City Cast Salt Lake

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.  Tan France is Salt Lake's most famous neighbor! The "Queer Eye" star has lived in Utah for almost two decades, and like any good local, he has strong opinions on what he loves and loathes about his city. France joins host Ali Vallarta to dish on h...

Happy 801 Day, Salt Lake! Host Ali Vallarta, executive producer Emily Means, and Salt Lake Tribune reporter Andy Larsen count down their favorite things about our city. Plus, Heber residents push back against a new church, a cute new avalanche pup, and gourmet fast casual.  Resources and references: Residents to appeal Heber Valley temple decision to Utah Supreme Court [KPCW] Updated guidance on b...

August is hotter than Hades, but host Ali Vallarta, producer Ivana Martinez, and Hey Salt Lake editor Terina Ria made a very cool guide to the month in Salt Lake. From a Salt Lake icon’s goodbye party to what to eat and drink, and even some ideas to deepen your role in the community, we've got you covered. And, if you do go watch SLC librarians “turn the page,” get primed with our episode on the c...

Utah Republicans are hell-bent on taking control of our public lands. But nearly 100 years ago, federal management of those lands was actually a Utah idea! Host Ali Vallarta asks public lands historian Ben Kiser why the state's tune changed on the issue. Resources and references: Does Utah’s Public Lands Story Hold Up? [City Cast Salt Lake] What Utah Lands Are at Risk Under Mike Lee’s Newest Bill?...

A massive fire devastated a Millcreek neighborhood this weekend, displacing about 50 residents. Host Ali Vallarta and executive producer Emily Means discuss. Plus, Utah gets an "F" for quality of life, documenting Wasatch wildlife, and Bear Lake milkshakes.  Resources and references: 'It's a mass tragedy.' Several Millcreek residents to be permanently displaced after fire [FOX 13] Salt Lake City w...

Do you live in the 801 aka the Salt Lake Valley? Here’s what you need to know. Host Ali Vallarta and producer Ivana Martinez lay down the unofficial rules for thriving in Small Lake City.  This episode first aired May 8, 2023. Join us for 801 Day at the Gallivan Center on Friday, Aug. 1. RSVP here! Get more from City Cast Salt Lake when you become a City Cast Salt Lake Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks...

What’s that horrible smell plaguing Ogden? Host Ali Vallarta, executive producer Emily Means, and City Cast Salt Lake contributor Kate Groetzinger dive into a neighborhood nightmare. Plus, Utah's public land saga continues, recipes for cherries, and Gym Lake City.  Resources and references: Hikers, bikers no longer need hunting licenses to use Bonneville Shoreline Trail in Utah County [FOX 13] Uta...

Sometimes it feels like it's small businesses versus developers in Salt Lake City. But is the Milk Block, a new neighborhood hub on 900 South, flipping the switch? Host Ali Vallarta asks Milk Block developer Kathia Dang about her approach to creating spaces for Salt Lake locals. Resources and references: How Can SLC Make More Neighborhoods Like Central 9th? [City Cast Salt Lake] How To Keep Main S...

Are you falling for Utah propaganda? Host Ali Vallarta, newsletter editor Terina Ria, and executive producer Emily Means share their takes on local propaganda we’ve been sold and what we are and aren't buying into.  Join us for 801 Day at the Gallivan Center on Friday, Aug. 1. RSVP here! Get more from City Cast Salt Lake when you become a City Cast Salt Lake Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-fr...

After hours of public comment, the Utah County Sheriff's Office will enter a partnership with ICE. Host Ali Vallarta and executive producer Emily Means dive into the details of the agreement. Plus, an update on the "No Kings" shooting, fishing licenses to hike, and $12 for a bucket of golf balls.   Resources and references: Listen to our past coverage ‘No Kings’ Shooting Update, Provo vs. SLC, Loc...

Hate getting stuck in I-15 traffic? Utah is inching closer toward building out a network of paved trails that will connect the entire state, so someday you may be able to bike from Logan to St. George. Utah Dept. of Transportation Trails Division director Stephanie Tomlin joins host Ali Vallarta to talk about the shift from car-centric commuting and what these investments will bring. This episode...

After six months, how's Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall's public safety plan going? Host Ali Vallarta, City Cast Salt Lake contributor Cassie Bingham, and executive producer Emily Means parse through the latest update. Plus, the Utah Mammoth's cultural commentary, a new Millcreek canyon shuttle, and a must-visit dinosaur booth at the farmers market.   Resources and references: Catch up on Sal...

 We know you can’t bring your kid to some breweries in Utah, though it’s normal in cities around the country. So, how can you hack it? City Cast Salt Lake contributor Shireen Ghorbani joins host Ali Vallarta to roundup places you can drink and bring your kiddo.  Join us for 801 Day at the Gallivan Center on Friday, Aug. 1. RSVP here! Get more from City Cast Salt Lake when you become a City Cast Sa...

It’s hot, hot, hot in this city! So where can you cool off? City Cast Salt Lake contributor Kate Groetzinger and host Ali Vallarta roundup the best pools around the valley for everyone in your family.  Join us for 801 Day at the Gallivan Center on Friday, Aug. 1. RSVP here! Get more from City Cast Salt Lake when you become a City Cast Salt Lake Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening,...

Should the borscht on 3300 South be served hot or cold? In our food news roundup, Hey Salt Lake newsletter editor Terina Ria and Host Ali Vallarta put together a summer bucket list of things to eat and drink around the valley, from conveyor belt sushi and a candy complex to restaurants that have stood the test of time.  Resources and references: A look inside Sugar House’s new conveyor belt sushi...

Mayor Erin Mendenhall has a goal to make Salt Lake City more family friendly. But what does that even mean? Salt Lake City School Board member Ashley Anderson joins host Ali Vallarta to break down the ways SLC already is for kids and share some big ideas.  Resources and references: The $30M SLC Schools Lost to Developers [City Cast Salt Lake]  Bizarre AI Streets Story, New Utah Rankings, Free Slur...

Is AI responsible for taking away SLC's power to make its streets safer? Host Ali Vallarta, executive producer Emily Means, and City Cast Salt Lake contributor Chandler Rosenberg dive into the controversial story. Plus, Utah power rankings, hummingbird sightseeing, and free Slurpees!   Resources and references: Shadow lobbying, an AI paper and a willing Senator. The story behind the bill that took...

It’s been two years since Utah sent Pornhub packing in protest of a law that the U.S. Supreme Court just ok’d! The man to blame? State Sen. Todd Weiler (R-Woods Cross). Host Ali Vallarta asks him if this is the war he planned to wage — and if it’s still worth the fight?  This episode first aired on May 9, 2023. Just a note this episode makes mention of sexual violence.  U.S. Teen Girls Experiencin...

From Venice to Mexico City, much of the world is protesting overtourism. So how can Utah manage tensions between visitors and locals in hotspots like Moab and Park City? Host Ali Vallarta asks Jennifer Leaver, senior tourism analyst at the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute, about the state of tourism in Utah right now. Get more from City Cast Salt Lake when you become a City Cast Salt Lake Neighbor....

The Smith’s Ballpark stadium finally has a game plan! Host Ali Vallarta and Building Salt Lake editor Taylor Anderson discuss the design highlights and construction timeline for the 13.5-acres in the middle of SLC. Plus, the University of Utah shuts down a frat, and local shoutouts.  Resources and references: Shadow lobbying, an AI paper and a willing Senator. The story behind the bill that took S...

Sen. Mike Lee has been getting dragged in the news recently. One, for trying to sell public lands, and two, for his tweets about the assassination of a Minnesota lawmaker. But one Salt Laker has made it her mission to make life hard for Utah's senior senator. Host Ali Vallarta asks Rosie Card what her goal is as Lee's number one troll. Listen for more on Lee's so-far unsuccessful push to sell Utah...

All 12 other City Cast podcast hosts (from Austin, Boise, Chicago, DC, Denver, Houston, Las Vegas, Madison, Nashville, Philly, Pittsburgh, and Portland) compete head-to-head in a high-stakes showdown, judged by Ali Vallarta, to answer the question that’s been burning up our company-wide Slack for weeks: which city is the best for a summer weekend trip? From naked bike rides to ‘the country’s best...

We're heading into a holiday weekend, but the news won't let up. Host Ali Vallarta and executive producer Emily Means break down the biggest stories of the week, from Salt Lake City's downtown parking prices to Jordan Clarkson's departure from the Utah Jazz.  Resources and references: What Utah Lands Are at Risk Under Mike Lee’s Newest Bill? [City Cast Salt Lake] Salt Lake County fireworks page Sa...

July is a month of Utah holidays, from the 4th to Pie & Beer aka Pioneer Day — but do you know about Summerween? Host Ali Vallarta, newsletter editor Terina Ria, and executive producer Emily Means bring you a guide to what to expect and how to make the most of this month, from cold local treats to the rowdiest parade. If you do plan to hit the races, listen to our deep dive on horse gambling in Ut...

It's a great time to remind you that we have a Salt Lake County government, because the county council just got a new member! Host Ali Vallarta asks Council Member Jiro Johnson about his approach to Salt Lake's biggest issues: criminal justice, homelessness, and growth. Plus, his thoughts on the relationship between activists and electeds. Get more from City Cast Salt Lake when you become a City C...