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June 2, 2008

GOP State Convention
June 2, 2008 11:53 AM

Former Massachusetts Governor Mit Romney's keynote address over the weekend at the state Republican Convention capped quite a week on Colorado's political scene... one that included visits from presidential hopefuls John McCain and Barack Obama.

Romney solidly captured Colorado during the February caucus before dropping out of the race. As KUNC's Kirk Siegler reports, Senator McCain still has some convincing to do amongst right leaning voters in Colorado, and GOP party activists.









Posted by Delaney Utterback at 11:53 AM| | Comments (0) | Posted to Politics

May 15, 2008

Personhood Amendment
May 15, 2008 12:13 PM

A citizen initiative that would define personhood as starting from the moment of fertilization is one step closer to getting on the state's election ballot this fall. Opponents say it'll be a contentious campaign issue because it could eventually ban abortions in Colorado. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.







Posted by Delaney Utterback at 12:13 PM| | Comments (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage , Children & Youth , Politics

May 4, 2008

Event: Video presentation from Sunshine Week with Ira Flatow: Closed Doors: Open Democracies?
May 4, 2008 1:11 PM


Ira FlatowClosed Doors: Open Democracies?
Saturday, May 10, 2008 from 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. The league of Women Voters of the Pikes Peak Region presents a video presention of a "Sunshine Week" national dialogue on open government and secrecy, moderated by NPR's Talk of the Nation host Ira Flatow.

Panel 1 focuses on National Issues, Panel 2 focuses on state and local issues. Executive Director of OMB Watch Gary Bass concludes with ideas on how to get involved.

It takes place in Room 219 Barnes Science Center, on the Colorado College Campus. Free, the public is welcome to attend - bring a friend!

Parking is available in the CC lot on the south side of Uintah just east of Cascade Avenue. Barnes is the brick building at the southeast corner of the circular quad just east of that Parking lot.

NOTE: This is a VIDEO presentation with IRA FLATOW. A notice in the CS Indy gave the impression that Mr. Flatow would appear in person, which is incorrect.

Posted by Delaney Utterback at 1:11 PM| | Comments (0) | Posted to Politics

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| | Comments (0) | Posted to Colorado , Health , Politics

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| | Comments (0) | Posted to Elections , Gay & Lesbian , Politics , Women's Issues

February 11, 2008

Mental Health Bills
February 11, 2008 4:27 PM

State lawmakers are considering at least 15 bills this session related to mental health. Many are written with an eye toward keeping mentally ill people out of emergency rooms, jails and prisons. KCFR Health Reporter Eric Whitney has more.








Posted by Delaney Utterback at 4:27 PM| | Comments (0) | Posted to Colorado , Health , Politics

January 30, 2008

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| | Comments (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage , Politics

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| | Comments (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| | Comments (1) | 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.

LISTEN

Posted by Eric Whitney at 9:14 AM| | Comments (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| | Comments (0) | Posted to Colorado , Education , Military , Politics , Poverty

January 9, 2008

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| | Comments (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.

LISTEN

Posted by Eric Whitney at 6:04 PM| | Comments (0) | Posted to Colorado , Denver , Politics , Religion

December 6, 2007

Local News Roundup, Thurs., Dec. 6, 2007
December 6, 2007 5:06 PM

Arrest in Soldier's Shooting Death

Workplace Deaths Rise Again

19 Illegal Immigrants Arrested on I-70

Frontier Cutting Staff

Dems Hire "Greening" Director for '08 Convention

[LISTEN]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:06 PM| | Comments (1) | Posted to Business/Labor , Colorado , Crime , Elections , Environment , Immigration , Politics , Regional

December 5, 2007

Local News Roundup, Wed., Dec. 5, 2007
December 5, 2007 5:41 PM

CU Settles Rape Lawsuits for $2.85 Million
Colorado Provisions Dropped From Federal Energy Bill
Greeley Goes Smokeless-less
Tancredo's Controversial New Campaign Ad

[LISTEN]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:41 PM| | Comments (0) | Posted to Business , Colorado , Education , Elections , Energy , Health , Immigration , Politics , Regional , Sports

December 4, 2007

Should Health Insurance Be Mandatory?
December 4, 2007 6:02 PM

We're continuing our look at some of the proposed Health Care reforms that could be enacted in the upcoming legislative session. This time, we'll hear about the so-called "individual mandate," that's where everyone in Colorado would be required to have health insurance, or face some kind of penalty, probably on their taxes. Ryan Warner of Colorado Public Radio talks the concept over with Len Nichols, Health policy director at the Washington, D.C. - based New America foundation, and Kelly Shanahan, policy director at the Colorado Consumer Health Initiative.

[LISTEN]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 6:02 PM| | Comments (0) | Posted to Business/Labor , Colorado , History , Interview , Politics , Regional

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| | Comments (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| | Comments (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| | Comments (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| | Comments (0) | Posted to Colorado Springs , Crime , Holiday , Legal Affairs , Military , Politics

November 20, 2007

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| | Comments (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| | Comments (0) | Posted to Business , Capitol Coverage , Colorado , Health , Politics

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| | Comments (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| | Comments (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 --> Continue reading "Defense Bill Sends $224 Million to Colorado" »

Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:38 PM| | Comments (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| | Comments (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| | Comments (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage , Colorado , Elections , Politics

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| | Comments (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage , Colorado , Politics , Prisons

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| | Comments (0) | Posted to Business/Labor , Capitol Coverage , Colorado , Colorado Springs , Politics

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| | Comments (0) | Posted to Business , Capitol Coverage , Colorado , Energy , Environment , Politics , Regional

October 30, 2007

Local News Roundup, Tue., Oct. 30, 2007
October 30, 2007 5:00 PM

State GOP Lawmakers Unveil Illegal Immigration Bills

Audit: Emergency Radio Network Remains Useless

State's Democratic Superdelegates Split

Springs Funeral Director Offered Plea Deal

Ritter: "New Energy Economy" Taking Root

[LISTEN]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:00 PM| | Comments (0) | Posted to Colorado , Colorado Springs , Environment , Immigration , Latino/a , Legal , Politics , Regional

October 25, 2007

State Supreme Court Hears Amendment 41 Case
October 25, 2007 5:27 PM

The Colorado State Supreme Court heard arguments Thursday on whether to block amendment 41, a voter approved ethics law that bans lobbyists from giving gifts to lawmakers. The constitutional amendment also sets strict limits on how much money Government workers and their families can receive. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.

[LISTEN]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:27 PM| | Comments (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage , Colorado , Elections , Legal Affairs , Politics

October 19, 2007

Bi-Partisan, Multi-State Plea for Federal Fire Danger Money
October 19, 2007 5:06 PM




Photo by: Don Goede

Despite a couple of local grassfires this week, and small flare-up in Manitou in September, Colorado has been relatively wildfire-free this year. The 14,000 total acres that burned here is about four times fewer acres than burned in New Mexico, and far smaller than the 615,000 acres that torched in Utah. But one good year doesn't mean fire danger has gone away. On Friday, Oct. 19, a bi-partisan group of Congressional reps and Senators sent a letter to the U.S. Forest Service urging full funding of hazardous fuels reduction projects in the Rocky Mountain Region. Colorado's delegation was joined by counterparts in Wyoming and South Dakota. Colorado College Student Jaimie Stevenson reports that locally, the Pike San Isabel National Forest is looking at a 12% cut in its fuels reduction budget from last year, and that fuels reduction projects probably didn't have much impact on the mild fire season this year.

[LISTEN]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:06 PM| | Comments (0) | Posted to Colorado , Environment , Forest Plans , Politics , Regional , Wildfires

Local News Round-Up for Fri., Oct. 19, 2007
October 19, 2007 5:04 PM




State Senator Ron May

Springs Senator Ron May Resigns - Bruce to Statehouse?

Accused Springs Cop Killer Asks for Venue Change

State Unemployment Rate Ticks Up Slightly

Bones From Pueblo Frontier Days Found in Vermont

Sewage Spill at Camp for Gas Workers

CU President Brown's "Ghetto" Comment Criticized

[LISTEN]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:04 PM| | Comments (0) | Posted to Business/Labor , Colorado , Colorado Springs , Crime , History , Legal , Native American , Politics , Pueblo

October 18, 2007

Local News Roundup Thurs., Oct. 18, 2007
October 18, 2007 5:42 PM

Colorado Delegation Splits on SCHIP Vote

States Top Oil and Gas Regulator Resigns

Greeley's Reputation Hurts Recruiting at UNC

Springs Woman Convicted of Perjury in Arson Deaths

[LISTEN]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:42 PM| | Comments (0) | Posted to Colorado , Crime , Education , Environment , Health , Legal , Politics

October 17, 2007

Local News Roundup for Wed., Oct. 17, 2007
October 17, 2007 6:06 PM




Photo courtesy of Colorado Environmental Coalition

Industry Says Roan Platau Gas Worth $1 Billion

Ranchers: Army Hardly Uses Pinon Canyon

2nd Bear Attack in Aspen

Teacher at Christian High School Arrested on Sex Charges

[LISTEN]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 6:06 PM| | Comments (0) | Posted to Agriculture/Ranching , Animal Rights/Wellfare , Business , Children & Youth , Colorado , Crime , Education , Energy , Environment , Ft. Carson , Military , Politics , Regional

Rep. Lamborn on SCHIP
October 17, 2007 4:59 PM

Thursday, Oct. 18 is showdown day in the U.S. House of Representatives. Thats when lawmakers will vote on whether to override President Bushs veto of the State Childrens Health Insurance Program, or S-CHIP. Democrats say they can beat the veto if they can find about 15 more Republicans to vote with them.

But they're not going to get Rep. Doug Lamborn to change his mind. [LISTEN]

For a brief overview of the SCHIP bill vetoed by President Bush CLICK HERE

To see an NPR poll reflects Republican divisions on SCHIP CLICK HERE

New Analysis Reveals Nearly Half of Increase in Uninsured Children in 2006 Occurred in Middle Income Families CLICK HERE

Posted by Eric Whitney at 4:59 PM| | Comments (0) | Posted to Children & Youth , Colorado , Colorado Springs , Health , Politics , Poverty

October 16, 2007

Republican Education Platform: Merit-Based Salary For Teachers
October 16, 2007 6:31 PM

Students in Colorado could no longer graduate from high school without speaking proficient English. Teachers would get paid based on how well they do their jobs. These are just a couple of the education proposals Republican lawmakers announced for the upcoming legislative session which starts in January. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.

[LISTEN]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 6:31 PM| | Comments (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage , Children & Youth , Colorado , Education , Politics

October 15, 2007

Doctors Fighting Weld County Uranium Mine
October 15, 2007 6:23 PM


Photo by: Power Resources, Inc.
An in-situ uranium mine similar to the one proposed
for Weld County.

Opponents of a proposed uranium mine north of Ft. Collins rallied at the state capitol Sunday. Four state lawmakers at the rally said they'll introduce a new bill to tighten regulations for uranium mines. Three are Democrats, one is a Republican, and Republican Congresswoman Marilyn Musgrave who represents the area has also expressed her opposition to the mine. In this story, KUNC's Kirk Siegler reports on efforts by doctors in the area to keep the mine from happening.

[LISTEN]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 6:23 PM| | Comments (0) | Posted to Business , Colorado , Energy , Environment , Health , Native American , Politics , Regional , Science

October 11, 2007

Republican Statehouse Rep Switches Parties
October 11, 2007 6:59 PM

A Republican state lawmaker switches parties. She made the announcement Wednesday. Top Democratic leaders said they didn't see it coming, neither did Republicans. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.

[LISTEN]


Posted by Eric Whitney at 6:59 PM| | Comments (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage , Colorado , Politics

Lawmakers Not Ready to Raise Severance Taxes Yet
October 11, 2007 6:44 PM

A state committee says Colorado should consider hiking taxes on oil and gas production. But some lawmakers say they're not ready to do that.

