School starts next week for the Salt Lake City School District. Do you have back-to-school jitters? Host Ali Vallarta checks in with John Arthur, a 6th grade teacher at Meadowlark Elementary, about school closures, new leadership at the district, and how teachers are feeling as they open their classroom doors. Help local teachers buy supplies for their classrooms. Listen to our conversation with John Arthur about the school voucher program. Subscribe to our daily morning newsletter. You can find...
Aug 16, 2023•21 min
Starbucks employees in Cottonwood Heights made headlines when they became the first in Utah to formally unionize with Starbucks Workers United. But now, just one year later, some of those same employees are working with the National Right to Work Foundation to decertify their union. Host Ali Vallarta asks KUER politics reporter Sean Higgins what the hell happened to turn the tide. Subscribe to our daily morning newsletter. You can find us on Instagram @CityCastSLC and Twitter @CityCastSLC. Looki...
Aug 15, 2023•19 min
Host Ali Vallarta is on a quest to go to every bar in Salt Lake County, and she decided to knock out every ‘Bout Time Pub & Grub in the valley in one day (there are nine) with her BFF Shireen Ghorbani. What makes this franchise so special? And which ‘Bout Time is best? They discuss. Track Ali’s journey to visit every bar in Salt Lake County @everybarslc or via this spreadsheet. Subscribe to our daily morning newsletter. You can find us on Instagram @CityCastSLC and Twitter @CityCastSLC. Look...
Aug 14, 2023•21 min
Salt Lake City Corporation plans to turn downtown Main Street into a pedestrian promenade, and they want to know how big we can dream. Lead producer Emily Means joins host Ali Vallarta to break down city business, read local gripes, and share picks of the week. Plus, you have homework: Send us questions for our mailbag episode! Take the city’s Main Street survey TODAY. Attend the opening of Tatau: Marks of Polynesia. Subscribe to our daily morning newsletter. You can find us on Instagram @CityCa...
Aug 11, 2023•25 min
Utah is known for a lot of things: the greatest snow on earth, fry sauce, national parks — and getting scammed. Year after year, Utah is named one of the top states for fraud and was even one of the first to set up a white collar crime registry because of this. Deseret News Features Writer Meg Walter joins host Ali Vallarta to categorize Utah’s various scammers and figure out who’s to blame. This episode originally aired on Nov. 28, 2022. Subscribe to our daily morning newsletter. You can find u...
Aug 10, 2023•16 min
As Salt Lake City grows, “gentrification” is often thrown around as a dirty word. But is it always a bad thing? Alessandro Rigolon, University of Utah professor of city planning, joins host Ali Vallarta to talk about what gentrification actually looks like in this city and how to lessen its violent impacts. Learn more about Salt Lake City’s Thriving in Place plan. Subscribe to our daily morning newsletter. You can find us on Instagram @CityCastSLC and Twitter @CityCastSLC. Looking to advertise o...
Aug 09, 2023•24 min
On Tuesday, the Utah Supreme Court is hearing arguments to determine whether the injunction currently blocking Utah’s abortion trigger law can be upheld under Utah’s constitution. While we won’t get an answer for weeks (or maybe months), the ongoing battle over the legality of abortion in our state is causing stress for patients and providers. Host Ali Vallarta asks Rachel Dyer, the executive director of Exhale Pro-Voice, what we can learn from the conversations being had on the post-abortion te...
Aug 08, 2023•22 min
The new mayor of Denver recently declared a state of emergency around homelessness to unlock more resources. Could — and should — Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall do the same? Plus, what plans are in the works for sanctioned camping? Andrew Johnston, Salt Lake City’s director of homeless policy, answers some of host Ali Vallarta’s burning questions about the city’s approach to our homelessness crisis. Register for Dr. Sarah Canham’s community consultation on the stigma of homelessness. Liste...
Aug 07, 2023•25 min
A Utah man has filed a ballot initiative to allow grocery stores to sell wine and spirits, as well as lower the 88% markup on alcohol sales. Does it have any chance of passing? Plus, what makes a bathroom extraordinary? Lead producer Emily Means and host Ali Vallarta roundup the top stories and share their picks of the week. Vote for America’s Best Restroom before Aug. 11. Vote for City Cast Salt Lake in the Media category for Best of Utah. Subscribe to our daily morning newsletter. You can find...
Aug 04, 2023•27 min
It’s been 30 years since Salt Lake City’s big debut as fake Los Angeles in the classic friendship movie “The Sandlot.” Never seen it? Seen it 100 times? Born-and-bred Salt Lakers lead producer Emily Means and newsletter editor Terina Ria join host Ali Vallarta to talk about whether this movie holds up and who its real heroes and villains are. Get tickets to watch the Sandlot at the sandlot with the original cast, this Saturday, Aug. 4. See plans for the Tower Theater remodel at 9th and 9th. Subs...
