When Donald Trump started talking about Aurora being “taken over” by gangs during the presidential campaign, many Denverites looked around and thought, “huh?” It’s always kind of awkward when someone or something in Colorado goes viral like that, and the Tren de Aragua moment was far from the first time a Colorado story went global. Whether for ridiculous or tragic reasons, these viral moments stick around in our collective memory … and maybe they also say something about who we are. So today, we’re revisiting a conversation host Bree Davies had earlier this year with politics and green chile correspondent Justine Sandoval and local history aficionado David Gilbert about some of Colorado’s biggest viral moments ever.Watch the whole “Fresh Prince of Denv-Air” video if you dare!For 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/CityCastDenverWhat viral moments did we miss? We want to hear about the ones that made you laugh, cry, or shake your head in disbelief at the crazy things Coloradans are capable of! Seriously, we know there’s probably a ton more that we forgot. Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬Learn more about the sponsor of this December 23rd episode: PineMelon - Use promo code CITYCASTDENVER for $35 off your first deliveryLooking 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

What better time than the holidays for another round of the age-old Denver debate of old vs. new? We’re looking back at the biggest stories of the week, from the Landmark Preservation Commission’s ruling on the fate of two rundown yet historic East Colfax mansions to the latest moves to block the construction of new gas stations in Lakewood and Denver. Stand-up comedian and returning guest JD Lopez joins producers Paul Karolyi and Olivia Jewell Love and brings a heaping helping of holiday hijinks to our last Friday news round-up of the year. And of course, we close it out with a special Xmas edition of our wins and fails of the week: The Naughty and Nice List. What’s the historic building you’d hit the streets to defend? 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: 720-500-5418‬How diverse were City Cast Denver’s guests this year? Paul discussed our 2024 diversity report, which we are proud to share every year. We are hiring! Are you a great writer who loves Denver? Or do you know such a person? We are looking for a temporary newsletter writer to be the voice of our newsletter Hey Denver. Here’s the link to apply: https://apply.workable.com/city-cast/j/FF0BF9E3A1/Paul referenced this story about Christmas lights in Castle Rock and the anonymous governors poll. Olivia talked about cows and Arvada’s toppled tree. JD talked about local comedian David Germain and the GoFundMe for his family. UPDATE: After we recorded this episode on Thursday morning, an ICE spokesperson said that 16 people have been arrested in connection with the armed home invasion and kidnapping at The Edge at Lowry apartments. "They are suspected of being members or associates of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua," the spokesperson said. "They will remain in ICE custody pending removal proceedings or hearings before an immigration judge."For 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.fm/DenverLearn more about the sponsors of this December 20th episode: Meow Wolf - Use code 4PACK at checkout when you purchase your tickets online. PineMelon - Use promo code CITYCASTDENVER for $35 off your first delivery Denver Health University of Denver 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

What really goes down inside the shadowy backroom where political deals are made? Nearly a third of our state lawmakers have been elected by small groups of party leaders known as “vacancy committees,” and typically all that wheeling and dealing plays out behind closed doors. So today, as about 110 Democrats in central Denver prepare to elect a replacement for State Sen. Chris Hansen, we’re taking you inside the proverbial shadowy backroom. Our newest politics correspondent Deep Singh Badhesha is on with producer Paul Karolyi to talk about the latest drama surrounding vacancy committees and share highlights, analysis, and predictions from the debate they moderated Tuesday night for the candidates running to replace Hansen in the SD31 vacancy election. Paul mentioned Monica VanBuskirk’s shoes, which were made by Nix & Ness. The Denver Democrats streamed the debate on YouTube, so if you want to watch and see for yourself what we’re talking about, you can find the video recording here. To hear from Hansen himself, he sat for an interview about his surprise resignation with Denver7 last month. For 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.fmWhat do you think? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬Learn more about the sponsors of this December 19th episode: Meow Wolf - Use code 4PACK at checkout when you purchase your tickets online. PineMelon - Use promo code CITYCASTDENVER for $35 off your first delivery Denver Health University of Denver 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 food prices on the rise, it was a challenging year for Denverites who love to eat. But who are we to back down from a challenge! Westword food & drink editor Molly Martin and contributor Jake Browne join producer Paul Karolyi to talk about 2024’s most exciting new restaurants, biggest trends, saddest closings, and their best bites of the year. Plus, a round of predictions for 2025.Do you have a prediction for how Denverites will eat and drink in 2025? We want to hear it! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬Molly mentioned her recent list of Denver’s top 100 restaurants and her article comparing local bagel prices. Paul mentioned this New York Times article on how the junk food industry is responding to the rise of Ozempic. If you haven’t heard it already, don’t miss the episode Paul mentioned about Jake’s experience at BRUTØ. For 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 December 18th episode: Meow Wolf - Use code 4PACK at checkout when you purchase your tickets online. PineMelon - Use promo code CITYCASTDENVER for $35 off your first delivery Denver Health University of Denver 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

Stand-up comedian and documentarian Joshua Emerson, known for his Denver comedy scene contributions, joins the discussion on Colorado's struggling economy, with a surprising GDP ranking of 41st. They delve into Governor Polis's radical regulatory changes and humorous takes on the state's political climate. The conversation also touches on the rising trend of 'brain rot' due to media overload and a lively debate on Denver's proposed flavored tobacco ban, capturing personal stories and community reactions.

Mark Michalek, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Denver office, shares insights into the alarming rise of bank robberies in Colorado, despite a significant decrease from 191 in 2021 to 104 in 2023. He delves into the unique challenges that contribute to this issue, such as geography and social factors. The conversation highlights modernized law enforcement strategies, including tougher federal prosecutions, and emphasizes community engagement through programs like Metro Denver Crime Stoppers. Mark also discusses the psychological impact on victims and profiles intriguing cases like the 'penguin bandit.'

Deep Singh Badhesha, a politics contributor, joins the discussion to dissect Mayor Mike Johnston's bold plan to eliminate minimum parking requirements in Denver. He debates whether the city should prioritize housing density or cater to car enthusiasts. The conversation heats up around RTD CEO Debra Johnson's controversial remarks on Denver, revealing tensions between leadership and public sentiment. They also touch on the Denver Nuggets' recent loss and Elon Musk's impact on local water projects, showcasing the intersection of sports, politics, and community issues.

It’s the big City Cast Denver Year-in-Review Spectacular! Who had the biggest year in Denver? Who made the news for all the wrong reasons? And really, where does Mayor Mike Johnston’s jacket sit in the competition for “Most Denver-est” person, place, or thing of 2024? From a massive W for YIMBYs and land-use nerds to thirsty politicians trying anything to go viral, we’re looking back at this year in the Mile High City. Host Bree Davies and producers Paul Karolyi and Olivia Jewell Love share their thoughts on Denver’s biggest wins, most epic flops, and greatest moments in the year that was.What do you think was the biggest win of the year 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: 720-500-5418‬For 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 December 12th episode: Office of Climate Action PineMelon - Use promo code CITYCASTDENVER for $35 off your first delivery CAP Management Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Justine Sandoval, a political and cultural commentator, and Ethan Hemming, President of Warren Village, as they dive into the haunting case of JonBenét Ramsey. They critique the latest Netflix documentary, discussing the sensationalism and media narratives that overshadow empathy for the victim and her family. The guests reflect on childhood perceptions and the emotional depth of the tragedy while highlighting the societal implications of true crime. They also touch on the profound work of Warren Village in supporting single-parent families in Denver.

This week, Denver's flavored tobacco ban takes center stage, sparking heated debates about youth vaping and community health. There's an intriguing look at Mayor Johnston's shift in stance and the reactions from locals. Additionally, listeners respond to the revealing findings of the Caring for Denver initiative, shedding light on mental health issues. The conversation also touches on the history of local pizza chains and employee ownership, highlighting the evolving dynamics of workplace culture. Tune in for a mix of community insights and urban politics!