City Cast Denver

Mayor Johnston logged on for his third Ask Me Anything on Reddit earlier this week, fielding questions from anonymous Denverites on everything from the recent city layoffs to his favorite cheeseburger. But did constituents think the conversation was worth it? Then, gubernatorial candidate Michael Bennet is wading into the controversy over a new Buc-ee's planned north of Colorado Springs, but why he's so interested in a mega gas station is a mystery — and producer Paul Karolyi has a theory. He's joined by host Bree Davies and returning fave, comedian Joshua Emerson, to dig into these stories plus the biggest wins and fails of the week.  Bree mentioned the community coming out to support Petals and Pages after vandalism, the mayor's new “outreach with enforcement” approach to public drug use, and the closing of Arapahoe House in 2018. Joshua talked about… Paul discussed Sardar Biglari and Cracker Barrel's Colorado connection, the Denver Rock Drill redevelopment getting off the ground, and our most recent interview with Mayor Johnston. He also mentioned Colorado Politics' reporting on John Malone and Ian Griffis. After we recorded this episode, Phil Weiser's campaign shared this statement on the Buc-ees: Protecting our public lands and open spaces means we must be committed to the fight against President Trump and Interior Secretary Burgum selling them off to the highest bidder. Leaders committed to fighting this administration are what will stop their illegal actions—not political statements about where a Buc-ee's should be located. My focus as attorney general and as the next Governor is on doing everything I can to push back against Trump's and Burgum's illegal actions to sell off our open spaces and undermine our protections of our land, air, and water---not on where a Buc-ee's should or should not be built. Our state is one of local control. Under our state constitution, we follow the principle that purely local matters are best left to local towns, cities, and their voters to decide.  If local voters do not agree with a local decision, our system allows them to voice their disapproval and hold their elected officials accountable at the ballot box. 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. Watch clips from the show on YouTube: youtube.com/@citycastdenver or 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 August 29th episode: KUVO Jazz Colfax BID Multipass Elizabeth Martinez with PorchLight Real Estate - Do you have a question about Denver real estate? Submit your questions for Elizabeth Martinez HERE, and she might answer in next week's segment. Wise Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Another Colorado funeral home is in hot water. After a surprise inspection, the Davis Mortuary in Pueblo was found to be in possession of several improperly stored, decomposing bodies. Sadly, in the last few years, the state has seen many cases of compromised cadavers, from a funeral home illegally selling body parts to the startling case of business owners abandoning corpses in 70 degree rooms for years. State lawmakers passed new regulations in 2024, but how did Colorado become the Wild West of funeral homes in the first place? Last March, host Bree Davies sat down with mortuary science expert Faith Haug to get a better understanding of how the state got here. This episode first aired on March 6, 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 Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm What do you think about all the bodies, bodies, bodies? 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 August 28th episode: KUVO Jazz Wise Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Local vape shop owners say that the flavored tobacco ban Mayor Johnston signed into law last year represents an existential threat to their businesses and a major blow to the City of Denver's sales tax revenues. But will that be enough to convince Denver voters to repeal the ban this November? Producer Paul Karolyi sits down with two local vape shop owners — Kristen Hensel of Rusty's Vape and Smoke Shop and Philip Guerin of Myxed Up Creations — to talk about how kids get access to vapes, the Zyn plant being built in Aurora, and what the flavored tobacco ban means for their businesses. Paul talked about the Geek Bar website, this CU Anschutz report on Denver's flavored tobacco ban, the surge in nitrous oxide, aka “whippets,” in Denver, and Gov. Jared Polis' position on a statewide flavored tobacco ban, which he said he opposed in 2022. He also cited reporting on the repeal campaign's 17,000 signatures and $328,000 raised. We've reached out to the Food & Drug Administration for comment on Phil's claim of regular attempted busts at his shop and haven't heard back.  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 repealing the 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 Learn more about the sponsors of this August 27th episode: KUVO Jazz Wise Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

What's more offensive to Denverites: The fact that a new business opening in Cherry Creek North calls itself a “bodega” or the fact that it's owned by an apparent Trump supporter? When Town Pump Provisions opened on Third Avenue earlier this month, social media sleuths dug up some info that led to calls of a boycott. So producers Olivia Jewell Love and Paul Karolyi are talking about the politics of local boycotts. Plus, a Republican state representative resigned after he was outed for starting a cyberbullying campaign against a Democrat colleague. And finally, we hear from a city worker who was laid off and more comments from listeners.  Olivia mentioned this post on X about Rep. Katie Stewart. Paul mentioned the Monfort family's various political contributions over the years.  What do you think about boycotting a local Trump supporter-owned business? 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 Learn more about the sponsors of this August 26th episode: KUVO Jazz Cozy Earth - use code COZYDENVER for 40% off best-selling temperature-regulating sheets, apparel, and more Wise Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Since Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, Denverites have been talking a lot about Israel and its retaliation on Gaza. College students are now under federal investigation for a Gaza solidarity protest. Local courts are deciding if the Boulder attacker was guilty of a hate crime. A wave of antisemitism has put our Jewish neighbors at risk. And Colorado voters will soon weigh the merits of Democratic candidates who speak openly about ending U.S. support for Israel. So producer Paul Karolyi is speaking with Brandon Rattiner, the senior director of the Jewish Community Relations Council, about the investigation, the changing local politics around Israel, and what it has all meant for Colorado's Jewish community. Brandon mentioned a photo of a child in Gaza that appeared on the front page of the New York Times. We recommend reading the whole article on people starving in Gaza, including the editor's note Brandon was referencing about that specific child's pre-existing condition. 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 how the changing local politics around Israel's attack on Gaza? 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 August 25th episode: KUVO Jazz Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

City Councilmembers are angry at him. The clerk and recorder is accusing him of “cowardice.” Former supporters are abandoning him. But what will the average Denver voter think about how Mayor Mike Johnston handled laying off 169 workers this week? Denver Post city hall reporter Elliott Wenzler and our politics and green chile correspondent Justine Sandoval join producer Paul Karolyi to talk about “The Hunger Games,” as some city employees described the layoffs this week. Plus, we respond to Defector's take on ‘Why Denver Sucks' and all our wins and fails of the week. Paul talked about Flock cameras, Playa Bowls, and his conversation with at-large City Councilmember Sarah Parady earlier this week. Justine talked about an emu and DPS' heat day. Elliott discussed the big local TV merger and the Denver Zoo lion cam that she read about in Hey Denver. Some City Council members are hosting a webinar for city workers this Sunday at 4pm. You can RSVP here.  Do you think the Defector roasts of Denver were too harsh? Or on point? 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. Watch clips from the show on YouTube: youtube.com/@citycastdenver or 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 August 22nd episode: Arvada Center Denver Health Elizabeth Martinez with PorchLight Real Estate - Do you have a question about Denver real estate? Submit your questions for Elizabeth Martinez HERE, and she might answer in next week's segment. Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Ever since the election in November, Democrats across the country have been scrambling to figure out what went wrong, so they can rally and try to take back control of Congress in 2026. One candidate who has emerged, at least in terms of his impressive early fundraising numbers, is Commerce City's own Manny Rutinel, a fresh face even in the Colorado Capitol, where he has served only two sessions as a state representative. So, as Rutinel and the rest of the legislature return to Denver today for a special legislative session, he joins producer Paul Karolyi to talk about the state's budget priorities, possible tweaks to his controversial AI law, immigration, food trucks, veganism, and his campaign to win back Congressional District 8 from Republican Gabe Evans.  Rutinel has reportedly raised $1.6 million for his campaign so far, as of the second quarter of this year. For more on Evans' and the other Democrats' fundraising, Axios Denver has the details.  What do you think about Manny Rutinel's chances in CD8? Would you like to hear from the other candidates hoping to unseat Republican Gabe Evans? 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 If you enjoyed the sponsored interview with Dr. Jessica Apted, Medical Director of Sploot, learn more here. Learn more about the other sponsors of this August 21st episode: Arvada Center Denver Health Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Ever since Mayor Mike Johnston announced a $250 million budget shortfall and the possibility of layoffs, city workers have been nervously preparing for “The Purge” or “The Hunger Games.” We now know that 171 workers are losing their jobs this week and 800 more positions will be eliminated, but we don't know how that's going to affect city services. City Council member at-large Sarah Parady joins producer Paul Karolyi to discuss the biggest city layoffs in 15 years. Plus, a bunch of other hot-button issues facing council, from Salvation Army's cancelled contracts for homeless services to the mayor's big push for more AI.   Paul mentioned the New York Times reporting on Uber's sexual assault data. Sarah talked about the Colorado Drivers Coop and the comic Questionable Content. What do you think about the way the mayor is handling these layoffs?? 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 August 20th episode: Arvada Center Denver Health Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

President Trump is calling on Democrat-run cities to watch closely as he attempts to take control of Washington, D.C. So we're talking about one of the policies he's pushing and some new data on how harsher penalties for fentanyl possession have been impacting overdose deaths in Colorado. Producers Paul Karolyi and Olivia Jewell Love discuss the shifting politics around public safety and addiction. Plus, some hilarious and insightful listener comments about Gov. Jared Polis' online antics and animal sounds on 16th St., and the best ways to survive a zombie apocalypse in Denver.  Paul mentioned Denverite's reporting on the city layoffs happening this week and Dr. Joshua Barocas's study on the fentanyl felonization bill. Here's the sound art on 16th St. that a listener told us about. 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 harm reduction and the 2022 fentanyl law? 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 August 19th episode: Arvada Center Denver Health Cozy Earth - use code COZYDENVER for 40% off best-selling temperature-regulating sheets, apparel, and more Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Have you tried a pickle pizza? What about one topped with peaches and prosciutto? And is the hot honey trend past its sell-by date? There's a lot of hype around a new spot on Santa Fe, but is the best pizza in Denver actually in Longmont? Cookbook author and hot take slinger Allyson Reedy returns to the podcast to talk about all the latest pizza news, from buzzy openings to trendy topping combos we've been loving all across the Front Range. We want to hear your hot pizza takes! Text us or leave a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418 We're doing our annual survey to learn more about our listeners. We'd be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey—it's only 7 minutes long. You'll be doing us a big favor. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card – and City Cast City swag. 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 If you enjoyed this interview with Denver Trivia League's Julio Trujilo, learn more here. Learn more about the other sponsors of this August 18th episode: Arvada Center Denver Health Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

