Advocates on both sides of a ballot initiative regarding abortion are beginning their campaigns…One of three companies with federal leases to research and develop oil shale in Colorado says it plans to start testing its technology next year…Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has received an Air Force Academy award for contributions to U.S. defense and security…Colorado Springs city officials are providing drivers to the downtown area a little bit of relief when it comes to parking meters…and, the Pueblo Zoo is mourning the loss of long-time resident, Solar Sue.

Democratic candidate for Governor John Hickenlooper outlined his goals and ideas to help turn around the state’s education system yesterday. He acknowledges the need for more money to improve student testing, and reward the best teachers and principals, but says now is not the time to ask voters for a tax increase. Bente Birkeland has more from the state capitol.

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A state legislator has taken the first steps toward introducing a bill similar to Arizona’s law aimed at cracking down on illegal immigration..and, Revamping student assessments, rewarding the most effective teachers and principals, and bringing broadband to rural schools are just a few of the education policy goals Democrat John Hickenlooper unveiled today.

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The Pueblo Chieftain reports on how one ruling from the state’s Supreme Court is affecting water laws and availability. The Denver Post reports on issues surrounding language in the state’s Blue Book, or official voting guide, and how a small bird could help predict climate changes.

In Colorado Springs, the Business Journal takes a look at expiring unemployment benefits*, the philharmonic’s resurgence*, and how one area mall plans to use cell phone technology to help make shopping easier*. The Sky Sox have set an attendance record (KXRM).

Las Animas County commissioners plan to bid on the Trinidad State Nursing Home (Times-Independent). More agencies are approaching the Trinidad City Council for funding assistance (Times-Independent).

The Canon City Daily Record takes a look at safety issues and concerns regarding the proposed “Over the River” art project.

Custer County plans to hold a meeting regarding a proposed facility for troubled teens (Wet Mountain Tribune).

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Democratic candidate for governor, John Hickenlooper, addressed the Colorado Water Congress today…and, Colorado Secretary of State Bernie Buescher has told county clerks to comply with a demand from the federal government after the state was denied a waiver that would have exempted it from a requirement to mail ballots to overseas military service members 45 days before the November election.

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Governor Bill Ritter is weighing whether Colorado will become part of a new federal program aimed at deporting illegal immigrants who commit serious crimes. Ritter says he’s still talking to federal immigration officials and trying to address some concerns. As Bente Birkeland reports, law enforcement agencies in the state have mixed feelings about moving forward.

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Coloradans will get to weigh in on the health care overhaul this fall with a ballot measure that attempts to block the government from requiring people to have health insurance…Colorado Springs Utilities and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation have reached a price agreement on the Southern Delivery System.

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Colorado Springs Utilities and the BLM reach a deal for the SDS pipeline system (Gazette, Chieftain). In El Paso County, access to a database of fingerprints is on hold (KKTV). Colorado Springs mayoral candidate puts money into campaign (Gazette). AFA plans big for their home game on 9/11 (Gazette).

In Pueblo, waste treatments plants are installed at the Chemical Agent Plant (KKTV, Chieftain).

A new prison opens in Canon City (KXRM).

In Las Animas County, gas companies face a new water plan (Times-Independent). The Trinidad City Council picks a new city manager (Times-Independent), and discusses purchasing a golf clubhouse (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.

Authorities say they have recaptured an inmate who escaped from a maximum-security prison in northeastern Colorado…The University of Colorado at Boulder is reviewing the future of its journalism and mass communication program…and, Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve has an inhabitant returning to the area that hasn’t been seen there in forty years.

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The Bureau of Reclamation and Colorado Springs Utilities continue talks in Pueblo regarding the planned Southern Delivery System (Gazette, Chieftain).

Passenger traffic decreases at the Colorado Springs Airport (Gazette).

Investigators say propellors on small plane that crashed near Calhan were faulty (Gazette).

Pueblo County Commissioners debate zoning regulations for medical marijuana businesses (Chieftain). The Pueblo Chieftain reports the imprisoned son of Democratic lieutenant governor candidate Joe Garcia is not a ‘hidden issue’ for the family.

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.