City Cast Salt Lake

It’s Election Day in Utah! Whether you’ve already voted or still need to cast your ballot, host Ali Vallarta, executive producer Emily Means, and audience development manager Angie Treasure break down what you need to know about voting today and when to expect results. Plus, a game of Salt Lake real estate roulette and local shoutouts.

Resources and references:

• Track your ballot!

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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Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:

• Red Butte Garden
• Steel Epoxy Floor
• KILN
• Canyon View Credit Union

A new report estimates emissions from the proposed Stratos Data Center could cause up to 45 premature deaths. Host Ali Vallarta and City Cast Salt Lake contributor Kate Groetzinger ask Utah Clean Energy climate scientist Logan Mitchell about how we should be thinking about air quality and health impacts as the state goes all in on data centers. Plus, we rank Utah's license plates.

Resources and references:

• Report: Stratos Project’s emissions could cause up to 45 premature deaths, illnesses each year [Utah News Dispatch]

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:

• Red Butte Garden
• Steel Epoxy Floor
• KILN

When you think of Waymo, you might not yet think of Salt Lake City. But you should definitely be thinking of Austin, Texas. State law governing autonomous vehicles (AVs) supersedes city authority and prevents local governments from regulating AVs, creating areas that have become increasingly attractive to AV companies. City Cast Austin host Miles Bloxson joins Your City Could Better to talk about if this loose regulation is good for Texas, particularly its dense capital city, whether local benefit is a priority for manufacturers at all, and how cities can learn from Austin if a similar influx hits their streets.

Mentioned on the show:

• City Cast Austin’s episode on AVs regulation: https://austin.citycast.fm/podcasts/are-texas-schools-using-ai-to-ban-books-plus-driverless-cars-in-austin-and-new-michelin-stars
• Waymo blocking emergency response to Austin shooting: https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/03/02/waymo-vehicle-blocks-ems-austin-mass-shooting
• The city of Austin’s public dashboard tracking incidents involving AVs: https://austin.maps.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/dbd59d9b20634de1afad32a8267b739b#

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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November brings the holiday season and all it entails: family gatherings, delicious food, and a bit of chaos. Host Ali Vallarta, creative producer Ivana Martinez, and City Cast Salt Lake contributor Cassie Bingham bring you a guide to making the most of this month, from Friendsgiving table recs to hot springs with something for everyone. Plus, leave your leaves alone!

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

City Cast Salt Lake is made possible by our sponsors, Kiln, Goat Head, and Project Rainbow. 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.

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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Reach us at saltlake@citycast.fm.

What can we learn from Pat McAfee’s meltdown over his visit to the University of Utah? Host Ali Vallarta and City Cast Salt Lake contributor Molly Miloscia get into it. Plus, tats for bats, a doggy costume parade, and a new neighborhood baker for your Halloweekend.

Resources and references:

• Pat McAfee says he 'hates' University of Utah after latest 'College GameDay' appearance [KSL]
• Gordon Monson: Pat McAfee says he hates Utah. Here’s the best way for Utah to respond. [Salt Lake Tribune]

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:

• Goat Head
• Project Rainbow

Could the bird flu at a Utah mink farm cause a pandemic? Host Ali Vallarta and City Cast Salt Lake contributor Cassie Bingham break down this outbreak and its implications. Plus, why Utah has so many great haunted houses and, in our members-only segment: Salt Lake City’s best chocolate chip cookie.

Resources and references:

• Bird Flu Is Raging on a Mink Farm. It Could Spark a Human Pandemic, Experts Say, but Officials Won’t Act. [ProPublica]
• Badger State dominates plummeting U.S. mink production [Badger Institute]
• Invasive 'yellow fever mosquito' found in Davis County for the first time [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.

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 Rocky Mountain Power,learn more here.

Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:

• Goat Head
• Project Rainbow

Can Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill hold off Republican challenger Kent Davis this election? Host Ali Vallarta talks with audience development manager Angie Treasure and City Cast Salt Lake contributor Kate Groetzinger about what the DA’s office actually does and what the candidates stand for. Plus, everything you need to know about the new airport upgrade, which just wrapped its final phase of construction, and local shoutouts.

Resources and references:

• Salt Lake City International Airport celebrates end of construction [KSL]
• They need somebody’: A key part of the Salt Lake County D.A.’s office is in turmoil, former caseworkers say, and it’s disrupting help for crime victims [Salt Lake Tribune]
• Salt Lake County district attorney 2026 election guide: Sim Gill faces off against Kent Davis [Salt Lake Tribune]

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:

• Goat Head
• Project Rainbow

A noisy West Jordan data center has neighbors fed up. Host Ali Vallarta talks with City Cast Salt Lake contributors Andy Larsen and Scott Wessman about Utah’s continuing data center controversies. Plus, state lawmakers are weighing new restrictions on Flock surveillance cameras, and is trick-or-treating a thing of the past?

Resources and references:

• ‘I literally just leave my house’: In this Utah neighborhood, homeowners say a noisy data center campus is disrupting their lives [Salt Lake Tribune]
• Utah may put new limits on surveillance cameras. Not everyone agrees on how strict. [Salt Lake Tribune]

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:

• Brickyard Boxing
• Goat Head
• Project Rainbow

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.

Mentioned on the show:

• New York Times article about climate resilience: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/09/03/realestate/is-your-city-prepared-for-climate-disaster.html
• AlphaGeo's report: https://alphageo.ai/how-climate-resilient-are-the-worlds-largest-cities/
• City Cast Chicago's episode about their climate resilience ranking: https://chicago.citycast.fm/podcasts/loop-restaurants-resurging-chicagos-climate-resilience-and-meet-us-at-lit-fest
• Previous episode about Jacoby visiting all of Chicago's libraries: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ytx9DWibpQc

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:

• Road delays expected near Utah Capitol as work on new historic trail begins [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.

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:

• KILN
• Wasatch Food Co-op
• Salt Lake Sewciety

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:

• Salt Lake County 2027 Budget and Tax Increase Proposal

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:

• KILN
• Wasatch Food Co-op
• Salt Lake Sewciety

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:

• Information on Utah state and municipal judges [State of Utah]
• Utah has over 70 documented Sasquatch sightings [The Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization]

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:

• KILN
• Wasatch Food Co-op
• Salt Lake Sewciety
• Cozy Earth

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:

• Information on Utah state and municipal judges [State of Utah]
• Utah has over 70 documented Sasquatch sightings [The Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization]

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:

• KILN
• Wasatch Food Co-op
• Salt Lake Sewciety
• Cozy Earth

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:

• Cheaper gas, at what cost? [City Cast Salt Lake]
• Skiing? Already? Utah resorts rejoice in early snowfall [FOX 13]

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:

• KILN
• Wasatch Food Co-op
• Salt Lake Sewciety
• Steelcoated Epoxy Floors

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:

• SLC’s map of adopted storm drains: https://www.slc.gov/utilities/adoptastormdrain/
• Ali’s past Your City Could Be Better episode on making a park census: https://yccbb.citycast.fm/podcasts/why-every-region-needs-a-park-map-tool-like-salt-lakes-plus-dry-heat-vs-humidity

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:

• Man ordered to stand trial for shooting, killing of peaceful protester at 'No Kings' protest [KSL]
• Watch the downtown sports and entertainment district reveal.
• Check out the Utah DV Coalition Online Auction

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:

• Utah Museum of Fine Arts
• SLC Public Library
• Steelcoated Epoxy Floors

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:

• Read the Gardner Policy Institute's quality of life report.
• Can a walkable downtown thrive in the heart of suburban sprawl? Utah City is putting that to the test. [Salt Lake Tribune]

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:

• Utah Museum of Fine Arts
• SLC Public Library
• Steelcoated Epoxy Floors
• Central 9th Market

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

Ballots are being mailed today, which means you’ll soon be voting on amendments A and B, both of which aim to change Utah’s constitution. Host Ali Vallarta and City Cast Salt Lake contributors Kate Grotezinger and Chandler Rosenberg break down what they do. Plus, an update on the effort to save our shrinking Great Salt Lake, and local shoutouts.

Resources and references:

• 2 amendments, 1 fight: What’s on Utah’s ballot this November [Deseret News]
• Great Salt Lake, surrounding wetlands to receive 3.26 billion gallons of water from Willard Bay release [FOX 13]
• Great Salt Lake dust: A problem Utah can’t afford to fix or ignore [Deseret News]

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:

• Utah Museum of Fine Arts
• SLC Public Library System
• Cozy Earth
• Steelcoated Epoxy Floors

Another Salt Lake City school year has begun — how are cell phones being handled? In Minnesota, one high school is demonstrating that a strict no-phone school day can work, and they’ve got the (mostly) positive feedback to show for it. City Cast Twin Cities host Sean McPherson joins David to talk about how St. Paul Central High School is succeeding at enforcing a phone-free school environment, the surprising ways that some students approach it, and how these kinds of bans can even affect adults like Sean.

Listeners, it’s that time again! Send us the dilemmas you’re facing living in a city, and we might debate them on our upcoming call-in show. Email us or submit using this Google Form.

Mentioned on the show:

• Kids using public radio comment sections as ad hoc communication

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.