Insider Dems Dirty Dealings, RTD’s Disability Access Lawsuit, and the NWSL Stadium Subsidy Vote
After the announcement of State Sen. Julie Gonzales’ bid to unseat U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper, stories emerged alleging Democratic Party insiders tried to deter her from running. Comedian Joshua Emerson joins host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to dissect the details of Hick’s primary strategy, as well as Denver’s questionable new homeless service provider contracts, disability activists’ lawsuit against RTD, and more wins and fails of the week.
Help us hit the goal for our year-end membership drive! You’ll get more from City Cast Denver when you become a City Cast Denver Neighbor. Enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at https://membership.citycast.fm
Vote for the finalists of the Denver-est Denver Awards! Your vote will determine the winners of Best Artist, Best Small Business, Biggest Win, and more. And don’t forget to buy your ticket to the show on Dec. 18 and see the winners announced live on stage at The Oriental Theater. Vote here and get your tickets now!
Paul quoted this Denver Post reporting on RTD’s on-time performance, in which buses “lagged at 83%” as of July of 2025 (On-time performance for light rail recovered to 91% this year). Paul also discussed the Sports Castle and the Denver Summit FC stadium vote. We mentioned Atlantis ADAPT’s lawsuit against RTD and multiple stories on Denver’s homeless shelter contracts from Denverite’s Kyle Harris. Bree talked about Westwood resident Norma Brambila. Joshua discussed a new Native community-focused housing and healthcare building.
What do you think about the Hickenlooper vs. Gonzales race? 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 clips from the show on YouTube: youtube.com/@citycastdenver or 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 December 12th episode:
- Denver Health
- Colfax Ave BID
- Babbel - Get up to 55% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST
- Aura Frames - Use code CITYCAST for $35 off
- 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
Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Stay connected to City Cast Denver and get ready to join the local conversation.
Latest Episodes
Your Guide to Colorado’s 2026 Statewide Ballot Issues
This year the state printed its largest ballot information guide ever! That means voters are weighing in on a lot of issues – everything...

Republicans for Weiser, Colorado and the Blue Wave, and the Evans-Rutinel Showdown
President Donald Trump’s approval rating is at record low, and there are close elections happening across the country this November – cou...

Is Colorado About to Hike Taxes on the Rich? Your Guide to 87, 136 and Prop. NN
Colorado’s midterm election ballots are packed with big decisions for voters, including two competing taxation measures. Dr. Paul Teske,...

How the Broncos Are Buying Up Land for a New Stadium
Ever since Mayor Mike Johnston was inaugurated in 2023, he’s made a priority of both keeping the Broncos in Denver, but also working with...

‘Your City Could Be Better’: Why Salt Lakers are Adopting Storm Drains — Presented By City Cast Denver
How much ownership or responsibility do you feel as a resident of Denver? In Salt Lake City, people are being asked to “adopt a storm dra...

City Council’s Controversial Votes, a Crowded Race on a Crowded Ballot, and Green Chile Season!
There are ten candidates in the running to fill the vacant at-large city council position. With less than three weeks until election day...

The Politics of Swiping Left or Right, Spooky Season Recs, and the Rise of Vegan Restaurants
Are politics creating a division in Denver’s dating scene? Or are lovers on opposite sides of the political spectrum just really good at...

What's the Denver-est Halloween Costume of 2026? Plus, Your Takes on Compost, Pizza, and Denver's Unwritten Rules
Host Bree Davies and producer Olivia Jewell Love are opening up the mailbag to hear from you, our dear listeners. We’re sharing your idea...

CoCo Ballot Blame Game, Victor Marx's Scandal Streak, and the Viral Punch at DIA
There’s a measure on this November’s ballot that would create a sales tax to support the proposed Front Range Passenger Rail, but around...

‘Your City Could Be Better’: A St. Paul Cell Phone Ban Teens Might Actually Like — Presented By City Cast Denver
Another Denver school year has begun — how are cell phones being handled? In Minnesota, one high school is demonstrating that a strict no...

