City Cast Denver

It’s Tuesday, and we’re talking about the biggest stories of the week. First, Mayor Mike Johnston is poised to reverse one of his predecessor’s most controversial decisions and approve City Council’s proposal to ban sales of flavored tobacco, including Zyn. Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi are talking about the changing politics of bubble gum vape juice, as well as some ongoing pizza drama and hear listeners responses to our conversation about CPR’s Caring for Denver investigation. Paul discussed the Colorado Sun’s reporting on Beau Jo’s 50th anniversary in 2023 and our episode about the new Zyn plant being built in Aurora and Gov. Polis’s comments about that plant. What do you think about the proposed flavored tobacco ban? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬ For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm Learn more about the sponsors of this December 10th episode: Office of Climate Action PineMelon - Use promo code CITYCASTDENVER for $35 off your first delivery CAP Management Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Governor Jared Polis is finally turning his attention to an issue guaranteed to divide Denverites: transportation. Last month, he published a beefy new document laying out his vision for how he wants to change the way Coloradans get around over. His ambitious goals over the next decade include reducing the climate impacts of driving, getting more people out of their cars, and making public transit more efficient and useful. So what will this all mean for Denverites’ everyday lives? Southwest Energy Efficiency Project’s Transportation and Land Use Policy Manager Matt Frommer joins host Bree Davies to break down the plan and speculate about how Polis might try to achieve his lofty new goals. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm What do you think? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬ Learn more about the sponsors of this December 9th episode: Office of Climate Action PineMelon - Use promo code CITYCASTDENVER for $35 off your first delivery CAP Management Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

It’s Friday and we’re looking back at the biggest stories of the week. First, a big new investigation from CPR reveals that a foundation meant to support mental health and substance use treatment problems may be sending millions in taxpayer dollars to some potentially shady places. Then, the new plan for Civic Center Park has sparked controversy over a proposed modern redesign of the historic space. Host Bree Davies is joined by politics and green chile correspondent Justine Sandoval and Westword staff writer Catie Cheshire to dig the oversight scandal and the park plans, as well as the sad ending of Biker Jim’s Gourmet Dogs, the Parade of Lights turning 50, and more wins and fails of the week. By focusing on the stories and issues shaping our neighborhoods, City Cast Denver bridges gaps and connects the dots in Denver. Become a member today to support local journalism that connects. Catie mentioned fellow Westword writer Jason Heller’s piece digging into the latest chapter in the Tattered Cover saga and a new book on Nikola Jokić from former Denver Post reporter Mike Singer. Justine talked about the new Engines Off For Food Trucks program. What do you think about the plans for Civic Center Park? We want to hear your take! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬ For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/Denver Learn more about the sponsors of this December 6th episode: BetterHelp - get 10% off at betterhelp.com/CITYCAST Unit E Records Colfax Ave BID Office of Climate Action Coloradogives.org PineMelon - Use promo code CITYCASTDENVER for $35 off your first delivery Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

The Denny’s on Alameda and Santa Fe closed last month without warning. But that was just the latest diner casualty in a city already severely lacking in late night food options. The loss of this particular type of restaurant struck at something deeper for Suzi Q. Smith — the poet, performer, and educator grew up in Denver’s vast constellation of diners, finding a place where she could hang out as a teen with not much money, but a whole lot of time. Suzi explores these sacred places in her Denverse Magazine essay “Toast World: Where Have All the Diners Gone?” Host Bree Davies sits down with her friend to talk about what it means when a city loses its diners. By focusing on the stories and issues shaping our neighborhoods, City Cast Denver bridges gaps and connects the dots in Denver. Become a member to support local journalism that connects. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm What is your all-time favorite “third space” in Denver? Past or present, we want to hear from you! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬ If you enjoyed the interview with Ethan Hemming, the President and CEO of Warren Village, learn more here. Learn more about other the sponsors of this December 5th episode: BetterHelp - get 10% off at betterhelp.com/CITYCAST Unit E Records Colfax Ave BID Office of Climate Action Coloradogives.org Denver Urban Garden Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

It’s Wednesday and we’re looking at the news of the week. First, the owner of a bunch of strip clubs hoped to open a Hooters-like experience in a south Denver food hall space. Though the sexy food court idea never came to fruition, the Cherry Creek Food Hall & Brewery did open, but flamed out two years later. Host Bree Davies and producer Olivia Jewell Love dig into the uncertain future of the food hall trend, plus another addition of landlord watch featuring a mess left behind by X Denver — the “coliving” apartment complex and private social club that made big promises but now has tenants crying foul. Plus, a listener correction about our previous correction regarding the demolished Omaha-Grant Smelting Company smoke stack. Bree mentioned our previous episode on the private social club phenomenon in Denver. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver By focusing on the stories and issues shaping our neighborhoods, City Cast Denver bridges gaps and connects the dots in Denver. Become a member to support local journalism that connects today at membership.citycast.fm What do you think? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬ Learn more about the sponsors of this December 4th episode: BetterHelp - get 10% off at betterhelp.com/CITYCAST Unit E Records Colfax Bid Office of Climate Action Coloradogives.org Project Angel Heart Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

There’s no shortage of fun stuff to do with kids around Denver this season. But how do parents and caregivers make the most of the holidays without stressing out or emptying their wallets? Host and mom Bree Davies is joined by fellow parents Linnea Covington, managing editor at DiningOut, and David Gilbert, writer and local history buff, to map out the best ways to make memories with your kiddos during this most wonderful time of the year. From free hot cocoa and no-cost holiday scavenger hunts to elaborate light displays and visits with Santa, we’ve rounded up a variety of options that children — and the adults tagging along — can enjoy! Bree mentioned a video of the old, elaborate holiday displays at the long-demolished Buckingham Square in Aurora. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm What do you think? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬ Learn more about the sponsors of this December 3rd episode: If you enjoyed the interview with Denon Moore, the Business Support Director of Colfax Bid, learn more here. BetterHelp - get 10% off at betterhelp.com/CITYCAST Unit E Records Colfax Bid Office of Climate Action PineMelon - Use promo code CITYCASTDENVER for $35 off your first delivery Energy Outreach - Donate at Coloradogives.org Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Welcome to December in Denver, a time for gathering with friends, supporting the city’s many local businesses, and soaking up the holiday season! We’ve rounded up our top recommendations for places to shop, new social experiences to try, and more ways enjoy this month in the Mile High City. From a chocolate lover’s paradise and a delicious afternoon tea to a drive-thru holiday light show and a legendary live music performance, we’ve got your December calendar packed with fun. If you’re new here, welcome! We’ve put together a starter pack for you with episodes and articles to welcome you to the City Cast Denver community. For even more tips on how to make the most of December in Denver, check out our newsletter Hey Denver’s take on what to do this month. And if you want an insider’s guide to the Mile High EVERY week, for as little as $8 a month you can sign up to become a City Cast Denver member today and enjoy our members-only email that lays out cool events each Monday! City Cast Denver is made possible by our awesome sponsors: BetterHelp - get 10% off at betterhelp.com/CITYCAST Unit E Records Colfax Bid Office of Climate Action Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here citycast.fm/advertise. Got questions or comments about this episode? You can reach us at [email protected]

From bike lanes and sidewalks to trash pick-up and snow plowing, Denver’s Department of Transportation and Infrastructure is in charge of the big things that make our city work. And if such issues make the news — like when Denver cyclists rallied against the city’s decision to ditch new bike infrastructure or when composting services got a big boost — someone has to answer for these choices. Amy Ford is the head of Denver DOTI and joins host Bree Davies to dig into some of the city’s biggest decisions that impact how we interact with this place every day. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm What do you think? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬ Learn more about the other sponsors of this November 27th episode: PineMelon - Use promo code CITYCASTDENVER for $35 off your first delivery Unit E Records Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

It’s Tuesday, and we’re flipping through the headlines you need to know before the holiday break. First, the 160th anniversary of the Sand Creek Massacre is on Friday, and Colorado is still grappling with how we’ve interpreted our own shameful history. Then, Mayor Johnston is already backtracking on some controversial comments he made on Trump’s “Operation Aurora,” DPS votes to shut down more neighborhood schools, and state legislators look to overhaul the system for filling vacant seats. Host Bree Davies is joined by Westword editor Patty Calhoun to dig into these headlines plus the Casa Bonita union vote and more. Bree and Olivia talked about our show last week on endangered architecture with Historic Denver’s John Deffenbaugh; here’s the correct information on the location of our smoke stacks in the City and County’s seal. Bree also mentioned our list of local volunteer opportunities we published in the Hey Denver newsletter. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm What do you think? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬ Learn more about the other sponsors of this November 26th episode: PineMelon - Use promo code CITYCASTDENVER for $35 off your first delivery Unit E Records Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Denver’s got no shortage of places to grab a drink — from fancy lounges with cocktail programs to those down and dirty dives that serve up cheap shots with a smile, there’s a place for every taste. But how do you choose? Westword food and drink editor Molly Martin just published the paper’s annual “Best Bars We Can’t Live Without” and it’s a wonderful doozy of a list! She joins host Bree Davies and politics and green chile correspondent Justine Sandoval to dig into the Mile High’s vast selection of watering holes, and share thoughts on the best bars in Denver. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm What do you think? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬ Learn more about the other sponsors of this November 25th episode: PineMelon - Use promo code CITYCASTDENVER for $35 off your first delivery Unit E Records - Use promo code CITYCAST for a free vinyl record with subscription Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

It’s Friday, and we’re rounding up the biggest stories of the week. First, CEO of Denver-based Liberty Energy Chris Wright — also known as the guy who drank fracking fluid on camera to “prove” it was safe — is President-elect Donald Trump’s pick to lead the Department of Energy. Who is Wright, and what would his appointment mean for the climate crisis? Then, the city has proposed building pickleball courts to fill the vacant lot at Colfax and Broadway. Will pickleball players go for it? Host Bree Davies is joined by stand-up comedian Joshua Emerson and Denver Post environmental reporter Noelle Phillips to talk climate change, local recreation, Westernaires’ problematic Native American reenactments, a new pizza spot coming to Cap Hill, and more wins and fails of the week. Bree mentioned the proposed pedestrian bridges to the Capitol and the Evans School going from an artist studio space to a beer garden. Joshua discussed the Douglas County School District and their decision to postpone an AP African American studies course. What do you think? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬ For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/Denver Learn more about the sponsors of this November 22nd episode: Meow Wolf PineMelon - Use promo code CITYCASTDENVER for $35 off your first delivery Denver Health Unit E Records - Use promo code CITYCAST for a free vinyl record with your subscription Warren Village Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

We know art is big business in this city — world-renowned artists exhibit their work here, live music dominates our many music venues, and Denver has become a go-to place for hit Broadway shows. But what about the artists who live here? Like other working people, creatives often hold down multiple jobs just to afford living here. Recently, writer and photographer Manuel Aragon wrote about the affordability crisis many artists face — and offered some creative solutions Denver could embrace to keep artists in the Mile High City. He joins host and fellow arts advocate Bree Davies to talk about the state of the arts, his concerns about actual affordability, and his hope for the city to be a place that embraces the people who make this place look, sound, and feel so unique. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm What do you think? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬ If you enjoyed the interview with Denon Moore, the Business Support Director of Colfax Bid, learn more here. Learn more about the other sponsors of this November 21st episode: PineMelon - Use promo code CITYCASTDENVER for $35 off your first delivery Meow Wolf Denver Health Unit E Records Warren Village Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

It’s an age-old question in Denver: Which buildings are worth preserving, and which ones, well, aren’t? From gentrification and housing affordability to the impacts on a city’s cultural significance and the built environment, historic preservation plays varying roles across Mile High neighborhoods. Host Bree Davies sits down with John Deffenbaugh, the president and CEO of Historic Denver, to talk through his philosophy on preservation, and take a look at some current properties with fates being debated over — like Elitch Gardens, the Zuni Street power plant, a mid-century modern office building in City Park West, and more. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm What do you think? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬ Learn more about the sponsors of this November 20th episode: PineMelon - Use promo code CITYCASTDENVER for $35 off your first delivery Meow Wolf Denver Health Unit E Records Warren Village Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

It’s Tuesday, and we’re looking at the big stories of the week. First, President-elect Donald Trump’s pick of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services has sparked national concerns due to RFK’s skepticism over vaccines. More surprising? Gov. Jared Polis’ endorsement of him. Meanwhile, the future of RiNo’s business improvement district is uncertain — some property owners who lobbied for the creation of BID now want to get rid of it, arguing in a petition that the BID’s job is done. Host Bree Davies and Westword editor Patty Calhoun dig into the governor’s latest drama and RiNo’s predicament; then, producer Olivia Jewell Love joins to talk about one listener’s concerns when it comes to recycling in Denver. Bree talked about an RFK Jr. exposé in Vanity Fair from earlier this year, plus her piece for Westword on some of RiNo’s past history as an arts hub. We mentioned another Colorado connection in recent Trump cabinet nominations. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm What do you think? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬ Learn more about the sponsors of this November 19th episode: Meow Wolf PineMelon - Use promo code CITYCASTDENVER for $35 off your first delivery Denver Health Unit E Records Warren Village Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

The presidential election left many folks feeling discouraged and defeated. But it also energized people looking to plug in and start helping their neighbors right now — but how? And where? And beyond performative allyship, how do you actually make a difference? Host Bree Davies sits down with Tran Wills, a longtime business owner and organizer in Denver, to lay out the most effective ways to use your time, resources, and expertise to help your community in this moment. These are the organizations we mentioned in this episode: Struggle of Love Foundation Mutual Aid Monday Southwest Denver Coalition Servicios de la Raza HAND Planned Parenthood Trans Continental Pipeline And we will have plenty more resources and organizations to share later this week in our newsletter, Hey Denver, which you can subscribe to right now for free! Know of a local nonprofit or mutual aid group that should be on our radar? Let us know! Email us at [email protected]. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm What do you think? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬ Learn more about the sponsors of this November 18th episode: Meow Wolf PineMelon - Use promo code CITYCASTDENVER for $35 off your first delivery Denver Health Unit E Records Warren Village Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

It’s Friday, and we’re rounding up the biggest stories of the week. First, after winning re-election in a landslide last week, State Senator Chris Hansen just announced that he’s is leaving his seat for a big payday in the private sector. But questions are swirling: Why such bad timing? And are the Dems making backroom deals to replace him? Then, mega-millionaire Kent Thiry’s ranked choice voting ballot measure went down in flames, but his work tweaking Colorado’s elections process may be far from over. Producer Paul Karolyi and host Bree Davies are joined by Denverite’s new editor Andy Kenney to talk vacancy committee shenanigans, money in elections, a reality TV contractor’s allegedly shoddy work, your bridge security DIA hack, and more wins and fails of the week. Andy talked about his profile of Kent Thiry for CPR and Wax Trax opening a new location at Stanley Marketplace. Paul talked about Wyatt’s Towing, this hilarious piece about HGTV’s “Rico to the Rescue,” and Ridley Scott and Paul Mescal adapting a local author’s book. Bree discussed an upcoming resource list we’re going to be publishing in our newsletter. Subscribe now at denver.citycast.fm! What do you think? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬ For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/Denver Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Arvada Center PineMelon - Use promo code CITYCASTDENVER for $35 off your first delivery Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Just 18 months after an emotional board debate ended with three schools closing, DPS superintendent Alex Marrero has proposed the closure or consolidation of ten more schools in the district. The news came just after election day, leaving the community with less than two weeks to share their thoughts ahead of a school board vote on November 21. But beyond declining enrollment and funding issues, what else is DPS weighing this time? And what’s different about their approach? Former education policy advisor, DPS parent, and Boardhawk columnist Alexis Menocal Harrigan joins host Bree Davies to explain why you should care about your neighborhood school closing, even if you aren’t a parent. You can read Alexis Menocal Harrigan’s monthly column about DPS and education in Denver at Boardhawk. Check out the DPS board’s calendar for more information on community meetings about school closures and an upcoming public comment session. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm What do you think? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬ Learn more about the sponsors of this November 14th episode: Arvada Center PineMelon - Use promo code CITYCASTDENVER for $35 off your first delivery Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Between the presidential elections of 2020 and 2024, every single state in the country shifted to the right… except Colorado. While Democrats lost close congressional races in CO’s Congressional District 3 and District 8, the Democratic Party here made significant gains across the state. So what are the local Democrats doing right that the national party could learn from? Colorado Democratic Party chair Shad Murib returns to the show with host Bree Davies to talk about the strategic choices he made over the past few years and what he thinks the Harris/Walz campaign did wrong. What do you think about the Democrats’ success in Colorado? We want to hear from you! Text us or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418 For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm Learn more about the sponsors of this November 13th episode: Arvada Center PineMelon - Use promo code CITYCASTDENVER for $35 off your first delivery Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

It’s Tuesday, and we’re looking at the biggest stories of the week ahead. First, Mayor Johnston’s big proposal of a sales tax for affordable housing failed in last week’s election, so what will Mayor Mike tackle next? Another strategy to fund affordable housing or something else entirely? Then, changes to the Mile High’s trash collection service are on the horizon — will less recycling and more composting have better outcomes for the environment? Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi do some post-election analysis, dig into the hot trash debate, and talk about one listener’s comments about the physical side effects of being a decade into cannabis legalization. We discussed the post-mortem for 2R that Kyle Harris reported for Denverite. What do you think Mayor Mike should focus on next? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬ For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm Learn more about the sponsors of this November 12th episode: Arvada Center PineMelon - Use promo code CITYCASTDENVER for $35 off your first delivery Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Whether you’re looking for a great cheap eat or a splurge night out, there’s never been a better time to eat well in Denver. New bars and restaurants are opening all the time! Every month, our newsletter editor Peyton Garcia rounds up all the new spots that opened (and all the ones that closed), so today we’re trying something new on the podcast. Peyton joins host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to talk about the most exciting openings and the most lamentable closings, plus all the other food news, trends, and gossip that hungry Denverites need to know. What’s your favorite donut in Denver right now? We need to know! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬ Bree mentioned her conversation with Chereka and Fathima Dickerson about their family’s Welton St. Cafe and Peyton’s interview with Michelin Star-winning chef Johnny Curiel. Peyton mentioned DJ Bear Grillz’s interview with Westword. Paul talked about Bo Porytko’s great quotes and alluded to our ongoing conversation about restaurants closing and the tipped minimum wage. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm Learn more about the sponsors of this November 11th episode: Arvada Center PineMelon - Use promo code CITYCASTDENVER for $35 off your first delivery Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

It’s Friday, and we’re rounding up the news of the week — which was all about the election. With a second Trump term on the horizon, what will it mean for Colorado? Will he make good on his mass deportation plans, dubbed ‘Operation Aurora’? Host Bree Davies is joined by producer Paul Karolyi and Colorado State Senator and Democratic Majority Whip Julie Gonzales to hash out the Trump effect, plus discuss the rebirth of Welton Street Cafe, a contradictory weed-related election outcome in Colorado Springs, and more wins and fails of the week. Paul talked about the new cannabis venture from the founders of Green Dragon dispensary. Bree mentioned the unionization attempts and the recent call for a boycott of the Mercury Café. Julie discussed the impending release of the list of schools up for closure around DPS. What do you think Denver can expect from another Trump administration? We want to hear from you! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬ For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/Denver Learn more about the sponsors of this November 8th episode: Denver Botanic Gardens Arvada Center PineMelon - Use promo code CITYCASTDENVER for $35 off your first delivery Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

If the election showed us anything, it’s that the U.S. is changing — issues like migration, the climate, declining birth rates, and housing costs are shaping how people vote and where they choose to live. Here in Colorado, our population is growing at its slowest recorded pace. So what does it all mean for Denver? Earlier this year, host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi sat down with Colorado state demographer Elizabeth Garner to discuss the end of Denver’s booming population growth and how recent local demographic changes are affecting housing affordability, the labor force, and the city’s future. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/denver Learn more about the sponsors of this November 7th episode: Denver Botanic Gardens Arvada Center Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

The United States of America will have a new president. Here in Denver, we obviously voted for Harris, but it was Trump who declared victory as swing state after swing state was called in his favor Tuesday evening. But what about the big local and state races that will affect the lives of Denverites every single day? What does this election say about us? Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi are breaking down all the results we know so far, from the split decision on sales taxes to the surprise rejection of open primaries/ranked choice voting. We’ll be talking more about the results as more votes come in, so we want to hear from you! What do you think about the Mayor’s big sales tax proposal going down? Or Colorado voters deciding to codify the right to an abortion in the state’s constitution? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418 For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm Learn more about the sponsors of this November 6th episode: Denver Botanic Gardens Arvada Center Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

It’s Election Day! We’re talking about the biggest stories of the week — Governor Jared Polis says everything has been fixed after the secretary of state’s election security breach, but we still have questions as Coloradans steel themselves to watch the results roll in tonight. Then, Five Points business owners say the light rail on Welton Street has been a business killer for decades, and they want it gone. Meanwhile on the Northside, cyclists took to the streets over a drastically diminished plan for a new bike lane. Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi are joined by Westword editor Patty Calhoun to talk elections security and unpopular transit decisions, plus hear from listeners about voting for Trump in deep blue Denver. For more on the Libertarian Party's legal case against the secretary of state's office over the elections security breach, CPR is covering the proceedings. Paul mentioned his reporting on the Trump rally in Aurora and alluded to local billionaire Robert Smith’s involvement with Spangalang Brewery. We also talked about last week’s episode with the rapping realtors’ viral moment, plus Kyle Clark’s Next segment about that cringeworthy video. Patty talked about Jena Griswold’s press conference about 11 ballots in Mesa County. What do you think about the light rail line on Welton St.? Should it be removed? Or fixed? We want to hear from you! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬ For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/denver Learn more about the sponsors of this November 5th episode: Denver Botanic Gardens Arvada Center PineMelon - Use promo code CITYCASTDENVER for $35 off your first delivery Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Why don’t more young people vote? There are a million reasons why the youth demographic isn’t always represented in our politics, but it doesn’t have to be that way. If more young people got out to vote, they could make a real change. So the fight is on! New Era Colorado’s organizing director Arianna Morales joins producer Paul Karolyi to talk about her work getting young people to vote and shy it matters. Learn everything you need to know about voting in this November’s election at neweracolorado.org. Do you know a young person voting for the first time? Tell them to call in and tell us what they care about! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬ Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member today: membership.citycast.fm/denver Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

When it comes to immigration, former president Trump has drawn national attention to Aurora with his exaggerated claims that a Venezuelan gang has “taken over.” Locally, Mayor Johnston has focused on welcoming newcomers to Denver, redirecting public money into emergency support and opportunities for these people to build new lives. But lost somewhere in the middle is a skyrocketing backlog of asylum seekers, waiting around in a Mile High limbo to see a judge who will decide their fate. Colorado Sun reporter Jennifer Brown spent weeks inside the immigration court and at the ICE detention facility in Aurora to understand why the wait times are getting longer, meet some of our new neighbors, and figure out who has the power to help. We strongly recommend Jennifer Brown and Ernesto Cabral’s three-part series on the skyrocketing backlog of asylum cases in Denver’s immigration courts (Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3) in the Colorado Sun. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm What do you think about the backlog of asylum seekers in Denver? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬ Learn more about the sponsors of this November 4th episode: Denver Botanic Gardens Arvada Center Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

This week we’ll be sharing results from our local elections and discussing what they mean for Denver. But we can’t help but wonder… what’s going on with our City Cast colleagues in swing states? As America white-knuckles its way into one of the closest presidential elections in modern history, City Cast CEO David Plotz sits down with the hosts of our shows in swing state cities: Madison, Philly, Pittsburgh, and Las Vegas. In this special episode, our crew of hosts gives you a locals’ look inside how their cities are preparing for the presidential election and its aftermath. From a peek inside the Pennsylvania election warehouse where mail-in ballots will be counted, to a glimpse at how Dane County, Wisconsin’s early voting is going, you’re invited to hear what the swing states are talking about…with each other.

It’s Friday, and we’re rounding up the biggest news of the week. First, Secretary of State Jena Griswold is in hot water after a spreadsheet with sensitive election-related passwords was exposed online. Will this flub have an impact on voter turnout? Will Griswold resign? Then, the future of big cat hunting is up for debate as millions of dollars pour into both sides of a surprisingly complex ballot question. Producer Paul Karolyi and host Bree Davies are joined by returning fave, Aspen Times politics reporter Elliot Wenzler, to talk about Griswold’s rough week and how the effects of our 2020 wolf reintroduction vote will influence the way Denverites think about big cats, plus an Aurora councilwoman’s NSFW texts, at tattoo shop gets phallic revenge, and another Chicano mural is whitewashed with no warning. Here are some links to Elliot’s coverage of the mountain lion hunting ban measure and the stress of wolf reintroduction on CPW. Paul found some unedited footage of the phallic paintings on the tattoo shop and played a clip of Kyle Clark’s interview on 9Newwith the Secretary of State. Bree mentioned Denver’s push to get incarcerated people to the polls, David Ocelotl Garcia’s previously whitewashed — and then restored — mural, “Huitzilopochtli”, and a piece from the GES Gazette, “Can Art Survive Here?”. What do you think about the proposal to ban big cat hunting? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬ For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/Denver Learn more about the sponsors of this November 1st episode: Denver Heath Denver Public Library - RSVP to the grand reopening here Denver Film - Get your tickets here! BetterHelp - get 10% off at betterhelp.com/CITYCAST New Era Colorado PineMelon - Use promo code CITYCASTDENVER for $35 off your first delivery Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Welcome to November, a chilly month in the Mile High City — perfect for getting cozy indoors or enjoying the beauty of our seasonal weather. We’ve rounded up our top recommendations for things to do and see, places to sip and savor, and ways to give back around Denver and beyond. From a hidden gem pie shop in the suburbs and some killer chili-cookoffs to the best Día de los Muertos celebrations and ways to give back to your neighbors, we’ve got your November calendar covered! If you’re new here, welcome! We’ve put together a starter pack for you with episodes and articles to welcome you to the City Cast Denver community. For even more tips on how to make the most of November in Denver, check out our newsletter Hey Denver’s take on what to do this month. And if you want an insider’s guide to the Mile High EVERY week, for as little as $8 a month you can sign up to become a City Cast Denver member today and enjoy our members-only email that lays out cool events each Monday! Bree mentioned this great story from Jennifer Brown at The Colorado Sun about newcomers to Denver and what it’s like navigating the local immigration bureaucracy. City Cast Denver is made possible by our awesome sponsors: Denver Heath Denver Public Library - RSVP to the grand reopening here! Denver Film - Get your tickets for the 2024 Denver Film Festival here! BetterHelp - get 10% off at betterhelp.com/CITYCAST New Era Colorado And we’re also powered by our members, who enjoy an ad-free version of the show. Find out more membership.citycast.fm about how to become a member of City Cast Denver. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here citycast.fm/advertise. Got questions or comments about this episode? You can reach us at [email protected]

Every so often, something really weird happens in Colorado, and sometimes it goes mega-viral, making the world stop and look in our direction. So what do they see? Apart from the fact that Coloradans are capable of some pretty hilarious, bizarre, and sometimes awful things, what do our biggest viral moments say about us? Host Bree Davies sits down with a couple of our favorite guests — politics and green chile correspondent Justine Sandoval and local history aficionado David Gilbert — to revisit some of Colorado’s biggest viral moments. Watch the whole “Fresh Prince of Denv-Air” video if you dare! What viral moments did we miss? We want to hear about the ones that made you laugh, cry, or stare dumbfounded at the crazy things Coloradans are capable of! Seriously, we know there’s probably a ton more that we forgot. Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬ For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver If you enjoyed the sneak peek at Denver Public Library’s central branch and the interview with Rachel Fewell, learn more about the grand reopening here. Learn more about the sponsors of this October 30th episode: Denver Heath Denver Public Library - RSVP to the grand reopening here Denver Film - Get your tickets here! BetterHelp - get 10% off at betterhelp.com/CITYCAST New Era Colorado Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

There’s only a week left until Election Day! So we’re digging into all the latest election news and gossip as millions and millions of dollars are flooding the local airwaves with campaign ads. First, political insiders are saying that that the polls on Proposition 131 (aka, open primaries and ranked choice voting) are tightening, despite all the backers’ endorsements and fundraising. Then, was Mayor Mike Johnston “factually incorrect” when we asked him about the sales tax hike he put in front of Denver voters to fund affordable housing? Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi are talking politics, checking some facts, and fielding some listener questions and hot takes on the local races. Sen. Michael Bennet laid out his case against open primaries and ranked choice voting. For more, Paul interviewed Kent Thiry and Amber McReynolds to better understand their case for the proposed reforms, as well as State Rep. Emily Sirota about why she’s so firmly against them. How are you planning to vote on Prop 131? We want to hear from you! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬ Don’t miss our interview with Mayor Mike Johnston from last week! In addition to discussing his sales tax hike proposal in detail, he also talked to us about restaurants and the tipped minimum wage conundrum, cracking down on traffic violations, and his excitement for KroenkeTown. Bree also mentioned her conversation with former city councilwoman Robin Kniech about how Johnston’s proposal fits into the city’s recent history on affordable housing. If you enjoyed the interview with Matthew Campbell, Artistic Director of the Denver Film Festival, learn more here. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/denver Learn more about the sponsors of this October 29th episode: Denver Heath Denver Public Library - RSVP to the grand reopening here Denver Film - Get your tickets to Denver Film Fest here! BetterHelp - get 10% off at betterhelp.com/CITYCAST New Era Colorado PineMelon - Use promo code CITYCASTDENVER for $35 off your first delivery Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Election Day is coming up next week, and the battle for Congress could come down to Colorado, where eight seats are up for grabs. So who are the candidates? What’s at stake? And most importantly, who’s going to win? Producer Paul Karolyi is joined by Democratic strategist Ian Silverii, and his friend and former foil on 9News, Republican strategist Kelly Maher, to break down the tightest races and the most important issues from both sides of the aisle. Paul quoted this article about abortion and same-sex marriage in the District 8 race from the Colorado Sun. For even more Colorado politics with Ian, check out the podcast he co-hosts Get More Smarter! For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Who do you think is going to win in the tightest race, for District 8 — Evans or Caraveo? We want to hear what you think! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬ Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member today: membership.citycast.fm/denver Learn more about the sponsors of this October 28th episode: Denver Heath Denver Public Library - RSVP to the grand reopening here Denver Film Fest - Get your tickets here! BetterHelp - get 10% off at betterhelp.com/CITYCAST New Era Colorado Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

It’s Friday, and we’re rounding up the biggest stories of the week. First, an E. coli outbreak linked to Quarter Pounders at McDonald’s led to one death in Mesa County, dozens more with grisly symptoms, and lots of questions about Colorado’s unique relationship with food safety. Plus, Denver Post reporter Joe Rubino takes host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi inside City Council’s vote green-lighting local billionaire Stan Kroenke’s plan to build a whole new downtown neighborhood in the parking lots around Ball Arena. Finally, we share our wins and fails of the week. Bree talked about podcast episode about Super Size Me from Maintenance Phase and The Sporkful, as well as the Denver Voice and political misinformation in the form of a text message. Paul talked about The Ginger Pig, our episode on DOTI’s decision to roll back plans for a protected bike lane, and this op-ed by Governor Jared Polis on “food freedom.” What do you think about McDonald’s rough week? Is it going to affect how you vote? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬ For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/Denver Learn more about the sponsors of this October 25th episode: Denver Public Library - RSPVP to the grand reopening here Denver Art Museum PineMelon - Use promo code CITYCASTDENVER for $35 off your first delivery Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

There’s less than two weeks until Election Day, and Denverites have been tasked with deciding a dozen measures and amendments. So if you’re dragging your feet to fill out your ballot, don’t worry — we’re here to help! Last week in front of a sold-out crowd at Town Hall Collaborative, host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi were joined by Westword editor-in-chief Patty Calhoun and political consultant Deep Singh Badhesha to discuss the biggest issues facing Mile High voters. From collective bargaining for city employees to the proposed fur ban, we dug into the ballot, made some predictions, and talked about what the outcomes could say about Denver’s future and our priorities. Paul mentioned our episode with Denver Health CEO Donna Lynne in which she made the case for a “yes” on Ballot Question 2Q, as well as this article from the New York Times by Ted Genoways about undocumented workers in the meat industry. Mayor Mike Johnston was on the show yesterday advocating for Ballot Question 2R, his sales tax hike to fund affordable housing. For even more election coverage, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter Hey Denver, where editor Peyton Garcia breaks down everything you need to know about how, when, and where to vote! What do you think about all these ballot questions? We want to hear your hot takes, questions, or last-minute arguments for or against! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬ Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/denver Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Denver Public Library - RSVP to the grand reopening here Denver Art Museum Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Mayor Mike Johnston just hit his goal of getting 2,000 people off the streets before the end of the year. However, the housing fight is far from over — he’s also been hard at work pushing Ballot Issue 2R, which, if passed, would increase the city’s sales tax to fund a new affordable housing plan. But with Mile High residents already struggling with the cost of living, is a regressive tax really the answer? The mayor joins host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi for his regular check-in to make his case for higher taxes. Plus, Mayor Mike wades into the minimum wage debate, explains why he thinks adding more police officers to the force will mean fewer people of color being incarcerated, and answers listener questions about crime on Colfax and dangerous drivers. Are you going to vote for Mayor Johnston’s sales tax hike to fund affordable housing? Why or why not? We want to hear from you! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬ For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/denver Learn more about the sponsors of this October 23rd episode: Denver Public Library - RSVP to the grand Reopening here Denver Art Museum Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

It’s Tuesday and we’re looking at the stories Denverites are talking about this week. First, city officials have rolled back plans for a protected bike lane on W. 29th Ave — again. Not only are cycling advocates upset, but a leaked email from the City and the parking plight of one homeowner are making the debate even more complicated. Then, as housing continues to be a top concern, the mayor and city council are tussling over Denver’s 2025 budget and what should — and shouldn’t — be included. Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi dig into the thorniest debates, plus your questions on the fate of key structures at Elitch Gardens pending the area’s redevelopment and where to find deep fried turkey for Thanksgiving. Bree also talked about the new Maurice Sendak show at the Denver Art Museum. If you want to weigh in on what’s in Denver’s budget for 2025, City Council is hosting a public hearing on Oct. 28. You can sign up to speak here. Have thoughts on the W. 29th Avenue bike lane debate or Denver bike lanes in general? Give us a call or send us a text on the Big Bad Bike Lane Hotline: 720-500-5418. Thank you so much to everyone who signed up during our fall membership campaign! But it’s not too late to support the hard work we do every day. Your membership helps us cover the cost of bringing you the local stories you care about. So if you believe in what we do, become a member of City Cast Denver today. Every member makes a difference! For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Denver Public Library - RSVP to the grand Reopening here Denver Art Museum PineMelon - Use promo code CITYCASTDENVER for $35 off your first delivery Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

In the documentary “¡Casa Bonita Mi Amor!,” Matt Stone and Trey Parker depict themselves as saviors of the Pink Palace, spending unexpected millions to bring Lakewood’s beloved eatertainment icon back from bankruptcy. But a few weeks after the documentary’s premiere, it’s become clear that the South Park creators haven’t figured it all out quite yet. Two Casa Bonita performers — WM. Riley Holmes and our regular guest Joshua Emerson — join producer Paul Karolyi today to talk about why they and more than 70 of their colleagues have petitioned to form a union with IATSE and Actors Equity, and discuss Matt and Trey’s response. We broke the story of the Casa Bonita performers pushing to unionize in our newsletter Hey Denver last week. Subscribe now and never miss another important update! Our fall campaign is happening now! It takes a lot to keep City Cast Denver and Hey Denver running strong. Your membership helps us cover the cost of bringing you the local stories you care about. If you believe in what we do, become a member of City Cast Denver today. Every member makes a difference! For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver What do you think about the unionization effort at Casa Bonita? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬ Learn more about the sponsors of this October 21st episode: Denver Film Fest Denver Public Library - RSPV to the grand Reopening here Denver Art Museum Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

It’s Friday, and we’re rounding up the biggest stories of the week. First, Aurora councilwoman Danielle Jurinsky made an appearance at Trump’s rally at the Gaylord last Friday, now she claims she’s in possession of “haunting” video related to Venezuelan gang activity and is calling for an investigation into Denver Mayor Mike Johnston. Then, a reddit thread popped up with some wild urban legends about the Mile High City. Are any of them true? Producer Paul Karolyi, host Bree Davies, and producer Olivia Jewell Love dig into the lore, speculate about Jurinsky’s video, and share their wins and fails of the week. Our fall campaign is happening now! It takes a lot to keep City Cast Denver and Hey Denver running strong. Your membership helps us cover the cost of bringing you the local stories you care about. If you believe in what we do, become a member of City Cast Denver today. Every member makes a difference! Paul spoke in more detail about his experience at the Trump rally on friend of the show JD Lopez’s podcast Left Hand Right Brain. He also talked about CBS’s 2023 report on Denver sending newcomers to Aurora, the mysterious building at Denver Federal Center, new business filings, and a big pumpkin. Olivia talked about some great voter guides for suburban elections and MAKfam. Bree mentioned our episodes about those “We Buy Ugly Houses” signs and Denver’s old Chinatown, as well as the Broadway Halloween Parade this weekend. What should we ask Mayor Johnston next week? Something about the election? How he feels about the Broncos’ rookie quarterback? His favorite new donut shop? We would love to put your questions to him directly. Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and he might answer you directly: 720-500-5418‬ For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/Denver Learn more about the sponsors of this October 18th episode: PineMelon - Use promo code CITYCASTDENVER for $35 off your first delivery Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Denver’s safety net hospital is in a “death spiral.” Denver Health officials told City Council earlier this year that they are facing a $155 million deficit due to all the uncompensated care they provide unhoused people, migrants, and anyone else who needs medical attention — and they want Denver voters to help pay the difference! Denver Health CEO Donna Lynne joins host Bree Davies to share the unique funding situation Denver Health faces compared to other safety net hospitals around the country and make her case for your vote on a 0.34% sales tax increase this fall. Our fall campaign is happening now! It takes a lot to keep City Cast Denver and Hey Denver running strong. Your membership helps us cover the cost of bringing you the local stories you care about. If you believe in what we do, become a member of City Cast Denver today. Every member makes a difference! For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Will you vote to increase taxes for Denver Health? We want to hear from you! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬ Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

It’s Wednesday, and we’re breaking down the biggest stories of the week. First, Natural Grocers announced the closure of its Capitol Hill location at the end of the month, citing crime and safety issues. But a look at the crime data points to a more complicated situation on Colfax. Then, employee ownership is on the rise in Colorado and has emerged as a big issue in the debate over the proposed slaughterhouse ban in Denver. So host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi are taking a look at what employee ownership really means — for the contested Globeville slaughterhouse, but also Fancy Tiger Crafts Co-op and Beau Jo’s. Our fall campaign is happening now! It takes a lot to keep City Cast Denver and Hey Denver running strong. Your membership helps us cover the cost of bringing you the local stories you care about. If you believe in what we do, become a member of City Cast Denver today. Every member makes a difference! Paul talked about Jason Blevins’ coverage in the Colorado Sun of the Beau Jo’s employee-ownership announcement that never materialized and our previous coverage of the “Colorado-style pizza” saga. He also mentioned Fancy Tiger’s employee-ownership transition and the recent announcement that the craft store is closing. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver What do you think about employee ownership? Do you have personal experience to share? We’d love to hear about it! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬ Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Back by popular demand, City Cast CEO David Plotz sits down with hosts from across the country to talk about what stories they're watching in their hometowns that are likely to impact yours too. Hear from Chicago's own Jacoby Cochran along with hosts from our daily local shows in Austin, Boise, D.C., Pittsburgh, and Salt Lake. City Cast is now in 13 cities across the country! Joining our member community is the best way to support what we do. Get all the details and sign up here. Looking to advertise on City Cast? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Monday, Oct. 7, in conjunction with the Denver Press Club, host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi moderated a forum for the candidates running to represent central and southeast Denver on the RTD Board — Kiel Brunner, Bob Dinegar, and Chris Nicholson. Please enjoy this recording of our live conversation with the RTD District A candidates, and don’t forget to vote! There are several RTD Board seats up for grabs this election — find out which district you live in and more information on the RTD Board before filling out your ballot! For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/denver Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

It’s Friday, and we’re rounding up the news of the week! First, after promising to come see the alleged Venezuelan “gang takeover” situation for himself, former president Donald J. Trump is scheduled to visit Aurora today. But what does he think he’s gonna see from the Gaylord, anyway? Then, the hottest local election is in the new Congressional District 8, with money pouring in and attack ads all over the internet. Our politics and green chile correspondent Justine Sandoval joins host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to talk Evans/Caraveo, Trump’s visit, and dissect the politics of gentrification as the local coffee chain Ink! declares bankruptcy, seven years after their notorious 2017 faceplant. Plus, our wins and fails of the week. We are off on Monday for Indigenous Peoples Day! We’ll be back in your podcast feed on Tuesday to kick off our fall membership campaign. Get hyped! Help us crush City Cast Salt Lake! Sign up for ad-free podcast listening today: membership.citycast.fm/denver Bree mentioned Artcade happening downtown this weekend. Paul talked about the new Boulder-set movie Elevation. Justine talked about the Denver Post’s endorsement of Proposition 79. Don’t miss our contributor Joshua Emerson’s “Bad Indian” documentary premiere and comedy show at The Bug on Monday evening! Tickets are going fast! What do you think about gentrification in 2024? We want to hear from you! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬ For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/Denver Learn more about the sponsors of this October 11th episode: Denver Film Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Meow Wolf PineMelon - Use promo code CITYCASTDENVER for $75 off your first delivery BetterHelp - get 10% off at betterhelp.com/CITYCAST Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Get ready for a Cosmic Howl! It’s that time of year at Convergence Station when the veil between worlds becomes thin and all sorts of spooky creatures slip into our world. We heard rumors about a particularly rare beast haunting Eemia, and today you’re invited to join host Bree Davies on a search for the elusive garbage loving Yawlp. Meow Wolf is hosting a month of spooktacular events and activities at Convergence station, including the big Cosmic Howl Celebration on Oct. 31! Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

The internet is abuzz with allegations that a local food influencer has been ripping off restaurants and stealing from other creators. 9News investigative reporter Jeremy Jojola dug into The Denver Foodie’s alleged scamming and even convinced the guy behind the account, Jonathan Davis, to do a phone interview. But things only got weirder from there. New accusations are flying, including at Jojola himself, and Davis is facing a lawsuit with another huge local instagram account. Host Bree Davies sits down with Jojola to lay out the facts and explain what he found when he went behind the Instagram filter. We talked about Jeremy’s initial investigation and reporting on the alleged food influencer scam. Earlier this week, The Denver Foodie (@WhatsUpDenver303) released a video in response to the 9News piece. Bree also interviewed local creators Amanda Bittner (@TheAmandaBittner) and Ashley (@ColfaxThings) about the business of influencing in Denver. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver What do you think? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬ Learn more about the sponsors of this October 10th episode: Denver Film Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Meow Wolf BetterHelp - get 10% off at betterhelp.com/CITYCAST Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Coming up on October 21, City Council is going to make its biggest decision of not just the year, but probably the entire decade, with ramifications every Denverite who spends time downtown will feel. One of our local billionaires, Stan Kroenke, is proposing to build what could become a new downtown neighborhood, and this vote is council’s opportunity to check his plans for 6,000 residences, new bike and pedestrian bridges, and a 3-acre “signature park.” Will there be enough affordable housing? Bike lanes? Private security? And what will we call the area? City Councilmember Jamie Torres represents the area, and she joins host Bree Davies to take us inside the negotiating room ahead of the vote later this month. City Council is hosting a public hearing on Kroenke’s plans ahead of the vote on Oct. 21, so you have a chance to make your voice heard! Councilmember Torres mentioned our explainer of Denver’s 14 historic “view planes.” For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver What do you think we should call it? We like KroenkeTown, but we want to hear from you! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬ Learn more about the sponsors of this October 9th episode: Denver Film Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Meow Wolf BetterHelp - get 10% off at betterhelp.com/CITYCAST Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

It’s Tuesday, and we’re digging into all the stories Denverites are talking about this week. First, The Denver Post published a sensational op-ed from a whistleblower who used to work at the slaughterhouse in Globeville that animal welfare advocates are trying to shut down with an upcoming ballot measure. So is this guy legit? Or just a political pawn? Producer Paul Karolyi and host Bree Davies are talking about Paul’s recent sit-down with the whistleblower in question, Jose Huizar. Plus, Denver’s last lesbian bar is closing (or maybe just rebranding?), the blowback from last week’s local influencer expose, and a listener puts us on a parking mystery at Mission Ballroom. Come see us live! Join us on Oct. 17 for “Ballots & Beverages” at Town Hall Collaborative. We’ll be breaking down all 12 questions in front of Denver voters with some special guests. RSVP today! Bree mentioned this reporting from Out Front on the rumors that Jody Bouffard is planning to reopen Blush & Blu as a gay bar. What do you think about Blush & Blu’s potential rebrand? We want to hear from you! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬ For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/denver Learn more about the sponsors of this October 8th episode: Denver Film Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Meow Wolf PineMelon - Use promo code CITYCASTDENVER for $75 off your first delivery BetterHelp - get 10% off at betterhelp.com/CITYCAST Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Denver’s biggest strip club operator, RCI Holdings, sued Denver Labor last week in an attempt to block wage-theft investigators from looking at their internal company documents. The club owners allege that the investigators are using “overreaching and unjustified” subpoenas in an “alarming abuse of power.” But in fact, there are plenty of reasons to believe the workers at these clubs aren’t getting a fair shake. Denver Post reporter Megan Ulu-Lani Boyanton joined host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi last year to give us the inside scoop on Denver’s precarious strip club industry. This episode originally aired on August 7, 2023. Join us live and in person TONIGHT! We are moderating a forum of candidates running in the most exciting and dramatic RTD Board election… maybe ever? The forum starts at 7 p.m. at the Buell Public Media Center, and it’s free and accessible. RSVP here. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Do you have a great Denver strip club story? We want to hear it! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬ If you enjoyed the interview with Jess Welser, B:CIVIC'S Director, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this October 7th episode: Denver Film Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Meow Wolf BetterHelp - get 10% off at betterhelp.com/CITYCAST Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

It’s Friday and we’re rounding up the biggest news of the week. First, construction is imminent on the much-anticipated Bus Rapid Transit project along Colfax. Will the roadwork impact access to local businesses in a lasting way? Will the famous strip lose its character? Will drivers actually get out of their cars and get on the bus? Host Bree Davies is joined by Pete’s Satire bartender and AAA spokesperson Skyler McKinley and Sie FilmCenter’s artistic director Keith Garcia to discuss these changes to the neighborhood where they both work and live. Then, producer Olivia Jewell Love ranks her least-favorite halloween candy and the crew discuss the closure of Natural Grocers and Steve’s Snappin’ Dogs, Mutiny Information Cafe’s grand reopening, and more wins and fails of the week. Bree mentioned her 2023 interview with Amy Cara, one of the developers behind Cherry Creek West project, which was approved by City Council this week. Skyler discussed RTD’s lack of transparency around the firing of its police chief. Keith talked about the upcoming Denver Film Festival. What do you think about the BRT construction’s impact on Colfax businesses? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬ For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/Denver Learn more about the sponsors of this October 4th episode: Denver Health Town Hall Collaborative PineMelon - Use promo code CITYCASTDENVER for $75 off your first delivery Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Sure you could fight the traffic up to Kenosha Pass, but there are so many ways to enjoy a Colorado fall besides leaf peeping. It’s the prime season for fishing, spooky hikes near the city, and even some great off-the-beaten-path nature areas under your nose right here in Denver! Host Bree Davies is joined by a couple of returning favorites — our green chile and politics correspondent Justine Sandoval and comedian and outdoor educator Eeland Stribling — to discuss their picks for some epic adventures to enjoy outside this fall. Don’t miss Eeland in the finals of Comedy Works’ New Faces contest on Oct. 16! It’s at 7 p.m. at Comedy Works Downtown. Vote for Eeland! For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/denver What’s your favorite Colorado fall adventure? We’d love to hear about it! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬ Learn more about the sponsors of this October 3rd episode: Denver Health Town Hall Collaborative Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise