It’s Friday, and we’re rounding up the biggest stories of the week. First, an E. coli outbreak linked to Quarter Pounders at McDonald’s led to one death in Mesa County, dozens more with grisly symptoms, and lots of questions about Colorado’s unique relationship with food safety. Plus, Denver Post reporter Joe Rubino takes host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi inside City Council’s vote green-lighting local billionaire Stan Kroenke’s plan to build a whole new downtown neighborhood in the par...
Oct 25, 2024•54 min
There’s less than two weeks until Election Day, and Denverites have been tasked with deciding a dozen measures and amendments. So if you’re dragging your feet to fill out your ballot, don’t worry — we’re here to help! Last week in front of a sold-out crowd at Town Hall Collaborative, host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi were joined by Westword editor-in-chief Patty Calhoun and political consultant Deep Singh Badhesha to discuss the biggest issues facing Mile High voters. From collective ba...
Oct 24, 2024•1 hr 15 min
Mayor Mike Johnston just hit his goal of getting 2,000 people off the streets before the end of the year. However, the housing fight is far from over — he’s also been hard at work pushing Ballot Issue 2R, which, if passed, would increase the city’s sales tax to fund a new affordable housing plan. But with Mile High residents already struggling with the cost of living, is a regressive tax really the answer? The mayor joins host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi for his regular check-in to mak...
Oct 23, 2024•35 min
It’s Tuesday and we’re looking at the stories Denverites are talking about this week. First, city officials have rolled back plans for a protected bike lane on W. 29th Ave — again. Not only are cycling advocates upset, but a leaked email from the City and the parking plight of one homeowner are making the debate even more complicated. Then, as housing continues to be a top concern, the mayor and city council are tussling over Denver’s 2025 budget and what should — and shouldn’t — be included. Ho...
Oct 22, 2024•32 min
In the documentary “¡Casa Bonita Mi Amor!,” Matt Stone and Trey Parker depict themselves as saviors of the Pink Palace, spending unexpected millions to bring Lakewood’s beloved eatertainment icon back from bankruptcy. But a few weeks after the documentary’s premiere, it’s become clear that the South Park creators haven’t figured it all out quite yet. Two Casa Bonita performers — WM. Riley Holmes and our regular guest Joshua Emerson — join producer Paul Karolyi today to talk about why they and mo...
Oct 21, 2024•36 min
It’s Friday, and we’re rounding up the biggest stories of the week. First, Aurora councilwoman Danielle Jurinsky made an appearance at Trump’s rally at the Gaylord last Friday, now she claims she’s in possession of “haunting” video related to Venezuelan gang activity and is calling for an investigation into Denver Mayor Mike Johnston. Then, a reddit thread popped up with some wild urban legends about the Mile High City. Are any of them true? Producer Paul Karolyi, host Bree Davies, and producer ...
Oct 18, 2024•53 min
Denver’s safety net hospital is in a “death spiral.” Denver Health officials told City Council earlier this year that they are facing a $155 million deficit due to all the uncompensated care they provide unhoused people, migrants, and anyone else who needs medical attention — and they want Denver voters to help pay the difference! Denver Health CEO Donna Lynne joins host Bree Davies to share the unique funding situation Denver Health faces compared to other safety net hospitals around the countr...
Oct 17, 2024•27 min
It’s Wednesday, and we’re breaking down the biggest stories of the week. First, Natural Grocers announced the closure of its Capitol Hill location at the end of the month, citing crime and safety issues. But a look at the crime data points to a more complicated situation on Colfax. Then, employee ownership is on the rise in Colorado and has emerged as a big issue in the debate over the proposed slaughterhouse ban in Denver. So host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi are taking a look at what ...
Oct 16, 2024•30 min
Back by popular demand, City Cast CEO David Plotz sits down with hosts from across the country to talk about what stories they're watching in their hometowns that are likely to impact yours too. Hear from Chicago's own Jacoby Cochran along with hosts from our daily local shows in Austin, Boise, D.C., Pittsburgh, and Salt Lake. City Cast is now in 13 cities across the country! Joining our member community is the best way to support what we do. Get all the details and sign up here. Looking to adve...
Oct 15, 2024•41 min
On Monday, Oct. 7, in conjunction with the Denver Press Club, host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi moderated a forum for the candidates running to represent central and southeast Denver on the RTD Board — Kiel Brunner, Bob Dinegar, and Chris Nicholson. Please enjoy this recording of our live conversation with the RTD District A candidates, and don’t forget to vote! There are several RTD Board seats up for grabs this election — find out which district you live in and more information on the...
