Nobody understands a city’s pulse quite like a City Cast host — and that makes them the best predictors for 2026’s biggest local stories. City Cast Salt Lake host Ali Vallarta joins CEO David Plotz and the other 12 hosts from across the network to talk about the big changes coming to our cities, from political shifts to data centers. 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

New year, new ideas for making the most of Salt Lake City. Host Ali Vallarta, producer Ivana Martinez, and Hey Salt Lake editor Terina Ria assembled a guide to January in the valley, from an inspired new bar to a $20 facial and ways to get a little more involved. If you’re wondering why we know bars so well, it’s because we’ve been to all of them. 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 January in Salt Lake, check out Hey Salt Lake’s take on what to do this month.  City Cast Salt Lake is made possible by our awesome sponsors, Woodward Park City and Live Crude. 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. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Check out our options. Reach us at saltlake@citycast.fm.

There are a host of weird and uniquely Utah things that our community tries to normalize, but have you fully adopted any of them? Host Ali Vallarta, newsletter editor Terina Ria, and executive producer Emily Means share their takes on Utah propaganda we’ve been sold and which ones we refuse to buy into.  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. 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 Woodward Park City  Live Crude - Use code CITYCASTSLC to try CRUDE's Oil Cleansing Starter kit for Free

Salt Lake City is no stranger to construction and development, but there were so many projects to change the city that never even got off the ground. If those projects had been a success, how different would our city look today? Wendi Pettett, co-host of the Demolished Places podcast, joins host Ali Vallarta to share her picks for the craziest Salt Lake projects that never came to fruition. 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 Woodward Park City  Live Crude - Use code CITYCASTSLC to try CRUDE's Oil Cleansing Starter kit for free

Former Utah Sen. Mitt Romney has a big idea: Tax the rich! Host Ali Vallarta and executive producer Emily Means explore his pitch and the political shift. Plus, what’s in and out for 2026 and joyful shout outs.  Read former Sen. Mitt Romney's New York Times op-ed: "Mitt Romney: Tax the Rich, Like Me"  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:  Woodward Park City Live Crude - Use code CITYCASTSLC to try CRUDE's Oil Cleansing Starter kit for Free Cozy Earth - use code COZYSALTLAKE for up to 20% off

These are the best things we ate in 2025! Host Ali Vallarta, newsletter editor Terina Ria, and award-winning food writer Darby Doyle round up the best sweet, savory, coffee and cocktails Utah has to offer — and what 2026 could have in store. 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:  Woodward Park City 

Gov. Spencer Cox wants to expand aka pack the Supreme Court. Host Ali Vallarta, executive producer Emily Means, and City Cast Salt Lake contributor Chandler Rosenberg discuss state leaders' motives. Plus, Salt Lake's word of the year and some festive picks for your weekend. Resources and references: Salt Lake’s 2025 Naughty and Nice List [City Cast Salt Lake]  A first look at Utah Republicans’ plan to expand the state Supreme Court [Deseret News] Join us for "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" on Saturday, Dec. 20 at 4 p.m. at the Utah Film Center. It’s totally free with activities for kids like face painting, Who hairdos, and stop-animation station. 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:  Cyprus Credit Union ICO Salt Lake Sewciety Live Crude - Use code CITYCASTSLC to try CRUDE's Oil Cleansing Starter kit for Free

Our official naughty and nice list is here! And yeah, Santa is a listener. Host Ali Vallarta and Queen of SLC on TikTok, Kendall Rodriguez, compile what to celebrate and gentle roasts from 2025 in Utah. Join us for How the Grinch Stole Christmas on Saturday, Dec. 20 at 4 p.m. at the Utah Film Center. It’s totally free with activities for kids like face painting, Who hairdos, and stop-animation station. 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:  Cyprus Credit Union Aura Frames - Support the show by mentioning CITYCAST at checkout! Use code CITYCAST for $35 off ICO Salt Lake Sewciety

Many of us have family in town next week, whether up from St. George, in from LA, or we’re just spending an unusual amount of time together. Host Ali Vallarta and local TikTok creator Darienne Debrule assemble a list of ideas from free to kid-friendly or swanky. Join us for How the Grinch Stole Christmas on Saturday, Dec. 20 at 4 p.m. at the Utah Film Center. It’s totally free with activities for kids like face painting, Who hairdos, and stop-animation station. 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:  Cyprus Credit Union Aura Frames - Support the show by mentioning CITYCAST at checkout! Use code CITYCAST for $35 off ICO Salt Lake Sewciety

A new plan for ski traffic in Big Cottonwood Canyon is here! Host Ali Vallarta and Save Our Canyons executive director Jack Stauss discuss why it’s so good, and what to expect. Plus, why some SLC landlords would rather give you a cruise than lower the rent, and joyful shoutouts. Resources and references: More transit and tolls? UDOT unveils plan to handle Big Cottonwood Canyon travel woes [KSL]  Submit public comment on Big Cottonwood Canyon Environmental Assessment. Here’s how apartment owners are competing with each other to win renters [Building 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:  Harmons Cyprus Credit Union Aura Frames - Support the show by mentioning CITYCAST at checkout! Use code CITYCAST for $35 off ICO Salt Lake Sewciety Live Crude - Use code CITYCASTSLC to try CRUDE's Oil Cleansing Starter kit for Free Cozy Earth - use code COZYSALTLAKE for up to 20% off

