City Cast Denver

In 2023 and 2024, the Denver metro area saw an influx of nearly 43,000 newcomers from Central and South America. But the encampments full of families that were a common sight 18 months ago have mostly disappeared, and the window washers are all but gone from Denver’s intersections. So, now that the newcomers are no longer making headlines, where did they all go? ⁠Westword staff reporter Bennito Kelty⁠ sits down with Host Bree Davies to discuss ⁠his latest reporting⁠ on the status of the newcomers, and what the City of Denver does — or doesn’t know — about where all of these folks ended up.  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 May 14th episode: ⁠CU Denver's Jake Jab Center for Entrepreneurship⁠ ⁠Levitt Pavilion⁠ ⁠Babbel⁠ - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST ⁠Prolonlife.com/city ⁠- Use this link for 15% off Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at⁠ citycast.fm/advertise

DIA executives flew first-class to Spain earlier this year and, according to a new investigation from CBS Colorado, the work trip cost about $165,000. So host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi are looking a little closer at the airport’s spending and the big raises Mayor Mike Johnston wants to give his top lieutenants, including DIA CEO Phil Washington. Plus, will Governor Jared Polis veto the big rent algorithm bill that the state legislature passed? We’re tackling all the biggest stories of the week and answering listener questions about speeding enforcement, the Rockies’ historically bad record, and movie soundtracks.  Paul mentioned our interview with Drew Hamrick of the Apartment Association of Metro Denver.  Are you a member of City Cast Denver? We’re giving away two tickets to bRUNch Running's "Brunch at Night" event, a pre-Colfax Marathon Shakeout Run and party at Snooze Union Station this Thursday May 15. If you’re a City Cast Denver member, send us your “Snooze hack” — the thing you do to get the most out of a trip to Denver’s most popular brunch destination. Text or leave us a voicemail at 720-500-5418 or email us via denver@citycast.fm, let us know you’re a member, and tell us your “Snooze hack” and you might win! What do you think about the DIA execs’ trip to Madrid? 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 May 13th episode: CU Denver's Jake Jab Center for Entrepreneurship Levitt Pavilion Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Prolonlife.com/city - Use this link for 15% off Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

It’s no secret — Denverites love a good drink! From neighborhood watering holes to craft cocktail lounges, there’s a place for every kind of imbiber. So, how do you choose? We’re revisiting a conversation from last year with host Bree Davies and two City Cast Denver regulars, Westword food and drink editor Molly Martin and our own politics and green chile correspondent Justine Sandoval, to parse through the dozens of options and come up with the ultimate list of the Mile High’s best taverns, taprooms, lounges, and pubs! This conversation was based on Molly’s “Best Bars We Can’t Live Without” for Westword. If you would like to help support Molly as she goes through cancer treatments, check out this GoFundMe.   Do you have a favorite bar that didn’t make the list? 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: CU Denver's Jake Jab Center for Entrepreneurship Levitt Pavilion Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Prolonlife.com/city - Use this link for 15% off  Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

After five months of debate and debauchery, Colorado’s state lawmakers wrapped up the 2025 legislative session in Denver on Wednesday. So what passed? What failed? And what is Governor Polis going to veto next? Our capitol insider Deep Singh Badhesha was there for all the madness, and he’s on today’s Friday news roundup with host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to give us the scoop. Then, the advocacy group YIMBY Denver has a new survey out showing broad support for more housing, but the numbers show a more complicated picture. And of course, our wins and fails of the week.  You can check out the cross-tabs for the YIMBY Denver survey for yourself. Bree mentioned FLOCK cameras, a DoorDasher in detention, and the immigration support group Casa de Paz. Paul talked about Clever Girl at Zeppelin Station and a prized green chile recipe. Deep discussed the Nuggets big loss against Oklahoma and the judge who extended a restraining order against the Trump administration in a local immigration case.  Paul also talked about Hold On to Your Butts, his new Jurassic Park rewatch podcast with friend of the show JD Lopez, which you can subscribe to on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and anywhere else you listen to podcasts.  What do you think about Denver’s push for housing density? Would you like fourplexes in your neighborhood? 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 May 9th episode: Aura Frames - Get $35-off plus free shipping on the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST Regional Air Quality Council Colfax Ave BID Cozy Earth - Use code COZYDENVER for 40% off best-selling sheets, towels, pajamas, and more. 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

It feels like every week Denverites are grappling with some shocking new way that President Trump is using the power of the federal government to reshape life here in the Mile High. This week, it’s art. Trump’s National Endowment for the Arts cut almost a half-million dollars in previously awarded grants last Friday to 22 local arts organizations, including the Denver Art Museum and Su Teatro, because their programs didn’t conform with the president’s new “priorities.” So host Bree Davies is talking to Youth on Record executive director and veteran arts fundraiser Jami Duffy about the impact on the local arts community, how much leverage Trump really has, and how the local arts world is pushing back in all different ways.  In response to Trump’s NEA grant cuts, the Bonfils-Stanton Foundation announced this week a new 2025 Arts & Culture Rapid Response Grant program to help make up the shortfall for the local organizations that lost money.  What do you think? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418 For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm Learn more about the sponsors of this May 8th episode: Aura Frames - Get $35-off plus free shipping on the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST Regional Air Quality Council Colfax Ave BID Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

In a compelling discussion, Greg Sobestki, Colorado's chief economist, shares his insights on the looming recession fears amid fluctuating tariffs. He breaks down how recent policy changes could ripple through the Mile High economy, affecting job growth and household finances. Greg explains the current pressures on families, leading to shifts in consumer behavior and spending habits. He also introduces the idea of 'gentle stocking' as residents brace for potential price hikes, offering tips for navigating economic uncertainty.

There is less than one week until City Council votes on a $70 million plan to support the proposed NWSL stadium at the site of the old Gates Rubber Factory, and the debate is finally heating up! After we shared CU Denver professor Geoff Propheter’s critical take on the podcast last week, we heard from the owners, the mayor’s office, city council members, and both supporters and detractors of the project. So producer Paul Karolyi dug into the details, and he’s on with host Bree Davies to share more info you need to know before the vote. Plus, we discuss a couple of recent highs and lows from the local music world and hear some of your ideas to revamp the 16th St. Mall.  We also have one further clarification on the specific source of the proposed $70 million expenditure. A spokesperson for the Dept. of Finance told us that, “Because the interest earnings on the 2017 Elevate Denver Bond can offset $60 million of the total $70 million cost of the Santa Fe Yards project, only approximately $10 million would come out of the city’s capital improvement fund. This $10 million would be split over 2026 and 2027, so about $4-6 million each year.” What do you think about the proposal to spend $70 million on the NWSL stadium development project? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418 Also, we have been thinking a lot lately about the possibility of a recession, and we want your help! Do you have any Denver hacks or tricks for squeezing the most out of every dollar? Help us make a Denver recession survival guide with a voicemail or a text: 720-500-5418 Bree mentioned DéCollage, whose new album you can stream/buy now and who you can see live at UMS this summer! She also talked about the passing of singer-songwriter Jill Sobule — Emily Ferguson at Westword wrote a nice tribute to the former Denverite. Paul shared NWSL co-owner Rob Cohen’s quote from this Denverite article about the stadium proposal, discussed Councilmember Sarah Parady’s line of questioning in this council meeting last week, and alluded to the fact that Denver voters already approved a $975 million bond to, among other things, install air conditioning at the 29 DPS schools without it. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm Learn more about the sponsors of this May 6th episode: Aura Frames - Get $35-off plus free shipping on the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST Regional Air Quality Council Colfax BID Cozy Earth - Use code COZYDENVER for 40% off best-selling sheets, towels, pajamas, and more. Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

After she lost her seat in Congress last November, Yadira Caraveo stepped back from politics and opened up about her struggles with mental health. But a few weeks ago, she announced a campaign to retake the District 8 seat from Republican Gabe Evans. Picking back up on a previous investigation regarding complaints about Carveo’s office culture, Colorado Sun reporter Jesse Paul talked to four of her former aides and published a blockbuster exposé revealing allegations of traumatic mistreatment. So host Bree Davies is sitting down with Kyle Clark, who interviewed Caraveo about mental health and her run for re-election two days before the big story broke, to break down this complicated political moment and what it could mean for the Democrats’ push to retake control of Congress in 2026. 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 Yadira Caraveo’s chances for re-election? 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 May 5th episode: Aura Frames - Get $35-off plus free shipping on the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST Regional Air Quality Council Colfax Ave BID Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

President Trump ratcheted up the pressure on Denver this week to change its approach to immigration, yanking back $24 million the city already spent sheltering newcomers and signing a new executive order going after “sanctuary jurisdictions.” So producer Paul Karolyi and host Bree Davies are talking about the latest twist in Trump’s Operation Aurora with one of our favorite regular guests, comedian and Casa Bonita performer Joshua Emerson. Plus, we dig into the recent turmoil around First Fridays on Santa Fe, Denver’s “budget freeze,” and share all our wins and fails of the week.  Get more from City Cast Denver when you become a City Cast Denver Neighbor! It’s the last day of our spring membership campaign, so it’s your last chance to get your own City Cast Denver Neighbors mug. Members also enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm. Paul talked about scammers, Altitude Plus, security calls and a tragic shooting at the Union Station bus terminal. Bree talked about Jax Gratton and Huston Lake Park. Joshua mentioned Kent Monkman at the Denver Art Museum, and DOTI, as well as his show Friday night at the Buntport and the screening of his documentary “Bad Indian” at the Sie FilmCenter on Sunday. What do you think about First Friday on Santa Fe? How do you feel about the changes this year? 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 May 2nd episode: Choir League Aura Frames - Get $35-off plus free shipping on the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST Regional Air Quality Council Energy Outreach JCC Denver Cozy Earth - Use code COZYDENVER for 40% off best-selling sheets, towels, pajamas, and more. 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

Should Denver taxpayers pony up $70 million to help build a new soccer stadium? The mayor is behind the proposal, citing a new report touting a $2.2 billion economic impact, but it still has to get through City Council. So is that deal too good to be true? And what does it matter to Denverites? Host Bree Davies sits down with CU Denver Professor Geoff Propheter, one of the country’s leading experts on sports stadiums and public policy, to dig into the details and find out: Does a public subsidy for the cost of a new stadium make sense for Denver right now? Get more from City Cast Denver when you become a City Cast Denver Neighbor! You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm  Do you think Denver should pitch in $70 million for the new stadium? 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 our interview with Jennifer Gremmert, the CEO of Energy Outreach Colorado, learn more here. Learn more about the other sponsors of this April 29th episode: Choir League Aura Frames - Get $35-off plus free shipping on the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST Regional Air Quality Council JCC Denver Cozy Earth - Use code COZYDENVER for 40% off best-selling sheets, towels, pajamas, and more. Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise