Purplish

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.

Jenny Brundin, an education reporter for CPR, breaks down the challenges facing Colorado's Healthy School Meals for All program. She discusses the financial strain on the initiative, originally funded by a tax on the wealthy. The conversation covers two crucial ballot measures aimed at solving the funding crisis and the implications for students across the state. Topics include the program’s success in providing universal meals, political opposition to new taxes, and what might happen if voters don’t support the proposed measures.

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 AwardYou 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.

Join reporters Jesse Paul, covering Colorado politics for The Colorado Sun, and Lucas Brady Woods from KUNC News, as they dissect the wild recent legislative special session. They delve into how federal tax cuts have shaken up Colorado's budget and the intense battles over AI regulations. Tensions flare as lawmakers confront personal grievances and workplace harassment issues. The discussion reveals a deepening rift between House caucuses, hinting at explosive implications for future sessions and legislative dynamics.

Jesse Paul from The Colorado Sun and Seth Klamann from The Denver Post dive into serious issues plaguing the Colorado State Capitol. They discuss a viral incident where House Republicans made crude jokes about a colleague's outfit. Allegations of workplace misconduct are examined, with insights into harassment cases and legislative responses. The duo highlights the urgent need for updated policies following numerous claims and the impact on governance. Digital harassment and evolving leadership dynamics also come under scrutiny as they evaluate the changing landscape of political conduct.

In Colorado, a secret vault brims with unclaimed treasures like baseball cards and a large diamond ring. The state holds around $2 billion in abandoned assets, but navigating the reclamation process is tricky. Lawmakers are debating whether to tap into these funds for budgetary needs, raising concerns about citizens' rights. Amid skepticism about the recovery process, personal stories highlight both successes and bureaucratic hurdles. The podcast dives deep into the complexities and implications of unclaimed property in a cash-strapped state.

Caitlyn Kim, CPR's D.C. correspondent, and John Daley, CPR's health reporter, dive into the implications of the massive Republican tax and spending package. They discuss how the new bill impacts Colorado's safety net, including potential Medicaid cuts that could affect over 100,000 people. The guests also explore changes to the state's food stamp program and the possible rise in healthcare costs. As they dissect the political challenges and local repercussions, listeners gain insights into how policy shifts will reshape lives in Colorado.

Stephanie Wolf, a producer for CPR News, joins Bente Birkeland to explore the heated debate around Douglas County potentially becoming a home rule county. They discuss the complexities of local governance versus state authority, sharing insights on historical contexts from Weld and Pitkin Counties. The conversation highlights resident concerns about local control, the potential for administrative efficiency, and the realities of navigating cumbersome state laws. With competing visions for the future, emotions run high as Douglas County grapples with the implications of this pivotal decision.

Ben Markus, a dedicated reporter from Colorado Public Radio, delves into the transformative police reforms enacted in Colorado following the protests of 2020. He discusses the emotional impact of community advocacy, illustrated by Elijah McClain's story, and the bipartisan legislation that emerged from a tumultuous time. Markus examines the challenges of implementing body camera requirements and ensuring accountability, while reflecting on the ongoing struggles for transparency amidst a polarized political landscape. Community voices play a vital role in reshaping perceptions of safety and justice.