The Major League Baseball development on SLC’s Westside just passed its first hurdle, but what are the odds the city actually gets a team? Executive producer Emily Means and Salt Lake Tribune reporter Andy Larsen talk about what’s in store for the new district. Plus, a quarter of legislative House races have already been decided, a classic burger joint, and Ally the Airport Allosaurus. Resources and references: Utah Legislature elections: 1 in 4 House races have already been decided [Utah News D...
Oct 25, 2024•35 min
South Salt Lake is trying to create a vibrant downtown, but at this point, you might just know it for its drive-thrus. Host Ali Vallarta asks South Salt Lake Mayor Cherie Wood about how the city is growing up and what ideas she has worth stealing. Listen to our previous conversations with Millcreek Mayor Jeff Silvestrini and Riverton Mayor Trent Staggs about their big ideas. Become a 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...
Oct 24, 2024•24 min
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, when our famously mild-mannered and street-swept suburbs absolutely rock out for Halloween. Twelve-foot-tall skeletons grace Sugar House neighborhoods, Daybreak is a haunting wonderland, and Utahns are hyped for scary season. Deseret News features writer Meg Walter joins host Ali Vallarta to explain why Utah goes so hard for Halloween. This episode originally aired Oct. 26, 2023. Become a member of City Cast Salt Lake today! It’s the best way to support ...
Oct 23, 2024•24 min
The Salt Lake City Council tries to explain their vote to increase our sales tax in support of the new downtown sports district, but did they convince anyone? Executive producer Emily Means and producer Ivana Martinez analyze their defense and ask if they’re rewriting history. Plus, we answer your ballot questions, an Election Day movie deal, and Real Salt Lake tailgating. Resources and references: Salt Lake City Council: We didn’t just make a deal for a sports arena, we invested in lasting publ...
Oct 22, 2024•28 min
The Jordan River Trail has a bad reputation in Salt Lake City, but in the suburbs it’s an oasis for recreation. Salt Lake Tribune Westside reporter Jose Davila IV joins executive producer Emily Means to talk about how the river serves as a refuge for residents and what it would take to align SLC’s experience with the rest of Salt Lake County. Read the second story in Jose’s reporting series, and listen to our previous episode on the current state of the trail in Salt Lake City. Photo: Francisco ...
Oct 21, 2024•24 min
It’s official: I-15 from Farmington to SLC is getting bigger. Executive producer Emily Means and KUER assistant news director Caroline Ballard break down the plan and its impacts to residents. Plus, ballots hit mailboxes this week, election pub trivia, and an outstanding restroom experience in SLC. Resources and references: Check out voter information breakdown and election coverage Audit finds errors with nomination signatures but candidates still qualify [KUER] KUER Connects: 2024 Ballot Trivi...
Oct 18, 2024•29 min
Back by popular demand, City Cast CEO David Plotz sits down with hosts from across the country to talk about what stories they're watching in their hometowns that are likely to impact yours too. Hear from Salt Lake's own Ali Vallarta along with hosts from our daily local shows in Austin, Boise, Chicago, D.C., and Pittsburgh. City Cast is now in 13 cities across the country! Joining our member community is the best way to support what we do. Get all the details and sign up here. Looking to advert...
Oct 17, 2024•42 min
Salt Lake voters have a stacked ballot this year, but two races representing 1.2 million people have our attention. Host Ali Vallarta and executive producer Emily Means break down our interviews with the Salt Lake County mayoral candidates and at-large council contenders, and share the moments that made us go, “huh?” Find all of our candidate interviews — with transcripts! — on our elections page. Become a member of City Cast Salt Lake today! It’s the best way to support our work and help make s...
Oct 16, 2024•37 min
The section of the Jordan River Trail in Salt Lake City is more of a liability than an asset these days, especially for Westside residents. Salt Lake Tribune reporter Jose Davila IV tells host Ali Vallarta how we got here and what solutions are on the table. This is the first installment in a three-part series on the Jordan River, a partnership between City Cast Salt Lake and the Salt Lake Tribune. Read the first story in Jose’s reporting series. Become a member of City Cast Salt Lake today! It’...
Oct 15, 2024•27 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. Another thing on your ballot is void! Host Ali Vallarta and executive producer Emily Means break down Amendment A’s journey to the trash. Plus, a 1,200-bed homeless campus, new roundabout at the capitol, and potential “blanket war.” Resources and references: Amendment A voided by court so votes on it won't count [Fox 13] Utah bucks homeless resou...
Oct 11, 2024•33 min
The race is on for an open seat on the Salt Lake County Council! Host Ali Vallarta asks Democratic candidate Natalie Pinkney about her plans for homelessness, affordable housing, and criminal justice. Listen to our interview with Natalie’s opponent, Republican candidate Rachelle Morris. Scroll down to read the transcript of our interview with Natalie Pinkney. Learn more about Salt Lake County’s new homelessness plan. Become a member of City Cast Salt Lake today! It’s the best way to support our ...
Oct 10, 2024•24 min
The race is on for an open, at-large seat on the Salt Lake County Council! Host Ali Vallarta asks Republican candidate Rachelle Morris how she would approach this big role in homelessness, affordable housing, and criminal justice. Tomorrow, you’ll hear from her opponent, Democratic candidate Natalie Pinkney. Scroll down to read the transcript of our interview with Rachelle Morris. Learn more about Salt Lake County’s new homelessness plan. Become a member of City Cast Salt Lake today! It’s the be...
Oct 09, 2024•38 min
Salt Lake City businesses, houses, and landmarks are all over some of your favorite movies and TV shows. Utah Film Commission director Virginia Pearce helps host Ali Vallarta plan an impressive tour de famous scenes, from “Midsommar” to “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” and a shortlist of essential watches for any SLC resident. Resources and references: Utah Film Locations Map Get To Know Salt Lake's Scary Movie Locations [Hey Salt Lake] Become a member of City Cast Salt Lake today! It’s the bes...
Oct 08, 2024•31 min
The Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute is preparing an updated report on the state of short term rentals (Airbnb, VRBO) in Utah. In particular, where they are washing out housing opportunities for locals. Senior research fellow Dejan Eskic tells host Ali Vallarta how to make sense of this data, and whether you’ll be able to list your house when SLC hosts the 2034 Winter Olympics. Resources and references: “We Need Designers to Fight Utah’s Housing Crisis” at Fisher Brewing, Thursday, Oct. 10 at 6:3...
Oct 07, 2024•21 min
The Salt Lake City Council has ok’d a 0.5% sales tax increase and given Intermountain Healthcare the go-ahead to build a new hospital on State Street. Salt Lake Tribune columnist Robert Gehrke and host Ali Vallarta break down this week’s biggest Salt Lake news, simplify the four tricky amendments on your ballot, and share picks of the week. Resources and references: SLC clears the way for a new hospital, taller buildings at the old Sears site — with strings attached [Salt Lake Tribune] What Cons...
Oct 04, 2024•42 min
Fall leaves are hitting the ground throughout the valley and we are asking you to step away from the rake. Wasatch Community Gardens farm director James Loomis tells host Ali Vallarta why we should work smarter not harder, for the ecosystem's sake. This episode originally aired on October 27, 2022. Resources and references: Adopt a Storm Drain Become a 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...
Oct 03, 2024•18 min
Salt Lake City is officially a hockey town! How will it change the city’s culture? COMMONS podcast host and journalist Arshy Mann joins host Ali Vallarta to break down what opportunities and baggage the NHL is bringing to town — like bare knuckle boxing on ice. Resources and references: Listen to COMMONS: Hockey from Canadaland. 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 de...
Oct 02, 2024•30 min
Who are “wandering cops?” Officers fired or investigated for misconduct who hop to a new department instead of leaving the police force. A new database is tracking police employment history in Utah, and journalist Sam Stecklow tells host Ali Vallarta how it might offer a solution to this problem. Resources and references: The National Police Index is now available for 17 states, including Utah. New data tool allows journalists and the public to track ‘wandering cops’ in Utah [Utah Investigative ...
Oct 01, 2024•24 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. It’s October in Salt Lake City and we’ve got big ideas for how to spend it, whether you want to indulge Halloween terror or stargaze through expensive telescopes for free! Hey Salt Lake newsletter editor and producer Ivana Martinez join host Ali Vallarta to brainstorm a thrifty and unique guide to the month, from food showdowns to local thrills a...
Sep 30, 2024•30 min
A suspicious text survey about Smith Entertainment Group’s proposal for a sports, entertainment, culture, and convention district in downtown SLC is raising flags — red ones! Former Salt Lake County councilmember Shireen Ghorbani joins host Ali Vallarta to break down why Salt Lakers are mad about the questions. Plus, Amendment D is DOA, local restaurant closures and openings, and a must-see drag show. Resources and references: Utah Supreme Court puts end to Amendment D, ruling votes will not be ...
Sep 27, 2024•35 min
The leaves are changing and the race is on to catch them during this short fall window. Ashley Brown, author of Urban Trails: Salt Lake City, tells host Ali Vallarta where to catch brilliant foliage on an easy walk or more challenging hike, whether you’re bringing your dog, the kids, or just need a scenic lunch- break lap. Become a 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 membe...
Sep 26, 2024•27 min
Taxes are supposed to be unpopular, but Salt Lake County voters keep re-upping the Zoo Arts, and Parks aka ZAP tax with more than 75% of the vote. Host Ali Vallarta asks Salt Lake County’s Arts and Culture Division director Matt Castillo why this particular tax is so … popular and how it impacts residents' lives. Resources and references: Learn more about joining one of the ZAP advisory boards Consider becoming a founding member of City Cast Salt Lake today! It’s the best way to support our work...
Sep 25, 2024•18 min
Fed up with Democrats and Republicans, 13 Independent candidates are running for office in Utah this year. Could they unseat veteran legislators? Former Salt Lake County Councilmember Shireen Ghorbani joins host Ali Vallarta to break down the odds. Plus, the University of Utah released its 2023 on-campus crime data, a career-change opportunity for women, and pre-Election Day must do’s. Resources and references: Fed up with GOP and Dems, more independents are running in Utah, and they now see a p...
Sep 24, 2024•32 min
Utah’s “Mighty Five” national parks are so overcrowded, Gov. Spencer Cox is asking the federal government for help. Host Ali Vallarta tells executive producer Emily Means her tips and tricks for fall getaways in the shadow of Utah’s national parks — same magnificence, fewer tourist traps. 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....
Sep 23, 2024•25 min
The Redwood Drive-In Theater & Swap Meet’s fate has been decided. Host Ali Vallarta and executive producer Emily Means analyze what went right and what went wrong in the process. Plus, armed guards in public schools, $$ for vaccinations, and Salt Lake County mayoral candidates on the record. Resources and references: What’s on the Table With SLC’s Downtown Sports District? [Hey Salt Lake] West Valley City Council votes on controversial rezoning of Redwood Drive-In Theatre & Swap Meet [Fo...
Sep 20, 2024•35 min
The Salt Lake County mayor represents a third of Utah’s population, and the race is on your ballot this fall! Host Ali Vallarta talked to Republican candidate Erin Rider about the $507 million public safety bond, homelessness, and public transit. Listen to our conversation with Democratic candidate and incumbent Salt Lake County mayor Jenny Wilson. Learn more about Salt Lake County’s new homelessness plan. Consider becoming a founding member of City Cast Salt Lake today! It’s the best way to sup...
Sep 19, 2024•35 min
The race is on for Salt Lake County mayor! Even though they represent a third of Utah’s population, we’d bet you don’t think about how the job impacts your life. Host Ali Vallarta talked to Democratic candidate and incumbent mayor Jenny Wilson about her approach to homelessness, affordable housing, and Abravanel Hall. Tomorrow, you’ll hear from her opponent, Republican candidate Erin Rider. Learn more about Salt Lake County’s new homelessness plan. Consider becoming a founding member of City Cas...
Sep 18, 2024•40 min
The Salt Lake City Council will hear some big proposals this week, from new gas station standards to funding the future of Fleet Block. Host Ali Vallarta and executive producer Emily Means break down the news and how residents can get involved. Plus, what’s in store for Sunnyside Park. Resources and references: Can the Kum & Go in Sugar House Be Stopped? [City Cast Salt Lake] Take the Sunnyside Park survey. Consider becoming a founding member of City Cast Salt Lake today! It’s the best way t...
Sep 17, 2024•37 min
Mormon Mania is hitting fall TV; the hottest new release is “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” highlighting the soft-swinging Utah moms of TikTok. But are these women telling Mormon stories or generating Mormon intrigue? City Cast Boise host Lindsay Van Allen joins host Ali Vallarta to give perspective as a former member of the faith and figure out what locals can make of all this. Check out our show on How LDS Suspicion Carves Our Neighborhoods Consider becoming a founding member of City Cast ...
Sep 16, 2024•28 min
A judge rules votes for and against Amendment D won’t count, but it’ll still appear on your November ballot. Host Ali Vallarta and executive producer Emily Means make sense of the chaos and dig into the potential consequences for the courts. Plus, takeaways from the governor debate, a scenic photo contest, and canoeing down the Jordan River. Find all our 2024 local election coverage in one place. Resources and references in this episode: Judge rules Amendment D is 'void' but will remain on the b...
Sep 13, 2024•36 min
