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January 30, 2008
Health Care Preview
January 30, 2008 9:05 PM
Health care reform takes center stage today at the Colorado Legislature, where a highly touted state panel is expected to propose that all Coloradans be required to carry health insurance. The so called individual mandate is part of a thirty proposal-deep package that will be presented later today by the 208 Commission on health care reform. Most comprehensive health care reform packages run with price tags in the low billions. That's setting the stage for a fierce debate over health care reform under the dome, even as more and more Coloradans continue to fall through the cracks. KUNC's Kirk Siegler reports.
[LISTEN]
Posted by Delaney Utterback at 9:05 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage , Health
Obama in Colorado
January 30, 2008 8:55 PM
Presidential politics took center stage in Colorado Wednesday at the University of Denver. Democratic senator Barack Obama made his second campaign trip to Colorado, less than a week before the state's February 5th caucus. And former president Bill Clinton also made a stop on behalf of his wife. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.
[LISTEN]
Posted by Delaney Utterback at 8:55 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage , Politics
Bowed Piano Ensemble Concert, January 31st
January 30, 2008 3:48 PM
Colorado College Music Professor Stephen Scott's widely acclaimed Bowed Piano Ensemble will be performing at Packard Hall on Thursday night. Art Reporter Noel Black visited Scott and his ensemble in their practice studio.
[LISTEN]
Posted by Delaney Utterback at 3:48 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Arts & Culture
January 29, 2008
Credit Score Bill Fails
January 29, 2008 9:57 PM
For the third time in recent years, a bill to stop insurance companies from using a person's credit score to calculate insurance premiums failed in the house on Tuesday. Bente Birkeland has more from Denver.
[LISTEN]
Posted by Delaney Utterback at 9:57 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage , Health
School Safety
January 29, 2008 7:21 AM
Governor Bill Ritter is touting a new bill aimed at making the state's schools safer to prevent another Columbine tragedy from happening. The bill would set up a center to help schools respond faster to emergencies. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.
[LISTEN]
Posted by Delaney Utterback at 7:21 AM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage
January 28, 2008
In Memoriam - Kathy Verlo [REPOST FROM CSINDY INSIDER]
January 28, 2008 2:58 PM
[From John Wiess at the Colorado Springs Independent Insider Newsletter]
Kathy Verlo - activist, community member extraordinaire, and wonderful human being - passed away her in sleep while at home Saturday, Jan. 26.
Kathy (almost) always saw the best in everyone. (She had no patience for Douglas Bruce.)
She helped lead the charge to save Section 16 and helped launch Manitou Springs Recycles, among numerous other projects. Her work to defeat efforts to bring gambling to Manitou led to her serving on Manitou Springs City Council for three terms. On Council, Kathy was pivotal in paving the way for Colorado Springs to acquire Red Rock Canyon Open Space.
Our hearts go out to her family, which is asking that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Voices in the Wilderness founder Kathy Kelly at Voices For Creative Nonviolence, 1249 W. Argyle St. #2, Chicago, IL 60640 (vcnv.org). They also suggest making a contribution of your time and talent toward a local organization that serves the many social needs of our community.
There will be a memorial service, most likely on Thursday or Friday. For updates, check out Ralph Routon's column in this week's Independent or log on to kathy.verlo.net/memoriam.
Posted by Delaney Utterback at 2:58 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Manitou Springs
January 25, 2008
Representative Douglas Bruce Punished
January 25, 2008 8:56 AM
Republican Representative Douglas Bruce is making history at the Colorado statehouse, but not the kind he wants to be remembered for. On Thursday the legislature formally condemned him for kicking a photographer on the house floor earlier this month. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.
[LISTEN]
Posted by Delaney Utterback at 8:56 AM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage
January 24, 2008
Anatomy of Forgiveness
January 24, 2008 4:17 PM
Five years have passed since 20 year old Lacy Miller was abducted and senselessly killed by a Ft. Collins man impersonating a police officer. Jason Clausen is serving life in prison for the crime. The incident shattered the lives of those involved but as KUNC's Brian Larson shares it also set in motion a story of forgiveness...
