In today’s news, a Ft. Carson soldier died in Iraq earlier this week, a wildfire continues to burn in Park County, and Colorado health officials confirm the first human cases of West Nile Virus in the state.

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Hundreds of people filled the Paramount theatre in downtown Denver on Monday for a public hearing on new rules for energy development. The rules would require the state to more closely look at the health and environmental impacts associated with oil and gas drilling. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.

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Pro union groups and businesses are likely headed for a showdown this fall on Colorado’s election ballot. One business backed measure would make Colorado a right to work state, unions oppose it and have come up with their own proposals. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.

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A Democratic state representative is asking the U.S. army to explain why it didn’t react faster to a wild fire that erupted last week on the Piñon Canyon military training sight in southeast Colorado. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.

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The Governor’s transportation panel reconvened on Tuesday to come up with specific recommendations to fix the state’s ailing roads and bridges. The legislature failed to adopt the panel’s earlier recommendations but members hope next year will be different. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.

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Members of the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission took a beating from lawmakers and the public in Grand Junction Tuesday. The COGCC is revising its regulations on oil and gas. Yesterday was the final public hearing that was NOT in Denver. Steve Zelaznik of KDNK has more.

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Telluride hosted its 32nd annual Jazz Celebration this past weekend, which also kicked off the town’s summer festival season. Over twenty-five acts played on several stages over the course of four days, including the spectacularly set outdoor stage… with its panoramic views of the high mountain canyon. KRCC’s Michelle Mercer was there and brought back this snapshot…

[CLICK THUMBNAILS TO ENLARGE]

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According to a new report from the Colorado Children’s Campaign — the state has the highest increase in childhood poverty rates in the country. Top state officials reacted to the report on Tuesday. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.

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The U.S. Forest Service has long tried to get kids outside and away from computers, TVs and video games… but the country’s top forester says efforts have become more urgent in recent years. The agency is hosting its first ever National Get Outdoors Day this Saturday, and Denver is expected to have one of the largest events in the country. Bente Birkeland reports.

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Emergency crews rushed to portions of southwest Colorado Springs this afternoon after a fire broke out in an area of grass and heavy scrub oak near the Broadmoor Bluffs-Cheyenne Mountain region.

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