Across the country and right here in Colorado, the blue wave materialized! Our state’s Democrats flipped seats, took historically red districts, and solidly sent eight dems to Congress. But statewide ballot measures told a different story with some surprising turns on conservative issues. Meanwhile in Denver, City Council gained another DSA-endorsed member and voters said “no” to foie gras. Producer Olivia Jewell Love and host Bree Davies dig into the results and discuss Colorado’s role in the national 2026 midterms.

Editor's note: We recorded this on Tuesday, Nov. 3 at 11:30 p.m. Some of the numbers referenced in the episode may have changed by the time you're listening because votes are still being counted. Stay tuned for more analysis and perspective and check out today’s newsletter for a full breakdown of results. 

For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter 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!

What do you think about the election results? We want to hear from you! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418

Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:

• Blue Sky
• The Escape Game
• Arvada Center
• Enjoy Illinois
• Visit Estes Park
  

Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

It’s election day! Coloradans are staring down a massive ballot including propositions 134 and 135, which could have drastic impacts on transgender kids and their classmates. But this isn’t the first time voters have made decisions about the human rights of queer people – back in 1992, Amendment 2 passed, which openly allowed discrimination against the gay community. Today Ann Marie Awad and Xandra McMahon, producers and hosts of The Hate State, a limited podcast series on Colorado’s history of Amendment 2 and ongoing LGBTQ rights fights, join host Bree Davies to dig into what they found when researching Colorado’s recent past. 

For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter 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!

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

Learn more about the sponsors of this November 3 episode:

• Xcel Energy
• Arvada Center
• Blue Sky Plumbing
• The Escape Game
• Visit Estes Park
• Enjoy Illinois
  

Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

TLC dropped a trailer for “The Mad Pooper” last week, a documentary featuring appearances from Colorado Springs reporters, cops, and defecation speculators about a mystery number two-er who terrorized the city for months in 2017. Meanwhile in Castle Rock, a woman known as “the bag lady” has allegedly been accosting people at gas stations and in Walmart parking lots with a smelly scam. Our resident green chile correspondent (and current candidate for House District 5) Justine Sandoval joins host Bree Davies to discuss when a quirky community character becomes a public nuisance. 

Justine mentioned a previous City Cast Denver episode on Colorado’s biggest viral moments. 

For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter 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!

Do you know the identity of the ‘Mad Pooper’? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418

If you enjoyed today’s sponsored interview with Terry Mattson, CEO / President of Galena Country Tourism, learn more here.

Learn more about the sponsors of this November 2nd episode:

• Xcel Energy
• Arvada Center
• Blue Sky
• The Escape Game
• Visit Estes Park
• Enjoy Illinois
  

Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

When you think of Waymo, you might not yet think of Denver. But you should definitely be thinking of Austin, Texas. State law governing autonomous vehicles (AVs) supersedes city authority and prevents local governments from regulating AVs, creating areas that have become increasingly attractive to AV companies. City Cast Austin host Miles Bloxson joins Your City Could Better to talk about if this loose regulation is good for Texas, particularly its dense capital city, whether local benefit is a priority for manufacturers at all, and how cities can learn from Austin if a similar influx hits their streets. 

Mentioned on the show:

• City Cast Austin’s episode on AVs regulation: https://austin.citycast.fm/podcasts/are-texas-schools-using-ai-to-ban-books-plus-driverless-cars-in-austin-and-new-michelin-stars 
• Waymo blocking emergency response to Austin shooting: https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/03/02/waymo-vehicle-blocks-ems-austin-mass-shooting 
• The city of Austin’s public dashboard tracking incidents involving AVs: https://austin.maps.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/dbd59d9b20634de1afad32a8267b739b#

Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email David now! 

We’re also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter

Looking to advertise on Your City Could Be Better? Check out our options.

It’s time for our monthly guide to everything awesome going on in Denver! Contributor Michelle Jackson joins producer Olivia Jewell Love and host Bree Davies to swap recommendations for cozy coffee shops, roller derby bouts, and a very special double feature showcasing untold stories from the Golden Age of Hollywood. Plus, we’re talking about our favorite ways to celebrate a Mile High Thanksgiving, including “Daddy” Bruce Randolph’s legacy food drive and some of Olivia’s personal tips for a stress-free trip through DIA. 

But wait there’s more! City Cast Denver Neighbors will get a special bonus segment with Michelle, Bree, and Olivia digging into the unique ways Denverites vote compared to other states. Get access to weekly members-only bonus segments and more perks when you sign up to become a City Cast Denver Neighbor today!

The Denver-est Denver Awards are back! Save the date and join us Thursday, Dec. 10, at the Federal Theatre as we celebrate the people, places, and unforgettable moments that made this past year truly Denver. Expect plenty of laughs, beloved celebrity guests, photo ops, and live entertainment. Check out all the details before tickets go on sale soon.

For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter 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!

What’s your favorite Denver Thanksgiving tradition? We want to hear from you! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418

Learn more about the sponsors of this Oct. 29 episode:

• Xcel Energy
• City & County of Denver Technology Services
• Denver Art Museum
• Arvada Center
• New Era Colorado
  

Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

We’re back with part two of our conversation covering all the congressional races happening across Colorado — Republican strategist Kelly Maher and Democratic strategist and co-host of the Get More Smarter podcast Ian Silverii join host Bree Davies to talk through the Democratic Socialist insurgency on the left, what the GOP’s strategy — or lack thereof — seems to be in the state’s more conservative districts, and more. Oh, and be sure to listen to yesterday’s episode with Kelly and Ian for the first half of this conversation!

For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter 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!

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

Learn more about the sponsors of this Oct. 29 episode:

• Xcel Energy
• City & County of Denver Technology Services
• Denver Art Museum
• Arvada Center
• New Era Colorado
  

Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

What role will Colorado play if the anticipated “blue wave” overtakes this election? It depends on which congressional district you’re looking at. Democratic strategist and host of the Get More Smarter podcast Ian Silverii and Republican strategist Kelly Maher join host Bree Davies this week to dig into the big congressional races happening across Colorado. From the Gabe Evans vs. Manny Rutinel showdown happening in the relatively new CD8 to questions surrounding Rep. Lauren Boebert’s ability to hang on to her CD4 seat in what used to be a guaranteed red district, the trio discuss what early turnout numbers are showing, where all those unaffiliated voters’ votes are going, and what’s still to be determined by Election Day.

P.S. This conversation was a hefty one, so we’re splitting it into two. Tune in tomorrow for the second half of our conversation with Kelly and Ian!

For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter 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!

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

Learn more about the sponsors of this October 28 episode:

• Xcel Energy
• City & County of Denver Technology Services
• Denver Art Museum
• Arvada Center
• New Era Colorado
  

Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

After years of construction, the new bus rapid transit lane is finally open on one stretch of East Colfax, creating dedicated space for the bus and less room for cars. Federal Boulevard is the next BRT project on the table, and it just received $50 million of the estimated $300 million it will need for build out. Westword editor emeritus Patty Calhoun joins host Bree Davies to discuss what this massive infrastructure project means for businesses along the corridor. Plus, they correct and clarify a few points from our episode breaking down the statewide ballot measures last week and discuss Tina Peters’ appearance on 60 Minutes.

Patty mentioned Westword’s reporting on traveling the new version of Colfax via BRT. Bree talked about Tommy’s Thai’s new service fee model, and mentioned CPR’s coverage of the Amendment 87 lawsuit at the state supreme court and Colorado Newsline’s reporting on the Denver district court’s dismissal of the case.

Patty mentioned a forum she is moderating on the future Colorado Boulevard BRT project, happening November 12! 

For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter 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!

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

Learn more about the sponsors of this October 27 episode:

• Xcel Energy
• City & County of Denver Technology Services
• Denver Art Museum
• Arvada Center
• New Era Colorado
  

Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Should your right to use natural gas — and for Xcel Energy to sell it — be put into the state’s constitution? Amendment 82 is asking voters just that. But the implications of this Advance Colorado-backed measure are unclear, and intriguingly the local oil and gas industry isn’t even coming out in support of the measure. Denver Post environmental reporter Noelle Phillips joins host Bree Davies to explain how this amendment could impact Colorado’s clean energy goals and what it could mean for you and your gas stove. Plus, Noelle talks about her Halloween decor involving skeletons playing corn hole!

Be sure to check out more of our ongoing coverage of the 2026 election, including Advance Colorado’s influence on the ballot, all the tax-related ballot issues, and a breakdown of citywide measures and statewide measures.

For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter 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!

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

Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:

• Xcel Energy
• Denver Health
• Chalat Hatten and Banker
• City & County of Denver Technology Services
  

Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

How prepared is Denver to deal with the effects of climate change? In a recent report, Chicago was ranked as the most climate resilient city in the world — the only U.S. city to make it into the top 10. What’s Chicago doing right? City Cast Chicago host Jacoby Cochran is joining David this week to talk about how the city is adapting to face climate risks, its work in renewable energy, and other projects in the works.

Mentioned on the show:

• New York Times article about climate resilience: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/09/03/realestate/is-your-city-prepared-for-climate-disaster.html 
• AlphaGeo's report: https://alphageo.ai/how-climate-resilient-are-the-worlds-largest-cities/ 
• City Cast Chicago's episode about their climate resilience ranking: https://chicago.citycast.fm/podcasts/loop-restaurants-resurging-chicagos-climate-resilience-and-meet-us-at-lit-fest 
• Previous episode about Jacoby visiting all of Chicago's libraries: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ytx9DWibpQc
  

Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email David now! 

We’re also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter

Looking to advertise on Your City Could Be Better? Check out our options.

Is your ballot still sitting on the kitchen table, staring at you? Fear not! We’re here to help. Today, Denver Post city government reporter Elliott Wenzler joins host Bree Davies to hash out the local ballot issues Mile High City residents will be voting on – from the proposed foie gras ban to how City Council handles our yearly budget. As we do every Friday, Elliott and Bree also share their wins and fails of the week. Plus, if you’re a City Cast Denver Neighbor you get a sweet, sweet bonus segment just for members where we discuss how Bow Mar’s threats to gate the town off are now a reality and why the even New York Times decided to cover the story! 

Bree shouted out Axios and Denverite’s excellent ongoing coverage of the election and our recent episodes on statewide ballot measures and tax-related measures. She also talked about Blucifer Fest’s 2027 return and Anschutz-owned businesses sending employees voter guides from an Anschutz-owned newspaper’s editorial board. Elliott discussed the rodent problems at a local movie theater and the great local food options at Ball Arena. 

For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter 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!

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

Learn more about the sponsors of this October 23 episode:

• Xcel Energy
• Denver Health
• Chalat Hatten and Banker
• City & County of Denver Technology Services
  

Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise