COMMENTARY: STATE OF THE ROCKIES
Colorado College economics professor Walt Hecox previews this year’s State of the Rockies Conference by asking, what does it mean to live in the west? [LISTEN] [TRANSCRIPT]

CAPITOL COVERAGE
Lawmakers made progress on the budget this week. Also, the largest group of citizens in recent memory showed up on Tuesday to protest the proposed Super Slab toll road. Stephen Raher and David Wilson have our regular weekly report. [LISTEN] [TRANSCRIPT]

HIZZONNER AND GOD
In December, Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper stepped into a controversy when he proposed changing the “Merry Christmas” display at city hall to “Happy Holidays.” But, as Jeannine Miller reports, Hickenlooper is now looking to forge allegiances with religious congregations. [LISTEN] [TRANSCRIPT]

WESTBORO RETURNS TO COLORADO SPRINGS
Stephen Raher reports on the return of Fred Phelps’ Westboro Baptist Church; and, Eric Whitney checks in with a community dialogue on religion and tolerance that took place at the same time as the Wesboro protest. [LISTEN] [TRANSCRIPT]

NEWSCAST
New developments with the Pentagon’s plans for the Pueblo Weapons Depot, a follow up on Wal-Mart and Pueblo West (Anita Miller reports), and trouble at the Boys and Girls Club of the Navajo Nation (Joan Zwisler of KSUT reports). [LISTEN] [TRANSCRIPT]

BRANSON SCHOOL ONLINE
Stephen Raher has the story of a small Colorado town of less than one hundred people, that has nearly one thousand students enrolled in its online school. Branson School Online has won praise from parents and teachers, but at least a few state legislators want to see stricter oversight of the program. [LISTEN] [TRANSCRIPT]
EXPANDED CONTENT–> Branson School Online can be found at BransonSchoolOnline.com

ICE WINE
Nancy Greenlese reports from the Western Slope on a vineyard that specializes in making rare and tasty ice wine. [LISTEN] [TRANSCRIPT]

MENTAL HEALTH LAW
Stephen Raher reports on a recent Colorado Supreme Court case that could impact how health insurance covers mental illness. [LISTEN] [TRANSCRIPT]
EXPANDED CONTENT–> The Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law’s website has more information on legal and insurance issues facing the mental health community

PINE BEETLES
Paul Ingles reports from Santa Fe, where an inventor/scientist is developing new technologies to study the beetle infestation that’s threatening the region’s pi?on pines. [LISTEN] [TRANSCRIPT]

CAPITOL COVERAGE
The General Assembly considered inter-basin water transfers this week, along with a bill to implement new energy efficiency standards for appliances. Also, lawmakers received an update on the problem-plagued computer system that is supposed to track welfare benefits. Stephen Raher and David Wilson have our weekly report. [LISTEN] [TRANSCRIPT]

NEWSCAST
Eric Whitney reports on two recent court martials of Fort Carson soldiers. Also, Wal-Mart is in the news in Woodland Park (where they want to build a new store) and Loveland (where a local union is protesting a recent vote); and Colorado’s senators cast votes on ANWR drilling. Stephen Raher reports on the Hide and Seek bar’s last night in business. [LISTEN] [TRANSCRIPT]

COMMENTARY: TEEN KIDS
Fran Cadez brings us some thoughts on the communications capabilities of today’s youth. [LISTEN] [TRANSCRIPT]

COMMENTARY: TENANT’S BILL OF RIGHTS
COMMENTARY: TENANT’S BILL OF RIGHTS
Activist Cindy Kulp talks about why the legislature needs to pass House Bill 1061, which would level the playing field for landlords and tenants. [LISTEN] [TRANSCRIPT]

CRANE MIGRATION
CRANE MIGRATION
The San Luis Valley town of Monte Vista is holding its sandhill crane festival this weekend. Paul Ingles reports on what the birds do during the winter. [LISTEN] [TRANSCRIPT]

UCCS VOX POP
UCCS VOX POP
Western Skies’ Jon Wilson talks to students at UCCS about President Hoffman’s resignation. [LISTEN] [TRANSCRIPT]