City Cast Salt Lake

Utah lawmakers gave drivers a gas tax holiday, but are you actually feeling the savings? Executive producer Emily Means and City Cast Salt Lake contributors Molly Miloscia and Jack Stauss weigh the tradeoffs. Plus, we plan the ultimate birthday parties for Leo season, and is Shake Shack shaking customers down for tips? Resources and references: Vote for City Cast Salt Lake for City Weekly's Best Local Podcast. How To Tip in Salt Lake These Days [City Cast Salt Lake

Should Utah be fighting with Kalshi? Host Ali Vallarta, audience development manager Angie Treasure, and City Cast Salt Lake contributor Kate Groetzinger discuss how the state is trying to rein in the prediction market craze. Plus: We help some Redditors solve local problems, and shoutouts. Resources and references:  After Kalshi ruling, Utah considers enforcement action against predictive markets [FOX 13] Here are the steepest streets in Salt Lake City [Axios Salt Lake City]  Learn more about the 999 bike ride panel discussion.  We're clearing out our swag closet, and if you join City Cast Salt Lake's membership program today you'll get a limited edition Salt Lake mug, pennant, or tote to show off your city pride! Click here to support this show and get your gift.  Subscribe to our daily morning newsletter. You can also find us on Instagram @CityCastSLC. Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: (801) 203-0137 Looking to advertise on City Cast Salt Lake? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads. Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:  Magnify Utah Steelcoated Epoxy Floors Utah Presents at Kingsbury Hall Cozy Earth - use code COZYSALTLAKE for up to 20% off

What can a group of Salt Lakers get from the developer of the Fleet Block on 800 South? Host Ali Vallarta asks Central Ninth resident Kerri Nakamura what's on the table for the city's first ever community benefits agreement. Learn more about the Fleet Block project.  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.  Subscribe to our daily morning newsletter. You can also find us on Instagram @CityCastSLC. Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: (801) 203-0137 Looking to advertise on City Cast Salt Lake? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads. Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:  Magnify Utah Steelcoated Epoxy Floors Utah Presents at Kingsbury Hall

As much as you love Salt Lake City, city living inherently means sharing space and resources with your neighbors, and y'all certainly have complaints, questions, and quandaries. On today's very first call-in episode, City Cast CEO David Plotz is joined by Bridget Todd, host of City Cast DC, and Jane C. Hu, host of City Cast Seattle, to respond to your dilemmas, from when it's acceptable to intervene on a bike path to what to do about that neighbor who really lets it all hang out. Have more city dilemmas? Send them in for our next call-in show. Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email David now!  We're also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter Looking to advertise on Your City Could Be Better? Check out our options.

Did Utah really offer a nuclear hub in exchange for help saving the Great Salt Lake? Host Ali Vallarta and City Cast Salt Lake contributors Cassie Bingham and Chandler Rosenberg dig into the reality behind the headline. Plus, Nara Smith rejects the “tradwife” label, we share our picks of the week, and the coolest science coming out of our state. Resources and references: Utah wants help saving Great Salt Lake in exchange for hosting federal nuclear hub [Salt Lake Tribune] Why Nara Smith and the tradwife debate has struck such a chord [The Grio] We're clearing out our swag closet, and if you join City Cast Salt Lake's membership program today you'll get a limited edition Salt Lake mug, pennant, or tote to show off your city pride! Click here to support this show and get your gift.  Subscribe to our daily morning newsletter. You can also find us on Instagram @CityCastSLC. Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: (801) 203-0137 Looking to advertise on City Cast Salt Lake? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads. Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:  Red Butte Garden

A new local music festival mysteriously disappeared. Host Ali Vallarta, newsletter editor Terina Ria, and City Cast Salt Lake contributor Andy Larsen try to get to the bottom of it. Plus, the plan to save Gilgal Garden from future development, and will Utah ever get a WNBA team? Resources and references: New Utah festival headlined by Benson Boone, Sombr suddenly canceled [KSL] How Salt Lake City wants to protect one of its strangest pockets from development [Salt Lake Tribune] 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.  Subscribe to our daily morning newsletter. You can also find us on Instagram @CityCastSLC. Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: (801) 203-0137 Looking to advertise on City Cast Salt Lake? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads. Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:  Red Butte Garden Rocky Mountain Power

