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City Cast Denver

Recent changes to federal vaccine policy and Gov. Jared Polis’ have caused some confusion for Coloradans looking to get a COVID-19 shot this year. But with winter around the corner, now is definitely the time to be thinking about getting yourself boosted. So here’s what has changed, who is eligible, and where COVID vaccines are available around Denver.

The Food and Drug Administration approved the latest round of COVID vaccines on August 27, but 

 to individuals at high risk for severe disease who have a prescription and those 65 and older. This followed Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s November promise that “anybody can get the booster,” 

Gov. Jared Polis criticized the FDA’s new guidelines last week, saying that they got “in the way of Coloradans making our own healthcare decisions” and that they inconvenienced Coloradans who “want increased COVID-19 protection by requiring a doctor’s prescription.” He directed the Department of Public Health and Environment to issue an order, effective Sept. 5, allowing pharmacists to give out COVID boosters to anyone who wants one.

As of this writing, anyone in Colorado 6 months or older can get the updated COVID vaccines without needing a prescription.

Where to get the COVID Vaccine Around Denver

The FDA restrictions forced pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens to stop scheduling appointments for COVID shots in Colorado because state guidelines previously required pharmacies to follow CDC guidelines, but recent turmoil at the CDC means those guidelines have not been updated. The Colorado Board of Pharmacy implemented 

an emergency amendment to its regulations

 that removed references to CDC guidelines, giving pharmacies the go-ahead to resume scheduling vaccines.

We’ve heard about people getting vaccines at Walgreens and CVS since the Colorado order went into effect, even though they didn’t have an appointment. City Cast Denver executive producer Paul Karolyi made an appointment for just a flu shot and walked out with a COVID booster as well after mentioning Polis’ new directive.

While the transition to reopen COVID vaccine appointments has been slow, some pharmacies across the state are beginning to schedule shots. Check your local pharmacy to see if appointments are available.

Changing vaccine restrictions and updated guidelines in Colorado have caused confusion. Here's where you can get a COVID booster right now.

Where to Get the COVID Vaccine in Colorado Right Now

Where to Get the COVID Vaccine in Colorado

Life Hacks

Tips and tricks for living your best Denver life, by locals, for locals.

Denver Life Hacks

Denver’s gone to the dogs! At least that’s what many City Cast Denver listeners think who have called in to our hotline to complain about the rising issue of abandoned dog poop on our city’s sidewalks, lawns, and parks. But what’s the data say? We dug into 311 call data from 2007 to 2025 to find out.

Despite a recent dip, Denver consistently logs hundreds of dog poop complaints every year with March being an essentially busy time for poopetrators. Although there are geographic hotspots (looking at you, Five Points and Capitol Hill) the problem is pervasive enough all across Denver that it points to a persistent citywide — and society wide — issue.

, but the numbers vary significantly year-by-year. Early on, complaints rose from 377 in 2007 to 497 in 2009. The peak year was 2018 with 554 reports, perhaps buoyed by the introduction of the PocketGov app for easier reporting.

2020 saw over 520 complaints, possibly reflecting increased dog ownership or outdoor activity during the pandemic. Data for 2021-2022 showed a decline which could indicate improved conditions or reduced reporting. By 2023, complaints inched back up to 334 and 2024 logged 369 cases.

March is the top month for dog poop reports, with an average of 45 complaints each year. This is most likely because the melting snow and thawing ice uncovered months-buried dog poop. Complaints remain relatively high through summer (June to August). Warmer months means more people (and dogs) outdoors which increases opportunities for both pet waste and public visibility of violations. Additionally, the heat of summertime contributes to a stronger offensive odor.

By contrast, late fall and winter see few reports — likely because cold weather and snow keep poop out of sight… until the spring thaw reveals all those hidden treasures.

So, where is all the poop in Denver anyway? The worst offenders are downtown-adjacent neighborhoods and nearby areas such as Five Points and Capitol Hill. Another prominent cluster is far northeast Denver (Montbello and Green Valley Ranch). Significant complaint activity is also seen in parts of northwest Denver (Sunnyside, Berkeley) and south Denver (the Hampden and Westwood neighborhoods).

Pet waste complaints arise citywide, from the urban core to outlying districts indicating a citywide problem.

Dog poop may not seem like a policy issue, but it’s a quality-of-life one — and a shared public space problem. With hundreds of 311 complaints filed every year, concentrated in high foot traffic neighborhoods and peaking every spring like clockwork, the data makes it clear: 

Want a deeper dive into the doo doo data? Tune in now 👇

Tell us your poop thoughts!

