The feds are allegedly looking to build an ICE detention center on Salt Lake City’s west side. Host Ali Vallarta and executive producer Emily Means break down the response from local electeds. Plus, a fun surprise to celebrate our 1,000th episode and shoutouts!

Mentioned on today's episode:

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Utah’s legislative session kicks off today! Senators and reps from around the state could pass more than 500 new laws over the next 45 days. Host Ali Vallarta asks Rep. Calvin Roberts, R-Draper, and Rep. Tyler Clancy, R-Provo, which ones will tackle the cost of living in Utah.

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What can Salt Lake City government do about ICE? Host Ali Vallarta, executive producer Emily Means, and City Cast Salt Lake contributor Kate Groetzinger discuss the city's response to our very pointed question. Plus, how to escape the inversion and picks of the week.

Some ICE-related resources:

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As gross air encircles the city, anxiety is high about the shrinking Great Salt Lake and its toxic dust. Host Ali Vallarta asks Save Our Great Salt Lake co-founder Chandler Rosenberg what phase of saving the Great Salt Lake (and ourselves) we are in right now, from upcoming legislation to a new report on water use.

Read the Great Salt Lake Strike Team’s 2026 report. 

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The Kem C. Gardner Institute published research claiming that “nearly half of Utah’s current young children do not read at grade level.” Host Ali Vallarta asks Salt Lake City School Board member Ashley Anderson about this shocking new data. 

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Tickets go on sale tomorrow morning for Utah’s last-ever Sundance Film Festival! Host Ali Vallarta and Hey Salt Lake newsletter editor Terina Ria have tips for making the most of it as a local. Plus, we give our own ‘Best of Sundance Awards’ and shout out great places. 

You might also like ‘Sundance Tips From Former Staffers’ [City Cast Salt Lake] 

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Cozy Earth - use code COZYSALTLAKE for up to 20% off

Everyone's favorite medical drama, "The Pitt," is back for season 2 tonight! Each season is an intense depiction of one 15-hour shift in a downtown emergency room. Salt Lake emergency medicine Dr. Aly Smith tells host Ali Vallarta how the cases and the institutional issues compare to a real local ER.

This episode first aired April 30, 2025. 

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ICO 

Flights From Home is sponsoring this episode, and they gave host Ali Vallarta her dream assignment: Plan four vacations for executive producer Emily Means using real Flights From Home deals out of the SLC airport. Here’s what to eat and see abroad on a shoestring budget in 2026 — take notes!

Explore this week’s free travel deals with Flights From Home, the sponsor of this episode.

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Could Salt Lake County's 15% property tax increase be overturned? Host Ali Vallarta, executive producer Emily Means, and City Cast Salt Lake contributor Andy Larsen talk about the citizen-led effort to put it to voters. Plus, the Poplar Grove "BioTower" and joyful picks of the week. 

Resources and references:

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Two people are dead and several are injured after a shooting outside an LDS church in Salt Lake City Wednesday evening. Host Ali Vallarta and executive producer Emily Means share what we know so far. 

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