Utah's next big homelessness idea is a 1,300-bed campus, and one national organization seems to have some influence over how it pans out. Host Ali Vallarta asks Cicero public safety policy director Devon Kurtz about his proposals, including involuntary commitment and homeless registries. Listen to our previous coverage on this issue: State Leaders Icing out Local Experts on Mega Shelter? 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:  Harmons Cyprus Credit Union Aura Frames - Support the show by mentioning CITYCAST at checkout! Use code CITYCAST for $35 off ICO Salt Lake Sewcity

Tuesday was a busy night in Salt Lake! The Utah Legislature, Salt Lake County Council and Salt Lake City Council all met to make big decisions. Host Ali Vallarta, executive producer Emily Means, and City Cast Salt Lake contributor Cassie Bingham break down what happened and where we go from here. Sign up to volunteer with Ali to create ICE-free zones in SLC this Saturday at 10 a.m. 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:  Harmons Cyprus Credit Union Aura Frames - Use code CITYCAST for $35 off Live Crude - Use code CITYCASTSLC to try CRUDE's Oil Cleansing Starter kit for Free Cozy Earth - use code COZYSALTLAKE for up to 20% off Salt Lake City Council

The people of Salt Lake got into it this year. Executive producer Emily Means and City Cast Salt Lake social media manager Molly Miloscia dive into the juiciest beefs of 2025 and declare the winners and losers.  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:  Harmons Cyprus Credit Union Aura Frames - Use code CITYCAST for $35 off Salt Lake City Council

Dozens of people protested Monday after Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested a man attending his green card interview at the federal immigration office in Salt Lake City. Host Ali Vallarta asks attorney Nicholle Pitt White for practical advice if you encounter ICE at your business, home, or as a bystander. 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:  Harmons Cyprus Credit Union Aura Frames - Use code CITYCAST for $35 off Salt Lake City Council

Big food news: MICHELIN Guide is coming to Utah, which opens the door to a local restaurant earning a coveted star. Host Ali Vallarta asks Visit Salt Lake CEO Kaitlin Eskelson and Salt Lake Area Restaurant Association executive director Michele Corigliano how MICHELIN landed in Utah and what restaurants could be awards contenders. 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:  Harmons Cyprus Credit Union Aura Frames - Use code CITYCAST for $35 off Live Crude - Use code CITYCASTSLC to try CRUDE's Oil Cleansing Starter kit for Free Cozy Earth - use code COZYSALTLAKE for up to 20% off Salt Lake City Council

We've all been there — enjoying a gorgeous hike when the urge to use the bathroom hits. What do you do?? Host Ali Vallarta asks Angelique Fish, cofounder of the Women's Wine Hiking Society, what to know when you've gotta go and how to keep our trails clean for everyone to enjoy. 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:  Harmons Cyprus Credit Union Aura Frames - Use code CITYCAST for $35 off

The biggest news of the week is money — specifically, how the city and state are spending your hard-earned cash! Host Ali Vallarta, executive producer Emily Means, and City Cast Salt Lake contributor Kate Groetzinger share their biggest takeaways. Plus, joyful picks of the week. Resources and references: Manslaughter charge filed against ‘peacekeeper’ in No Kings protest killing [KSL] In Salt Lake City, record spending boosts police budgets. What has Utah’s capital gotten for it? [Salt Lake Tribune] Read. Gov. Spencer Cox’s 2027 budget recommendations. Get tickets to One Small Miracle fundraiser at Fisher Brewing. 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:  Harmons Red Butte Garden Ken Garff University Club Utah Museum of Fine Arts Live Crude - Get $10 off your first CRUDE purchase with promo code CITYCASTSLC

Gift giving is the perfect excuse to support Salt Lake businesses and nonprofits! Host Ali Vallarta and Hive Mind podcast host Meg Walter made a beautiful 2025 gift guide for all ages, with plenty of ideas under $20. 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:  Harmons Red Butte Garden Ken Garff University Club Utah Museum of Fine Arts

Gov. Spencer Cox just announced a whole nuclear "ecosystem" is coming to Brigham City — think power plants, manufacturing, and more. But there's a lot we still don't know. Host Ali Vallarta asks Dr. Danielle Endres, director of the environmental humanities program at the University of Utah, what questions we should be asking before Utah becomes a nuclear hub.  Learn about geothermal energy, another resource Utah is exploring.  This episode first aired Jan. 29, 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 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:  Harmons Red Butte Garden Ken Garff University Club Utah Museum of Fine Arts

Utah Republicans take another swing at ballot initiatives and the new congressional map. Host Ali Vallarta and executive producer Emily Means talk about what they have up their sleeves. Plus, the Trumpification of our national parks, Giving Tuesday recs, and joyful shoutouts.  Resources and references:  National Parks Pass  Learn more about the Utah Women in Trades program. 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:  Harmons Red Butte Garden Ken Garff University Club Utah Museum of Fine Arts Live Crude - Get $10 off your first CRUDE purchase with promo code CITYCASTSLC Cozy Earth - use code COZYSALTLAKE for up to 20% off