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November 30, 2007
Capitol Conversation
November 30, 2007 5:44 PM
Lawmakers are gearing up for the upcoming legislative session which starts in January. They'll debate hundreds of bills between then and early May when the session ends. To get some perspective, Rocky Mountain Community Radio's Capitol Reporter, Bente Birkeland talks with a couple of fellow political reporters about some of the key issues they expect to come up.
[LISTEN]
Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:44 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage , Colorado , Politics
November 29, 2007
Governor's "Health Dialogue" Soaks up Valuable Data
November 29, 2007 5:23 PM
Graph appears in "Governor's Dialogue on Health Care Vision and Values"
Governor Ritter has described the American healthcare system as "broken," and now he's asking hundreds of Coloradoans some very difficult and specific questions about how to fix it. We take you to one of his "Dialogs on Health Care Vision and Values" held in Colorado Springs Wednesday.
[LISTEN]
Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:23 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Business , Colorado , Colorado Springs , Health , Politics , Regional
Colorado Hospital Report Card Now Online
November 29, 2007 8:39 AM
Colorado's new online hospital report card is now up and running. It allows people to compare different hospitals to see how well they measure up when it comes to mortality rates and patient safety. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver
[LISTEN]
To View the Hospital Report Card CLICK HERE
Posted by Eric Whitney at 8:39 AM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Business , Capitol Coverage , Colorado , Health , Politics
November 28, 2007
City Drops Charges Against Last of St. Patrick's Day Protesters
November 28, 2007 2:32 PM
Photo by Mark Lewis, CSAction.org
This press release was issued by the City of Colorado Springs at about 2:30pm.
City Attorney Patricia K. Kelly said:
"The City Attorney's Office has just concluded a comprehensive review of evidence regarding further prosecution of Eric Verlo and Elizabeth Fineron. Based upon that review, we have decided that it is not in the public interest to continue the further prosecutions. We have decided to seek a dismissal of charges against the two defendants."
"The comprehensive review revealed police actions were appropriate during the St. Patrick's Day parade and there was probable cause to arrest the defendants. Further, the review found ample and sufficient evidence, along with multiple witnesses to continue with the prosecution. However, a second trial would require a significant time commitment from police officers, citizen witnesses and prosecutors, and, in this case, it would appear that the public has already spoken when the first trial ended in a hung jury."
Posted by Eric Whitney at 2:32 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Colorado Springs , Crime , Holiday , Legal Affairs , Military , Politics
November 26, 2007
Healthcare Reform In Colorado Part Two: Individual Mandates
November 26, 2007 5:14 PM
After more than a year of input and analysis, Colorado's bi-partisan Blue Ribbon Commission on Healthcare Reform has recommended the state adopt a Massachusetts-style "individual mandate." That means everybody has to buy health insurance, or face a fine. The state subsidizes the cost for those with low incomes. KCFR had reporter Martha Bebinger see how the idea is working out in Massachusetts.
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PART ONE: Employer Mandate
In just over a month, Colorado's legislative session will convene. One of hottest topics will be health care reform. This week on KRCC, we're going to dig in to some leading reform ideas. One of those ideas is the so-called "employer mandate," that's where businesses have to provide insurance for their employees, or face a fine. KCFR's Andrea Dukakis has more.
[LISTEN]
Andrea's report is part of a larger series on health care reform produced at Colorado Public Radio. It includes other stories, and interviews with leaders in Colorado's reform efforts. To hear more, click HERE.
Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:14 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Business , Business/Labor , Health , Religion
November 23, 2007
Ft. Carson Families Talk About Multiple Deployments, Part III
November 23, 2007 4:01 PM
Cannons are fired in honor of deploying troops at Ft. Carson Nov. 20, 2007
The third of three stories in which members of Ft. Carson's 3rd Brigade and their families talk about deploying to Iraq, many for the third time. The brigade has just begun to deploy, and all 3,800 members should be on the ground in Iraq by mid-December.
[LISTEN]
To hear part two, CLICK HERE
To hear part one, CLICK HERE
Posted by Eric Whitney at 4:01 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Children & Youth , Colorado , Colorado Springs , Ft. Carson , Military
Empty Stocking Fund Drive Kicks Off
November 23, 2007 9:15 AM
As the temperature is dropping, many charitable organization's needs are rising in the Pike's Peak region. This weekend kicks off a month filled with events that will benefit 14 non-profit health and human service agencies in the Pike's Peak region at this time of increased need. Colorado College student Kate Dawson has more about the annual Empty Stocking Fund Drive.
[LISTEN]
Posted by Eric Whitney at 9:15 AM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Children & Youth , Colorado Springs , Health , Poverty , Regional
November 21, 2007
Greens: State Needs California-style Emission Standards
November 21, 2007 5:15 PM
Environmental groups released a new report urging the state to adopt a clean cars program modeled after California's, but the Governor has said that may not happen. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver
[LISTEN]
Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:15 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Business , Capitol Coverage , Colorado , Environment , Transportation
Broadmoor Offers "Spa for the Troops"
November 21, 2007 4:48 PM
image from Broadmoor.com
This week on KRCC we've been hearing from soldiers about to deploy to Iraq and their families. Some listeners may feel moved to do something for the troops, well, the spa at the Broadmoor has an answer: Go get a massage and a pedicure. The Spa has launched what it's calling "Spa for the Troops," in which the facility donates a portion of it's fees to a fund that will allow military members returning from war zones to get Broadmoor spa treatments for free.
[LISTEN]
Posted by Eric Whitney at 4:48 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Business , Colorado Springs , Ft. Carson , Health , Military
State Investigating Conservation Easements
November 21, 2007 10:30 AM
Colorado has launched a statewide investigation into conservation easements after complaints that crooked land appraisers are over-valuing agricultural land. Government officials say Colorado could be losing millions of dollars in tax revenues. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.
[LISTEN]
Posted by Eric Whitney at 10:30 AM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Agriculture/Ranching , Business , Capitol Coverage , Colorado , Environment , Legal , Regional
November 20, 2007
Local News Roundup Tue., Nov. 20, 2007
November 20, 2007 6:22 PM
DIA Forecasts 2nd Busiest Travel Weekend Ever
Front Range Airport May Start Taking Passenger Jets
Beaver Creek Delays Opening For Lack of Snow
Feds: Denver Violating Ozone Limits
State Unemployment Rate Drops
[LISTEN]
Posted by Eric Whitney at 6:22 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Business , Colorado , Denver , Environment , Religion , Transportation
Commanders of Deploying Troops Speak
November 20, 2007 5:46 PM
Col. John Hort is the commander of the 4th Infantry Division's 3rd Brigade
This week we're hearing from the soldiers and families of Ft. Carson's 3rd Brigade, which is currently deploying to Iraq for the 3rd time in five years. In this segment we hear from two of the unit's leaders.
[LISTEN]
Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:46 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Colorado , Colorado Springs , Ft. Carson , Military , Politics
Blue Ribbon Commission Recommends Mandatory Health Insurance
November 20, 2007 7:47 AM
The Governor's Blue Ribbon Commission for Health Care Reform has voted to recommend that all Coloradoans be required to have health insurance. The bi-partisan panel's action is non-binding, and is likely only one of several health care reform proposals to be submitted to the state legislature in January.
[LISTEN]
Posted by Eric Whitney at 7:47 AM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Business , Capitol Coverage , Colorado , Health , Politics
November 19, 2007
Carson Soldiers Prepare to Deploy - Again
November 19, 2007 5:17 PM
R to L, 1st Sgt. Richard Weldon and his wife Natalie talk with KRCC's Eric Whitney
This week one of Ft. Carson's three combat brigades starts heading to Iraq. For most, it won't be their first trip into the danger zone.Throughout the week, we'll be hearing from deploying soldiers and their spouses.
In this piece, 1st. Sgt. Richard Weldon and his wife Natalie talk about the challenges of multiple deployments.
[LISTEN]
Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:17 PM| Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Colorado Springs , Ft. Carson , Health , Military
November 16, 2007
Dems Welcome Bloggers to 2008 Convention
November 16, 2007 5:19 PM
Media from around the world came to Colorado Tuesday (11/13) to tour the Democratic National Convention site. And it wasn't just traditional newspaper and TV outlets that showed up. Democrats say more bloggers will cover this convention than ever before. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.
[LISTEN]
Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:19 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Business , Capitol Coverage , Colorado , Elections , Media , Politics , Regional
November 15, 2007
Lawmakers Set Legislative Priorities, Elect New Senate President
November 15, 2007 5:50 PM
New Senate President Peter Groff, D-Denver
A bi-partisan group of state lawmakers has unveiled the bills that will get top priority in the upcoming legislative session. And, Democrats unanimously elected Peter Groff Colorado's first African-American Senate President. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.
Legislative Priorities [LISTEN]
New Senate President [LISTEN]
Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:50 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage , Colorado , Elections , History , Politics
Defense Bill Sends $224 Million to Colorado
November 15, 2007 5:38 PM
Colorado will receive a quarter-billion dollars in military-related funding from the Defense appropriations act that President Bush signed Monday.
The lion's share, $142 million, goes to the Pueblo Chemical Weapons Depot, to fund de-activation of World War Two era munitions stored there. An international treaty the U.S. signed requires them to be destroyed by 2012, but defense officials say their target date for destruction, with the new funding, is now 2017.
[LISTEN]
Read More -->The bill also allocates $3.2 million to upgrade data networks at Cheyenne Mountain and NORTHCOM headquaters at Peterson Air Force Base. Neighboring Schriever Air Force Base will get $1.6 million to upgrade security, and another two million to buy computers and software related to ballistic missile defense.
On the academic side, the Air Force Academy will get half a million dollars to enhance space and defense studies. And UCCS will get $3.2 million for a new PhD program in Homeland Defense. Reputedly the first PhD program of its kind in the country, the UCCS program is a partnership with the Naval Postgraduate School and Northern Command.
UCCS will get another $1.6 million for development of so-called "STEM Curriculum." This is a partnership with the national Space Education Consortium to come up with a curriculum that can be replicated in schools across the country to expand K-12 students' interest in science, engineering and technology.
A Woodland Park company called Sturman Techonologies will benefit from $800,000 in funding for a project to increase the fuel efficiency of combat vehicles.
Other Colorado projects funded by the Defense Appropriations Bill include research at Colorado State University and National Jewish Medical Center in Denver, and armor and hospital companies in Delta and Montrose. For a complete list of Colorado projects click here
Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:38 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Business , Colorado , Colorado Springs , Military , Politics , Pueblo , Regional
November 14, 2007
Fitz-Gerald Resigns to Run for Congress
November 14, 2007 11:24 AM
The first ever female president of the state senate announced her resignation Tuesday. She says she's giving up her seat to focus on a run for Congress. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.
[LISTEN]
Posted by Eric Whitney at 11:24 AM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage , Colorado , Denver , Elections , Politics
Dean: Western States Key to Dem Presidential Campaign
November 14, 2007 11:15 AM
In Denver Tuesday Democratic Party Chairman Howard Dean said that the road to the White House leads through the West. Dean spoke to reporters gathered at the Pepsi Center Tuesday for an early glimpse of logistics and planning for the Democratic National Convention. KUNC's Kirk Siegler reports from Denver.
[LISTEN]
Posted by Eric Whitney at 11:15 AM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage , Colorado , Elections , Politics
November 13, 2007
Uranium prospecting in Teller, Fremont Counties
November 13, 2007 5:14 PM
A Uranium exploration company is reporting good prospects in Teller County, and a property owners association in Fremont County is fighting to keep uranium prospectors off of their land. Interest in Uranium mining is a direct result of a huge price increase for the radioactive mineral, which now trades for about $90 a pound, that's a fourfold increase in the last two years. And part of what makes uranium mining attractive in southern Colorado is the proximity of the Cotter Corporation's uranium processing mill in Canon City. It's one of only two in the country with valid uranium processing permits. At least three companies are currently prospecting for uranium in Fremont and Teller Counties.
[LISTEN]
Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:14 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Business , Colorado , Environment , Health , Legal , Regional
November 9, 2007
Ritter's First Budget
November 9, 2007 5:35 PM
State lawmakers on the budget committee praised the Governor's first budget but say it doesn't do enough to address Colorado's over stressed prison system. Currently several hundred inmates are being housed out of state because there's no room for them in Colorado. The committee heard the Governor's budget request Thursday. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.
[LISTEN]
Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:35 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage , Colorado , Politics , Prisons
November 8, 2007
Pueblo Artist Paints Portraits of Vets for Free
November 8, 2007 6:01 PM
Sunday is veterans day. There are a lot of ways to honor vets, and we bring you now the story of one artist's gesture. Sally Lincoln of Pueblo doesn't think that sitting for a portrait painted by an oil painter should be a privilege reserved for the rich and famous. Lately she's been going to the Veteran's Administration Nursing Home and Care Unit in Denver to paint portraits of the residents and patients there. No money is exchanged. Instead she just snaps a few photos of the painting and then gives it to the person who sat for it. The portraits have had a surprisingly emotional impact on the vets and the staff at the facility. Shanna Lewis reports.
