🎶 Why UMS got canceled

We’re back with more recommendations from City Cast Denver Neighbors about their fave local people, spots, and organizations in the Mile High, so they can become your favorites too 💕

📣 Denon M. is shouting out Network Coffee House for “offering a warm place to sit and hot coffee to the unhoused.”

📣 Topher B. goes to Diebolt Brewing to support local art, celebrate important events, or simply enjoy “the best beer in Denver.”

📣 David S. applauds MetroCaring for its great work addressing hunger in Denver.

Become a City Cast Denver Neighbor today to share your own shoutout in this newsletter and on the podcast 🎤

🎶 UMS Faces an Uncertain Future

At the end of this month, the Underground Music Showcase will once again take over South Broadway marking the beloved local music festival’s 25th anniversary. But as for next year? Event organizers say higher production costs and lower ticket sales have made the weekend-long event unsustainable. “We don't know exactly what the future of UMS is, but we do know that it will look different.” [Denverite]

👎 Council Majority Opposes City’s Layoff Plan

Eleven members of the Denver City Council signed a letter Monday criticizing the city’s proposed plan for imposing impending layoffs, which will rely more on merit than seniority. The opposing council members say the plan, if approved, will “significantly undermine trust in the city … and leave employees more vulnerable to discrimination.” [Denverite]

🗳️ Could Denver Have Its Own Mamdani Moment?

Last week, Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani claimed a decisive victory in New York’s Democratic mayoral primary, signaling what could be a big change for politics in states across the country. Could Denver be one of the places poised for a new kind of Democratic leadership in the TikTok era? The City Cast Denver crew weighs in. [City Cast Denver 🎧]

🏀 Goodbye MPJ, Welcome Back Bruce Brown

The Denver Nuggets are reportedly parting ways with team forward Michael Porter Jr. Sources told ESPN the team is trading the six-year Denver veteran as part of a deal to get Brooklyn Nets forward Cameron Johnson. The Nuggs are also welcoming back former Nugget Bruce Brown — who helped bring home the 2023 Championship title — with a veteran one-year contract. [ESPN]

Our recent conversations about the pros and cons of Gov. Jared Polis’ proposed bridge from the Capitol to Lincoln Veterans Park have inspired a lot of responses. Here's a peek at what's been said:

Some bridge takes from the inbox and social media 💌 ⬇️

City Cast Denver Listener Haley texted us about her support for the idea of a pedestrian bridge in the area, but thinks this proposal is misaligned with the location.

“I think the spirit behind this is admirable and I agree with the potential benefits for the area, but the design really misses the mark. I hope they'll reconsider and remember that ‘form follows function.’”

On Reddit, user denvergoalie advocated for the governor not to link investment in local artists to this project.

“If only $2 million of the funding is going towards the arts, just continue to give out the $2 million and let artists create art around the city and not have it be tied to a bridge that doesn't connect anything!”

Another Reddit user, atmahn, said they appreciated hearing a supporters’ point of view, but still thinks the project is a bad use of money.

“There’s much better ways to support local artists and make a better park/pedestrian experience than building this bridge, especially for the price tag.”

On Instagram, @carriemaye said the expense isn’t worth it when the city has other needs.

“The city will have huge layoffs this fall because of budget shortfalls. I know this bridge and those salaries have different funding sources but what a slap in the face to all the employees who will be let go.”

Instagram user @jaybirdtonka summed up their thoughts like this:

“I think it’s kinda cool, but I’d rather have the money spent fixing roads.”