City Cast Salt Lake

How prepared is Salt Lake City to deal with the effects of climate change? In a recent report, Chicago was ranked as the most climate resilient city in the world — the only U.S. city to make it into the top 10. What’s Chicago doing right? City Cast Chicago host Jacoby Cochran is joining David this week to talk about how the city is adapting to face climate risks, its work in renewable energy, and other projects in the works.

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Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email David now! 

We’re also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter

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What's all that construction on State Street? Host Ali Vallarta and City Cast Salt Lake contributors Cassie Bingham and Jack Stauss dive into the new historic pioneer trail that’s taking over the state capitol and streets nearby. Plus, weekend sales and picks of the week.

Resources and references:

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

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Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson wants a $575 million bond for jails, even after voters shot down a similar proposal in 2024. Host Ali Vallarta, executive producer Emily Means, and City Cast Salt Lake contributor Kate Groetzinger discuss what it would pay for and other items from the 2027 budget. Plus, the future of higher education in Utah and recommendations for rainy day pampering. 

Resources and references:

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: 

What would it take for public transit to be free in Utah? Host Ali Vallarta, newsletter editor Terina Ria, and City Cast Salt Lake contributor Molly Miloscia discuss. Plus, the lieutenant governor received a suspicious package in the mail, and in a special members-only segment: the worst places in SLC.

Resources and references:

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

If you enjoyed this interview with Rocky Mountain Power, learn more here.

Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:

Your ballot has arrived: Who are all these judges? Host Ali Vallarta, executive producer Emily Means, and audience development manager Angie Treasure explain how to evaluate Utah judges and how one Supreme Court justice is facing a campaign to oust her. Plus, Utah’s Bigfoot sightings, clues about the 2027 Kilby Block Party lineup, and local shoutouts.

Resources and references:

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: 

A proposed fuel pipeline could run through Emigration Canyon, the Avenues, and Rose Park. Host Ali Vallarta talks with City Cast Salt Lake contributors Kate Groetzinger and Jack Stauss about the potential risks and whether Salt Lakers would see any benefits. Plus, an early taste of ski season and Utah politicians sporting new hair.

Resources and references:

Become a member of City Cast Salt Lake today to claim your dad hat and support our work! It's the best way to help make sure we're 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: 

Feeling despondent about the state of the Great Salt Lake? Pulling trash from a storm drain could help. “Adopt A Storm Drain”, an initiative overseen by the Salt Lake City government, draws the line between polluted water (and blocked drainage points) and the shrinking and toxifying of the lake, while showing residents how they can do their part. Ali Vallarta joins Your City Could Be Better to discuss how quick, periodic cleaning of your neighborhood sewer grate can contribute to a greater good.

Mentioned on the show:

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.

A man will stand trial in the killing of Afa Ah Loo, who was shot at the No Kings rally in downtown Salt Lake City in June 2025. Host Ali Vallarta, executive producer Emily Means, and City Cast Salt Lake Contributor Cassie Bingham dive into the case. Plus, the sports and entertainment district comes into picture, and picks of the week.

Resources and references:

Become a member of City Cast Salt Lake today to claim your dad hat and support our work! It's the best way to help make sure we're 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: 

Are Utahns happy with our quality of life? Host Ali Vallarta and City Cast Salt Lake contributors Andy Larsen and Chandler Rosenberg dive into the research. Plus, Utah City is facing some roadblocks, and we put together a list of cozy ideas for the back half of October.

Resources and references:

Become a member of City Cast Salt Lake today to claim your dad hat and support our work! It's the best way to help make sure we're 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: 

Anti-trafficking activist Tim Ballard is back with a vengeance… against The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Host Ali Vallarta and audience development manager Angie Treasure talk about his fall from grace and how we got here. Plus, spooky ideas for the back half of October in Salt Lake, and in our members-only segment: local food news.

Resources and references:

• Anti-trafficking activist Tim Ballard says LDS Church ‘excommunicated’ him to hide child abuse in the faith [Salt Lake Tribune] 

• The Sugar House Halloween house [Instagram]

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: 

• Utah Museum of Fine Arts

• SLC Public Library

• Steelcoated Epoxy Floors