[LISTEN]
Posted by Eric Whitney at 6:01 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Arts & Culture , Colorado , Denver , Military , Pueblo , Regional
Ft. Carson: Troops Return, Prepare to Leave, and Remember Fallen Comrades
November 8, 2007 5:35 PM
Ft. Carson is preparing for a lot of turnover in the next couple of months. By the end of December two different brigades of about 4,000 soldiers each are going to switch places. One will be coming home from Iraq, the other will leaving to go there. This story takes us to a "pre-deployment fair" held this week, and the memorial service for two Ft. Carson soldiers killed in Iraq in October.
[LISTEN]
Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:35 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Colorado Springs , Ft. Carson , Memorial , Military , Regional
November 7, 2007
GOP Vows to Overturn Gov.'s Order Authorizing State Employee Unions
November 7, 2007 5:34 PM
Republican State Rep. Bob Gardner, Colorado Springs
Republican lawmakers say theyll try to overturn the Governors executive order that allows state workers to join unions. They say it will lead to strikes and drive up government costs. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.
[LISTEN]
Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:34 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Business/Labor , Capitol Coverage , Colorado , Colorado Springs , Politics
November 6, 2007
Air Quality Task Force Wrapping Up Work
November 6, 2007 5:36 PM
Federal officials say that in the next decade, about 12 thousand new natural gas wells will be drilled in the San Juan Basin of southwestern Colorado. A two-state task force is developing strategies to keep all the new energy development, plus a growing population, from making air quality in the area worse. The task force's final meeting is Wednesday. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.
[LISTEN]
Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:36 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage , Colorado , Environment , Indoor/Outdoor Recreation , Regional
Ritter Announces Climate Change Action Plan
November 6, 2007 5:11 PM
Colorado must reduce greenhouse gas emissions 20 percent by the year 2020 under the state's first ever plan to curb global warming. The Governor's plan also calls for cleaner cars and carbon offsets for farmers, but says Colorado will not set regional benchmarks with other western states. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.
[LISTEN]
Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:11 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Business , Capitol Coverage , Colorado , Environment , Indoor/Outdoor Recreation , Regional
November 2, 2007
Capitol Coverage: Severance Tax Reform and the State Budget
November 2, 2007 12:11 PM
Severance Tax Reform
The amount of tax money Colorado has collected from the energy industry has grown by 600 percent in the last five years according to state figures. But some communities seeing the biggest impacts from energy development say they're not getting their fair share of that revenue stream. They say they need help with overcrowded schools and roads torn up by industry trucks. From Denver, Bente Birkeland reports on efforts to more fairly distribute the state severance tax.
[LISTEN]
Ritter Submits Budget Request
Healthcare, higher education and human services top Governor Ritter's list of priorities for next year's budget. On Thursday Governor Ritter submitted his budget request to a bi-partisan committee of lawmakers. But a Republican leader says the request doesn't mean that much. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.
[LISTEN]
Posted by Eric Whitney at 12:11 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Business , Capitol Coverage , Colorado , Energy , Environment , Politics , Regional
November 1, 2007
Rocky Mountain Women's Film Fest: 20 Films by Women Celebrating 20 Years
November 1, 2007 6:30 PM
This weekend is the 20th anniversary for the Rocky Mountain Women's Film Festival. There will be twenty films, all made by women filmmakers, shown at the Fine Arts Center and Colorado college's Armstrong Hall. CC student Kate Dawson spoke with the festival's executive director and a featured filmmaker about the event.
[LISTEN]
Posted by Eric Whitney at 6:30 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Arts & Culture , Colorado Springs , Entertainment , Media
Preble's Mouse Still On Endangered Species List in Colorado
November 1, 2007 6:10 PM
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has reversed its controversial assessment of the Preble's Meadow Jumping Mouse, and now says it deserves protection under the federal endangered species act. That's bad news for developers, who say federal protection of Prebles habitat along the Front Range is costing them billions of dollars in lost opportunities. Two years ago, Fish and Wildlife said new research proved that the mouse was so genetically similar to other, more common mice, that it could be removed from the endangered species list. That decision brought criticism from some rodent scientists, and now the agency is reversing its decision.
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Posted by Eric Whitney at 6:10 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Animal Rights/Wellfare , Colorado , Indoor/Outdoor Recreation , Legal , Regional
Rev. Armstrong Formally De-Frocked by Colorado Episcopal Diocese
November 1, 2007 5:06 PM
The Episcopal Diocese of Colorado has formally de-frocked the Reverend Don Armstrong, of Grace Episcopal Church in Colorado Springs. The action came 30 days after a church court found him guilty of several financial crimes.
[LISTEN]
Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:06 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Colorado Springs , Crime , Gay & Lesbian , Legal , Religion
