On this week's Colorado Edition, it's high noon for water thieves. Also included: a look at opioid treatment for people with chronic pain, a new report on Colorado's prison system, and remembering Deb Note-Farwell.
Many people suffering from chronic pain are prescribed opioids to treat their conditions. But a patchwork of new regulations aimed at curbing the abuse of these drugs nationwide could make it harder for those who need them to get them. Stephanie Daniel reports on limits passed this year by Colorado lawmakers.
The number of inmates in Colorado prisons is expected to increase by 38 percent over the next six years, according to a new report by the American Civil Liberties Union of Colorado. Desmond O'Boyle spoke with Denise Maes, the public policy director of the ACLU in Colorado, on what the report suggests for Colorado.
It's been a hot, dry summer in the American southwest. In farming communities near the Four Corners, water supplies are scare. During dry times like these, some people are willing to do just about anything to get more water, including stealing it. Luke Runyon spent time with one man tasked with tracking down these thieves - the water sheriff.
The new documentary "Love, Gilda" is about the life of the late comedian Gilda Radner. But for KUNC film critic Howie Movshovitz, who teaches film and television at CU Denver, the film only does half the job.
Northern Colorado lost a well-known name in the theater community to ovarian cancer recently. Deb Note-Farwell starred in and directed numerous productions while also mentoring young artists. Stacy Nick spoke with her family and friends in a remembrance of her life.
In the headlines:
- There's a growing chorus of opposition to a measure that would increase oil and gas setbacks around the state to half a mile. This week, Weld County Commissioners came out against it.
- Colorado has the fourth-worst teacher pay gap in the country. A recent report by the Economic Policy Institute finds teachers make about a third less than other workers in similar areas and with similar education.
- Days before opening day, tickets were still available for the Great American Beer Festival in Denver. Ann Obenchain with the Brewers Association, which organizes the event, thinks that selling tickets for the event through AXS.com prevented scalpers from scooping them up.
Our intro music is "Remember Me" by Colorado musician Kalatana. Our outro is "Good Grief" by Ryan Little. Other music this week:
- J Blanked - "Never There"
- Doctor Turtle - "You Um I'll Ah"
- Eddy - "The Moment"
- David Hilowitz - "Transformations II"
- Scott Holmes - "Motivational" and "Corporate Software"
This episode is hosted and produced by assistant news director Erin O'Toole and Karlie Huckels. Digital editor Ashley Jefcoat handled the web. News director Catherine Welch and managing editor Brian Larson contributed to this episode.
KUNC's Colorado Edition is a weekly look at the top stories from our newsroom. It's available every Friday on our website, as well as on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher or wherever (RSS) you get your podcasts. You can hear it on the air every Sunday at 9 p.m. on KUNC.