
Hosted by City Cast · EN

A pro-AI super PAC spent $450,000 on campaign ads for Ben McAdams. Host Ali Vallarta, executive producer Emily Means, and City Cast Salt Lake contributor Jack Stauss talk about how it could impact the primary election. Plus, Sandy City Council cut funding for the Wasatch mountains, picks of the week, and in our members-only segment: ideas for Father's Day this weekend. Resources and references: Check out our City Cast Salt Lake voter guide. The national AI policy showdown is being decided in Utah's backyard. [KSL] 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. 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. If you enjoyed today's interview with Tess Rowser, the marketing manager of the Water Lantern Festival, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Salt Lake Sewciety Utah Arts Festival

Think you know all the best spots in Salt Lake? Host Ali Vallarta asks local explorer Darienne Debrule about the underrated experiences, shops, and restaurants to visit this summer. This episode first aired on May 14, 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 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: Salt Lake Sewciety Utah Arts Festival

We're a week out from the primary election; will Gen Z vote? Ignite Utah executive director Jenessa Jimoh tells host Ali Vallarta what’s shaping young voters' political habits. This episode first aired on March 25, 2026. 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. 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: Salt Lake Sewciety Utah Arts Festival Cozy Earth - use code COZYSALTLAKE for up to 20% off

The Salt Lake City Police Department wants $142 million this budget season. Host Ali Vallarta asks Police Chief Brian Redd how our money is being used, from the 999 ride to drones. 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. 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: Salt Lake Sewciety Utah Arts Festival

As residents of Salt Lake County, you may have wondered about your parks for years — that is, until City Cast Salt Lake host Ali Vallarta cataloged them all. Over the course of two years, she visited all 511 parks in the county, seeking to record their amenities (e.g., bathrooms, playgrounds), write helpful summaries, and track down the people in charge. The resulting map is a valuable tool, as you now not only know who to call when trash cans are overflowing: you can also find outdoor spaces that meet your needs. But what else can we do with the map? Ali breaks it down for City Cast CEO David Plotz, on this episode of “Your City Could Be Better”.

Salt Lake City and County are joining forces to sue ICE. Host Ali Vallarta, executive producer Emily Means, and City Cast Salt Lake contributor Andy Larsen discuss the strategy. Plus, the best places to watch the World Cup, picks of the week, and in our members-only segment: Why does Utah rank 6th in the nation for income? Resources and references: Former adviser to Spencer Cox picked to replace Eva Lopez Chavez on SLC Council [Salt Lake Tribune] SLC, S.L. County sue to stop ICE detention center; feds say they want to be ‘good partners’ [Salt Lake Tribune] The best places to watch the World Cup [City Cast Salt Lake] Check out the beavers on horseback [Utah DWR] Utah among states where people have the highest income, study says [ABC 4] 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. 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 PC Utah Arts Festival Rocky Mountain Power

School is out, the temperature's up — summer has hit Salt Lake. Host Ali Vallarta, newsletter editor Terina Ria, and City Cast Salt Lake Neighbor Austin Whitehead made you a guide to nearby getaways, where to simulate a European vacation, and some volunteer opportunities. Resources and references: Sign up to volunteer to help the Pando Tree. Public Lands Calendar Volunteer for Pie and Beer Day and the Junior League Care Fair. 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. 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 PC Utah Arts Festival

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. 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. 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 PC Utah Arts Festival

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: Relatively quiet DABS meeting bookends May [Gastronomic SLC] Following complaints, police step up presence at popular 999 Ride through Salt Lake City [FOX 13] Check out Visit Salt Lake’s volunteer hub. 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. 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. If you enjoyed this interview with Aimee Dunsmore, executive director of the Utah Arts Festival, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Cozy Earth - use code COZYSALTLAKE for up to 20% off Woodward PC Utah Arts Festival Questionable Productions