City Cast Denver

Without leading scorer Val Nichushkin, will the Avs be able to take the Stanley Cup again? This week the team’s forward was suspended for six months, continuing his path in an NHL player support program to address undisclosed issues. Then Regina English, a democratic representative from Colorado Springs, voted against gay marriage in a state where it has been legal for a decade. Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi are joined by politics and green chile correspondent Justine Sandoval to dig into these stories, plus Red Lobster’s abrupt exit from the metro area, the town of Vail canceling an artist’s residency over politics, and more wins and fails of the week. Paul recommended David Foster Wallace’s classic article, “Consider the Lobster.” You heard “This Time is Forever” from Dave Devine’s band Delby L’s Steve Albini-engineered record, Nine Skies. Pauls thread on r/ColoradoSprings. Paul referenced this CBS story about Val Nichushkin’s playoff absence last year. 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: Check out the summer concert series at the Arvada Center! Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

The Stanley Hotel has been a tourist stop in Estes Park for decades since the iconic place appeared in Stephen King’s The Shining. But back in December of 2023, it looked like the hotel was getting a new owner and a new lease on life — except that big real estate deal never came together, leaving lots of questions about the fate of the historic property. After months of speculation, renewed interest in the building and its grounds becoming a hub for filmmakers, and potential plans to amp up its ties to horror movie history, things might be actually changing. Host Bree Davies sits down with 5280 Magazine’s Jay Bouchard, who has been investigating the complex prospect of a rebirth for the Stanley Hotel. 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 episode: Check out the summer concert series at the Arvada Center! Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Denver has emerged as the only U.S. city left out of 10 places worldwide being considered for the 2030 Gay Games. The games — which began in 1982 and happen every four years — invite over 10,000 LGBTQ+ people to compete in more than 30 different sports. With Denver being a serious contender for this celebrated event, no better time than now to look back at this city’s storied LGBTQ+ history and culture. Back in 2022, host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi went on a tour of Capitol Hill with comics artist and historian B. Erin Cole to learn all about the gayborhood’s deep roots in the Mile High. Don't miss the very first episode of our spinoff podcast 'Lauren Boebert Can't Lose' coming out later today. Subscribe right now wherever you get your podcasts, and tell a friend! B. Erin Cole’s illustrated map of queer Capitol Hill can be found as part of History Colorado’s Rainbows and Revolutions exhibit, on view now. Find more of B. Erin’s work 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 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 episode: Check out the summer concert series at the Arvada Center! Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Is our food really too spicy? Venezuelan newcomers are saying so — but the guy who dropped off a “boxes and boxes” of Flamin’ Hot Cheetos at an encampment is not the only reason why some are now demanding more from the city. Then, the Glenwood Springs Hot Springs’ long-awaited renovations are finally complete, but will they be enough to set the historic mineral water resort from tough competition in the canyon? Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi dig into these stories, plus the Nuggets’ big playoffs comeback and a listener comment on road rage. 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 episode: Check out the summer concert series at the Arvada Center! Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

The dust is still settling after state lawmakers wrapped up their legislative session last week, and it was a big one! After opening with a ferocious debate over Gaza and calls for decorum, the session featured more than 700 bills and somehow wrapped with a handful of bipartisan agreements. Today Host Bree Davies is joined by longtime statehouse political reporter Marianne Goodland to recap some of the biggest stories of the session and how lawmakers made it all happen. Marianne discussed the lingering debate over RTD reform. We covered that issue a few times recently: Is the State About To Boost Funding For RTD? (April 24, 2024) Is Governor Polis Trying To Take Over RTD? (April 3, 2024) 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 episode: The Arvada Center’s Summer Concert Series Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

A new bill could require concert ticket sellers to show the actual price of tickets upfront. But data shows that might not be the root of the problem. Plus, a recent study found that Colorado ranks in the top five for road rage, including a higher than national average for gun violence-related incidents. Local music industry veteran Bruce Trujillo and award-winning comedian Joshua Emerson join host Bree Davies to break down the biggest stories of the week, including the Nuggets’ bad playoffs behavior, a certain concert to avoid, and more. Bruce shouted out Girls Rock Denver! She also is opening Manos Sagrados, a new art and performance space, in Aurora this summer. Joshua’s got a show coming up at Denver Fringe Festival in June! Bree cited some data first reported by KDVR about road rage and aggressive driving calls to the Colorado State Patrol. She also talked about her mom, Brooke, being honored for National Nurses Week! Joshua talked about Sam Tallent’s book, Running the Light, about life on the road as a stand-up comic. Bree talked to Sam on our show a couple years ago to hear more and swap stories. What do you think about road rage? Do Denverites especially have a problem with it? 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 episode: Colorado Wine Board Levitt Pavillion Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