After Rep. Jason Crow was turned away from the ICE detention center in Aurora a few weeks ago, he and Colorado's three other Democratic members of the House were ⁠finally granted access⁠ this week for a tour. So what did they see? And what does it have to do with the new detention center ICE ⁠wants to open⁠ north of the city? With Trump taking unprecedented control of the police in DC, State Sen. Julie Gonzales and our politics contributor Deep Singh Badhesha join producer Paul Karolyi to talk about the Democrats' resistance strategy here in Denver. Plus, a ⁠controversial proposal⁠ to build a nuclear reactor at DIA was delayed, and all our wins and fails of the week. Paul talked about “⁠Whip-Its⁠” and ⁠DIRT⁠. Julie mentioned the ⁠wildfires raging⁠ on the Western Slope. Deep talked about ⁠City Council's votes on voting⁠ and ⁠the Savannah Bananas at Coors Field⁠.  We're doing our annual survey to learn more about our listeners. We'd be grateful if you took the survey at⁠ citycast.fm/survey⁠ — it's only 7 minutes long. You'll be doing us a big favor. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card–and City Cast City swag. What do you think about a nuclear reactor at DIA? Is that a good idea? Or a total nightmare? 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. Watch the Friday show on YouTube: ⁠youtube.com/@citycastdenver⁠ 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 ⁠Babbel⁠ - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST ⁠Rocky Mountain PBS⁠ ⁠Elizabeth Martinez with PorchLight Real Estate⁠ - Do you have a question about Denver real estate? Submit your questions for Elizabeth Martinez ⁠HERE⁠, and she might answer in next week's segment. Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at⁠ citycast.fm/advertise⁠

The average Denverite probably isn't walking around thinking about the special legislative session next week or debating specific line items of the Vibrant Denver bond with their friends. So what's really on their minds?  Producers Paul Karolyi and Olivia Jewell Love walked up and down 16th St. for a few hours earlier this week to talk to Denverites about what's most important to them — everything from the mayor's work on homelessness and bringing life back downtown, to the sorely missed Mellow Mushroom and what local billionaire Stan Kroenke eats for lunch. Thanks to everyone who talked to us!  We're doing our annual survey to learn more about our listeners. We'd be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey — it's only 7 minutes long. You'll be doing us a big favor. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card–and City Cast City swag. 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 this interview with Dr. Jessica Apted, the Medical Director of Sploot, learn more here. Learn more about the other sponsors of this August 14th episode: Arvada Center Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Rocky Mountain PBS Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Colorado Governor Jared Polis is term-limited and rumor is he's got his eye on a run for president, but are his signature dorky online antics ready for the national stage? Producer Olivia Jewell Love has been obsessed with the way Polis presents himself online. So as we prepare for the special legislative session (and another great opportunity for a signature Polis stunt) next week, she researched everything from his earliest posts and blogs to his latest prime-time antics. Today, Olivia is on with fellow chronically online politics watcher Adrian Felix and producer Paul Karolyi to parse Polis' most cringeworthy moments and talk about our very online governor. Why is he like this? And is it working for him? We're doing our annual survey to learn more about our listeners. We'd be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey—it's only 7 minutes long. You'll be doing us a big favor. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card–and City Cast City swag. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Olivia mentioned Polis' tweet about the pedestrian bridge, his Feliz Navidad video, and his Governor's portrait tweet. Adrian mentioned the special session glass-breaking stunt, and Paul mentioned his Reddit rock findings.  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 Governor Polis' style of communicating? 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 August 13th episode: Arvada Center Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Rocky Mountain PBS Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Mayor Mike Johnston is set to announce which and how many city employees will be laid off in less than a week, and rumors are swirling! Westword editor Patty Calhoun joins producer Paul Karolyi to speculate about the impacts. Plus, the city's economic development office just revealed how much the minimum wage will be going up in January, and the city is rolling out a new plan to “support and advance” local restaurants. Will it be enough? Or will we see another push to lower the tipped minimum wage? Plus, Patty responds to listener comments about parking downtown.  We're doing our annual survey to learn more about our listeners. We'd be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey—it's only 7 minutes long. You'll be doing us a big favor. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card–and City Cast City swag. Paul discussed Benzina's instagram account, CBS Colorado's coverage of Denver's new city attorney, the Denver Post's reporting on Jevon Taylor's big plan for a new Green Spaces on 16th St., this CPR interview with Mayor Johnston and this Denver Gazette report on the bill for the lawyer he hired to help out with the “sanctuary cities” congressional hearing.  What do you think about the minimum wage going up? 