Local News

Today is Election Day. As of yesterday, Republicans in Colorado held a 2-point lead in early voting. The trend marks a contrast from the presidential election of four years ago when Democrats had the early voting edge. Bente Birkeland has more from the state capitol.

Headlines:

• Republicans lead early vote in Colorado
• Texas Gov. Rick Perry visits Delta
• Colorado mortgage loans paid off at high rate
• Naturita Library receives prestigious award
• Antero Resources selling all leases near Rifle
• Fee-Free weekend at Colorado National Monument

Improved access to broadband internet is starting to become a reality for Colorado, even the rural Western Slope. The EAGLE‑Net Alliance was given a grant in September 2010 to build the EAGLE‑Net a broadband network around the state. KVNF’s Ariana Brocious spoke to EAGLE-Net Alliance Regional Representative Patrick Swonger about the project and it’s regional impacts.

Both presidential campaigns are working overtime in the home stretch to try to mobilize their bases and get voters to the polls. In Colorado, where the race is seen as a tossup, the ground game will be especially important. Bente Birkeland talked with grassroots volunteers from both campaigns out on the front lines.

Headlines:

• Campaigns Work Overtime in Home Stretch
• West Nile Cases in Delta County Far Surpass Last Year
• EagleNET Brings Broadband Access to Colorado
• Increased Wildlife Danger with Time Change

In this week's Watch report: Anticipation builds for Pinon Ridge Uranium mill hearing, Survey of Montrose School District finds drop in achievement, Ridgway seeks community input on streetscape plan.

KVNF has teamed up with the Watch newspapers to bring you stories from Montrose, Ouray and San Miguel Counties. Managing editor Gus Jarvis has with this week’s report.

For the first time in years, the upcoming state budget will not be centered on making deep cuts. Governor John Hickenlooper unveiled his budget proposal yesterday. It doesn’t include any major cuts and instead asks lawmakers for more money for education and economic development projects. State employees would also see a pay raise. Bente Birkeland has more from the state capitol.

Headlines:

• State Budget Looking Up
• Two Locals Appointed To Coal Mine Board of Examiners
• Legislator Aims To Remove Guns From College Campuses
• Juvenile Charged With Arson In Weber Fire
• Watch Report On Montrose, Ouray and San Miguel Counties
• KVNF Sports Report
• Colorado Spruce Heads to US Capitol For Christmas
• Daylight Saving Time Ends This Weekend

100,000 Coloradans have medical marijuana licenses now. Still, even though more patients can legally buy pot, arrests are UP by seven per cent. And data shows that minorities are arrested at higher rates than whites, even though they use the drug less. With an amendment to legalize marijuana on the ballot this fall, Colorado Public News’ Carol McKinley takes a look at the controversial issue.

Not only is Colorado a key swing state in the presidential election, this fall voters will also be deciding on a host of other races and issues. For instance, whether to legalize marijuana, and down ticket candidates that will determine the makeup of the Colorado state legislature. Bente Birkeland talks to statehouse reporters about what’s at stake.