
Purplish
Purplish is CPR News' weekly podcast about state politics, state government, Colorado policy, and political identity. This season the show is hosted by public affairs reporters Bente Birkeland and Andrew Kenney. Each week while the legislature is in session, they'll break down the latest developments, look ahead to what's next, and dive into the bigger picture of what it all means.
Latest episodes

Feb 23, 2024 • 32min
What do all the new immigrant arrivals mean for Colorado?
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.

Feb 8, 2024 • 28min
The first month of session, down
The session started with a protest over the war in Gaza and the issue has continued to reverberate.

Jan 29, 2024 • 35min
Inside the fight to keep Space Command in Colorado
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.

5 snips
Jan 23, 2024 • 49min
Tina Peters is headed to trial – how did we get here?
Tina Peters, accused of breaching the security of her office's election computers, is a pivotal figure in debunking election fraud claims. The podcast explores her personal journey, concerns and criticisms surrounding her, addressing claims of fraud, and her involvement in the election denial movement.

Jan 10, 2024 • 18min
The legislature returns: what lies ahead?
Lawmakers start their annual session Wednesday, after an off-season that contained more than the usual number of bumps and bruises.

Nov 16, 2023 • 27min
Could this Colorado case determine Trump’s political future?
We break down the electoral courtroom drama playing out in Denver right now.

Oct 20, 2023 • 11min
What’s up with Prop. II?
The state collected more money from new tobacco and nicotine taxes than it expected, and now voters must decide what to do.

Oct 17, 2023 • 26min
What’s up with Prop. HH?
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.

Jun 2, 2023 • 29min
Colorado Springs’ next mayor is a man few thought would win. What happened?
Yes, politics may be shifting in this conservative bulwark, but that's only one part of the story.

May 11, 2023 • 28min
Land use, property taxes and party conflicts — how the legislature wrapped up
The end of session brought dramatic developments, bruising disagreements and a few goofy moments.