Overview:
The September Bucket List radio show covers Denver’s transit changes, 16th Street challenges, grads seeking jobs and other local issues.
The Bucket List Community News radio show aired its third episode on KGNU this month on Thursday, Sept. 4. Produced by students and early-career journalists and hosted by me, Toni Tresca, the program dives into the stories shaping Denver right now, from transit safety to downtown redevelopment and the city’s bid to host an international sports event.
We begin this month’s show with Denver’s streets. Reporter Cassis Tingley outlines how the city is grappling with transit safety after a string of deadly crashes, including the tragic hit-and-run of student Salih Koç at 38th and Tejon. With the city’s $950 million Vibrant Denver Bond package headed to the November ballot, questions remain over whether these investments in infrastructure will truly make the streets safe. Then I interviewed Joel Cox, the DU graduate student behind the First Mile Free pilot program, who explains how scooters and micromobility could help bridge gaps in RTD service.
From there, we turn to the heart of the city: 16th Street. Once considered Denver’s “main street,” the corridor has been hit hard by construction. City leaders hope the ongoing redesign, with wider sidewalks and outdoor seating, will revive downtown, but skepticism remains. Questions about safety, small business survival and the long construction timeline have left many wondering whether the city should take bolder steps as it reimagines the area.
Jobs are another pressing issue. According to our journalist Daniel Montoya, recent college graduates describe a Catch-22 when applying for entry-level jobs: they are “overqualified” because of their degrees but “underqualified” due to a lack of job experience. Recruiters and career coaches add that this struggle reflects a broader slowdown across industries, with employers cautious in the post-pandemic economy. Still, experts say there are ways forward: targeted applications, networking and persistence.
Arts and culture also take center stage this month. Our Maxx Goodman covered the uncertain future of the Colorado Dragon Boat Festival at Sloan’s Lake, where algae blooms and declining water quality threaten an event that brings in more than 200,000 visitors. Goodman also highlights Denver’s high-stakes bid to host the Gay Games in 2030, an international celebration of inclusion and athletics. Denver is one of just two finalists, alongside Perth, Australia, with a decision expected after the 2026 Valencia Games.
We close the episode on a lighter note with comedian Emily Kingsley. We played a segment of her response to our 5 Questions series in which she discusses her comedy show, “The Matriarchy Presents” and why creating space for women in comedy is important.
Whether it’s infrastructure, job markets or cultural festivals, the September edition of Bucket List on KGNU asks how Denver can shape a more vibrant, inclusive future. You can listen to the full show now in the KGNU archives, and tune in for our next episode live at 3 p.m. on Thursday, October 2.
