Podcasts about The Colorado Sun

Today, Colorado Sun arts and culture reporter Parker Yamasaki looks at the changing role that roller derby has within the sport but also in society. Read more: https://coloradosun.com/2026/02/01/fort-collins-roller-derby-all-gender-league/ Photo by Seth McConnell, Special to The Colorado SunSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gov. Jared Polis is entering his last year leading Colorado. That means it's his last legislative session as head of the state. Colorado Sun political reporter Jesse Paul joined Bente Birkeland of Colorado Public Radio and Lucas Brady Woods of KUNC on the latest episode of the Purplish podcast to talk about what it all means. Read more: https://coloradosun.com/2026/01/15/2026-colorado-state-of-the-state-annotated/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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: Why is Douglas County so worked up about home rule? Purplish: Some Colorado cities plan to ignore new housing density laws 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.

Anti-Trump protesters gathered outside the Capitol last Saturday, but the turnout paled in comparison to the bigger demonstrations we saw last year. Producer Paul Karolyi joins host Bree Davies to talk about the past year of anti-Trump resistance in Denver as we watch violence play out on the streets of Minneapolis. Plus, a Denver city council member has a big new idea to help out pet owners and we hear a couple of listener hacks to navigate the rising cost of takeout. Paul talked about this betting market for the CD8 Democratic primary and the Colorado Sun's coverage of Gov. Polis' State of the State speech last week.  What's the best happy hour in town? We want to hear about your fave! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418 For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Gov. Jared Polis is entering his final year in office. Ahead of the 2026 legislative session, he joined Colorado Sun political reporter Jesse Paul at an event at the University of Denver to talk about the year ahead, his legacy and what he's thinking about his future after his current term ends. Read more: https://coloradosun.com/2026/01/15/2026-colorado-state-of-the-state-annotated/ https://chambermusic.com - Promotions tab: CHAMBER SUN coloradosun.com/outsiderSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, Colorado Sun business reporter Tamara Chuang breaks down the new Colorado law targeting deceptive pricing — or junk fees. As she explains, fees are still allowed, they just have to be disclosed. Read more: https://coloradosun.com/2026/01/17/junk-fees-colorado-consumer-protection-tickets-rents-prices/ https://chambermusic.com - Promotions tab: CHAMBER SUN coloradosun.com/outsiderSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, Colorado Sun business reporter Tamara Chuang looks at the latest unemployment report for Colorado and how the labor force in the state is changing and other trends in the newest data. https://coloradosun.com/2026/01/09/colorado-professional-jobs-tech-workers/ Photo provided by Activate WorkSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, Colorado Sun co-founder, Jason Blevins, is back to give us the latest on Telluride reopening and the end of the ski patrol strike; we discuss recent developments in affordable housing in Steamboat Springs; we look at various ownership models of ski areas (including what's happening at Eldora in Colorado); and we ask the big questions: what are the responsibilities of the owners of ski areas, and how do we create more sustainable — and more stable — relationships between ski areas and mountain towns?Note: We Want to Hear From You!We'd love for you to share with us the stories or topics you'd like us to cover next month on Reviewing the News; ask your most pressing mountain town advice questions, or offer your hot takes for us to rate. You can email those to us here.RELATED LINKS: GetCARV.comBLISTER+ Get Yourself CoveredBLISTER+ Questions: contact@blisterplus.comGet Our 25/26 Winter Buyer's GuideDiscounted Summit Registration for BLISTER+ MembersNon-Member Registration: Blister Summit 2026Get Our Newsletter & Weekly Gear GiveawaysGalena Gleason's ArticleCHECK OUT OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELS:Blister Studios (our new channel)Blister Review (our original channel)TOPICS & TIMES:Carv (1:17)OpenSnow (2:07)Snowbird (2:38)Jason in Telluride Last Friday (4:16)Ski Patrol's Needs vs Needs of Other Locals (8:37)Making Patrollers Town Employees? (19:28)What Are the Responsibilities of a Ski Area Owner? (29:08)Steamboat Springs Affordable Housing (35:04)Various Models of Ski Area Ownership (39:22)What's Happening in Nederland, CO, w/ Eldora? (47:40)What Else Should We Know? (50:18)CHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS:Blister CinematicCRAFTEDBikes & Big IdeasGEAR:30 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.

