Trib Talk

The last two months have brought a lot of changes to The Tribune following the announcement that our 68-year-old joint operating agreement with the Deseret News will end Dec. 31. The two companies will no longer share printing, distribution and advertising sales. This has meant a lot of changes — for us and for you — as we bring everything under The Salt Lake Tribune umbrella. You can find out what this means for your subscription, effective Jan. 1, by watching our live Q&A session. Trib Talk is produced by Jeni Fitzgibbon and Sara Weber.

On today’s episode of “Trib Talk,” reporter Kathy Stephenson spoke to Twist Bar Bistro & Social owner Kirk Bengtzen and Dave Morris, the owner of Piper Down Pub and HandleBar, about their opposition to Gov. Gary Herbert’s rule banning the sale of alcohol after 10 p.m. You can watch the discussion on Facebook or on Youtube. You can also listen on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you get your podcasts. Let us know what you want to learn more about on the next episode by using #TribTalk on Twitter or by emailing tribtalk@sltrib.com. “Trib Talk” is produced by Jeni Fitzgibbon and Sara Weber.

Utah’s ski season is different this year thanks to the coronavirus. But what exactly can skiers and snowboarders expect? On the latest episode of “Trib Talk,” Ski Utah’s Anelise Bergin and Visit Salt Lake’s Shawn Stinson joined reporter Julie Jag for a discussion about how COVID-19 has changed skiing and snowboarding for the 2020-2021 season. You can watch the discussion on Facebook or on Youtube. You can also listen on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you get your podcasts. Let us know what you want to learn more about on the next episode by using #TribTalk on Twitter or by emailing tribtalk@sltrib.com. “Trib Talk” is produced by Jeni Fitzgibbon and Sara Weber.

On today’s episode of “Trib Talk,” reporter Erin Alberty and Dr. Eddie Stenehjem, an Intermountain Healthcare Infectious Diseases Physician, discussed the risk of viral transmission at family gatherings and Utah’s new mask mandate. You can watch the discussion on Facebook or on Youtube. You can also listen on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you get your podcasts. Let us know what you want to learn more about on the next episode by using #TribTalk on Twitter or by emailing tribtalk@sltrib.com. ‘Trib Talk’ is produced by Jeni Fitzgibbon and Sara Weber.

On the latest episode of “Trib Talk,” political correspondent Bryan Schott and Tribune data columnist Andy Larsen answered your questions and discussed election results. You can watch the discussion on Facebook or on Youtube. You can also listen on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you get your podcasts. Let us know what you want to learn more about on the next episode by using #TribTalk on Twitter or by emailing tribtalk@sltrib.com. “Trib Talk” is produced by Jeni Fitzgibbon and Sara Weber.

On a special election edition of “Trib Talk,” political correspondent Bryan Schott spoke to The Tribune’s Taylor Stevens, Robert Gehrke, Dan Harrie, Courtney Tanner and Andy Larsen about Utah’s early results and what was happening across the country. A few candidates and local politicos joined the conversation, as well. You can watch the discussion on Facebook or on Youtube. You can also listen on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you get your podcasts. Let us know what you want to learn more about on the next episode by using #TribTalk on Twitter or by emailing tribtalk@sltrib.com. “Trib Talk” is produced by Jeni Fitzgibbon and Sara Weber.

There are big changes ahead in 2021 for The Salt Lake Tribune. On the latest episode of “Trib Talk,” reporter Tony Semerad spoke with Tribune Executive Vice President Tim Fitzpatrick and interim Editor David Noyce about the move to a weekly printed paper, the end to the joint operating agreement between The Tribune and Deseret News and how these changes will help ensure that The Tribune is around for generations to come. You can watch the discussion on Facebook or on Youtube. You can also listen on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you get your podcasts. Let us know what you want to learn more about on the next episode by using #TribTalk on Twitter or by emailing tribtalk@sltrib.com. “Trib Talk” is produced by Jeni Fitzgibbon and Sara Weber.

