Local Media Too Woke? UTA’s Downtown Hub Design, Ice Rinks Open
KSL laid off reporters and other staff this week. Host Ali Vallarta and executive producer Emily Means talk about what we know so far and what to make of this moment. Plus, Mayor Erin Mendenhall really doesn’t like the Utah Transit Authority’s downtown hub design, Crumbl cereal in stores, and local recs for ice skating rinks.
Become a member of City Cast Salt Lake today! It’s the best way to support our work and help make sure we’re 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.
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:
- ICO
- University of Utah
- Embodied Patience
- Live Crude - Get $25 off your facial by mentioning this ad.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Stay connected to City Cast Salt Lake and get ready to join the local conversation.
Latest Episodes
SLC Airport Is Done! District Attorney Candidates, Japanese Food Recs.
Can Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill hold off Republican challenger Kent Davis this election? Host Ali Vallarta talks with aud...

Noisy Data Centers, Flock Camera Debate, No Trick-or-Treaters?
A noisy West Jordan data center has neighbors fed up. Host Ali Vallarta talks with City Cast Salt Lake contributors Andy Larsen and Scott...

‘Your City Could Be Better’: Is Chicago More Prepared for Climate Change Than Every Other City? — Presented By City Cast Salt Lake
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 res...

New Trail on State Street, Saturday Sales, Free ‘Wicker’ Popcorn
What's all that construction on State Street? Host Ali Vallarta and City Cast Salt Lake contributors Cassie Bingham and Jack Stauss dive...

Another Property Tax Increase? Future of Utah Colleges, Rainy Day Pampering.
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...

Transit Fare Increases? Election Safety Info, Worst Places in Utah.
What would it take for public transit to be free in Utah? Host Ali Vallarta, newsletter editor Terina Ria, and City Cast Salt Lake contri...

How To Vote on Judges, Utah Bigfoot Sightings, Kilby Lineup Clues
Your ballot has arrived: Who are all these judges? Host Ali Vallarta, executive producer Emily Means, and audience development manager An...

SLC’s Pipeline Fight, Early Ski Season, Politicians’ New Hair
A proposed fuel pipeline could run through Emigration Canyon, the Avenues, and Rose Park. Host Ali Vallarta talks with City Cast Salt Lak...

‘Your City Could Be Better’: Why Salt Lakers Are Adopting Storm Drains
Feeling despondent about the state of the Great Salt Lake? Pulling trash from a storm drain could help. “Adopt A Storm Drain”, an initiat...

Vision for Downtown Sports District, No Kings Shooting Trial, Ride UTA for Free
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...

