City Cast Salt Lake
City Cast Salt Lake is Salt Lake City’s daily news podcast. Host Ali Vallarta and a bevy of smart and entertaining locals will bring you conversations about the issues that matter most to SLC. Some days City Cast will make you proud; other days it’ll make you angry. It will celebrate Salt Lake’s triumphs, (try to) solve its mysteries, and explore its history. City Cast will help you feel more connected to the Wasatch Front – whether you’ve lived here for 6 months or 6 generations.
Episodes
July 11, 2025 • 44 mins
Is AI responsible for taking away SLC's power to make its streets safer? Host Ali Vallarta, executive producer Emily Means, and City Cast Salt Lake contributor Chandler Rosenberg dive into the controversial story. Plus, Utah power rankings, hummingbird sightseeing, and free Slurpees!
Resources and references:
Shadow lobbying, an AI paper and a willing Senator. The story behind the bill that took SLC’s streets away [Building...
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July 10, 2025 • 21 mins
It’s been two years since Utah sent Pornhub packing in protest of a law that the U.S. Supreme Court just ok’d! The man to blame? State Sen. Todd Weiler (R-Woods Cross). Host Ali Vallarta asks him if this is the war he planned to wage — and if it’s still worth the fight?
This episode first aired on May 9, 2023.
Just a note this episode makes mention of sexual violence.
U.S. Teen Girls Experiencing Increased Sadness and Violence...
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July 9, 2025 • 24 mins
From Venice to Mexico City, much of the world is protesting overtourism. So how can Utah manage tensions between visitors and locals in hotspots like Moab and Park City? Host Ali Vallarta asks Jennifer Leaver, senior tourism analyst at the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute, about the state of tourism in Utah right now.
Get more from City Cast Salt Lake when you become a City Cast Salt Lake Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free l...
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July 8, 2025 • 36 mins
The Smith’s Ballpark stadium finally has a game plan! Host Ali Vallarta and Building Salt Lake editor Taylor Anderson discuss the design highlights and construction timeline for the 13.5-acres in the middle of SLC. Plus, the University of Utah shuts down a frat, and local shoutouts.
Resources and references:
Shadow lobbying, an AI paper and a willing Senator. The story behind the bill that took SLC’s streets away [Building...
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July 7, 2025 • 23 mins
Sen. Mike Lee has been getting dragged in the news recently. One, for trying to sell public lands, and two, for his tweets about the assassination of a Minnesota lawmaker. But one Salt Laker has made it her mission to make life hard for Utah's senior senator. Host Ali Vallarta asks Rosie Card what her goal is as Lee's number one troll.
Listen for more on Lee's so-far unsuccessful push to sell Utah's public lands.
Get more from Ci...
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July 3, 2025 • 47 mins
All 12 other City Cast podcast hosts (from Austin, Boise, Chicago, DC, Denver, Houston, Las Vegas, Madison, Nashville, Philly, Pittsburgh, and Portland) compete head-to-head in a high-stakes showdown, judged by Ali Vallarta, to answer the question that’s been burning up our company-wide Slack for weeks: which city is the best for a summer weekend trip? From naked bike rides to ‘the country’s best farmers market,’ pickle festivals t...
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July 2, 2025 • 40 mins
We're heading into a holiday weekend, but the news won't let up. Host Ali Vallarta and executive producer Emily Means break down the biggest stories of the week, from Salt Lake City's downtown parking prices to Jordan Clarkson's departure from the Utah Jazz.
Resources and references:
What Utah Lands Are at Risk Under Mike Lee’s Newest Bill? [City Cast Salt Lake]
Salt Lake County fireworks page
Salt Lake City parking up...
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July 1, 2025 • 35 mins
July is a month of Utah holidays, from the 4th to Pie & Beer aka Pioneer Day — but do you know about Summerween? Host Ali Vallarta, newsletter editor Terina Ria, and executive producer Emily Means bring you a guide to what to expect and how to make the most of this month, from cold local treats to the rowdiest parade. If you do plan to hit the races, listen to our deep dive on horse gambling in Utah.
Everything you need to know ab...
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June 30, 2025 • 29 mins
It's a great time to remind you that we have a Salt Lake County government, because the county council just got a new member! Host Ali Vallarta asks Council Member Jiro Johnson about his approach to Salt Lake's biggest issues: criminal justice, homelessness, and growth. Plus, his thoughts on the relationship between activists and electeds.
Get more from City Cast Salt Lake when you become a City Cast Salt Lake Neighbor. You’ll enj...
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June 27, 2025 • 41 mins
A University of Utah student spent 15 days in an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facility in Colorado. Host Ali Vallarta, executive producer Emily Means, and City Cast Salt Lake contributor Cassie Bingham deconstruct the story. Plus, the construction nightmare in Sugar House and some picks for your weekend.
Resources and references:
University of Utah student arrested by ICE says 15 days in detention were ‘harde...
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June 26, 2025 • 24 mins
Did Sen. Mike Lee solve the nation's partisan divide by sponsoring a bill everyone hates? Kate Groetzinger, City Cast contributor and Center for Western Priorities communications manager, joins host Ali Vallarta to explain why even conservatives dislike Lee's proposal to sell up to 1.2 million acres of public lands in the West.
For more on Utah’s public land battles, listen to Does Utah’s Public Lands Story Hold Up?
Get more from...
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June 25, 2025 • 24 mins
Now that it's officially summer, you might be wondering how to swing a weekend getaway. So say hello to your unofficial travel agent: Host Ali Vallarta joins executive producer Emily Means to recommend hops to some of our favorite locations less than a three-hour flight away — plus, what to do when you touch down.
Want to hit up the Oregon Coast for a quick trip? Check out this guide from City Cast Portland.
Get more from City C...
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June 24, 2025 • 37 mins
The man arrested after the "No Kings" protest shooting in Salt Lake City has been released from jail. Host Ali Vallarta and executive producer Emily Means discuss that and other updates from the recent public shootings in SLC and West Valley. Plus, the best-run city in the country is in Utah, and local shoutouts.
Resources and references:
Suspect in West Valley City shooting facing 4 aggravated murder charges [FOX 13]
Man...
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June 23, 2025 • 29 mins
Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, has an office for Utah, Idaho, Montana, and Nevada right here in West Valley. So what should you do if you or your neighbor is stopped by them? Host Ali Vallarta asks Aaron Welcher with the ACLU of Utah what your rights are when it comes to ICE and how their power differs from local police.
Visit ACLU of Utah’s resource hub for more information about your rights and guidance for institu...
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June 20, 2025 • 61 mins
City Cast hosts are on the pulse of what’s happening in our communities. So Ali Vallarta and all 12 other hosts sat down with City Cast CEO David Plotz to talk about creative local problem solving that might work in your hometown too and to commiserate about stressors affecting most of our cities, from unaffordable housing to bike lanes.
Learn more about the sponsors of this June 20th episode:
Utah Arts Festival
Stein Eriksen...
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June 18, 2025 • 38 mins
It's been a tough week in Salt Lake County, with two shootings at public events resulting in the deaths of four community members. Host Ali Vallarta and executive producer Emily Means sort through the details of both incidents and the questions that remain. Plus, ways to celebrate Juneteenth.
Resources and references:
In the Wake of Local Shootings, Here’s How To Help [Hey Salt Lake]
Submit evidence from the “No Kings” pr...
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June 17, 2025 • 27 mins
Protesters gathered on Saturday in Salt Lake City to chant, “No ICE, no fear, immigrants are welcome here.” What can local leaders do to answer that call? Host Ali Vallarta asks Millcreek Mayor Jeff Silvestrini how he's thinking about his role in protecting his community from harmful policies.
For more discussions about ICE & Mayor Silvestrini:
What ICE Can and Can’t Do (Legally) in Utah [City Cast Salt Lake]
Millcreek De...
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June 16, 2025 • 16 mins
A shooting at the "No Kings" protest on Saturday in downtown Salt Lake City left one person dead. Host Ali Vallarta and executive producer Emily Means assemble the facts and most pressing questions around this horrific end to an otherwise peaceful day.
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...
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June 13, 2025 • 40 mins
Salt Lake City has a new county council member. Host Ali Vallarta, executive producer Emily Means, and Salt Lake Tribune reporter Andy Larsen connect the dots between your local electeds and controversial federal policies. Plus, Bees baseball struggles in the ‘burbs, $1 book deals, and soapbox racing.
Resources and references:
With eye on LA protests, Gov. Cox warns Utah will be ‘overprepared,’ won’t tolerate violence [Uta...
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June 12, 2025 • 24 mins
It’s summer festival season, and there's a lot to choose from! TikTok’s Queen of SLC Kendall Rodriguez and host Ali Vallarta winnow it down to four events you shouldn’t miss, from strawberries to extreme sports. Plus, tips and tricks to save money and make the most of festival going.
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 o...
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