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 If you enjoyed this interview with Kelsey Simpkins from Regional Air Quality Council, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this August 12th episode: Arvada Center Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Rocky Mountain PBS Cozy Earth - use code COZYDENVER for 40% off best-selling temperature-regulating sheets, apparel, and more Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Sloan's Lake is fighting for its life. Even the human-made lake's signature event, the Colorado Dragon Boat Festival, is looking for a new home because the body of water is too shallow and toxic, especially this time of year when the blue-green algae is blooming. So, what would it take to save this historic Mile High gem? Turns out, a lot. Host Bree Davies sits down with Kurt Weaver, executive director of the Sloan's Lake Park Foundation, to learn more about the massive environmental challenges, the moonshot plan to address them, and why it might cost upwards of $130 million to make the lake clean and safe again.The Colorado Dragon Boat Festival is still set for Sept. 6 and 7 in Sloan's Lake Park this year. Kurt mentioned this upcoming park clean-up and education walk event on August 16, as well as this video of a board member walking out into the middle of the lake.We're doing our annual survey to learn more about our listeners. We'd be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey—it's only 7 minutes long. You'll be doing us a big favor. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card–and City Cast City swag.What do you think about Sloan's Lake? Do you visit the park often? Who do you think should pay for it to be dredged? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm.Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenverChat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenverSupport City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fmLearn more about the sponsors of this August 11th episode: Arvada Center Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Rocky Mountain PBS Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

City Council voted to eliminate parking minimums this week — could this open the door for cheaper housing or just cause more traffic? Then, The Hornet announced it was closing after nearly 30 years on South Broadway. Was it rising rents, restaurant operation costs, or something else? At the same time, neighborhood businesses and residents will soon consider a special tax to pay for things like graffiti removal and private security in the hopes of helping South Broadway thrive. Producer Paul Karolyi and host Bree Davies are joined by politics and green chile correspondent Justine Sandoval to dig into these stories plus wins and fails of the week.  Paul mentioned Donald Shoup's work and his book, “The High Cost of Free Parking,” the new east security checkpoint at DIA, and the Colorado GOP's gross group chat about a colleague's attire. Bree discussed the time Big Lots left South Broadway, Tommy's Thai's GoFundMe, and Kyle Harris's reporting on Broadway for Denverite, which he discussed on our podcast. Justine talked about the gluten-free farmers market and the state's decision to ban the use of SNAP benefits to buy pop. What do you think about parking in Denver? Do we have too much or too little? 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. Watch the Friday show on YouTube: youtube.com/@citycastdenver 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 August 8th episode: Regional Air Quality Council Multipass Elizabeth Martinez with PorchLight Real Estate - Do you have a question about Denver real estate? Submit your questions for Elizabeth Martinez HERE, and she might answer in next week's segment. Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

We finally know which pricey infrastructure projects Denver voters will be deciding on this November, because earlier this week City Council approved the $950 million Vibrant Denver bond package. Did every neighborhood and community group get what they wanted? We talked about the bond a lot over the last few weeks and listeners, especially transit advocates, had thoughts as well — so host Bree Davies and producers Paul Karolyi and Olivia Jewell Love are reaching into the mail bag. They discuss your takes on bike lanes, back-to-office mandates, Mexican restaurants and issues that could dominate the 2026 elections. Bree mentioned this WHYY article about Philly's return-to-office mandate last year.  What do you think? We always 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 Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Regional Air Quality Council Multipass Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Maybe it's because the best zombie movie in years is still in theaters. Maybe it's the fact that we just got through a very real global pandemic. Maybe it's because Westword just found a study ranking MLB stadiums as refuges from zombie attacks. But fears of the walking dead are looming over Denver right now. So if there really was an outbreak of the Rage virus or some other zombification plague here in the Mile High, what's your plan? Westword's Catie Cheshire reported on that MLB stadium study, and she returns to the show with producers Paul Karolyi and Olivia Jewell Love to swap some disaster prep research and plot out our survival, from the first 24 hours to the best long-term spot to rebuild society.  Olivia talked about Ark Tactical in Lakewood. Paul discussed nuclear missile silos.  Who brought the best survival plan — Catie, Olivia or Paul? We want to know who you'd team up with? Or are you going it alone somewhere else entirely? 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 Learn more about the sponsors of this August 6th episode: Regional Air Quality Council Multipass Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Center on Colfax recently announced they would no longer be accepting donations from Chevron, as long as the oil and gas giant was providing fuel to Israel. Meanwhile, Colorado's senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper voted against a measure that would have stopped some arms shipments to Israel. So are Denverites' opinions shifting when it comes to the war on Gaza? Then, internet provocateurs Do Better Denver have been exposed — but do the identities behind the account matter in the bigger picture? Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi discuss these stories and more news of the week.  Paul talked congressional candidate Melat Kiros, who is challenging Diana DeGette to represent Denver, and her history of speaking out on Gaza.  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: Regional Air Quality Council Multipass Cozy Earth - use code COZYDENVER for 40% off best-selling temperature-regulating sheets, apparel, and more Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With office vacancy rates still high and and business owners clamoring for help, one of Mayor Mike Johnston's biggest priorities is “revitalizing” downtown. Last November voters gave his efforts a big boost by expanding the Downtown Development Authority, giving him approximately $570 million to invest in projects that might give the area a spark. Rumors about the application process had been circulating until last week, when the mayor revealed 10 projects that will get the first $100 million. Westword editor Patty Calhoun has been following the DDA process, and she joins host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to dissect the list and talk about the notable omissions.  Patty mentioned the raves planned at Civic Center Park and the plans for Civic Center's “Next 100” redevelopment project.  Paul talked about Westword's coverage of the Denver Immersive Repertory Theater and our interview with Mayor Mike Johnston last week.  What do you think about the mayor's work to revitalize downtown? Are these the projects you were hoping to see funded? 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 Learn more about the sponsors of this August 4th episode: Regional Air Quality Council Multipass Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Will the actual person — or people — behind @DoBetterDNVR finally be revealed? The account known for posting photos of unhoused people has grown and made a lot of noise online this week over concerns its contributors' identities could be exposed by the Denver Post. Then, cyclists claimed victory when two traffic calming projects were added back into the Vibrant Denver bond proposal. But are cars still winning the fight for funding and space overall? Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi are joined by politics contributor Deep Singh Badhesha to dig into these stories, plus our wins and fails of the week. Bree mentioned the latest twist in the El Rancho/QuikTrip saga in Evergreen and the plans for an American Indian Cultural Center. Paul talked about Avalanche jersey rumors, QR code scammers, and his recent appearance on the Off the Clock podcast with Jon Eks. Deep talked about the state legislature's imminent special session and his hope for a state full of big blue animals.  What do you think about Do Better Denver's identity being revealed? Is it doxxing or legitimate journalism? 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 August 1st episode: Elizabeth Martinez with PorchLight Real Estate - Do you have a question about Denver real estate? Submit your questions for Elizabeth Martinez HERE, and she might answer in next week's segment. Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The summer heat won't slow us down — from the best bird watching at Barr Lake to our fave iced chai and cookie combo at Tablón Coffee Roasters, we've rounded up the best way to enjoy August in the Mile High City. 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 August in Denver, we'll have even more tips and suggestions in our newsletter Hey Denver later this week.  If you enjoyed today's interview with Andy Cambron, the CEO of Multipass, learn more here. We're also powered by our neighbors, who enjoy an ad-free version of the show. Find out more about becoming a City Cast Denver Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm! 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 denver@citycast.fm.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Be honest, you know you have one — a habit or guilty pleasure that as a proud Coloradan you know you shouldn't indulge. When we first put out the call to hear listeners' “toxic Colorado traits” earlier this year, we were overwhelmed with confessions so hilarious (and honest) that we had to share our own. It's time to go deep on Mile High “obnoxious lore.” So we are revisiting that conversation with host Bree Davies and two of our favorite regular guests, stand-up comedian Kate MacLachlan and our politics and green chile correspondent Justine Sandoval.  What's you toxic Colorado trait? You've heard ours and some great ones from other listeners, so it's your turn to confess! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418 This episode first aired on February 24, 2025.  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 Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

President Trump turned his attention to Denver once again last week, with a new executive order meant to end “crime and disorder on America's streets.” So what will the new order mean for Denverites? Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi are sorting through the details. Then, Bree spent the weekend talking to music lovers and industry types at the Underground Music Showcase. Will it be the last? Plus, Casa Bonita's owners Matt Stone and Trey Parker got caught up in a big national political media scandal last week, so what will it mean for your sopaipillas? And finally, your questions and comments about some recent episodes. Paul mentioned our interview yesterday with Mayor Mike Johnston, in which he addressed possible city support for UMS. We discussed the UMS owners' announcement a few weeks ago that this would be the last year “in its current form.” Check out Westword and Denverite for more coverage of Trump's new executive order.  What do you think should happen with UMS? 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 Learn more about the sponsors of this July 29th episode: Cozy Earth - use code COZYDENVER for 40% off best-selling temperature-regulating sheets, apparel, and more Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

At the halfway point of his four-year term, Mayor Mike Johnston is facing some big challenges. He's made a lot of progress on his work to end unsheltered homelessness in Denver and overseen reductions in violent crime, but as he himself said in his State of the City speech last week, the work is far from finished. Johnston returns for his regular sit-down with host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to talk about the criticism he's facing from some of his strongest allies, as well as his plans to convert office space downtown, how much he's willing to support the Broncos' new stadium project, and what he'd say if Michael Bennet becomes governor and offers him a vacant senate seat.  What do you think about what Mayor Mike said? 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 Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fights over the mayor's Vibrant Denver bond proposal are heating up, with some transportation advocates and one city council member concerned that the Broncos' stadium plans could be impacting who gets the biggest piece of the $935 million dollar pie. Then, Congressman Gave Evans has been a champion of President Trump's immigration crackdown. But a new investigation from Colorado Newsline revealed a surprising truth behind the legislator's claims that his family immigrated to the U.S. “the right way.” Producer Paul Karolyi and host Bree Davies are joined by my musician, artist, and activist Kalyn Heffernan to dig into these stories plus our wins and fails of the week.  