FIRE UPDATE
We have an update on the Mato Vega, Wrights, Lion Creek, Bear Creek and Jolly Mesa Fires, plus, Governor Owens and Senator Salazar worry this fire season could develop into a “Katrina-like situation” in Colorado this summer. [LISTEN] [TRANSCRIPT]

COLORADO’S GOVERNOR, LEGISLATORS SPAR OVER SPECIAL SESSION
A special legislative session looks more likely, after Democratic leaders today formally called for one. Their action follows Governor Owens stating his intent to call a special session last week. Both Democrats and the Republican governor say the session is necessary to deal with immigration issues. [LISTEN] [TRANSCRIPT]

HOLTZMAN DROPS OUT OF GOVERNOR’S RACE
It’s official: Marc Holtzman will accept the state Supreme Court’s decision and end his quest for the Republican nomination for Governor. [LISTEN] [TRANSCRIPT]

CORKY GONZALES BIRTHDAY OBSERVANCE
MUSIC INTO: In 1969 the Crusade for Justice, a Chicano/Mexicano civil rights organization began a summer freedom school for disempowered Chicano youth in Denver, for whom regular school seemed irrelevant. Heavily involved was Rodolfo “Corky” Gonzales, an activist who hoped spur pride in Chicano students, and get them more interested in education through the study of Chicano literature and history. Last Saturday Latino activists in Denver celebrated Corky Gonzales’ birthday, Claudia Crag has this story. [LISTEN] [TRANSCRIPT]

UTILITIES PAY HOMEOWNERS TO GO SOLAR
As we reported recently on Western Skies, utility companies in Colorado are starting to pay homeowners to install solar panels on their houses. Here are more details. [LISTEN] [TRANSCRIPT]

LAWSUIT OVER COLORADO’S ELECTRONIC VOTING MACHINES
This fall, voters in Colorado could be faced with new, electronic voting machines. The state is trying to comply with a federal law designed to help disabled people vote. But 13 people are suing the state, saying that the new electronic voting machines aren’t ready for prime time. Bente Birkland reports from Denver. [LISTEN] [TRANSCRIPT]

FEDS SELL LEASES IN ROADLESS AREAS DESPITE TASK FORCE
Colorado’s roadless areas task force is holding its second to last hearing tomorrow in Glenwood Springs. The final hearing will be on July 19th in Denver. But as Josh Raulerson of Aspen Public Radio reports, energy development is poised to encroach into previously protected roadless areas before the task force completes its work. [LISTEN] [TRANSCRIPT]

NEW HOSPITAL OPENS IN DURANGO
After years of planning and construction, a new 82-bed hospital is set to open in Durango. Last week Catholic Health Initiatives, which will operate the new Mercy Medical Center held a dedication ceremony with their development partners, the Southern Ute Indian Tribe. Joan Zwisler of Four Corners Public Radio was at the event, and files this report. [LISTEN] [TRANSCRIPT]

BAR OWNERS CHALLENGE STATE SMOKING BAN
On Friday a federal judge will hear a lawsuit challenging Colorado’s new ban on smoking inside bars and restaurants. The ban is scheduled to go into effect July 1. Bente Birkeland has more from the state capitol.
[LISTEN] [TRANSCRIPT]

THE MATO VEGA FIRE
The Mato Vega fire burning near La Veta has doubled in size today.
Reports last night put the fire at approximately 4,500 acres, the blaze is now estimated to be burning some 8,960 acres in steep, heavily wooded terrain.
[LISTEN] [TRANSCRIPT]