approved a tax on wealthier Coloradans to fund the Healthy School Meals program for All. That original measure set out to do several things, with the marquee item being to provide free breakfast and lunch for all K-12 public school students in Colorado. But it’s running short on cash, and lawmakers are going back the ballot again, asking voters to increase that tax to fully fund the program. CPR’s Bente Birkeland and CPR’s Jenny Brundin dig into the original measure and how its promises have matched up with reality so far, why the program is in financial trouble, and how lawmakers on both sides of the aisle feel about going back to taxpayers about the issue. They explain what Propositions MM and LL will do, and why Democratic lawmakers hope they could help with hunger at home as well as school. Read CPR's voter guide for the 2025 election here. 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. Purplish’s producer is Stephanie Wolf. This episode was edited by Megan Verlee, and sound designed and engineered by Shane Rumsey. Theme music is by Brad Turner. And a moment of gratitude: Purplish is a Signal Award winner! The podcast won a Gold and Listener’s Choice awards in the Local News show category. Thanks to all who voted! We're honored to have your support; thanks for nerding out on Colorado politics with us.

In 2019, Colorado Democrats had control of both the House and the Senate. That gave them the momentum they needed to push forward an issue that had repeatedly failed in the statehouse under Republicans: a ban on conversion therapy for minors. The law prohibits licensed therapists from trying to change a child’s sexual orientation or gender identity or expression. Even though some conservatives strongly opposed it, the law ended up passing with bipartisan support and a few high-profile Republican backers. It wasn’t seen as hugely contentious. Now a challenge on the ban has made its way to the U.S. Supreme Court. Oral arguments are Oct. 7.  CPR’s Bente Birkeland and CPR’s Caitlyn Kim dive into the Colorado law at the center of the case and the legal arguments that will be before the nation’s highest court. They also get into how this case is one in a string of challenges to Colorado’s LGBTQ protections, all from the same conservative legal powerhouse.  Purplish is a finalist for a Signal Award You rely on Purplish’s reporters to break down the latest developments at the statehouse, in Congress and in local communities — and to find the big picture behind political headlines. Now Purplish is a finalist for a Signal Award, and the team needs your help. Cast your vote to make sure the podcast takes home the Listener’s Choice Award in the Local News Show category. Vote here.  Thanks for your support! 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. Purplish’s producer is Stephanie Wolf. This episode was edited by Megan Verlee and Rachel Estabrook, and sound designed and engineered by Shane Rumsey. Theme music is by Brad Turner. Special thanks to WHYY and Fresh Air for this episode.

Last year, Buc-ee’s opened its first Colorado location, an expansive 74,000 square-foot outpost in Weld County filled with beaver-branded merch, brisket sandwiches and sweets. Not too long after that, the company began plans for a second store, landing at a parcel of land about a two-hours drive away in northern El Paso County. But the prospect of a Buc-ee’s arriving on the edge of the small town of Palmer Lake quickly became a larger-than-life controversy.  CPR’s Bente Birkeland, KRCC’s Andrea Chalfin and KRCC’s Briana Heaney dig into the story behind this big development proposal -- and its big opposition. It's a tale which raises questions around growth, representative government and how communities navigate bitter political divides. Read their coverage: Colorado’s governor and senators sign letter asking Buc-ee’s to reconsider Monument Hill location In debate over new Buc-ee’s, early results show Palmer Lake residents want a public vote and recall of two trustees Buc-ee’s gets a thumb’s down from the Palmer Lake Planning Commission Here’s what the agreement between Palmer Lake and Buc-ee’s looks like, mostly. The annexation still needs approval Mayor of Palmer Lake resigns with town divided over possible Buc-ee’s 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. You can also help support Purplish, with a gift at cpr.org. 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.

The giant tax-cuts-and-spending package passed by Congressional Republicans will have major ramifications for every state in the country, but Colorado is one of the first place it's really being felt. Thanks to the state's unusual way of handling its finances, the federal tax cuts immediately threw Colorado's finances way out of whack. That was the main reason lawmakers recently came back to the Capitol in August for a high temperature, high stakes special session. But grueling fights over AI regulations and a painful public confrontation between House leaders at times made the budget debates feel like a secondary concern. CPR’s Bente Birkeland, The Colorado Sun’s Jesse Paul and KUNC’s Lucas Brady Woods discuss the bills that did, and did not, make it past the finish line over the six-day special legislative session. They also dig into the growing chasm between the two caucuses in the House, and what it could mean for  the regular session in the new year.  Read CCNA special session coverage: From CPR News: Colorado House condemns former GOP lawmaker for unprofessional behavior From The Colorado Sun: What the Colorado legislature did during its special session to tackle a $750M budget hole From KUNC News: Colorado Democrats move to protect SNAP benefits and Planned Parenthood care From The Colorado Sun: Colorado lawmakers abandon special session effort to tweak AI law, will push back start date to June 2026 From CPR News: Are legislative special sessions even special any more? 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. Purplish’s producer is Stephanie Wolf and its editor is Megan Verlee, sound designed and engineered by Shane Rumsey. The theme music is by Brad Turner.

