Colorado voters will once again be at the center of the abortion debate this election cycle. The Personhood amendment is back on the ballot for the second time. And proponents of the controversial amendment, which if passed could ban abortions, say they’re hoping an energized Republican base will tip the balance in their favor. Bente Birkeland has more from the state capitol.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

A hydrological study is underway that’s looking into the feasibility of creating public mineral water bathing facilities in Manitou Springs. The 60-thousand dollar study is being conducted by the City of Manitou Springs and the non-profit Mineral Springs Foundation. The results of the feasibility study, part of a voter-approved initiative, are due in August. KRCC’s Wendy Rose caught up with the study’s chair to talk about the report and the interest in Manitou’s natural springs.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Military officials will discuss cleanup efforts at the site of a Black Hawk helicopter crash last year that killed four crew members on Colorado’s Mount Massive…The vice-chair of the American Constitution Party says he’s fine with former Republican congressman Tom Tancredo using the same platform as his GOP rival in the Colorado governor’s race…and, Governor Bill Ritter wants schools to compete for programs to help reduce child hunger in Colorado.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

In Colorado Springs, the Independent takes a look at the strong-mayor question some in the city want, and the affects of the VA’s new stance on medical marijuana. Artist Christo comes to the area to explain his “Over the River” project (Gazette, KXRM), while the Canon City Council has given its support to the project (KRDO).

InPueblo, the county plans to use a land-use permit provision when it comes to the Southern Delivery System pipeline (Chieftain).Groups work on a compromise for the destruction of mustard agent at the Pueblo Chemical Depot (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.

The Environmental Protection Agency is holding public meetings in Colorado and Texas next week as it reconsiders air pollution standards for oil and gas operations…GOP gubernatorial candidate Dan Maes says a round of automated phone calls telling registered Republicans he’s dropping out of the race and endorsing his GOP opponent are false…and, A Democratic Representative Betsy Markey says she’s pinched pennies at her congressional office and is handing the savings back to the government.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Colorado is still in the running to get millions of federal dollars to help reform schools. The state failed to win money in the first round of the federal race to the top competition, and is now competing for a smaller pot of cash. Bente Birkeland has more from the state capitol.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Colorado is among the states that have been named finalists in the second round of the federal “Race to the Top” school reform grant competition…Congress has been debating the future of NASA and human space flight, and some of their plans could prove a boon for Colorado.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

The Denver Post reports on a rise in child poverty rates in the state.

In Colorado Springs, candidates for El Paso County sheriff debate a second time (Gazette). The candidates also spoke to KKTV. City Council looks to enact medical marijuana regulations (Gazette).

In Pueblo, City Council approved medical marijuana licensing, and is calling on the federal government for comprehensive immigration reform (Chieftain).

Otero County unemployment numbers are up (LaJunta Tribune-Democrat).

Candidates for various offices in and around Las Animas County held a televised debate (Trinidad Times-Independent). Las Animas County commissioners take a look at two ballot measures, one pertaining to the state owned nursing home, the other regarding medical marijuana (Times-Independent). The A.R. Mitchell Museum in Trinidad will soon receive three new original Mitchell paintings (Times-Independent).

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.

Former Republican Congressman Tom Tancredo has formally announced his entry into the Colorado Governor’s race. Tancredo is leaving the party to run as a third party candidate on the American Constitution Party ticket. He’s said he has no choice but to step in because he believes the two scandal-ridden Republicans currently vying for the seat can’t win this fall. But as Bente Birkeland reports, many state Republicans are miffed over the move.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Former Republican Congressman Tom Tancredo is officially throwing his hat into the ring to become Colorado’s next Governor…The government says patients treated at Veterans Affairs hospitals and clinics will be able to use medical marijuana in the 14 states where it’s legal, including Colorado.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.