City Cast Salt Lake

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 wa...

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...

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 me...

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 Restau...

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...

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...

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...

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 y...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 mor...

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 sig...

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...

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 w...

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...

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 Sa...

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 t...