The data is in: In-office mandates are no match for Utahns working from home. Host Ali Vallarta, executive producer Emily Means, and audience development manager Angie Treasure dig into the stats. Plus, Salt Lake City weighs new rules for controversial license plate readers, and local shoutouts.   Resources and references: This is the place — to work from home [Utah News Dispatch] Salt Lake City proposes new rules for the license plate cameras that dot the city [KUER] 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.  Subscribe to our daily morning newsletter. You can also find us on Instagram @CityCastSLC. Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: (801) 203-0137 Looking to advertise on City Cast Salt Lake? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads. Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:  Red Butte Garden Cozy Earth - use code COZYSALTLAKE for up to 20% off

Hello, August! Back to our routines after summer fun. Host Ali Vallarta, producer Ivana Martinez, and newsletter editor Terina Ria bring you a guide to making the most of this month, from free pilates to perfect sandwiches to wildfire fundraisers. Plus, if you're planning to live out your theater kid dreams working at Fear Factory this season, listen to our behind-the-scenes visit to the haunted house. For even more tips on how to make the most of August in Salt Lake, check out our daily newsletter.  City Cast Salt Lake is made possible by our sponsors, Rocky Mountain Power and Red Butte Garden. We're also powered by our members, who enjoy an ad-free version of the show. Find out more about how to become a member of City Cast Salt Lake. Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: (801) 203-0137 Interested in advertising with City Cast? Check out our options. Reach us at saltlake@citycast.fm.

Do you know how zoning laws affect Salt Lake City's housing costs? New Haven, CT, has been governed for years by restrictive zoning that made it physically impossible to build tall buildings downtown, even for housing — that is, until the local government finally aligned to overturn it. City Cast CEO David Plotz sits down with Eli Sabin, a New Haven native and one of the alders (aka city council members) responsible for passing this change in recent months. Eli spent years working toward this goal, and he talks with David about what now needs to happen to fully realize its potential and increase affordability for locals. Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email David now!  We're also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter Looking to advertise on Your City Could Be Better? Check out our options.

Tooele County could be the home of a new nuclear facility, data center, and wastewater treatment plant. Host Ali Vallarta, executive producer Emily Means, and City Cast Salt Lake contributor Jack Stauss search for answers amid confusion and outrage. Plus, celebrating the 801, picks of the week, and in our members-only segment: what's to come of Sears Lake. Resources and references: RSVP for 801 Day on Saturday, Aug. 1! Utahns speak out as yet another data center is planned near the Great Salt Lake [Salt Lake Tribune] What's going on at the old Sears site in Salt Lake City? [Salt Lake Tribune] 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.  Subscribe to our daily morning newsletter. You can also find us on Instagram @CityCastSLC.  Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: (801) 203-0137 Looking to advertise on City Cast Salt Lake? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads. Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:  Canyon View Credit Union

Crumbl's new cookie has host Ali Vallarta, executive producer Emily Means and City Cast Salt Lake contributor Molly Miloscia thinking. Plus, fire season rages on, and Silverside Deli reveals some hilarious glitches in our liquor laws. Resources and references: RSVP for 801 Day on Saturday, Aug. 1! Crumbl reveals Flamin' Hot Cheetos-inspired cookie alongside Nerds & Hershey collabs [Dexerto] A popular Sugar House deli is relocating, but it needs a waiver to keep its current menu [KSL] 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.  Subscribe to our daily morning newsletter. You can also find us on Instagram @CityCastSLC. Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: (801) 203-0137 Looking to advertise on City Cast Salt Lake? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads.

Are you rearranging your diet to avoid cyclospora? Host Ali Vallarta, City Cast Salt Lake contributor Chandler Rosenberg, and audience development manager Angie Treasure breakdown what you need to know. Plus, we just learned Salt Lake has a Chief Sports Officer, and we share the cutest pets up for adoption this week. Resources and references: RSVP for 801 Day on Saturday, Aug. 1! Foster Eva from CAWS Adopt Vanellope from Rescue Rovers Adopt Stephanie from Salt Lake County Animal Services 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.  Subscribe to our daily morning newsletter. You can also find us on Instagram @CityCastSLC. Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: (801) 203-0137 Looking to advertise on City Cast Salt Lake? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads.

Why are Utahns having fewer kids? Host Ali Vallarta and City Cast Salt Lake contributor Kate Groetzinger unpack The New York Times' deep dive into Utah's falling fertility rate. Plus, another dangerous heat wave is headed our way, where to cool off around Salt Lake, and local shoutouts.  Resources and references: RSVP for 801 Day on Saturday, Aug. 1! Even in Utah, land of ‘Big Love,' families are getting smaller [New York Times] How to survive this week's heatwave [City Cast Salt Lake] It's so hot, even the low temperatures are record highs in Utah [FOX 13] 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.  Subscribe to our daily morning newsletter. You can also find us on Instagram @CityCastSLC. Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: (801) 203-0137 Looking to advertise on City Cast Salt Lake? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads. Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:  Canyon View Credit Union Cozy Earth - use code COZYSALTLAKE for up to 20% off

The 9th and 9th Whale is a Salt Lake icon, but it wasn't always popular. Host Ali Vallarta and executive producer Emily Means dive into the whale's lore and talk about what's next for the sculpture.  RSVP for 801 Day on Saturday, Aug. 1! 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.  Subscribe to our daily morning newsletter. You can also find us on Instagram @CityCastSLC. Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: (801) 203-0137 Looking to advertise on City Cast Salt Lake? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads.

It's not a given that every Salt Laker will chip in to help their community. In this episode, City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with writer Taylor Lahey about how functional incentives could be the missing link in traditional systems of donations and volunteering. Inspired by a waste exchange program in Curitiba, Brazil, Lahey is working to create circular systems that effectively incentivize donations and just as effectively get them into the hands of those who need them. When investment and morale are low, sometimes an unconventional approach is the right way to go. Want to hear your question on an upcoming episode of Your City Could Be Better? Submit your city dilemmas for our upcoming call-in show by using our Google Form: https://forms.gle/45X33jhGHf8BYDM5A  Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email David now!  We're also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter Looking to advertise on Your City Could Be Better? Check out our options.

Can Cafe Rio be restored to its former glory? Host Ali Vallarta, newsletter editor Terina Ria, and City Cast Salt Lake contributor Molly Miloscia talk about the new menu item that's a love letter (or apology) to Utahns. Plus, Salt Lake homes cost more than ever, picks of the week, and in our members-only segment: copy/paste coffee shops and unique alternatives. Resources and references: RSVP for 801 Day on Saturday, Aug. 1! Salt Lake home costs just hit a new record. See how much they're going for in your neighborhood. [Salt Lake Tribune] The tyranny of the algorithm: why every coffee shop looks the same [The Guardian] Gluten-free Pie & Beer Day event. 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.  Subscribe to our daily morning newsletter. You can also find us on Instagram @CityCastSLC.  Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: (801) 203-0137 Looking to advertise on City Cast Salt Lake? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads.

Are you ready for a long Pioneer Day weekend? Host Ali Vallarta, producer Ivana Martinez, and City Cast Salt Lake contributor Andy Larsen talk about what's going on around town. Plus, how worried should we be about getting struck by lightning on a hike? And what neighborhoods are "unmistakably Utah"? Resources and references: After a Utah man was killed by lightning, should other hikers be worried? [Salt Lake Tribune] 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.  Subscribe to our daily morning newsletter. You can also find us on Instagram @CityCastSLC. Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: (801) 203-0137 Looking to advertise on City Cast Salt Lake? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads. Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:  Canyon View Credit Union

Is 900 South in Salt Lake City too cool to fail? We think so, which is why we're hosting our annual 801 Day party there on Saturday, Aug. 1 at the Milk Block! Host Ali Vallarta asks Maven co-founder Rocky Donati how the street has evolved and what makes it such a success. RSVP for 801 Day on Saturday, Aug. 1! This episode first aired Oct. 23, 2025. 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.  Subscribe to our daily morning newsletter. You can also find us on Instagram @CityCastSLC. Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: (801) 203-0137 Looking to advertise on City Cast Salt Lake? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads. Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:  Canyon View Credit Union

Can Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall pull off a third term? Host Ali Vallarta, executive producer Emily Means, and audience development manager Angie Treasure talk about who's already eyeing the 2027 mayoral race and what's at stake ahead of the 2034 Winter Olympics. Plus, the hot chocolate trend is here and local shoutouts. Resources and references: Salt Lake City mayoral field emerges as Mendenhall weighs third term [Axios Salt Lake]  Knoops to open first US store as expansion gathers pace [City AM]  We're doing our annual survey to learn more about our listeners. You'll be doing us a big favor if you take it at citycast.fm/survey — it only takes seven minutes. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card and City Cast City swag. Thank you! 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.  Subscribe to our daily morning newsletter. You can also find us on Instagram @CityCastSLC. Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: (801) 203-0137 Looking to advertise on City Cast Salt Lake? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads. Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:  Cozy Earth - use code COZYSALTLAKE for up to 20% off

Utah's premier conservative think tank, the Sutherland Institute, has a new CEO: state Sen. Todd Weiler, a frequent guest of this podcast. Host Ali Vallarta asks Weiler about his goals, 1-star reviews of his organization, and why he won't be stepping down from the Legislature. We're doing our annual survey to learn more about our listeners. You'll be doing us a big favor if you take it at citycast.fm/survey — and it only takes seven minutes. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card and City Cast City swag. Thank you! 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.  Subscribe to our daily morning newsletter. You can also find us on Instagram @CityCastSLC. Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: (801) 203-0137 Looking to advertise on City Cast Salt Lake? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads.

Sometimes it can feel like the Salt Lake City government is two (or more) steps behind the needs of its neighborhoods. Enter the residents of Chattanooga, Tennessee. What Chattanoogans don't have, they make up for in advocacy, whether by showing up to city council and organizing for change or just doing things themselves. City Cast CEO David Plotz sits down with creator and city lover Hope Henchey about how she and her neighbors are sneakily and secretly fixing up their city. You've heard of the Nashville bench builders — now get ready for the Chattanooga pothole fillers, sidewalk layers, and (literal) trail blazers. Mentioned on the show: Atlas Obscura feature on the community-built benches in Chattanooga Efforts by Strong Chattanooga to make a path through the woods in a sidewalk-less neighborhood Review of Hoboken's streak of zero traffic fatalities  Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email David now!  We're also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter Looking to advertise on Your City Could Be Better? Check out our options.

Should Utah adopt permanent daylight saving time? Host Ali Vallarta, newsletter editor Terina Ria, and City Cast Salt Lake contributor Chandler Rosenberg weigh the pros and cons. Plus, our state's future in farm tourism, picks of the week, and in our members-only segment: where to see "The Odyssey" this weekend, and why Utah doesn't have a 70mm theater. Resources and references: RSVP for 801 Day on Saturday, Aug. 1! How would permanent daylight saving time impact Utahns? [ABC 4]  Agritourism is growing in Utah but it hasn't reached its full potential, new study says [Utah News Dispatch]  We're doing our annual survey to learn more about our listeners. You'll be doing us a big favor if you take it at citycast.fm/survey — it only takes seven minutes. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card and City Cast City swag. Thank you! 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.  Subscribe to our daily morning newsletter. You can also find us on Instagram @CityCastSLC.  Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: (801) 203-0137 Looking to advertise on City Cast Salt Lake? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads. Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:  Canyon View Credit Union Salt Lake Sewciety

A new ranking gives Utah an F for quality of life. Host Ali Vallarta, executive producer Emily Means, and City Cast Salt Lake contributor Jack Stauss dig into it. Plus, what you need to know about Trump shrinking two Utah monuments, and the best places to eat wings while watching the World Cup. Resources and references: President Trump drastically shrinks 2 Utah national monuments — again [Salt Lake Tribune] Why is Utah on the 'Worst States to Live In' list? [FOX 13] We're doing our annual survey to learn more about our listeners. You'll be doing us a big favor if you take it at citycast.fm/survey — it only takes seven minutes. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card and City Cast City swag. Thank you! 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.  Subscribe to our daily morning newsletter. You can also find us on Instagram @CityCastSLC. Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: (801) 203-0137 Looking to advertise on City Cast Salt Lake? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads. Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:  Canyon View Credit Union Salt Lake Sewciety Central 9th Market

