Inside Utah Politics with Lindsay Aerts
News & Politics
About
Each week on Inside Utah Politics, we'll dive into the most pressing stories- from Utah’s Capitol Hill, to your local government and across the nation, exploring how decisions made in the halls of power affect everyday lives. Whether you're a seasoned political observer or just beginning to engage with the issues, we've got analysis, interviews, and insight to help you stay informed and think critically about the world around you.
Episodes
- Data center tensions boil over, presidential fitness test returns
This episode of Inside Utah Politics discusses the public backlash regarding a planned data center in Box Elder County. Panelists Taylor Morgan and Erin Rider join Lindsay Aerts to explore how state and developers can address community con…
- Controversial data center moves forward in Box Elder County, Florida redistricting could net GOP 4 seats
The Box Elder County commission has approved a controversial data center project despite public opposition. Governor Cox voiced support for data centers, citing national security and the AI race with China. Panelists Leah Murray and Taylor…
- Competition heats up in CD2, State Bar weighs in on judicial tensions
Karianne Lisonbee discusses her challenge to Rep. Blake Moore in Utah's CD2 primary. The Utah State Bar shares concerns about political interference in state supreme court justice retention elections.
- Gov. Cox talks judicial tensions, data center controversy
Utah Governor Spencer Cox addressed the controversy surrounding a data center in Box Elder County and the ongoing tensions with the judiciary during his April press conference. Political analysts Adam Gardiner and Erin Rider provided their…
- Conventions set the stage for primaries, White House Correspondents Dinner shooting sparks safety concerns
Utah political conventions have set the stage for upcoming primary elections, with insights from panelists Taylor Morgan and Leah Murray on new congressional districts and election day expectations. The episode also touches on safety conce…
- Supreme Court scandal report rocks Utah politics, state convention races to watch
A new report concerning allegations against Supreme Court Justice Dianna Hagen has prompted calls for a new investigation by state leaders, as the Judicial Conduct Commission previously found the claims speculative. Panelists discuss the p…
- State party conventions on the horizon, prominent families team up to save the Great Salt Lake
Utah GOP Chair Rob Axson discusses upcoming state party nominating conventions and the 2026 midterm elections. Josh Romney talks about the Great Salt Lake Rising initiative aimed at increasing water levels in the lake.
- Sen. Blouin's vulgar posts resurface, UVU drops commencement speaker
Senator Nate Blouin faces scrutiny over resurfaced social media posts containing offensive content, potentially impacting his democratic primary bid. Utah Valley University rescinded its commencement speaker invitation for Sharon McMahon f…
- Fireworks at the Salt Lake County Democrats' Convention, AI picture brings attention to Trump's feud with the Pope
Utah political news covers the Salt Lake County Democrats
- SCOTUS rules against conversion therapy ban, big ticket endorsements draw attention to CD-2
The Supreme Court ruled against a Colorado law banning conversion therapy, raising questions for Utah's ban. Panelists discuss the ruling and its First Amendment implications. The episode also covers endorsements in Utah's CD-2 race, exami…
- Prop 4 repeal fails, Mendenhall restricts ICE facility water
The effort to repeal Utah's Proposition 4, an anti-gerrymandering law, has failed to qualify for the ballot. Separately, Mayor Erin Mendenhall is seeking to restrict water usage at the ICE facility. Panelists Erin Rider and Sarah Reale pro…
- Sen. John Curtis and Prop. 4 repeal fails
Senator John Curtis discusses Department of Homeland Security funding negotiations and the SAVE Act. Additionally, Elizabeth Rasmussen of Better Boundaries addresses the failure of the Proposition 4 repeal effort to reach the ballot.
- Prop 4 repeal hangs by a thread, Sen. Curtis sponsors sports prediction market betting ban
This episode discusses the potential failure of an effort to repeal Utah's anti-gerrymandering rules and where the fight for direct democracy might go. It also covers Senator John Curtis's bill to ban sports prediction market betting, exam…
- State leaders prepare for water problems, national democrats target a purple Utah
Utah leaders, including DNR Executive Director Joel Ferry, are preparing for water problems due to a record low snowpack. State Democratic Chair Brian King outlines plans to achieve a 'purple Utah,' while Governor Cox comments on the propo…
- Gov. Cox reacts to ICE detention center plans, Save Act could change Utah elections
Governor Cox shares his reaction to the proposed ICE detention center in Salt Lake City, expressing frustration over communication issues but supporting the facility. A panel discusses the implications of increased DHS presence and nationa…
- Utah ICE facility backlash, national democrats push for purple Utah
Elected Democrats oppose plans for a Salt Lake City ICE facility, with panelists discussing potential political and immigration enforcement impacts. The episode also explores national Democrats' strategy to make Utah a purple state.