[LISTEN]
Posted by Delaney Utterback at 4:17 PM| Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Crime
January 23, 2008
Paper Ballots for Presidential Election
January 23, 2008 10:04 PM
Governor Bill Ritter said on Wednesday Colorado will hold an all paper ballot election in the 2008 general election. The decision comes about a month after the state decertified thousands of electronic voting machines for failing to pass security tests. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.
[LISTEN]
Posted by Delaney Utterback at 10:04 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage
Joel Salatin Lecture
January 23, 2008 6:31 PM
Considered one of the most innovative farmers in the nation for his holistic approach to farming and ranching, Joel Salatin runs Polyface Farm in Virginia. He'll present a lecture titled "Dancing With Dinner: The Dynamic of Healthy Food Chains," Thursday, January 24th. Noel Black spoke with Salatin about his "beyond organic" ranching techniques. [LISTEN]
Posted by Delaney Utterback at 6:31 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Agriculture/Ranching
January 21, 2008
House TV Online
January 21, 2008 9:24 PM
A new reality show in Colorado could soon fill the void left by the Hollywood writer's strike. It's sure to offer plenty of drama and heated debate but state lawmakers wonder if anyone will watch it. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.
[LISTEN]
Posted by Delaney Utterback at 9:24 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage
Capitol Conversations
January 21, 2008 5:06 AM
State lawmakers have introduced hundreds of bills since the annual legislative session began. Rocky Mountain Community Radio's Bente Birkeland talks about some of the lesser known ones with fellow statehouse reporters.
[LISTEN]
Posted by Delaney Utterback at 5:06 AM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage
January 18, 2008
BAC Opening
January 18, 2008 5:35 PM
The Business of Arts Center has a new director and a new show of marbled papers from around the world that opens tonight. Arts reporter Noel Black has more: [LISTEN].
Posted by Delaney Utterback at 5:35 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Arts & Culture
Colorado Masterpieces
January 18, 2008 10:58 AM
An important show of contemporary and historical Colorado art is on display at the newly reopened Carriage House Museum at the Broadmoor. Arts reporter Noel Black has this: [LISTEN].
Posted by Delaney Utterback at 10:58 AM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Arts & Culture
January 17, 2008
Voting Machine Bill Moves Forward
January 17, 2008 10:51 AM
Colorado lawmakers unanimously approved a bill on Thursday that would let the Secretary of State more quickly re-test decertified electronic voting machines. The legislature is planning to fast track the bill so counties can be ready to hold elections in time for the August primary. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.
[LISTEN]
Posted by Delaney Utterback at 10:51 AM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage
January 16, 2008
Uranium Mining
January 16, 2008 10:22 AM
Soaring uranium prices has energy companies eager to come prospecting in mineral rich Colorado. A pair of bills introduced in the state legislature yesterday aim to toughen the state's mining reclamation standards, in advance of an expected uranium boom in northern Colorado and on the western slope. The measures are drawing praise from conservationists, and scorn from industry. KUNC's Kirk Siegler has more.
[LISTEN]
Posted by Delaney Utterback at 10:22 AM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage
Dept. of Corrections Briefing
January 16, 2008 10:17 AM
The head of the Colorado Department of Corrections briefed state lawmakers on Wednesday that the number of mentally ill inmates in Colorado's prisons is soaring and the state needs more beds to house them. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.
[LISTEN]
Posted by Delaney Utterback at 10:17 AM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage
January 15, 2008
Voting Machines Legislation on Hold
January 15, 2008 7:05 PM
Lawmakers have pledged to fast track legislation aimed to make sure Colorado is ready for the 2008 presidential election now that counties can no longer use thousands of electronic voting machines because of security concerns. But a solution to deal with the problem is likely weeks away. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.