Today, events specialist Kristina Pritchett maps out some of The Sun’s in-person events for 2026, including our 4th annual Colorado Sunfest on May 1, our upcoming state legislative session preview and gatherings for first time homebuyers and would-be high-country hikers. https://coloradosun.com/events/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On December 27, 2025, the Telluride Ski Patrol went on strike. Chuck Horning, the owner of Telluride Ski Resort, then closed the ski area indefinitely. So what is going on in Telluride? What does it mean for the town and residents of Telluride? And what does this strike — and others — say about the current state of mountain towns and the ski-resort industry? To discuss all of these things and more, we are talking with ski-industry reporter, Jason Blevins, the co-founder of the Colorado Sun, and the man behind Blevins' Corner on our ‘Reviewing the News' series.Note: We Want to Hear From You!We'd love for you to share with us the stories or topics you'd like us to cover next month on Reviewing the News; ask your most pressing mountain town advice questions, or offer your hot takes for us to rate. You can email those to us here.RELATED LINKS: GetCARV.comBLISTER+ Get Yourself CoveredBLISTER+ Questions: contact@blisterplus.comGet Our 25/26 Winter Buyer's GuideDiscounted Summit Registration for BLISTER+ MembersNon-Member Registration: Blister Summit 2026Get Our Newsletter & Weekly Gear GiveawaysCHECK OUT OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELS:Blister Studios (our new channel)Blister Review (our original channel)TOPICS & TIMES:BLISTER+ Changes starting January 1st (1:30)Get CARV (1:56)What's Going On in Telluride? (3:00)How Did We Get Here? (5:19)What is Telluride Ski Patrol Asking For? (7:10)Who is Being Unreasonable? (8:46)The Numbers Behind the Request (11:58)Other Potential Costs (18:16)Is Crazy still Better than Corporate? (21:39)Why Won't Chuck Just Sell the Ski Area? (23:19)What is the Community Saying? (26:17)Will We See more Strikes in the Industry? (32:10)Billionaires & Ski Towns (33:34)Blevins' Prediction for Telluride (39:29)CHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS:Blister CinematicCRAFTEDBikes & Big IdeasGEAR:30 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Unaffiliated voters now make up half of the electorate in Colorado. A new poll is shedding light on this crucial bloc. Colorado Sun political reporters Jesse Paul and Taylor Dolven dug into the data. Read more: https://coloradosun.com/2025/12/15/colorado-unaffiliated-voters-poll-2025/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since the start of the Trump administration’s tariffs, Colorado global exports grew 6.3% between January and August, compared with the same period in 2024, and imports fell 2.6%. Today, Colorado Sun business reporter Tamara Chuang breaks down the tariff’s effects on Colorado companies. Read more: https://coloradosun.com/2025/12/15/colorado-trump-tariffs-havenly-imports-exports-trade/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Colorado, like the rest of the country, is experiencing more, and worse, climate disasters, wrecking 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.

Colorado lawmakers were recently warned that the state is stuck in a cycle of annual billion-dollar budget shortfalls. Colorado Sun political reporter Jesse Paul discussed the situation with Arlo Pérez Esquivel on the Colorado Today podcast from Colorado Public Radio Read more: https://coloradosun.com/2025/11/17/colorado-budget-cycles-1-billion-shortfall-medicaid/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Author Mark Easter chats with The Colorado Sun's Kevin Simpson about his book "The Blue Plate: A Food Lover’s Guide to Climate Chaos".See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Historian Derek Everett joins The Colorado Sun’s Kevin Simpson to explain the strange years when Colorado celebrated two Thanksgivings.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we're talking with Colorado Sun business reporter Tamara Chuang about the cost of the Thanksgiving meal in Colorado this year. Many expected costs to be higher this year, but they're not. Read more: https://coloradosun.com/2025/11/22/thanksgiving-dinner-prices-colorado-grocery-2025/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

Colorado may have just had a statewide election, but the Colorado Sun's politics team is already turning its attention toward the midterm elections next year. Sun political reporter Jesse Paul was recently on Purplish, the podcast produced by CPR News and the Colorado Capitol News Alliance, to talk about what's on the horizon.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, Colorado Sun business reporter Tamara Chuang digs deeper into rent decreases across the metro Denver area and how and why it has become a renter’s market right now. Read more: https://coloradosun.com/2025/11/17/rent-prices-denver-falling-apartment-data/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, Colorado Sun rural reporter Tracy Ross has updates on the Colorado wolf reintroduction as it approaches the two-year mark of when the first wolves were released in Colorado.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, Colorado Sun arts and culture reporter Parker Yamasaki breaks down the latest report on the arts in the metro Denver area and how the pandemic recovery is coming along. Read more: https://coloradosun.com/2025/11/08/arts-theater-economy-colorado/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. 

Rural Health News is a weekly segment of Rural Health Today, a podcast by Hillsdale Hospital. News sources for this episode: MedHOK, “How the Government Shutdown Impacts Open Enrollment: What Health Plans and PBMs Need to Know,” October 29, 2025, https://mhk.com/resource/blog/government-shutdown-healthcare-impact-on-open-enrollment-what-health-plans-and-pbms-need-to-know/.  Medicare, “Open Enrollment,” https://www.medicare.gov/health-drug-plans/open-enrollment. Madeline Ashley, “22 hospital closures in 2025,” October 22, 2025, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/finance/2-hospital-closures-in-2025/, Becker's Hospital Review.  Madeline Ashley, “26 maternity service closures in 2025,” October 21, 2025, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/finance/7-maternity-service-closures-in-2025/, Becker's Hospital Review. Rylee Wilson, “18 behavioral health closures in 2025,” June 25, 2025, https://www.beckersbehavioralhealth.com/behavioral-health-news/5-behavioral-health-closures-in-2025/, Becker's Hospital Review.  Soumya Shashikumar, MBiotech, “Health Layoffs 2025: A Roundup,” October 2, 2025, https://xtalks.com/healthcare-layoffs-2025-a-roundup-4102/, Xtalks. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, “VA to reduce staff by nearly 30k by end of FY2025,” July 7, 2025, https://news.va.gov/press-room/va-to-reduce-staff-by-nearly-30k-by-end-of-fy2025/#:~:text=WASHINGTON%20%E2%80%94%20The%20Department%20of%20Veterans,scale%20reduction%2Din%2Dforce Jennifer Brown, “Suicides devastated and galvanized Routt County, which now has a mental health response team,” October 30, 2025, https://coloradosun.com/2025/10/30/suicides-routt-county-mental-health-response-team/, The Colorado Sun. Public Health, “Suicide in Rural America,” May 16, 2024, https://www.cdc.gov/rural-health/php/public-health-strategy/suicide-in-rural-america-prevention-strategies.html, CDC Rural Health. Rural Health Today is a production of Hillsdale Hospital in Hillsdale, Michigan and a member of the Health Podcast Network. Our host is JJ Hodshire, our producer is Kyrsten Newlon, and our audio engineer is Kenji Ulmer. Special thanks to our special guests for sharing their expertise on the show, and also to the Hillsdale Hospital marketing team. If you want to submit a question for us to answer on the podcast or learn more about Rural Health Today, visit ruralhealthtoday.com.

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 purplish@cpr.org 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.

Kevin Fitzgerald, veterinarian and author, sits down with The Colorado Sun's Kevin Simpson to discusses his memoir "It Started with a Turtle"See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Colorado Sun is embarking on a yearlong project to take a hard look at child care issues in Colorado. Today, Sun education reporter Erica Breunlin talks about what she and other reporters will dive into and who they are wanting to hear from.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser has sued the Trump administration more than 40 times since January. Colorado Sun political reporter Taylor Dolven has been tracking the cases and Weiser's win-loss record. She joined fellow political reporter Jesse Paul to talk about what she's found. Read more: https://coloradosun.com/2025/08/04/colorado-attorney-general-phil-weiser-lawsuits-trump/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The mountain town of Nederland is regrouping after a major fire destroyed about 30% of the town’s businesses last month. Today, Colorado Sun rural reporter Tracy Ross has updates from the community west of Boulder. Read more: https://coloradosun.com/2025/10/29/businesses-rebuild-after-nederland-fire/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today: Author Allyson Reedy chats with Colorado Sun reporter Kevin Simpson about her new F. Scott Fitzgerald-inspired book, "Mrs. Wilson's Affair".See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dan is flying solo this week because Ellen is recovering from knee-replacement surgery. But fear not — she's behind the scenes making sure this episode gets recorded properly, and she edited what you are listening to. She'll be back on the air soon. Our guest is Rick Goldsmith, a veteran filmmaker who has taken a close look at the state of corporate journalism in America. His documentary "Stripped for Parts: American Journalism on the Brink" tells the story of Alden Global Capital, the secretive hedge fund that has bought up many of our greatest newspapers and stripped them of their real estate and slashed their newsrooms. He focuses on one of Alden's papers, The Denver Post, and the rise of The Colorado Sun, a digital startup begun by former Post journalists. The story of what happened in Colorado is also one that Ellen and I tell in our book, "What Works in Community News." The reason we're having Rick on now is that you'll be able to watch "Stripped for Parts" through December 31st for free on the PBS app, which you can access through Apple TV, Roku, Google Play and most smart TVs.  Dan has a Quick Take about Jay Rosen, who retired earlier this year from New York University and is now taking on a new challenge. Jay is probably best known to his younger followers as an incisive media critic. But his true passion, going back to the 1990s, is finding ways to involve members of the public in the production of journalism. Now he's doing it again — and it could have implications for local news.  

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.