House Republicans sharing locker room jokes about a Democratic colleague's outfit in a group chat. A former Democratic senator charged with a felony for allegedly forging letters of defense in an ethics probe. A representative accused of bullying and harassing women before taking office. Workplace misconduct at the Colorado State Capitol isn’t new. But this year has contained more allegations and revelations than usual. Nearly a decade since the #MeToo movement led lawmakers to adopt new policies and protections for those who serve in, and work with, the legislature, some are questioning whether those efforts are due for an update. CPR’s Bente Birkeland, The Colorado Sun’s Jesse Paul and The Denver Post’s Seth Klamann have all covered various aspects of workplace conditions at the State Capitol. They discuss the efforts the legislature has taken in recent years to improve circumstances and what lawmaker misconduct means for governance, especially now, on the cusp of a special session. Read their reporting: In private group chat, GOP lawmakers made crude jokes about a Democratic colleague’s clothing A Colorado lawmaker charged gas to his campaign. Then he asked taxpayers to reimburse his mileage Two women accuse Republican state lawmaker of making unwanted sexual advances. He denies the allegations A Colorado lawmaker charged gas to his campaign. Then he asked taxpayers to reimburse his mileage Colorado House member faced investigation over ignored harassment complaint, aide mistreatment Colorado lawmaker faces ‘bullying’ claims from past Larimer County post, complaint from fellow legislator Democratic lawmaker apologizes for Trump tweet, while others debate role of rhetoric in inflaming violence Lawmakers and lobbyists accuse Steve Lebsock of sexual harassment; speaker calls for his resignation 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. Purplish’s producer is Stephanie Wolf and its editor is Megan Verlee, sound designed and engineered by Shane Rumsey. The theme music is by Brad Turner.

There’s a secure room in the State Capitol filled with the lost treasures of generations of Coloradans: baseball cards, war medals, even a large yellow diamond ring. Unclaimed property that has come into the custody of the state over the decades.  All told, Colorado holds around $2 billion in unclaimed assets, some physical, but even more in the form of abandoned accounts, uncashed checks and overlooked tax refunds. Colorado’s Treasury Department is tasked with returning assets to their rightful owners. But the fund is also an attractive target for lawmakers looking to pay programs in the face of a cash-strapped state budget. CPR’s Bente Birkeland and CPR's Stephanie Wolf look at how the fund is intended to work, what it takes to reclaim property and why lawmakers dipping into it can be a messy situation.  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 was edited by Megan Verlee and sound designed and engineered by Shane Rumsey. Our theme music is by Brad Turner.

After a lot of back and forth, Republicans in Congress have passed President Trump’s mega tax and spending package, aka the “One, Big Beautiful Bill.”  At almost a thousand pages, the law fulfills a range of Republican campaign promises, from protecting tax cuts to turbo charging immigration enforcement. But many Democrats have called its cuts to programs like Medicaid and food aid 'cruel.' And now, state lawmakers will have to grapple with what the new reality means for Colorado's safety net. CPR’s Bente Birkeland and CPR’s Caitlyn Kim bring this all home, diving into the many ways the law represents a shift in direction for U.S. policy and priorities and how people will feel it in Colorado. CPR health reporter John Daley joins to discuss the implications on healthcare, in particular the cuts to Medicaid and the more immediate effects on the Affordable Care Act insurance marketplace. Further reading: Congressional Republicans defy expectations and send megabill to Trump The federal government temporarily cut taxes on tips and overtime. What does that mean for Colorado state taxes? One big beautiful special session? Colorado lawmakers still aren’t sure Colorado health insurance rates expected to skyrocket after budget bill slashes health spending Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains resumes scheduling for patients enrolled in Medicaid, for now 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. 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.

Voters in Douglas County are deciding whether to become a home rule county. With ballots due June 24, the issue is stirring up a lot of strong feelings, amidst competing claims about what it would mean for this fast-growing part of Colorado.  County commissioners say home rule status would give Douglas County more legal standing to fight back against Democratic policies coming out of the State Capitol. But the experience of Colorado's only two existing home rule counties shows that home rule is more complicated, and less far reaching than they may hope. On this episode of Purplish, CPR's Stephanie Wolf joins CPR's Bente Birkeland to break down home rule: from how the idea got its start in an armed conflict on the steps of Denver's city hall, to the role it's playing today in the fight over housing policy. You can read the full story here. 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 was edited by Megan Verlee and sound designed and engineered by Shane Rumsey. Our theme music was composed by Brad Turner.