City Cast Salt Lake

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Utah’s Ode to Halloween Oct 29, 2025

Show notes

No one gets more hyped for Halloween than Utahns. But where does our love for the holiday come from? Host Ali Vallarta asks Deseret News features writer Meg Walter to explain Utah's Halloween obsession.

This episode first aired Oct. 26, 2023.

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Hall-O-Week in SLC, Two Elections Canceled, Last Chance Donuts Oct 28, 2025

Show notes

It’s Halloweek in Salt Lake! Host Ali Vallarta and executive producer Emily Means round up their best ideas to celebrate, whether you’re a scaredy cat or thrill seeker. Plus, which elections got canceled and local shoutouts.

Resources and references:

Banish AIDS Patients to Antelope Island? A Legislator Proposed It. [City Cast Salt Lake]
The Most Salt Lake Halloween Costumes [City Cast Salt Lake]

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 Hey Salt Lake, our daily morning newsletter. You can also find us on Instagram @CityCastSLC.

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PLUNJ
Salt Lake City Gov
Live Crude - Get $10 off your first CRUDE purchase with promo code CITYCASTSLC
Cozy Earth - use code COZYSALTLAKE for 40% off best-selling temperature-regulating sheets, apparel, and more

How Hard Is It To Get a Job in Salt Lake Right Now? Oct 27, 2025

Show notes

How hard is it to get a job in Salt Lake right now? Host Ali Vallarta asks Zions Bank senior economist Robert Spendlove about the health of our local labor market and AI bots fighting each other for jobs.

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Almost 20% Tax Increase! Squabbling With RHOSLC, Milk Block Party Oct 24, 2025

Show notes

Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson proposed a nearly 20% property tax increase in her 2026 budget. Holy shit! Host Ali Vallarta, executive producer Emily Means, and social media manager Molly Miloscia break down the mayor's pitch. Plus, fact checking the Real Housewives on Utah's richest ZIP codes and helpful and celebratory picks of the week.

Resources and references:

Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson proposes tax increase, criminal justice focus [FOX 13]
Find a food pantry to support during the government shutdown.

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 Hey Salt Lake, 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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Is 900 South Too Cool To Fail? Oct 23, 2025

Show notes

We are co-hosting the grand opening of the Milk Block this Sunday, Oct. 26 from 2-5 p.m. on 900 South in Salt Lake City — another beautiful new hub on the 9-Line. Host Ali Vallarta asks Maven co-founder Rocky Donati if 900 South is simply too cool to fail.

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Visiting Every Coffee Shop in Salt Lake City Oct 22, 2025

Show notes

It’s finally latte season, so where can you get the best cuppa in town? Rose Park resident Andy Moray visited every coffee shop in Salt Lake City last year. Host Ali Vallarta asks Andy to share his favorites and lessons learned from his quest.

This episode first aired on January 7, 2025.

Check out Andy’s spreadsheet to discover new coffee shops.

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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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SLC Races to Watch, Fall Crafting, Redford Moviethon Oct 21, 2025

Show notes

Four Salt Lake City Council seats are up for election this year. Executive producer Emily Means and producer Ivana Martinez talk about who's running and what the biggest issues are in each district. Plus, local events and small business shoutouts.

Resources and references:

Salt Lake City Council District 1 election: Victoria Petro running against Stephen Otterstrom, Yussuf Abdi [Salt Lake Tribune]
SLC Council District 3 election: Incumbent Chris Wharton faces 4 challengers [Salt Lake Tribune]
Salt Lake City Council District 5 election: Erika Carlsen, Amy Hawkins and Vance Hansen vie for open seat [Salt Lake Tribune]
ABC4 District 3 debate and District 5 debate

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 Hey Salt Lake, our daily morning newsletter. You can also find us on Instagram @CityCastSLC.

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Should SLC Be More Like Chicago? Oct 20, 2025

Show notes

Building Salt Lake editor Taylor Anderson has been living in Chicago for the past 20 months, and he’s got some notes for host Ali Vallarta. What can SLC learn from the Windy City (and vice versa)?

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GOP Redistricting Tricks, 'No Kings' Protest Returns, Pumpkin Custard Oct 17, 2025

Show notes

The Utah Republican Party changed their stance on redistricting, and announced two new efforts. Host Ali Vallarta, executive producer Emily Means and City Cast Salt Lake contributor Kate Groetzinger break down what the initiative means before you’re asked to sign it. Plus, the “No Kings” protest returns and joyful picks of the week.

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 Hey Salt Lake, 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
The Shop
Babbel - Get up to 55% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST
Live Crude - Get $10 off your first CRUDE purchase with promo code CITYCASTSLC

The People’s Guide to Park City Oct 16, 2025

Show notes

Do you know the real Park City? Executive producer Emily Means asks Michael O'Malley, author of "Attitude at Altitude: The People's Guide to Park City and Summit County," about his local tips and takes, and the history that make this mountain town tick.

Subscribe to Hey Salt Lake, 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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