[LISTEN]
Posted by Eric Whitney at 7:05 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage , Colorado , Elections , Politics
Bruce's Kick Under Investigation
January 15, 2008 4:33 PM
State lawmakers have formed a committee to deal with a kicking incident on the House floor on Monday by Republican Representative Douglas Bruce. The Colorado Springs lawmaker is refusing to apologize to a Rocky Mountain News Photographer who took his picture during the morning prayer. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.
[LISTEN]
Posted by Eric Whitney at 4:33 PM| Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage , Colorado , Colorado Springs , El Paso County , Legal , Media , Politics
Capitol Conversations: 2008 Session Begins
January 15, 2008 9:14 AM
Colorado lawmakers came back to the capitol last week for the start of the state's annual legislative session. Governor Bill Ritter gave his state of the state speech Thursday. Rocky Mountain Community Radio's Bente Birkeland analyses the speech with fellow statehouse reporters.
Posted by Eric Whitney at 9:14 AM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage , Colorado , Politics
January 14, 2008
Greg Mortenson: International peace begins with education.
January 14, 2008 4:43 PM
In 1993, former army medic Greg Mortenson attempted to climb K2, the world's second-highest mountain, which is located on the China-Pakistan border. Mortenson didn't make it to the summit. Exhausted and disappointed, he got lost on his descent and stumbled into a Pakistani village, where locals generously nursed him back to health. When Mortenson saw schoolchildren there using sticks in the dirt for lessons, he found his calling: building schools in Pakistan and Afghanistan. This week Greg Mortenson will visit Colorado Springs to discuss his experiences working in the heart of Taliban country. KRCC's Michelle Mercer has the story.
[LISTEN]
Event information:
GREG MORTENSON AT CC
01.15.2008
GREG MORTENSON, AUTHOR OF THE NEW YORK TIMES BEST-SELLING BOOK THREE CUPS OF TEA, WILL DISCUSS HIS EXPERIENCES IN PAKISTAN AND AFGHANISTAN IN A FREE LECTURE TITLED "ONE MAN'S MISSION TO PROMOTE PEACE... ONE SCHOOL AT A TIME" AT COLORADO COLEGE ON TUESDAY, JANUARY 15TH. Sponsored by the UCCS Center for Homeland Security.
• INFO: 7 P.M., COLORADO COLLEGE, SHOVE MEMORIAL CHAPEL, 1010 N. NEVADA AVE., 389-6607.
Read an extended account at the Colorado Springs Independent: [HERE]
Posted by Delaney Utterback at 4:43 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Colorado , Education , Military , Politics , Poverty
Douglas Bruce Sworn In
January 14, 2008 4:35 PM
Colorado Springs Republican Representative Douglas Bruce took the oath of office on Monday after Republican lawmakers threatened to oust him if he didn't cooperate and get down to the business of the people. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.
[LISTEN]
Posted by Delaney Utterback at 4:35 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage
Ritter Reaction to State Address Criticism
January 14, 2008 10:11 AM
Governor Bill Ritter shot back at critics who say he failed to set a bold vision in his state of the state address Thursday. Ritter reiterated the need to go slow on health care reform and spend tax dollars wisely. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.
[LISTEN]
Posted by Delaney Utterback at 10:11 AM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage , Health
January 10, 2008
Healthcare Reform Scaled Back
January 10, 2008 10:13 AM
Governor Bill Ritter urged patience and discipline when it comes to healthcare reform during his state of the state address. KUNC's Kirk Siegler has more from Denver.
[LISTEN]
Posted by Delaney Utterback at 10:13 AM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage , Health
Voting Equipment Legislation Moving Forward
January 10, 2008 10:08 AM
Colorado's Secretary of State is asking lawmakers for more time to fix security problems with the state's electronic voting systems. He decertified thousands of the machines last month but says Colorado will need to use some of them for the 2008 election. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.
