Like bubbles in boiling water, things are moving faster at the Colorado Capitol as we move closer to the May 10 adjournment.

As lawmakers continue to wrangle with the most important bills that have been at the top of the agenda since January, a pipeline explosion in Firestone and a news out of Washington shook things up.

These are the stories out staff thinks are worth revisiting, because these issues aren’t going away soon.

5. Former congressman from Pueblo remembered as a legend and friend

Ray Kogovsek, the congressman who never took politics personally, was remembered as “a legend in southern Colorado politics, a linchpin in the state Democratic Party and a friend to countless Coloradans.” He died at his home in Pueblo. He was 75.

Read the full story here.

4. Religious liberty advocates had faith there would be more

President Trump signed his long-awaited executive order on religious liberty this week, and people on both sides of the issue in Colorado were underwhelmed. One Colorado, the state’s largest LBGTQ advocacy group, didn’t even bother to comment, and Colorado Springs religious leaders said Congress needs to get onboard to do more.

Read the full story here.

3. Republican health care plan divides Colorado congressmen

Colorado Springs Congressman Doug Lamborn sounded thrilled to vote to repeal Obamacare last week, saying it would put America on the path to a healthier insurance marketplace. But fellow Republican Rep. Mike Coffman of Aurora said he couldn’t do what the bill asks to people with pre-existing conditions, so he voted no.

Read the full story here.

2. Construction defects litigation is finally going to the governor

It took four legislative session and a dozen unsuccessful bills, but Republicans and Democrats finally agreed on a way to address lawsuits against builders, the alleged reason why fewer affordable condos are being built in a growing affordable housing crisis. Is it real reform or smoke and mirrors?

Read the full story here. 

1. Firestone explosion continues to rumble through politics

After it was announced Tuesday that the double-fatal house explosion is Firestone was the result of underground gas lines, pressure mounted quickly on lawmakers and the industry to respond. Friday House Democrats introduced a bill to make maps of all underground oil and gas operations accessible to the public, land planners and state regulators.

Read the full story here.