City Cast Denver

Ask any Denverite about the stinkiest spot in the city, and for more than 90 years the answer has been clear: The Purina pet food plant in Elyria-Swansea. But in the last six months or so, odor complaints have spiked. So what can be done? Science reporter Trish Zornio looked into the science of bad smells for the GES Gazette, and she’s on today with host Bree Davies to talk about the health implications of the Purina plant’s smell, the challenge of effective odor monitoring, and how the smell fits into north Denver’s gentrification story. If you want to submit an odor complaint about the Purina plant (or any other stinky spot in the city), you can fill out this form or send an email to 311@denvergov.org. What do you think are Denver’s signature smells? Apart from the Purina plant, we are putting together a definitive list of Denver smells — good, bad or just plain Denver — and we want to hear from you! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear your smell on the show: 720-500-5418‬The Denver Post reported on the pilot project Gregg Thomas mentioned a couple years ago. 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 episode:Join a Volo Sports league today!Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Back in 2022, voters decided that Denver definitely deserves sidewalks. But not everyone was happy with the new taxes to pay for them. Now, city leaders have a new proposal for how to pay for them, so we’re getting into the details. Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi dig into the sidewalk debate, talk about Bree’s trip to see Next Gallery’s Casa Bonita-themed art show, and share some hot goss from a listener about how one local restaurant chain is changing its cooking methods and, according to some recent customers, changing its signature taste.  We talked to Jill Locantore way back in 2021 about why our sidewalk network was so broken — and in 2022, we spoke with Molly McKinley (also of Denver Streets Partnership) about how the then-proposed “Denver Deserves Sidewalks” ballot initiative hoped to address the problem. Got feedback on the proposed changes to #DenverNeedsSidewalks? Fill out this survey before Feb. 27. 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 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 episode:Join a Volo Sports league today!Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

For the past year, Colorado’s Attorney General Phil Weiser has been investigating the proposed merger of two of Denver’s biggest grocery chains — King Soopers and Safeway. While their parent companies insist the $24.6 billion merger would save Denverites money, Weiser has concluded the opposite and filed a lawsuit to block it. “After 19 town halls across the state,” he wrote, “I am convinced that Coloradans think this merger between the two supermarket chains would lead to stores closing, higher prices, fewer jobs, worse customer service, and less resilient supply chains.” Host Bree Davies sits down with Weiser reveal more details from his investigation, and explain why he felt it was necessary to intervene now. Plus, Weiser shares a message for your out-of-state grocery faves and his go-to snacks at Trader Joe’s. Which out-of-state grocery chain would you love to see open in Denver? We want to hear your hot grocery takes! 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 and become a member today: membership.citycast.fmLearn more about the sponsors of this episode:Join a Volo Sports league today!Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Denver pays residents to change transportation habits and cancels tree planting plans. Parents struggle to find summer camp spots. Hosts discuss green steps forward and back with Moe Gram. Rocky Mountain Highs and Lows shared. Conversations on Bob Ragland's legacy, Stanley Hotel, RTD app, and hostile architecture.

Pizza makers, aka pizzaiolos, are notoriously particular about their ovens. Is it coal-fired? Or wood? How hot does it get? How fast? “It’s the pursuit of perfection.” That’s what one local pizzaiolo told reporter Helen Xu about the brick oven he had custom made for White Pie in Uptown. But another local pizza shop is going in a different direction entirely — electric! Producer Paul Karolyi joined Helen Xu for a visit to the newly all-electric Sexy Pizza on Pearl Street to taste some electric pizza and figure out why a small but growing number of local restaurants are dumping natural gas for electric ovens and stovetops. Paul mentioned this report on Denver’s new electrification rules. For anyone who heard Helen’s most recent appearance on the show and might be wondering if Sexy Pizza sources their cheese from Leprino Foods — like 85% of all pizza makers around the world — we asked, and they do! Sexy Pizza buys from Leprino’s upscale brand Bacio, which offers mozzarella made with “a kiss” of buffalo milk. What do you think about electric pizza? Would an electric operation entice you? Or repulse you? We want to hear what you think about the electric future of local dining. 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/CityCastDenverLearn more about the sponsors of this episode: Denver Restaurant Week is coming up March 1-10!Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

What does it take to be a true Denverite? There’s gotta be a turning point sometime after you first see Blucifer but before you get in your first fight about green chile. What was that moment for you? Host Bree Davies sits down with a couple of keen observers of Mile High culture — Lee Robinson and Kate McLachlan of Dyketopia — to help finish this sentence: You’re not a Denverite until…Kate is hosting a night of “hootin’ and hollerin’” at Comedy Works downtown with a bunch of funny folks on Feb. 21. Catch Kate and Lee at “Dyketopia: Spring Awakening” live at the Oriental Theater on March 8!UPDATE: After we recorded, we learned that Snooze takes reservations now, but only on weekdays. You can also join their waitlist online, though you’d miss out on some sweet, sweet brunch anticipation time!When did you first feel like a Denverite? We want to hear stories about your first times with local faves or traditions! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear yours 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/CityCastDenverLearn more about the sponsors of this episode: Denver Restaurant Week is coming up March 1-10!Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Denverites are reeling from Mayor Johnston’s Friday announcement of budget cuts to free up money to provide more support for migrants, and now the uproar is spreading into the suburbs! Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi are talking about the blowback to Johnston’s cuts and the “sanctuary city” debate in Lakewood, plus the Denver Zoo’s new 570-acre facility in Weld County. Finally, we’re considering your thoughts on whether we should be saying “migrant,” “new immigrant,” or something else entirely?Bree mentioned a Westword story featuring comments from a Venezuelan migrant himself about the budget cuts. Hear our conversation with Denverite editor Obed Manuel about one newsroom’s decision to change their language around the crisis of new people arriving in Denver from Venezuela.Paul discussed local author Helen Thorpe’s excellent book “The Newcomers.”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 us by becoming a member: https://membership.citycast.fm/denverWhat do you think about “migrants” vs. “new immigrants”? 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 episode: Denver Restaurant Week is coming up March 1-10!Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

After a deal on immigration reform died in Congress last week, Mayor Mike Johnston made a decision he didn’t want to make. To cover the estimated $180 million projected cost of supporting the still-growing migrant population this year, he announced a round of budget cuts on Friday for the DMV and Parks and Recreation, and warned of more cuts possible. As Denverites prepare for a summer without flowers in city-owned flower beds or in-person vehicle registration renewals, Denverite editor Obed Manuel joins host Bree Davies to make the case for why now is the time to change the way we talk about the crisis. Obed mentioned this recent Denverite story about Yupi the Clown. What do you think we should be saying — “migrants” or “new immigrants”? We haven’t decided yet, and we need your help! 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/CityCastDenverLearn more about the sponsors of this episode: Denver Restaurant Week is coming up March 1-10!Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

It’s Friday, and we’re digging into all the local stories that mattered this week. First, Suncor Energy is getting hit with a “historic” $10.5 million dollar fine for “spewing excessive amounts of toxic chemicals into the air over three years.” Are lawmakers finally ready to crack down hard on the 100-year-old chronic polluter? Plus, tickets went on sale yesterday for a new “SXSW-style” event called Outside Festival set to premiere in Civic Center Park this June, and those new black-and-white license plates are everywhere! Longtime environmental champion and former mayoral candidate Ean Thomas Tafoya joins host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to talk about the news, and wrap up with our Rocky Mountain Highs and Lows of the week.Ean talked about the GreenLatinos’ North Denver report. Paul looked up the Commerce City steakhouse with the colorful signage, and Bree was right. It is Deno’s. He also mentioned the Delta pilot’s lawsuit and Ed McCaffrey’s excellent mustard. What do you think? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬For 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.fm/DenverLearn more about the sponsors of this episode: Denver Restaurant Week is coming up (March 1-10) “Small Island Big Song” at the Newman Center (Starting February 16) Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

It’s almost Valentine’s Day! Have you planned something extra thoughtful for your sweetie?Did you remember to make a reservation? Fear not, we’ve got you covered. We’ve rounded up a great list of unique, low-cost, and memorable options in and around the city for the best V-Day yet. From a simple gesture like a heart-shaped box of fried chicken to an affordable day trip to a city-close hot springs, host Bree Davies, producer Olivia Jewell Love, and returning guest, writer Linnea Covington from Mile High on the Cheap, bring you their top tier recs for keeping this holiday romantic and budget friendly. Some of the things we mentioned: -The local wine and chocolate lists from 5280 magazine-Takeout deal from Chook Chicken-Denver city scavenger hunt-Maven Hotel and Atomic Cowboy-Indian Hot Springs-Heart shaped box of chicken at The Post-Vero heart shaped pizza-Thrifting and brunch date in LakewoodRead Linnea’s full write up on cheap dates for Mile High on the Cheap here.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 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 episode: Denver Restaurant Week is coming up (March 1-10) “Small Island Big Song” at the Newman Center (Starting February 16) Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise