Bente Birkeland appears in the following:
Unprecedented COVID-19 Pandemic Tests Governors' Mettle
Friday, March 27, 2020
Governors are questioning how to balance public safety with states' financial welfare during the coronavirus outbreak. We spent the day with Gov. Jared Polis, Democrat from Colorado.
State Legislatures Shut Down Due To Coronavirus, Leaving Legislation On The Table
Wednesday, March 18, 2020
Several state legislatures have called off their 2020 sessions due to the coronavirus outbreak, leaving necessary lawmaking in question.
A Divided Region Of A Swing State: The Political Landscape Of Pueblo, Colo.
Friday, February 28, 2020
The city of Pueblo, Colo. went for Donald Trump in 2016, but a diverse population and an activated base of working-class voters could flip it in 2020.
Voters In Colorado, A Key Swing State, React To Impeachment Proceedings
Thursday, January 30, 2020
How are voters in Colorado, where a major Senate race is underway, reacting to President Trump's impeachment trial?
What Voters Think Of The Impeachment Inquiry So Far
Wednesday, November 13, 2019
As the House's public impeachment hearings start Wednesday, voters' reactions are all over the map. Some say the hearings are vital, others see a social media-driven partisan quest.
Impeachment Proceedings Are Tricky Business For Republican Senators Facing Reelection
Tuesday, November 05, 2019
Colorado Sen. Cory Gardner has to be more careful than most Republicans talking about impeachment, as he's seeking reelection in a very purple state. GOP voters are split on Gardner's position.
Democrats Divided In Colorado Senate Race
Sunday, September 15, 2019
Colorado is expected to have one of the most closely watched 2020 Senate races. The entry of former governor John Hickenlooper into a crowded Senate primary field is dividing the party in the state.
As Politics Become More Divided, State Recall Efforts Gain Popularity
Wednesday, September 04, 2019
Nineteen states allow voters to try to recall elected state officials for a number of reasons, and those efforts have increased exponentially. Including in Colorado where there were six in 2019.
Colorado's 'Red Flag' Gun Measure Raises Concerns
Wednesday, April 10, 2019
Democratic Gov. Jared Polis is expected to sign the bill this week, allowing guns to be temporarily taken from individuals deemed a threat to themselves or others.
Colorado Legislators Are In The Middle Of Lengthy Political Fight
Tuesday, April 02, 2019
There's a political fight brewing in the Colorado legislature. Republicans are pulling out all the stops to slow down Democrats who are pushing forward with their ambitious progressive agenda.
For Some Colorado Lawmakers, The Death Penalty Debate Is Personal
Sunday, March 17, 2019
Bills to abolish the death penalty are being debated in state legislatures across the country. In Colorado, a couple of lawmakers have a very personal connection to this political lightning rod.
Former Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper Joins The 2020 Democratic Presidential Fray
Monday, March 04, 2019
The 67-year-old former geologist, beer brewer and mayor of Denver points to accomplishments such as Medicaid expansion and increased spending on infrastructure and public education.
A First: Women Take The Majority In Nevada Legislature And Colorado House
Monday, February 04, 2019
Monday, Nevada's Legislature becomes the first in U.S. history to have a majority of female lawmakers. In Colorado, also a first, women hold the majority in the House of Representatives.
How Women Came To Dominate Colorado's Legislature
Sunday, February 03, 2019
This year, two legislative chambers across the country have a majority of women, but in Colorado that's been in the making long before 2018.
Many In Colorado Are Wondering If #MeToo Has Changed The State's Political World
Tuesday, October 30, 2018
Sexual misconduct allegations dominated the Colorado statehouse session this year. Now, many are asking whether the state's #MeToo movement actually changed Colorado's political environment.
How One Group Is Galvanizing Dissatisfied Voters
Sunday, October 21, 2018
In Colorado, a group is exploiting voter dissatisfaction with the two major political parties in an effort to elect unaffiliated candidates.
With Voters Sour On Major Parties, Group Recruits 'None Of The Above' Candidates
Sunday, October 14, 2018
Nearly 70 percent of voters say Republicans and Democrats fail to adequately represent the American people. One group is trying to help elect more unaffiliated candidates.
Colorado Has A History Of Women In Politics — And A Harassment Problem
Tuesday, December 19, 2017
Nearly 40 percent of Colorado lawmakers are women, and the state has a history of women in powerful jobs. KUNC's Bente Birkeland asked about sexual harassment in the statehouse — and found a problem.
Denver Failed To Land Boeing. Now It's Using Lifestyle To Woo Amazon
Tuesday, October 17, 2017
Boeing picked Chicago instead when it was looking for a new headquarters in 2001. This time around, Denver is pitching its quality of life to draw Amazon to build a new headquarters there.
When A Politician Says 'Fake News' And A Newspaper Threatens To Sue Back
Friday, February 17, 2017
If the Colorado newspaper files a lawsuit, legal experts say it would be the first of its kind, potentially setting a legal definition for what is considered fake news and what is not.