City Cast Denver
🔬 Why CO is re-examining old criminal cases
February 6, 2024
Good morning, Denver! Hey check this out — City Cast Denver made it onto 5280’s list of “Best Podcasts to Listen to in 2024” 🥳 See what they had to say about us. Looking for a way to support our work? Consider becoming a CCD member — you’ll get special members-only perks! — for as little as $8 a month 🙏
What's CITY Talking About?
🔬 State to Spend Millions on DNA Retesting
The Colorado Bureau of Investigation is preparing to shell out $7.5 million to correct the shoddy work of a longtime lab tech. An investigation has revealed the need to retest at least 3,000 DNA samples in an estimated 2,300+ criminal cases — including some high profile murder and sexual assault cases — that could have potentially resulted in wrongful convictions. [Denver Post]
🚛 Man Found Trapped in Garbage Truck
An Aurora man was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries after he was found trapped inside the back of a garbage truck last week. It’s unclear how the man got there. Westword reports he is at least the fourth person in the country to wind up stuck in a trash truck so far this year. [Westword]
🚗 Lawmakers Try Again to Push Gig Worker Protections
State Democrats are pushing a pair of bills that would improve labor protections for rideshare and food delivery drivers after a similar measure — the “Gig Worker Transparency” bill — was killed last legislative session. [Denver Post]
- Flashback: We spoke with local Lyft and Uber drivers this time last year to get a full picture of what it’s like to work in Denver’s gig economy. [City Cast Denver 🎧]
🏛️ Vetoes and Vigilantes
Denver City Council and Mayor Mike Johnston haven’t been seeing eye to eye on some hot button issues lately. Between the mayor’s first veto and Council’s critiques of Johnston’s new downtown ambassador program, why can’t anyone agree? [City Cast Denver 🎧]
What To Do
Tuesday, Feb. 6
- 🦁 Half-Price Zoo Admission | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | $11 | Denver Zoo
- 🐲 Lunar Street Market Fair | 10 a.m.-6 p.m. | Free | Far East Center
- 🥕 Mobile Food Pantry | 9-11 a.m. | Free | Regis University
- 🎲 Game Night | 6-8 p.m. | Free | Fiction Beer Co.
- 🎞️ Cinema Azteca | 6:30-9 p.m. | $5-$15 | Holiday Theater
- ✏️ Writers Group | 7-9 p.m. | $15 | Civic Center
Wednesday, Feb. 7
- 🦁 Half-Price Zoo Admission | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | $11 | Denver Zoo
- 🐲 Lunar Street Market Fair | 10 a.m.-6 p.m. | Free | Far East Center
- 📺 Parks and Rec Trivia | 7-9 p.m. | Free | West Highland
- 🎨 Nature’s Canvas: Birds | 7-10 p.m. | $15-$18 | DMNS
Thursday, Feb. 8
- 🦁 Half-Price Zoo Admission | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | $11 | Denver Zoo
- 🐲 Lunar Street Market Fair | 10 a.m.-6 p.m. | Free | Far East Center
- 💘 Queer Valentine’s Craft Night | 5-8 p.m. | Free | North Cap Hill
- 🍺 Latinas Beers and Books Club | 7-9 p.m. | Free | Raíces Brewing
Today on City Cast
Johnston’s First Veto, Yellow Vest Vigilantes, and Your Votes for Worst Intersections
Tensions in local government are high. Last week Denver Mayor Mike Johnston flexed his veto power to override City Council’s decision to ban homeless encampment sweeps in freezing temperatures. The two also appear to be at odds over Johnston’s new downtown ambassador program, with concerned council members suggesting the program lacks oversight. Both things have us wondering where city officials might find common ground.
That’s all for today! Love what you get here? Forward this newsletter to a friend 💌
— Peyton Garcia
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