City Cast Denver

Patty Calhoun, the editor of Westword and a veteran of Denver politics, joins the discussion on this pivotal Election Day. She addresses the fallout from a significant election security breach and the lingering concerns over integrity in the voting process. The conversation shifts to the struggles of Five Points business owners with the light rail, which they feel has harmed their community. Finally, they delve into local political dynamics, exploring the challenges faced by Trump voters in a predominantly blue city.

Arianna Morales, the Organizing Director for New Era Colorado, works tirelessly to boost youth voter turnout in the state. She discusses the hurdles young people face in engaging with politics, especially on college campuses. Arianna shares her personal journey from apathy to advocacy, highlighting how important conversations can spark political awareness. She also emphasizes how young voters can influence reproductive rights and gives practical advice on navigating the voting process in Colorado. It's a call to action for the youth to make their voices heard!

Jennifer Brown, a Colorado Sun reporter with firsthand experience in Denver's immigration courts, dives into the complex world of asylum seekers. She discusses how shifting presidential policies impact newcomers and the challenges they face navigating a convoluted system. Jennifer highlights a Venezuelan family's arduous journey to safety and the emotional toll of waiting for court decisions. The conversation also examines the critical need for legal support and the potential impact of the upcoming elections on immigration policies in Denver.

Megan Harris, host of City Cast Pittsburgh, dives into Pennsylvania's complex electoral process, especially mail-in ballot challenges. Trina Rhee from City Cast Philly shares how the city is bracing for election hurdles. Bianca Martin of City Cast Madison highlights a spike in early voting trends, showcasing community engagement in Wisconsin. Lastly, David Figler, host of City Cast Las Vegas, explains Nevada's ballot access changes, revealing their potential impact. Each guest provides a unique local perspective on the pivotal swing states.

Elliot Wenzler, a state politics reporter for the Aspen Times, dives into Colorado's turbulent political scene. He discusses the alarming breach of election security that puts public trust at risk. The debate over a proposed ban on big cat hunting ignites, revealing tensions between urban and rural views. Wenzler also touches on local controversies, like a city councilwoman's NSFW texts and the abrupt whitewashing of a Chicano mural. It's a week packed with drama, politics, and unexpected twists in the community.

November brings a chill to the Mile High City, but the warmth of community shines through. Discover hidden gems like Granny Scott’s Pie Shop and enjoy vibrant events such as Día de los Muertos celebrations and local chili cook-offs. The hosts emphasize cultural traditions and the importance of giving back, highlighting opportunities to volunteer and support those in need. With a packed calendar of events, including the Denver Film Festival, there's no shortage of ways to embrace the season and connect with the community!

Join Justine Sandoval, a politics and green chili expert, local history buff David Gilbert, and Denver Public Library Director Rachel Fewell as they revisit Colorado's wildest viral moments. From the infamous Balloon Boy hoax to the humorous backflipping FBI agent fiasco, they explore how these stories reflect the state's culture. They also discuss the library's grand reopening and share insights on shifting perceptions about Aurora, all while inviting listeners to recall their own memorable Colorado moments.

With Election Day looming, the conversation heats up around Proposition 131 and the tight race for reforms like open primaries and ranked choice voting. Mayor Mike's sales tax hike for affordable housing raises eyebrows as listeners weigh in on its implications. Political heavyweights, including Senator Michael Bennet, debate the merits of these electoral changes. Beyond politics, excitement builds for the Denver Film Festival, showcasing local talent and unique stories that bring the community together.

Ian Silverii is a Democratic strategist and co-host of the Get More Smarter podcast, while Kelly Maher is a Republican strategist and former debate partner on 9News. They dive into the competitive dynamics of Colorado's eight congressional races, discussing candidate strengths and voter sentiments. Key topics include the impact of social issues like abortion and same-sex marriage, and the challenges facing the Republican Party in defining its identity. Predictions about the tight District 8 race between Evans and Caraveo add to the excitement!

Joe Rubino, a City Hall reporter for the Denver Post, shares insights on a pressing E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald's, highlighting food safety concerns in Colorado. The discussion dives into the ramifications of this health crisis on public perception and fast-food politics. Rubino also explores the ambitious redevelopment near Ball Arena, focusing on community impacts and the balancing act between urban development and affordable housing. Lastly, they touch upon the influence of political misinformation in local campaigns, raising questions about community engagement.