City Cast Salt Lake
Feds buy potential ICE facility in SLC
March 13, 2026 · City Cast Salt Lake podcast host Ali Vallarta edited this week’s newsletter.
Hey, Salt Lake! We’ve got a special episode of City Cast’s newest podcast, “Your City Could Be Better” to share. While it’s usually hosted by our CEO David Plotz, this week features a crossover between two City Cast hosts.
Chicago’s Jacoby Cochran guest hosts a conversation with DC’s Mike Schaffer about a new DC law aimed at holding federal agents accountable. It’s a bold move for a city without statehood, and they unpack what it could mean for other blue cities around the country.
Don’t forget, new episodes drop every Friday tackling the big issues that shape our cities. I have a sneaky feeling it’s something you might enjoy.
What's CITY Talking About
DHS Buys Warehouse in SLC
The Department of Homeland Security just purchased a warehouse near Salt Lake City International Airport for $145 million. The purchase follows reports that ICE has been acquiring warehouses nationwide to become detention facilities. In a statement by Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson, she said she was "deeply disturbed" by the report and urged community opposition similar to efforts that stopped a previous proposal. [FOX 13, Salt Lake County]
Utah’s Congressional Races
Today is the last day to file to run for a seat representing Utah in the U.S. Congress. And the whole map is brand new. Here are some things to consider. [City Cast Salt Lake 🎧]
$400K for Beehive Lamp Posts?
The Salt Lake City Council approved $400,000 for decorative beehive-themed lamp posts and string lights along Main Street to create a more vibrant downtown ahead of the Salt Lake Temple open house. The open house is expected to bring in 3-5 million visitors in 2027. [KSL]
Pussycat Dolls in Utah
The Pussycat Dolls are bringing their reunion tour to West Valley on June 15 at the Union First Credit Union Amphitheatre, with special guests Lil’ Kim and Mýa. You can sign up for presale access until March 16 at 9 p.m., with the presale happening on March 18 at 10 a.m. [FOX 13]
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What To Do
Friday, March 13
- 💇 Free Gender-Affirming Haircuts | Under the Umbrella Bookstore
- 🤼 Sappho After Dark: Noche de Lucha | Metro Music Hall
- 🧵 Creative Lab Workshops: Embroidered Leather Bracelets | Salt Lake City Library
- 🤘 Nine Inch Nails | Delta Center
- 🪡 Patagonia Worn Wear Repairs (3 Days) | Brighton Resort
- 📺 PBS Utah in the ‘70s | Utah Cultural Celebration Center
- 😱 Friday the 13th | Nightmare on 13th
- 🎤 Green Day’s American Idiot Musical (Multiple Dates) | The Grand Theatre
- 🔮 Tarot & Cocktails | Cocktail Collective
- 🎶 Hawthorne Heights | The Depot
Saturday, March 14
- 🥷 Sandy Kids Ninja Warrior | Impact Ninja Gym
- ✂️ Craft Supplies Swap | INDUSTRY SLC
- 🍀 St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Siamsa | The Gateway
- 🌿 Introduction to Bonsai | Cactus & Tropicals Midvale & Draper
- 🎶 Music With a Purpose | 1974 Bookstore
- 🍺 Spring Flavor Release Party | HK Brewing Co
- 🍔 St. Patrick’s Party | Melancholy
- 🎨 Miniature Sculptures | UMOCA
- 🖼️ 801 Salon No. 43: AV Club | West Main Studio
- ⚽ Real Salt Lake vs. Austin FC | America First Field
Sunday, March 15
- 🎛️ R&B Season | Studio at Soundwell
- 👟 Sunday Morning Walk Club | Liberty Park
- 🎤 Great Salt Lake Beer Choir Boozy Brunch | Hopkins Brewing Company
- 🛍️ Tianguis Outdoor Market | Tracy Aviary’s Nature Center at Pia Okwai
- 🧘 Indoor Yoga & Sound Bath | Red Butte Garden
- 💃 Open Style Dance Session | 1520 Arts (The HERC)
- 🎮 Mario Kart Tournament | Second Summit Cider
- 🍻 Oscar Watch Party & Trivia | Craft by Proper
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Every week, we’re highlighting some stellar deals from our favorite businesses around town to help you support local and save some money, too. Today, we’ve got exclusive offers from spots like The Balanced Runner.
If you’re more 🍕than 🥧: We’ve got a City Cast Salt Lake podcast episode for you.
And City Cast Salt Lake Neighbors get ad free-listening, just sayin'.
— Terina Ria
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