Paul mentioned the new Denver National Women's Soccer League name and logo and Kyle Clark's crusade against Polis' bridge succeeding. Bree talked about Rupp's Drums closing, a realtor's claims that Barnum is “rapidly gentrifying,” and UMS partnering with Keep the Party Safe for harm reduction training. Kalyn talked about her Untitled: Artist Takeover show tonight (Friday, July 25) at the Denver Art Museum and the potential end of the UMS.  What do you think about the Broncos and the Bond? 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. Watch the Friday show on YouTube: youtube.com/@citycastdenver 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 July 26th episode: Denver Art Museum RAQC Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Elizabeth Martinez with PorchLight Real Estate - Do you have a question about Denver real estate? Submit your questions for Elizabeth Martinez HERE, and she might answer in next week's segment. Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the most contentious citywide vote in recent memory, Denverites decided back in 2023 that private developers would not be allowed to build housing and retail on the old Park Hill Golf Course. So what is going to happen on that 155 acres of open space instead? Host Bree Davies is speaking with the executive director of Denver Parks and Recreation Jolon Clark about the city's still-unfinished negotiations to buy the land, his office's work to design a giant new park, and why the mayor's Vibrant Denver bond proposal sets aside $70 million for this project when Parks and Rec has so many other sources of funding.  What do you think about the plans for Park Hill Park? 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 July 24th episode: Denver Art Museum RAQC Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mayor Mike Johnston struck an optimistic note in his second State of the City speech on Monday evening, celebrating a historic drop in unsheltered homelessness and a 45% drop in homicides. But as he hits the halfway point in his four-year term, concerns are mounting about public safety, tax revenue shortfalls, and looming city layoffs. So is Johnston cruising to re-election? Or a one-term flame-out? Producer Paul Karolyi invited one of Johnston's biggest critics, former mayoral candidate Lisa Calderón, to watch the speech and dissect Johnston's wins, fails, and plans for the next two years.  Lisa shared some concerns about equity in DIA contracting, which you can read more about 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 How do you think Mayor Johnston is doing? Would you for for him to get a second term? 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 July 23rd episode: Denver Art Museum RAQC Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike Johnston marks the halfway point in his four-year term as mayor this week, and some of his campaign's biggest supporters are now big mad. The bike community, in particular, has been buzzing about the mayor's decision to remove some bike lane infrastructure, so host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi are looking at how his recent comments around the issue compare to his promises on the campaign trail. Plus, a bike safety campaign takes over Wash Park, an anonymous city staffer shares a comment on a recent episode, and Bree has feelings to share about her recent trip to Lakeside Amusement Park.  Do you have a question for Mayor Johnston? He's scheduled to be on the show soon, and we want to know what you think we should ask him about! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418 Paul quoted then-candidate Mike Johnston's responses to the Denver Bicycle Lobby's mayoral questionnaire. We also discussed the mayor's recent interview with Denver7 and Lakeside's “new” roller coaster. 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 July 22nd episode: Denver Art Museum Learn about “Simple Steps, Better Air” from the Regional Air Quality Council Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Cozy Earth - use code COZYDENVER for 40% off best-selling temperature-regulating sheets, apparel, and more Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From taco trucks serving up quesabirria in suburban parking lots to fine dining spots winning awards for elevated tacos and pozole, there is a wide range of Mexican food in Denver. And thanks to a slew of very talented and boundary-pushing chefs, some of Denver's beloved and distinct Mexican food traditions are being taken in exciting new directions. So what's hot? What's new? And where is “Den-Mex” going next? Host Bree Davies is speaking with a man who's been at the center of it all. Mario Martinez has worked in kitchens with some of these hotshot chefs and now he explores the metro area to find the next great taco truck for his instagram account @TheColoradoFoodies.  Check out all of Mario's recommendations: Rosa Mexican Kitchen (Various) Luchador Taco & More (Whittier) Los Gallitos (Federal) Xiquita (Uptown) La Loteria (South Broadway) La Loma (Various) Chili Shack (Various) El Lucerito Jr. (Green Valley Ranch) Los Tres Potrillos (Food Truck) Garibaldi (South South Broadway) El Paraiso (Lakeside) Pollos El Guamuchil (Commerce City) Chivis Tacos (East Colfax) And here are the chefs that Bree mentioned: Manny Barella (Riot BBQ) Dana Rodriguez (Casa Bonita, Carne, Super Mega Bien, Work + Class) Jose Avila (La Diabla Pozole y Mezcal, El Borrego Negro) Johnny Curiel (Mezcaleria Alma, Alteño, Alma Fonda Fina) Michael Diaz de Leon (formerly BRUTØ, soon to be at Molino Chido in Stanley Marketplace)  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's your favorite local spot for Mexican food? Have they been changing recently? New menu items? New presentation? 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 July 21st episode: Denver Art Museum RAQC Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The debate over Gov. Jared Polis' proposal to build an elevated walkway outside the Capitol has taken a turn, and for the first time he wants to hear what you think. So host Bree Davies is talking about the governor's new survey with producer Olivia Jewell Love and our politics and green chile correspondent Justine Sandoval about what this new survey is all about. Plus, why are Denverites in particular clamoring to move to Mexico lately? And why are they particularly susceptible to scammers?  Plus, our wins and fails of the week.  Bree talked about the passing of Colorado poet laureate Andrea Gibson, the California Pizza Kitchen in the Cherry Creek Shopping Center, and the Sonic in Edgewater. Justine talked about accessibility at Rocky Mountain National Park, Margaret Atencio, and wildlife crossings, which are increasingly popular across Colorado. Olivia talked about this post on r/Denver about the patios at DIA and EV technician training in Aurora Goodwill. What do you think we should call the new Rhino in RiNo? 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. Watch the Friday show on YouTube: youtube.com/@citycastdenver Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/DenverLearn more about the sponsors of this July 18th episode: Check out the Colfax Indie Week with the Colfax Ave BID Wild Iris Floral Studio Denver Health Elizabeth Martinez with PorchLight Real Estate - Do you have a question about Denver real estate? Submit your questions for Elizabeth Martinez HERE, and she might answer in next week's segment. Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

At one point last year, Colorado was number one in the U.S. for market share of new electric vehicles, even beating California. But as the state winds down its EV rebates and the Trump administration's budget bill cuts into federal EV incentives, will Denverites still be enticed to buy eco-friendly vehicles? CPR climate reporters Sam Brasch and Ishan Thakore join host Bree Davies to dig into this issue, plus they discuss Colorado's foray into geothermal energy, and take a closer look at how a push for electric lawn equipment could be impacted by Denver's budget shortfall. Sam mentioned a previous appearance on our show where we talked about the rise of EVs in Colorado. 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 July 17th episode: Colfax Ave Wild Iris Floral Studio Denver Health Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a story broken by BusinessDen in early June, it was revealed that some mysterious land deals were happening between property owners in and around Burnham Yard and a big, important entity in the city: the Denver Broncos. Further investigative reporting revealed that Denver Water — whose campus is just north of the defunct trainyard land — was also involved, even sending “intent to acquire” letters to surrounding landowners with hints of the use of eminent domain.  BusinessDen reporter Justin Wingerter and editor Thomas Gounley join host Bree Davies to share what their investigation uncovered, discuss who else might be involved, and weigh in on whether this means the Broncos and their yet-to-be-built new stadium will stay in Denver. Historic Denver's president John Deffenbaugh talked about the historic preservation work he'd like to see at Burnham Yard on our show a few months 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 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: Colfax Ave Wild Iris Floral Studio  Denver Health Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mayor Mike Johnston is asking voters to approve a massive new bond this November, and we finally have a pretty good idea of which projects will be included. So why is one councilmember “incredibly angry”? Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi talk through which projects made the cut, which neighborhoods are getting ignored, and why City Council is divided. Plus, have you been to the Little Man Ice Cream in Highland lately? There's a really nasty smell around that famous milk jug, and we figured out what it is. Plus, a listener comment on our coverage of the Venezuelan gang “takeover” story.  Paul talked about the 303 Artway and Pete's University Park Cafe. Here are some more helpful takeaways about the proposed bond package from Denverite.  Have you been to the Little Man in Highland lately? We want to know what you think of that smell! 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 July 15th episode: Colfax Ave Wild Iris Floral Studio Denver Health Cozy Earth - use code COZYDENVER for 40% off best-selling temperature-regulating sheets, apparel, and more Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Colfax Avenue sure has a lot of haters — people who just don't get it. But we get it! We love Colfax and wanted to test that knowledge with another round of our famous 1-star review game, Colfax edition. Recorded live at the Colfax Indie Bash last week, Colfax aficionado and host Bree Davies competes against former Colfax-area resident and comedian Joshua Emerson. Quizmaster slash producer Paul Karolyi has some surprises in store! Who knows Colfax's haters best?  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 these Colfax businesses? Let us know your hot take! 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 July 14th episode: Colfax Ave Wild Iris Floral Studio Denver Health Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It has been almost one year since the first rumors of a Venezuelan gang started circulating in Aurora. A new report from the New York Times Magazine looks back at how those rumors blew up into an election-defining political issue and now unprecedented ICE raids across the Denver metro. So host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi invited outgoing Denver Post immigration reporter Megan Ulu-lani Boyanton to look back at the whole arc of the story and all the other biggest news of the week — from the local grocery union's deals with King Soopers and Safeway to new safety concerns at city-run shelters.  Paul talked about dangerous elevators, Alteño, friend of the show slash CPR reporter Sam Brasch's coverage of geothermal energy, and Hold On to Your Butts: A Jurassic Park Rewatch Podcast. Bree discussed the local implications of the “Big Beautiful Bill” and the restoration of the “Confluent People” mural. Megan talked about the MCA's rooftop parties and a tragic accident at a city-run former hotel shelter.  What do you think about the Venezuelan gang story? 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. Watch the Friday show on YouTube: youtube.com/@citycastdenver 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 July 11th episode: Denver Botanic Gardens Regional Air Quality Council Denver Film Multipass Elizabeth Martinez with PorchLight Real Estate - Do you have a question about Denver real estate? Submit your questions for Elizabeth Martinez HERE, and she might answer in next week's segment. Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Colorado has been a leader in transgender health care and civil rights, but since Trump won back the presidency, this community has been under attack across the country. The question for Denverites and their politicians alike has become: What's the best way to respond? Representative Brianna Titone of Arvada is Colorado's first openly trans legislator, and she is on today with host Bree Davies to talk about the federal government's latest legal attacks on local institutions and share the inside story of the compromise behind Colorado's new trans rights law, the Kelly Loving Act. Bree and Rep. Titone discussed the Trump administration's investigations into East High School's gender-neutral bathroom and JeffCo's policy on overnight sleeping arrangements for students. They also talked about the legal challenges to the Kelly Loving Act Come see us live at the Colfax Indie Bash tonight! We'll be on stage on the patio at Champagne Tiger, and tickets are FREE. All you need to do is RSVP and come out for some good food, great people, and a live podcast. RSVP here.  What do you think about the state of trans rights in Colorado? 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 Learn more about the sponsors of this July 10th episode: Denver Botanic Gardens Regional Air Quality Council Denver Film Multipass Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Battles over bike lanes, the uncertain future of Welton Street's light rail line, and questions about the historic Rossonian hotel ever reopening again — these debates playing out in Denver's District 9 are a microcosm of issues happening citywide. Councilman Darrell Watson has been representing this district, which covers neighborhoods from Globeville to South Park Hill, for nearly two years. He joins host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to talk through all the big topics, plus share his thoughts on impending city layoffs, his staunch stance on the flavored tobacco ban, and his mayoral ambitions.  Come see us live at the Colfax Indie Bash on July 10! We'll be on stage on the patio at Champagne Tiger, and tickets are FREE. All you need to do is RSVP and come out for some good food, great people, and a live podcast. 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 Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm What do you think about Councilman Watson? We want to hear from you, especially if you live in District 9! 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 July 9th episode: Denver Botanic Gardens Regional Air Quality Council Denver Film Multipass Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There's been talk about layoffs at the city for weeks, but information on just how many jobs are on the chopping block and when these layoffs are suppose to happen has been vague. One city worker tells us there a lot of concerns internally about how Mayor Mike Johnston has been approaching the city's budget shortfall. Then, TRVE Brewing is the latest brewery to close up shop. Is South Broadway a victim of its own success? Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi dig into these stories, plus more chatter about the potential end of the Underground Music Showcase. Bree mentioned John Moore's piece on his co-founding of the UMS in The Denver Gazette and our episode last week on the topic. Come see us live at the Colfax Indie Bash on July 10! We'll be on stage with Mayor Mike Johnston on the patio at Champagne Tiger, and tickets are FREE. All you need to do is RSVP and come out for some good food, great people, and a live podcast with the mayor. 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 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 this interview with Kelsey Simpkins from Regional Air Quality Council, learn more here. Learn more about the other sponsors of this July 8th episode: Denver Botanic Gardens Regional Air Quality Council Denver Film Multipass City & County Denver Tech Cozy Earth - use code COZYDENVER for 40% off best-selling temperature-regulating sheets, apparel, and more Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Denver's beloved Colfax Avenue has seen better days… but it's also seen worse days. The notorious street has been through plenty of ups and downs since it became one of the city's main thoroughfares back when it was Route 40 — a little bit of bus rapid transit construction isn't gonna change that! But it is changing a lot. So ahead of our live podcast recording with our sponsors at the Colfax Ave BID this Thursday at Champagne Tiger, we invited their executive director and longtime friend of the show Frank Locantore to take us for a walk and show us everything new on Colfax. Come see us live at the Colfax Indie Bash on July 10! We'll be on stage with Mayor Mike Johnston on the patio at Champagne Tiger, and tickets are FREE. All you need to do is RSVP and come out for some good food, great people, and a live podcast with the mayor. 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 Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm What do you think about Colfax these days? Have you been lately? How was 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 episode: Colfax Ave BID RAQC Denver Film presents Cinema Q Multipass Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bree Davies and all 12 other City Cast podcast hosts (from Austin, Boise, Chicago, DC, Houston, Las Vegas, Madison, Nashville, Philly, Pittsburgh, Portland, and Salt Lake City) compete head-to-head in a high-stakes showdown to answer the question that's been burning up our company-wide Slack for weeks: which city is the best for a summer weekend trip? From naked bike rides to ‘the country's best farmers market,' pickle festivals to Elvis impersonators driving pink convertibles, our hosts are bringing the best of the best of what their city has to offer. Did your city win? Take our interactive quiz to see which city best fits YOUR vibe! Learn more about the sponsors of this July 3rd episode: City & County Denver Tech Elizabeth Martinez with PorchLight Real Estate - Do you have a question about Denver real estate? Submit your questions for Elizabeth Martinez HERE, and she might answer in next week's segment. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Huge news for local music lovers broke on Tuesday: The Underground Music Showcase is ending “in its current form” after this year. The festival is celebrating its 25th anniversary later this month with three days of live music and the usual debauchery on South Broadway, and it's unclear what exactly led to this decision. Host Bree Davies has been hearing from musicians, business owners, promoters, and UMS insiders since the news broke, and she's on with producer Paul Karolyi for a bonus episode to dissect the news and the rumors of what's really going on.  What do you think about UMS ending? 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 Come see us live at the Colfax Indie Bash on July 10! We'll be on stage with Mayor Mike Johnston on the patio at Champagne Tiger, and tickets are FREE. All you need to do is RSVP and come out for some good food, great people, and a live podcast with the mayor. 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 Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices