ARIZONA 360

Episode 303

JOURNALISTS ROUNDTABLE: Lorraine Rivera and a panel of local journalists analyze recent headlines surrounding Arizona’s new legislative session, congressional races for U.S. Senate and CD2, and President Trump’s impeachment trial. Guests include Tucson Sentinel publisher Dylan Smith and Arizona Daily Star columnist Eddie Celaya. FLORENCE STATE PRISON CLOSURE: Gov. Ducey’s plan to close the Florence State Prison within the year raises questions about how it will affect the town of Florence. The town’s public information officer Ben Bitter discusses the potential impacts with Lorraine Rivera. PRISON REFORM: Plans to close the Florence State Prison and relocate staff to the neighboring Eyman prison is part of an effort to offer more transitional services for inmates at that facility. On the issue of prison reform, Lorraine Rivera hears from Margaret Maloney who served eight years in Arizona’s prison system and now advocates for former inmates as they try to rebuild their lives upon release. TREATING CHRONIC PAIN: As part of Arizona Public Media’s Arizona Addicted series, Judy Alley reports on emerging treatment options for chronic pain that can serve as alternatives to opioids, including CBD products and electrical implants. She speaks to a pain specialist and patients who have found relief with these methods.