[LISTEN]
Posted by Delaney Utterback at 10:08 AM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage
State of the State
January 10, 2008 10:01 AM
Governor Bill Ritter highlighted what he called a revolutionary bi-partisan education proposal during his second state of the state address on Thursday. Republicans largely praised the nearly hour long speech saying the Governor took a less aggressive approach to fixing the state's key issues. Bente Birkeland reports from the capitol.
[LISTEN]
Posted by Delaney Utterback at 10:01 AM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage
January 9, 2008
Legislature Begins
January 9, 2008 9:16 PM
Lawmakers returned to the capitol on Wednesday for the start of the state's annual legislative session. They pledged to work together on education, healthcare reform, the economy and a host of other issues. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.
[LISTEN]
Posted by Delaney Utterback at 9:16 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage
Sheriff Seeks Help Finding Missing Woman
January 9, 2008 5:10 PM
The El Paso County Sheriff's department is asking for help locating a woman missing for nearly a month. Late last month the sheriff's office was asked to check on the welfare of 51-year-old Audrey Blake of 2345 Piros Drive in unincorporated El Paso County.
Blake was last seen was at the Greyhound Bus Station where she was dropped off by Yellow Cab on November 27th. Her bus ticket said she was going to Miami, Florida and was due to return December 11th. She has had no contact with any friends or family since November 27th.
Family and friends say Blake's lack of contact with family is unusual, and that she normally returns on the date she'll be home.
Audrey Ellen Blake is described as a white female, 51 years of age, with short white hair, hazel eyes, 5'9" tall, weighing approximately 200 pounds. A photo is available at KRCC.org.
The El Paso County Sheriff's Office is asking anyone with information about Blake's whereabouts to Detective Charles Kull at 719-520-7190.
Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:10 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Colorado , Colorado Springs , Crime , El Paso County , Regional , Transportation
Dems Introduce Roan Protection Bill
January 9, 2008 10:54 AM
Colorado's Democratic Congressmen Jon Salazar and Mark Udall will introduce a bill to protect additional wildlife areas on the western slope's Roan plateau from oil and gas drilling. It would also try to make sure the state gets it's fair share of royalties from the federal government for energy development. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.
LISTEN
Posted by Eric Whitney at 10:54 AM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Business , Capitol Coverage , Colorado , Energy , Environment , Politics , Regional
January 8, 2008
Colorado Muslims Reach Out to Activist Rabbi
January 8, 2008 6:04 PM
The largest community of Muslims in Colorado opened its doors to a Jewish rabbi this week, a man known for challenging the status quo of Arab-Israeli relations. Left wing Rabbi Michael Lerner of San Francisco addressed a standing room only crowd at the Colorado Muslim Society in Aurora, and said many Jews in the United States feel solidarity for Muslims in the post 9-11 world. Helen Gray was there.
Posted by Eric Whitney at 6:04 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Colorado , Denver , Politics , Religion
Legislative Healthcare Preview
January 8, 2008 11:50 AM
Nearly 800 thousand Coloradans don't have health insurance according to state figures. Lawmakers say getting more people covered will be a top priority when the legislature convenes Wednesday, January 8th, 2008. And a state commission plans to offer final recommendations on healthcare reform at the end of the month. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.
[LISTEN]
Posted by Delaney Utterback at 11:50 AM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage , Health
January 4, 2008
Voting Equipment Hearing
January 4, 2008 1:45 AM
Colorado lawmakers, county clerks, and voting activists all disagree on the best way to conduct this year's presidential election. The state decertified thousands of electronic voting machines for failing to pass security tests, leaving county clerks worried they won't be ready this fall. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.
[LISTEN]
Posted by Delaney Utterback at 1:45 AM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage
Homeland Security
January 4, 2008 1:41 AM
A new audit from the U.S. Homeland Security Department says Colorado mismanaged nearly 8 million dollars in grants it provided. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.
[LISTEN]
Posted by Delaney Utterback at 1:41 AM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage
