Israel-Gaza violence rattles Colorado Democratic politics, will protests and primary wins prompt policy change?

It's been an unusual campaign season as the two major party candidates vie for votes. They’ve never debated in a traditional, moderated setting. They’ve shared the stage only once, during a scripted forum in early October. It’s also lopsided: The Democrat, current state attorney general Phil Weiser, is heavily favored to win. On the Republican side, Victor Marx is a political newcomer putting his faith at the center of his campaign, which has also been mired by questions about his wild backstory as a “high-risk humanitarian.” CPR’s Bente Birkeland, The Colorado Sun’s Jesse Paul and The Denver Post’s Seth Klamann discuss the difference in background, credentials, campaign style and policy between these two candidates. Catch up on our latest coverage:

We pick things up right where we left off with Purplish live: “The Great Colorado Ballot-O-Rama.” This week three more reporters sweat it out in the host seat, breaking down tricky ballot measures on topics like penalties for fentanyl crimes, social issues and ballot questions about ballots. Plus, a bonus round and the ultimate burning question: who will be named the hot seat champion? Have more questions about the ballot?

This year’s ballot is lengthy, very lengthy, and packed with thorny topics. To help you sort through such a dense ballot this fall, the Purplish team has a little fun explaining the complex and difficult questions you’ll have to answer. Purplish’s live event at the Buell Public Media Center in downtown Denver is a game show (ish) in which reporters from the Colorado Capitol News Alliance took turns answering burning questions about the ballot in the Purplish hot seat. The goal: to help you better understand the many questions on Colorado’s ballot. Questions like, “Should Colorado increase penalties for fentanyl crimes or raise revenue or enshrine the right to hunt and fish into the state constitution?” This episode of Purplish features part one of “The Great Colorado Ballot-O-Rama.” This is too much fun to pack into one episode. So we’ll have part two out next week. Enjoy! Do you have more questions about the ballot?

Purplish hit the road for a 1,600-mile-plus trip around the state, from Lamar to Greeley and Grand Junction, to rural areas and city centers. Voters shared what they’re worried about and what’s motivating them to head to the polls this November with especially high stakes because control of Congress hangs in the balance. CPR’s Bente Birkeland and Caitlyn Kim hear from voters in the most competitive, or arguably competitive in some cases, congressional districts in the state. They also discuss the Republican and Democratic candidates vying for those votes, and where there’s the greatest chance of a potential upset. Catch up on our latest coverage:

For years, Buc-ee’s has been eyeing a parcel of land off Interstate 25 at Monument Hill to build its second Colorado location. The travel plaza chain, in late August, made a significant step toward realizing that ambition. Following a packed and, at times, heated public hearing, county commissioners helped set the stage for Buc-ee’s to build on that parcel of land. The story of Buc-ee’s, Monument Hill and Palmer Lake has been through many twists and turns. The Purplish team updates you on where things stand now and revisits its documentary from last fall: “How a possible Buc-ee’s travel plaza has divided one Colorado town.” Catch up on our latest coverage: