From Michael Bennet’s astonishment in a Denver church to Shailen Bhatt’s apologies about highway projects across the state, Colorado’s newsmakers kept Colorado Politics’ reporters busy this week.

Here are the political stories that will keep the conversation going as spring turns to summer.

5. Hickenlooper and Coffman clash on oil and gas

The current Democratic governor, John Hickenlooper, and a potential Republican candidate for the job next year, Attorney General Cynthia Coffman, had different views on appealing a decision in a case brought by teenagers. The suit asked state regulators to do more to ensure public safety before issuing permits.

Read the full story here.

4. Hisey has his eyes set on a seat in the Capitol

Former El Paso County Commissioner Dennis Hisey says he’s the man to replace Senate President Kevin Grantham, of Canon City, next year. Grantham is term-limited. Hisey, a Republican, was forced off the El Paso County Commission by term limits this year, as he turns his focus from county to state politics.

Read the full story here.

3. CDOT director delivered the bad news: No asphalt for you

Shailen Bhatt, Colorado’s highway director, traveled around the state for Infrastructure Week, telling locals that lawmakers didn’t put nearly enough in their budgets to cover the needs. The tour capped off a tumultuous legislative session and began a waiting game for the November ballot.

Read the full story here.

2. Bennet bashes Republican president, but keeps his chin up on the republic

U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet sounded astonished talking about the alleged ties between President Trump and Russian operatives during a town hall meeting in Denver Friday night. The senior senator for Colorado, however, opened by saying he’s never been more optimistic about the fate of the republic despite Washington’s politics and the nation’s security.

Read the full story here.

1. Governor to lawmakers: You’re done

Gov. John Hickenlooper said Friday he won’t add to the four months of work legislators already have put in. He won’t call a special session, even though he thought lawmakers could have found agreements, as they promised to, to address transportation and other major issues.

Read the full story here.