Purplish

• A rare veto showdown at the State Capitol

  Lawmakers got behind a bill this session that would have required social media companies like Snapchat, Facebook and Instagram to do more about illegal activity on their platforms. It was a significant policy change, and it seemed poised for success, passing the legislature with broad bipartisan support in both chambers. But then the bill hit the governor’s desk, where Polis, concerned about its potential impacts on privacy and free speech, pulled out his veto stamp.What happened next was a rare -- and somewhat surprising -- showdown between two branches of government, and a window into the complex politics that surround the power of the veto.CPR’s Bente Birkeland and The Colorado Sun’s Jesse Paul examine how it all went down and what this moment could mean looking ahead, as Colorado’s Democratic majority at the statehouse appears to be increasingly willing to challenge Polis during his waning time in office.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.

  --------  

  30:02
• 100 days of Trump, in the eyes of two Colorado lawmakers from two different capitols

  From tariffs to immigration, the Department of Government Efficiency, and an avalanche of executive actions and policies, President Donald Trump's first 100 days have been a whirlwind.In a special episode of Purplish, recorded before a live audience at the Buell Public Media Center in Denver, two lawmakers — from different parties, different chambers and different capitols — share their perspectives and insights on this moment in American politics. CPR’s Bente Birkeland and CPR’s Caitlyn Kim interview U.S. Democratic Rep. Joe Neguse, who represents Colorado’s 2nd Congressional District, and Republican state Sen. Barbara Kirkmeyer, whose seat is in Weld and Larimer counties. They dive into the many ripple effects of Trump’s first 100 days on Colorado, covering topics like federal funding cuts, trade policy, state's rights, Trump’s immigration crackdown, and, of course, the country’s rapidly evolving political climate.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. Rocky Mountain PBS partnered on this episode and hosted the live event.

  --------  

  45:51
• Colorado answers Trump's immigration crackdown with expanded protections

  Colorado already has numerous laws in place to protect the rights of immigrants. But as President Donald Trump takes unprecedented steps to carry out his campaign promise of mass deportations, Democratic state lawmakers believe those protections might no longer be enough. They’ve introduced an immigration bill that expands and hones numerous policies in direct response to the White House’s crackdown. But state Republicans say their colleagues are overstepping and risk straining state resources further. CPR’s Bente Birkeland and KUNC’s Lucas Brady Woods dig into what the proposal would do and what it means to potentially pass something like this in the midst of strong sentiments among voters and politicians, both for and against immigrant protections. They’re later joined by CPR’s Allison Sherry to learn what she’s seen happening on the ground in Colorado while reporting on ICE raids and arrests.  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.  Additional reporting for this episode came from Denverite's Kevin Beaty. Our theme music is by Brad Turner.

  --------  

  29:55
• As the White House restricts trans rights, Colorado is poised to fortify them

  At a time when the federal government is rolling back rights and recognition for transgender Americans, Colorado is moving to expand its protections in a number of areas, including medical care, harassment, death certificates and more. Democratic state lawmakers and proponents say they want to ensure certain rights for the state’s transgender community get the protection of law. But opponents, including GOP lawmakers, argue the proposals go beyond equality. CPR’s Bente Birkeland and KUNC’s Lucas Brady Woods look at the various legislative efforts before Colorado lawmakers this session, how the debates are shaping up at the statehouse and what this could mean for trans Coloradans, against the backdrop of anti-trans rhetoric and actions increasing on the federal level.  And if you've ever wanted to see the Purplish team in action, here is your chance: we're hosting a live taping of the show, the evening of Tuesday, April 22, in Denver. Find all the details, and get your tickets, 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. Our theme music is by Brad Turner.

  --------  

  24:40
• Colorado's political parties navigate a changed political landscape

  American politics are in a moment of major upheaval: a Republican president and GOP-controlled Congress are reshaping the federal government and expanding the limits of executive power. At the same time, federal Democrats are struggling with how to win back voters who feel their party has failed to deliver. And even as Republicans have this moment on the national stage, Colorado’s GOP party is trying to catch up, hoping a new leader can bring some unity — and less havoc — for Republicans in the state.CPR’s Bente Birkeland and The Colorado Sun’s Jesse Paul examine what new leadership could mean for the future of Colorado’s Republican party. Then CPR’s Caitlyn Kim joins to dig into how Colorado’s Democratic members of Congress are looking to redirect the party ahead of the midterms.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.

  --------  

  27:15

More Government podcasts

Trending Government podcasts

About Purplish

Purplish: Podcasts in Family