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April 29, 2008
Legislative Session Health Care Reform
April 29, 2008 4:03 PM
With the end of this year's legislative session just over a week away, lawmakers are scrambling to pass a bill many say is crucial to moving health care reform forward. It could open the door to requiring all Coloradoans to buy health insurance. But KCFR Health Reporter Eric Whitney says that the bill is being attacked on multiple fronts.
Posted by Delaney Utterback at 4:03 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Colorado , Health , Politics
Capitol Conversation
April 29, 2008 2:46 PM
It's nearing the end of the state's 120 day legislative session. There's still a lot of work to do and patience at the capitol is wearing thin. Bente Birkeland talks about the mood there as part of our capitol conversation series.
Posted by Delaney Utterback at 2:46 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage
April 25, 2008
Indie Spirit Film Festival
April 25, 2008 3:44 PM
Being independent isn't always easy. Eric Shively, a first time independent filmmaker, captured the subtle joys and deep lonliness that comes with trying to fulfill your dreams on your own. Shively's film "Everyone but You," is the opening night feature for the first Annual Indie Spirit Film Festival here is Colorado Spring. KRCC's Kate Dawson met up with Shiveley and the costars of his documentary.
Posted by Delaney Utterback at 3:44 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Colorado Springs
Beetle Biomass
April 25, 2008 8:38 AM
Forestry officials believe the mountain pine beetle will kill virtually all of Colorado's mature lodge pole pine trees within the next 3 to 5 years. That will leave millions of acres of forestland vulnerable to wildfire. As KUNC's Brian Larson reports, cutting down the trees is an option to reduce the fire risk--and one that could spur a new state industry...
Posted by Delaney Utterback at 8:38 AM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Environment , Forest Plans
Farm Worker Measure Moves Forward
April 25, 2008 8:28 AM
Lawmakers in the senate agriculture committee unanimously passed a bill that would make it easier for seasonal workers to come to Colorado. The measure now heads to the senate appropriations committee. It already cleared the House. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.
Posted by Delaney Utterback at 8:28 AM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Agriculture/Ranching , Immigration
April 23, 2008
Mary Cheney and Elizabeth Cheney at CC
April 23, 2008 9:26 PM
Mary Cheney and Elizabeth Cheney, daughters of U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney and both graduates of Colorado College, worked in the Bush-Cheney campaigns of 2000 and 2004. Mary was special assistant in the campaign in 2000 and director of vice presidential operations in 2004. Liz managed vice presidential debate preparation and was a national Bush-Cheney surrogate in 2000 and 2004. They'll be on campus to deliver a lecture about their experience in politics on Wednesday night. Noel Black spoke with Mary Cheney.
Posted by Delaney Utterback at 9:26 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Elections , Gay & Lesbian , Politics , Women's Issues
Health Insurance Rate Regulation
April 23, 2008 8:40 PM
Colorado has some of the highest health insurance premiums in the country. A bill making its way through the legislature would require the state to approve rate increases before they could take effect. About 20 states have similar regulations, but the measure faces opposition from the insurance industry. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.
Posted by Delaney Utterback at 8:40 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage
April 22, 2008
Climate Change Laws
April 22, 2008 8:55 PM
Governor Bill Ritter signed a package of climate change executive orders on Tuesday to mark the celebration of Earth Day. He says it's part of a larger state effort to address climate change. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.
Posted by Delaney Utterback at 8:55 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage , Environment
April 21, 2008
Foreclosure Prevention Week
April 21, 2008 9:41 PM
Colorado is beefing up efforts to target communities with high foreclosure rates. The Governor has designated it Foreclosure Prevention Awareness Week. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.
Posted by Delaney Utterback at 9:41 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage
Capitol Conversation
April 21, 2008 9:38 PM
The final weeks of the legislative session could bring one of the biggest battles we've seen all year. The measure is the brainchild of Democratic Speaker of the House Andrew Romanoff, who is term limited. It attempts to untangle conflicts in the state constitution. And while some Republicans have spoken up in support of it. It's not clear whether he has enough votes to pass it. Bente Birkeland discusses his proposal as part of our capitol conversation series.
Posted by Delaney Utterback at 9:38 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage
ACTs Bump CSAP in Governor's Education Plan
April 21, 2008 9:35 PM
The state's school assessment tests known as the CSAP could be fazed out of Colorado high schools starting as early as next school year under a measure that initially passed the senate on Thursday. It's part of a larger school reform bill that the Governor is pushing, but it's not clear IF he supports the latest change. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.
Posted by Delaney Utterback at 9:35 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage
New Child Welfare Committee
April 21, 2008 9:06 PM
Governor Bill Ritter signed an executive order on Wednesday that could lead to an overhaul of the state's child welfare system. The Governor says the system has failed to protect neglected and abused children. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.
Posted by Delaney Utterback at 9:06 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage
April 18, 2008
Red Note Jazz Fest
April 18, 2008 4:11 PM
This weekend the Smokebrush Foundation for the Arts is hosting the Red Note Jazz and Wine fest in its third year in Colorado Springs. KRCC’s Michelle Mercer takes us inside the opening night of the festival, and tells us what listeners can expect to hear tonight and Saturday.
Posted by Delaney Utterback at 4:11 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Arts & Culture
April 16, 2008
Governor's Campaign Violates Campaign Finance Laws
April 16, 2008 2:40 PM
Governor Bill Ritter released documents on Tuesday that show his campaign violated campaign finance laws last year. The Secretary of State, the Denver District Attorney and Colorado's Attorney General are now reviewing the documents-- but haven't decided whether to press charges. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.
Posted by Delaney Utterback at 2:40 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage
April 15, 2008
Fire Update from NPR's Jeff Brady
April 15, 2008 6:21 PM
Wildfires in Colorado have forced the evacuation of a small town and closed sections of three highways. From Denver, NPR's Jeff Brady reports.
Posted by Delaney Utterback at 6:21 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Colorado
BREAKING: KKTV Reports Highway 115 Wildfire
April 15, 2008 5:05 PM
From www.kktv.com...
Highway 115, Gate 1 and Gate 5 have been closed due to a wildfire spreading fast on Fort Carson.
About 1,000 acres have become engulfed and the fire is spreading fast.
Fort Carson residents with respiratory problems are being asked to voluntarily evacuate. Turkey Creek Ranch was completely evacuated around 3 p.m. due to the spreading fire. Residents from Barrett Road south are receiving emergency notification for voluntary evacuation.
The Fort Carson Fire Department has set up a unified command with the county to battle the flames. Colorado Springs Fire Department has sent two engines and two brush trucks.
Fire officials also say 50 firefighters are on the ground. Two large air tankers were sent to the scene but due to high winds will be unable to fly over the fire.
Fire officials say high winds, heat and dry ground are fueling the fire.
No structures are in danger at this time.
Please visit KKTV for updates: [LINK]
Posted by Delaney Utterback at 5:05 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Colorado
BREAKING: KKTV Reports Ordway Evacuation
April 15, 2008 5:03 PM
From www.kktv.com...
The entire town of Ordway has been evacuated due to a fast-spreading fire.
Highways 96 and Highway 71 have been closed in and around Ordway.
At least two structures are on fire and a commercial building is also on fire.
The superintendent of schools tells KKTV that 520 children are being bused out of town to safety to Sugar City. Parents should go to the Sugar City middle school to pick up their children.
There are a few shelters for residents to go to:
-Rocky Ford Fairgrounds Expo
-Gobin building,
-Rocky Ford High School
-The Mennonite church
Please visit KKTV for recent updates. [LINK]
Posted by Delaney Utterback at 5:03 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Colorado
Building a Better Atomic Clock
April 15, 2008 4:40 PM
The World's Most Accurate Clock . . . won't fit on your wristwatch, but it will be accurate to within 1 second every 200 million years. It's a CU Boulder creation. Shelley Schlender reports....
Posted by Delaney Utterback at 4:40 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Education , Science
Solar in Colorado
April 15, 2008 4:30 PM
Promoting the use of renewable energy has been a cornerstone of Governor Bill Ritter's administration since taking office last year. But the state was already heading in that direction. Colorado became the first in the nation to pass a voter driven statewide renewable energy requirement in 2004--and the legislature has since doubled its requirement. Bente Birkeland examines the state's solar energy industry. How far it's come and the challenges it still faces.
Posted by Delaney Utterback at 4:30 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage
Sunday Liquor Sales
April 15, 2008 4:26 PM
Starting in July, Coloradans will be able to buy alcohol on Sunday thanks to a bill signed by Governor Bill Ritter on Monday. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.
Posted by Delaney Utterback at 4:26 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage
CU Depression Center
April 15, 2008 4:09 PM
The University of Colorado's medical school got a $3 million gift, Monday, April 14th. It's to establish a center for the study and treatment of depression. KCFR Health Reporter Eric Whitney has more.
Posted by Delaney Utterback at 4:09 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Colorado , Health
April 11, 2008
Capitol Conversation
April 11, 2008 6:11 PM
Education, healthcare, transportation. You might call these the bread and butter issues at the capitol. You can pretty much guarantee they'll take up a large chunk of debate, they always need money, and there's never enough to go around. Bente Birkeland talks about what's happening with healthcare and transportation as part of our weekly capitol conversation serious.
