In this week's Colorado Edition, we bring you a KUNC special investigation into ski resort safety — and the legal ramifications for those who do get injured. We also look at the growing risk to life and limb for first responders on our increasingly busy roadways, and dive into the debate at the state Capitol over oil and gas regulations.
Colorado State Patrol troopers laid one of their own to rest Thursday morning in Longmont. Cpl. Dan Groves was struck by a car and killed while helping a stranded driver during last week's blizzard. As Matt Bloom reports, the memorial service came at a time when law enforcement agencies are grappling with the growing difficulty of conducting traffic stops.
State lawmakers are locked in a contentious debate about the future of Colorado's oil and gas regulations. A bill that would give local governments more control over setback distances and drilling operations has passed in the Senate, and has cleared another major hurdle in a House committee. Scott Franz has more on what's at stake for all sides.
A ski class at a Colorado resort turned into a nightmare for a 12-year-old boy last year when he found himself hanging off a chairlift. Michael de Yoanna completed a months-long investigation into safety at ski resorts, including a deep dive into data from the hospitals and emergency rooms who treat injured skiers and snowboarders.
In the headlines:
- Colorado lawmakers have unveiled a bipartisan proposal to spend more money on roads, public schools and colleges. But voters would need to approve it first. The plan is to ask residents to remove the revenue cap set by the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights, or TABOR.
- The U.S. Forest Service says some trails in Aspen might not open until well into summer, if at all, due to heavy snowpack and debris from avalanches. One of the biggest question marks is Conundrum Trail, which was buried by a massive slide — leaving the trailhead under about 40 feet of snow. Forest Service officials expect to make a decision soon on the trail's status.
Colorado Edition is made possible with support from our KUNC members. Thank you!
Our intro music is "Remember Me" by Colorado musician Kalatana. The midshow break is "Bling Bong" by Robbie Reverb. Other music this week by Blue Dot Sessions:
- "Lamplist"
- "Astrisx"
- "Palms Down"
This episode was hosted and produced by assistant news director Erin O'Toole. Digital editor Jackie Hai 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.