The City of Denver spent at least $274 million to combat the homelessness crisis between 2021 and 2024, but according to a new investigation from the Denver Gazette, our results lag far behind other cities like Seattle and Houston. Reporters Chris Osher and Jenny Deam dug into a trove of data and sought out service providers, former city workers, federal officials, and people experiencing homelessness to learn more about where Denver is falling short. They join host Bree Davies to try to explain why the problem is getting worse and how our new mayor Mike Johnston’s approach differs from other cities. Check out our recent interview with Mayor Johnston, where he discusses the current state of his administration’s approach to homelessness. Here’s the housing dashboard Mayor Johnston uses to track his progress. 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 Denver’s current approach to homelessness? 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 episode: Colorado Wine Board Levitt Pavillion Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

The first episode of ‘Lauren Boebert Can’t Lose’ is coming on May 15. What do you think about Congresswoman Lauren Boebert? 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 You can also email us at [email protected] and support the show by becoming a member at membership.citycast.fm. Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Expansions, mismanagement, and a major arrest — we’re rounding up the biggest news stories of the Denver art scene this week. After years of rumors, former jam band promoter and venue owner Jay Bianchi was finally arrested on charges of sexual assault. Then, Meow Wolf is sending mixed signals with a major expansion announcement in the midst of company-wide layoffs, while the leadership at Vinyl Me, Please’s new record pressing plant in RiNo have just been fired and sued by their own board. Host Bree Davies sits down with Denver Post entertainment reporter John Wenzel to dig into the details of everything going down in the arts world. John joined us back in 2022 to talk about Denver Meow Wolf workers unionizing and in 2023 to talk about Vinyl Me, Please and a new “music district” in RiNo. Also, check out our past episode with one of the women who accused Bianchi of sexual assault way back in 2021. Listen to John’s band Undersale on Bandcamp and find more information about their show with Guided By Voices this Friday, May 10, at the Marquis Theater. 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 episode: Colorado Wine Board Levitt Pavillion Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Stories about alcohol abuse at the state capitol are nothing new, but a series of high-profile incidents have cast the boozy culture of politics into the spotlight. So as lawmakers are sprinting to the end of the legislative session this week, host Bree Davies sits down with producer Paul Karolyi to talk about alcohol’s role in politics, plus we’ve got the latest updates on the Palestinian solidarity protest ongoing at Auraria and the bill that would’ve banned algorithms from determining your rent. City Cast Denver members listening on the ad-free feed also get an exclusive preview of a special project we’re gearing up to release later this month. If you’re not a member yet and you want to hear that sneak peek for yourself, sign up today at membership.citycast.fm. 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 episode: PineMelon -- the farmers market, delivered. PineMelon is a new generation online grocery platform with a strong commitment to supporting local farmers and delivering fresh, quality ingredients to our customers. Use the code CITYCASTDENVER to get $75 off your first grocery order today! Colorado Wine Board Levitt Pavillion Denver Botanic Garden’s Spring Plant Sale Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Cannabis has been a "Schedule I" drug for decades, meaning the federal government regulates it the same way as heroin. But that could be changing soon, with the recent surprise news of a potential rescheduling. Host Bree Davies sits down with former cannabis reporter, founder of Grasslands PR Agency, and industry insider Ricardo Baca to learn more about why local cannabis leaders are so excited about this and how it could change the world of legal weed as we know it. 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 future of weed? 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 episode: Colorado Wine Board Levitt Pavillion Denver Botanic Garden’s Spring Plant Sale 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 breaking down the biggest stories of the week. First, more and more students and community members are gathering on the Tivoli Quad at Auraria to protest Israel’s war on Hamas, and negotiations with the administrators are at a standstill. So we’ve got the editor in chief of Metro State’s student-run newspaper, Sara Martin, joining host Bree Davies and our politics and green chile correspondent Justine Sandoval to talk about rising tensions on campus ahead of graduation next week. Plus, decorum was supposed to be a priority at the legislature, but state lawmakers keep slugging it out on social media. And finally, DPD’s conspicuous arrest of a hot dog vendor and more of our wins and fails of the week. We talked about Jesse Paul of the Colorado Sun’s post on X about legislators’ social media squabbles as well as Marianne Goodland’s story on this issue from Colorado Politics. Sara mentioned her staff’s recent Society of Professional Journalists awards; follow Sara’s work on Twitter and in The Metropolitan. Justine mentioned the JeffCo GOP’s controversial fundraiser guest and the Cobalt Abortion fund. Bree talked about the old Denver matchbooks story from Denverite and Westword’s piece on hot dog vendor Alejandro Ramirez’s arrest. 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 sponsor of this episode: Fetch! Your trusted pet sitters and dog walkers Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Between the Gaza protests at the Auraria campus and the increasingly acrimonious debate over homelessness, Mayor Mike Johnston has a lot on his hands. Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi sat down with Johnston to discuss the biggest issues facing his administration, including his confrontation with student protesters last Friday, the anti-homeless Instagram account @DoBetterDNVR, and the proposal to give collective bargaining rights to the thousands of City of Denver employees. Plus, the mayor has an update on the massive development planned around Ball Arena, why he’s still ordering sweeps of encampments, and what he thinks about the 30-plus tracks on Taylor Swift’s new album. 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 episode: Fetch! Your trusted pet sitters and dog walkers Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

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. It’s May in the Mile High City — the days are getting longer, meaning more time in the sunshine. From getting outside for a weekday lunch date to making a quick drive to the foothills for drinks by the South Platte River, we’ve rounded up our best recs, tips, and must-sees for this almost-summer month. For even more tips on how to make the most of May in Denver, check out our newsletter Hey Denver’s take on what to do this month. Peyton mentioned Denver Water’s Backstreet Boys parody about Denver’s summer water rules and Hey Denver’s list of Denver’s best sports bars. Bree talked about our recent episode with gardening expert Ann Marie Award, who shared tips on low-water plant options. City Cast Denver is made possible by our awesome sponsors, like Fetch! 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] 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 breaking down the biggest stories of the week. First, student protesters have been living in tents on Tivoli Quad at Auraria campus for six days, calling for the colleges to divest from Israel and winning support from some local elected officials and a civil rights legend. But the cops also made an appearance, so we’re talking about what’s next for the students’ so-called occupation. Producer Olivia Jewell Love visited Auraria yesterday morning and tells host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi what she saw and heard. Then, we follow up on a listener’s plea for answers in the curious case of a strange bookstore. Bree mentioned a letter signed by local legislators in support of the protests. We also discussed the Yelp reviews for 32nd Ave. Toys and Books. What do you think about local bookstores? Have you ever browsed and then bought the book online? 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 Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Fetch! PineMelon Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

It’s that time of year to start digging around in the dirt and laying the foundation for a bountiful summer garden. But our arid, urban environment presents some unique challenges, so how do you actually decide what to grow where? What if you don’t have much space? Or any outdoor space at all? Host Bree Davies is joined by our favorite gardening expert Ann Marie Awad to answer listener questions about shade, ground cover, tomatoes, and everything in between. Ann Marie sung the praises of CSU extension, a great resource for all your questions about Colorado’s unique natural environment. Also, here’s the hookup for the “Instagram tomato lady” we raved about and a great list from the Denver Post for some upcoming plant sales! 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 episode: Fetch! Pet Care Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Construction is set to begin this summer on one of the biggest transportation infrastructure projects Denver has ever seen: BRT, also known as Bus Rapid Transit. It’s a nifty name for a simple concept — buses that go faster and arrive more frequently — but the implications for how Denverites could move around our city are mind-boggling. At the annual Transportation Solutions conference yesterday, host Bree Davies sat down CDOT BRT program manager Ryan Noles, Minneapolis-St. Paul’s arterial BRT director Katie Roth, and executive director of National Organizations for Youth Safety Jacob Smith to talk about what’s gonna happen when the rubber hits the road. Do you have questions about BRT? Are you excited? Are you dreading the traffic during construction? We want to hear from you! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and we’ll do our best to get you answers: 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 episode: 104.7 The Drop Monarch Casino Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Conservatives have been ramping up their attacks on trans people across the country, including right here in Colorado. But local Democrats just passed two big bills advancing trans rights, despite hours of testimony that included dehumanization and deadnaming (i.e. calling someone by their birth name after they’ve gone through a gender transition). Colorado Times Recorder reporter Heidi Beedle has been on the anti-trans hate beat for years, attending far-right rallies and talking to conservatives across the Front Range — she’s on with host Bree Davies to discuss these latest attacks, how Democrats are pushing back, and how she expects this issue will play into the big elections later this year. For more, check out Heidi's latest reporting on the far-right’s anti-trans efforts. 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 episode: 104.7 The Drop Monarch Casino Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

After years of rumors and speculation, Governor Jared Polis and some of the leading Democrats in the statehouse put forth a serious proposal a couple of weeks ago to reform the Denver metro area’s public transit operator, RTD. It turns out that many Denverites agree that RTD could be better, but no one agrees on how to fix it! So producer Paul Karolyi is sitting down with one of the primary sponsors of the big RTD reform bill, Rep. Meg Froelich of Englewood, to talk about why the initial proposal flopped, what Polis and his allies are thinking now, and where the calls for reform go from here. Rep. Froelich mentioned the bill to eliminate parking minimums in new development projects. When we last talked about that proposal on the podcast, our guest Dr. Ken Schroeppel said we could go even further. 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 should be done to fix RTD? We want to hear from public transit users! 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 episode: 104.7 The Drop Monarch Casino Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

