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October 3, 2025

Mayor Mike Bought a Crusty Mall, More MAGA Boycotts, and RTD Defunds Disability Service

City Cast Denver

Mayor Mike Bought a Crusty Mall, More MAGA Boycotts, and RTD Defunds Disability Service

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One of Mayor Mike Johnston’s biggest priorities this year is showing Denverites how much better 16th St. looks post-construction. And as of Tuesday, he’s got a big new prize to show off: The Denver Pavilions. He’s arranged to buy the 27-year-old “mall on the mall” for $37 million — Coyote Ugly and all. Former Republican congressional candidate Valdamar Archuleta joins producers Paul Karolyi and Olivia Jewell Love to talk about the mayor’s downtown shopping spree. Plus, we debate the latest calls to boycott an allegedly MAGA-owned business in Wheat Ridge and, of course, our wins and fails of the week.


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Paul mentioned a Reddit thread where protesters were discussing their actions against the Rocky Mountain Reckoning event at The Werks last Sunday. He also talked about Bake Fest this Saturday morning, RTD’s Access-on-Demand rate change, and the Starbucks inside REI. Olivia talked about banned books and leaf-peepers in Georgetown. Valdamar discussed the Rockies’ rebuild and recent changes at the airport, as well as this pilot’s frustrations. 


What do you think about the mayor buying the Pavilions? We need to hear your take! 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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