💰 Mayor and council clash on budget

🏘️ Mayor Johnston Gives Up Ground

After angry neighbors drowned his voice out at a community meeting in the Golden Triangle last week, Mayor Mike Johnston has canceled plans for a micro-community at 1375 Elati St. Residents of the Golden Triangle have said they are happy to host one site, but having two in their neighborhood is too much for many. Johnston has also reportedly shrunk the size of the planned micro-community in Overland after complaints from neighbors. [Westword]

💸 The Budget Battle is On

City Council must approve Mayor Johnston’s proposed city budget for 2024 by Nov. 13, but the two are still not in total agreement about key line items, including the Denver Basic Income Project, Denver Health, and assistance for renters. Council requested almost $80 million in additional support for those programs, but Johnston said last week he’d only support a $10.6 million increase. [Axios Denver]

• What budget questions do you have? We’re talking to an expert on City Cast Denver later this week, and we want to help get your questions answered. Send us an email or leave us a voicemail at 720-500-5418.

🔎 Indigenous Healing? Or More Harm?

After History Colorado unveiled a damning report on our state’s tragic history with Indigenous “boarding schools,” many saw it as a step toward healing and reconciliation — but local Indigenous communities didn’t. [City Cast Denver 🎧]

Hey loyal reader, what’s on your mind? 🤔

🍜 When we profiled the Ruby Hill neighborhood last week, we mentioned Pho 96. Charis D. wrote in to double down on that rec:

• “I'm so glad to finally see Pho 96 get the recognition it deserves! Unfortunately it seems as though it's constantly overshadowed by the better-known Pho 95 down the street. In my humble opinion, Pho96's vegetarian broth is by far the best in town!”

🍰 We chatted about the best desserts in Denver on the show last week. Kelly from Sloans Lake wrote in to add:

• “I used to live in the building above duo and I have to say, duo has some of the best desserts. We would frequently go downstairs around 9 p.m., go sit at the bar, get a decaf cappuccino and whatever dessert was on the menu that night, and I don't think we had a bad dessert there. They're all absolutely delicious.”

🌃 And lastly, Gerald W. called in with a personal recommendation:

• “I just had a serious conversation with a friend about a late-night eating spot, Gaia Masala and Burger. Open till 3 a.m., plenty of non-alcoholic [options], burgers, pizzas, everything — it seems like a dope spot. It’s on Grant and 7th. I haven't even been yet, but I trust this friend's recommendation and I feel like you should give it a shot.”

👺 GOBLIN performs ‘Demons’ | Wednesday | 8 p.m.

Enjoy the Dario Argento horror classic with a live score performed by Italian prog rock legends GOBLIN, who will also play a set of their hits following the film screening. [Downtown; $35+]

👑 Drag King Bingo | Wednesday | 7:30 p.m.

Join hosts Valentino Verde and Throbbin Hood for a night of bingo and performances from local drag royalty. [Platt Park; Free]

🎤 Lucha Libre & Laughs | Friday | 8-11 p.m.

Stand up comedy meets pro wrestling in the ring for this mashup of adult-themed laughs and drama featuring hometown headliner Adam Cayton-Holland. [Berkeley; $25-$135]

Did Colorado Get Its Indian Boarding School Report All Wrong?

When History Colorado published its big report on the tragic history of Indigenous “boarding schools” in our state earlier this month, it was widely celebrated in the media and by our elected officials. But what about the Indigenous community? Joshua Emerson and Raven Payment, the co-chairs of the Denver American Indian Commission, are on the City Cast Denver podcast today to explain how this report was “re-traumatizing.”