[LISTEN]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 6:44 PM| | Comments (0) | Posted to Business , Capitol Coverage , Colorado , Energy , Environment , Politics

Lamborn Appointed to House Armed Services Committee
October 11, 2007 6:21 PM

Congressman Doug Lamborn was given a coveted seat on the House Armed Services Committee. We reached him on his cell phone in Washington.

[LISTEN]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 6:21 PM| | Comments (0) | Posted to Colorado , Military , Politics , Regional

October 9, 2007

$850,000 for Capitol Sercurity
October 9, 2007 5:44 PM

State lawmakers voted Tuesday to spend 850 thousand dollars to beef up security at the capitol in the wake of a deadly shooting last July. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.

[LISTEN]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:44 PM| | Comments (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage , Crime , Denver , Politics

October 8, 2007

Local News Round-Up for October 8, 2007
October 8, 2007 5:08 PM

Affordable Housing Scarce in Colorado Springs, Pueblo
(For more details, click HERE)

Salazar Talks Expansion at Pinon Canyon, Buckley

Search Scaled Back for Calhan Man at Lake Powell

Pilot Killed in Air Ambulance Crash Was Experienced, Safe

[LISTEN]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:08 PM| | Comments (0) | Posted to Colorado Springs , Environment , Politics , Pueblo , Regional , Utilities

October 4, 2007

Tom Tancredo's First Political Campaign
October 4, 2007 5:01 PM

Colorado Congressman Tom Tancredo broke into politics back in 1976, he's now running for president. As part of NPR's series on the presidential candidates' first political campaigns, Denver-based reporter Jeff Brady looks back on Tancredo's '76 campaign.

[LISTEN]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:01 PM| | Comments (1) | Posted to Colorado , Elections , Immigration , Politics

October 2, 2007

Sen. Salazar Will Talk Military and Water Storage in Springs On Saturday
October 2, 2007 5:48 PM

EVENT 1: Meeting on Military Issues Affecting the Pikes Peak Region, 11:00 AM MST, Saturday, October 6, 2007 at the Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce, 2 North Cascade Avenue, Chamber Conference Room, Colorado Springs, CO

EVENT 2: Meeting on Water Storage Issues, 12:30 PM MST, at the Worner Campus Center, room 213, Colorado College, Colorado Springs (NW corner of Cache La Poudre and Cascade)

[LISTEN]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:48 PM| | Comments (0) | Posted to Agriculture/Ranching , Environment , Ft. Carson , Military , Politics , Regional , Visiting CC

October 1, 2007

First Openly Gay Male Lawmaker Sworn In
October 1, 2007 5:09 PM


photo courtesy 365gay.com

The first openly gay male state lawmaker in Colorado was sworn into office today. He fills a vacancy left by a resigning Democratic state representative from Denver. Bente Birkeland reports from the capitol.

[LISTEN]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:09 PM| | Comments (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage , Colorado , Gay & Lesbian , Politics

Governor Appoints First Ever Climate Advisor
October 1, 2007 4:58 PM

A recent poll conducted by environmental groups says more than half of Coloradans want their government to do something to help stop global warming. Governor Bill Ritter has identified global warming as a top priority, and appointed the state's first ever climate advisor. And state officials are now creating a statewide climate change action plan. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.

[LISTEN]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 4:58 PM| | Comments (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage , Colorado , Environment , Politics

September 26, 2007

Local News Roundup, Wed., Sept. 26, 2007
September 26, 2007 4:55 PM

Paccione Drops Out of 4th CD Race

Private Developer to Build Housing on Petersen, Schreiver

Murder-Suicide in Fremont County

Cotopaxi Man Missing

Arapahoe, Douglas Counties Plan $20 Billion for Water by 2020

Boulder to Hire Urban Wildlife Coordinator

[LISTEN]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 4:55 PM| | Comments (0) | Posted to Animal Rights/Wellfare , Colorado , Colorado Springs , Crime , Environment , Military , Politics , Regional ,