After passing a $31 billion budget and more than 500 bills, the Utah Legislature's 2026 session is finally over. Host Ali Vallarta asks FOX 13 Capitol Hill reporter Ben Winslow what lawmakers did to your life — from how we vote, to the booze we drink, to the air we breathe.

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People are camping outside the courthouse for Kouri Richins’ murder trial — a Utah mom accused of killing her husband, who wrote a book to help her family grieve. Host Ali Vallarta asks KCPW reporter Connor Thomas and KSL podcast executive producer Amy Donaldson to lay out the facts and make sense of the cultural implications of the case. 

Follow along with Connor's reporting of the case.

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With homelessness on the rise in Salt Lake City and throughout Utah, the state is moving forward with a divisive idea to try to solve the crisis. The plan is to build a 16-acre homeless campus on the outskirts of Salt Lake City, where unhoused people with mental illnesses or addiction issues could be sheltered and in some cases involuntarily committed. This controversial idea is the brainchild of conservative think tanks, and it’s one that’s very much being embraced by the Trump administration and the Utah legislature. City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Salt Lake host Ali Vallarta about how this plan is meant to work, the concerns about forced institutionalization, and why the state is pushing for this even though it goes against the recommendations of local experts and service providers.

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As we head into International Women’s Day, a shocking homicide case in southern Utah has our attention. Host Ali Vallarta, executive producer Emily Means, and City Cast Salt Lake contributor Kate Groetzinger discuss what we know so far. Plus, the final day at the Legislature and some picks of the week to restore your faith. 

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We’re all trying to save money right now, without stunting our social lives. So can we have a fun day in Salt Lake for under $50? Host Ali Vallarta, Queen of SLC Kendall Rodriguez, and Salt Lake mom and Salon Pèttine owner Liz Farnsworth accept the challenge.   

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Do Utahns still say "dill" instead of "deal"? Host Ali Vallarta asks Lisa Morgan Johnson, professor of linguistics at Brigham Young University, how the Utah accent has changed and why. 

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Utah quietly spent $2 million on a new film "ecosystem" to replace Sundance. Host Ali Vallarta and executive producer Emily Means discuss the plan and who's behind it. Plus, the origins of a mysterious new billboard and local shoutouts.

Resources and references:

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It’s March, the time for madness. Host Ali Vallarta, producer Ivana Martinez, and social media manager Molly Milosica bring you a guide to making the most of this month in Salt Lake, from pizza deals to curing Olympic withdrawals and garden workshops. And, check out our episode on Title X money before you make that gyno appointment.

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A lot of cities, including Salt Lake City, are trying to figure out how best to revitalize downtown. It's an issue that's especially top of mind for Pittsburgh, who is hosting the NFL Draft in April. To solve the problem of vacant properties and empty storefronts, the city is trying out a new rent abatement program. So, City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Pittsburgh podcast host Megan Harris about why their downtown emptied out, whether this program will bring new businesses downtown for the long-term, and other revitalization plans that are in the works.

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Utah's new constitutional court doesn't even have judges yet, and it's already facing a lawsuit — yikes! Host Ali Vallarta, executive producer Emily Means, and Salt Lake Tribune politics reporter Robert Gehrke talk about what's on tap for the controversial court. Plus, would the men of "The Bachelorette" make good politicians? And joyful picks for your weekend.

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