The Sexuality Information and Education Council just gave Utah's sex ed syllabus an F. Host Ali Vallarta asks Ocean Candler, a Colorado-based sexual health expert, what gold star sex education would look like in our city. Plus, tips for discussing sex at home or school, from porn to pleasure.  Here are some resources for parents and adults:  Sex Positive Families  Amaze  Planned Parenthood National Sex Education Standards  The Porn Conversation This episode first aired Jan. 21, 2025  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.  Subscribe to our daily morning newsletter. You can also find us on Instagram @CityCastSLC. Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: (801) 203-0137 Looking to advertise on City Cast Salt Lake? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads. Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:  Canyon View Credit Union Salt Lake Sewciety

A new federal policy may be putting Utah wildland firefighters' lives at risk. Host Ali Vallarta, producer Ivana Martinez, and City Cast Salt Lake contributor Kate Groetzinger talk about the change and its impacts as wildfire season rages on. Plus, Salt Lake gets a rebrand and local shoutouts. Resources and references: Trump administration seeks to stomp out all fires quickly, reviving policy that has been discredited [Colorado Sun]  Sign up to volunteer at Liberty Park on Saturday, July 25. 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.  Subscribe to our daily morning newsletter. You can also find us on Instagram @CityCastSLC. Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: (801) 203-0137 Looking to advertise on City Cast Salt Lake? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads. Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:  Canyon View Credit Union Salt Lake Sewciety Cozy Earth - use code COZYSALTLAKE for up to 20% off

Salt Lake City's new council member, Jennifer Napier-Pearce, got her seat due to a coin toss. Host Ali Vallarta asks her about the challenges and opportunities facing her downtown district, plus the one thing she would ask from her former boss, Gov. Spencer Cox, to make the capital city better. Listen to our conversation with the SLCPD chief on the 999 Ride, drones, and ICE.  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.  Subscribe to our daily morning newsletter. You can also find us on Instagram @CityCastSLC. Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: (801) 203-0137 Looking to advertise on City Cast Salt Lake? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads. Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:  Canyon View Credit Union Salt Lake Sewciety

There's lots to love about Salt Lake City, but being able to get in and out of it easily and cheaply can be an underrated metric of its livability. Accommodating, accessible, and affordable local airports are a specific resource that many cities need. To find out which cities are leading the charge and the kinds of amenities that elevate an airport to gold status, City Cast CEO David Plotz chats with Scott Keyes, founder and Chief Flight Expert of Going (formerly Scott's Cheap Flights) about everything he's seen in his work and travels. How does your airport stack up? Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email David now!  We're also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter Looking to advertise on Your City Could Be Better? Check out our options.

It's been nearly a week of hearings in the Charlie Kirk case. Host Ali Vallarta, executive producer Emily Means, and City Cast Salt Lake contributor Andy Larsen break down the biggest developments. Plus, what locals are buying at the liquor store (and what it says about us), and in our members-only segment: Are Utahns actually rude? Resources and references: Read Salt Lake Tribune reporter Jessica Schreifels' Charlie Kirk hearing coverage. RSVP for 801 Day on Saturday, Aug. 1! 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.  Subscribe to our daily morning newsletter. You can also find us on Instagram @CityCastSLC.  Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: (801) 203-0137 Looking to advertise on City Cast Salt Lake? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads. If you enjoyed this interview with Eric Haymond, the SVP of Business Development for Taskrabbit, learn more here.  Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:  The Shop

Salt Lake temps are hitting triple digits this weekend. Host Ali Vallarta and newsletter editor Terina Ria discuss ways to stay cool and ideas for having fun in this heatwave.  Find a Salt Lake County cooling zone near you.   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.  Subscribe to our daily morning newsletter. You can also find us on Instagram @CityCastSLC. Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: (801) 203-0137 Looking to advertise on City Cast Salt Lake? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads. Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:  The Shop

We know fox squirrels are taunting Salt Lake dogs, but are they taking over our city? Natural History Museum of Utah Citizen Science Manager Ellen Eiriksson tells host Ali Vallarta why these critters are worth studying. Submit your fox squirrel and firefly sightings. This episode first aired on Jan 30, 2023.  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.  Subscribe to our daily morning newsletter. You can also find us on Instagram @CityCastSLC. Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: (801) 203-0137 Looking to advertise on City Cast Salt Lake? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads. Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:  The Shop

Poplar Grove's neighborhood peacocks are turning up dead. Host Ali Vallarta and producer Ivana Martinez talk about a distressing local situation. Plus, some feel good news bits and shoutouts. Resources and references: Salt Lake City police investigate deaths of peafowl, as residents push for charges [KSL] Find out about free mariachi classes in Ogden.  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 to our daily morning newsletter. You can also find us on Instagram @CityCastSLC. Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: (801) 203-0137 Looking to advertise on City Cast Salt Lake? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads. Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:  The Shop Cozy Earth - use code COZYSALTLAKE for up to 20% off Questionable Productions

A weeklong court hearing in the killing of Charlie Kirk starts today in Provo. Host Ali Vallarta and Salt Lake Tribune politics reporter and astrologer Addy Baird talk about what to expect. Plus, an astrological reading for Salt Lake while Mercury is back in retrograde. Resources and references: Charlie Kirk's widow, parents to attend first Utah court hearing since his killing [Salt Lake Tribune] Find Addy's book, The Magical Game, at all local bookstores. 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 to our daily morning newsletter. You can also find us on Instagram @CityCastSLC. Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: (801) 203-0137 Looking to advertise on City Cast Salt Lake? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads. Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:  The Shop

See if your Salt Lake knowledge serves you well! In the first-ever Your City Could Be Better trivia episode, City Cast CEO David Plotz goes head to head with journalist and historian Alexandra Petri to see who knows more about U.S. history, geography, and celebrities ahead of the country's semiquincentennial. Sean McPherson, trivia wiz and City Cast Twin Cities host, leads four riveting rounds of questions covering everything from The Declaration of Independence to the hottest college rivalries, and all 13 City Cast cities make an appearance. See how you stack up! Mentioned on the show: Trivia Mafia website and locations Alexandra Petri's US History: Important American Documents (I Made Up) Milwaukee's block of Frank Lloyd Wright - Atlas Obscura Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email David now!  We're also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter Looking to advertise on Your City Could Be Better? Check out our options.   

Salt Lake City is changing the rule around who gets to live together. Host Ali Vallarta, executive producer Emily Means, and City Cast Salt Lake contributor Kate Groetzinger discuss the neighborhood chatter around the change. Plus, things to do over the long weekend and in our members-only segment: gamifying Katherine Heigl's Utah home listing. Resources and references: SLC may tweak its definition of ‘family.' Here's why some residents are upset. [Salt Lake Tribune]   Check out continuing education classes at the University of Utah. Request to remove graffiti in your neighborhood.  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 to our daily morning newsletter. You can also find us on Instagram @CityCastSLC.  Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: (801) 203-0137 Looking to advertise on City Cast Salt Lake? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads. Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:  Canyon View Credit Union

July has us fine-tuning our Salt Lake summer bucket list. Host Ali Vallarta, producer Ivana Martinez, and newsletter editor Terina Ria bring you a guide to making the most of this month, from gelato bikes to running with shelter dogs to patriotic symphonies. Plus, if you're donating blood this month, listen to our episode with ARUP. Sign up to volunteer for Pie and Beer Day. For even more tips on how to make the most of July in Salt Lake, check out our daily newsletter.  City Cast Salt Lake is made possible by our awesome sponsor, Rocky Mountain Power. We're also powered by our members, who enjoy an ad-free version of the show. Find out more about how to become a member of City Cast Salt Lake. Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: (801) 203-0137 Interested in advertising with City Cast? Check out our options. Reach us at saltlake@citycast.fm.

Wildfires are burning across Utah, from the Wasatch Front to the southern corners of the state. Host Ali Vallarta talks to state forester Jamie Barnes about reactions to the fireworks ban and the response to this dangerously unprecedented moment.  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.  Subscribe to our daily morning newsletter. You can also find us on Instagram @CityCastSLC. Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: (801) 203-0137 Looking to advertise on City Cast Salt Lake? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads. Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:  Cozy Earth - use code COZYSALTLAKE for up to 20% off

For the first time in eight years, Utah is almost certainly sending a Democrat to the U.S. Congress: former Congressman Ben McAdams. Host Ali Vallarta asks him about key issues impacting the state.   ICYMI: Listen to our primary election results breakdown. 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.  Subscribe to our daily morning newsletter. You can also find us on Instagram @CityCastSLC. Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: (801) 203-0137 Looking to advertise on City Cast Salt Lake? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads.

Just how good are the sidewalks in Salt Lake City? The state of a city's sidewalks can be a good indicator of how healthy that city is — and pedestrian safety is just the beginning. In Denver, voters approved a new fee a few years ago to fund much-needed sidewalk repairs, and after a lot of back-and-forth, those repairs are finally underway. City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Denver podcast host Bree Davies about what drove this initiative, how it's going, and who's paying for it. And speaking of sidewalks, do bikes, scooters, and people playing music belong on public sidewalks? Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email David now!  We're also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter Looking to advertise on Your City Could Be Better? Check out our options.

Have you heard of  “alpine divorce?” A reopened murder case in Utah has host Ali Vallarta, newsletter editor Terina Ria, and City Cast Salt Lake contributor Molly Miloscia connecting the dots to a disturbing trend happening in the great outdoors. Plus, the feds back off SLC's ICE detention center, picks of the week, and in our members-only segment: summer travel hacks.  Resources and references: Alpine divorce: When a lovers' stroll goes off a cliff [Axios] Small Lake City Dating Stories 2026 [City Cast Salt Lake]  ICE backing off plans for Utah detention center months after buying SLC warehouse, report says [Salt Lake Tribune] Utah leaders respond to new ICE facility developments in Salt Lake [KSL] Check out Delta's policy on their 20 minute bag guarantee.  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 to our daily morning newsletter. You can also find us on Instagram @CityCastSLC.  Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: (801) 203-0137 Looking to advertise on City Cast Salt Lake? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads.

St. George, Utah is having a moment, earning national praise as a must-visit destination. But some Salt Lakers know it as the “Florida of Utah.” Host Ali Vallarta and City Cast Salt Lake contributor Shireen Ghorbani unpack the reputation of one of Utah's fastest-growing cities. This episode first aired on Aug. 7, 2025  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.  Subscribe to our daily morning newsletter. You can also find us on Instagram @CityCastSLC. Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: ‪(801) 203-0137‬ Looking to advertise on City Cast Salt Lake? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads. If you enjoyed this interview with Eric Haymond, the SVP of Business Development for Taskrabbit, learn more here. 

Yesterday was the 2026 primary election in Utah, and we've got all the big results for you. Host Ali Vallarta and executive producer Emily Means offer some analysis on how your neighbors voted, and a sense of where we go from here. 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 to our daily morning newsletter. You can also find us on Instagram @CityCastSLC. Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: (801) 203-0137 Looking to advertise on City Cast Salt Lake? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads.

Fire season in Salt Lake is off to a scary start. Host Ali Vallarta, producer Ivana Martinez, and audience development manager Angie Treasure talk about the blazes burning close to home and some precautions worth taking. Plus, Crumbl's new dirty soda and local shoutouts. Resources and references: Still haven't filled out your ballot? Use our Congressional District 1 voter guide, and turn in your ballot by 8 p.m. Tuesday. Stay up to date on wildfires with Utah Fire Info. 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 to our daily morning newsletter. You can also find us on Instagram @CityCastSLC. Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: (801) 203-0137 Looking to advertise on City Cast Salt Lake? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads. Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:  Cozy Earth - use code COZYSALTLAKE for up to 20% off