Lawmaking in Utah is a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it situation. Now that the Legislature’s 2025 general session is over, Fox 13 reporter Ben Winslow joins host Ali Vallarta for part two of a two-part recap to explain what lawmakers did about liquor, air quality, and daylight saving time. Listen to part one on voting, deportation and sex-ed. Become a member of City Cast Salt Lake today! It’s the best way to support our work and help make sure we are around for years to come. Get all the details and si...
Mar 12, 2025•32 min
The 2025 legislative session is finally over! Senators and representatives from around Utah have spent the past 45 days filling the state Capitol with good and bad ideas. Fox 13 reporter Ben Winslow joins host Ali Vallarta for part one of a two-part recap, explaining what lawmakers did about deportation, voting, and school lunches. Become a member of City Cast Salt Lake today! It’s the best way to support our work and help make sure we are around for years to come. Get all the details and sign u...
Mar 11, 2025•29 min
Utah is gaining national notoriety for our beauty standard. You know it, you can picture it, because it’s literally on our billboards. Ex-Mormon author and content creator Alyssa Grenfell joins host Ali Vallarta to give her theories on its origins and what it would take to change the culture around beauty. Related listening: Utahns' Quiet Obsession With Med Spas [City Cast 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 are aro...
Mar 10, 2025•23 min
Utah unions are gearing up for a fight against a new controversial law. Host Ali Vallarta and executive producer Emily Means discuss the details and how you can get involved — if you want. Plus, a plan for the old Sizzler at Sugarhouse Park, daylight saving weekend, and a mystery $14 million donation. Resources and references: SLC's New Police Chief, 7th Best Capital City, New Central City Restaurant [City Cast Salt Lake] Boutique hotel, rooftop bar and restaurant in the works at old Sugar House...
Mar 07, 2025•33 min
Harrowing footage of commercial planes nearly colliding or landing belly up have made flying even more anxiety-inducing. Director of airport operations Treber Andersen, tells host Ali Vallarta about SLC International’s emergency plan and the Swiss cheese analogy of safety. Related listening: What would it take to make SLC International a world-class airport? Become a member of City Cast Salt Lake today! It’s the best way to support our work and help make sure we are around for years to come. Get...
Mar 06, 2025•22 min
April and May are the best months to visit Utah’s five national parks, but the firing crisis might get in the way of a good time. Host Ali Vallarta and outdoor enthusiast Shireen Ghorbani create lookalike itineraries for each of the Mighty Five, promising a stress-free time with similar views. Become a member of City Cast Salt Lake today! It’s the best way to support our work and help make sure we are around for years to come. Get all the details and sign up at membership.citycast.fm. Subscribe ...
Mar 05, 2025•28 min
How many Utahns believe in God these days? Host Ali Vallarta and executive producer Emily Means find religious showdowns in the SLC skyline. Plus, thrilling game wins, new liquor laws, and farewell fluoride? Resources and references: Fluoride will be banned from Utah’s water supplies — but only if Cox signs this bill [Salt Lake Tribune] Survey shows Utah’s religious landscape is slightly different than you might guess [Deseret News] City Creek: A Mall With a Vision [City Cast Salt Lake] Become a...
Mar 04, 2025•35 min
Whether you think it’s winter or spring (controversial), March will keep you busy in Salt Lake City! Host Ali Vallarta, newsletter editor Terina Ria, and producer Ivana Martinez bring you a guide to making the most of it, from discounted spa treatments to mini dog racing and spotting bison. And if you’re excited about Antelope Island, you’ll love our journey to every park in Salt Lake County. If you're new here, welcome! We’ve put together a starter pack for you, with episodes and articles to we...
Mar 03, 2025•31 min
Billboard queen Julia Reagan is making headlines again, as her husband seeks to avenge her death through a new lawsuit. Host Ali Vallarta and executive producer Emily Means discuss the details and consider the impacts of Utah’s nursing shortage. Plus, cold plunge coffee coming to Central City, a Jazzy take on a Utah classic, and unplugging your phone. Resources and references: Julia Reagan, late matriarch of Utah billboard company, died due to hospital negligence, lawsuit alleges [Salt Lake Trib...
Feb 28, 2025•32 min
Long lines already plague Utah’s national parks. Pile on the Trump administration’s cuts to park staff and funding, and you’ve got a recipe for a chaotic busy season. So, what’s the solution? Host Ali Vallarta asks Rep. Steve Eliason, R-Sandy, about his big idea for Utah to co-manage the Mighty Five. Related listening: Learn about Utah’s push to manage other federal lands. Become a member of City Cast Salt Lake today! It’s the best way to support our work and help make sure we are around for yea...
