Good morning, Colorado. How are you today? But really, how are you? That’s the central question in today’s story lineup. From a community activist in Colorado Springs who wants people to rest more, to a mental health clinic merger, to considering what we ask of youth athletes, a lot of today’s lineup is about getting a little introspective.
Let’s check in on today’s news.
OUTDOORS
Charlie Reisman, a senior at Steamboat High School, has a unique strategy for pursuing soccer in college: Don’t play too much soccer. It’s the opposite strategy of what parents are told by the $30 billion to $40 billion youth sports club industry, which pushes specialization from a young age. Kimberly Beekman reports on the physical and mental advantages of multisport athletes.
HEALTH
Clinica Family Health and Mental Health Partners, two nonprofit organizations that serve historically disadvantaged populations, have announced plans to merge. Both organizations see a lot of clients on government insurance programs like Medicaid and Medicare, making them vulnerable to policy changes. The merger bolsters their funding and allows them to create a more comprehensive care system for their patients, joining a trend of “warm handoffs” between care systems. John Ingold has more on the merger.
EQUITY
Water fixtures remaining in schools with high levels of lead
A 2021 study found that 72% of Colorado children younger than 6 had levels of lead in their blood, well above the national rate of almost 51%. The following year, House Bill 1358 required testing and remediation plans for all water fixtures in public elementary schools, day care facilities and family child care homes. That study found more than 2,000 fixtures with high levels of — more than half of which have still not been replaced over a year later. Tatiana Flowers reports on what work remains to make sure Colorado’s schools are lead-free.
CULTURE
As a therapist and former health care professional, Ashley Cornelius was close to the grind. She encouraged the doctors and nurses she worked for to find rest in the tiniest pockets of their day, whether that meant sitting on the toilet for an extra minute before returning to work or taking three deep breaths as they walked between patients. In July, Cornelius is hosting a big community nap time in Colorado Springs to disrupt a system bent on productivity, and give people a few moments of shut-eye. Parker Yamasaki has more.
MORE NEWS
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CARTOONS
In “What’d I Miss?” the cartoonists suggest that the sheer brilliance and work ethic of the super rich should more than make up for a higher tax burden.
Drew Litton notes how, sports-wise, we’ve hit those dog days when there’s not a lot to get excited about if you’re a Colorado fan.
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CONVERSATION
Each weekday The Daily Sun-Up podcast brings you a bit of Colorado history, headlines and a thoughtful conversation. We keep it tight so you can quickly listen, or stack up a few and tune in at your leisure. You can download the Sun-Up for free in your favorite podcasting app, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube or RSS to plug into your app. This week our range goes from Colorado River issues to making more movies in Colorado.
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Happy Flag Day to all who celebrate.
— Parker & the whole staff of The Sun
Corrections & Clarifications
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