City Cast Denver logo
February 28, 2025

DOGE Cuts Hit Denver, DIA’s Next 30 Years, and a Viral Puppy Heist

City Cast Denver

DOGE Cuts Hit Denver, DIA’s Next 30 Years, and a Viral Puppy Heist

00:00:00
View all City Cast Denver episodes

Federal workers across the country are bracing for layoffs, including more than 40,000 right here in Colorado. So, how are Denverites handling all the DOGE cuts? Then, DIA turns 30 today! Producer Paul Karolyi and host Bree Davies are joined by political consultant Deep Singh Badhesha to talk about everything from the famed airport’s Blucifer conspiracy theories and tales of a luggage-eating baggage system to the renderings of the next Great Hall renovation and a surprising DIA-Elon Musk connection. Plus, a Colorado lawmaker brings her newborn to Congress, a puppy heist in Centennial, and more wins and fails of the week. 

Paul discussed our latest interview with Mayor Johnston and the 5280 feature on Scott Derrickson, Colorado director of The Gorge — which you can watch now on Apple TV+. Bree mentioned her friend Alisha Sweeney’s long local radio career and the upcoming 303 Day concert. Deep talked about his excitement for the 2026 elections and his new Substack

Producer Olivia would love you to see these pictures of “the Modobag.” 

Get your tickets to HEYDAY now! We’re putting on an indoor fair with urban flair, like a classic county fair but with a very cool Denver twist. Join us on March 8 for classic carnival games, vintage arcade games, Denver-themed balloon art, and a full day of grandstand entertainment, featuring some of your favorite guests from the podcast. It’s family friendly, too, if you wanna bring your kids. Get those tickets now at www.heydaydenver.com.

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/Denver

Learn more about the sponsors of this February 28th episode:

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

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Hey Denver

Stay connected to City Cast Denver and get ready to join the local conversation.

Can't subscribe? Turn off your ad blocker and try again.

Latest Episodes

See all
July 22

Is the Front Range Train Actually Happening? Plus, Denver's Water Fails and Our Water World Speedo Mystery

Denverites can’t seem to stop watering their lawns. Amid a drought, Denver Water says they’ve asked customers to cut water usage by 20%,...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
July 21

Inside the Shooting at Aurora's Immigration Detention Facility. Plus, Gov. Polis vs. Socialism

Gov. Jared Polis popped up on both CNN and Fox News this weekend to talk about his unfavorable view of socialism. In the wake of democrat...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
July 20

Could Your Next Apartment Be on Colfax Avenue?

Sure, the new BRT line gets all the headlines these days as transit construction dominates Colfax, but this corridor is always changing....

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
July 19

‘Your City Could Be Better’: Why Are Chattanoogans ‘Doing It Their Damn Selves’? — Presented By City Cast Denver

Sometimes it can feel like the Denver government is two (or more) steps behind the needs of its neighborhoods. Enter the residents of Cha...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
July 17

Is This the End of the 16th Street FreeRide? Plus, Another ICE Detention Center and an Influencer Disses Denver

Could the 16th Street shuttle disappear for good? As RTD grapples with a quarter-billion dollar budget shortfall, dozens of light rail li...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
July 16

Is Childcare About to Get Cheaper? Plus, Local Venue Workers Unionize and What If Nightclubs Were Open Until 4 A.M.?

Parents and daycare providers have been sounding the alarm that childcare in Denver is expensive, hard to find, or hard to provide. This...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
July 15

Would You Take the Bus to DIA? Plus, Long Lines at Water World and Colorado’s Road Rage Problem

Widening Peña Boulevard is still very much on the table, but DIA officials have recently agreed to explore options beyond just making mor...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
July 14

Did the Media Give Sen. Hickenlooper a Pass? Plus, Turnover at Denver Central Market and GOP Voters Choose Victor Marx

Victor Marx is officially the Colorado Republican nominee for governor. The former marine who claims he’s performed exorcisms is now task...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
July 13

Denver’s Best Burgers, a Jazzy New Wine Bar, and MAKFam’s Anticipated Expansion

Is a burger really a burger without cheese? Can a traditional patty compare to a smash patty? Does a burger taste better when it comes ou...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
July 12

‘Your City Could Be Better’: Does Denver Have a ‘Perfect’ Airport? — Presented By City Cast Denver

There’s lots to love about Denver, but being able to get in and out of it easily and cheaply can be an underrated metric of its livabilit...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art