- Senate President evaluates 2026 session, congressional filing roundup
Senate President J. Stuart Adams reviews the 2026 legislative session's key accomplishments like court reform and tax cuts, alongside late-session developments. The episode also covers the opening of candidate filing for Utah's new congres…
- Utah Primary races, predictions for Caucus Night
This episode of Inside Utah Politics covers the latest Utah primary congressional race filings and predictions. Panelists Taylor Morgan and Erin Rider, along with insights on Phil Lyman and Celeste Maloy, discuss the new entries and a lawm…
- Photo finish to the 2026 legislative session, congressional candidate filing opens under new map
The 2026 Utah legislative session concluded with a new law impacting signature gathering for ballot initiatives, affecting campaigns like Better Boundaries. Panelists Taylor Morgan and Leah Murray join host Lindsay Aerts to analyze the leg…
- Wrapping up the 2026 General Session
Governor Spencer Cox and Senator Scott Sandall join host Lindsay Aerts to review the 2026 Utah legislative session. They discuss key achievements like court reform and homelessness funding, along with topics such as water and taxes.
- Congress weighs role in Iran war, drug debate goes scriptural
On Inside Utah Politics, host Lindsay Aerts and panelists Leah Murray and Taylor Morgan discuss Congress's potential role in the Iran conflict and a debate regarding incorporating The Word of Wisdom into state drug laws.
- Khamenei killed in US-Israel joint strike on Iran, legislative session enters final week
President Trump comments on the duration of operations in Iran following strikes that killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and regional retaliation. Utah's legislative session nears its end, addressing issues like mail-in voting.
- New pitch for a secretary of state, gas tax cut explained
Utah politics discussed include a new plan for the secretary of state, an explanation of a 6-month gas tax cut by Rep. Cal Roberts, and Utah's participation in the State of the Union address.
- State of the Union in review, pre-paid postage sparks new lawsuit in Prop 4 fight
On Inside Utah Politics, Lindsay Aerts, Rusty Cannon, and Taylor Morgan review President Trump's State of the Union address. Additionally, the podcast discusses a lawsuit filed by the Utah GOP against Better Boundaries concerning pre-paid…
- Legislature handed setbacks in redistricting lawsuits, constitutional court eyed for changes
Utah
- 2026 legislative session entering the endgame, Redistricting lawsuit goes federal
Utah's 2026 legislative session is in its final two weeks, with key debates on social media taxes, the state budget, and public benefits for non-citizens. A federal court will hear arguments in a lawsuit challenging Utah's new congressiona…
- Gas tax overhaul, redistricting in federal court
This episode of Inside Utah Politics covers a proposed gas tax overhaul in Utah, questioning its revenue implications. It also touches on the state's redistricting case reaching federal court and potential changes to the Utah Fits All scho…
- GOP races to meet signature deadline, American politics at the Winter Games
Utah Republicans are rushing to meet a signature deadline to potentially repeal Prop 4, a significant undertaking requiring widespread voter support. The episode also touches on an American athlete's controversial comments and Utah's bid f…
- Politics at the Olympics, ID's for mail-in ballots
Utah Governor Spencer Cox criticized media coverage at the Olympics. A new bill aims to require in-person ID for mail-in ballots, alongside discussions on legislative tensions and a potential ban on prop betting in Utah.
- Lawmakers consider kratom ban, voter ID changes and more, federal redistricting case moves forward
Utah lawmakers are considering significant legislation, including a potential ban on kratom, changes to voter ID requirements, and accommodation of gun rights at public venues. A federal court case regarding the state's congressional map i…
- Lawmakers push on with court reform, USU rebuilds trust on capitol hill.
Lawmakers are proceeding with Utah Supreme Court expansion, facing concerns from the state bar about the speed of reform. Representative Matt MacPherson is involved in discussions about judicial panels and redistricting cases, while Utah S…
- State bar opposes slate of judicial reforms, the federal delegation joins the redistricting fight
Utah lawmakers are enacting judicial reforms, but the State Bar Association criticizes the pace and some proposals. Additionally, Utah's federal delegation has entered the redistricting debate with a new constitutional challenge.
- Lawmakers release scathing audit of Utah State University, election day holiday debate
Lawmakers released a scathing audit of Utah State University, detailing lavish spending and potential procurement law violations. Hosts discuss the audit's impact and a proposal to make election day a state holiday.