Aug 03, 2023•24 min
This July was the earth’s hottest month ever recorded, and Salt Lake broke a few temperature records of its own. What does high heat mean for our unsheltered neighbors? Lead producer Emily Means talks with Ron, who has been unhoused in Salt Lake for years. Plus, host Ali Vallarta connects with Wendy Garvin, executive director of Unsheltered Utah, about how we can help keep Salt Lakers cool. Find a Cool Zone in Salt Lake County. This episode originally aired July 25, 2022. Subscribe to our daily ...
Aug 02, 2023•17 min
Happy 801 Day Salt Lake City! With a recent proclamation from SLC Mayor Erin Mendenhall, 8/01 is officially a holiday celebrating our city’s original area code. But what makes the 801 so great in the first place? And why do we choose to stay even when we feel embattled? Alleyways Amplified founder and creative optimist Vishwa Srinivasan finds light in the literal dark corners of our city, and tells host Ali Vallarta why Salt Lake can be perfect. Get $5 tickets to City Cast Salt Lake’s 801 Day ci...
Aug 01, 2023•17 min
Utah’s childcare gap is approximately 99,000 kids, which leaves a lot of working parents (mothers) holding the bag. So, while we wait for legislative action, how are local businesses stepping up to keep parents at work? Utah Business editor Mekenna Malan joins host Ali Vallarta to analyze the options. Read about Utah’s OB-GYN shortage in Utah Business. And if you haven’t already, grab your $5 ticket to City Cast Salt Lake’s 8/01 Day celebration. See you tomorrow! Subscribe to our daily morning n...
Jul 31, 2023•22 min
The Salt Lake Tribune Editorial Board dropped some hot commentary on how Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall is responding to homelessness. Lead producer Emily Means joins host Ali Vallarta to break it down. Plus, is Utah the best place to get married? Get your $5 ticket to City Cast Salt Lake’s 8/01 Day celebration! Subscribe to our daily morning newsletter. You can find us on Instagram @CityCastSLC and Twitter @CityCastSLC. Looking to advertise on City Cast Salt Lake? Check out our options fo...
Jul 28, 2023•27 min
We picked a fight with City Cast Denver and we’re finally hashing it out. Can “mile high” Denver really eschew us when our mountains are closer? And if we are better, then why did we get more Crumbl Cookies and not a Union Station? Host Ali Vallarta is joined by lead producer Emily Means plus a couple of special guests — City Cast Denver’s host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi — to determine once and for all whether we’re really rival cities or just regional siblings who like to argue. Spea...
Jul 27, 2023•27 min
Sugar House has fresh representation on the Salt Lake City Council. Sarah Young is District 7’s new councilmember, appointed after former Councilmember Amy Fowler vacated the seat. Councilmember Young joins host Ali Vallarta to talk about how she’s thinking about her new constituents’ concerns, like transportation and affordable housing. Get your $5 ticket to City Cast Salt Lake’s 8/01 Day celebration! Subscribe to our daily morning newsletter. You can find us on Instagram @CityCastSLC and Twitt...
Jul 26, 2023•25 min
At the end of last year, host Ali Vallarta and lead producer Emily Means threw down eight predictions for Salt Lake City in 2023. Today, we’re checking in to see how their educated guesses are faring in the realms of politics, food and drink, the Great Salt Lake, and sports. Are they clairvoyants? Or should they go back to the crystal ball for another look? Get your $5 ticket to City Cast Salt Lake’s 8/01 Day celebration! Subscribe to our daily morning newsletter. You can find us on Instagram @C...
Jul 25, 2023•27 min
Lifelong Salt Lakers know the way of the Hogi Yogi/Teriyaki Stix. But today we are all getting on board, because Deseret News features writer Meg Walter has visited maybe the last one on planet earth — and she has some notes from her experience to share with host Ali Vallarta. Plus, why did this restaurant chain disappear in the first place? Subscribe to our daily morning newsletter. You can find us on Instagram @CityCastSLC and Twitter @CityCastSLC. Looking to advertise on City Cast Salt Lake? ...
Jul 24, 2023•17 min
The Salt Lake City Council is reviewing a number of proposals, from new pickleball courts to the end of Sugar House drive-thrus. Lead producer Emily Means joins host Ali Vallarta to break down the council’s current workload. Plus, Salt Lakers can’t stop driving into local businesses, and Sen. Mitt Romney can’t stop with the hot dog bit. Join the Capital Improvements Project Advisory Board. U.S. Sen. Mitt Romney on hot dogs. Subscribe to our daily morning newsletter. You can find us on Instagram ...
Jul 21, 2023•26 min
Happy 50th birthday to the Endangered Species Act of 1973! The landmark legislation demands we do everything in our power to protect imperiled plants and animals in the United States. In celebration, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources recovery program chief Sarah Seegert tells host Ali Vallarta about a local water monster whose life is on the line –– and steps we can take to keep it around. Explore the Colorado Pikeminnow story map. Subscribe to our daily morning newsletter. You can find us on ...