The 2020 election season is heating up, and there are only a few weeks left until Nov. 3. From the presidential race, to whether Republicans can maintain control of the U.S. Senate, to Utah’s tight 4th Congressional District race, there’s a whole lot to talk about. And some of you have already turned in your mail-in ballots. On the latest episode of “Trib Talk,” political correspondent Bryan Schott hosted a discussion about this exciting election season with The Tribune’s Robert Gehrke, Taylor Stevens and Bethany Rodgers. You can watch the discussion on our Facebook page or on Youtube. You can listen to the audio on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever else you listen to podcasts. Let us know what you want to learn more about on the next episode by using #TribTalk on Twitter or by emailing tribtalk@sltrib.com. “Trib Talk” is produced by Jeni Fitzgibbon and Sara Weber.

Have you received your ballot yet? If not, it should be arriving soon. On the latest episode of “Trib Talk,” columnist Robert Gehrke spokes with Justin Lee, Utah’s director of elections, and Salt Lake County Clerk Sherrie Swensen about what you need to know to make sure your vote gets counted. You can watch the discussion on Facebook or on Youtube. You can also listen on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you get your podcasts. Let us know what you want to learn more about on the next episode by using #TribTalk on Twitter or by emailing tribtalk@sltrib.com. “Trib Talk” is produced by Jeni Fitzgibbon and Sara Weber.

Coronavirus cases just keep on rising across Utah. On the latest episode of “Trib Talk,” reporter Erin Alberty spoke with epidemiologist Annie George about current trends and what they mean as the state tries to grapple with this pandemic. You can watch the discussion on Facebook or on Youtube. You can also listen on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you get your podcasts. Let us know what you want to learn more about on the next episode by using #TribTalk on Twitter or by emailing tribtalk@sltrib.com. “Trib Talk” is produced by Jeni Fitzgibbon and Sara Weber.

The pandemic brought many industries to a screeching halt. One sector, however, continued to thrive. On the latest episode of “Trib Talk,” Tribune reporter Tony Semerad spoke with Alicia Holdaway, president of the Salt Lake Board of Realtors, about Utah’s booming housing market and how the social shifts created by our reaction to the coronavirus are drawing people to Utah. You can watch the discussion on our Facebook page or on Youtube. You can listen to the audio on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever else you listen to podcasts. Let us know what you want to learn more about on the next episode by using #TribTalk on Twitter or by emailing tribtalk@sltrib.com. “Trib Talk” is produced by Jeni Fitzgibbon and Sara Weber.

Today is Salt Lake Tribune reporter Nate Carlisle’s last day with the paper. On the latest episode of “Trib Talk,” interim Editor David Noyce spoke with Nate about some of the stories he has covered — from witnessing the execution of Ronnie Lee Gardner to exploring the disappearance of Susan Powell, the exodus from Short Creek, and the aftermath of an ambush in Mexico. You can watch the discussion on our Facebook page our on Youtube. You can listen to the audio on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever else you listen to podcasts. Let us know what you want to learn more about on the next episode by using #TribTalk on Twitter or by emailing tribtalk@sltrib.com. “Trib Talk” is produced by Jeni Fitzgibbon and Sara Weber.

Paris Hilton recently went public with allegations that she was abused at a Utah teen treatment facility and it motivated others to speak out. Critics of the industry say weak oversight and regulations lead to children being harmed at for-profit therapeutic treatment centers, like Provo Canyon School. On this episode of “Trib Talk,” reporter Jessica Miller spoke with Jen Robison from Breaking Code Silence, an online movement which aims to bring awareness to the troubled teen industry. You can watch the discussion on Facebook or on Youtube, and you can listen to the audio on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever else you get your podcasts. Tell us what you want to learn more about on the next episode using #TribTalk on Twitter or by emailing tribtalk@sltrib.com. “Trib Talk” is produced by Jeni Fitzgibbon and Sara Weber.

Tribune editorial cartoonist Pat Bagley faced some backlash recently for one of his cartoons. On this episode of ‘Trib Talk,’ Tribune editorial page editor George Pyle talks with Bagley and Utah Peace Officers Association President Bruce Champagne on the meaning behind the cartoon, the offense taken by it and how to discuss police reform in the future.

Businesses are still adapting to “the new normal,” and breweries are no exception. On the latest episode of “Trib Talk,” reporter Kathy Stephenson spoke with Jeremy Ragonese, the president of the Uinta Brewing Company, and Justin Belliveau the co-owner and founder of Grid City Beer Works, about how the pandemic and aluminum shortage has impacted their industry. You can watch the discussion on Facebook or on Youtube. You can also listen on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you get your podcasts. Let us know what you want to learn more about on the next episode by using #TribTalk on Twitter or by emailing tribtalk@sltrib.com. “Trib Talk” is produced by Jeni Fitzgibbon and Sara Weber.

For the third year in a row, Utah has been named the worst state for women’s equality, and it continues to lag far behind Idaho, the state ranked 49th. Erin Jemison, the former director of public policy at the YWCA Utah, and Susan Madsen, the founder and director of the Utah Women and Leadership Project at Utah State University, joined reporter Becky Jacobs for a live discussion about why Utah ranks so poorly and what can be done about it. You can watch the discussion on Facebook or on Youtube. You can also listen on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you get your podcasts. Let us know what you want to learn more about on the next episode by using #TribTalk on Twitter or by emailing tribtalk@sltrib.com. “Trib Talk” is produced by Jeni Fitzgibbon and Sara Weber.

The coronavirus has upended nearly every aspect of our lives, and collegiate sports are no exception. University of Utah sports medicine specialist Dr. Peter Chalmers joined Tribune reporters Nate Carlisle and Joshua Newman for a live discussion about what university athletic departments are doing to keep players safe and if college athletics, including football, will play a full season. You can watch the interview on Facebook or Youtube, and you can listen to the audio on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you get your podcasts. Tell us what you want to see on the next episode by tweeting #TribTalk or by emailing us at tribtalk@sltrib.com. “Trib Talk” is produced by Jeni Fitzgibbon and Sara Weber.

For the past few years, a group of Utah retirees who call themselves the “Old Coots” have been meeting every Saturday morning at the Salt Lake City Farmer’s Market to dispense free advice to the public. “We were sitting outside, bored stiff from talking to each other, and I said, ‘You know what? I’m going to get us a booth across the street at the farmers market, where we can give advice,’ ” Tony Caputo, founder of his namesake deli where the group usually meets, told The Washington Post back in 2018. Things have obviously changed since the pandemic began. The farmer’s market no longer allows booths like the Old Coots offered — but the group is still willing and able to give advice. (They don’t promise that’s it good advice, just that it’s free.) Reporter Kathy Stephenson spoke with Carol Sisco, Tony Caputo and Gus Wheeler about the group’s history, what they’ve been doing the past few months and what we all should be doing with our lives. You can watch the interview on Facebook or Youtube, and you can listen to the audio on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you get your podcasts. Tell us what you want to see on the next episode by tweeting #TribTalk or by emailing us at tribtalk@sltrib.com. “Trib Talk” is produced by Jeni Fitzgibbon and Sara Weber.

Fifty-seven child care facilities in Utah have reported coronavirus cases so far — but responses to the disease have varied greatly from one to another. On the latest edition of “Trib Talk,” reporter Taylor Stevens spoke with Karla Pardini of the I.J. and Jeanné Wagner Jewish Community Center and Simon Bolivar with the Child Care Licensing Program for the Utah Department of Health about COVID-19 outbreaks at Utah child care facilities. You can watch the interview on Facebook or on Youtube, and you can listen to the audio on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever else you get your podcasts. “Trib Talk” is produced by Jeni Fitzgibbon and Sara Weber.

What’s it like to be an emergency room doctor in the age of COVID-19, and how has the virus killed more than 300 Utahns? On the latest edition of “Trib Talk,” reporter Nate Carlisle spoke with Dr. Marion Bishop, an emergency medical physician at hospitals in Logan, Brigham City and Evanston, Wyo., and Utah State Medical Examiner Dr. Erik Christensen. You can watch the interview on Facebook or Youtube, and you can listen to the audio on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you get your podcasts. Let us know what you want to see on the next episode by emailing tribtalk@sltrib.com. “Trib Talk” is produced by Jeni Fitzgibbon and Sara Weber.

Unemployment levels in Utah and across the U.S. remain high by historical standards. Reporter Tony Semerad spoke with Kevin Burt from Utah’s Department of Workforce Services about unemployment trends, the recent elimination of a $600-per-week benefits stipend for recipients, and ongoing effects of the coronavirus pandemic on Utah’s workplaces. You can watch the discussion on Facebook or Youtube, and you can listen to the audio on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever else you get your podcasts. Tell us what you want to learn more about on the next episode by emailing tribtalk@sltrib.com or using #TribTalk on Twitter. “Trib Talk” is produced by Jeni Fitzgibbon and Sara Weber.

Communities across the country are reconsidering whether to change mascots and place names that some consider offensive. In Utah, Bountiful High School is grappling with renaming its mascot while Intermountain Healthcare announced it’s removing Dixie from its St. George hospital. On the latest episode of “Trib Talk,” reporter Courtney Tanner spoke with Utah Division Director of Indian Affairs Dustin Jansen and BYU Professor Roni Jo Draper about the use of Indigenous mascots in Utah and across the country. Watch the discussion on The Salt Lake Tribune's Facebook page. And tell us what you’d like to see on the next episode by using #TribTalk on Twitter or by emailing tribtalk@sltrib.com. “Trib Talk” is produced by Jeni Fitzgibbon and Sara Weber.

Despite a dramatic surge in recorded coronavirus cases, most of Utah’s K-12 schools are still set to reopen this fall. While each district is required to follow strict requirements for social distancing and sanitation, there are still some uncertainties about what classes will look like. Tribune editor Jennifer Napier-Pearce hosted a virtual town hall about about going back to school in a pandemic with Utah Education Association President Heidi Matthews, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Sydnee Dickson, Utah PTA President Laney Benedict and Dr. Kashif Memon of Steward Health Care. What do you want to see on the next episode? Email your thoughts and questions to tribtalk@sltrib.com, or tell us using #TribTalk on Twitter. “Trib Talk” is produced by Jeni Fitzgibbon and Sara Weber.

For weeks, demonstrators have taken to Utah streets to protest police violence. On the latest episode of “Trib Talk,” Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill joined reporters Paighten Harkins and Jessica Miller to discuss reform efforts. What do you want to see on the next episode? Email your thoughts and questions to tribtalk@sltrib.com, or use #TribTalk on Twitter. “Trib Talk” is produced by Jeni Fitzgibbon and Sara Weber.

On the latest episode of “Trib Talk,” Dr. Allyn Nakashima from the Utah Department of Health joined reporters Nate Carlisle and Jessica Miller to discuss the dangers of community spread of the coronavirus in institutional settings. You can watch the conversation on our Facebook page or on Youtube. The audio is available on iTunes, Spotify and wherever you listen to podcasts. What do you want to see on the next episode? Email your thoughts and questions to tribtalk@sltrib.com. “Trib Talk” is produced by Jeni Fitzgibbon and Sara Weber.

Votes are still being tallied in Utah’s GOP primary elections, but winners are beginning to emerge in the state’s gubernatorial, congressional and attorney general races. Reporters Bethany Rodgers and Taylor Stevens joined columnist Robert Gehrke to discuss the elections, voter turnout and more on today’s episode of “Trib Talk.” “Trib Talk” is produced by Jeni Fitzgibbon and Sara Weber.

We’ve discussed racism in Utah and police reform. Now, we’re talking about solutions. Rep. Sandra Hollins, Sen. Luz Escamilla, Jeanetta Williams of the NAACP Salt Lake Branch and Shawn Newell from the Utah State Board of Education joined Tribune Executive Editor Jennifer Napier-Pearce for a candid discussion about policy proposals aimed at reducing racial discrimination and police violence in Utah.

New cases of the coronavirus in Utah are rising again. Last Friday, state epidemiologist Dr. Angela Dunn issued a memo to Utah health officials that said, “We are quickly getting to a point where the only viable option to manage spread and deaths will be a complete shutdown.” On the latest episode of “Trib Talk,” Tribune reporters Erin Alberty and Nate Carlisle and Navajo Times reporter Arlyssa Becenti gave the latest on coronavirus hot spots and testing issues in Utah and the Navajo Nation.

Protesters in Utah and across the country are calling for change in how law enforcement operates and is funded. Amid those calls to defund and disband the police, local leaders are looking at budgets, citizen review boards and more. In a virtual town hall, Lex Scott of Black Lives Matter, Salt Lake City Police Chief Mike Brown, University of Utah Police Chief Rodney Chatman and Utah Valley University Associate Professor Dianne McAdams-Jones joined Tribune Executive Editor Jennifer Napier-Pearce for an open discussion about police violence and reform efforts in Utah tonight at 7 p.m.

After spending three months locked down in Washington, D.C., Mother Jones senior reporter Stephanie Mencimer took a trip to Utah with her daughter to “escape a summer of ennui.” She wrote in a column that the trip to Fashion Place Mall in Murray made it clear why Utah’s coronavirus case numbers are on the rise. On the latest edition of “Trib Talk,” Mencimer spoke to Tribune reporter Sean P. Means about her experience. You can watch the interview on our Facebook page. ‘Trib Talk’ is produced by Jeni Fitzgibbon and Sara Weber.

The death of George Floyd as well as many other cases of police violence have brought thousands of Utahns out into the street to protest day after day and night after night. Stories of racism and discrimination by law enforcement and in schools, churches, neighborhoods and the workplace are common in Utah, and a growing number of Utahns are demanding change. On Wednesday, The Tribune hosted a candid discussion about racism in Utah — from personal experiences to structural and systemic problems. James Jackson, founder and executive director of the Utah Black Chamber; William A. Smith, a professor of ethnic studies at the University of Utah; Saida Dahir, a local poet; and John Mejía, legal director at the ACLU of Utah joined Tribune Executive Editor Jennifer Napier-Pearce. The Tribune will host two other conversations in this three-part town hall series: one exploring what police reform should look like on Wednesday, June 17 at 7 p.m.; and another focused on solutions and policy proposals on Wednesday, June 24 at 7 p.m. “Trib Talk” is produced by Jeni Fitzgibbon and Sara Weber.

Most schools and colleges in Utah will likely welcome back students this fall, according to Gov. Gary Herbert. But what can students, parents and teachers expect after classrooms were shut down in March to avoid spreading the coronavirus? How will COVID-19 affect the educational experience? State Superintendent of Public Instruction Sydnee Dickson and Geoffrey Landward of the Utah System of Higher Education joined Tribune reporter Courtney Tanner live on “Trib Talk” to discuss spacing requirements, sanitation guidelines and more. Trib Talk is produced by Jeni Fitzgibbon and Sara Weber.

For several nights, demonstrators have taken to the streets of Salt Lake City, calling for an end to racism and police reform. On the latest edition of “Trib Talk,” Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall and Tribune editor Jennifer Napier-Pearce discuss the status of these recent protests, the 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew, transparency and accountability in law enforcement and more. ‘Trib Talk’ is produced by Jeni Fitzgibbon and Sara Weber.

Memorial Day weekend is typically the busiest time for Utah’s national parks. But with coronavirus concerns and two closed parks, the Mighty Five likely saw a dramatic drop in visitors this year. On this episode of “Trib Talk,” Tribune public lands and environment reporter Brian Maffly and the National Parks Conservation Association’s Cory MacNulty discuss the status of national parks opening back up, what to expect and what you need to know before visiting. ‘Trib Talk’ is produced by Jeni Fitzgibbon and Sara Weber.

Former Utah Jazz coach Jerry Sloan died at age 78 on Friday. On this special edition of “Trib Talk,” columnist Gordon Monson and reporters Eric Walden and Andy Larsen remember the life and legacy of the fourth-winningest coach in NBA history who guided the Utah Jazz for 23 seasons. “Trib Talk” is produced by Jenny Fitzgibbon and Sara Weber.

What’s it like to cover sports during a pandemic? When can we expect to watch a game again? Salt Lake Tribune sports reporters Josh Newman and Norma Gonzalez answered these questions and more on The Tribune’s Facebook page. You can read more about Utah sports on our website. You can also sign up for our Red All Over newsletter, which offers behind-the-scenes insights about University of Utah athletics, and our Eye on the Y newsletter for an insider’s look into Brigham Young University athletics.

