City Cast Salt Lake

The hotel scene downtown is thriving. Host Ali Vallarta, executive producer Emily Means, and City Cast Salt Lake contributor Shireen Ghorbani discuss whether that's a sign locals should turn it over to tourists and hang out elsewhere. Plus, one-star reviews of Utah's national parks and picks for your weekend. Resources and references: Downtown SLC Marriott gets multimillion-dollar remodel as hotel sector thrives. Take a look inside. [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. Get all the details and sign up at membership.citycast.fm. Subscribe to Hey Salt Lake, 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:  Utah Museum of Fine Arts Sugar House Downtown Alliance PLUNJ Live Crude - Get $10 off your first CRUDE purchase with promo code CITYCASTSLC

The president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Russell M. Nelson, died Saturday at age 101. Host Ali Vallarta asks Claremont Graduate University professor Matthew Bowman about Nelson's successor and how the LDS prophet impacts our lives as Salt Lakers — even if you're not Mormon. 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 Hey Salt Lake, 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:  Utah Museum of Fine Arts Sugar House Downtown Alliance PLUNJ

October is here, and we're gearing up for cozy season in Salt Lake. Host Ali Vallarta, producer Ivana Martinez, and Hey Salt Lake newsletter editor Terina Ria bring you a guide to making the most of this month, from touring exhibits to stargazing, new restaurants and free ski passes. Plus, planning to visit state parks this fall? Try these national park lookalikes instead.  If you're new here, welcome! We’ve put together a starter pack for you, with episodes and articles to welcome you to the City Cast Salt Lake community.  For even more tips on how to make the most of October in Salt Lake, check out Hey Salt Lake’s take on what to do this month.  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. City Cast Salt Lake is also made possible by our awesome sponsors: Utah Museum of Fine Arts, Sugar House Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Alliance, and PLUNJ.  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.

The Suntrapp unionization effort and Policy Kings closure are the big foodie headlines this week. Host Ali Vallarta and Hey Salt Lake newsletter editor Terina Ria connect the dots to the state’s economy. Plus, taking Rep. Trevor Lee at his word to rename Harvey Milk Boulevard and the latest bar and restaurant openings and closures. Resources and references: Owner of iconic Salt Lake City LGBTQ+ bar says it’s ‘too small’ to unionize as workers announce intent [Salt Lake Tribune] Utah GOP lawmaker wants to rename Harvey Milk Boulevard to honor Charlie Kirk [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. Get all the details and sign up at membership.citycast.fm. Subscribe to Hey Salt Lake, 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:  Utah Museum of Fine Arts Sugar House Downtown Alliance PLUNJ Live Crude - Get $10 off your first CRUDE purchase with promo code CITYCASTSLC Cozy Earth - use code COZYSALTLAKE for 40% off best-selling temperature-regulating sheets, apparel, and more

Did you know there are over 50 pages of weird crimes you can go to jail for in Utah? Democratic Rep. Grant Amjad Miller, a public defender joins host Ali Vallarta to go through the oddities of the justice system and some of the most bizarre cases he’s seen.  Resources and references: 4 Ideas To Fund Instead of More Jails Beds [City Cast Salt Lake] For the nerds: Utah’s 2025 Uniform Fine Schedule 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 Hey Salt Lake, 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:  Utah Museum of Fine Arts Sugar House Downtown Alliance PLUNJ

Gov. Spencer Cox and Utah's wealthiest people announced a 2034 goal for saving the Great Salt Lake. Host Ali Vallarta and executive producer Emily Means ask City Cast Salt Lake contributor Chandler Rosenberg what's next. Plus, construction ends in Sugar House and local picks for your weekend. 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 Hey Salt Lake, 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:  PLUNJ Salt Lake Sewciety Red Butte Stewardship Utah Walker Center City Cast Neighbors - Now through Oct. 3 when you sign up you get this awesome tote that says Neighbors Make Salt Lake Live Crude - Get $10 off your first CRUDE purchase with promo code CITYCASTSLC