Jul 20, 2023•20 min
Have you ever stared down a vacant building in downtown Salt Lake City and thought, “Why isn’t this housing?” Host Ali Vallarta is obsessed with a few particular structures that would make great apartments or shelters, and she asks SLC Planning Director Nick Norris what it would take to make it happen. This episode originally aired Feb. 15, 2023. Subscribe to our daily morning newsletter. You can find us on Instagram @CityCastSLC and Twitter @CityCastSLC. Looking to advertise on City Cast Salt L...
Jul 19, 2023•20 min
Homelessness is one of Salt Lake’s most critical issues, and in recent years, camp abatements have become a controversial public-facing response to it. Multiple levels of government are involved in the process, including the Salt Lake County Public Health Department. Dr. Angela Dunn, the department’s executive director, joins host Ali Vallarta to answer our questions about abatements and examine homelessness through a public health lens. Current Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall on homelessne...
Jul 18, 2023•24 min
In January, host Ali Vallarta announced her New Year’s resolution was to have at least one drink at every bar in Salt Lake County before the end of 2023. Some called her crazy, some tried to call her bluff, but today — as she reaches the halfway point — lead producer Emily Means is calling her in for the gossip on where and when to have the most fun at Salt Lake bars. City Cast Salt Lake explores every bar in Salt Lake County tracker and map. Subscribe to our daily morning newsletter. You can fi...
Jul 17, 2023•24 min
Buckle in, geeks, because the Utah Supreme Court is hearing a case that could have mega impacts for Salt Lake County voters. Lead producer Emily Means joins host Ali Vallarta to break it down and get you hyped on redistricting. Plus, put this scorching-hot weekend to good use and help heat map Salt Lake City. And donate some blood, while you’re at it. Volunteer to heatmap with Salt Lake City one day between July 11 and 31. ARUP will begin accepting donations from men who have sex with men on Tue...
Jul 14, 2023•30 min
It’s hiking season, which means more people are out on the trails and potentially interacting with wildlife. That has us thinking about last year’s mountain lion attack on the popular Pipeline Trail in Millcreek Canyon. You’ve probably hiked there before, too! Host Ali Vallarta talks with Faith Heaton Jolley with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources about what to do if you’re ever face to face with a cougar. This episode originally aired on Sept. 29, 2022. Subscribe to our daily morning newsl...
Jul 13, 2023•16 min
From 3D printing to passport services, the downtown Salt Lake City library offers so much more than books and air conditioning. Librarian assistant Matt Jaggi tells host Ali Vallarta everything you can explore or check off your to-do list with a library card. Plus, Ali shares an update on SLC Public Library employees’ unionization effort. The SLC Library board will meet on Monday, July 17, at 4 p.m. Attend in-person or virtually. Subscribe to our daily morning newsletter. You can find us on Inst...
Jul 12, 2023•17 min
The temperature’s rising, and everyone and their dog wants to hop into the nearest watering hole and cool off. But a fun day at the lake could take a dire turn if your pet swallows the wrong pond scum. Dr. Hannah Bonner, environmental scientist at the Utah Division of Water Quality, joins lead producer Emily Means to explain what’s in the water and how to keep the doggos safe. Check for harmful algal blooms at water bodies statewide. Report an observed bloom to this 24-hour hotline: 801-536-4123...
Jul 11, 2023•17 min
Have you ever seen a Salt Lake City park ranger in the wild? We hadn’t. So we followed one around Fairmont Park in Sugar House. Ranger Nahuel Tulian joins host Ali Vallarta to talk about the scope of his responsibilities and his advice for being a better park goer. SLC Park Ranger program activity breakdown. Take the Liberty Park Playground survey. Subscribe to our daily morning newsletter. You can find us on Instagram @CityCastSLC and Twitter @CityCastSLC. Looking to advertise on City Cast Salt...
Jul 10, 2023•17 min
Data from the annual point-in-time homelessness census shows homelessness is on the rise in Salt Lake County and across Utah. Lead producer Emily Means joins host Ali Vallarta to take a look at the results. Plus, who is Salt Lake’s rival city? Later, producer Ivana Martinez tags in to share her pick of the week. Subscribe to our daily morning newsletter. You can find us on Instagram @CityCastSLC and Twitter @CityCastSLC. Looking to advertise on City Cast Salt Lake? Check out our options for podc...
Jul 07, 2023•28 min
It’s a couple days after a big holiday, and you have a tower of pizza boxes and beer cans ready to be tossed out. You’re confident about recycling the aluminum cans. But what about that greasy pizza box? McKenna Tupai, sustainability coordinator for Wasatch Front Waste and Recycling District, talks with host Ali Vallarta about what you can and can’t recycle in Salt Lake. Subscribe to our daily morning newsletter. You can find us on Instagram @CityCastSLC and Twitter @CityCastSLC. Looking to adve...
Jul 06, 2023•17 min