Oct 12, 2024•1 hr 16 min
It’s Friday, and we’re rounding up the news of the week! First, after promising to come see the alleged Venezuelan “gang takeover” situation for himself, former president Donald J. Trump is scheduled to visit Aurora today. But what does he think he’s gonna see from the Gaylord, anyway? Then, the hottest local election is in the new Congressional District 8, with money pouring in and attack ads all over the internet. Our politics and green chile correspondent Justine Sandoval joins host Bree Davi...
Oct 11, 2024•1 hr 1 min
Get ready for a Cosmic Howl! It’s that time of year at Convergence Station when the veil between worlds becomes thin and all sorts of spooky creatures slip into our world. We heard rumors about a particularly rare beast haunting Eemia, and today you’re invited to join host Bree Davies on a search for the elusive garbage loving Yawlp. Meow Wolf is hosting a month of spooktacular events and activities at Convergence station, including the big Cosmic Howl Celebration on Oct. 31! Looking to advertis...
Oct 10, 2024•20 min
The internet is abuzz with allegations that a local food influencer has been ripping off restaurants and stealing from other creators. 9News investigative reporter Jeremy Jojola dug into The Denver Foodie’s alleged scamming and even convinced the guy behind the account, Jonathan Davis, to do a phone interview. But things only got weirder from there. New accusations are flying, including at Jojola himself, and Davis is facing a lawsuit with another huge local instagram account. Host Bree Davies s...
Oct 10, 2024•27 min
Coming up on October 21, City Council is going to make its biggest decision of not just the year, but probably the entire decade, with ramifications every Denverite who spends time downtown will feel. One of our local billionaires, Stan Kroenke, is proposing to build what could become a new downtown neighborhood, and this vote is council’s opportunity to check his plans for 6,000 residences, new bike and pedestrian bridges, and a 3-acre “signature park.” Will there be enough affordable housing? ...
Oct 09, 2024•25 min
It’s Tuesday, and we’re digging into all the stories Denverites are talking about this week. First, The Denver Post published a sensational op-ed from a whistleblower who used to work at the slaughterhouse in Globeville that animal welfare advocates are trying to shut down with an upcoming ballot measure. So is this guy legit? Or just a political pawn? Producer Paul Karolyi and host Bree Davies are talking about Paul’s recent sit-down with the whistleblower in question, Jose Huizar. Plus, Denver...
Oct 08, 2024•30 min
Denver’s biggest strip club operator, RCI Holdings, sued Denver Labor last week in an attempt to block wage-theft investigators from looking at their internal company documents. The club owners allege that the investigators are using “overreaching and unjustified” subpoenas in an “alarming abuse of power.” But in fact, there are plenty of reasons to believe the workers at these clubs aren’t getting a fair shake. Denver Post reporter Megan Ulu-Lani Boyanton joined host Bree Davies and producer Pa...
Oct 07, 2024•28 min
It’s Friday and we’re rounding up the biggest news of the week. First, construction is imminent on the much-anticipated Bus Rapid Transit project along Colfax. Will the roadwork impact access to local businesses in a lasting way? Will the famous strip lose its character? Will drivers actually get out of their cars and get on the bus? Host Bree Davies is joined by Pete’s Satire bartender and AAA spokesperson Skyler McKinley and Sie FilmCenter’s artistic director Keith Garcia to discuss these chan...
Oct 04, 2024•54 min
Sure you could fight the traffic up to Kenosha Pass, but there are so many ways to enjoy a Colorado fall besides leaf peeping. It’s the prime season for fishing, spooky hikes near the city, and even some great off-the-beaten-path nature areas under your nose right here in Denver! Host Bree Davies is joined by a couple of returning favorites — our green chile and politics correspondent Justine Sandoval and comedian and outdoor educator Eeland Stribling — to discuss their picks for some epic adven...
Oct 03, 2024•25 min
More than 221,000 people rely on The Denver Foodie on Instagram for hot local food takes and recommendations for great new places to eat. But now he’s mired in scandal and rebranding amid allegations of stealing content, ripping off clients, and selling out to soulless chains. So we’re going inside the local influencer economy to understand where The Denver Foodie went wrong and how these local sponsored content deals are driving the restaurant hype machine with two of our favorite local Instagr...
Oct 02, 2024•25 min
It’s Tuesday, and we’re talking through the biggest stories of the week. Everyone is talking about RTD, with eight board seats on the ballot and Governor Polis making big plans for our public transit provider. The stakes are surprisingly high! Then, reporters have called out the transit agency for a lack of transparency and CEO Debra Johnson’s non-response about the murky details regarding the ousting of RTD’s police chief haven’t helped. Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi are talking th...
Oct 01, 2024•34 min
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. Welcome to October in the Mile High City! To celebrate the spooky season, we’ve rounded up some of the best things to do, see, eat, and explore in and around Denver — like a trip to the Monster Mash Bash puppet house on 1491 S. Newton Street, a killer party at the historic Richthofen Castle, a visit to the very scary DIY haunted junkyard, and more. B...
Sep 30, 2024•24 min
It’s Friday, and we’re rounding up the news of the week. First, former president Donald Trump is officially obsessed with baseless claim that a Venezuelan gang has “taken over” Aurora and keeps threatening to come to Colorado to do… something? But will he actually make good on his claims? The Lever founder David Sirota joins producer Paul Karolyi and host Bree Davies to talk about how Trump’s rhetoric is affecting Aurora, swaps wins and fails of the week, and share some reporting from his new po...
Sep 27, 2024•1 hr 1 min
Despite recent exciting developments -- like buzzy restaurants earning Michelin stars and the 16th Street Mall’s slow renovation reveal, downtown is still getting a bad rap. So what could city leaders do to bring workers back and attract more visitors to this unique part of Denver? We’re revisiting a conversation from earlier this year where host Bree Davies, producer Paul Karolyi, and our politics and green chile correspondent, Justine Sandoval, brainstorm a bunch of big ideas to get people exc...
Sep 26, 2024•29 min
Lots of people tried their hands at baking bread back when COVID was keeping us home, but some took it even further, sharing their newfound passions with the world and opening bakeries. Now Denver is in the midst of a bakery boom, and the carb competition is on! Cookbook author and bakery aficionado Allyson Reedy joins producer Paul Karolyi to share some recommendations of their favorite bakeries around Denver — from the spot with that one to-die-for item you’ll never forget to the olive loaf th...
Sep 25, 2024•21 min
It’s Tuesday, and we’re digging into the biggest stories of the week. First, two local organizations based on innovative strategies for helping our unhoused neighbors — the Denver Basic Income Project and the Denver VOICE — have run into serious funding trouble and could be on the verge of shutting down. Producers Olivia Jewell Love and Paul Karolyi talk about how they may or may not fit into Mayor Mike Johnston’s vision for ending unsheltered homelessness in Denver. Then, why does the proposed ...
Sep 24, 2024•29 min
Wage theft is a big problem in Denver, and it’s getting worse. The Denver Auditor’s Office recovered more than $2 million in stolen wages last year, but according to today’s guest, that is just a drop in the bucket. Matthew Fritz-Mauer is the executive director of Denver Labor, the division of the auditor’s office that investigates and remediates wage theft, which recently deployed its new subpoena power in an investigation into three local strip clubs. He’s on today with producer Paul Karolyi t...
Sep 23, 2024•25 min
It’s Friday, and we’re rounding up the biggest stories of the week. First, a surprisingly contentious debate is brewing over two questions facing Denver voters this November: Should the city ban fur and slaughterhouses? Plus, Mayor Mike Johnston is hosting the country’s first ever city-led AI summit this week. So we’ve got a couple of political strategists and friends of the pod — Justine Sandoval and Deep Singh Badhesha — joining producer Paul Karolyi to talk about the local politics of meat, A...
Sep 20, 2024•49 min
This is the biggest week of the year for Denver comedy, with High Plains Comedy Festival returning to S. Broadway for its 11th year, Comedy Works reporting a return to pre-pandemic numbers, and occasionally comedic Broncos legend Peyton Manning interviewing Larry David on stage at the Paramount Friday night. But amid all the excitement, three of Denver’s buzziest comedy venues are shutting down. Denver Post arts and culture reporter John Wenzel and stand-up comic Joshua Emerson join producer Pau...
Sep 19, 2024•24 min
Have Coloradans spent too much time chasing Bigfoot when we have a cryptid native to our own Rocky Mountains hiding under our noses? The researchers at History Colorado have been digging into the archives, and they’ve uncovered stories of a creature that is almost too bizarre to believe — a “mountain whale” called the Slide-Rock Bolter. But true or not, these stories have a lot to say about Colorado’s past and present. So today, History Colorado’s foremost expert on the Slide-Rock Bolter, Lucy S...
Sep 18, 2024•22 min
Former president Donald Trump doubled down on his erroneous statement at last week’s debate that a Venezuelan gang has “taken over” Aurora, Colorado, suggesting at a Friday news conference that if he wins a second term in office he would order a mass deportation of Venezuelan newcomers, starting in the Denver suburb. So Westword editor Patty Calhoun joins producer Paul Karolyi to talk about Aurora’s moment on the national stage and dig into the other big stories of the week — from a couple of ho...
Sep 17, 2024•36 min