It’s Tuesday, and host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi are rounding up the biggest stories in Denver this week. We’re talking about why even the FAA is now trying to figure out what’s wrong with the Colorado Rockies, Colorado’s new law protecting renters from “discriminatory evictions,” and what a Denver startup’s big IPO means for the city. Plus, we answer a listener question about the WNBA coming to 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 episode: 104.7 The Drop Monarch Casino Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Denver’s never really been a big bagel town… until now! In the past year, several hot new bagel shops have opened their doors, offering carb-tastic delights the Mile High has never tasted before. So how do some of these buzzy new bagel-makers stack up to the OGs? Host Bree Davies and our resident foodie slash newsletter editor Peyton Garcia are joined by two bona fide bagel fanatics — Denverite transportation reporter Rebecca Tauber and listener Shira Weiner — to taste test Moe’s, Rosenberg’s, Call Your Mother, and Rich Spirit. 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 episode: 104.7 The Drop 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, Meow Wolf announced 165 layoffs this week, including 50 at Denver’s Convergence Station, which turns three years old in September. So host Bree Davies, producer Paul Karolyi, and one of our favorite regular guests — stand-up comic and Casa Bonita entertainer Joshua Emerson — are talking about where Meow Wolf goes from here. Plus, we’re celebrating 420 early with our dream (and nightmare) blunt rotations, Denver style. And as always, our wins and fails of the week. Bree mentioned our episode with David Thomas, the professor of fun; our visit to the nightclub inside Convergence Station; the Lost Highways episode on the DPD; our walking tour of Cap Hill’s LGBTQ history; her interview with former Miss America Marilyn Van Derbur; and our coverage of the allegations facing Jay Bianchi. Paul talked about Colorado’s new neural data protection law and Mayor Johnston’s latest encampment sweep. Joshua discussed DU’s big hockey win. Bree mentioned the charges against Jay Bianchi and a child sex abuse vote at the statehouse. Bree asked which legislator was the only one not to vote for the neural data bill. Check out all the votes on all the different versions of the bill here. How do you feel about Meow Wolf after almost three years in Denver? 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 episode: Museum of Outdoor Arts presents “La Primavera Festival” PineMelon Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Clouds of pot smoke will undoubtedly be billowing above the annual 420 festival in Civic Center Park this Saturday, but the big downtown concert is far from the only way to celebrate the high holiday. Host Bree Davies sits down with producer Olivia Jewell Love and our politics and green chile correspondent Justine Sandoval to share their best bets for the most over-the-top local drinks, meals, and desserts to satisfy your munchies (or if you’re just craving a fun food adventure!) Plus, Olivia shares your responses to her request for Denver’s best nachos. 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 is the best “over the top” dish in Denver? 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 episode: Museum of Outdoor Arts presents “La Primavera Festival” PineMelon Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

It’s time to pump up those tires, grease up those chains, and hop on a bike! Whether you’ve got a nice new e-bike or you’re dusting off old reliable, we’re coming up on the best time of year to enjoy a bike ride in Denver. So instead of getting caught up in the usual debates over bicycles — not enough dedicated lanes! Too many angry drivers! — we’re sitting down with someone who knows our city’s bike infrastructure as well as anyone. Matt Sanchez has been a full-time bike courier for 11 years, and he’s on with his guide to under-appreciated gems, routes to avoid, and a fresh new perspective on biking in Denver. Paul mentioned our upcoming live podcast as part of “The Road Ahead 2024” event with Transportation Solutions, which you can get tickets to now! What would you ask Mayor Mike Johnston? We’re sitting down with the mayor later this month, and we want your help! Do you have a question for the mayor? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it in the interview: 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: Museum of Outdoor Arts presents “La Primavera Festival” PineMelon 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 rounding up the stories that matter in Denver this week. First, the Colorado House of Representatives passed a bill on Sunday that would ban the sale of assault weapons. So host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi are talking about the changing debate around guns and the battle to come in the Senate. Plus, Mayor Mike Johnston offered some harsh words to Salvation Army over escalating security concerns at the former DoubleTree shelter, and a major celebrity sighting in Westwood. Finally, your comments on the Xcel blackouts last week. Bree talked about The Pest. Axios Denver’s Alayna Alvarez has more details on John Leguizamo’s visit to Westwood. 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 do you think about an assault weapons ban? Would you like to see the state senate pass it? Or 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 Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Museum of Outdoor Arts presents “La Primavera Festival” PineMelon Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Is the stereotype that Coloradans love Subarus actually true? Based on the commercials alone, it seems like subies are the brand built for our outdoor lifestyle — just imagine throwing your muddy hiking boots in the back, driving up steep inclines, and parking in front of those awesome mountain views. But is the Subaru really the most popular car in Colorado? Back in May of last year, Host Bree Davies was joined by Subaru driver Ann Marie Awad and reporter Megan Ulu-Lani Boyanton, who looked at the stats for the Denver Post. Megan mentioned Denver gets 360 days of sunshine per year, one of our fav myths to bust. We had our weather guy Andy Stein on in 2021 to break that one down. We also discussed the surprising origin of those NATIVE bumper stickers. 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 episode: Museum of Outdoor Arts’ La Primavera Festival PineMelon 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 a big week in Denver. First, the wind! Xcel Energy preemptively shut off power to thousands of residents of the metro area ahead of last week’s windstorm, and that… didn’t go over well. So we’ve got CSU climate geographer Lauren Gifford joining producer Paul Karolyi and politics and green chile correspondent Justine Sandoval to talk about Xcel, some controversial proposals to change public comment at Denver City Council, as well as this week’s wins and fails. Justine talked about The Village and La Plaza CO. Lauren mentioned about this First Friday staple. Paul discussed the “chile crunch” trademark, Nathan MacKinnon’s MVP night, the Drip Coffee protests, and native plants in city parks. 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 Wanna win a couple of free VIP tickets to an amazing new wine fest? Wine Spectator’s Grand Tour in Denver on May 11, and we want to see you there! All you’ve got to do is join our membership program today. We’ll select the 5th new member to win the tix. But every single member will receive a discount code for $100 off the price of admission on Monday. Join now at membership.citycast.fm/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/Denver Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Visit Meow Wolf! Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Colorado recorded a record-high number of gun deaths in 2021, according to the Colorado Sun. While gun violence has waned since then, it’s not decreasing fast enough for many Denverites, including Mayor Mike Johnston. He announced last week his new plan to reduce gun crime in Denver by 20% in 2024 by expanding the city’s focus on high-crime areas known as “hot spots.” So host Bree Davies is sitting down with former mayoral candidate and criminal justice professor Lisa Calderón to talk about how Johnston’s strategy compares with his predecessor and what she’d be doing differently. Bree mentioned the new plan Mayor Mike Johnston announced Wednesday to fund newcomer response, including budget cuts to many city departments. Lisa talked about this community event coming up on May 13. Do you have a question for Mayor Mike? We’re sitting down with the mayor later this month, and we want your help! Do you have a question you want to ask him? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear your question 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 Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Visit Meow Wolf! Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Is Denver still a growing city? According to the data, no — but it’s a little more complicated than that. For a city defined by its booms and busts, the Mile High’s attractiveness, affordability, job market, and birth rates are all constantly changing. Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi sit down with Colorado state demographer Elizabeth Garner to find out what, exactly, our population trends say about a city that has been shaped by oil and gas, tech, and John 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 episode: Visit Meow Wolf! Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Over the weekend, Colorado Sun politics reporter Sandra Fish was asked to leave the Colorado GOP’s big assembly in Pueblo after party chair Dave “Let’s Go Brandon” Williams deemed her reporting “unfair.” But is it fair to boot a journalist from an event just because you don’t like their reporting? Then, the downtown doldrums saga continues as Cherry Creek’s real estate attracts national attention. How can two areas of the same city less than five miles from each other have be experiencing such drastically different economic outlooks? Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi tackle these questions and take a moment to reflect on a long-running pizza beef that may have finally come to an end. We mentioned both our Cherry Creek Week series from last year about the tension around growth and development in the area, as well as our our Pizza Week series from 2022. Do you have Denver gardening questions? Our gardening expert can help! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it an upcoming episode: 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 Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Meow Wolf Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

In 1965, a massive flood devastated the Mile High City. Auraria was hit particularly hard and plans were put in motion to demolish the mostly Hispanic neighborhood and replace it with a college campus. By 1972, the whole blocks were scraped away and hundreds of Aurarians had been moved out Then, it seemed that most people forgot it existed at all. But more than 50 years later, the displaced Aurarians haven’t forgotten. Host Bree Davies sits down with Denver Post reporter Elizabeth Hernandez to discuss the community’s latest battle with the college campus. Elizabeth’s recent reporting on the displaced Aurarians covers the meeting where the latest version of the Auraria Community Master Plan was discussed. The Denver Public Library also offers a full timeline and history of Denver’s oldest neighborhood prior to and after displacement. 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 episode: Colorado Wine Board Urban Bush Women at the Newman Center for the Performing Arts PineMelon 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, while Denver’s auditor’s office has been busy recovering more than $2 million in stolen wages, a state lawmaker was removed as a sponsor of a wage theft bill after allegedly committing wage theft in her own office! Then, South Broadway staple Grandma’s House announced its closure at the end of April, joining 17th Ave.’s Alpine Dog and a list of more than 30 craft breweries to close across the state in the past year — is the era of the craft brew over? Host Bree Davies is joined by returning fave, comedian and Casa Bonita performer Joshua Emerson, and longtime beertender Cory Helie to talk wage theft, beer, plus our Rocky Mountain Highs and Lows of the Week. If you think you have been a victim of wage theft, the auditor’s office would love to hear from you. Get in touch with them here! Joshua talked about the luxury apartment building in Englewood that is falling apart and Love is Blind’s Colorado rendezvous. Bree mentioned Denverite and fellow George Washington Patriot Chauncey Billups’ induction into the NBA Hall of Fame, and the “the PP Man” brick design on the apartment building on south Federal. Cory talked about the Nuggets superfan who got banned from Ball Arena and Lady Justice Brewing’s new digs. You can also catch Cory as host of the Ratio Free Comedy Show every Wednesday night at Ratio Beerworks. What do you think we should ask Mayor Mike Johnston in a couple weeks? We want to know what you want to hear from the mayor! 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: Colorado Wine Board Urban Bush Women at the Newman Center for the Performing Arts Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

After 9News anchor Kyle Clark discussed the increasingly popular (and controversial) instagram @DoBetterDNVR with us last Friday, the anonymous posters behind the account sent a brigade of their followers to share their thoughts with us. So we’re opening up the mailbag and talking about all the comments, questions, and feedback. And we’re not just addressing the instagrammers posting photos of unhoused people in crisis without their consent, but also listeners’ thoughts on private members clubs, the legal dispute between two Mexican restaurants, and those two ‘green’ new buildings, The Populus and One River North. If you missed any of those episodes, here are the links to find them: ‘Inevitable’ Shelter Deaths, Poop in the Park, and Kyle Clark! Private Member Clubs Are Thriving. Are You Cool (And Rich) Enough to Join? Inside the Two 'Green' New Buildings Rising in Denver Mexican Food on Trial, Banning Assault Weapons, and Casa Bonita Is 50 Bree mentioned a show at MCA Denver featuring nonconsensual photography and this piece on the crime data by Chase Woodruff. Paul mentioned this Colorado Polling Institute poll from last August 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 us 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 episode: Colorado Wine Board Urban Bush Women at the Newman Center for the Performing Arts Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

What lengths will Governor Jared Polis go to to get his Front Range Passenger Rail? He and some senior Democrats are just starting to roll out their plan right now, and it is far-reaching — they’re talking about taxing rental cars to fund the project and cutting two thirds of the RTD board seats. CPR’s Andy Kenney joins producer Paul Karolyi to explain how the governor’s big plan could affect Denver’s public transportation system, and then former State Speaker of the House Terrance Carroll joins to explain why he’s already speaking out against it. Paul would like to add some context from this poll from the Colorado Polling Institute last year, showing that a majority of Denverites have a favorable opinion of RTD. 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 episode: Colorado Wine Board Urban Bush Women at the Newman Center for the Performing Arts PineMelon 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 talking about the biggest stories shaping Denver today. First up, Congresswoman Lauren Boebert got a big boost from Republican Party leaders last week, so we’re surveying the state of the races to represent Denver, Colorado Springs, the Eastern Plains and the Western Slope ahead of the congressional primaries in June. Westword editor Patty Calhoun joins producer Paul Karolyi to talk through the latest developments. Plus, Patty’s got the scoop on possible changes coming to the city-owned Buffalo Bill Museum & Grave, the Tattered Cover’s bankruptcy, and the historic preservation fight over El Chapultepec. 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 episode: The Colorado Wine Board Newman Center for the Performing Arts Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Happy April, Denver! As we inch closer to real spring and out of the grasp of false spring, we can expect to see our fair Mile High City blooming this month. But which of the proverbial flowers will be worth stopping to smell? Producer Paul Karolyi is joined by newsletter editor Adrian Gonzalez and producer Olivia Jewell Love to share our top picks to eat, drink, do, and experience around Denver this month. Paul recommended this podcast episode with Adam McKay on Hattie McDaniel. Links to all our picks: City Cast Denver Live on April 25! - “Mile High Mobility Through Bus Rapid Transit” Pizza Beer at New Belgium Brewing Fruta preparada/Prepared fruit (maybe at La Michoacana?) “Gone With The Wind” 85th Anniversary Showing (Estes Park) Colorado Rockies schedule Hang out in a park (maybe join a sports league?) ThriftCon Eat some nachos (Maybe at a place from this thread?) Find a new hobby at The Craft Box (Wheat Ridge) 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: The Colorado Wine Board Newman Center for the Performing Arts 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 on the biggest stories of the week. 9News anchor Kyle Clark joins host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to break down the escalating controversy around the recent killings at the former DoubleTree shelter off I-70 and Quebec. One council member is blaming the contractor, but is this all Mayor Johnston’s problem to solve? Plus, the metro area’s biggest dog park is being overwhelmed with dog poop and, as always, our wins and fails of the week. We discussed Mayor Johnston’s All In Mile High Dashboard. Check out his progress for yourself! Bree talked about Curious Theater and the Denver Basic Income Project. Paul mentioned empty warehouses, Denver’s pizza reputation, and this now-gone piece of art on the Cherry Creek Trail. Kyle talked about Denver’s minority entrepreneurship fund and the Vine St. Pub. What do you think about year two of Mayor Johnston’s quest to end homelessness? 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: Denver Health Rocky Mountain PBS Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Socializing is a hot commodity in the Mile High, and there are plenty of bars, parks, and adult-oriented entertainment spaces catering to folks looking for community. But in the last few years, a new type of organization has risen to meet growing demand from a higher-end clientele: The private members club. So our producer Paul Karolyi decided to see for himself. Host Bree Davies sits down with Paul to talk about his experience applying to be a potential insider at one of these spaces, how their inclusivity policies work in practice, and what their “curated” approach to recruitment says about Denver’s social fabric today. For more, BusinessDen reported on the Clayton Members Club & Hotel back when it opened in 2021, and 5280 Magazine reported on Clayton’s inclusivity policies. What do you think is the best way to make friends in Denver? 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 Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Denver Health Rocky Mountain PBS Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

A few years back, The New York Times spent some time in Denver and came back with a visitor’s guide that we found… lacking. They missed out on some of the most quintessential Denver experiences, so we set out to plan the perfect Mile High long weekend for ourselves. Politics and green chile correspondent Justine Sandoval joined host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi last summer to put together the ultimate 36 hours in Denver, full of the best restaurants, attractions, and outdoorsy stuff to please visitors and locals alike. Paul mentioned our episode on DIA conspiracy theories. Bree talked about the Forney Museum’s old home in REI, and the story behind the historic brick building, which you can read about in our newsletter, Hey Denver! Here’s a list of all the places we recommended: Colorado Tick’s Club (Curtis Park) Blucifer (DIA) RTD’s A-Line Union Station (Union Station) The Confluence (Highland) “Confluent People” by Emanuel Martinez (Auraria) Starbucks at the REI (Auraria) Little Man Ice Cream (LoHi) Bruto (Union Station) Bodega (Sunnyside) Red Rocks (Morrison) Dinosaur Ridge Trail (Morrison) J’s Noodles (Westwood) Miss Saigon (formerly Pho 79; Westwood) Meow Wolf (Sun Valley) Raíces (Sun Valley) Bastien’s (City Park) PS Lounge (Congress Park) Bluebird Theater (City Park) Middleman (City Park) Satire Lounge (Cheesman Park) Charlie Brown’s (Cap Hill) Pho 96 (Ruby Hill) Lakeside Amusement Park (Lakeside) Where do you like to take visitors? We want to hear your can’t-miss spots that never fail to impress visitors. Leave us a voicemail or a text at 720-500-5418, and you might hear it on the show soon! 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 episode: Denver Health Rocky Mountain PBS Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Alma Fonda Fina is one of the buzziest new restaurants in town — but a lawsuit over the potential theft of “trade secrets” and a non-compete clause could shut the operation down. Turns out My Neighbor Felix isn’t feeling so neighborly towards its former employees, and now the two LoHi eateries will duke it out in court. Meanwhile, Casa Bonita celebrates 50 years (but you still can’t make a reservation!), and a new push to ban assault weapons has East High School students taking the fight to social media. Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi dig into these stories, plus your comments on Buc-ee’s and Johnson’s Corner. We played the audio from this East Students Demand Action Instagram reel. Bree mentioned past City Cast Denver episodes on the gun debate featuring East students Clara and Gracie Taub and Senator Tom Sullivan. 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 of the My Neighbor Felix/Alma Fonda Fina dispute? 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 episode: Denver Health Rocky Mountain PBS Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

There are two very distinctive, very green buildings being built in Denver right now — maybe you’ve seen them? One purports to be the country’s first “carbon positive” hotel with a facade reminiscent of an aspen tree, and the other has got a giant crack down the middle that’s going to be filled with native plants and tenants doing yoga. So what does this architectural mini-movement say about Denver today? Denverite senior reporter Kyle Harris recently toured both The Populus and One River North, and he’s on today with host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to give us the inside story. Oh, and we’ve got pics of both of these buildings on our Instagram so you can see them for yourself. 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 episode: Denver Health Rocky Mountain PBS 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 talking about all the biggest stories in Denver this week. First up, the hotly contested debate over widening Peña Blvd divided City Council on Monday night, with arguments touching on equity, climate concerns, and the future of DIA. Westword reporter Catie Cheshire is on with host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi with the inside scoop. Plus, we’ve been hearing for years that the long-awaited Buc-ee's in Johnstown would be “more than a gas station,” so we went to see for ourselves. And finally, our wins and fails of the week. Catie talked about bald eagles and the Colorado schools in March Madness. Bree mentioned RTD elevators and the Oriental Theater. Paul talked about the Business Impact Opportunity Fund and High Line Canal Trail. He also recommends this classic Westword story about how Johnson’s Corner stopped being what it used to be. Wanna get us a third birthday present? Become a member of City Cast Denver today! You’ll get an ad-free podcast feed and, if you’re one of the first to join on Friday March 22, a shot at winning a City Cast mug. Learn more and sign up at membership.citycast.fm/Denver. What do you think about the Buc-ee's hype? 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 Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Newman Center for the Performing Arts PineMelon Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Denver’s fashion sense is, well, questionable. So it’s no wonder GQ once named Governor Jared Polis as the “worst-dressed congressman ever.” And boy oh boy, is he far from the only local elected who’s made some bold choices! But do our politician’s sartorial choices matter? And what do they say about us? Host Bree Davies sits down with fashion expert and her lifelong friend David Casados to break down some of our local reps’ most iconic looks and dish on what they’re all about. We posted all the pics Bree and David discussed to our instagram (@citycastdenver) so you can follow along as you listen. Who do you think are the most — and least — fashionable local politicians? We want to hear your hottest takes! 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 Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Newman Center for the Performing Arts PineMelon Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Over the past few years, ramen shops have proliferated across Colorado, as more and more Denverites hop on the broth-y, noodle-y hype train. So it made sense to the editors of the Denver Post to move past burgers, tacos and pizza for their annual March Madness local food bracket this year — it’s ramen time! And now that we’re down to just the Final Four contenders, host Bree Davies sits down with bracket architect and Denver Post editor Jonathan Shikes and Gil Asakawa, author of “Tabemasho! Let’s Eat” and expert on Japanese food in America, to talk about the big first-round upsets, cinderella stories, and which shop is the favorite to win it all. Voting on the Final Four of the Denver Post’s ramen bracket is open now! There are also still tickets available for Denver Ramen Fest this weekend at the Stockyards Event Center. For more from Gil and Shikes, Gil was on the show most recently talking about his book on Japanese food in America, and Shikes’ most recent appearance was discussing New Belgium Brewing’s rebrand of their flagship beer, Fat Tire. What’s your favorite ramen in Denver? 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 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 Become a member of City Cast Denver today: membership.citycast.fm/denver Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Newman Center for the Performing Arts PineMelon 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 talking about the biggest stories of the week. First up, downtown is going through a rough patch, and while that can be challenging for many businesses, others see opportunity! Westword editor Patty Calhoun joins host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to talk about the brewing fight over plans to demolish Denver’s most storied jazz bar, El Chapultepec, and the shocking news that The Brown Palace just laid off all its doormen and bell staff. Plus, we hear about listeners’ favorite grocery stores in the city. The Denver Post published an editorial yesterday calling for El Chapultepec to be preserved. 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 episode: Newman Center for the Performing Arts PineMelon Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Driving around downtown Denver, you’d be forgiven for getting frustrated about parking. But is the solution to our parking woes more spaces? Or fewer? State lawmakers are working on a bill to ban parking minimums, and Governor Jared Polis sounds excited about it. But CU urban planning professor Ken Schroeppel thinks we could take it a step further, by enacting parking maximums. He joins host Bree Davies to explain why less parking might be the best way to fix downtown. Ken founded the DenverInFill blog to track development around the city in 2004. Check out the archives for nearly two decades of hi-def photos of a changing Denver! For more, the Denver Post reported on the parking debate a couple weeks ago. 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 episode: Newman Center for the Performing Arts PineMelon 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 talking about the biggest stories of the week. First, Rep. Ken Buck announced this week that he’s leaving Congress even earlier than expected, throwing another wrench in an already chaotic race to represent Colorado’s Congressional District 4. So host Bree Davies, producer Paul Karolyi, and politics and green chile correspondent Justine Sandoval are talking through the implications of what CD4 candidate (and Buck’s fellow representative) Lauren Boebert called a “swampy backroom deal.” Plus, four Denver-area grocery stores ranked among the worst in the country, and our wins and fails of the week. Paul mentioned the city’s new plan for the Cherry Creek Trail and construction on Peña Boulevard. Justine talked about Frozen Dead Guy Days and the latest push for funeral home regulation (Here's a link to our recent, eye-opening ep on the topic). Bree talked about the micro-community in Overland. What do you think about Boebert’s chances in CD4? 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 episode: Get your Annual Portal Pass to Meow Wolf today! Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

