City Cast Salt Lake

After passing a $31 billion budget and more than 500 bills, the Utah Legislature's 2026 session is finally over. Host Ali Vallarta asks FOX 13 Capitol Hill reporter Ben Winslow what lawmakers did to your life — from how we vote, to the booze we drink, to the air we breathe. Get more from City Cast Salt Lake when you become a City Cast Salt Lake Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening,...

People are camping outside the courthouse for Kouri Richins’ murder trial — a Utah mom accused of killing her husband, who wrote a book to help her family grieve. Host Ali Vallarta asks KCPW reporter Connor Thomas and KSL podcast executive producer Amy Donaldson to lay out the facts and make sense of the cultural implications of the case.  Follow along with Connor's reporting of the case. Get more...

With homelessness on the rise in Salt Lake City and throughout Utah, the state is moving forward with a divisive idea to try to solve the crisis. The plan is to build a 16-acre homeless campus on the outskirts of Salt Lake City, where unhoused people with mental illnesses or addiction issues could be sheltered and in some cases involuntarily committed. This controversial idea is the brainchild of...

As we head into International Women’s Day, a shocking homicide case in southern Utah has our attention. Host Ali Vallarta, executive producer Emily Means, and City Cast Salt Lake contributor Kate Groetzinger discuss what we know so far. Plus, the final day at the Legislature and some picks of the week to restore your faith.  Resources and references: Help us make a list of the 1,000 things we love...

We’re all trying to save money right now, without stunting our social lives. So can we have a fun day in Salt Lake for under $50? Host Ali Vallarta, Queen of SLC Kendall Rodriguez, and Salt Lake mom and Salon Pèttine owner Liz Farnsworth accept the challenge.    Get more from City Cast Salt Lake when you become a City Cast Salt Lake Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations...

Do Utahns still say "dill" instead of "deal"? Host Ali Vallarta asks Lisa Morgan Johnson, professor of linguistics at Brigham Young University, how the Utah accent has changed and why.  Get more from City Cast Salt Lake when you become a City Cast Salt Lake Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm.  Subscri...

Utah quietly spent $2 million on a new film "ecosystem" to replace Sundance. Host Ali Vallarta and executive producer Emily Means discuss the plan and who's behind it. Plus, the origins of a mysterious new billboard and local shoutouts. Resources and references: Utah Grants $2 Million to an AI-Driven ‘Film Ecosystem’: Inside the State’s First Big Film Move After Sundance [Variety] Become a member...

It’s March, the time for madness. Host Ali Vallarta, producer Ivana Martinez, and social media manager Molly Milosica bring you a guide to making the most of this month in Salt Lake, from pizza deals to curing Olympic withdrawals and garden workshops. And, check out our episode on Title X money before you make that gyno appointment. If you're new here, welcome! We’ve put together a starter pack fo...

A lot of cities, including Salt Lake City, are trying to figure out how best to revitalize downtown. It's an issue that's especially top of mind for Pittsburgh, who is hosting the NFL Draft in April. To solve the problem of vacant properties and empty storefronts, the city is trying out a new rent abatement program. So, City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Pittsburgh podcast host Megan H...

Utah's new constitutional court doesn't even have judges yet, and it's already facing a lawsuit — yikes! Host Ali Vallarta, executive producer Emily Means, and Salt Lake Tribune politics reporter Robert Gehrke talk about what's on tap for the controversial court. Plus, would the men of "The Bachelorette" make good politicians? And joyful picks for your weekend. Resources and references: Utah A.G....

Salt Lake’s subreddit has some crazy theories about some of our iconic places, like Fun Times Kidz Kare. But is there any truth to them? Host Ali Vallarta asks  host of the Demolished Places podcast Wendi Pettett to uncover the lore behind our city’s most mysterious buildings.  Get more from City Cast Salt Lake when you become a City Cast Salt Lake Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listeni...

Thinking of running the Salt Lake Marathon — or a shorter race — but don’t know where to start? Or maybe you just want a new hobby this year. Seasoned runners Shireen Ghorbani and Bryant Heath join host and newbie runner Ali Vallarta to share tips and tricks for hitting the pavement and their favorite local routes. This episode originally aired Feb. 15, 2024. Sign up for the SLC marathon, half, 10...

