Holiday travel season is about to put Salt Lake City’s shiny new airport to the test. Going founder Scott Keyes joins host Ali Vallarta to share the best flight deals coming out of Salt Lake and his hacks for a smooth journey. Join the waitlist for the SLC Airport holiday open house on Saturday, Dec. 14 from 5-9 p.m. Related listening: The Future of SLC Airport, From B Gates to Korean Air [City Cast Salt Lake] Become a member of City Cast Salt Lake today! It’s the best way to support our work an...
Dec 09, 2024•27 min
What is Gov. Spencer Cox prioritizing in his new budget proposal? Executive producer Emily Means and host Ali Vallarta make sense of the highlights. Plus, time is ticking for Salt Lake City to approve the Major League Baseball stadium deal, Festival of Trees transit options, and glowing reviews for local businesses. Resources and references: SLC negotiates with Fairpark District to avoid unintended city-wide tax increases [Utah News Dispatch] Gov. Cox’s FY26 Budget Recommendations Download the T...
Dec 06, 2024•37 min
After the election you might be wondering, “What’s up with Utah’s gerrymandering lawsuit?” Good question, and we’ve got answers. Salt Lake Tribune news columnist Robert Gehrke joins host Ali Vallarta to catch us up on the case and preview what lawmakers might do to ballot initiatives during the upcoming general session. By focusing on the stories and issues shaping our neighborhoods, City Cast Salt Lake bridges gaps and connects the dots in Salt Lake. Become a member to support local journalism ...
Dec 05, 2024•24 min
In the 2024 election Salt Lakers overwhelmingly voted against Trump. But his policies will land at our doorsteps. Ivan Luevanos-Elms, executive director of Local Progress, joins host Ali Vallarta to explain how local governments can step in to protect immigrants, reproductive health, and LGBTQ+ rights. Related listening: What Trump 2.0 Means in Utah [City Cast Salt Lake] By focusing on the stories and issues shaping our neighborhoods, City Cast Salt Lake bridges gaps and connects the dots in Sal...
Dec 04, 2024•27 min
Why is Utah spending so much of our money on PR? Executive producer Emily Means and host Ali Vallarta ask who is winning the public lands lawsuit? Plus, the Salt Lake County Council argues over staff cuts, cute clothes in Central City, and a new housing initiative. Resources and references: How much is Utah’s public lands lawsuit and PR campaign costing taxpayers? [Utah News Dispatch] Salt Lake County Council member says top aide — a high-ranking GOP official — was targeted by fellow council mem...
Dec 03, 2024•35 min
Our city gets merry and bright in December. Host Ali Vallarta, producer Ivana Martinez and Hey Salt Lake newsletter editor Terina Ria bring you a guide to what to expect and how to make the most of this month, from DIY Christmas trees to festive food and drink. Plus, if you missed Ali’s quest to drink at every bar in Salt Lake, listen to her takeaways. 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 comm...
Dec 02, 2024•34 min
One in three westerners are ready to live without Lake Powell, the gorgeous and glamorous boating destination on the Utah/Arizona border. Journalist and author Zak Podmore joins host Ali Vallarta to explore why this radical idea is gaining traction and what it could mean for life in the West. Buy Zak Podmore’s book, “Life After Dead Pool,” through local publisher Torrey House Press or from a local bookseller, like The King’s English. Become a member of City Cast Salt Lake today! It’s the best wa...
Nov 27, 2024•30 min
Why are people still obsessed with the Nutty Putty Cave accident 15 years later? Executive producer Emily Means and host Ali Vallarta revisit the story. Plus, ski-town drama, four holiday pop-up bars to check out, and a new downtown bike lane. Resources and references: 15 years after a man died in the Nutty Putty Cave, his family and rescuers still struggle to escape the darkness [Salt Lake Tribune] 6 Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving in Salt Lake [Hey Salt Lake] Miracle on First at Varley, Mirac...
Nov 26, 2024•34 min
Anxious about getting into a heated debate at Thanksgiving dinner? You can stop worrying! Host Ali Vallarta, executive producer Emily Means, and journalist Lindsay Aerts are bringing you local stories that are apolitical but still juicy — perfect for sharing with friends and family over turkey. Read our picks: Let there be lingerie: West Valley City must allow retailer to sell intimate apparel [Salt Lake Tribune] Black Bear removed from tree in SLC neighborhood near downtown [KSL TV] Utah cat wi...