Posted by Delaney Utterback at 6:11 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage
Boxatron
April 11, 2008 5:37 PM
Photo: Noel BlackAs you walk downtown this spring you may have accompaniment from musicians playing guitars, saxophones, or harmonicas. But keep your ears open for a slightly different sound. Noel Black interviewed Logan while he played his portable instrument of choice, a cigar box banjo or as he likes to call it, his boxatron. Kate Dawson produced this piece for KRCC.
The interview with Logan and his Boxatron was by Noel Black and produced by Kate Dawson.
Posted by Delaney Utterback at 5:37 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Colorado Springs
Aaron Anstett: Pikes Peak Region's first poet laureate
April 11, 2008 4:51 PM
The Pikes Peak Region's first poet laureate will be crowned this Saturday and his name is Aaron Anstett. The author of Sustenance, No Accident, and Each Place the Body's, Anstett is a graduate of the prestigioius Iowa Writer's Workshop and calls Colorado Springs home. Arts Reporter Noel Black spoke with him to find out just what a poet laureate does.
Posted by Delaney Utterback at 4:51 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Arts & Culture , Colorado Springs
April 9, 2008
Water Supply
April 9, 2008 7:20 PM
Housing developers would be required to show cities they have enough water for the homes they build under a bill that initially cleared the house on Wednesday. The measure still faces opposition from several Republicans and homebuilders. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.
Posted by Delaney Utterback at 7:20 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage
Purple Heart
April 9, 2008 7:10 PM
Purple heart veterans will not get free college tuition in Colorado. A bill that would've done so failed in the house appropriations committee on Wednesday. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.
Posted by Delaney Utterback at 7:10 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage
Daniel Johnston Culture Cast Sessions
April 9, 2008 1:56 PM
Daniel Johnston at KRCC
with Suddenly... the Sidewalk host, Mothy
The Springs Culture Cast captured these recordings of Daniel Johnston at his recent KRCC/Smokemuse show at the Smokebrush.
Part One:
Part Two:
Part Three:
Posted by Delaney Utterback at 1:56 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to KRCC Programs
'Tis the Season for the F-Word...
April 9, 2008 11:26 AM
A bountiful winter will likely lead to a record-setting season for Colorado's ski industry. But as KUNC's Brian Larson reports, copious amounts of snow in the high-country have some in the state starting to utter the f-word...
Posted by Delaney Utterback at 11:26 AM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Colorado , Environment
El Paso County Health Dept at Breaking Point
April 9, 2008 5:04 AM
The health department in Colorado's most populous county is "at the breaking point."
El Paso County's top health official says more people are getting sick in Colorado Springs and the surrounding area because her department is dangerously underfunded. KCFR Health Reporter Eric Whitney has more.
Posted by Delaney Utterback at 5:04 AM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Health
April 8, 2008
DNC Briefing
April 8, 2008 7:01 PM
Organizers of this summer's Democratic National Convention in Denver say planning and logistics have not been stymied by the still undecided race between senators Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. But they say a resolution must come soon. From station KUNC, Kirk Siegler explains.
Posted by Delaney Utterback at 7:01 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage
Affordable Textbooks Signed into Law
April 8, 2008 6:59 PM
Governor Bill Ritter signed a new law on Tuesday aimed at making college textbooks more affordable. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.
Posted by Delaney Utterback at 6:59 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage
State of the Rockies: Woody Beardsley
April 8, 2008 10:59 AM
This week Colorado College is hosting workshops, films, and speakers for their annual State of the Rockies Conference. KRCC's Kate Dawson spoke with Woody Beardsley about his thoughts on renewable energy use in the Rockies region. Beardsley will speak tonight at CC's McHugh Commons.
Woody Beardsley, President of the Hybrid Energy Group, will speak at the State of the Rockies Conference tonight at 7:30 at Colorado College. His discussion is called "Colorado's New Energy Economy, Perspectives From the Field"
UPDATE: Download the lecture [here], or listen...
Lecture: State of the Rockies: Woody Beardsley: "Colorado's New Energy Economy, Perspective From the Field"
Woody Beardsley, president and CEO of the Hybrid Energy Group (HEG) in Denver, will speak about a segment of the clean energy sector that invites small capital investment. HEG implements a flexible investment strategy that focuses on small wind, solar and biodiesel companies that may not be attractive to institutional investors, investment banks and large private equity funds, who tend to be more comfortable with the risks and returns of large-scale renewable energy investments.
7:30 p.m., Jerome P. McHugh Student Commons, above the Herb 'n' Farm Café; in the Western Ridge Housing Complex, 1090 N. Cascade Ave., free
Posted by Delaney Utterback at 10:59 AM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Colorado
April 7, 2008
School Finance Act
April 7, 2008 6:56 PM
Democrats at the state capitol say this year's school finance act should help level the playing field between students of different races and economic backgrounds. The annual school-funding bill would put more money into full day kindergarten and add new slots for pre-school programs for at risk kids. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.
Posted by Delaney Utterback at 6:56 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage
Mark Udall Space Tech Field Hearing
April 7, 2008 5:45 PM
Congressman Mark Udall was in Colorado Springs to sit on a field hearing panel about how space technologies can help Coloradans deal with problems from Bark Beetles to Forest Fires and National Security. Noel Black spoke with Udall about the importance of these technologies, his stance on Pinon Canon, the war and his run for US Senate.
Posted by Delaney Utterback at 5:45 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Colorado
State of the Rockies: Gale Norton
April 7, 2008 5:32 PM
From 2000 to 2006, Gale Norton was Secretary of the Interior under George Bush. Tonight she will deliver a keynote lecture as part of the 2008 State of the Rockies Conference. Noel Black spoke with Norton about cooperative conservation and her views on the environment.
Speaking Tonight: 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM - 2008 Rockie's Keynote Speaker: Ms. Gale Norton, Fmr. Secretary of the Interior, addressing Rockies resource management issues. Free. Armstrong Theater, 14 East Cache la Poudre. 227-8145
UPDATE: Listen to Gale Norton's Talk [right/option-click to download], or listen...
Posted by Delaney Utterback at 5:32 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Environment
April 4, 2008
Capitol Conversation
April 4, 2008 6:45 PM
The state's 66th legislative session is about three quarters of the way finished, and some of the bigger issues dealing with the energy industry are just now getting started. Bente Birkeland discusses what's on the radar as part of our capitol conversation series.
Posted by Delaney Utterback at 6:45 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage
What is the State of the Rockies?
April 4, 2008 12:02 PM
Colorado College's State of the Rockies Conference begins this Sunday, April 6. Each year, the conference examines critical issues facing the Rocky Mountain West from Montana to Arizona. This year, the conference itself will focus on how these broader issues affect the Colorado Springs area. Noel Black spoke with State of the Rockies Program Coordinator Chris Jackson about conference and the many events open to the public on Sunday and Monday.
[ STATE OF THE ROCKIES WEBSITE ]
Posted by Delaney Utterback at 12:02 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Education
Denver TV for Southwest Colorado
April 4, 2008 10:45 AM
Residents of southwestern Colorado have long been fed up that they're blocked from receiving Denver television. And on Thursday state lawmakers in the House passed a resolution to pressure the U.S congress to finally do something about it. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.
Posted by Delaney Utterback at 10:45 AM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage
Federal Mineral Lease Bill Introduced
April 4, 2008 10:41 AM
A bi-partisan group of state lawmakers introduced a bill on Thursday that would set aside money from federal energy leases for higher education construction projects. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.
Posted by Delaney Utterback at 10:41 AM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage
April 2, 2008
Former US Poet Laureate Billy Collins at CC
April 2, 2008 3:44 PM
Former US Poet Laureate Billy Collins is one of America's most beloved poets. He is the author of "The Trouble With Poetry," "Sailing Alone Around the Room," "Nine Horses" and several other books. He'll be reading at Shove Chapel on Thursday night. KRCC Arts Reporter Noel Black spoke with him.
[ MORE INFO ]
Thursday, April 3, 2008 at 7:00 p.m.
Lecture: Billy Collins: Former U.S. Poet Laureate
The U.S. Poet Laureate from 2001-2003, Billy Collins is one of America's most beloved poets. He is the author of "The Trouble With Poetry," "Sailing Alone Around the Room," "Nine Horses" and several other books. He won Best American Poetry twice; once in 1992 and again in 1993. He also won the Bess Hokin award in 1992. Collins, a current teacher at Lehman College, was born in New York City. Sponsored by the Demarest Lloyd Lecture Fund, the Colorado College Visiting Writers Series and the CC dean's office.
Location: Shove Memorial Chapel, 1010 N. Nevada Ave. (map)
Tickets: free
This event is open to the general public. 389-6607.
Posted by Delaney Utterback at 3:44 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Literature
New Jobs Cabinet
April 2, 2008 3:29 PM
Governor Bill Ritter formally convened the state's first ever jobs cabinet on Tuesday. The 40 member cabinet brings together experts in government; education and the business sector to find ways of better preparing workers for the next generation of jobs. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.
Posted by Delaney Utterback at 3:29 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage
April 1, 2008
New Oil and Gas Rules
April 1, 2008 3:27 PM
A proposal that would require Colorado to regulate oil and gas drilling for environmental and health impacts received its first public viewing on Monday. Environmental groups say the draft rules don't go far enough, while the energy industry feels they go too far. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.
Posted by Delaney Utterback at 3:27 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage