The Day of the Dead, or Dia de Los Muertos, is a Mexican holiday when the spirits of ancestors are invited to come back and celebrate with the living. Traditionally the holiday is observed every year around Halloween, on the Christian holy days of All Saints Day, November 1st, and All Souls Day, November 2nd. Pueblo got a head start on its Day of The Dead festivities with a parade this past Friday, Oct. 26th. KRCC’s Michelle Mercer was there and brings us this report.

[LISTEN]

[SLIDESHOW]

UPDATE: Feds Say: Protect Preble’s Mouse in Colorado, But Not Wyoming
Read more about the decision HERE

Two Homicides in Pueblo This Week

Gas Leases Suspended for Environmental Concerns

Denver High School Clinics Ponder Offering Contraceptives

Report: Immigration Raids Traumatize Legal Residents

[LISTEN]

Colorado has landed the largest convention contract in the state’s history, the ski and snowboard industry’s annual trade show. Governor Ritter says it’s expected to bring in more than $350 million to the state and a boost to downtown Denver and ski resorts across Colorado. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver

[LISTEN]

State GOP Lawmakers Unveil Illegal Immigration Bills

Audit: Emergency Radio Network Remains Useless

State’s Democratic Superdelegates Split

Springs Funeral Director Offered Plea Deal

Ritter: “New Energy Economy” Taking Root

[LISTEN]

On Friday, Oct. 26, the Air Force Reserve unit based at Peterson Field flew members of the local media to California to see their air and ground crews in action fighting fires.

[LISTEN]

[SLIDESHOW]

From fleet-footed hillbillies to fat Elvi, there was a plethora of the paranormal in Manitou Saturday, Oct. 27, 2007.

And that’s the way they like it.

[LISTEN (if you dare)] [SLIDESHOW]

To listen to an interview with Master Sergeant Pamela Ammon of the 302nd Airlift Wing, click here.

Photo by Tech. Sgt. Roy A. Santana

U.S. Northern Command also supplied us with this video of C-130s fighting the California wildfires

U.S. Northern Command in Colorado Springs issued this press release at 1:30 Thursday morning, Oct. 25, 2007

CHANNEL ISLANDS AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Calif. At the request of the local incident commander Wednesday afternoon, five Air National Guard and Reserve C-130 Hercules aircraft equipped with the Modular Airborne Firefighting System flew their first missions in support of the California wildfires. The aircraft, under operational control of U.S. Northern Command, were tasked to attack the Poomacha fire burning in San Diego County. The five aircraft came from three units; the 302nd Airlift Wing, Peterson Air Force Base, Colo, 153rd AW, Cheyenne, Wy, and the 145th AW from Charlotte, N.C. All aircraft successfully completed their missions and have returned to base. Operations will resume Thursday morning.

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

[LISTEN]

Pueblo photographer Walter Beck was a aerial photographer with the 20th Combat Mapping Squadron based at Peterson Field. The war took him all over the South Pacific, where he took lots of unofficial photos of men at war, the machines they flew, and the colorful, often risque art with which they decorated them. Beck died in 1989, but his daughter, Analee has organized some of his war photo collection into a display at the Southeastern Colorado Heritage Center in Pueblo. KRCC’s Michelle Mercer visited the exhibit with Analee Beck.

[LISTEN] [SLIDESHOW]

Visit the Southeastern Colorado Heritage Center’s website here.

Senator Hillary Clinton held a presidential campaign rally in Colorado Tuesday. It was her first big public event in the state and the Democratic frontrunner drew about four thousand people. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.

[LISTEN]