"Bio-West" in Denver
Today is a big day for scientific entrepreneurs in Colorado. Half-a-dozen of the state’s most promising biotechnology start-up companies are pitching their business plans to potential investors at the annual conference known as “Bio-West” in Denver. If these start-up companies make good, it could mean billions for the state’s economy, and then there are the benefits to health and agriculture their products could provide around the world. KCFR Health Reporter Eric Whitney has this introduction to the people behind some of the state’s best bio-tech bets.
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The Rocky Mountain Women’s Film Festival wrapped up its 21st annual festival this past weekend. An eclectic mix of 28 independent films screened in downtown Colorado Springs, exploring issues such as racism, homophobia, and human rights. Despite their diversity, all films were either created by, or made about, women. KRCC’s Kristin Lynch attended the festival and has this report.
Last April authorities raided a Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints compound in Texas. They took more than 400 children into custody based on allegations of forced marriages of underage girls. Shortly after the raid the Southern Poverty Law Center reported that during the last two years, members of the polygamist group had purchased some $2 million in real estate in Colorado’s rural Custer County. This may now be largest cluster of FLDS properties in the country outside the group’s home base near the Arizona-Utah border. Only a few residents knew of the FLDS presence, so the news rocked the tiny community of Westcliffe. KRCC’s Shanna Lewis reports.
Colorado business leaders are working with Governor Bill Ritter to secure a non-stop flight from Denver to Tokyo. Ritter is leading a 10 day trip to Asia later this month to lobby for the project and to promote Colorado as a tourist destination and renewable energy research hub. Bente Birkeland reports from the state capitol.
Colorado voters reject a ban on affirmative action, El Paso County begins making cuts, and the Rocky Mountain Women’s Film Festival.
In an historic move Colorado lawmakers selected Representative Terrence Carroll as the state’s first African American speaker of the house. That means two African American men now hold the top leadership positions in both chambers of the state legislature. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.
The day after an historic election and big Democratic gains, Colorado Governor Bill Ritter praised Senator Barack Obama and talked about the challenges facing the state with the failure of several ballot questions. Ritter says he’s disappointed that amendment 58 was defeated despite the months he spent campaigning for its passage. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.