If Sen. Michael Bennet had his way, TikTok would already be banned. But after more than a year of intense lobbying, he’s finally going to have his chance to cast that vote. The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill on Wednesday compelling the Chinese company ByteDance to sell TikTok, and if they won’t, to ban the app for good. So we’re revisiting a conversation host Bree Davies had with Bennet last spring about why he feels so strongly TikTok has to go, despite how many Denverites love it. Here is some of Sen. Bennet’s correspondence on the topic: 1. Sen. Bennet’s letter requesting Apple and Google remove TikTok from their app stores 2. Sen. Bennet’s statement after his meeting with the TikTok CEO 3. Sen. Bennet’s Digital Platform Commission Act 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 episode: Get your Annual Portal Pass to Meow Wolf today! Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

When Denver’s most historic jazz club was sold in 2021, developer Kenneth Monfort said he didn’t want to “erase El Chapultepec out of the history books.” But now, the real estate mogul says the building will have to be demolished. Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi are talking about the future of The ‘Pec, then our latest edition of Landlord Watch highlights a new bill that could stop the use of algorithms to determine rent prices, plus tenants at the Welton Park apartments have been without hot water for a week?! And listeners respond to the ongoing drama that is the Broadway bike lane. Paul mentioned a post on X from former DPS board vice president Auon’tai Anderson about the water situation on Welton Street, as well as a 9News report on the building and a piece from Business Insider on the business benefits of bike lanes. Bree mentioned the “junk fee” lawsuit we discussed back in January. 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 Have you got a bad landlord story to share? Landlord Watch needs your help! Hit us with stories, tips, or questions about how to deal with your landlord. 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 episode: Get your Annual Portal Pass to Meow Wolf today! 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. First, it’s been five years and the Avalanche and Nuggets still aren’t available on most Denver TVs! Kroenke Sports & Entertainment just hired a new guy who is promising to end the Altitude Sports vs. Comcast dispute for good, so can he pull it off? Then, Denver City Council is considering a proposal to ban sugary drinks in kid’s meals at fast food restaurants, which one man says is just politicians attempting to “micromanage” their constituents. Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi dissect these stories and share listener comments on The Epoch Times’s billboards and how, exactly, you’re supposed to eat oysters. We went deep on the Altitude/Comcast dispute with our pal Jake Shapiro from Denver Sports back in 2021. Bree mentioned an episode of the If Books Could Kill podcast about the book “Nudge” by Richard H. Thaler and Cass R. Sunstein. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. What do you think about a ban on sugary drinks? We want to hear from you (especially if you work for Pepsi)! 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 Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Get your Annual Portal Pass to Meow Wolf today! Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise