The city of Durango commissioned a bike sculpture for the USA Pro Challenge.

Communities across the state are getting ready to welcome the top cyclists in the world for the second annual USA Pro Cycling Challenge, dubbed America’s Race. The cycling race begins Monday in Durango where Bente Birkeland reports many locals are excited but also uncertain whether it’ll mean a boost to businesses.

Women waiting to hear President Barack Obama speak in Denver

President Barack Obama kicked off a four stop tour of Colorado yesterday at the Auraria campus in downtown Denver. During a roughly 20 minute speech the president focused more on women’s health issues than the economy. Bente Birkeland has more from the state capitol.

Matt Lepore- Colorado Energy News

The agency that regulates oil and gas development has hired a new director. Matt Lepore  is the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission’s former attorney and takes the helm during a tumultuous time. Statehouse reporter Bente Birkeland sat down with him to talk about the future of energy development in Colorado.

Roan Plateau - U.S. Dept of Justice

A U.S. District judge is expected to issue a ruling soon on the ongoing lawsuit over oil and gas drilling on Colorado’s Roan plateau. Environmental groups are trying to block the drilling, and say federal regulators failed to fully examine the risks to wildlife and air quality. Bente Birkeland has more from the state capitol.

Now that the legislature’s special session has finished and some dust has settled, Bente Birkeland sits down with Governor John Hickenlooper to take a look back at how the controversial civil unions bill was handled and whether he regrets his unusual decision to call the special session.

Minority leader Mark Ferrandino talks to Dems on house floor

A bill that would have allowed civil unions in Colorado failed in the Republican controlled house late last night despite having enough GOP votes to pass. It happened after a dramatic fallout on the chamber floor, when Republicans recessed the house for several hours as Democrats were trying to call up the bill. Bente Birkeland has more from the state capitol.

Supporters gather at state capitol

Today is the make or break day for a bill to allow civil unions in Colorado, and several hundred supporters came to the capitol to rally for the measure to be debated on the full house floor. The bill needs an initial vote by midnight or it will die on the calendar. But it’s still not clear if house GOP leaders will bring it for a vote. Bente Birkeland has more from the state capitol.

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Eric Whitney- CPR

Governor John Hickenlooper signed the state’s more than 7 billion dollar budget on Monday. It had widespread support from members of both chambers. Bente Birkeland has more from the state capitol.