Nov 25, 2024•32 min
The Great Salt Lake water has shrunk again. Will water get more expensive!? Executive producer Emily Means and host Ali Vallarta discuss the state’s next steps. Plus, the housing-to-food crisis, a hot new maestro, and your birthday party invite. Resources and references: Great Salt Lake drops back down to 2021 levels [FOX 13] Utah’s food banks still see high demand. Housing costs are a contributing factor [KUER] Donate to the Utah Food Bank. Volunteer with Meals on Wheels. Fill a Salt Lake commu...
Nov 22, 2024•34 min
Gov. Spencer Cox has asked Utahns to “Disagree Better” in an effort to cool down our politics. But what if conflict is actually the good stuff? Host Ali Vallarta asks Utah Valley University professor and conflict specialist Dr. Maria Blevins what the Governor’s campaign gets right and what it’s missing. Plus, tips for when Salt Lakers are feeling feisty — whether with a state legislator or a friend. This episode originally aired on April 22, 2024. Resources and references: Gov. Cox’s Disagree Be...
Nov 21, 2024•31 min
What worked well for local Democrats who pulled off slim victories in red Utah? Natalie Pinkney, incoming at-large Salt Lake County Council member, joins host Ali Vallarta to share lessons from her Democratic campaign and what she thinks voters really want. 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 membership.citycast.fm. Subscribe to Hey Salt Lake, our daily morning ne...
Nov 20, 2024•29 min
Attorney General Sean Reyes’ calendar was finally released, revealing how he’s spent his time these last five years. Host Ali Vallarta and executive producer Emily Means talk about what the documents reveal. Plus Midvale’s mayor affair and an out-of-the-box gift idea. Resources and references: Utah A.G. Sean Reyes fought to keep his calendar private. Here’s what it shows. [Salt Lake Tribune] Wife cites ‘substantial evidence’ of former Utah mayor’s alleged affair [Salt Lake Tribune] Continuing ed...
Nov 19, 2024•35 min
Salt Lake City is on the verge of some enormous construction projects: a downtown sports and entertainment district, a new hospital, and a potential MLB stadium. But why haven’t unions been at the table for these city-negotiated projects? Brandon Dew, president of the Central Utah Federation of Labor, joins host Ali Vallarta to break down how labor organizing could affect local development and benefit the broader community. Become a member of City Cast Salt Lake today! It’s the best way to suppo...
Nov 18, 2024•21 min
KSL laid off reporters and other staff this week. Host Ali Vallarta and executive producer Emily Means talk about what we know so far and what to make of this moment. Plus, Mayor Erin Mendenhall really doesn’t like the Utah Transit Authority’s downtown hub design, Crumbl cereal in stores, and local recs for ice skating rinks. 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 me...
Nov 15, 2024•32 min
Utah’s massive earthquake, aka “the Big One,” could happen any day now, but the legislature dissolved the state’s earthquake preparedness commission earlier this year. Keith Koper, director of the seismological observatory at the University of Utah, joins host Ali Vallarta to discuss how prepared Salt Lake is and what could help mitigate the impacts. Resource and references: Apply to Salt Lake City’s Fix the Bricks program. How to Prepare for “The Big One” [Hey Salt Lake] Become a member of City...
Nov 14, 2024•24 min
What does another Trump term mean for a still-red Utah? Host Ali Vallarta asks Utah Policy editor Holly Richardson what to expect locally and statewide, from air quality to immigration and more. 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 membership.citycast.fm. Subscribe to Hey Salt Lake, our daily morning newsletter. You can also find us on Instagram @CityCastSLC. Looki...
Nov 13, 2024•30 min
Temps are dropping while residents just north of Salt Lake push back against a state-mandated warming shelter. Host Ali Vallarta and executive producer Emily Means discuss the latest drama in Davis County amid their effort to house unsheltered neighbors. Plus, the likelihood of a weekend train to Vegas, a fantasy-themed tavern, and songs of the SLC Airport. Resources and references: Fruit Heights church pulls offer to host homeless shelter on cold nights after backlash [KSL.com] What could anoth...
Nov 12, 2024•28 min
Ski season has officially begun, and with the trek to the mountains comes the dreaded “red snake” of canyon traffic. Salt Lake Tribune outdoors reporter Julie Jag tells host Ali Vallarta what transportation solutions we can expect and when, from the Little Cottonwood Canyon gondola to the ski bus. Sign up for the Cottonwood Canyons sticker program. 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 de...
