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 DenverAbout this episode
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 , friend of the show slash CPR reporter Sam Brasch’s coverage of geothermal energy , and Hold On to Your Butts: A Jurassic Park Rewatch Podcast . 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 . Watch the Friday show on YouTube: youtube.com/@citycastdenver 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 July 11th episode: Denver Botanic Gardens Regional Air Quality Council Denver Film Multipass 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