Actor Ty Burrell of “Modern Family” fame is also part-owner of several restaurants and bars in Utah. He joined Tribune food writer Kathy Stephenson on The Salt Lake Tribune’s Facebook page to talk about how the coronavirus pandemic has affected the food and drink industry in Utah — and how he’s trying to help. Read more about the “Tip Your Server” program here, and sign up for our Utah Eats newsletter to stay up-to-date on what’s happening at Utah restaurants and grocery stores during this historic time. “Trib Talk” is produced by Jeni Fitzgibbon and Sara Weber.

The Salt Lake Tribune’s Gordon Monson and Dr. Angela Dunn, the state’s epidemiologist, discussed the current state of the coronavirus pandemic in Utah on the latest edition of “Trib Talk.” They covered the state’s move from “red” to “orange,” what we’ve learned about the coronavirus over the last two months, what a “second wave” looks like and more in a live interview on The Salt Lake Tribune’s Facebook page.

Americans’ reliance on personal automobiles poses a paradox that plays out most acutely in places like Utah’s Big and Little Cottonwood canyons — rugged, scenic and natural settings that have become powerful magnets of recreation and drivers of economic development. The Cottonwoods are now plagued with traffic year-round but particularly on powdery winter days, when thousands of skiers stream up the canyons in hopes of being first on the chairlifts. But anyone with eyes has been seeing a crisis coming for years. The Salt Lake Tribune hosted a forum to explore potential solutions to gridlock in the two canyons, which see more visitation than Utah’s “Mighty Five” national parks combined. Tribune Editor Jennifer Napier-Pearce moderated the discussion that included Carl Fisher, executive director of Save Our Canyons, and Dave Fields, president and general manager of Snowbird, the famed ski area near the head of Little Cottonwood Canyon.

What are the top challenges facing Utah women? Tribune reporter Becky Jacobs, Tribune columnist Holly Richardson and Susan Madsen, director of UVU's Utah Women & Leadership Project, spoke with Tribune editor Jennifer Napier-Pearce about a first-of-its-kind poll of Utah women conducted by The Salt Lake Tribune and Suffolk University.

After serving two years as U.S. Ambassador to Russia, Jon Huntsman has returned to Utah and plans to seek another term as the state's governor.

While dogs are restricted entirely from some of the canyons that surround the Salt Lake Valley, a long-standing policy not only permits dogs in Mill Creek but also allows them to roam off leash on odd-numbered days. And on even-numbered days, when dogs are leashed, mountain bikes are permitted on Mill Creek’s popular network of higher-altitude trails. On the latest episode of Trib Talk, Ben Wood speaks to city leaders about the tradition.

Salt Lake City mayoral candidates Erin Mendenhall and Luz Escamilla discuss where they stand on the issues at a debate moderated by The Salt Lake Tribune’s editor, Jennifer Napier-Pearce, and FOX 13 reporter Ben Winslow.

Salt Lake Tribune political reporter Benjamin Wood sits down with Salt Lake City mayoral candidate Luz Escamilla.

Salt Lake Tribune political reporter Benjamin Wood sits down with Salt Lake City Mayoral candidate Erin Mendenhall.

In 2006, David Hawkins was convicted of sexually abusing two of his sons. His name was added to the sex offender registry, and he went on to serve more than seven years in prison for a crime he said he did not commit. Now, after his children recanted their testimonies against him and worked for six years to clear his name, State of Utah has deemed Hawkins to be factually innocent and has expunged his record. On this week’s episode of the “Trib Talk” podcast, Hawkins joins host Benjamin Wood and Tribune legal affairs reporter Jessica Miller to share his experience of being wrongly convicted and ultimately vindicated in the eyes of the law. Click here to listen now. Listeners can also subscribe to “Trib Talk” on SoundCloud, iTunes and Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, Spotify and other major podcast platforms. “Trib Talk” is produced by Sara Weber with additional editing by Dan Harrie. Comments and feedback can be sent to tribtalk@sltrib.com, or to @bjaminwood or @tribtalk on Twitter.

Salt Lake City’s air quality is among the worst in the nation and by 2024, homes and businesses will be the primary source of air pollution in the state, surpassing cars, factories and power plants, according to projections by the Utah Division of Air Quality. Those trends are prompting homebuilders and business owners to consider energy-efficient upgrades, like airtight construction, electric appliances and solar panels. But most of those features come with added upfront costs, and the current pace of new zero-emission construction will take years to offset the pollution seeping out of older buildings in the Salt Lake Valley. On today’s episode of “Trib Talk,” freelance journalist Heater May joins host Benjamin Wood to discuss her three-part series for the Tribune examining the role that homes and businesses play in both contributing to Utah’s dirty air, and potentially cleaning it. Listeners can also subscribe to “Trib Talk” on SoundCloud, iTunes and Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, Spotify and other major podcast platforms. “Trib Talk” is produced by Sara Weber with additional editing by Dan Harrie. Comments and feedback can be sent to tribtalk@sltrib.com, or to @bjaminwood or @tribtalk on Twitter.

Dozens of murals are popping up in and around Salt Lake City as part of a concerted effort by artists, property owners and community groups to enliven, beautify and bring attention to public spaces. The Tribune is working to catalogue these diverse works of urban and pop art. And on this week’s episode, movie critic and culture reporter Sean Means takes Trib Talk host Benjamin Wood on a walking tour of the The Gateway — where several murals are concentrated — to discuss the artists behind the movement, its impact on the community, and the unique qualities of the mural as an art form. Listeners can also subscribe to “Trib Talk” on SoundCloud, iTunes and Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, Spotify and other major podcast platforms. “Trib Talk” is produced by Sara Weber with additional editing by Dan Harrie. Comments and feedback can be sent to tribtalk@sltrib.com, or to @bjaminwood or @tribtalk on Twitter.

A legislative task force has spent much of the summer touring the state and hosting town hall meetings on tax reform. Now that this so-called listening tour has wrapped up the lawmakers enter phase two, where they’re going to try to come up with some proposals in time for January’s session. On today’s episode of “Trib Talk," Tribune government editor Dan Harrie and government reporter Bethany Rodgers interview Sen. Lyle Hillyard, R-Logan, and Rep. Francis Gibson, R-Mapleton, about the next steps for the tax reform task force, and the broader conversation around tax reform at the Utah Legislature. Listeners can also subscribe to “Trib Talk” on SoundCloud, iTunes and Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, Spotify and other major podcast platforms. “Trib Talk” is produced by Sara Weber with additional editing by Dan Harrie. Comments and feedback can be sent to tribtalk@sltrib.com, or to @bjaminwood or @tribtalk on Twitter.

Next week, the field of candidates vying to be the next mayor of Salt Lake City will be trimmed from eight to two as voters cast their ballots in the city’s primary election. Recent polling by The Salt Lake Tribune and Hinckley Institute of Politics showed a significant number of voters had not yet decided who to support. And the presumed frontrunner, former state Sen. Jim Dabakis, held a relatively narrow lead ahead of a still-competitive slate of hopefuls looking to secure a spot on the general election ballot. On today’s episode of “Trib Talk," host Benjamin Wood chats with government reporter Taylor Stevens about the state of the mayor’s race ahead of Tuesday’s primary, and visits a neighborhood party on the city’s west side to see what voters are thinking about the candidates and their campaigns. Listeners can also subscribe to “Trib Talk” on SoundCloud, iTunes and Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, Spotify and other major podcast platforms. “Trib Talk” is produced by Sara Weber with additional editing by Dan Harrie. Comments and feedback can be sent to tribtalk@sltrib.com, or to @bjaminwood or @tribtalk on Twitter.. Listeners can also subscribe to “Trib Talk” on SoundCloud, iTunes and Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, Spotify and other major podcast platforms. “Trib Talk” is produced by Sara Weber with additional editing by Dan Harrie. Comments and feedback can be sent to tribtalk@sltrib.com, or to @bjaminwood or @tribtalk on Twitter.

The recent closure of the American International School of Utah — a public-private hybrid charter — has displaced more than 1,300 students and left potentially millions of dollars in unpaid debts, including hundreds of thousands of allegedly misspent special education funds owed to, but unlikely to be repaid to, the state of Utah. A new board has been established to oversee the nitty-gritty of shutting down the AISU organization. But it says there’s little hope of recovering taxpayer dollars, and it’s unclear who, if anyone, will face consequences from the situation, as virtually no one with direct involvement in the public school was an elected official.