Posted by Eric Whitney at 6:18 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Denver , Environment , Health , Military , Politics , Pueblo , Religion , Science

September 13, 2007

Rep. DeGette Introduces Colorado Wilderness Bill
September 13, 2007 5:18 PM

A Democratic Congresswoman from Denver wants to designate more than a million and half acres of federal land in Colorado as wilderness. That would mean no energy development on the Roan Plateau. It's virtually the same legislation she's brought before congress since 1999. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.

[LISTEN]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:18 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage , Colorado , Energy , Environment , Politics

Local News Round-Up for September 13, 2007
September 13, 2007 5:08 PM

Inmate Attacks Limon Prison Supervisor

New GOP Senate Candidate Announces

Tancredo to Get Federal Matching Funds for Campaign

State Supreme Court OKs Lawsuit Against Denver Archdiocese

[LISTEN]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:08 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage , Colorado , Crime , Elections , Legal , Politics , Prisons , Religion

September 12, 2007

Denver Lawmaker Asks For State Money For City Schools
September 12, 2007 5:07 PM

A Democratic lawmaker from Denver wants to take part of the money slated to shore up the state education fund and use it for Denver Public Schools. The extra money would come from the Governor's controversial proposal that freezes local property tax rates. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.

[LISTEN]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:07 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage , Denver , Education , Politics

September 11, 2007

Peace Activists Mark 9/11 With Protests
September 11, 2007 6:48 PM

Peace activists in Colorado Springs commemorate September 11 by staking out a major city intersection close to local offices of international military contractors. Both the demonstrators' behavior and officials' response were peaceful.

[LISTEN]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 6:48 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Colorado Springs , Memorial , Politics

Local News Round-Up for September 11, 2007
September 11, 2007 5:25 PM

Union Sues Over ICE Meatpacking Raids

State Health Panel Suggests Massachusetts-Style Plan

Economist Sees Tough 2008 for Colorado

[LISTEN]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:25 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Colorado , Health , Immigration , Legal , Politics

September 10, 2007

IRS Clears Dobson of Illegal Political Influence
September 10, 2007 6:38 PM

The IRS has cleared James Dobson of illegally using Focus on the Family to influence elections.

In 2004, two political watchdog groups filed complaints against Dobson, saying he used Focus to encourage followers to support Republican candidates. As a tax-exempt non-profit group, Focus on the Family is prohibited from trying to influence elections. An IRS audit says Dobson spoke as an individual and not for Focus, and therefore broke no rules. On his nationally-broadcast radio program, Dobson called the complaints attempts to intimidate religious leaders by Barry Lynn, head of Americans United for the Separation of Church and State.

[LISTEN]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 6:38 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Colorado Springs , Legal , Politics , Religion

Analysis: Ranchers the Big Winners in Senate Pinon Canyon Vote
September 10, 2007 6:11 PM

A couple of veteran Colorado political analysts agree last week represented a major victory for the ranchers opposing expansion at the Army's Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site. We talked to Bob Loevy, a political science professor at Colorado College and Cara DeGette, columnist for the Colorado Springs Independent and ColoradoConfidential.com.

[LISTEN]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 6:11 PM| Permalink | Comments (2) | Posted to Agriculture/Ranching , Business , Environment , Ft. Carson , Military , Politics

September 7, 2007

Colorado Republicans Move Up Caucus
September 7, 2007 5:04 PM

The state's Republican party has voted to move it's caucuses to February 5th this year. More than 20 states will hold their primaries and caucuses that day. The state's Democratic party is also caucusing then. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.

[LISTEN]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:04 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage , Colorado , Elections , Politics

September 6, 2007

Local News Roundup- Sept. 6, 2007
September 6, 2007 5:09 PM

Salazar Amendment Stalling Pinon Canyon Expansion Passes Senate

Feds Close Roads on Roan Plateau

Hunter Busted for Baiting Bear

Mountain Lion Kills Tiny Horse

Kelsey Grammer Fighting Parole for Sister's Killer

DIA Needs More Snow Stuff

[LISTEN]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:09 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Animal Rights/Wellfare , Colorado , Crime , Denver , Military , Politics

September 5, 2007

BREAKING NEWS: Senate Passes Salazar Amendment
September 5, 2007 5:53 PM

On Thursday the Senate approved a military spending bill that includes an amendment to stop for one year all progress towards expanding the Army's Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site between Trinidad and La Junta. The amendment mirrors one passed in the U.S. House in June, which blocks all funding for studies related to expansion of the 235,000 acre training area. The Army says it needs 415,000 acres added to the site to meet future training needs.

The amendement itself narrowly passed, on a 47-45 vote.

[LISTEN]

The bill the Senate passed now goes to a conference committee to reconcile it with a very similar bill passed by the House. The bill that comes out of that committee will then go to President Bush. Sen. Salazar said today (Thurs., 9/6/07) that he expects President Bush to sign the bill into law.

Senator Allard voted against the amendment, but for the larger bill. He has also been appointed to the conference committee to reconcile the bill with the House.

To listen to Senator Salazar's press conference discussing the vote (13 minutes) [CLICK HERE]

Listen for our radio Coverage tonight at 5:30.

Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:53 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Agriculture/Ranching , Business , Colorado , Colorado Springs , Ft. Carson , Military , Politics , Regional

August 31, 2007

Locals Serving in Iraq: Captain Josh Silver
August 31, 2007 5:21 PM

Earlier this week, we brought you an interview from Iraq with Colorado Springs resident Susan Pardo. Pardo is a lieutenant colonel in the Air Force in Iraq for six months helping the Iraqi government set up a data network.

Today, we talk with Army Captain Josh Silver, a reservist who works for a local defense contractor. The Army sent him to Iraq in May. We hope to give listeners a little insight into the lives of local people who are sent to war.

[LISTEN]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:21 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Colorado Springs , Military , Politics

August 28, 2007

Local News Round-Up, Aug. 27, 2007
August 28, 2007 3:05 PM

A freshman at the University of Colorado's Boulder campus is recovering following surgery after he was slashed in the throat by a man school officials called incoherent.

A Fort Carson soldier is behind bars and another man is in critical condition after a weekend shooting in Colorado Springs. Police say 23-year-old Private First Class Matthew Kyle Moore was arrested Saturday evening, a few hours after he allegedly shot Leo Garcia twice in the chest.

Congressman Doug Lamborn doesn't want to talk about the 2008 election. In an interview with the Canon Daily Record Newspaper in Canon City, 5th District Rep. Lamborn said he's "busy concentrating (his) efforts on serving" his constituents and hasn't even officially declared as a candidate for a year from November. "At this point, I'm not concerned about any potential candidate," Lamborn said.

[CU LISTEN]
[CS SHOOTING LISTEN]
[LAMBORN LISTEN]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 3:05 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Children & Youth , Colorado , Colorado Springs , Crime , Education , Elections , Ft. Carson , Military , Politics

The Cost of Universal Coverage in Colorado
August 28, 2007 2:50 PM

Everyone in Colorado would be required to get health insurance under a preliminary proposal from the state healthcare reform commission. It's one of several plans the commission is examining before it issues a final recommendation this fall. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.

[LISTEN]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 2:50 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage , Colorado , Health , Politics

August 24, 2007

Mistrial Declared for St. Paddy's Day 7
August 24, 2007 6:29 PM

After deliberating for about two-and-a-half hours a jury in Colorado Springs municipal court said they had differences that weren't going to be resolved. City Judge Robert Warren then declared a mistrial. It's now up to the city whether to re-file charges and bring the case again. Scott Patlin, the lead prosecutor for the city at the trial says he expects the city will re-file. The mistrial came after a day and a half of testimony and arguments in the city's case against seven people it says intentionally obstructed the St. Patrick's day parade last March.

[LISTEN]

Read More --> Continue reading "Mistrial Declared for St. Paddy's Day 7" »

Posted by Eric Whitney at 6:29 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Colorado Springs , Crime , Holiday , Legal , Military , Politics

Local News Round-up, Aug. 24
August 24, 2007 12:05 PM

Bill for universal health insurance in Colorado: $26 billion.

Pueblo County Commissioner resigns for job with John Salazar.

Copper wire thieves cost the Colorado Springs Utilities $658,000.

Power consumption in Colorado Springs sets new record, again.

Klansman to be sentenced in case Springs man helped re-open.

Marilyn Musgrave asks feds for more time to comment on a proposed uranium mine in Weld County.

Feds take control of the state's eighth-largest credit union.

[LISTEN]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 12:05 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Business , Capitol Coverage , Colorado , Crime , El Paso County , Energy , Environment , Health , Legal , Politics , Pueblo , Regional , Utilities

August 23, 2007

St. Paddy's Day 7 Trial Begins
August 23, 2007 6:42 PM

The City of Colorado Springs called 13 witnesses in municipal court Thursday to try and prove that seven people deliberately obstructed the St. Patrick's Day Parade in the city last March. The defense says that's simply not true. The City says it was just trying to maintain public safety, the defendants say their first amendment rights were stepped on.

The trial continues Friday, two more witnesses are scheduled to testify before closing arguments. It will then be up to a jury of four women and two men to decide the guilt or innocence of the so-called St. Paddy's Day 7.

Read More --> Continue reading "St. Paddy's Day 7 Trial Begins" »

Posted by Eric Whitney at 6:42 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Colorado Springs , Crime , Legal , Military , Politics

August 22, 2007

Gov. Ritter Talks Bridges and Roan Plateau
August 22, 2007 6:13 PM

Once a month we bring listeners an extended interview with Governor Bill Ritter, courtesy of KCFR - Colorado Public Radio in Denver.

This month Gov. Ritter talks about Colorado's response to the Minnneapolis highway bridge collapse, and winning more time to comment on federal plans for drilling for natural gas on the Roan Plateau in western Colorado.

[LISTEN]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 6:13 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage , Colorado , Energy , Politics

Energy Tax Reforms Sought
August 22, 2007 10:45 AM

When it comes to offsetting the impacts of energy development in Colorado, places near coal mines are getting shortchanged compared to communities that are home to a lot of oil and gas workers. That's according to a new state audit of severance tax money earmarked to offset negative energy impacts. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.

[LISTEN]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 10:45 AM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Business/Labor , Capitol Coverage , Colorado , Energy , Politics , Regional

August 20, 2007

Colorado News Round-up, Aug. 20, 2007
August 20, 2007 6:20 PM

The number of Court-approved wiretaps are rising dramatically in Colorado, resulting in more drug arrests but raising privacy concerns.

Forest Service contractors have begun thinning stands of ponderosa pine in a 200-acre tract of the Rio Grande National Forest to reduce fire danger and improve big-game habitat.

Tom Tancredo says the parents of the New Jersey schoolyard slaying victims should sue the city for negligence.

No institution of higher learning in Colorado has made the Princeton Review's annual list of top 10 party schools for 2008, but the U.S. Air Force Academy ranks number 7 on it's list of schools that are, "stone, cold sober."
[LISTEN]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 6:20 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Colorado , Crime , Drug Use , Elections , Environment , Forest Plans , Immigration , Latino/a , Legal Affairs , Politics , Regional

August 10, 2007

Giuliani Visits Colorado Springs
August 10, 2007 6:28 PM

Former NYC mayor and current Republican candidate for president Rudolph Giuliani is in town for a private fundraiser at The Broadmoor. Earlier today, he dropped in on a downtown restaurant for a meet and greet with the public. Colorado College student and KRCC News Intern Johanna Kasimow talked to some of the people who attended.

[LISTEN]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 6:28 PM| Permalink | Comments (1) | Posted to Colorado Springs , Elections , Politics

August 9, 2007

PeaceJam May Be Up for Nobel Prize
August 9, 2007 4:53 PM

Governor Bill Ritter says the Denver-area based PeaceJam festival is being considered for a Nobel Peace Prize. Ritter announced this afternoon that six Nobel Prize laureates have nominated the group, founded by Dawn Engle and Ivan Suvanjiff.

[LISTEN]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 4:53 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Arts & Culture , Colorado , Denver , Entertainment , Indoor/Outdoor Recreation , Politics

Ritter Urges New Ozone Action Plan
August 9, 2007 4:16 PM

State scientists say parts of Colorado will violate federal ozone standards this year. Governor Bill Ritter is urging a regional air quality council to craft a new plan to address the problem. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.

[LISTEN]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 4:16 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage , Colorado , Denver , Environment , Health , Politics , Science

August 8, 2007

Sen. Salazar's Fence-Sitting Frustrates Pinon Canyon Opponents
August 8, 2007 5:33 PM

Opponents of Army plans to expand its Pinon Canyon training area in southeastern Colorado left yesterday's meeting with Senator Ken Salazar frustrated.

Lon Robertson, who ranches in Las Animas County, and runs the store in the tiny town of Kim, is a leader of the Pinon Canyon Expansion Opposition Coalition. The Coalition, and the elected commissioners of the counties which the expansion would impact, several months ago invited Salazar to come hear their concerns.

The Coalition and commissioners say that the 370 square mile training area between Trinidad and La Junta is big enough, and that the Army shouldn't be allowed to grow it by another 650 square miles.

Robertson says they were hoping Senator Salazar would stand with them.

[LISTEN]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:33 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Colorado , Military , Politics , Regional

August 7, 2007

Salazar Meets Pinon Canyon Opponents in Trinidad
August 7, 2007 4:50 PM

In Trinidad today, U.S. Senator Ken Salazar asked opponents of the Army's plans to expand its Pinon Canyon training area if they're willing to accept some compromises.

Part 1: [LISTEN]

Part 2: [LISTEN]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 4:50 PM| Permalink | Comments (1) | Posted to Agriculture/Ranching , Colorado , Military , Politics , Regional

August 2, 2007

Tancredo: US Should Threaten Muslim Holy Sites
August 2, 2007 6:15 PM

Republican presidential hopeful and Colorado Congressman Tom Tancredo says the best way he can think of to deter a nuclear terrorist attack on the U.S. is to threaten to retaliate -- by bombing Islamic holy sites.

[LISTEN]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 6:15 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Politics

Independence Institute to Sue Over School Finace Act
August 2, 2007 6:13 PM

Opponents of a state school-finance measure are preparing a lawsuit over the plan to provide more funding for education by blocking an anticipated decline in taxes. Independence Institute president Jon Caldara says the group is also requesting campaign memos from school districts and county clerks to see if voters agreed to tax increases when they voted to give up tax surplus refunds for school funding.
[LISTEN]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 6:13 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Children & Youth , Colorado , Education , Legal , Politics

Giuliani Coming to Colorado Springs
August 2, 2007 5:50 PM

Former New York mayor and current Republican presidential hopeful Rudy
Giuliani is scheduled to make a stop in Colorado Springs next week.
Giuliani plans to attend a $250 per person lunch reception at The
Broadmoor on August Tenth as part of an effort to bring all the
Republican front-runners to town. Giuliani will also attend a private
round-table for $1,000 donors at the home of Sinton Dairy executive Joel
Midkiff.

[LISTEN]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:50 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Colorado Springs , El Paso County , Elections , Politics , Religion

Bridges Need Replacement Across the State
August 2, 2007 5:03 PM

Colorado officials have determined that roughly three percent of nearly 3,800 bridges across the state should be replaced, but there's not enough money to do it.
Colorado Department of Transportation spokeswoman Stacey Stegman says the bridges are NOT considered unsafe, but are getting to the point``where we're pretty much holding them together.''
She says the state will closely watch the investigation into the deadly bridge collapse in Minneapolis, but doesn't plan any changes in its safety and inspection program.

[LISTEN]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:03 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Colorado , Politics , Regional , Transportation

July 25, 2007

Counties Want More Money to Mitigate Oil and Gas Boom
July 25, 2007 3:21 PM

There are now some three thousand active oil and gas wells in Garfield County, a number that's projected to rise to 15-thousand by 2015.

[LISTEN]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 3:21 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Business/Labor , Colorado , Education , Energy , Politics , Utilities

CU Axes Churchill
July 25, 2007 2:17 PM

Two and a half years of investigation into the academic work of controversial University of Colorado Professer Ward Churchill culminated on Tuesday. Regents voted 8-1 to fire Churchill, he vows to fight the decision in court. Maeve Conran reports from Boulder.

[LISTEN]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 2:17 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Colorado , Education , Politics

July 23, 2007

Locals Sound Off on Gas Severance Taxes
July 23, 2007 5:43 PM

State lawmakers got an earful today on the Western Slope from local officials upset over the boom in oil and gas drilling. Legislators are trying to determine the best way to spend millions of dollars brought in by severance taxes paid on oil and gas.

[LISTEN]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:43 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Colorado , Energy , Politics

Dems Pick Springs for '08 State Convention
July 23, 2007 5:34 PM

It's official: Colorado Democrats will hold their state convention in Colorado Springs in May. The party also decided over the weekend to move its presidential caucuses up a month, from March to February.

[LISTEN]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:34 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Colorado , Colorado Springs , Elections , Politics

July 20, 2007

Locals Give Thumbs-down to NW New Mexico Power Plant
July 20, 2007 4:49 PM

A proposed major new coal burning power plant in northwest New Mexico is getting an almost unanimous thumbs-down a public hearings in the Four Corners area. The public is being given the chance to comment on a recently released Draft Environmental Impact Statement.

Developers say that in spite of the vocal opposition, they're confident the plant will remain on track.
Victor Locke of KSUT, Four Corners Public Radio attended one of the recent hearings and has this report.

[LISTEN]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 4:49 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Business , Colorado , Energy , Environment , Health , Native American , New Mexico , Politics , Poverty , Regional , Science

July 18, 2007

Romney Stumps in Colorado Springs, Picks Up Suthers Endorsement
July 18, 2007 10:56 PM

Colorado Attorney General John Suthers is endorsing Republican presidential hopeful Mitt Romney and will help advise the campaign in Colorado and elsewhere.

Suthers says that Romney has a strong record of supporting law enforcement and will continue to build on that if he's elected.

He also has been endorsed by Senator Wayne Allard and former congressman Bob Beauprez. Former Governor Bill Owens was appointed to serve on his exploratory committee.

Romney spoke in Colorado Springs Wednesday night (July 18, 2007). The former Massachusettes Governor keynoted the El Paso County Republican Party's annual Lincoln Day dinner at the Broadmoor.

More than 600 people attended the $75-a-plate party fundraiser, where Romeny lambasted Democrats and sounded traditional Republican themes.
[LISTEN]

To hear Governor Romney's full address [click here.]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 10:56 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Colorado Springs , El Paso County , Elections , Politics

Gov. Ritter Goes Solar
July 18, 2007 10:30 PM

In our monthly conversation with Gov. Bill Ritter, Ritter talks about the energy savings and symbolism he hopes to reap from putting solar panels on the roof of the governor's residence.

Our conversations with the governor are produced at KCFR in Denver, and conducted by Ryan Warner, who hosts the KCFR program "Colorado Matters."

[LISTEN]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 10:30 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage , Colorado , Energy , Environment , Interview , Politics

July 16, 2007

MIssile Protest
July 16, 2007 4:52 PM

Last Sunday about 50 peace activists rallied at a Minuteman missile silo in Weld County. Bill Sulzman of Colorado Springs-based Citizens for Peace in Space talked about why with KRCC News Intern Lindsey Foat.

[LISTEN]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 4:52 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Colorado , Military , Politics

July 13, 2007

Governor Overhauls Oil/Gas Regulatory Body
July 13, 2007 4:10 PM

The state commission that issues oil and gas drilling permits has a new mandate. It will protect public health, wildlife and the environment instead of just promoting energy development. And Governor Bill Ritter recently appointed five new commissioners. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.

[LISTEN]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 4:10 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Agriculture/Ranching , Business , Capitol Coverage , Colorado , Energy , Environment , Health , Politics

July 12, 2007

Sen. Salazar Blocking Presidential Nomination
July 12, 2007 4:21 PM

The nominee is James Caswell, whom the President has tapped to head the Bureau of Land Management, or BLM. The BLM manages the most public land of any federal government agency, and also administers the government's mineral estate, meaning it controls who gets access to oil and natural gas. Salazar says he's worried that energy development is going to "run roughshod" over Colorado in the coming years if the Bush administration doesn't pay more heed to locals who are asking for a slower, more deliberate pace of development. So he's blocking Caswell's nomination until he gets assurances Colorado concerns will be listened to in Washington.

[LISTEN]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 4:21 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Colorado , Elections , Energy , Environment , Politics

July 11, 2007

New College Admission Standards
July 11, 2007 4:15 PM

Getting into college in Colorado just got tougher. But it's not as tough as some would like it to be. In three years incoming college freshman will face stricter standards to get into college than students do today. But the state's higher education commission rolled back some of the admission requirements and didn't make the standards has tough as they could have. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.

[LISTEN]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 4:15 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Business/Labor , Capitol Coverage , Children & Youth , Colorado , Education , Politics , Science

July 9, 2007

NPR Profiles Springs Vet Health Activist
July 9, 2007 4:22 PM

Thirty-six-year-old former soldier Andrew Pogany has become a driving force behind efforts to force the Army to revise its response to soldiers suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Pogany's saga shows how an advocate can overcome enormous obstacles and battle a powerful institution -- and help shine the national spotlight on what had largely been a hidden problem.

[CLICK HERE]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 4:22 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Colorado Springs , Ft. Carson , Health , Military , Politics

Rove, Clinton in Aspen - Competing Ideas of America
July 9, 2007 3:51 PM

Two of the most influential men in American politics offered competing visions of the country in Colorado over the weekend. Presidential Advisor Karl Rove says America and President Bush aren't getting enough credit for the good they do in the world. Bill Clinton says America has an identity crisis and needs to bring troops home from Iraq.

And, Colorado doesn't exactly roll out the red carpet for Rove....

[LISTEN]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 3:51 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Arts & Culture , Colorado , Interview , Politics

July 6, 2007

Colin Powell Speech
July 6, 2007 4:45 PM

General Colin Powell says the Bush administration has mishandled and misjudged the Iraq war, and the country needs to scale back the number of troops overseas. But Powell defends his decision to help President Bush make the case for invading Iraq. He spoke with PBS's Jim Lehrer at the Aspen Institute's Ideas Festival. Bente Birkeland reports from Aspen.

[LISTEN]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 4:45 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage , Colorado , Ft. Carson , History , Military , Politics

July 5, 2007

Forest Service Closing Campgrounds in Colorado
July 5, 2007 4:28 PM

The Fourth of July weekend means thousands of Coloradoans are heading for the hills, and camping in U.S. Forest Service Campgrounds. The Pike-San Isabel National Forest west of the Springs, Pueblo and Castle Rock is one of the 10 most-visited in the United States. But the popularity of its campging sites, and others in the even more popular White River and Arapaho-Roosevelt National Forests may not be enough to keep the Forest Service from closing some local campgrounds and picnic areas. As KUNC's Brian Larson reports, budget cuts are forcing the agency to make some hard choices about recreation sites nationwide.

[LISTEN]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 4:28 PM| Permalink | Comments (1) | Posted to Colorado , Environment , Forest Plans , Politics

July 4, 2007

Romer Stumping for Education
July 4, 2007 1:52 PM

Former Colorado Governor Roy Romer touted his education agenda in front of an influential crowd Tuesday at the Aspen Institute's weeklong Ideas Festival. Romer recently left his position as superintendent of Los Angeles public schools and is trying to bring education reform to the national spotlight. Bente Birkeland reports from Aspen.

[LISTEN]

Romer made his comments as a panelist at the Aspen Ideas Festival. Learn more about the Aspen Ideas Festival [HERE]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 1:52 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Colorado , Education , Politics

Aspen Ideas Festival: Ken Salazar on the Future of Energy
July 4, 2007 12:54 PM

Colorado senator Ken Salazar touted the Senate's recent passage of the 2007 energy bill as part of a panel addressing the country's energy future at the Aspen Institute's Aspen Ideas Festival this week. The democrat also used the national forum to scorn the Bush Administration's refusal to implement a one year freeze on oil and gas drilling atop western Colorado's scenic Roan Plateau. We also hear from Amory Lovins. Kirk Siegler reports from Aspen.

[LISTEN]

Learn more about the Aspen Ideas Festival [HERE].

Posted by Eric Whitney at 12:54 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Agriculture/Ranching , Arts & Culture , Colorado , Energy , Environment , Politics

July 2, 2007

Montrose Growth
July 2, 2007 5:03 PM

The western slope city of Montrose started out as a small ranching community, but like many places in Colorado more and more people are moving to the area and changing the atmosphere. Some residents say they don't mind the growth but traffic jams, not enough money for new roads and a lack of law enforcement are just some of the problems growth has brought. The city and county are now creating plans to manage the influx of people. Bente Birkeland reports from Paonia.

[ LISTEN ]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:03 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage , Colorado , Politics , Transportation

June 28, 2007

Gov. Ritter on Fighting the Feds, Education and Immigration
June 28, 2007 2:05 PM

In our monthly conversation with Governor Bill Ritter the chief executive discusses recent disagreements with federal land management agencies, meetings with leaders in higher education, and his interest in Congress' efforts to craft immigration reform legislation.

These monthly conversations are produced for, and come to us courtesy of KCFR in Denver, they're conducted by Ryan Warner, host of the KCFR program "Colorado Matters."

[LISTEN]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 2:05 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Business/Labor , Capitol Coverage , Colorado , Education , Environment , Immigration , Politics

Follow Up: Frontline Features Maj. Thomas Mowle
June 28, 2007 9:02 AM

Earlier in June KRCC ran a series of interivews with Maj. Thomas Mowle, a Ph.D. political science professor at the Air Force Academy. We talked to him about his new book, "Hope Is Not A Plan: The War In Iraq From Inside the Green Zone."

Now, PBS television has released a program online that features Maj. Mowle, as well as Army Col. H.R. McMaster, former commander of the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment when it was stationed at Ft. Carson.

The PBS special is available [HERE]

KRCC's interviews with Maj. Mowle are available [HERE]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 9:02 AM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Ft. Carson , History , KRCC Programs , Media , Military , Politics

June 26, 2007

Colo. Senators Split on Immigration Vote, other news
June 26, 2007 5:30 PM

Colorado's senators split their votes on whether to go forward with an immigration reform bill that the White House favors. Those wanting to continue work on the bill carried the day. Twenty-four Republicans joined 39 Democrats and one Independent.

Colorado Democrat Ken Salazar voted to continue with the bill, while his Republican counterpart Wayne Allard voted not to. Allard said he "could not in good conscience support this flawed process," and that lawmakers can do better than the bill currently before them. He says he will now do all that he can to focus on supporting amendments to address what he calls "serious flaws" in the legislation. There are currently some 26 proposed amendments that the Senate is considering, the bill faces another make or break vote in the chamber as early as Thursday.

The bill in question would provide a pathway to citizenship for millions of undocumented workers already in the country, and proposes a guest worker program. Supporters say it has many practical provisions, critics call it amnesty.

More local news after the jump: Ft. Carson Soldiers Killed in Iraq, Dust is Depleting Snowpack Faster, Greens Skeptical of Oil Shale Study and Granby Fire Now Contained....

Read More --> Continue reading "Colo. Senators Split on Immigration Vote, other news" »

Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:30 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Business , Colorado , Energy , Environment , Ft. Carson , Immigration , Military , Politics , Regional , Science , Wildfires

June 25, 2007

Lawmakers Launch Constitutional Amendment Listening Tour
June 25, 2007 4:49 PM

It's too easy to amend Colorado's constitution. That's something that both Democrats and Republicans in the state legislature agree on, and now they're on a listening tour to see if the public will support reform of the amendment process. It launched Monday in Colorado Springs.

[ LISTEN]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 4:49 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Colorado , Politics

June 19, 2007

Legislative Broadcast
June 19, 2007 6:09 PM

Colorado's speaker of the house is hoping you'll add legislative debates to your winter TV line up. He's not promising the next Sopranos but says he hopes the proposed legislative channel from the statehouse will still be a hit. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.

[ LISTEN ]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 6:09 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage , Colorado , Politics

June 18, 2007

Congress Blocks Army Expansion
June 18, 2007 3:03 PM

The U.S House of Representatives has passed an amendment to block the army's proposal to expand the Pinon Canyon military training site in southeast Colorado. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.

[ LISTEN ]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 3:03 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage , Colorado , Military , Politics

June 15, 2007

Homelessness during DNC
June 15, 2007 6:24 PM

The nation's eyes will be on Colorado next summer when Denver hosts the 2008 Democratic National Convention. Controversy is already brewing with one group accusing the city of trying to hide the region's homeless population from delegates. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.

[LISTEN]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 6:24 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage , Denver , Politics

June 12, 2007

Gas Drilling Makes Neighbors Sick? Part 2
June 12, 2007 7:00 AM

As we reported yesterday, the state of Colorado is implementing an ambitious new law that seeks to radically change how it regulates its booming oil and gas industry. Governor Ritter recently signed the measure in Grand Junction It's been a major focus of his administration's early months. The bill is a response to growing criticism by some Garfield County landowners and conservationists who live in the midst of the drilling. They say industry is not adequately addressing resulting environmental and public health problems, in the midst of the rush to drill. The state's new oil and gas conservation commission - the main regulatory body for industry - includes a diverse range of interests, most of whom have no ties to industry.

That has environmentalists cheering, and industry worried, as Aspen Public Radio's Kirk Siggler reports in the second of a two part series.

[LISTEN]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 7:00 AM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Business , Capitol Coverage , Colorado , Energy , Environment , Health , Politics , Regional

June 8, 2007

"Hope Is Not A Plan," Author Talks About Iraq War From Inside the Green Zone, Part 3
June 8, 2007 7:00 AM

[LISTEN to Part 3 here]

You can listen to part one [HERE].

Part Two is [HERE]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 7:00 AM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Colorado Springs , Ft. Carson , History , Media , Military , Politics

June 6, 2007

"Hope Is Not A Plan," Author Interview, Part 2
June 6, 2007 7:00 AM

In 2004, Air Force Major Thomas Mowle went to Iraq at the request of a general who wanted "strategic thinkers" to help evaluate decision-making.

Mowle spent a year there and, with five other similarly tasked experts, wrote a book about the expereience called "Hope Is Not A Plan."

Major Mowle is a Ph.D. political science professor at the Air Force Academy, and his book is remarkably canddid for one written by an active duty officer.

[THIS] is the second of a three-part interview with Mowle about his book. Part three airs Friday, you can listen to part one [HERE].

More about the book from its publisher, can be found [HERE]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 7:00 AM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Colorado Springs , Education , Ft. Carson , History , Military , Politics

June 4, 2007

"Hope Is Not A Plan," Author Talks About Iraq War From Inside the Green Zone, Part 1
June 4, 2007 7:00 AM

These days, it's not hard to find critics of the war in Iraq. But few can speak with the same level of knowledge as Air Force Major Thomas Mowle. Mowle has a Ph.D. in political science, and teaches it at the Air Force Academy. He's just published a new book about the year he spent in the so-called Green Zone in Baghdad, where most of the decisions about the future of Iraq are made. Mowle's book is called "Hope is Not A Plan," and tonight we're bringing you the first of a three part interview with Major Mowle.

He went to Iraq at the special request of an American general. The general asked the Academy to send some "strategic thinkers" to evaluate America's efforts to stabilize Iraq and plant democracy there. "Hope is Not a Plan" is an analysis of those efforts by Mowle and five other military and political strategy specialists.
[LISTEN].

More about the book from its publisher, can be found [HERE]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 7:00 AM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Colorado Springs , Ft. Carson , Interview , Military , Politics

Prince of Jordan in Colorado
June 4, 2007 6:33 AM

Governor Bill Ritter held his first state dinner over the weekend for the Prince of Jordan. The prince is touring Colorado this week to learn about the state's military training programs. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.

[ LISTEN]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 6:33 AM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage , Capitol Coverage , Colorado , Military , Politics

June 1, 2007

State Energy Regulatory Body Re-Formed
June 1, 2007 2:54 PM

The commission that regulates oil and gas development in Colorado cancelled it's meeting this month because it doesn't have enough members to hold a meeting. This news came a day after the Governor signed several energy bills that change how the state regulates the industry, including a bill that remakes the commission. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.

[LISTEN]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 2:54 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Business , Capitol Coverage , Colorado , Energy , Environment , Health , Politics

Judge Blocks New State Ethics Law
June 1, 2007 2:47 PM

A state Judge has blocked Colorado's new ethics law from going into effect. The law bans lobbyists from giving gifts to lawmakers. It 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 2:47 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage , Colorado , Legal Affairs , Politics

May 31, 2007

Gov. Signs Mental Health Parity Bill
May 31, 2007 1:02 PM

Governor Ritter has signed a new law that expands health care coverage for people with mental illnesses such as depression and post traumatic stress disorder. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.

[LISTEN]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 1:02 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Business/Labor , Capitol Coverage , Colorado , Drug Use , Health , Politics , Poverty

May 25, 2007

Gaps in Mental Care Persist for Ft. Carson Soldiers
May 25, 2007 2:35 PM

Photo: Daniel Zwerdling, NPRSix months ago, an NPR investigation found that leaders at Fort Carson, Colo., were punishing some soldiers who returned from war with serious mental health problems - and were preventing them from getting the treatment they needed. In some cases, officers kicked the soldiers out of the Army.

Those stories sparked ongoing investigations of the post, including one by a bipartisan group of U.S. senators and another by Pentagon officials.

Early this year, commanders at Fort Carson responded by launching what they described as an important new program: They required every leader, from sergeants up to generals, to attend a training course on how to spot and help soldiers who potentially have post-traumatic stress disorder. Officials say more than 2,200 leaders have taken the course so far, most of them early this year.

But during a recent return trip to Fort Carson to see whether conditions for troubled soldiers had improved, the most significant changes appeared to be rhetorical.

[LISTEN to and read more about this story here]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 2:35 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Colorado Springs , Drug Use , Ft. Carson , Health , Legal Affairs , Media , Military , Politics

May 24, 2007

Ritter Signs Energy Rebate Mandate
May 24, 2007 10:21 AM

Coloradans will get rebates on their utility bills if they conserve energy under a new law. Governor Ritter signed the legislation earlier this week, it's part of a package of new renewable energy measures. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.

[LISTEN]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 10:21 AM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage , Colorado , Energy , Environment , Politics , Utilities

May 22, 2007

Jared Polis Enters Race
May 22, 2007 7:26 PM

Boulder businessman Jared Polis has entered the race for Congress from Colorado's 2nd district. That means the wealthy businessman will face off against state senate president Joan Fitzgerald in the Democratic primary for the seat. The two are vying for the seat that Congressman Mark Udall is leaving to run for U.S. senate. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.

[LISTEN]

Posted by Delaney Utterback at 7:26 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage , Politics

Colorado Congressional Delegation Praises Ft. Carson
May 22, 2007 5:19 PM

Last week we reported that a delegation of staffers from the U.S. House and Senate visited Ft. Carson to look into allegations that the Army is mistreating soldiers with mental health problems.

Today, members of Colorado's congressional delegation who sent staffers on the visit sent a letter to the Army to follow up.

[LISTEN]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:19 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Colorado , Ft. Carson , Health , Military , Politics

Healthcare Commission Final Four
May 22, 2007 9:47 AM

Everyone in Colorado would have health care coverage within three years, under new proposals from the state's blue ribbon healthcare commission. The commission will issue final recommendations to the legislature next year. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.

[LISTEN]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 9:47 AM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Business/Labor , Capitol Coverage , Children & Youth , Colorado , Health , Legal Affairs , Politics

May 21, 2007

Colo Senators Optimistic for New Immigration Bill
May 21, 2007 4:56 PM

It looks like Congress is taking seriously a new round of debate about immigration in the coming weeks. Democrats have advanced a new bill that observers are calling a mixed bag with something for everyone to love, or hate.

Colorado Senator Ken Salazar was a leading proponent of comprehensive immigration reform last November. A bill to overhaul immigration laws died for lack of action. The Democrat say the new bill achieves the same goals he set last time.

Republican Wayne Allard has been critical of proposals to bring the estimated 12 million undocumented workers in the U.S. into the light of citizenship ahead of a backlog of some 8 million trying to enter legally.

[LISTEN]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 4:56 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Agriculture/Ranching , Business/Labor , Immigration , Politics

May 16, 2007

J. Salazar, Udall Try to Stop Drilling on Roan Plateau
May 16, 2007 5:54 PM

Click to enlarge.There is a new development to report in a decade long fight between environmentalists and the energy industry in western Colorado. Two of Colorado's democratic congressman are pushing a measure that would stop oil and gas drilling atop the Roan Plateau, between Rifle and Grand Junction. Congressman John Salazar - whose district includes the Garfield County landmark - and congressman Mark Udall hope to slip in what's called a funding limitation in the 2008 Appropriations bill. The measure aims to freeze any public money from being spent on leasing of the Roan to energy companies.

Aspen Public Radio's Kirk Siegler has details: [LISTEN]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:54 PM| Permalink | Comments (1) | Posted to Agriculture/Ranching , Business , Colorado , Energy , Environment , Politics

Congressional Delegation Visits Carson, Investigates Mental Health
May 16, 2007 5:43 PM

Soldiers and Army families unhappy with the mental health treatment Ft. Carson provides had a chance to sound off to Congress this week. A bipartisan group of nine U.S. senators and congressmen sent a team of their staffers to Ft. Carson Monday for two days of fact-finding about mental health problems being reported at the base. Carson has come under fire in the media following allegations by soldiers that leaders there mistreat troops with Post Traumatic Sttress disorder, or PTSD.

[LISTEN]

Read More --> Continue reading "Congressional Delegation Visits Carson, Investigates Mental Health" »

Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:43 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Colorado Springs , Drug Use , Ft. Carson , Legal Affairs , Military , Politics

May 15, 2007

Springs Super would be First Black State Education Commissioner
May 15, 2007 5:35 PM

The sole candidate for Colorado's top education job is already thinking about what legacy he would want to leave. For starters he says a kinder friendlier education department. The state's current education commissioner is retiring and often had a contentious relationship with superintendents and school boards. Lawmakers say they're hopeful the next commissioner can turn that around. Bente Birkeland reports from Colorado Springs.

[LISTEN]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:35 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage , Children & Youth , Colorado Springs , Education , Ft. Carson , Politics

May 11, 2007

Legislative Wrap Up with KGNU
May 11, 2007 3:46 PM

Host Joel Edelstein interviewed Bente Birkeland and Charles Ashby the capitol reporter with the Pueblo Chieftain. Edelstein had just finished a half hour interview with Democratic Representatives, Morgan Carroll from Aurora and Jack Pommer from Boulder.

[LISTEN]

Posted by Delaney Utterback at 3:46 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage , Politics

May 4, 2007

Gazette Religion Writer on Grace Episcopal Split
May 4, 2007 10:45 AM

This week Grace Episcopal Church in Colorado Springs voted to elect new vestry members. The move signals an even wider rift between those loyal to the Episcopal Church and those who decided to split, and align themselves with the conservative Congregation of Anglicans in North American, or CANA.

The split has been shrouded in allegations of financial wrongdoing on the part of Reverend Don Armstrong and a heated dispute over the ownership of the historical Grace Church property downtown. To help sort out some the latest developments, Noel Black spoke with Gazette religion reporter Paul Asay.

The day after this interview took place, Paul Asay announced his resignation from the Gazette effective in two weeks. To hear a longer
interview with him about his four-year tenure covering everything from
Ted Haggard to the recent Episcopal schism, tune in to The Big
Something at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday.

[LISTEN]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 10:45 AM| Permalink | Comments (1) | Posted to Colorado Springs , Crime , Legal Affairs , Politics , Religion

Peace Activists/City: Let's Keep Talking
May 4, 2007 9:48 AM

Expect a lot more dialog between Colorado Springs peace activists and city government.
Activists and city officials met May 2nd, will meet again today, May 4, and both sides say they want to keep talking in the future.

The Pikes Peak Peace and Justice Coalition's Eric Verlo and City Councilmember Jerry Heimlicher talk about what they're talking about in [THIS PIECE.]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 9:48 AM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Colorado Springs , Crime , Legal Affairs , Media , Military , Politics

May 3, 2007

CSU-Pueblo President on Affirmative Action
May 3, 2007 5:41 PM

In 2008, Colorado voters may be faced with a ballot initiative that would amend affirmative action out of the state constitution in 2008. The initiative aims to remove employment, education, and contracting from current affirmative action policy. Colorado Unity, a non-profit and non-partisan organization that defends affirmative action, hosted an open forum at Colorado College May 3rd to talk about affirmative action, panelists included CSU-Pueblo President Joe Garcia, who spoke with KRCC's Eric Whitney.

[ LISTEN]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:41 PM| Permalink | Comments (1) | Posted to Business , Business/Labor , Colorado , Elections , History , Latino/a , Legal Affairs , Politics , Pueblo , Visiting CC

Government Efficiency Study
May 3, 2007 4:56 PM

Governor Bill Ritter says state government should become more efficient. On Wednesday he signed a measure to study how state agencies can save money and streamline programs. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.

[ LISTEN]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 4:56 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage , Colorado , Politics

May 2, 2007

Cigar Bar Bill Dies
May 2, 2007 4:12 PM

Cigar bars are still legal in Colorado. A bill aimed at closing a cigar bar loophole in the statewide smoking ban failed in the senate Tuesday. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.

[ LISTEN]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 4:12 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage , Colorado , Politics

Town Meeting on Civil Liberties
May 2, 2007 8:33 AM

Friday May 4 Town Meeting Scheduled on Civil Liberties

City police officials will meet with some of those arrested at peace demonstrations in 2003, says a press release from the Pikes Peak Justice and Peace Coalition. The release says there will be a panel, including Deputy Police Chief Steve Liebowitz, Colorado Springs Police Commander Rod Walker, and Police Dept. "legal expert" Lori Miskel. The forum will be moderated by formal local TV anchor Eric Singer.

Friday May 4th at the Senior Center, 1514 North
Hancock, at 2 pm.

The event, which is free and open to the public, will be taped and
rebroadcast on city cable channel 18.

Posted by Eric Whitney at 8:33 AM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Colorado Springs , Crime , Legal Affairs , Politics

May 1, 2007

Allard, Salazar: Broaden Army PTSD Investigation
May 1, 2007 7:07 PM

Colorado's senators are calling for a broader investigation of mental health issues at Ft. Carson. Republican Wayne Allard and Democrat Ken Salazar wrote to the head of the Government Accountability Office, or GAO, today to urge that the investigation the agency is already conducting at Ft. Carson be broadened to recommend fixes that can be implemented by Congress or the Department of Defense.

That's a change of tune for Allard, who yesterday told KRCC that he didn't necessarily think such an investigation was necessary:

[LISTEN]

Read More --> Continue reading "Allard, Salazar: Broaden Army PTSD Investigation" »

Posted by Eric Whitney at 7:07 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Colorado Springs , Drug Use , Military , Politics

Activist: Immigrants Not Going Away, Still Want Reform
May 1, 2007 6:09 PM

More than 1,500 people marched in Denver today to call for reform of America's immigration policies. The turnout, estimated by the Denver Post, was far smaller than last year, when an estimated 75,000 people marched in Denver. Nationwide it's estimated that more than a million people gathered to call for immigration reform last year.

Among those at the March in Denver today was Joe Barrera, co-chair of the Colorado Springs Black Latino Leadership Coalition. We talked to him at the event a little after one this afternoon.

[LISTEN]

Read More --> Continue reading "Activist: Immigrants Not Going Away, Still Want Reform" »

Posted by Eric Whitney at 6:09 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Agriculture/Ranching , Business/Labor , Colorado , Denver , Immigration , Legal Affairs , Politics

April 30, 2007

New Immigration Law Frustrates Local Non-Profits by Sarah Hughes
April 30, 2007 7:40 PM

The Catholic Charities based in Glenwood Springs helps newcomers to the United States. One of its programs, the immigrant advocacy project, helps immigrants through tough times...regardless of their legal status.

On a recent afternoon, a soft-spoken man named Eduardo pays a visit to the project. He's lived in the valley over ten years, has a decent job, and is in the process of obtaining legal status.

[LISTEN]

Read More --> Continue reading "New Immigration Law Frustrates Local Non-Profits by Sarah Hughes" »

Posted by Delaney Utterback at 7:40 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Business/Labor , Health , Immigration , Latino/a , Legal , Politics

Senate Staff, GAO to Look at Mental Health at Ft. Carson
April 30, 2007 4:42 PM

Congressional staff are coming to Ft. Carson to investigate mental health care for soldiers. Also coming are staff from the Government Accountability Office.

Joining them for part of the visit are members of the non-profit group Veterans For America. VFA says theyve been contacted by dozens of soldiers from across the country who complain of mistreatment or abuse at the hands of the Army due to their combat related mental health problems. Those issues were given national media attention last year, with the coverage focusing on Ft. Carson. Following that, nine members of congress asked the Governent Accountability Office to look into treatment of mentally ill soldiers.

Read More --> Continue reading "Senate Staff, GAO to Look at Mental Health at Ft. Carson" »

Posted by Eric Whitney at 4:42 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Colorado Springs , Ft. Carson , Health , Military , Politics

April 27, 2007

Bill to Hire More Judges
April 27, 2007 4:11 PM

Counties across Colorado would get more judges under a bill that aims to relieve the states backlogged court system. The measure initially cleared the senate Thursday after its sponsor delayed it for months while he tried to rally support for the bill. It had already passed the house chamber, but was controversial because of how the new positions would be funded. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.

[ LISTEN ]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 4:11 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage , Colorado , Legal , Politics

April 26, 2007

Severance Tax Study
April 26, 2007 3:56 PM

The state may not be giving communities affected by oil and gas drilling enough money to offset the impacts of Colorado's energy development boom. To find out, lawmakers created a new committee that will study the issue over the summer. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.

[LISTEN]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 3:56 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage , Colorado , Energy , Politics

April 24, 2007

Springs Council Votes Unanimously For Diversity
April 24, 2007 4:05 PM

Colorado Springs city council voted unanimously today (Tue., April 24) to support a festival celebrating diversity.

The vote came two weeks after a pair of council members expressed concern that city sponsorship of a downtown cultural festival this summer could be seen as the city endorsing groups lobbying for pro-homosexual causes.

[ LISTEN ]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 4:05 PM| Permalink | Comments (4) | Posted to Business , Colorado Springs , Gay & Lesbian , Politics

Iraq Study Group Member Speaks at CC
April 24, 2007 9:34 AM

The war in Iraq and the changing political landscape in the American west are two topics very much in the headlines lately. Tonight (Tue., 4/24) an expert on both topics speaks at Colorado College. Alan Simpson served 18 years as a U.S. senator from Wyoming, and remains a respected voice in the Republican party. He also was a member of the Iraq Study Group, which in December issued its report, which became a best seller and is influencing the debate in Washington about the war.
We had a chance to talk to Simpson earlier this week about the Iraq study group, and his views on the recent successes of the Democratic party in the American West.

[ LISTEN ]

Simpson speaks tonight at 7:30 at Colorado College in Olin, 1030 N. Nevada Ave.

Posted by Eric Whitney at 9:34 AM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Elections , Military , Politics , Visiting CC

April 23, 2007

Council to Debate Diversity
April 23, 2007 5:27 PM

Colorado Springs' city council will vote tomorrow (Tue., April 24) on whether to support a downtown cultural festival this summer. At least two members of council have expressed distaste for sponsoring an event where gay groups might be given a forum to express political views.

Two weeks ago the Springs Gazette quoted councilmember Daryl Glenn questioning whether the festival would give voice to pro-gay marriage views, and councilmember Margaret Radford was quoted as saying, "When a large portion of this community does not support gay and lesbian viewpoints, I don't see us putting tax dollars into supporting that direction."

A group called the Colorado Springs Diversity Forum is sponsoring the event, scheduled for August 18. Its intention is to celebrate the many cultures, talents, tastes and traditions in the city. And the forum is asking the City Council to sponsor the event, in part because that would free it from paying the approximately $4,700 in fees the city charges to provide services to non-city sponsored events. The city staff has recommended sponsoring the event and waiving the fees.

But after city council members questioned whether the city should sponsor the cultural festival over gay issues, a spirited debate erupted in local newspapers' op-ed sections, and at least one local non-profit group, the Citizens Project, is encouraging its members to come to tomorrow's city council meeting to lobby for city sponsorship of the event. Newly elected city council member Jan Martin is a member of the Citizens Project board.

The Springs City Council is scheduled to take up the cultural festival issue tomorrow at 1:00pm.

Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:27 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Colorado Springs , Gay & Lesbian , Politics

Weinstein, Sekulow Debate at Academy
April 23, 2007 4:48 PM

Air Force Academy critic Mikey Weinstein will debate Evangelical Lawyer Jay Sekulow at the Academy tomorrow.

Wienstein, who is an academy graduate is the founder of the Military Religious Freedom Foundation. He has sued the Academy over what he says is officially sanctioned proselytizing of non-Christian cadets. Last October a federal judge threw the suit out. Wienstein has promised to appeal.

Jay Sekulow is the Chief Counsel of the American Center for Law and Justice, originally founded by Pat Robertson. The Christian Post Newspaper has named him one of the Ten most influential Kingmakers for the Republican party.
Sekulow and Weinstein will debate the appropriate balance between religious freedom and official neutrality in the military. The debate, which is open to the public, happens at 5:00 tomorrow afternoon in Arnold Hall at the Academy.

Because of limited parking and seating, those planning to attend should arrive no later than 4:30 p.m. The general public is encouraged to enter via the Academys North Entrance (I-25 Exit 156-B) and park at the Cadet Field House. Shuttle bus transportation will be provided to and from the debate venue.

Posted by Eric Whitney at 4:48 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Military , Politics , Religion

School Finance Preview
April 23, 2007 4:14 PM

This week lawmakers will debate Governor Bill Ritter's plan to freeze property taxes to help fund public schools. Republicans call it a tax hike because property taxes are scheduled to go down next year, and even some Democrats aren't sold on the idea. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.

[ LISTEN ]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 4:14 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage , Education , Politics

April 21, 2007

Governor Signs Sudan Divestment Bill
April 21, 2007 1:12 AM

Colorado is joining a growing number of states that are dropping investments with companies they say contribute to the genocide in Darfur. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.

[ LISTEN ]

Posted by Delaney Utterback at 1:12 AM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage , Politics

April 18, 2007

Anti-Piñon Canyon Bill Headed for Governor's Desk
April 18, 2007 10:25 AM

Lawmakers say the army's plans to expand the Piñon Canyon training facility in southeast Colorado would devastate the state's agriculture industry and heritage. A bill to try and stop the army from using eminent domain powers to seize ranches passed the senate Wednesday. Governor Bill Ritter would not say whether he would sign the measure. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.

[ LISTEN ]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 10:25 AM| Permalink | Comments (1) | Posted to Agriculture/Ranching , Business , Capitol Coverage , Colorado , Colorado Springs , Environment , Legal Affairs , Politics

April 17, 2007

Governor Ritter Interview
April 17, 2007 5:20 PM

Gov. RitterIn his first 100 days in office, Governor Ritter has dealt with issues from school funding to water disputes, and union issues continue to simmer. Ritter vetoed a pro-union bill just days after taking office, and some union leaders are threatening to make a mess of next year's Democratic National Convention in Denver. He talks his first 100 days over with KCFR's Dan Meyers.

To hear the interview, [ click here ]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:20 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage , Colorado , Education , Elections , Military , Politics

Greening State Government
April 17, 2007 4:07 PM

State workers will have to think twice before they print documents, and throw paper into the trash. Governor Bill Ritter signed an executive order Monday that requires the state to use less paper and to use environmentally friendly products. The executive order is one of several new laws on energy efficiency. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.

[ LISTEN ]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 4:07 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage , Colorado , Environment , Politics

April 13, 2007

Democratic Convention Meeting
April 13, 2007 8:14 PM

Howard Dean came to Denver Thursday to promote the Democratic National Convention in 2008 and meet with state and national labor leaders. It was Dean's first trip to the city since Denver won the bid to host the convention. Some labor groups say Denver is a bad choice because Colorado is not union friendly. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.

[ LISTEN ]

Posted by Delaney Utterback at 8:14 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Business/Labor , Capitol Coverage , Politics

April 5, 2007

Overhaul of Oil and Gas Commission on Hold
April 5, 2007 4:25 PM

A bill that would radically overhaul the state commission regulating oil and gas development in Colorado has been put on hold. Lawmakers met with industry representatives this week to try and work out a compromise, but neither side is optimistic. Backers of reform say a more diverse regulatory commission would create a balanced approach to energy extraction, but the oil and gas industry says it would hurt the state's economy.

[ LISTEN HERE ]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 4:25 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage , Energy , Politics

April 3, 2007

Green Groups: Throw Out Colorado Grasslands Plan
April 3, 2007 5:14 PM

State environmental groups are demanding that the U.S. Forest Service rescind the comprehensive plan for the Cimarron and Comanche national grasslands in southeastern Colorado and western Kansas. This in the wake of last Friday's decision by a federal court judge throwing out the rules that the plan was written under. The plan for the grasslands was the first in the nation to be drafted using the new rules, which the Bush administration implemented in 2005. The administration said its new rules were more efficient and adaptable than the old ones, which had been in effect since 1982.

Today the conservation groups Forest Guardians and Colorado Wild issued a statement demanding that plan for the one million acre Cimmarron and Commanche grasslands be withdrawn. The plan was within days of being finalized, the last opportunity for the public to file a formal objection to it was supposed to be next Wednesday. But after the federal judge last week found that the rules used to write the plan violated the National Environmental Policy Act and Endangered Species Act, Forest Service officials in Pueblo and Washington, D.C. said they're not sure how they're supposed to proceed. They did note, however, that to date no formal objections to the grasslands plan had been filed.

Also in limbo is the comprehensive plan for the Pike - San Isabel National Forest. That forest comprises two million acres along the Sangre de Cristo and Front Ranges between La Veta and Denver. Forest officials launched the process to start writing a new Pike - San Isabel plan in December, and held several public meetings to take input around the region in January and February.

At least two other national forests in western Colorado were also working on new plans when Friday's ruling came down. Nationwide there are 155 national forets, 40 of which were engaged in similar comprehensive planning processes. The Bush administration has not yet announced whether it will appeal last Friday's ruling, or how it thinks forests should proceed with planning processes for now.

Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:14 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Environment , Forest Plans , Politics

March 30, 2007

Iraq Resolution Passes State Senate
March 30, 2007 2:27 PM

Colorado does not support President George W. Bush's plan to send additional troops to Iraq. That's according to a resolution state senators passed Thursday. The vote followed a somber debate, and lawmakers voted along party lines. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.

http://www.capcov.org/cgi-bin/showpost.cgi?375

Posted by Eric Whitney at 2:27 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage , Military , Politics

March 29, 2007

Legislature Gets First Look at 2008 Budget
March 29, 2007 4:21 PM

After months of hearings lawmakers introduced a $17.8 billion spending plan for the state earlier this week. It's the second state budget crafted since the voters gave the state a break from TABOR spending limits. The proposed budget will increase funding for state programs from prisons, to schools, to driver䴜s license offices. Senators debated the bill for several hours Wednesday. It䴜s scheduled for a final vote Thursday before it heads to the House. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.

Listen to this story following the link below.

http://www.capcov.org/cgi-bin/showpost.cgi?374

Posted by Eric Whitney at 4:21 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage , Politics

March 28, 2007

Governor Signs New Renewable Energy Laws
March 28, 2007 3:08 PM

Colorado utility companies must get twice as much energy from renewable sources under a bill the Governor signed into law Tuesday. Governor Ritter also signed a bill to give companies more incentives to build transmission lines, which are key to developing renewable energy. The laws are part of Democrats䴜 pledge to boost renewables in Colorado. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.

http://www.capcov.org/cgi-bin/showpost.cgi?373

Posted by Eric Whitney at 3:08 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage , Energy , Politics

March 27, 2007

Springs City Council Agrees to Dialog With Peace Activists
March 27, 2007 1:22 PM

Peace activists and members of Colorado Springs city
council today agreed to meet and talk. This in the wake of the citys
St. Patricks Day parade, in which seven activists were arrested.
The agreement to meet came during the regular public input portion of
todays city council meeting, in which six peace activists signed up
to talk about the parade, police behavior and rights of free expression.

Read More --> Continue reading "Springs City Council Agrees to Dialog With Peace Activists" »

Posted by Eric Whitney at 1:22 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Colorado Springs , Military , Politics

March 26, 2007

Bill Would Enhance Home Owner Protection
March 26, 2007 3:34 PM

A Republican lawmaker says the home building industry threatened her when she wouldn䴜t agree to vote how they wanted. The lawmaker was the only Republican on a house committee to support a bill that would give home owners more protection from shoddy construction. The bill passed the committee Friday. It䴜s scheduled for debate on the house floor this week. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.

Sorry, no transcript available.

Listen to this story here:

http://www.capcov.org/cgi-bin/showpost.cgi?371

Posted by Matthias Barker at 3:34 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage , Politics

Oil and Gas Commission Remake
March 26, 2007 3:31 PM

After more than two hours of debate, lawmakers Thursday gave the initial nod to a bill to remake the commission that regulates the oil and gas industry. Republicans offered dozens of amendments because they say the bill would hurt the state䴜s economy. The bill scheduled for a final vote in the house Friday. It then goes to the senate where it faces more opposition. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.

Sorry, no transcript available.

Listen to this story here:

http://www.capcov.org/cgi-bin/showpost.cgi?370

Posted by Matthias Barker at 3:31 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage , Politics

Ethics Amendment Compromise
March 26, 2007 3:26 PM

Democratic and Republican leaders from both chambers reached a compromise on an ethics in government bill. The chambers have been at odds over how to address the ethics amendment voters passed last fall. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.

Sorry, no transcript available.

Listen to this story here:

http://www.capcov.org/cgi-bin/showpost.cgi?369

Posted by Matthias Barker at 3:26 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage , Politics

Speak English or No Graduation?
March 26, 2007 3:20 PM

A bill that would forbid high school graduation for students who cannot speak English competently was given initial approval at the capitol. This came despite stiff opposition from several Democrats. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.

Sorry, no transcript available.

Listen to this story here:

http://www.capcov.org/cgi-bin/showpost.cgi?367

Posted by Matthias Barker at 3:20 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage , Education , Politics

More Protection From Domestic Violence
March 26, 2007 3:14 PM

Victims of Domestic violence would get more protection from the courts under a bill that passed a house committee unanimously. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.

Sorry, no transcript available.

Listen to this story here:

http://www.capcov.org/cgi-bin/showpost.cgi?366

Posted by Matthias Barker at 3:14 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage , Politics

Bill Proposes Mental Health Aid for Military Families
March 26, 2007 10:48 AM

Mental health counselors in Colorado Springs say a growing number of soldiers' families are coming in for treatment. But the military doesn't always pay for the care they need. A bill in the Colorado legislature would provide state money to bridge that gap. Ryan Warner talks to Sharon Raggio, chief operating officer of Pikes Peak Behavioral Health Group.

LISTEN HERE

Posted by Eric Whitney at 10:48 AM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Military , Politics

Fort Carson Expansion Sparks Eminent Domain Debate
March 26, 2007 10:41 AM

The Pentagon wants to expand Fort Carson's Pi̱on Canyon Maneuver Site in southeastern Colorado. A bill introduced in the state legislature would block the Army's use of eminent domain to acquire the necessary land. KCFR'S Ryan Warner talks to the bill's author, Rep. Wes McKinley, a Democrat from Walsh, and Brian Binn, president of Military Affairs for the Greater Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce. He opposes the bill. We also hear from rancher and landowner Mack Lowden.

LISTEN HERE

Posted by Eric Whitney at 10:41 AM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Ft. Carson , Military , Politics

Interview: The Journalist Who Profiled Tim Gill
March 26, 2007 10:04 AM

KCFR's Ryan Warner talks to Josh Green, a senior editor of the Atlantic Monthly, about his profile of Denver software millionaire and political activist Tim Gill. Gill is targeting state legislatures with stealth campaigns that have put many gay-friendly candidates in office. (First broadcast March 21, 2007.)

LISTEN HERE

Posted by Eric Whitney at 10:04 AM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Gay & Lesbian , Media , Politics

March 21, 2007

Gov. Bill Ritter Interview on KCFR
March 21, 2007 10:15 AM

Governor Bill Ritter joins Colorado Matters host Ryan Warner for a monthly interview to discuss key state issues, including education, health care, immigration, and the environment. Interviews will air the third or fourth week of each month, depending on the governor's schedule.

LISTEN HERE:

Posted by Eric Whitney at 10:15 AM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Colorado , Education , Politics

March 19, 2007

Anti-War Marchers Arrested at C.Springs Parade
March 19, 2007 3:13 PM

Seven people were arrested at Colorado Springs St. Patricks day parade downtown on Saturday for failing to cooperate with police. Those arrested say the police interfered their free speech rights and physically abused them.

Listen Here

Read More --> Continue reading "Anti-War Marchers Arrested at C.Springs Parade" »

Posted by Eric Whitney at 3:13 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Colorado Springs , Military , Politics

March 15, 2007

Springs Council Candidates Talk Status Quo, Campaign Contributions
March 15, 2007 2:06 PM

Incumbents brag about their accomplishments, challengers criticize them and Tom Gallagher answers a question about potential conflict of interest.

Read More --> Continue reading "Springs Council Candidates Talk Status Quo, Campaign Contributions" »

Posted by Eric Whitney at 2:06 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Colorado Springs , Politics

March 14, 2007

Springs Council Candidates Talk Diversity, Culture
March 14, 2007 3:57 PM

Candidates for four seats on Colorado Springs city council had a chance to sound off on cultural and diversity issues last night (Tue., 3.13.07).

Read More --> Continue reading "Springs Council Candidates Talk Diversity, Culture" »

Posted by Delaney Utterback at 3:57 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Colorado , Elections , Gay & Lesbian , Politics

March 12, 2007

Same Sex Adoption Bill Advances
March 12, 2007 3:25 PM

Same sex couples could adopt each other䴜s children under a new bill that passed out of a house committee with bi-partisan support. The conservative Focus on the Family denounced the bill on their website but no-one testified against the legislation during a hearing Thursday. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.

Listen Here:

Posted by Eric Whitney at 3:25 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage , Gay & Lesbian , Politics

March 7, 2007

End Eminent Domain for Army in Colorado?
March 7, 2007 1:43 PM

Lawmakers say Colorado can‰¥út stop the federal government from taking over private land to expand the Pinon Ca̱on military training sight site in southeast Colorado. But that didn‰¥út stop legislators from passing a bill out of committee that aims to give landowners more rights. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.

Listen Here:

Posted by Eric Whitney at 1:43 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage , Ft. Carson , Politics

March 6, 2007

Springs Candidates Talk Open Space
March 6, 2007 4:59 PM

Candidates for Colorado Springs City Council praised the local trails and open space tax, and they generally favor opening the south slope of Pikes Peak to recreation.
Eleven of the 13 candidates for council and the mayors seat talked trails, open space and other issues at a forum hosted by the Springs Trails and Open Space Coalition, a non-profit advocacy group.

[ LISTEN ]

Read More --> Continue reading "Springs Candidates Talk Open Space" »

Posted by Eric Whitney at 4:59 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Elections , Environment , Politics

March 2, 2007

A Sample of Springs City Council Candidates
March 2, 2007 4:50 PM

The race for the mayor䴜s chair and four seats on the Colorado Springs city council is getting underway. Last night nine of the 13 people running took part in a candidate forum that only drew an audience of about 40 people.

Listen here:

Read More --> Continue reading "A Sample of Springs City Council Candidates" »

Posted by Eric Whitney at 4:50 PM| Permalink | Comments (1) | Posted to Elections , Politics

March 1, 2007

All Candidates for At-Large Seats on CS Council Agree to Forum
March 1, 2007 3:52 PM

All nine at-large candidates for Colorado Springs city council have agreed to participate in a candidate forum in two weeks. The event will be held at the Penrose Library downtown on Tuesday, March 13th, starting at 6pm.

Most of the candidate forum will be devoted to taking questions from the audience, but reporters from KRCC and the Colorado Springs Independent will ask questions, too, as will representatives of the Citizens Project and the Black/Latino Leadership Coalition.
All nine at large candidates for Colorado Springs city council will have a chance to speak their piece, and take an equal number of questions during the 3 hour event. It happens Tuesday, March 13th at Penrose Library downtown. For more information, visit KRCC.org.

Ballots for the Springs city council election will be mailed starting on March ninth, they must be returned by April third.

Read More --> Continue reading "All Candidates for At-Large Seats on CS Council Agree to Forum" »

Posted by Eric Whitney at 3:52 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Politics , Slideshow

February 28, 2007

Lawmakers Say NO to Abstinence
February 28, 2007 5:29 PM

Abstinence only sex education programs would be banned under a new bill in the statehouse. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.

Sorry, no transcript available, listen here.

Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:29 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage , Education , Politics

February 23, 2007

Oil Shale: Just Hype?
February 23, 2007 4:24 PM

WHITNEY: Colorado is already one of the top energy-producing states in the nation.
We rank sixth in production of natural gas, and 11th in terms of oil. There is also
a vast deposit of oil shale in the state, which some say will one day yield vast
amounts of fossil fuel.

But energy production comes at a price. We have two reports from Kirk Siegler at
Aspen Public Radio, which tracks energy issues closely. In the first, Kirk talks
to a group of environmentalists and sportsmen who are urging Congress to pass special legislation to protect a cherished piece of wildlife habitat in Western Colorado
known as the Roan Plateau.

[ LISTEN ]

WHITNEY: In his second piece, Kirk Siegler interviews Randy Udall, head of a renewable energy advocacy group based in Carbondale. It䴜s called the Community Office of Resource Efficiency, and it䴜s a vocal critic of the hype being generated about oil shale in Colorado. Oil shale is a type of rock that contains petroleum, and for decades energy companies have been trying to figure out ways to get the oil out efficiently and profitably. Lately there䴜s been renewed interest in oil shale, but Udall tells Siegler he doesn䴜t think the state can take any of it to the bank.

[ LISTEN ]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 4:24 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Energy , Environment , Politics

February 22, 2007

Springs Soldier Gets 7 Months for Being AWOL
February 22, 2007 5:51 PM

A soldier from Colorado Springs was sentenced to seven months in prison today for deserting his unit as it prepared to deploy to Iraq for a second time.

Read More --> Continue reading "Springs Soldier Gets 7 Months for Being AWOL" »

Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:51 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Military , Politics

Gonzales: Supermax safe. Union: Skeptical.
February 22, 2007 11:08 AM

Supermax is safe and security is getting better. That䴜s the message from U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, who visited the federal lockup in Fremont County Wednesday, Feb. 21. But a guard䴜s union says fixes are just masking a bigger nationwide problem.
[ LISTEN ]

Read More --> Continue reading "Gonzales: Supermax safe. Union: Skeptical." »

Posted by Eric Whitney at 11:08 AM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Crime , Politics , Prisons

February 20, 2007

Attorney General Gonzales to Visit Supermax
February 20, 2007 5:29 PM

WHITNEY: U.S. Attorney Alberto Gonzales will visit the Supermax prison in Florence tomorrow. Supermax came under fire last fall when federal investigations found that convicted terrorists and gang leaders were able to communicate with associates outside the bars, and even run criminal operations from inside the facility.
Part of the reason for the security breaches was understaffing. So said the union that represents correctional officers at Supermax. And last fall a federal arbitrator agreed. The result has been 30 new staffers being added to Supermax. Union representative Mike Schnobrich, who works at the facility, says thats a good start.

[ LISTEN ]

Read More --> Continue reading "Attorney General Gonzales to Visit Supermax" »

Posted by Matthias Barker at 5:29 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Crime , Politics , Prisons

February 14, 2007

Army OK's Pinon Canyon Land Acquisition
February 14, 2007 11:22 AM

KRCC NEWS DIRECTOR ERIC WHITNEY: The Department of Defense has given Ft. Carson the go-ahead to pursue expansion of it䴜s Pinon Canyon maneuver site located between Trinidad and La Junta.

Read More --> Continue reading "Army OK's Pinon Canyon Land Acquisition" »

Posted by Eric Whitney at 11:22 AM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Colorado , Environment , Ft. Carson , Politics

February 12, 2007

A Day In The Life of A Freshman State Legislator
February 12, 2007 6:11 PM

During Colorado䴜s four-month legislative session, lawmakers will hold hearings on about 700 bills. They䴜ll debate for hundreds of hours and log many late nights. It䴜s a demanding schedule even for legislators who䴜ve done it before, but for freshmen, it䴜s even tougher. Bente Birkeland got a taste of the challenges first-year senators face by tagging along for a day with Gail Schwartz, a Democrat who represents much of central Colorado.

LISTEN:
http://www.capcov.org/cgi-bin/showpost.cgi?332

Read More --> Continue reading "A Day In The Life of A Freshman State Legislator" »

Posted by Eric Whitney at 6:11 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Politics

Feds Deny SE Colo Ranchers Disaster Aid
February 12, 2007 12:54 PM

KRCC NEWS DIRECTOR ERIC WHITNEY: The U.S. Department of Agriculture has denied Governor Ritter䴜s request for disaster assistance for ranchers in southeastern Colorado. Ritter had asked federal agency for crop-disaster declarations for ten counties after a series of blizzards in December left an estimated 10,000 to 15,000 cattle dead. But in a letter made public today, the federal agency says it didn䴜t find losses sufficient to meet their criteria for a disaster declaration. Ranchers in the area say they find that hard to believe.

ROBERTSON: I don䴜t know what constitutes a disaster if this doesn䴜t.

WHITNEY: Lon Robertson raises cows in Las Animas County, one of the counties denied crop-loss assistance. He says that in addition to the cows that were killed, those that survived are struggling because the pastures they normally graze this time of year are still covered with snow. That means ranchers have to buy lots of extra feed.

ROBERTSON: we䴜re probably going to use 5- to even 10-times as much hay as we normally do.

WHITNEY: With hay prices having doubled and tripled since December, continuing to feed cows has become a losing proposition for many ranchers. And, Robertson says, the cattle market is so soft, and transportation so difficult, that even selling their cows is no longer an option.

ROBERTSON: There䴜s no place to ship 䴝em to. So you䴜re darned if you do, darned if you don䴜t, you have to just go ahead and feed 䴝em and hopefully find enough feed to get us through.

WHITNEY: Governor Ritter says he䴜s disappointed, and that the Department of Agriculture based its denial on criteria that䴜s nearly impossible to meet. According to Ritter, the federal agency won䴜t declare a disaster in cases like this unless it finds a 30 percent loss in production. Evan Dreyer is a spokesman for the governor:

DREYER: we don䴜t know yet if we䴜ve lost 30% of our cattle, we probably haven䴜t. But we may lose 30% of our calfs (sic) once calving season gets fully underway.

WHITNEY: Dreyer says the governor䴜s office may re-submit its request for disaster relief once more is known about the total losses in southeastern Colorado. The governor also asked Colorado䴜s congressional delegation for disaster relief independent of the Department of Agriculture.

The 10 counties denied the disaster declarations are Baca, Bent, Cheyenne, Crowley, Huerfano, Kiowa, Las Animas, Lincoln, Otero and Prowers.

Posted by Eric Whitney at 12:54 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Colorado , Politics

February 9, 2007

Gov. Ritter Issues Controversial Labor Bill
February 9, 2007 5:13 PM

http://www.capcov.org/cgi-bin/showpost.cgi?331

Governor Bill Ritter vetoed a bill that would make it easier for unions to organize. Ritter says
he agrees with the legislation but opposes the cynical partisan debate that surrounded it. He called was over-heated politics at its worst. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.

BENTE: The Business community said the bill would cripple economic development and accused Democrats of fast-tracking the legislation and leaving them out of
discussions. Governor Ritter says Democrats didnt fast-track the bill, but he says the two
groups should have tried to reach a compromise.

RITTER: Were going to do business differently, and were going to do all we can when there are communities of interest that have different sentiments about a public policy we want to do all we can to search for the common good.

BENTE: At present in Colorado it takes two votes in order for unions to create so-called closed shops. Thats where all employees in a workplace must join a union or at least pay dues in exchange for the union negotiating collective contracts.

The bill Ritter vetoed would have required only one vote.

Republicans opposed the bill. Representative David Balmer is the assistant minority leader.

BALMER: Governor Ritter campaigned as a
moderate and in his first test he came down on the
right side. Were very excited that hes listened to
our arguments on this bill.

BENTE: The Governor says he doesnt agree with
Republicans or the tactics they used to try and block
the bill. Ritter says he supports the bill and would
consider signing it, but that doing so now would
send the wrong message to the state.

RITTER: There were just concerns expressed again and again about how debates seem to get so polarized and deeply divided and that communities of interest dont inform each other about how things are going to move forward.

BENTE: Democratic state Representative Michael Garcia from Aurora sponsored the bill. He says he understands the governors reasons for vetoing it, but he's disappointed.

GARCIA: At the end of the day, this is where it is. I dont know if any further discussion would have changed anyones mind. I don't think it would have.

BENTE: Garcia says he will not introduce the bill again.

GARCIA: I wouldve never introduced this bill had I known the uproar it would cause.

BENTE: The Governor sent the bill back to the House. Democratic leaders were tight lipped and would not say whether a different legislator will introduce the bill at a later date.

Posted by Matthias Barker at 5:13 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage , Politics

February 8, 2007

Greasing the Wheels for New Electrical Transmission Lines
February 8, 2007 5:26 PM

Listen to this story here: http://capcov.org/cgi-bin/showpost.cgi?329

Utility companies in the state say Colorado needs to spend billions on new electric transmission lines to keep up with the states growing energy needs, and new renewable sources of energy. Bente Birkeland reports.

BENTE: Transmission lines can cost up to $1 million per mile to build, and some lines need to be nearly 80 miles long.

CONNOLLY: Its a nationwide problem in trying to attract capitol into transmission.

BENTE: Thats Paula Connolly, an attorney with Xcel energy. The company supplies electricity to about 70% of the state. Under the current system, Xcel cannot recoup the money it invests to build transmission lines until a project is finished. That can take more than a decade. Senate President Joan Fitz-Gerald, a Democrat, says waiting that long drives up costs. Her bill would let companies recoup their money before a project is complete.

FITZGERALD: To use todays dollars to save the money and not have a big spike in the cost at the end of the building of the lines. Its going to go along gradually.

BENTE: Fitz-Gerald says cheaper transmission lines will lead to more transmission lines. She says building more transmission lines is critical, especially when it comes to transporting wind power from rural to urban areas.

FITZGERALD: Even if we did it just the way were doing it today Colorado is a growing state. It has growing demands. We know we have rural areas that have no way of having any improvement in heir rural economy unless they have delivery of more power. We also have the issue of wanting to diversify our energy package and having these lines go to sources that are not the traditional sources of generation.

BENTE: Transmission lines are just one part of the Democrats energy package. They also want to double the states renewable energy requirements. Utility companies would be required to get 20% of their energy from renewable sources by the year 2020. Democratic Senator Chris Romer from Denver says that wont happen unless new transmission lines are built.

ROMER: What I hear again and again and again is you cant even get in the queue for the turbines unless you basically have the infrastructure so we are at tremendous disadvantage we cant get our selves in a position when we are even on the playing field.

BENTE: Some lawmakers worry that building transmission lines first could leave the state with lines to no-where, if wind farm projects fall through. But Sandra Johnson with Xcel energy says that wont happen.

JOHNSON: Were not talking about building speculative transmission. Weve already identified constraints on the system today. We have wind generation on our system today that weve located in areas where we conventional generation but both cannot operate at the same time. This is not just build it they will come, its build to areas we already know are constrained.

BENTE: The bill passed unanimously and now heads to the senate floor for final approval.

Posted by Matthias Barker at 5:26 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage , Colorado , Energy , Politics

Ari Zavaras Takes the Reins at Department of Corrections, Again.
February 8, 2007 5:22 PM

Sorry, no transcript available for this story. Listen to it here:

[ LISTEN ]

Posted by Matthias Barker at 5:22 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Crime , Politics , Prisons

Abolish the Death Penalty in Colorado?
February 8, 2007 5:19 PM

KRCC NEWS, Thursday, February 8, 2007

Listen to this story here: http://capcov.org/cgi-bin/showpost.cgi?328

Louisville Democrat Paul Weissman wants to take the money the state currently spends pursuing death penalty cases and use it to fund cold case investigations into Colorados 1,200 unsolved homicides. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.

BENTE: The bill would use the money spent on death penalty cases to set up a seven member statewide cold case unit. Democratic Representative Paul Weissmann from Louisville is the bills sponsor.

WEISSMAN: To me its such an amazing thing that theres 1,200 unsolved homicides in this state. From a public safety standpoint that means theres close to 1,200 murderers walking our streets.

BENTE: Currently two people in Colorado sit on death row, and Weissmann says under bill theyd stay there. And Even though Weissmann says he opposes the death penalty, he says thats not what the bill is really about.

WEISSMAN: You could debate the moral issues forever and never resolve it. Does an eye for an eye trump though shalt not kill? I dont know and I dont think Ill ever know that answer. But the economics are cut and dry.

BENTE: Wiessman says the state will save $750,000 by not continuing to pursue death penalty cases. Most of that money would go towards the cold case units. But opponents of the bill say the death penalty is a necessary form of punishment. They also say diverting money from death penalty cases is a bad funding mechanism. Democrats and one Republican voted for the bill. It now heads to an appropriations committee.

JOHNSON: Were not talking about building speculative transmission. Weve already identified constraints on the system today. We have wind generation on our system today that weve located in areas where we conventional generation but both cannot operate at the same time. This is not just build it they will come, its build to areas we already know are constrained.

BENTE: The bill passed unanimously and now heads to the senate floor for final approval.

Posted by Matthias Barker at 5:19 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Crime , Politics , Prisons

December 15, 2006

GOV. LAWMAKERS STATE GOALS FOR 2007 LEGISLATIVE SESSION
December 15, 2006 2:42 PM

archivesGOV. LAWMAKERS STATE GOALS FOR 2007 LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Health care, transportation and the economy - Democrats and Republicans agree those will be top priorities in 2007, but the parties differ on how they'll choose to address them. Bente Birkeland reports. [LISTEN] []

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Posted by Eric Whitney at 2:42 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Colorado , Politics

December 14, 2006

PETE DOMENICI FLIP-FLOPS ON PROTECTION FOR NEW MEXICO NATURAL AREA
December 14, 2006 7:20 PM

archivesPETE DOMENICI FLIP-FLOPS ON PROTECTION FOR NEW MEXICO NATURAL AREA
In our twice-monthly interview with editors at High Country News, we hear about NM senior Senator Pete Domenici, who mysteriously dropped his opposition to federal protection for the Valle Vidal. Valle Vidal is a 100,000 acre parcel of public land between Raton and Taos that environmentalists have long sought to protect from energy development. [LISTEN] []

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Posted by Eric Whitney at 7:20 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Environment , New Mexico , Politics

December 8, 2006

COMMENTARY: SCHOOL CHOICE, BY D-11 SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATE JAN TANNER
December 8, 2006 6:48 PM

archivesCOMMENTARY: SCHOOL CHOICE, BY D-11 SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATE JAN TANNER
This Tuesday is the deadline by which voters in Colorado Springs School District 11 must return ballots in the school board recall election. Jan Tanner is a candidate for one of the seats that could be open if voters oust Eric Christen or Sandy Shakes. Earlier this week, Jan Tanner got in touch with us and asked to record a commentary for Western Skies. Our policy is to give anyone with an opinion 3 minutes of airtime, and here is Jan Tanner's commentary. [LISTEN] []

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Posted by Eric Whitney at 6:48 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Colorado Springs , Education , Politics

LEGISLATIVE SESSION PREVIEW
December 8, 2006 6:42 PM

archivesLEGISLATIVE SESSION PREVIEW
It's just over a month until Colorado's new governor, Bill Ritter gives his inaugural state of the state address on January 9th. The following day, the Colorado legislature convenes for it's four month session.
John Straayer, a longtime Colorado government watcher and professor of political science at Colorado State University recently sat down with our capitol reporter Bente Birkeland to talk about what we're likely to see this legislative session.
[LISTEN] []

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Posted by Eric Whitney at 6:42 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Colorado , Interview , Politics

December 7, 2006

HEALTH CARE TASK FORCE
December 7, 2006 1:23 PM

archivesHEALTH CARE TASK FORCE
Nearly three-quarters of a million people in Colorado don't have health insurance. Caring for them drives up costs for everyone else who does. Every year the state legislature tries to come up with solutions to the state's health care crisis, and last year lawmakers and Governor Owens appointed a task force to recommend fixes. Bente Birkeland reports what the state health care task force is trying to accomplish. [LISTEN] []

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Posted by Eric Whitney at 1:23 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Colorado , Health , Politics

December 1, 2006

SMALL BUSINESSES HOPE TO BENEFIT FROM NEW STATE TOURISM MONEY
December 1, 2006 2:18 PM

archivesSMALL BUSINESSES HOPE TO BENEFIT FROM NEW STATE TOURISM MONEY
With the Christmas holidays coming up, Colorado's winter tourist season is about to kick into high gear. Colorado ranks as one of the top states people say they want to visit, and last year tourists spent more than $8 billion here. But not all parts of the state benefit equally. A new law could help level the playing field and give a boost to less traveled areas. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver. [LISTEN] []

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Posted by Eric Whitney at 2:18 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Business/Labor , Colorado , Politics

DEMS: SUTHERS FAILS TO ENFORCE NEW IMMIGRATION LAW
December 1, 2006 2:17 PM

archivesDEMS: SUTHERS FAILS TO ENFORCE NEW IMMIGRATION LAW
State Attorney General John Suthers, a republican, says his office lacks the resources to enforce a tough new illegal immigration law. Democratic house leadership scoffs at his claim. KUNC's Nancy Greenleese reports. [LISTEN] []

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Posted by Eric Whitney at 2:17 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Colorado , Immigration , Politics

November 29, 2006

D-11 RECALL CONFUSION
November 29, 2006 4:59 PM

archivesD-11 RECALL CONFUSION
Organizers of the recall election for two members of Colorado Springs School District 11 say voters may be confused over Eric Christen's latest promise to resign. [LISTEN] []

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Posted by Eric Whitney at 4:59 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Colorado Springs , Education , Politics

November 22, 2006

DEM CONTROL WORRIES GAS INDUSTRY
November 22, 2006 4:07 PM

archivesDEM CONTROL WORRIES GAS INDUSTRY
Energy industry officials say they're worried that big gains by Democrats in state elections this fall could put a damper on Colorado's booming oil and gas development. Kirk Siegler of Aspen Public Radio has this story [LISTEN] []

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Posted by Eric Whitney at 4:07 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Business/Labor , Colorado , Politics

November 16, 2006

GOV. OWENS SAYS YES TO ROADLESS AREAS TASK FORCE RECOMMENDATIONS
November 16, 2006 4:28 PM

archivesGOV. OWENS SAYS YES TO ROADLESS AREAS TASK FORCE RECOMMENDATIONS
On Monday, Governor Bill Owens agreed to protect some 4.1 million acres of roadless public lands in Colorado. He chose to abide by the recommendations of the roadless areas task force that he and the state legislature appointed to study the issue. KGNU's Sam Fuqua spoke with a member of that task force, Steve Smith, who is also the assistant regional director for the Wilderness Society. [LISTEN] []

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Posted by Eric Whitney at 4:28 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Colorado , Environment , Politics

November 14, 2006

POST-ELECTION ANALYSIS FROM JASON BANE
November 14, 2006 4:15 PM

archivesPOST-ELECTION ANALYSIS FROM JASON BANE
All election season long we've been hearing from Jason Bane, who writes for 5280 magazine and Coloradopols.com. We get some post-election analysis from him now, in this day-after-the-election chat with Sam Fuqua, news director at KGNU in Boulder. [LISTEN] []

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Posted by Eric Whitney at 4:15 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Colorado , Politics

FAWCETT LOSES BIG, MERRIFIELD TRIUMPHS AGAIN, AND ED JONES IS OUSTED
November 14, 2006 4:13 PM

archivesFAWCETT LOSES BIG, MERRIFIELD TRIUMPHS AGAIN, AND ED JONES IS OUSTED
For all of the Democratic victories at the national, state and local level, it was mostly disappointment for the party in Colorado Springs. Party standard-bearer Jay Fawcett failed to take the U.S. House Seat, but county Democrats are sending twice as many legislators to Denver this year. [LISTEN] []

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Posted by Eric Whitney at 4:13 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Colorado Springs , Politics

DEM PLANS FOR NEW MAJORITY IN STATEHOUSE
November 14, 2006 4:11 PM

archivesDEM PLANS FOR NEW MAJORITY IN STATEHOUSE
Democrats strengthened their hold on both houses of the state legislature. They picked up at least three seats in the state house and two in the senate - This is the first time since the fifties that Democrats have controlled both the statehouse and the Governor's chair. On the day after the elections, party leaders stressed bipartisanship - once again, here's Bente Birkeland. [LISTEN] []

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Posted by Eric Whitney at 4:11 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Colorado , Politics

DENVER MAYOR STEAMED OVER VOTE SNAFU
November 14, 2006 4:10 PM

archivesDENVER MAYOR STEAMED OVER VOTE SNAFU
Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper said the problems with voting in his city, quote, made his blood boil. Bente Birkeland reports on what he intends to do about it [LISTEN] []

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Posted by Eric Whitney at 4:10 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Denver , Politics

VOTE WOES IN WESTCLIFFE, TOO
November 14, 2006 4:08 PM

archivesVOTE WOES IN WESTCLIFFE, TOO
It wasn't just voters in Denver who had to stand in long lines at the polls this year. Difficulties with the new voting machines plagued even rural communities. Instead of stepping into the age of digital technology on Election Day, some 200 citizens of tiny Custer county found themselves making X's in boxes on photocopied ballots. Shanna Lewis reports. [LISTEN] []

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Posted by Eric Whitney at 4:08 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Politics

VOTING IN DENVER: WHAT A DRAG
November 14, 2006 4:07 PM

archivesVOTING IN DENVER: WHAT A DRAG
Bente Birkeland reports on the hassles associated with voting the Colorado's capitol city this year. [LISTEN] []

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Posted by Eric Whitney at 4:07 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Denver , Politics

DEMOCRATS DO WELL IN COLORADO
November 14, 2006 4:05 PM

archivesDEMOCRATS DO WELL IN COLORADO
: It was a good night for Democrats across the country and in Colorado. For an overview of state races, we go to Bente Birkeland in Denver. [LISTEN] []

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Posted by Eric Whitney at 4:05 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Colorado , Politics

November 8, 2006

PRECINCTS AND HIJINKS: VOTING IN COLORADO SPRINGS
November 8, 2006 3:41 PM

archivesPRECINCTS AND HIJINKS: VOTING IN COLORADO SPRINGS
Republicans said there were problems with improper IDs being used at Colorado Springs precinct 20, a Democrat poll watcher there called it "blatant intimidation of the student vote." Also, Jay Fawcett and the county GOP complain of vandalism of their offices. [LISTEN] []

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Posted by Eric Whitney at 3:41 PM| Permalink |