For a liquor-averse state, Salt Lake City's cocktail scene is pretty spectacular, and Salt Lake Magazine's Farm-to-Glass Cocktail Contest is highlighting the best of the best. Host Ali Vallarta is judging the contest and tells executive producer Emily Means about the standout sips to try this weekend and lessons learned. It's the last weekend of the contest! Check out Ali’s neighborhood bar crawls to try as many as possible.  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 Hey Salt Lake, 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:  PLUNJ Salt Lake Sewciety Red Butte Stewardship Utah Walker Center

Did you know: In the 1980s, a Utah legislator proposed banishing the state’s AIDS patients to Antelope Island? Really. Host Ali Vallarta asks Banished! organizer Kyle Treasure about reclaiming this dark history. 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 Hey Salt Lake, 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:  PLUNJ Salt Lake Sewciety Red Butte Stewardship Utah Walker Center

The process of drawing Utah’s new congressional maps has begun! Host Ali Vallarta and executive producer Emily Means jump into the timeline. Plus, the alleged “fake” Pie pizza, a construction date for downtown SLC’s new sports and entertainment district, and a health case for tattoos. Resources and references: Utah’s Congressional Maps Need To Be Redrawn. Now What? [City Cast Salt Lake] Here’s the timeline for the massive overhaul of Abravanel Hall, UMOCA and the Salt Palace [Salt Lake Tribune] Study Finds Melanoma Less Common in Individuals with Several Tattoos [Huntsman Cancer Institute]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 Hey Salt Lake, our daily morning newsletter. You can also find us on Instagram @CityCastSLC. 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:  PLUNJ Salt Lake Sewciety Red Butte Stewardship Utah Walker Center Live Crude - Get $10 off your first CRUDE purchase with promo code CITYCASTSLC Cozy Earth - use code COZYSALTLAKE for 40% off best-selling temperature-regulating sheets, apparel, and more Spencer's Steaks and Chops

Got an idea for making your neighborhood better? Salt Lake City has money for that! Host Ali Vallarta asks KRCL DJ and Glendale Neighborhood Council member Ebay Hamilton for tips on pitching a project to the city.  Resources and references: SLC Capital Improvement Program grants SLC Arts Council Project Support Grants 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 Hey Salt Lake, 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:  PLUNJ Salt Lake Sewciety Red Butte Stewardship Utah Walker Center

Utah Valley University reopened this week after the assassination of Charlie Kirk. Host Ali Vallarta and executive producer Emily Means ask UVU staffer and City Cast contributor Cassie Bingham about the return to campus. Plus, Salt Lake City considers middle-of-the-night prohibition and local picks for your weekend. Resources and references: After Kirk’s Death, Students Return to Campus and Learn ‘How To Be Adults’ [New York Times] Salt Lake City to consider new ordinance cracking down on after-hours booze [KSL] The Gala artists’ space Baby flamingos at the Aviary Star Party at Snowpine Lodge 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 Hey Salt Lake, 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:  Visit Walla Walla Salt Lake City Corp Red Butte ICO Live Crude - Get $10 off your first CRUDE purchase with promo code CITYCASTSLC

Beloved Utahn and Sundance Institute founder Robert Redford died Tuesday at his home in Provo Canyon. Host Ali Vallarta and Salt Lake Tribune deputy enterprise editor Sean P. Means discuss Redford's local legacy and share their favorite stories of the last great movie star.  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 Hey Salt Lake, 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:  Visit Walla Walla Salt Lake City Corp Red Butte ICO

If it feels like fall came early this year, that’s because it did! Cooler nights are making leaves blush on the Wasatch Front, and the race is on to peep fall colors. Ashley Brown, author of Urban Trails: Salt Lake City, tells host Ali Vallarta where to catch brilliant foliage on an easy walk or more challenging hike, whether you’re bringing your dog, the kids, or just need a scenic lunch-break lap. This episode first aired Sept. 26, 2024. 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 Hey Salt Lake, 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:  MOMU Visit Walla Walla Salt Lake City Corp Red Butte ICO

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox’s speech following the assassination of Charlie Kirk has captured the nation’s attention and has us raising our eyebrows. Host Ali Vallarta and executive producer Emily Means give their analysis and the latest update on the case. Plus, parking drama in Big Cottonwood Canyon and joyful shoutouts.   Resources and references: Brighton planning meeting agenda and link Trump Has a Warning for Spencer Cox [The Atlantic]  Less Than Half the Water for a Whole Peach [City Cast Salt Lake] 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 Hey Salt Lake, 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:  Visit Walla Walla Salt Lake City Corp Red Butte ICO Live Crude - Get $10 off your first CRUDE purchase with promo code CITYCASTSLC Cozy Earth - use code COZYSALTLAKE for 40% off best-selling temperature-regulating sheets, apparel, and more

Are more public bathrooms on the horizon in Salt Lake City? Host Ali Vallarta asks Tyler Murdock, deputy director of Salt Lake City Public Lands, when it will get easier to find clean, unlocked bathrooms city-wide. 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 Hey Salt Lake, 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:  Visit Walla Walla Salt Lake City Corp Red Butte ICO Salt Lake City Co Arts

How's Salt Lake feeling after the Charlie Kirk assassination? Host Ali Vallarta, executive producer Emily Means, and Salt Lake Tribune reporter Andy Larsen talk about the aftermath. Plus, COVID vaccines and picks for your weekend. Resources and references: Charlie Kirk Killed in Utah. Where Do We Go From Here? [City Cast Salt Lake] Charlie Kirk shooting: Is our nation ‘broken’? Political violence is on the rise. [Salt Lake Tribune] Over 2,000 Utahns potentially exposed to measles at high school event [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. Get all the details and sign up at membership.citycast.fm. Subscribe to Hey Salt Lake, 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 Salt Lake City Co Canyon View Credit Union Salt Lake City Gov Avenue Street Fair Live Crude - Get $10 off your first CRUDE purchase with promo code CITYCASTSLC

Conservative activist Charlie Kirk was killed Wednesday at Utah Valley University in Orem. Host Ali Vallarta, executive producer Emily Means, and City Cast CEO David Plotz analyze what the assassination means for Utah and national politics. Resources and references: Conservative activist Charlie Kirk assassinated at Utah university [Associated Press] 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 Hey Salt Lake, 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.

Utah is 2025’s worst state for women’s equality. Host Ali Vallarta asks founding director of the Utah Women & Leadership Project Dr. Susan Madsen for practical solutions employers and lawmakers could implement tomorrow if we want to boost our score. Best & Worst States for Women’s Equality (2025) [WalletHub] Susan R. Madsen: Helping those at a disadvantage doesn’t cost anything [Salt Lake Tribune] 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 Hey Salt Lake, 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 Salt Lake City Arts Council Canyon View Credit Union Salt Lake City Gov Avenue Street Fair

SLC suburb Riverton just became the first city in Utah to sign a 287(g) agreement with ICE. Host Ali Vallarta and executive producer Emily Means dive into the decision making. Plus, lessons from the Love Club singles event and local shoutouts. Resources and references: A suburb becomes Utah’s first city to sign pact with ICE, giving officers immigration enforcement powers [Salt Lake Tribune] The Streak at Salt Lake Film SocietyBecome 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 Hey Salt Lake, 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 SaltLake City Co Canyon View Credit Union Salt Lake City Gov Avenue Street Fair Live Crude - Get $10 off your first CRUDE purchase with promo code CITYCASTSLC Cozy Earth - use code COZYSALTLAKE for 40% off best-selling temperature-regulating sheets, apparel, and more

The average home price Salt Lakers can afford is … $260,000, according to local realtor Rod Moser. Host Ali Vallarta asks him about popular and unpopular solutions to get prices closer to that number. 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 Hey Salt Lake, 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 Salt Lake City Arts Council Canyon View Credit Union Salt Lake City Gov Avenue Street Fair