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.
Episodes
Mentioned books
8 snips
Apr 3, 2026 • 32min
Who should have the power to pump up the volume at Colorado’s venues
A legal battle over who can approve louder sound at venues drives this talk. Hosts trace the old statewide noise limits, a court ruling that shook permitting, and why the Ford Amphitheater became a flashpoint. Listeners hear how decibel rules clash with festivals, local control debates, and concerns about health, equity, and economic stakes for small towns.
9 snips
Mar 27, 2026 • 33min
Colorado’s budget woes and the ballooning costs of Medicaid
Lawmakers grapple with a $1.5 billion shortfall and painful budget choices. Rising Medicaid costs, driven by higher use and recent coverage expansions, are a major factor. Surprise enrollment among immigrant programs and forecasting errors magnified the spike. Proposed fixes range from benefit caps and wait‑list changes to employer fees and ballot measures.
11 snips
Mar 20, 2026 • 29min
Colorado’s prisons have a crowding problem
A deep look at Colorado’s crowded prisons and the immediate harms of cramped living conditions. Coverage explores why prison populations rose, from delayed releases to program backlogs. Listeners hear about staffing shortages, county jail overflow, and the heated budget fight over funding new beds. The conversation also examines calls for better planning and the politics shaping possible solutions.
9 snips
Mar 13, 2026 • 36min
What the ‘Flock’ are you looking at? License plate readers and mass surveillance
Andrew Kenney, reporter who covers surveillance and police data, joins to unpack Colorado’s spread of Flock license-plate readers. He explains how modern LPR systems create searchable tracking networks. The conversation covers misuse risks, public protests, national data sharing, and proposed state limits on law enforcement access.
9 snips
Mar 6, 2026 • 28min
A prescription for pesticides? Why lawmakers considered a novel approach to neonics
A deep dive into how neonicotinoid seed treatments reshaped modern farming and why some consider them indispensable. Discussion of mounting environmental and human health concerns tied to neonics and troubling pollinator die-offs. A look at a controversial Colorado proposal to require permission-like oversight for neonic use and the fierce political and industry backlash it provoked.
9 snips
Feb 20, 2026 • 26min
Will Colorado give data centers a warm embrace, or a cool reception?
Conversation about a clash at the State Capitol over tax incentives versus strict rules for incoming data centers. Discussion of local fears about heat, noise, air pollution and heavy water use. Exploration of economic trade offs, potential tax breaks, and political maneuvering as lawmakers and communities weigh where these massive facilities should go.
9 snips
Feb 6, 2026 • 31min
Colorado in Trump’s crosshairs
Taylor Dolven, reporter with The Colorado Sun, breaks down why the White House has repeatedly targeted Colorado. They cover the loss of Space Command, threats to NCAR and federal funding, frozen TANF aid, and the politics around Tina Peters. Short, sharp takes on legal fights, local reactions, and what Colorado leaders can do next.
12 snips
Jan 23, 2026 • 28min
Gov. Polis is a lame duck. What does that mean for Colorado policy and politics?
A discussion of the governor’s last-year agenda, from housing density fights to transit and public land policies. They tackle Colorado’s clean energy goals and federal headwinds complicating the timeline. Education funding and budget tensions get attention. The conversation covers labor law battles, tech and AI regulation, and federal actions shaping state politics.
10 snips
Jan 9, 2026 • 26min
Get ready for a new legislative session under Colorado’s Gold Dome
Colorado's upcoming legislative session is sparked by a billion-dollar budget shortfall and rising tensions within the Democratic party. Lawmakers will tackle pressing issues like housing, environmental policy, and the burgeoning role of artificial intelligence. Internal divisions among Democrats could complicate governance, while an election year looms with crowded races. The impact of Medicaid on the budget and proposed solutions are also on the table, setting the stage for a dynamic and challenging session ahead.
14 snips
Dec 12, 2025 • 30min
Colorado’s homeowner’s insurance on shaky ground
Colorado homeowners are facing skyrocketing insurance premiums due to worsening climate disasters like hailstorms and wildfires. Insurers are withdrawing from risky areas, leaving many without coverage. The hosts highlight a new state 'fair plan' as a last resort for affected residents. They discuss the impact of hail, which drives 60-70% of premiums, and Governor Polis' proposal for subsidizing hail-resistant roofs. Mitigation efforts are showcased as crucial in saving homes, although challenges in funding and insurer trust remain.
