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July 11, 2025

Did the Grocery Union Get a Good Deal? Plus, One Year of Tren de Aragua and a Homeless Shelter Tragedy

City Cast Denver

Did the Grocery Union Get a Good Deal? Plus, One Year of Tren de Aragua and a Homeless Shelter Tragedy

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It has been almost one year since the first rumors of a Venezuelan gang started circulating in Aurora. A new report from the New York Times Magazine looks back at how those rumors blew up into an election-defining political issue and now unprecedented ICE raids across the Denver metro. So host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi invited outgoing Denver Post immigration reporter Megan Ulu-lani Boyanton to look back at the whole arc of the story and all the other biggest news of the week — from the local grocery union’s deals with King Soopers and Safeway to new safety concerns at city-run shelters. 

Paul talked about dangerous elevators, Alteño, and friend of the show slash CPR reporter Sam Brasch’s coverage of geothermal energy. Bree discussed the local implications of the “Big Beautiful Bill” and the restoration of the “Confluent People” mural. Megan talked about the MCA’s rooftop parties and a tragic accident at a city-run former hotel shelter. 

What do you think about the Venezuelan gang story? 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.

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