Is dog poop being left all over the city a legitimate problem? Data from 311 says yes

Denver's Dog Poop Problems By the Numbers

Denver's Dog Poop Problem By the Numbers

What Denverites have been wondering. We break down why things in Denver are the way they are and how they work.

Denver, Explained

While there’s a lot to love about spring, the proliferation of pollen isn’t something to celebrate. If you’re sick of sniffling and sneezing, but don’t know what to do other than take antihistamines, we’ve got you covered. Here are some tips for handling allergies:

Though you can’t completely escape airborne allergens, health care 

 to reduce contact and ease the resulting symptoms.

First, dry and windy days are more likely to set off allergies — the best time to hang outside is after a rain storm.

If you are spending a good amount of time outside, wear a mask while doing activities that kick up dirt and dust, like gardening, mowing, and weed pulling.

Once you go back inside, be sure to change clothes to limit the allergens brought back into the house. Also, if you like to skip the dryer and line dry clothing, avoid hanging laundry outside — pollen can cling to fabric.

To keep your indoor air clean, use an air purifier or air conditioning and make sure to replace the filters regularly. You can also invest in a dehumidifier and portable high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters for your house and vacuum. (Pro-tip: indoor air purifiers also help tremendously during fire season!)

On high pollen days, doctors recommend taking allergy medications 

 symptoms start, avoiding early morning outdoor activities when pollen is highest, and keeping windows and doors closed.

 and neti-pot or rinse bottle might help you breathe easier.

To figure out what allergens (pollen, mold, dust, etc.) are hanging out in the air and how much, check out 

Air quality can also impact people prone to allergies and other sensitive groups. You can check Denver’s air quality index daily 

 explains how air quality is measured and what each category means.

We rounded up some tips for reducing allergens and relieving symptoms!

Easing Spring Allergies

You can’t see it, smell it, or taste it, but it can be deadly. Radon is the

 leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers

 in the country and is responsible for 500 deaths annually in Colorado. To raise awareness, the Denver Department of Public Health and Environment is giving away free radon test kits this week. Here’s what you need to know and how to nab your free kit.

It is a naturally occurring radioactive gas resulting from the breakdown of uranium in the soil that makes its way into the atmosphere. It’s considered harmless at low levels, but can be dangerous when it enters a home. Nearly half of Colorado homes contain radon levels higher than the amount designated as safe by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Experts recommend testing your home for radon every two to three years. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment offers 

instructional videos, educational resources, and other radon FAQs

If you’ve already used your free test kit, or would rather contact a professional, you can hire a contractor to come test your home. There are options from the 

. Landlords are required to include radon disclosure in lease agreements and make reasonable efforts to mitigate elevated radon levels within 180 days, otherwise a lease can be voided.

 this week. You can pick one up at any of the giveaway events listed below 👇

 | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | DPL Bear Valley Branch

 | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | DPL Rodolfo “Corky” Gonzales Branch

 from the state to have a free radon test kit shipped to you while supplies last.

Miss out on the freebies? The state also offers some 

additional resources for low-cost test kits

low-income radon mitigation assistance program

Radon can be found at mostly harmless levels in Colorado's soil — but it still can be deadly. Here's how to test for it

Why and How to Test Your Home For Radon

Why (and How to) Test Your House for Radon

By the end of this month, you’ll be able to 

 that will be mailed to your home via the U.S. Postal Service. Though an official date hasn’t been set yet, check 

 to see when the federal program reopens. Each household can get four nasal swab rapid tests to detect the current virus strains, while supplies last.

COVID-19 tests have a shelf-life for when they can best detect the virus, but some expiration dates on diagnostic tests have actually been extended. 

 to search your test by manufacturer or name to see if it’s still a viable option.

 was approved by U.S. regulators last month to target the most recent virus strains. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 

 for ages 6 months and older — and especially for people who have underlying health conditions, are over 65, or are pregnant. Previous vaccines no longer cover the current strain, and if you’ve been previously infected, your immunity wanes overtime.

If you want to get a vaccine somewhere other than your primary care office, the Denver Department of Public Health recommends using 

 to schedule an appointment at a pharmacy near you. You can also check with your local Walgreens, CVS, Safeway, and King Soopers.

Denver Health’s School-based Health Centers

 to help you find a vaccine site. Prefer assistance over the phone? Call the CDC’s vaccine hotline at 1-800-232-0233.

How To Get Free COVID-19 Tests

If it feels like you’re seeing a lot more bird flu in the news lately, you are. In fact, Colorado is currently 

 in bird flu outbreaks. Here’s what you need to know.

, is a highly contagious viral infection that primarily affects birds and 

 that comes into contact with an infected bird. For birds, infection is nearly always fatal. While it can (and has) spread to humans, that is still 

. Before the current outbreak there was only one documented human case of bird flu in the U.S. (

A surge of bird flu outbreaks in the spring of 2022 has continued to plague U.S. poultry farms and wild fowl populations over the past two years, killing millions of birds. Then, earlier this year, the virus was 

 in cow infections (50 herds) as well as humans (10).

For animals and humans alike, the virus is contracted through close contact with an infected bird’s body fluid or feces. This strain has been spreading animal-to-animal and animal-to-human, making poultry and livestock workers most susceptible. There have not been any confirmed human-to-human transmissions, which is why health officials are deeming the 

It’s important to note: You can NOT get infected by eating chicken or eggs that are properly cooked. Pasteurized milk is also considered safe.

First, know that infected poultry flocks are culled and infected cattle herds are quarantined. Additionally, state officials have enacted the 

 at all dairies. People who were in close contact with infected humans are also being monitored.

While there are currently no vaccines or treatments for bird flu in humans, you can 

 — as long as you’re consuming pasteurized dairy products, you’re not a poultry or livestock worker, and you’re avoiding sick or dead birds, you should be fine.

Because other mammals are susceptible to infection, pet owners should keep their animals away from wild and dead birds.

You can stay up to date with the current situation by following 

updates from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention

Colorado is currently leading the nation in bird flu outbreaks. 

What You Need to Know About Colorado's Bird Flu Outbreak

When you’re out on Colfax looking for a good time, you probably know exactly where to go — there’s no shortage of legendary locales along the most famous corridor in the Mile High. But when you’re out on Colfax and you 

where do you go?? The City Cast Denver crew shares 

 along Colfax Avenue — as well as the restrooms we’d rather avoid — to save you some hassle next time nature is calling.

Voted our favorite water closet on Colfax, this single occupant bathroom tucked away in the winding hallways of our historic State Capitol Building is clean, private, and — with its fine marble finishings — honestly quite pleasant.

A primo experience for even the pickiest potty users, this location at 2550 Colfax is complete with 

private stalls boasting solid doors, sturdy locks, and reliably well-stocked amenities.

 throughout the years, the bathroom has remained one of Colfax’s most commendable commodes.

The restrooms at this nonprofit local movie theater are clean, well-maintained, accessible, and often uncrowded, making them ideal for a quick mid-movie visit that promises you won’t miss too much of the film. The illustrations on the walls are from local artist Jae Mo at 

 and the free tampons are just an added bonus!

Denver’s public restroom program is great — unless you have to go on the weekends or outside of normal business hours Monday through Friday.

An infamous bathroom for an equally infamous street, the toilets at the Taco Bell at 1775 East Colfax off Williams Street are known for being unkempt, unpopular, and often out of commission. If you gotta go urgently, we wouldn’t gamble on these ones.

The restrooms at this intimate music venue have all the right vibes for a dive bar, but not those of a relaxing place to relieve yourself.

Best and worst bathrooms

📧 Send us your hot potty takes

When you're out on Colfax, where do you go when you ... gotta GO??

The Best and Worst Bathrooms on Colfax Avenue

Colfax Avenue's Best (And Worst) Bathrooms

Find the best of everything that Denver has to offer.

Denver’s Best

Denver's Best

shattered temperature records across the country

 in June, but things are just warming up for Denver 🥵 Local meteorologists are forecasting at least 

five consecutive days of temps hovering near the 100s

 this week. The scorching heat will likely be even worse for those in the heart of the city thanks to something called the 

Firstly, buildings, roads, and cars — things that are good at insulating heat — all 

, causing urban areas to be 1-10 degrees higher than more natural landscapes. Trees, water, and vegetation naturally cool the air by providing shade and evaporating surface water.

Additionally, vehicles, air-conditioning, and industrial facilities — things that are found in densley constructed cityscapes — all 

 heat. Narrow streets and tall buildings also form urban canyons, blocking natural air flow that would otherwise cool things down.

Besides the discomfort of living in a constant state of sweat (or is that just me?), heat islands also 

. Higher temperatures typically lead to more air-conditioning, higher energy consumption, and more greenhouse gas emissions. The heat is also a serious threat to people living unhoused and disproportionately affects low-income populations.

 from Meteoblue to gauge the hottest areas in the city.

Dense tree coverage and grass mean temperatures can be up to 10 degrees cooler than denser parts of the city. (These are 

The best way to mitigate the heat island effect is to increase plant and vegetation cover. Roadside trees, green roofs, and parks are all examples of how cities can do this more effectively. Tech such as cool roofs and cool pavement which reflect more sunlight can also help.

 is committed to growing a cooler, greener Denver through volunteer work and fundraising for urban forestry projects.

This summer has already shattered temperature records across the country. Here’s why it’s extra hot in Denver right now. 

Is Denver An Urban Heat Island?

Why Denver Is So Dang Hot Right Now

​​Beginning way back in 2006, then-Mayor John Hickenlooper unveiled 

 a guiding document for the city's climate goals. Mayor Michael Hancock added his own, promising more than a decade ago that the Mile High's creeks and rivers would be 

. Though a lot of work has been done to improve our waterways, the South Platte River is still not safe to swim in. Here’s why.


According to Jon Novick, an environmental administrator with Denver’s Department of Public Health and Environment, the South Platte was treated like a dump for a long time. "There's kind of this legacy of just considering the river to have little value," 

. "Everything that was built had its back to the river."

But even with changing attitudes and upgrades to wastewater facilities that limit what goes back into the river, there are other challenges that make the South Platte a less-than-ideal recreation spot. Climate change, growing populations, and the difficulty of removing E. coli from a body of water once it’s there all contribute to the health issues of the waterway.

Because of industrial runoff, bacteria including E. coli (which can be at especially dangerous levels during the summer), and other pollutants, the Denver Department of Public Health and Environment 

does not recommend swimming, wading, or playing

 in the South Platte River and other lakes and streams.

Keep trash, bodily discharges, and dog poop out of the water. And even when you’re not near a waterway, don’t dump things in storm drains. As Casey Davenhill, executive director of the Colorado Watershed Assembly, tells The Denver NorthStar: “A lot of times people think those drains go to a treatment plant, but they don’t. 

More on Enjoying the South Platte Safely

Because of industrial runoff, bacteria including E. coli (which can be at especially dangerous levels during the summer), and other pollutants, the Denver Department of Public Health and Environment does not recommend swimming, wading, or playing in the South Platte River.

Swimming in the South Platte River

Get to know the natural side of Denver: the plants, animals, weather and more that make our city unique.

Denver Urban Almanac

Urban Almanac

Allergy season can make us feel like we have no control. Out of the blue, you’re suddenly sneezing, and wheezing, and your eyes are so itchy that you feel helpless to Mother Nature’s whims. While you can’t control the seasons, you 

control and reduce allergens in your home.

 are the antigens that trigger your body’s immune responses to fight off the perceived threats. Allergens often come in the form of pollen, dust mites, and mold spores. They can enter your home through open windows and on the clothes you wore outside.

But never fear, Hey Denver is here with you your room-by-room guide to setting up your allergen-free home:

, especially if your doggie who loves to play outside cuddles with you nightly (guilty!).

 that are hypoallergenic or dust mite-proof.

Vacuum rugs regularly, particularly with a machine that uses 

Ventilation is key for your self-care space. An exhaust fan will help reduce moisture buildup.

Wash shower curtains and bathroom mats often. Spray and scrub surfaces weekly.

When was the last time you cleaned your fridge? Yeah, same. Scrub out the mold hiding in cracks and crevices, and replace moldy rubber seals around doors.

If possible, install an exhaust fan over your stove to remove cooking fumes.

Consider placing air purifiers throughout the house. You can find affordable purifiers at your local store — 

Avoid using wood-burning fireplaces as the smoke and gas can worsen respiratory allergies.

 — but consider the time of day and wind speeds. Nighttime is typically the worst time to open windows. 

Check the pollen count during peak allergy season

Wipe down dog and cat fur with a towel or disposable wipes.

Wash clothes soon after returning from outdoors.

What tips do you have for allergy season? 

Take these steps to control allergens in your home this season. Your sinuses will thank you.

public health

Where to Get the COVID Vaccine in Colorado

Denver's Dog Poop Problem By the Numbers

Easing Spring Allergies

Latest articles

Where to Get the COVID Vaccine in Colorado

Denver's Dog Poop Problem By the Numbers

Easing Spring Allergies

Why (and How to) Test Your House for Radon

How To Get Free COVID-19 Tests

What You Need to Know About Colorado's Bird Flu Outbreak

Colfax Avenue's Best (And Worst) Bathrooms

Latest articles

Why (and How to) Test Your House for Radon

How To Get Free COVID-19 Tests

What You Need to Know About Colorado's Bird Flu Outbreak

Colfax Avenue's Best (And Worst) Bathrooms

Why Denver Is So Dang Hot Right Now

Swimming in the South Platte River

Prepare Your Denver Home For Allergy Season