- Sweeping reforms to election law and courts take shape, Hollywood visits Capitol Hill
Utah lawmakers are advancing reforms to election laws and the court system, including a specialized constitutional court and judiciary expansion. The episode also covers plans for election bifurcation and a discussion on AI regulation with…
- Utah Education cuts, Dems hold on ICE budget
The Utah legislature is requiring a 5% budget cut from all state agencies, leading to discussions about potential impacts on education and other services. The Senate is set to vote on DHS funding, and a new Constitutional Court is proposed…
- Minnesota shooting widens divide over ICE, Lawmakers talk NIL
The episode covers the political fallout from the Minnesota shooting involving ICE agents, with panelists Rusty Cannon and Erin Rider analyzing the impact of immigration enforcement policies. It also discusses the potential involvement of…
- Governor Spencer Cox on judiciary, taxes, culture war bills
Governor Spencer Cox joins Lindsay Aerts to discuss the 2026 legislative session, covering judiciary changes, taxes, and culture war bills. The episode also provides insights from House and Senate meetings.
- Lawmakers proposes citizenship to vote, kids to read at 3rd grade
Utah lawmakers have proposed requiring proof of citizenship for state elections and setting literacy standards for third graders. Panelists debated the necessity of the citizenship requirement.
- Lawmakers set priorities for 2026 general session
Rep. Angela Romero joins host Lindsay Aerts to discuss the priorities for Utah's Democratic lawmakers in the upcoming 2026 legislative session. Rep. Trevor Lee explains his proposal to rename Harvey Milk Boulevard and addresses controversy…
- Legislative preview: New version of Amendment D, social media tax
The Utah Legislature is preparing for the 2026 General Session with plans for a revised Constitutional Amendment D and a potential tax on social media advertising. Discussions also include streamlining the process for signature gathering f…
- Republicans defend Fed Chair, Utah's legislative session takes shape
Congressional Republicans are defending Fed Chair Jerome Powell after the DOJ announced a probe into his testimony. The discussion includes whether trust in the Fed is waning and potential economic impacts. Utah's 2026 legislative session…
- Senate advances war powers, local elections taking shape
The Senate is considering a war powers proposal related to Venezuela. Locally, Utah is seeing developments in elections, including a new challenger for county clerk, and considering a ban on cell phone use in schools.
- Will Utah get an Income tax cut, cell phone ban in schools
Senator Dan McCay joins Inside Utah Politics to discuss a proposed Utah income tax cut and property tax reforms. Emily Bell McCormick explains the governor's supported initiative to ban cell phone use in schools during the day.
- Fallout from Venezuelan capture, Utah elections take shape
This episode discusses the implications of Venezuelan leader Nicholas Maduro's capture and the ongoing 2026 Utah elections. It also covers a lawsuit filed by the ACLU of Utah regarding the state's sensitive materials law and book bans.
- Judge greenlights redistricting appeal, Rob Bishop's run
A judge has allowed Utah's legislature to appeal a redistricting case to the Utah Supreme Court. Panelists discuss the decision, and former Congressman Rob Bishop is running for the state legislature.
- Utah State Bar on Supreme Court expansion, Eva Lopez Chavez
The Utah State Bar discusses its concerns regarding the proposed expansion of the state Supreme Court and advocates for more resources for lower courts. Additionally, congressional candidate Eva Lopez Chavez shares her goals for her campai…
- Trump touts economic wins, chief of staff pushes back on Vanity Fair “hit piece’
Host Lindsay Aerts, with panelists Adam Gardiner and Rusty Cannon, evaluates President Trump's claims on the economy, immigration, and healthcare, and assesses his standing for the 2026 midterms. They also discuss White House reporting and…
- Expanding the Utah Supreme Court, social media ban for minors
The Utah legislature is considering expanding the Supreme Court from five to seven members. Panelists Taylor Morgan and Leah Murray discuss the potential impact and whether it aims to influence recent rulings. Australia's social media ban…
- Lawmakers keep the redistricting fight alive, Derek Kitchen shares campaign plans
Utah lawmakers are prolonging the redistricting battle and have repealed HB 267, a ban on public sector union collective bargaining. Former State Senator Derek Kitchen outlines his campaign strategy for the upcoming election in a newly for…
- Unpacking the special session, U of U deal, Salt Lake County cuts
This episode of Inside Utah Politics covers the December 9th special session, focusing on redistricting appeals and the repeal of HB 267. Panelists also analyze the University of Utah's private equity deal and its potential impact on colle…