City Cast Denver
🚃 Can RTD win back riders this year?
January 31, 2025 · — Peyton Garcia
WOOF. The news came fast and furious and this week, am I right? If your head is still spinning, be sure to tune into today’s Friday News Roundup on the City Cast Denver podcast where we breakdown some of the biggest headlines from the week, including the latest on "Operation Aurora" and the mayor’s new goals for 2025 🎧 👇
What's CITY Talking About?
⚕️ Get Free Naloxone
Denverites now have quick, easy, 24/7 access to free naloxone — an overdose-reversal drug — thanks to the brand new vending machine located at Denver Health’s main campus. “You simply show up, push a few buttons, and [are] ready to save a life,” according to Dr. Sarah Christensen. [Denverite]
- Related: We’ve got some tips on how to quickly and effectively respond to someone experiencing a drug overdose. [Hey Denver]
🚌 RTD Board Puts CEO to the Test
RTD’s board of directors is turning up the pressure on CEO Debra Johnson to increase ridership and improve reliability. If she fails to achieve the new goals set this week, it could affect her future compensation. Back in December, she was awarded a contract extension and a 5% raise, upping her salary to $421,878 per year. [CO Sun]
- The numbers: Johnson is tasked with increasing on-time service by roughly 3%, ridership by 5%, and improving commuter safety perceptions by 4%.
- The controversy: Johnson has been a polarizing presence at RTD in recent years. At least a dozen senior leaders have left the agency during her tenure — and more than a few of them say it was because of her. [CPR]
Sponsored Content
Become a City Cast Denver member to receive exclusive benefits
Hey Denver delivers essential daily news to you and your neighbors, without a paywall!
Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member and receive benefits like,
- 🪩 An exclusive lookahead at upcoming can't-miss local events
- 🎧 Ad-free listening to the City Cast Denver podcast
Where Is It?
Last week’s answer: Postino’s (the LoHi location to be exact)
And holy moly, y’all sure do know your bruschetta boards! 83 (!!) of you wrote in with the correct answer! (I think that might be a record.) But as they say, the early bird gets the worm:
🎉 A special shoutout to:
- Michaela F., who was the first person to write in with the correct answer!
- And also to Char H., Phil B., Chase C., Deb B., and Melissa S., who weren’t far behind!
This Week’s Photo:
🕵️Since y’all crushed last week’s food photo let’s see if you know where to order this guy 👆 (arguably the cutest cocktail in Denver). Be among the first to respond with the right answer and you’ll get a special shoutout in next Friday’s newsletter!
📸 Want to submit a photo? Send me a snapshot of somewhere in Denver, and I’ll consider it for an upcoming photo trivia segment!
But wait! Before we all turn our brains off for the weekend, I’m going to make one final request for you to fill out our audience survey if you haven’t already 🙏 Hear me out:
- Your responses will help us make a better product for you 🫵
- You’ll get the chance to win a $250 Visa gift card 🤑
- You’d really be helping ya girl out 💁🏻♀️
Brownie points: We’d really love to get some insight from people who aren’t already City Cast Denver readers and listeners. If you can convince a random friend to also take our survey, let me know and I’ll give you a personal shoutout in the newsletter 🗣️
Free · Daily