Colorado Matters

Denver is conducting a bathroom experiment. After too many people were relieving themselves in the street, the city invested in mobile restrooms and is tracking their use. Then, this man’s goal is to shame people, online, who misbehave in the outdoors. Those targeted include people who do things like swim where they’re not supposed to or illegally feed wildlife. The creator of the “Trail Trash of Colorado” Instagram account now says the shaming may have gone too far and he may even shut the account down. And, what led a Denver Post food writer to tears. Plus, fire management crews fighting wildfires have a new and different problem on their hands when they go to work: drones.

Congressman Doug Lamborn wants to create a Space Corps — a separate military service for space. The Colorado Springs Republican explains why he backs the proposal, which critics say could hurt his own community. Then, Colorado Secretary of State Wayne Williams on his decision to release voter data to the White House — and on his suggestions for changes to the national election system. Plus, former El Paso County sheriff Terry Maketa faced possible jail time for abuse of power but a jury found him not guilty on some counts, and couldn’t decide on others. A local reporter joins us to talk about what’s next. And, during a ski trip to Aspen in 1968, John Oates first found Colorado or, as he describes it, his “destiny.” Oates’ new memoir describes the personal struggles that eventually led him to move to the state full time. He also tells us the very New York story behind the hit “Maneater.”

We’ll meet the man who founded Colorado’s Unity Party, which is now officially recognized in the state. The party, which has its state convention this weekend, would allow 16-year-olds to vote and make healthcare costs deductible. Then, author Matthew Sullivan’s new mystery novel is based, in part, on the real-life murder of a family in Aurora that’s never been solved. And, we’ll talk about “slow food” and why its gaining popularity in the state. Plus, a new start-up in Colorado is finding a market for food that would otherwise be wasted.

More women in tech are speaking up about sexual harassment. It led one venture capitalist accused of harassment to resign recently with this statement: “The gap of influence between male venture capitalists and female entrepreneurs is frightening and I hate that my behavior played a role in perpetrating a gender-hostile environment.” This caused one Denver CEO to cut her ties with that funder. Then, a new app that’s supposed to help you save money. And, Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado explains why he chose a beat that hits hard for his walk-up song. Plus, the high desert of Western Colorado has a lead role in a new novel. And, a master sergeant who was severely wounded in Afghanistan 11 years ago has become a champion shot-putter.

Colorado State Patrol officers search far fewer drivers during traffic stops now than they did before recreational marijuana was legal, according to a new Stanford University study. Then, Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most photographed parks in the country, but it’d be hard to find anyone who captures it better than Erik Stensland. He offers advice on taking good landscape photographs. And Colorado Rockies’ all-star outfielder Charlie Blackmon talks about how he decided on the song that sets the tone for his at-bats. Also, with the current fire in Breckenridge largely contained, we look back on a deadly 2013 blaze in Arizona.

Successful entrepreneurs appear to be on top of the world. But two Colorado business owners who have battled depression say that’s not the case. They want others to speak up before it’s too late. Then, a breakout hit from the Sundance Film Festival features music from Fort Collins singer-songwriter Kyle James Hauser. Hauser licensed the music to filmmaker Judd Apatow but wasn’t involved in the production — he’s waiting for the movie’s debut in Denver tonight to hear how his music sounds. And, a female Hamlet takes the stage in Colorado this summer. Does mixing up gender roles mess with a classic? Plus, Denver residents are staying in their homes longer because they can’t afford something new. That’s stifling supply for prospective buyers in a booming market.

Colfax Avenue has been known as the Gateway to the Rockies, the longest, wickedest street in America, and as an ethnic melting pot. Now, it’s all about gentrification. We look at what’s happening today, as well as its storied history. Then, beginning July 1, companies that don’t collect sales tax from consumers who buy online are required to send their sales data to the state. Next, the winner of a “Top Chef”-like competition for metalsmiths. And, John Sarmiento, also known as Meta, hated poetry as a kid growing up in Guam. Now the Denver resident is reciting poems in front of live audiences, including one at the United Nations.

Effective July 1, Colorado school districts may have to pay legal damages if they fail to prevent school shootings or other violence, but there’s confusion about how to comply and the issue will most likely be decided in court. This comes at a time when more teachers are arming themselves, saying they want to protect their students. Also, your feedback on our segment with small-business owners hopeful about the Trump administration. Plus, Julia Roberts is turning a novel that takes place in 1960s Denver into a film. It’s based on Cynthia Swanson’s book about how life could have turned out differently, called “The Bookseller.”