Feb 27, 2025•23 min
Salt Lake City is hyped on the Utah Hockey Club’s inaugural season, with sold-out games and jerseys flying off the shelves. So now that Salt Lake 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." This episode first aired Oct. 2, 2024. Resources and references Listen to COMMONS: Hockey from Canadaland...
Feb 26, 2025•30 min
State lawmakers are scheming again, and this time they’re targeting SLC streets. Host Ali Vallarta and Emily Means discuss a bill that puts bike lanes and pedestrian promenades in jeopardy. Plus, Fashion Place Mall gets trendier, a great bill, and the Holy War this weekend. Related listening: Find out how state lawmakers want to police Salt Lake City. Become a member of City Cast Salt Lake today! It’s the best way to support our work and help make sure we are around for years to come. Get all th...
Feb 25, 2025•36 min
We gave SugarHouse Pub a hard time when they were shut down for serving minors at their bar. But now, we’re hearing there’s more to the story. Utah liquor lawyer Tanner Lenart joins host Ali Vallarta to talk about how fake IDs have gotten so good and what happens if you get caught with one. Background listening: What you need to know about what happened at Sugarhouse Pub. Become a member of City Cast Salt Lake today! It’s the best way to support our work and help make sure we are around for year...
Feb 24, 2025•18 min
What does SLC Mayor Mendenhall’s pick for police chief say about her vision for policing? Host Ali Vallarta and executive producer Emily Means discuss. Plus, an opportunity for parks lovers, and is Salt Lake really the 7th best capital city? Background: Last week, SLCPD Chief Mike Brown announced he was stepping down. Become a member of City Cast Salt Lake today! It’s the best way to support our work and help make sure we are around for years to come. Get all the details and sign up at membershi...
Feb 21, 2025•30 min
Salt Lake City has more households with dogs than children. We don't want to imagine life without our furry friends, but do you know what to do if your dog dies? Wendy Sorensen of Forever Loved Pets joins host Ali Vallarta to answer frequently asked questions about the next steps and how to prepare to say goodbye. Become a member of City Cast Salt Lake today! It’s the best way to support our work and help make sure we are around for years to come. Get all the details and sign up at membership.ci...
Feb 20, 2025•21 min
Two huge union stories have dominated local news this year. Whether you picketed with the PC ski patrollers or protested Utah’s anti-union bill, the energy around organized labor is palpable. But it hasn’t always been that way. University of Utah labor historian Matt Basso joins host Ali Vallarta to explain the ebb and flow of union popularity through the years and what he thinks the future holds for workplaces. Required listening: Hear what an SLC firefighter has to say about the union bill. Be...
Feb 19, 2025•20 min
The cost of living has gone up, and boy, have our wallets felt it. But in a world where tipping is a standard practice, how much should we be adding to the tab? Alexi Fisher, owner of the Hammered Copper bar service and Cocktail Collective, joins host Ali Vallarta to guide us through the do’s and don’ts of tipping and explain what it would take to get rid of it completely. Become a member of City Cast Salt Lake today! It’s the best way to support our work and help make sure we are around for yea...
Feb 18, 2025•23 min
Big cop news in Salt Lake City this week: Police Chief Mike Brown is stepping down, and the Legislature wants to send in state police to tackle crime and homelessness. Host Ali Vallarta and executive producer Emily Means connect the dots and question why the state is so obsessed with the city. Plus, the X-Games are coming to town, viral FrontRunner video, and luxury rents in Sugar House. Resources and references: Bill would force SLC to partner with state to police camping, drugs — or else risk ...
Feb 14, 2025•39 min
If you’ve ever been single in this town, you’ve likely had some memorable Small Lake City dating experiences. So, this Valentine’s Day we honor our Salt Lake neighbors who have put themselves out there by accidentally dating their friend’s therapist or a literal clown. Doug Fabrizio, host of KUER’s RadioWest, joins host Ali Vallarta for a dramatic reading of your best dating stories. Want even more awkward dating stories? Listen to this episode from Valentine’s Day 2023. Become a member of City ...
Feb 13, 2025•28 min
It’s another year of good eating in Salt Lake City, and our food scene is only getting bigger and better, baby! Stuart Melling of Gastronomic SLC joins host Ali Vallarta to dish about hot new restaurants and food trends we should expect. 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 al...
