Are you stuck in a restaurant routine? Salt Lake has a ton of delicious places to try besides your usual haunts. Hey Salt Lake newsletter editor Terina Ria joins host Ali Vallarta to share where to find cheap eats, food experiences, and cafe creations dethroning the PSL. Consider becoming a founding member of City Cast Salt Lake today! It’s the best way to support our work and help make sure we’re around for years to come. Get all the details and sign up at membership.citycast.fm. Subscribe to o...
Sep 12, 2024•21 min
One side effect of Utah’s growth? Not enough hospital beds. Executive producer Emily Means and host Ali Vallarta discuss the problem and possible solutions. Plus, a new drinking group wants a seat at the legislature’s table, a delicious cocktail competition, and Redwood Road gets a safety glow-up. Resources and references: Utah has the third lowest rate of hospital beds in the nation. Here’s why. [Salt Lake Tribune] New group seeks to advocate for 'everyday, responsible Utah drinkers' on Capitol...
Sep 11, 2024•32 min
The November election is two months out, and we just got language for a big question on our ballots. Are Utah’s Republican leaders trying to mislead voters on Constitutional Amendment D? Salt Lake Tribune columnist Robert Gehrke joins host Ali Vallarta to separate fact from fiction. For more background on how we got here, listen to “Fall Ballots Just Got Juicier, SLC Housewives Return, and Local Jimmy Buffett” by City Cast Salt Lake. Consider becoming a founding member of City Cast Salt Lake tod...
Sep 10, 2024•26 min
There’s a lot to learn from the 23 cities and towns in Salt Lake County; what ideas are worth stealing? Today, host Ali Vallarta asks Riverton Mayor Trent Staggs how he’s tackling the needs of his fast-growing community in the southwest corner of the valley. Plus, what ideas does Millcreek have to offer? Consider becoming a founding member of City Cast Salt Lake today! It’s the best way to support our work and help make sure we’re around for years to come. Get all the details and sign up at memb...
Sep 09, 2024•29 min
The Utah State Fairpark has fenced off a part of the Jordan River Trail in Salt Lake City, as the State Fair opens this week. Host Ali Vallarta and executive producer Emily Means dig into the closure and the tense response by SLC Council members. Plus, the Great Salt Lake gets a major donation, Halloween costume gems, and dinosaurs in concert. Resources and references: Could Utah Republicans Fix School Lunch Debt? [City Cast Salt Lake] Operation Jordan River? Sounds Familiar. [City Cast Salt Lak...
Sep 06, 2024•30 min
Even if you’re new to the state, you’ve probably noticed what one scholar calls “the defining feature of Utah cultural life” — the divide between members and non-members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Salt Lake Tribune religion reporter Tamarra Kemsley talks to host Ali Vallarta about how the divide creates riffs in Salt Lake neighborhoods. Check out Tamarra’s series on the LDS/non-LDS divide. Consider becoming a founding member of City Cast Salt Lake today! It’s the best wa...
Sep 05, 2024•28 min
Salt Lake City has big plans for getting Japantown back, but what about Greek Town? Executive producer Emily Means and host Ali Vallarta dive into the drama and opportunities around a proposal to redevelop the area. Plus, here’s how much your energy bill could go up, and local tips for ghost town explorers and moviegoers. Resources and references: As SLC looks to revitalize Japantown, the question arises: What about Greek Town? [Salt Lake Tribune] How We Get Japantown Back [City Cast Salt Lake] ...
Sep 04, 2024•31 min
If you're new here, welcome! We’ve put together a starter pack for you, with episodes and articles to welcome you to the City Cast Salt Lake community. September marks Salt Lake’s first taste of fall, and we’re diving right in. Host Ali Vallarta, executive producer Emily Means, and producer Ivana Martinez bring you a guide to making the most of the month, from maximizing your time outdoors, to trying a new wine bar, and dancing at the symphony. Plus, if you head to one of the Bees’ final basebal...
Sep 03, 2024•27 min
The temps are cooling down, but city leaders are getting heated about plans to house unsheltered Utahns this winter. Executive producer Emily Means and host Ali Vallarta break down what’s on (and who is at) the table. Plus, more e-bike credits on the way, fermenting at the farmers market, and Salt Lake events struggle with revenue. Resources and references: As winter looms and homeless shelter capacity strains, Utah leaders ask: Will we be ready? [Utah News Dispatch] South Salt Lake officials ex...
Aug 30, 2024•33 min
College football kicks off this weekend, with the Utah Utes’ home opener on Thursday. Whether you’re a superfan or a casual observer, you may be wondering: Where the heck can I have the most fun watching sports in this city? Salt Lake Tribune sports reporter Andy Larsen and host Ali Vallarta name the best sports bars and restaurants, speculate on what’s missing from the scene, and share stadium recs — so you, too, can enjoy all Sports Lake City has to offer. Consider becoming a founding member o...
Aug 29, 2024•26 min
It’s no secret that Utah Republican leaders take issue with the federal government’s ownership of nearly 70% of land in our state. Now, they’re making it the U.S. Supreme Court’s problem, with a lawsuit to gain control of “unappropriated” public lands. Kate Groetzinger, communications manager for the Center for Western Priorities, joins host Ali Vallarta to give important context for the case and debunk one folksy ad about camping. Watch Utah’s “Stand for our Land” ad. Consider becoming a foundi...
Aug 28, 2024•27 min
Will the Salt Lake City Council and Intermountain Health finally reach a deal on the Sears Lake hospital? Host Ali Vallarta and executive producer Emily Means discuss what Salt Lakers could lose and gain from the proposal. Plus, Utah students are falling behind, Westside pickleball, and a City Hall legend is retiring. Resources and references: City Council nears vote on upzone of Sears Block for IHC [Building Salt Lake] Four years in, Utah students still fall short of pre-pandemic proficiency ra...
Aug 27, 2024•31 min
The Sundance Institute finally released a shortlist of cities that could host the Sundance Film Festival beginning in 2027. News of the fest taking bids to leave Utah caused a stir — but has the writing been on the wall for years? Host and former Sundance staffer Ali Vallarta talks producer Ivana Martinez through the institution’s existential threats and opportunities. And, whether Salt Lake City could convince the festival to stick around. This episode originally aired on May 8, 2024. Consider ...
Aug 26, 2024•27 min
The Utah Legislature used their emergency powers this week to put a constitutional amendment on our ballots. KSL TV reporter Lindsay Aerts joins host Ali Vallarta and executive producer Emily Means to break down what exactly we’ll be voting on in November and why. Plus, the Real Housewives of SLC are back, CatVideoFest, and a Parrot Head reunion. Resources and references: Watch the RHOSLC season five trailer. Get tickets to CatVideoFest at The Broadway. Get tickets to the Jimmy Buffett memorial ...
Aug 23, 2024•37 min
The Salt Lake Bees are in the home stretch at the Smith’s Ballpark; their final scheduled game before moving to Daybreak is on Sept. 22. And yet, we still don’t know what will fill the hole the team leaves behind. Erika Carlsen, co-chair of the Ballpark Action Team, tells host Ali Vallarta what the community wants from city leaders as the future of the neighborhood hangs in limbo. Resources and references: What's NEXT for Smith's Ballpark? Our Favorite Proposals. [City Cast Salt Lake] Request fr...
Aug 22, 2024•23 min
The developer C.W. Urban just presented plans for a 16-story condominium in downtown SLC. Why are apartments you can own such a victory in Utah? Dejan Eskic, senior research fellow at the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute, joins host Ali Vallarta to explain the past and present barriers to building condos here and where they fit in our affordable housing crisis. This episode originally aired on April 8, 2024. Consider becoming a founding member of City Cast Salt Lake today! It’s the best way to su...
Aug 21, 2024•26 min
The Utah Legislature might call themselves into special session to push back on recent losses handed down by the Supreme Court. Host Ali Vallarta and executive producer Emily Means discuss the odds that lawmakers will put another constitutional amendment on our ballots. Plus, the state’s earthquake commission gets canned, treasure hunting in KRCL’s record collection, and apply to be an SLC planning commissioner. Resources and references: Vote for City Cast Salt Lake in Best of Utah Will Legislat...
Aug 20, 2024•33 min
As Salt Lake kids head back to school this week, we can’t get this number out of our heads: Utah students owe nearly $3 million in school lunch debt. But one Republican legislator from Provo is making it his problem. Host Ali Vallarta asks Rep. Tyler Clancy for his solutions and how he plans to sell his conservative colleagues on them. Resources and references: Constitutional amendment on November ballot could lead to removal of Utah food sales tax [KSL TV] Consider becoming a founding member of...
Aug 19, 2024•23 min
Salt Lakers will vote on more than $1 billion in bonds this November. Executive producer Emily Means and host Ali Vallarta break down what that money buys us and how it’d impact our wallets. Plus, one insane campaign ad, SLC baby Olympics, and “Life After Deadpool.” Resources and references: A First Look at Salt Lake County’s Homelessness Plan [City Cast Salt Lake] Utah’s oldest public high school urgently needs upgrades — and could see a complete rebuild [Salt Lake Tribune] The Case for (and Ag...
Aug 16, 2024•32 min
Abravanel Hall is staring down either a remodel or a complete rebuild as it’s wrangled into the new downtown sports and entertainment district. But if it ain’t broke, why fix it? David Porter, violinist and spokesperson for the Musicians of the Utah Symphony, joins host Ali Vallarta to discuss why the math isn’t adding up and what the future holds for the symphony if they lose their home. Resources and references: Abravanel Hell, Another Mysterious Fire, and Midtowners Unite [City Cast Salt Lake...
Aug 15, 2024•27 min
The proximity of Salt Lake’s mountain inspires awe on the daily. But what if that feeling is making us smarter, more generous people? Dr. Megan Call, assistant clinical professor in psychiatry at the University of Utah, joins host Ali Vallarta to share the psychological and physical impacts of being in awe and how it’s changing lives on the Wasatch Front. Consider becoming a founding member of City Cast Salt Lake today! It’s the best way to support our work and help make sure we’re around for ye...
Aug 14, 2024•22 min
The Utah Supreme Court’s latest ruling on sexual assault and medical malpractice hints at a continued vibe shift among the justices. Host Ali Vallarta and executive producer Emily Means consider the impacts for the 94 women who brought the case and the public going forward. Plus, last chance (for now) to weigh in on SLC’s downtown sports district, props to Provo’s cheap airport, and Jazz fans place their hope in one Finnish ogre. Resources and references: Vote for City Cast Salt Lake in the best...
Aug 13, 2024•31 min
Last Thursday, just after midnight, the state of Utah executed Taberon Honie by lethal injection. It was the state’s first execution in 14 years, and Salt Lake Tribune reporter Jessica Miller witnessed it. She joins host Ali Vallarta to reflect on this “monumental moment,” explain what led to it, and consider what’s next for the death penalty in Utah. Read Jessica Miller’s reporting on the Honie execution. Consider becoming a founding member of City Cast Salt Lake today! It’s the best way to sup...
Aug 12, 2024•20 min
The Rio Grande Plan to bury rail lines in Salt Lake City finds surprising support in the Salt Lake County Council. Executive producer Emily Means joins host Ali Vallarta to discuss what it would take to make this dream a reality. Plus, University of Utah students are back to school with nowhere to sleep, bug recipes, and where to watch 40 meteors an hour this weekend. Resources and references: A grassroots plan to radically change train lines through SLC just got a key endorsement [Salt Lake Tri...
Aug 09, 2024•29 min
The Salt Lake City Council approved a 26% raise for themselves and the mayor just a couple months ago. Now, Council Member Darin Mano tells us he and his colleagues will consider giving themselves an even bigger salary. Host Ali Vallarta presses Mano on what residents get out of it and whether the council should be a full-time job. Consider becoming a founding member of City Cast Salt Lake today! It’s the best way to support our work and help make sure we’re around for years to come. Get all the...
Aug 08, 2024•20 min
The Salt Lake City Council has $58 million to spend on some big community improvement projects. Host Ali Vallarta and executive producer Emily Means sort through their favorites and share how you can weigh in. Plus, Utah prepares for an execution, 13 books banned in public schools, and local shoutouts. Resources and references: Utah Gov. Cox says he won’t delay Taberon Honie’s execution [Salt Lake Tribune] 13 books officially banned from Utah public schools [Fox 13] Share your feedback on FY25 C...
Aug 07, 2024•29 min
Many Utahns are known for their faith, but should they also be known for being Disney adults? Jodi Eichler-Levine, religion and culture professor at Lehigh University, joins host Ali Vallarta to analyze why Utahns relate so strongly to the Walt Disney experience and how it became its own sort of religion. Consider becoming a founding member of City Cast Salt Lake today! It’s the best way to support our work and help make sure we’re around for years to come. Get all the details and sign up at mem...
Aug 06, 2024•27 min
People are starting to move into the Astra Tower this month, the luxury apartment building that’s the newest addition to the Salt Lake skyline. But aside from being the tallest building in the state, what does it mean for regular people? Host Ali Vallarta spoke with local realtor Mitch Finlinson last fall about how the Astra is already changing Salt Lake City’s downtown — for better or for worse. This episode originally aired Oct. 16, 2023. Consider becoming a founding member of City Cast Salt L...
Aug 05, 2024•24 min
The Utah Supreme Court just ruled that abortion remains legal in Utah. What will be the legislature’s next move? Executive producer Emily Means joins host Ali Vallarta to lay out possibilities and explain why this decision is hitting national news. Plus, the state explores new rules for heat emergencies, SLC adds direct flights, and the Pope’s table throws in the towel. Resources and references: State leaders to discuss ‘code red’ law possibility for extreme heat [KSL] The Future of SLC Airport,...
Aug 02, 2024•29 min
Salt Lake City is full of big dreams, from sports stadiums to citywide bike trails to building a new regional park. But what inspiration can we take from our neighbors? In honor of 801 Day — celebrating Utah’s original area code — Millcreek Mayor Jeff Silvestrini joins host Ali Vallarta to share three game-changing ideas for his town that other cities in the 801 should steal. Get a $5 ticket to 801 Day on Thursday, Aug. 1 from 7-9 p.m. at Second Summit Cider in Millcreek. Consider becoming a fou...
Aug 01, 2024•27 min
