Overview:
Our monthly radio show covers the CD-1 primary, Denver Pride, the future of the Asia Center, a new public artwork honoring CPRD and more.
June’s episode of the Bucket List Community News radio show on KGNU examined some of the biggest conversations unfolding across Denver, from a closely watched congressional primary to conversations about cultural preservation, Pride celebrations and public art. Hosted by me, Bucket List editor Toni Tresca, the episode originally aired on Thursday, June 4.
The show opened with an interview featuring congressional candidate Melat Kiros, who is challenging longtime incumbent Diana DeGette in the June 30 Democratic primary for Colorado’s 1st Congressional District. Kiros talked about her transition from corporate attorney to congressional candidate, her democratic socialist platform and why she thinks Denver needs a new generation of political leaders.
From there, the program turned to southwest Denver, where reporter Daniel Montoya examined the controversy surrounding a proposed redevelopment of the Asia Center at Federal Boulevard and Tennessee Avenue. The strip mall sits within Denver’s Little Saigon Business District and is home to several longtime Asian-owned businesses. Montoya discussed his interviews with community members who were concerned about the potential loss of a cultural landmark.
In the arts and culture segment, I talked to Kim Salvaggio, executive director of The Center on Colfax, about Denver Pride 2026. This year’s celebration moves from Civic Center Park to the newly renovated 16th Street and shifts from a two-day festival to a single-day PrideFest accompanied by expanded programming throughout June. Salvaggio discussed the reasons behind the changes, the role of Pride during a challenging political climate and how The Center is approaching sponsorship and community partnerships.
The episode also featured reporting from Khaleigh Reed on Juneteenth and Denver’s annual celebration of the holiday. Reed explored the history of Juneteenth, its continuing significance and what attendees can expect from this year’s festival, while reflecting on her own experience attending the event for the first time last year.
The show concluded with a conversation between reporter Linus Loughry and Denver artist Thomas “Detour” Evans. Evans is currently creating a large-scale sculptural installation for Cleo Parker Robinson Dance’s Center for the Healing Arts. Built from donated objects connected to the dance company and the historic Shorter AME Church, the artwork aims to preserve community stories while celebrating the organization’s legacy in Five Points.
The next episode of the Bucket List Community News radio show airs Thursday, July 2, at 3 p.m. on KGNU. You can listen to all previous episodes by clicking here.