Feb 12, 2025•23 min
Salt Lakers have been side-eyeing the Salt Lake School Board after closing four local elementary schools, and then asking for $730 million on our November ballots. But is there more to the story? SLC school board member Ashley Anderson joins host Ali Vallarta to explain why some education funding is being redirected for development projects. 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 a...
Feb 11, 2025•23 min
Despite opposition from, well, just about everyone, Utah lawmakers passed a bill that bans collective bargaining for public sector labor unions. Salt Lake City Fire Dept. union president Zach Jeppson tells host Ali Vallarta about its impacts and why he thinks the Legislature dug their heels in. 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 ...
Feb 10, 2025•21 min
A local ICE interaction is under scrutiny, and now local politicians are addressing the elephant in the room. Host Ali Vallarta and executive producer Emily Means break down highlights from Mayor Jenny Wilson’s State of the County address. Plus, Sugar House Pub’s tentative comeback, a business opportunity, and a good bill. Resources and references: Read Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson’s State of the County. Utah’s liquor commission decides the future of SugarHouse Pub [Salt Lake Tribune] Buy...
Feb 07, 2025•35 min
So, you’re thinking about signing up for the Salt Lake City Marathon. Or maybe just the half marathon. OK, maybe the 5K is all you’ve got in you. No problem! Seasoned runners Shireen Ghorbani and Bryant Heath join host and newbie runner Ali Vallarta to share great local routes, plus some tips and tricks for hitting the pavement. This episode originally aired Feb. 15, 2024. Sign up for the 2025 Salt Lake City Marathon. Become a member of City Cast Salt Lake today! It’s the best way to support our...
Feb 06, 2025•23 min
The only way to save the Great Salt Lake is by growing less alfalfa, according to a new report. But how helpful is that message in bringing farmers to the table? Stewardship Utah Great Salt Lake policy associate Chandler Rosenberg makes the case to host Ali Vallarta for why we should cool it on villainizing our most water-intensive crop. Resources and references: Opinion: Supporting the lake and the land [Desert News] Reducing alfalfa production essential to saving the Great Salt Lake, study fin...
Feb 05, 2025•22 min
Housing affordability is the talk of the town, but home prices could get more expensive if deportation efforts grow. Host Ali Vallarta and executive producer Emily Means discuss how state leaders' goals could be hindered by their own actions. Plus, warm temps in the valley, Point-In-Time Count takeaways, and a competitive game night. Resources and references: Will deportations affect the housing supply in Utah? [Deseret News] What To Expect Around Homelessness in 2025 [City Cast Salt Lake] Virtu...
Feb 04, 2025•36 min
Local reports of Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers — A.K.A. ICE — in Salt Lake are causing confusion and fear among community members. Aaron Welcher with the ACLU of Utah tells host Ali Vallarta what you should do if you see or are detained by ICE, and how their power differs from local police. Visit ACLU of Utah’s resource hub for more information about your rights and guidance for institutions. Become a member of City Cast Salt Lake today! It’s the best way to support our work and h...
Feb 03, 2025•29 min
Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall gave her State of the City address this week, and she said to expect more policing and a plan for the Ballpark. Host Ali Vallarta and executive producer Emily Means give the highlights and their analysis. Plus, living at Trolley Square, your lawmaker’s star sign, and breaking pizza news. Resources and references: SLC Mayor Erin Mendenhall's 2025 State of the City Address Hundreds of new homes may go up near historic Trolley Square [Salt Lake Tribune] We’re do...
Jan 31, 2025•35 min
February is a month for love, surviving the winter doldrums, and … bull riding? Host Ali Vallarta, executive producer Emily Means, 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 coffee shop DJs to unleashing your inner cowboy. Plus, listen to this episode to learn more about skijoring, Utah’s hottest sport. If you're new here, welcome! We’ve put together a starter pack for you, with episodes and articles to welcome ...
Jan 30, 2025•29 min
Senate President Stuart Adams said Utah needs to be “the nation’s nuclear hub.” Host Ali Vallarta asks Dr. Danielle Endres, director of the environmental humanities program at the University of Utah, what it would mean to have a nuclear power plant in our state. Learn about geothermal energy, another resource Utah is exploring. We’re doing a survey to learn more about our listeners. We’d be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey — it’s only seven minutes long. You’ll be doing us a...
Jan 29, 2025•25 min