Nov 11, 2024•21 min
Election results are still rolling in and we’ve got some good news. Executive producer Emily Means and host Ali Vallarta discuss wins in Salt Lake County and where the future of the Democratic party is headed. Plus, a Native-majority school board, a pizza pop up, and legislative surprises. 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 membership.citycast.fm. Subscribe to ou...
Nov 08, 2024•33 min
Election Day is over, and all eyes are now on the political power players who will shape our lives. Today, we’re looking at local “nepo babies” — shorthand for the children of famous or well-connected people who have benefited from nepotism — whose family business is politics. Host Ali Vallarta and executive producer Emily Means explore the family trees of four Salt Lake-area politicians and the parents or spouses who helped pave their way. This episode originally aired on Nov. 21, 2023. Become ...
Nov 07, 2024•31 min
Early election results are in. Salt Lake Tribune news columnist Robert Gehrke joins host Ali Vallarta to break down how Utahns voted, from the governor’s race to Salt Lake County candidates and big ballot questions. Plus, our biggest takeaways from this election cycle. Check out the most up-to-date election results. 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 membership.c...
Nov 06, 2024•30 min
It’s Election Day! Executive producer Emily Means and host Ali Vallarta have everything you need to know, from voting options to when to expect local results. Plus, the Utah Homelessness Services chair threatens SLC’s funding, local non-alcoholic spirits, and the candidates who wouldn’t go on the record. Wait till the last minute to vote? Check out our guide on everything you need to know. Become a member of City Cast Salt Lake today! It’s the best way to support our work and help make sure we’r...
Nov 05, 2024•32 min
For the first time in years, Republicans are having to court Latter-day Saints, trying to sell them on voting for former President Donald Trump. McKay Coppins, staff writer for The Atlantic, joins executive producer Emily Means to discuss if the Trump campaign’s tactics are working and whether LDS voters will turn Utah purple. Read McKay’s reporting, “The Comically Terrible Rollout of Latter-day Saints for Trump.” Become a member of City Cast Salt Lake today! It’s the best way to support our wor...
Nov 04, 2024•29 min
This week we’ll be sharing results from our local elections and discussing what they mean for Salt Lake. But we can’t help but wonder… what’s going on with our City Cast colleagues in swing states? As America white-knuckles its way into one of the closest presidential elections in modern history, City Cast CEO David Plotz sits down with the hosts of our shows in swing state cities: Madison, Philly, Pittsburgh, and Las Vegas. In this special episode, our crew of hosts gives you a locals’ look ins...
Nov 03, 2024•25 min
The election is next week, and the vibes in SLC are … intense. Host Ali Vallarta and executive producer Emily Means give a rundown of how local officials are securing your vote amid recent ballot box fires in other states. Plus, SLC’s Vision Zero progress, cuddling emo cows, and local sparkling sake. Check out our guide to November in Salt Lake. 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 detai...
Nov 01, 2024•38 min
More than half of Salt Lake City households rent, which means most of us are at the whim of our landlords. Scary! Ruedi Matthes, policy manager for SLC’s Community and Neighborhoods Department, joins executive producer Emily Means to talk about new resources to help tenants and how we’ll know if the city’s anti-displacement plan is working. What else should renters know? Listen to our show about SLC’s renters rights. Become a member of City Cast Salt Lake today! It’s the best way to support our ...
Oct 31, 2024•25 min
November is a great month to lean into comfort as we brace for winter. Host Ali Vallarta, producer Ivana Martinez, and Hey Salt Lake newsletter editor Terina Ria bring you a guide to what to expect and how to make the most of this month, from late-night hot pot to painting workshops. Plus, if you’re looking for more cozy food recs, don’t miss our episode on fall restaurants to eat at now. If you're new here, welcome! We’ve put together a starter pack for you, with episodes and articles to welcom...
Oct 30, 2024•26 min
Utah just launched a new task force to tackle the headline-grabbing fentanyl crisis. Mackenzie Bray, Salt Lake Harm Reduction Project executive director, joins executive producer Emily Means to set the record straight on common misconceptions and suggest other tools for curbing the problem. Be a good neighbor, and learn how to identify and reverse an overdose using naloxone. 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 29, 2024•29 min
What will it take for the Jordan River corridor to reach its potential in Salt Lake City and beyond? In the final installment of our partnership with the Salt Lake Tribune, Westside reporter Jose Davila IV joins executive producer Emily Means to talk about how new projects could shape the future of the Jordan River and those who use it. Read the final story in Jose’s reporting series, and listen to our previous episodes on the current state of the trail in Salt Lake City and why it’s different i...
Oct 28, 2024•30 min
