Colorado’s state educational standards fall below federal standards…Senator Mark Udall seeks to authorize research into nuclear power plants…and, Focus on the Family’s voice steps down.

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The Colorado Court of Appeals rules on a medicinal marijuana provider case…The USOC selects a search firm fro find a new CEO…and, the early season snowstorm prompts the closure of a number of roads.

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Dawn Corbelli teaches a class called “Family-to-Family,” which aims to provide information on mental illnesses, coping skills, and advocacy for family and friends of those dealing with mental illnesses. In this week’s “Citizen Report,” Dawn shares her personal motivation for taking on the classes: her story, and her daughter’s story.

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For additional information, visit NAMI’s Colorado Springs’ website.

(The “Citizen Report” is a collaboration between the Colorado Springs Gazette and KRCC. More citizen journalism is available at Fresh Ink.)

A Colorado Springs homeless shelter relaxes rules during the cold weather…More oil and gas leases offered…and, Senator Michael Bennet approves of a plan that would allow states to opt out of a government run insurance plan.

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Higher education was spared in the latest round of state budget cuts, but Governor Bill Ritter says colleges and universities won’t be as lucky the next time round. Ritter gave details on the new cuts today. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.

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Voters in Pueblo this election cycle are considering whether or not to implement a strong-mayor style of city government.KRCC’s Andrea Chalfin recently spoke with Pueblo Chieftain city government and politics reporter Peter Roper about issue 300. Here’s part of their conversation.

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Here’s the full conversation, including comments about the origins of the ballot issue and about weak-mayor issue 2A (27 min):

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Click below for Pueblo ballot drop-off locations, and hours.
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State workers can expect more furloughs…and, Colorado officials report spending about one-fifth of the government’s stimulus money.

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School lunch hasn’t always gotten the highest marks when it comes to flavor or health. But now, fresher, more nutritious foods are available for many students in Colorado. KRCC’s Ellen Mahoney reports on how lunch programs in the state are changing.

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A Colorado Springs group that aims to help Native Americans overcome alcoholism and other health issues wins a prize from a San Francisco think tank…two soldiers based at Ft. Carson have been killed in Afghanistan…Governor Ritter names a new head of the Colorado Department of Natural Resources….and, state lawmakers from the West meet in Wyoming to talk about energy issues.

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The Colorado Springs E-Town Hall meeting about the 2010 city budget…King Soopers warns employees of a possible lock-out…and, questioning President Obama’s nominee for Colorado’s U.S. attorney.

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