In this episode, G. Brown, director of the Colorado Music Experience, joins The Colorado Sun’s Kevin Simpson to talk about the legacy of KBCO’s Studio C—how it began, the artists who helped define it, and its lasting impact on Colorado’s music scene.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Read more: https://coloradosun.com/2025/10/16/colorado-digitize-analog-records-historic/ Today, Colorado Sun business and tech reporter Tamara Chuang discusses the $21 million project across the state to digitize public records dating back to the 1800s.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

Read more: https://coloradosun.com/2025/10/11/federal-workers-colorado-unemployment-government-shutdown/ The federal government shutdown is entering Week 3, and now layoffs are starting to happen. Today, Colorado Sun business reporter Tamara Chuang looks at how federal workers in Colorado are navigating the unemployment line.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Colorado Sun political reporter Jesse Paul recently joined Colorado Public Radio's Colorado Today podcast to talk about the next state budget crises on the legislature's horizon. He spoke with Colorado Today host Haley May. Read more: https://coloradosun.com/2025/09/22/colorado-structural-deficit-2026-legislature-budget/ https://coloradosun.com/colorados-best email: sunevents@coloradosun.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, Colorado Sun business reporter Tamara Chuang looks at the first week of the federal government shutdown and how it’s affected federal workers in Colorado.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

Today, author Caleb Stephens talks with the Colorado Sun's Kevin Simpson about his thriller, "If You Lie".See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Denver is home to one of just a handful of U.S. patent offices around the country, and today Colorado Sun business reporter Tamara Chuang talks about changes coming to the federal agency, starting at the top of the Denver regional office. Learn more: https://coloradosun.com/2025/09/25/patent-office-denver-regional-director-molly-kocialski/ https://friendsofchambermusic.com Promotions Tab; Promo Code: ChamberSunSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

Today, the Colorado Sun’s Tracy ross sits down with Mark Smesrud, from the Center for Employment Opportunities to discuss the road employment after incarceration.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week's Public Lands News episode is covering public lands protections, Congressional tools, and new funding announcements, including:USDA Proposal to Rescind the Roadless Rule: 45 million acres of national forest at risk, including Alaska's Tongass; public comment period closes September 19Congressional Review Act Threats to BLM Resource Management Plans — with John Ruple, University of UtahDepartment of the Interior Secretarial Order 3442 & Record LWCF FundingLink to Federal Register to Comment on the Roadless Rule: ⁠https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/08/29/2025-16581/special-areas-roadless-area-conservation-national-forest-system-lands⁠Subscribe to our newsletter for in-depth coverage and extra stories we don't have time for on the podcast: ⁠⁠⁠theoutdoorminimalist.com⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to our YouTube channel (⁠⁠⁠@theoutdoorminimalist⁠⁠⁠) so you don't miss the launch of our new Ecocide series on September 8.Have tips, testimonials, or insights on public land changes? Submit them through our Google Form (⁠⁠⁠https://forms.gle/JwC73G8wLvU6kedc9⁠⁠⁠).Sources referenced in this episode:USDA Secretary Rollins Opens Next Step in Roadless Rule Rescission: ⁠https://www.usda.gov/about-usda/news/press-releases/2025/08/27/secretary-rollins-opens-next-step-roadless-rule-rescission⁠Roadless Rule Impact Map: ⁠https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/7308297f88484984a5ee5bcf2d5ae6b4/⁠Letter from John Ruple and colleagues encouraging Congress not to repeal BLM plans: https://www.law.utah.edu/news-articles/wallace-stegner-center-faculty-write-letter-to-congress-urging-lawmakers-not-to-repeal-blm-resource-management-plans/Field and Stream Article on CRA by Travis Hall: https://www.fieldandstream.com/stories/conservation/public-lands-and-waters/congress-to-strip-protections-from-public-lands-using-congressional-review-actSecretarial Order 3442 Document Library: ⁠https://www.doi.gov/document-library/secretary-order/so-3442-land-and-water-conservation-fund-implementation-us⁠DOI Press Release on LWCF Investment: ⁠https://www.doi.gov/pressreleases/new-secretarys-order-strengthens-outdoor-access-and-recreation⁠Colorado Sun: ⁠https://coloradosun.com/2025/09/04/colorado-collard-ranch-state-wildlife-area-former-tarryall-creek-ranch-property/⁠

Read more: https://coloradosun.com/2025/08/27/colorado-special-session-what-happened/ A lot happened during the very tense, six-day special legislative session in Colorado that wrapped up last week. The Colorado Sun's Jesse Paul was on Purplish with Bente Birkeland of CPR News and Lucas Brady Woods of KUNC to break it all down. Purplish is a production of CPR News and the Colorado Capitol News Alliance. The Sun is a member of the alliance. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For the Labor Day weekend, Colorado Sun business reporter Tamara Chuang looked into the current job market and talks about what’s out there, why hiring has slowed and some pro tips for job seekers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

Today, Colorado Sun business reporter Tamara Chuang talks about her outing to a remote part of Colorado where they are test driving a lunar rover one Golden-based company hopes goes to the moon.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.