Think you know how to keep your energy bill down this summer? Think again. In this bonus sponsored episode by Rocky Mountain Power, Executive producer Emily Means asks Bianca Velazquez, senior communications specialist at Rocky Mountain Power, to bust some of the most common energy myths out there. Plus, Emily and Bianca dig into Rocky Mountain Power's Wattsmart program, break down the case for smart thermostats (yes, renters too), and share the highest-impact changes you can make starting tomorrow. Head to RockyMountainPower.net to explore rebates and energy-saving tips — and give them a follow at @rockymountainpower on Instagram, Facebook, and X.

Thank you for listening to this special bonus sponsored episode by Rocky Mountain Power. To learn about this episode sponsor visit RockyMountainPower.net.

For dog owners and swimmers, summer can be a trap: the algal bloom trap! Host Ali Vallarta asks Ben Holcomb from the Utah Division of Water Quality what's in the water this season, where it's dangerous, and how to stay safe.

Check the map for algal bloom updates.

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The cops are chasing down the 999 ride and getting a liquor license has never been easier. Host Ali Vallarta, executive producer Emily Means and our new audience development manager, Angie Treasure, break down the news of the week. Plus, shoutouts and a sponsored chat to get you up to date on the Utah Arts Festival.

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. Get all the details and sign up at membership.citycast.fm.

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If you enjoyed this interview with Aimee Dunsmore, executive director of the Utah Arts Festival, learn more here.

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Can Josh Romney save the Great Salt Lake? The son of former U.S. Sen. Mitt Romney says his new organization, Great Salt Lake Rising, is getting the whole state on board. Host Ali Vallarta asks Josh about raising $3.5 billion to actually move the needle on this source of panic for Salt Lakers.

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. 

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Salt Lake City recycles some of its water, but not as much as Las Vegas, where the water there stays in the city. How else could a desert city possibly have enough water for its year-round tourists, a metro area population of over 2 million, and all those pools? The process just might be grosser than you think. With innovative recycling, strict lawn rules, and infrastructure to monitor it all, Vegas has become a global leader in water reuse. City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Las Vegas podcast host Jesse Merrick to learn how the city makes do with what it has and how its practices could save other cities’ water supplies. Plus, are any Las Vegans actually going to the casinos?

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

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Primary ballots are out, and four Democrats are gunning for Utah’s Congressional District 1 seat. Host Ali Vallarta, executive producer Emily Means, and City Cast Salt Lake contributor Cassie Bingham analyze the candidates’ responses to our voter guide. Plus, ideas to celebrate Pride Month, picks of the week, and in our members-only segment: Why do Salt Lakers simp hard for chain restaurants?

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. Get all the details and sign up at membership.citycast.fm.

Subscribe to our daily morning newsletter. You can also find us on Instagram @CityCastSLC. 

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Hot temps have us looking toward the mountains for a cool escape this summer. Executive producer Emily Means talks with Urban Trails author Ashley Brown and local hiker Brandon Miller about ideas for your next hiking adventure. Plus, safety tips for when you run into wildlife on the trail.

Check out Wild Aware Utah for more info before heading into the great outdoors. 

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 our daily morning newsletter. You can also find us on Instagram @CityCastSLC.

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When news broke that hundreds of Salt Lake City Public Library were being incentivized to leave their jobs, questions quickly followed. Are layoffs coming? Is the library OK? Executive producer Emily Means talks with SLC Public Library CEO Noah Baskett about the decision and what it means for the library’s future.  

Listen to our episode where we first discussed the SLC public library staff buyouts. [City Cast Salt Lake] 

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. 

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Public outcry over the Box Elder County data center seems to be working. Executive producer Emily Means, social media manager Molly Miloscia, and Stewardship Utah co-director David Garbett break down state leaders' latest response and updates. Plus, ex-Mormons are getting more Republican 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. Get all the details and sign up at membership.citycast.fm.

Subscribe to our daily morning newsletter. You can also find us on Instagram @CityCastSLC.

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June is here, and it's summertime in Salt Lake City. Executive producer Emily Means, newsletter editor Terina Ria, and City Cast Salt Lake contributor Jack Stauss bring you a guide on how to make the most of this gorgeous month, from the downtown farmers market to the best spot for cheap, cold beer, to some feel-good volunteer opportunities. For more patio inspo, listen to this episode.

For even more tips on how to make the most of June in Salt Lake, check out our daily morning newsletter.

City Cast Salt Lake is made possible by our awesome sponsor, the Utah Arts Festival. 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.

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