Diversifying Colorado’s judiciary and the importance of inclusion
of the state’s legal community have been very vocal about their desire to see more diversity on the bench. They’re also taking the time to celebrate what has been described as historic levels of diversity among those now serving, including several women, people of color, and LGBTQ people.
60 years after the March on Washington, a daughter returns to continue her mother’s legacy
This weekend marks 60 years since the March on Washington for civil rights, and thousands will return for a commemoration. Retired Denver County Court Judge Dianne Briscoe will be among them. This trip is special because her mother, Ruth Cousins Denny, attended the 1963 event.
Aug. 24, 2023: Colorado ties to Georgia indictments; Diverse judges and judicial ethics
Former President Donald Trump is expected to surrender to Georgia law enforcement today on charges that he led illegal efforts* to subvert the 2020 election in that state. Two people with Colorado ties are among the 18 other people charged in the case. Then, appointing more women to the bench in Colorado and what the state is doing to make sure judges meet the high standards of ethics. Plus, Colorado Wonders about waterfalls.
Aug. 22, 2023: Keeping oil off the tracks; Working to ensure safety in sports
A federal judge has put the brakes on a plan that would allow trains to transport oil along the Colorado River, at least for now. Then, the Denver-based U.S. Center for SafeSport is tasked with investigating allegations of sexual, physical, and emotional abuse in professional sports. And Boulder’s Kara Goucher pulls back the curtain in the world of elite running.
U.S. Center for SafeSport works to prevent athlete abuse as caseloads increase
The U.S. Center for SafeSport is the nation’s only independent organization tasked with investigating allegations of sexual, physical, and emotional abuse in both professional and amateur sports., and it’s based in Denver. Ju’Riese Colón is the nonprofit’s CEO. She spoke with Chandra Thomas Whitfield.
After Chandra’s interview, an Associated Press report outlined complaints against SafeSport in light of increasing caseloads and a lack of conclusive investigations. Read the AP report here and read the statement from the U.S.
Aug. 21, 2023: Closing the pandemic learning gap; RVs from Colorado headed to Maui
Test scores are in; did Colorado students get a passing grade? We’ll break down the results as educators work to close the pandemic learning gap. Then, a Colorado non-profit is sending RVs to Maui to help firefighters who’ve lost their homes. Also, the challenges facing the world’s eight remaining species of bears. And the health benefits of gardening.
Aug. 17, 2023: Cutting back on water cutbacks; Credit score inequities
A wet winter and rainy spring mean more water in the Colorado River, so how will that impact the short and long-term plan for water usage? Then, credit scores are supposed to be determined objectively, but new research shows that’s not the case. Plus, answering a Colorado Wonders question about cellphones and driving. And two exhibits at MCA Denver explore cultural inclusivity.
Aug. 16, 2023: From clothing to swag, textile trash is piling up; Preserving Chinatown history
Americans throw away 11 million tons of textile waste every year, and it’s not just old clothing. We’ll talk through what to consider the next time you look in your closet or go shopping. Plus, new markers ensure Denver’s Chinatown is not forgotten. And the final chapter for Bendu, a beloved dog on the Western Slope.
Ensuring the history of Denver’s Chinatown is not forgotten
There are now three permanent markers in lower downtown Denver that accurately reflect part of the city’s dark past that until recently had been all but forgotten. They tell the story behind what led to the demise of Denver’s Chinatown back in the late 1800s. Joie Ha is vice chair of Colorado Asian Pacific United. Roxana Soto is with the city’s Office of Storytelling. They spoke with Chandra Thomas Whitfield in May.
Aug. 15, 2023: Changes to ‘Red Flag’ law; Elevating achievements of blind Coloradans
Until recently, only police officers or close relations could ask a judge to take someone’s guns away if they’re a threat to themselves or others. A change to that state law expands who’s allowed to do that, but is it making a difference? Then, the “Blind History Lady” elevates achievements of visually-impaired Coloradans. Plus the culture of bicycling and ways to stay safe while riding.
Aug. 14, 2023: A mother’s journey to raise awareness about CMV; Music store hits final note
When a Wheat Ridge mother gave birth to her second child, it set off a series of events that would lead to years of research about congenital diseases. She’s now written a book, “Remedies for Sorrow,” to raise awareness about CMV. Then, how the Supreme Court ruling on affirmative action is affecting medical schools in Colorado. Also, teen boys learn to open up about life’s challenges. And Kolacny Music is closing after nearly a century.
Aug. 10, 2023: Ensuring transparency in the Capitol; Unity through poetry
Just how transparent are the workings inside the state capitol? Despite having one of the most stringent Open Meetings Law in the country, lawmakers still manage to do a lot out of the public eye and it’s led to lawsuits. Then, achieving unity through poetry. Also, why knowing your breast density could save your life. And a troll is moving into the hills west of Pikes Peak.
Aug. 9, 2023: Working to ensure water equity; ‘Denver Star’ preserves Colorado history
When it comes to water, Lorelei Cloud says Indigenous tribes like the Southern Ute don’t just use water; they protect it and treat it with reverence. As the first Indigenous member of the Colorado Water Conservation Board, she is hopeful about ensuring equity in water rights. Then, a pest is threatening one of Colorado’s most beloved crops. And preserving history with “The Denver Star.”
Aug. 7, 2023: What’s next for sexual abuse cases after ruling; A violinist’s journey back from broken
Survivors of sexual abuse are figuring out their next steps after the state supreme court struck down part of a law meant to help them. Then, she was on track to be a professional violinist until debilitating performance anxiety put a wrench in her dreams. Her journey Back from Broken. Plus, love is in the air at the Renaissance Festival! And a rare bloom in Boulder.
‘Play at its core will bring people together’ — the challenges and solutions to create inclusivity in sports
One of the organizations that took part in the recent Project Play summit in Colorado Springs is the Colorado Springs Sports Corporation. Chandra Thomas Whitfield spoke with president and CEO Megan Leatham, about the challenges and solutions toward achieving inclusivity in sports, and about overcoming the undue pressure that’s often inflicted on children to win.
Special Olympics Colorado stretches beyond the playing field
Special Olympics Colorado serves 20,000 athletes in its sports programs but it also provides leadership and health activities and works with hundreds of schools to increase inclusivity. Chandra Thomas Whitfield speaks with the organization’s CEO, Megan Scremin.