Utahns were recently polled on everything from housing affordability to reality TV. What did they have to say? Executive producer Emily Means, producer Ivana Martinez, and City Cast Salt Lake contributor Cassie Bingham dive into the data. Plus, our top coffee shops and local shout outs.  Resources and references: Help us make a list of the 1,000 things we love about Salt Lake. Utahns dislike TV’s...

Apartments are offering crazy incentives to future tenants, like cruises or $5,000 gift cards. But are rent prices going down? Executive producer Emily Means asks Dejan Eskic, senior research fellow with the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute, about the state of Salt Lake's rental market. Get more from City Cast Salt Lake when you become a City Cast Salt Lake Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free...

Everyone’s talking about AI these days, including Salt Lakers. And now, more data centers are popping up across the country, thanks in part to the AI revolution. But some cities are stemming the tide, including Madison, Wisconsin, who recently passed a one-year moratorium on new data center construction. City Cast CEO David Plotz feels strongly that this was the wrong choice! He’s sitting down wit...

Another week of the legislative session down, another set of bills we’re watching. Executive producer Emily Means, producer Ivana Martinez, and social media manager Molly Miloscia dive into the ones that have our attention. Plus, national news is late to the Mormon moment and joyful shoutouts.  Resources and references: Help us make a list of the 1,000 things we love about Salt Lake. Safety Tips f...

Ever wondered how to fix that flickering streetlamp or fill that nasty pothole? Executive producer Emily Means and Weston Clark, community outreach director for the Salt Lake City Mayor’s Office, make a how-to guide to getting things done in your city. This episode first aired May 27, 2025. Get more from City Cast Salt Lake when you become a City Cast Salt Lake Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad...

Did you feel the earthquake over the weekend? Executive producer Emily Means, producer Ivana Martinez, and newsletter editor Terina Ria have tips for prepping for the next one. Plus, Salt Lake City is the "most neighborly" city in America and local shoutouts. Resources and references: Here’s what we know about Utah’s latest earthquake — including a surprising origin theory [Salt Lake Tribune] Can...

Can ski skeptics become true believers in just a few days on the slopes? Host Ali Vallarta and executive producer Emily Means tried it and shared their findings with veteran skier and City Cast social media manager Molly Miloscia. Plus, the resorts dropped some hot deals to convince you to ski.  Get more from City Cast Salt Lake when you become a City Cast Salt Lake Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks li...

All eyes have been on the Twin Cities lately, including Salt Lakers’. Operation Metro Surge is reportedly ending in Minnesota, with the withdrawal of immigration agents expected over the next week. Over the last two months, though, residents of the Twin Cities have organized a range of local collective action efforts including protests, mutual aid, and monitoring ICE — and they’ve done it quickly....

Three weeks left in Utah’s legislative session, but who’s counting! Host Ali Vallarta, executive producer Emily Means, and City Cast Salt Lake contributor Andy Larsen talk about the bills they're tracking. Plus, Gov. Spencer Cox's bad Olympics take and picks of the week. Resources and references: Help us make a list of the 1,000 things we love about Salt Lake. A Fresh Idea to Raise Wages Just Drop...

Is the Legislature trying to punish the courts? Host Ali Vallarta asks Sen. Todd Weiler, R-Woods Cross, why lawmakers are targeting the judicial branch — is it about efficiency or revenge? Learn more about recent changes to Utah's judicial nominating process.  Get more from City Cast Salt Lake when you become a City Cast Salt Lake Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to...

Salt Lake's dating scene can be brutal, but are there glimmers of hope? Host Ali Vallarta, Becca Shapiro of Lady Flour Cakes, and Date My Mate creator Brandon Luong share your tales of dating in Small Lake City. Get more from City Cast Salt Lake when you become a City Cast Salt Lake Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at member...

The clock is ticking for the GOP's Prop 4 repeal, and things aren't looking good. Host Ali Vallarta, newsletter editor Terina Ria, and executive producer Emily Means talk about the messy efforts to overturn something Utahns already voted on. Plus, Valentine's Day ideas for all different vibes and local shoutouts. Resources and references: A MAGA push to erase a Dem House seat is triggering accusat...

Who are the most powerful lobbyists in Utah? Host Ali Vallarta and executive producer Emily Means talk about the big players trying to influence legislators to meet their — or their clients' — needs. Get more from City Cast Salt Lake when you become a City Cast Salt Lake Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycas...