City Cast Salt Lake

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ real estate empire is growing. Host Ali Vallarta and City Cast Salt Lake contributor Kate Groetzinger discuss how the church is changing whole regions of the U.S. Plus, culture writer Meg Walter tells us about the rise of old lady hobbies, and we make our Utah wishlist. Resources and references: The Mormon Church Is Quietly Expanding Its Real Estate Empire Across the US [Bloomberg] 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 Mary Ball, senior integrated marketing manager of Webroot, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:  The Shop University of Utah The Escape Game

Would Salt Lake City be better with fewer vacant, blighted lots? In Philly, the answer is overwhelmingly yes, with significant drops in crime and depression recorded near newly transformed, “greened” neighborhood lots. But how did they do it? David talks with City Cast Philly host Trenae Nuri and special guest Matt Rader, president of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, about how Philly prioritized revitalizing its abandoned outdoor space, the ways that having a nonprofit partner has made all the difference, and what still needs to be done. Mentioned on the show: Study showing 29% decrease in gun violence near transformed lots: https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.1718503115 Study showing 41% decrease in reported depression: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2688343  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 struggling to pay for big public utilities projects, and the city’s clean water is at stake. Host Ali Vallarta, executive producer Emily Means, and City Cast Salt Lake contributor Jack Strauss dig into the city’s debt woes. Plus, the TikTok controversy over Utah’s Lola Blankets, and weekend picks. Resources and references: SLC can’t cover debt on an $850M-plus project almost no one sees, audit says. Property owners may need to pay up. [Salt Lake Tribune] A Customer Criticized Lola Blankets on TikTok. 3 Days Later, She Says Her Replacement Order Was Canceled [Inc.] 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 Red Butte Garden Salt Lake Sewciety Stewardship Utah

Emigration Canyon might finally get a bike lane. Host Ali Vallarta and City Cast Salt Lake contributors Molly Miloscia and Chandler Rosenberg discuss why some homeowners are concerned. Plus, an update on when Salt Lake’s beloved Tower Theatre will finally reopen, and a few cozy food recs for early fall. Resources and references: Right-of-way fight brews over Emigration Canyon road project [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 Red Butte Garden Salt Lake Sewciety Stewardship Utah

How is Utah responding to the news that AI might kill us in a few years? Executive producer Emily Means, newsletter editor Terina Ria, and City Cast Salt Lake contributor Cassie Bingham break down Gov. Spencer Cox's new proclamation on AI. Plus, on a much lighter note, we talk about planning a gorgeous Salt Lake wedding. And in our members-only segment: the best places to see some fall foliage this season. Resources and references: Sweet and Awkward Salt Lake Proposals [City Cast Salt Lake]  Gov. Cox calls for federal action on AI safety and accountability [Deseret News] 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 Red Butte Garden Salt Lake Sewciety Stewardship Utah Central 9th