Some residents in Pueblo County are asking county commissioners to make Xcel Energy shut down its new power plant until the utility can stop the noise that has driven some out of their homes…State offices will be closed Friday for another mandatory furlough day…and, a state report says that efforts to prevent the spread of invasive mussels after they were first found in a south Colorado lake two years ago are apparently paying off, but warns the fight isn’t over.

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The Rocky Mountain Rail Authority has released results from a feasibility study looking at high speed rail in the state (Business Journal, KXRM).

In Colorado Springs, retirement plans from Memorial Health System employees may affect whether or not the city sells the organization (Gazette). D-11 officials are expected to reveal planned changes for Wasson High School and Trailblazer Elementary School at a work session today (Gazette). The Colorado Springs Police Department held a regional forum to discuss the intersection of immigration and law enforcement (Gazette, KKTV, KOAA). The Colorado Springs Airport is updating its method for scanning checked bags (KKTV, KRDO).

In Pueblo, D-60 continues talk about how to meet a budget shortfall, including the possibility of cutting teacher positions (Chieftain, KRDO, KOAA). Residents near Xcel’s Comanche 3 power station are still seeking resolution over noise from the facility (Chieftain).

Disclaimer: KRCC and KRCC News make no guarantees regarding the content within these reports, however consider them part of the news and media outlets reporting on issues affecting our coverage area. The Index is not exhaustive, and is not an endorsement of any kind.

A bill to retire coal fired power plants along the Front Range led to a sharp division among senate Republicans yesterday, pitting the top two leaders in the chamber against the rest of their caucus. The group held two briefings to try and find common ground, but couldn’t reach a compromise. Bente Birkeland reports from the state capitol.

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The state senate has given initial approval to a bill aimed at using natural gas to reduce Front Range emissions from coal-fired power plants…A proposal for Colorado to sell the state-chartered workers’ compensation insurance fund seeking privatization has been canceled…and, county commissioners in the San Luis Valley are endorsing a proposal to establish a national historical trail honoring the route Zebulon Pike took across the Midwest and into Colorado in 1807.

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The Colorado Springs Business Journal reports the Pikes Peak Foundation has added funding and new citizen groups. KOAA reports on aging government buildings in El Paso County.

In Pueblo, enrollment at Pueblo Community College is up (KRDO). Pueblo City Schools Board of Education is moved its meeting tonight as they prepare to discuss more budget cutting measures, like furlough days and teacher layoffs (Chieftain). Enthusiasts are pushing for a national historic trail named for Zebulon Pike (Cheiftain).

The LaJunta Tribune-Democrat reports on stable unemployment rates in Otero and Crowley Counties, and on southeastern state lawmakers concerned about budget cuts affecting water projects. The Canon City Daily Record reports on efforts to bring the Boys and Girls Club to Fremont County.

Disclaimer: KRCC and KRCC News make no guarantees regarding the content within these reports, however consider them part of the news and media outlets reporting on issues affecting our coverage area. The Index is not exhaustive, and is not an endorsement of any kind.

Colorado has failed to capture a share of a four billion dollar federal education grant to help turn around struggling schools. The state was one of 16 finalists, but fell short of the finish line, with Delaware and Tennessee winning during the first round of grants. Bente Birkeland reports from the statehouse.

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Colorado has lost its first bid to win millions of dollars for education reform…The Colorado Water Conservation Board is considering expanding the definition of critical facilities that must protect against a 500-year flood…and, in-state undergraduate students at the University of Colorado will pay 7-9 % more in tuition at campuses starting this fall.

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Colorado recently joined a dozen other states to sue the federal government to block the healthcare overhaul. The lawsuit focuses on the constitutionality of the individual health care mandate and penalties for people who fail to purchase health insurance. Bente Birkeland discusses the local impact as part of our Capitol Conversation series.

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The Colorado Springs Business Journal reports on how education cuts are affecting Pikes Peak Community College. The paper also reports on how health reform will affect Memorial Health System.

And, in case you missed it, the Denver Post recently ran an article on how the planned closure of a private prison is affecting Walsenburg.

Disclaimer: KRCC and KRCC News make no guarantees regarding the content within these reports, however consider them part of the news and media outlets reporting on issues affecting our coverage area. The Index is not exhaustive, and is not an endorsement of any kind.

The unemployment rate in Colorado rose to 7.7 percent last month…and, a measure that aims to protect citizens from illegal police searches during routine traffic stops initially cleared the state senate today.

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