Inside Utah Politics with Lindsay Aerts

The Utah legislature is requiring every state agency to propose 5% in cuts to their state budgets, but it's unclear exactly who and what may be cut when all is said and done. Panelists Sarah Reale and Adam Gardiner discuss comments from House Speaker Mike Schultz, who said that education will not see those cuts. Meanwhile, the Senate is poised to vote on DHS funding that could leave the government in a partial shutdown. And, Utah is proposing a Constitutional Court that would funnel Constitutional challenges to a panel of three judges.

The deadly shooting of Alex Pretti during a confrontation with ICE agents reignites nationwide protests over the agency's conduct and the Trump administration's approach to immigration enforcement. Panelists Rusty Cannon and Erin Rider weigh in on the political impact of these shootings and demonstrations and how Utah leaders are reacting to the widening divide over ICE. Plus, state lawmakers could consider intervening in the University of Utah's forthcoming private equity deal to fund its name image and likeness program for college athletes.

Governor Spencer Cox joins the program to outline the 2026 legislative session. Host Lindsay Aerts discusses changes to the judiciary, taxes, culture war bills, and Governor Cox's plans post second term. Plus, she takes you inside House and Senate meetings with reporters, discussions about a bill to require proof of citizenship, and a proposal to block ICE from government buildings.

Utah lawmakers are back the legislative session and have proposed hundreds of bills. One of those would require proof of citizenship for state elections, but not Federal ones. Panelists Taylor Morgan and Adam Gardner weigh in on whether Utah needs the change. Another bill proposes requiring literacy standards to move on from third grade. The Chief Justice of the Utah Supreme Court addresses tension with the legislature and President Trump is still on a quest to acquire Greenland.

We're just days away from the kickoff of the 2026 general session of the Utah legislature. House Minority Leader Rep. Angela Romero joins Lindsay to explain how Utah's Democrats hope to make an impact on important issues despite their super-minority status. Later on, Rep. Trevor Lee explains the rationale behind his proposal to rename Harvey Milk Boulevard for Charlie Kirk and defends the comments he made about congressional candidate Liban Mohamed that drew allegations of bigotry and racism.

The Republican-majority Utah Legislature plans to introduce a revised Constitutional Amendment D in the 2026 General Session. Panelists Rusty Cannon and Taylor Morgan debate what they'd like to see on the November 2026 ballot. Lawmakers are also considering a tax on social media advertising revenue from major platforms. Plus, lawmakers will look to digitize and streamline signature gathering for initiatives, referendums, and petitions.

Some congressional Republicans are defending Fed Chair Jerome Powell after the DOJ announced a probe into his testimony before Congress regarding renovations made to the Fed building in Washington, DC. Panelists Rusty Cannon and Leah Murray discuss whether trust in the Fed is waning and how the economy may be impacted. Plus, Utah's 2026 legislative session is taking shape with bills on taxes, affordability, constitutional amendments, and some messaging bills.

The Senate has advanced a proposal to curtail the President's ability to use military action in Venezuela after the arrest of leader Nicholas Maduro. Panelists Adam Gardiner and Erin Rider discuss whether the policy is needed and how Utah's senators voted. Plus, the state is looking to ban cell phone use in Utah schools. The Utah county clerk has a new Republican challenger, and other local elections are also taking shape.

A Utah lawmaker is proposing an income tax cut, along with some changes to the way cities and other taxing entities can raise property taxes. Sen. Dan McCay (R-Riverton) joins Inside Utah Politics with Lindsay Aerts to break down the proposals. Plus, the Governor is backing a push to ban cell phone use in schools during the school day. The President of the Policy Project, Emily Bell McCormick, whose advocacy group is behind the push, joins to explain why state leaders believe this is the best policy for Utah schools.

Following the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicholas Maduro, the ousted leader is in the United States facing narco-terrorism charges. Panelists Taylor Morgan and Leah Murray break down what's next for Venezuela, and whether the President might face any wrath from Congress over the legality of Maduro's capture. Plus, Utah's elections for 2026 are shaping up with some must-see storylines. And, the ACLU of Utah filed a lawsuit against the state over Utah's sensitive materials law, as three additional books were banned in Utah.

The judge in Utah's redistricting case has issued a ruling essentially granting the ability for the legislature to appeal the case to the Utah Supreme Court, even with some outstanding claims, and despite the ability to appeal the ruling in August and November. Panelists Taylor Morgan and Leah Murray weigh in on whether it was an oversight or a sound legal strategy. Plus, Former Congressman Rob Bishop is running for the state legislature, and our panel has New Year's resolutions for the legislature.

As the Utah legislature looks to expand the state's Supreme Court, the Utah State Bar says that they would rather have resources come to the lower courts. They discuss the pros and cons of appellate expansion. Plus, Eva Lopez Chavez shares her goals for Congress as she launches her bid in Utah's first district.

President Donald Trump addressed the nation in prime time, touting wins on the economy, immigration and healthcare. Panelists Adam Gardiner and Rusty Cannon join Lindsay to evaluate some of his claims and assess the president’s standing heading into the all-important 2026 midterms. The president’s chief of staff Susie Wiles, in the meantime, is pushing back on reporting from Vanity Fair that takes a candid, it at times unflattering, look at how the White House is running behind the scenes. Additional Referenceshttps://www.poynter.org/fact-checking/2025/united-states-18-trillion-dollars-investments/https://emersoncollegepolling.com/december-2025-national-poll-trumps-approval-flips-since-start-of-…https://apnorc.org/projects/trumps-approval-rating-slips-on-the-economy-and-immigration/https://boltsmag.org/whats-on-the-ballot/state-supreme-courts/

The Utah legislature is looking to expand the state Supreme Court from five members to seven in the upcoming legislative session. Panelists Taylor Morgan and Leah Murray weigh in on whether that's good for Utah, and the perception that the legislature may be trying to overturn some recent rulings that didn't go their way. Plus, Australia's social media ban for minors is making waves in the U.S., and President Trump says he's closer to declassifying marijuana.

Utah lawmakers have pushed back filing deadlines to give themselves more time to fight the fight over redistricting. At the same time, they repealed the controversial ban on public sector union collective bargaining, HB 267, avoiding a costly battle at the ballot box next year. Panelists Sarah Reale and Rusty Cannon weigh in on what the impacts could be and where the legislature goes from here. Meanwhile, democrats plow ahead with plans to run in the newly-drawn, blue-leaning district 1. Former State Senator Derek Kitchen joins the show to explain how he plans to stand out in a growing field.

December 9th's special session paved the way for appeals in the redistricting case and repealed the controversial union law known best as HB 267. Panelists Sarah Reale and Erin Rider unpack the impact of lawmakers' latest moves and what the appeals process could look like. Additionally, they discuss the U of U private equity deal and the implications on college sports programs, as well as the Salt Lake County budget cuts.

The Utah State Legislature held a special session on December 9 hoping to buy more time to appeal Utah's redistricting ruling. They also repealed the collective bargaining ban, HB267. Lawmakers are paving the way for future appeals for the redistricting case. Panelists Taylor Morgan and Leah Murray recap the session, including the comments by Sen. Nate Blouin and the referendum on HB267.

In a surprise press conference days before Thanksgiving, state lawmakers announce that they're launching a three-pronged approach to challenge a Utah judge's ruling, which created a democrat leaning congressional district in Salt Lake County. Panelists Taylor Morgan and Leah Murray weigh in in what's likely to happen next and what it means for the nearing 2026 midterm election cycle. Plus, state leaders announce the new name and branding for the winter games set to kick off in less than 3,000 days: Utah 2034. The new logo has drawn some serious criticism. And, will Gov. Spencer Cox run for president? We dig into all these topics on a special Thanksgiving week edition of IUP+.

In an ABC4 exclusive, one of the candidates for Utah's newly drawn first congressional district joins Lindsay to make their campaign official. Plus, Sen. Kathleen Riebe joins the show to outline her priorities and what lane she'll occupy in a primary that grows more crowded by the day. We wrap things up with

New reporting indicates Utah's four GOP representatives in the House are gaming where they will run under the new congressional district map that seems to reduce the number of seats where conservatives can win. Panelists Erin Rider and Adam Gardiner discuss what that process could look like. Plus, a panel of federal judges rejects the map Texas passed to shore up come midterms, and the president has signed the bill to release DOJ files related to the notorious late sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein

We've got what seems to be the first bit of drama of the democratic primary for Utah's newly minted blue-leaning seat. Salt Lake City Council member Eva Lopez Chavez now says she did not endorse former congressman Ben McAdams' bid to return to Washington. Panelists Taylor Morgan and Leah Murray weigh in on what to make of the confusion and what democrats need to be doing now to prepare for midterms. Plus, the Utah judiciary is condemning threats against Judge Gibson over her ruling in the redistricting case.

The Utah legislature is still weighing its options when it comes to fighting a judge's decision to toss out their congressional map in favor of one proposed by the groups suing them. House Majority Whip Rep. Candice Pierucci joins Lindsay to share the GOP majority's thoughts of an appeal strategy, a special session and even impeaching the judge. Plus, former Utah congressman Ben McAdams is officially running for Utah's newly minted Democrat-friendly district 1. Hear how he hopes to set himself apart in what is due to be a crowded field.

The legal drama over Utah's congressional maps likely isn't over. Utah GOP leadership tells us they are keeping all options on the table, including different sorts of appeals of impeaching judge Gibson. Panelists Sarah Reale and Rusty Cannon join Lindsay to discuss the fallout from the redistricting decision and where the Republican lawmakers are likely to go from here. Plus, Kathleen Riebe and Ben McAdams announce their plans to run for congress. Who has the best chance to win in what looks to be one of Utah's most liberal districts in decades?

A Utah judge has blocked the Utah legislature's map C, ruling it violated the state's anti-gerrymandering law known as Proposition 4. The midnight ruling sent shockwaves through deeply red Utah, as the judge ruled that the plaintiff's map 1, which will, in all likelihood, solidify a Democrat in Congress, is the map that will govern Utah's 2026 midterms. Panelists Taylor Morgan and Leah Murray break down the impacts on Utah politics, criticisms of the ruling, and what's next.

Utah Democrats were denied after they pushed for a special session of the Utah legislature to fund SNAP benefits from Utah's rainy-day fund. Panelists Adam Gardiner and Rusty Cannon break down whether that's the government's role. Ben McAdams is reportedly running for Congress, President Trump's tariffs were in front of SCOTUS, and NYC has a new mayor.

Utah’s municipal election races are coming to a close as final votes get counted. Panelists Leah Murray and Taylor Morgan discuss the Sandy mayoral, Riverton mayoral, Ogden Valley, Ogden City, and other races across the state. New York City also saw an historic election, as did Democrats in Virginia, New Jersey, and Georgia.

Thousands of Utahns are getting ready to go to the polls on Tuesday to vote in hundreds of races across the state. This year, there's a new election law in effect, and you'll need to understand it if you want to make sure your vote counts. Plus, there are dozens of new races on the ballot this year. Lindsay sits down with Salt Lake County Clerk Lannie Chapman and Rich Stowell from the sunsetting Alpine School District to explain it all.

Salt Lake County has announced a $3 million budget cut by closing four daycares. Panelists Sarah Reale and Erin Rider delve into whether the cuts were a good decision, whether the government should provide daycare, and if not, who should? Former Utah Attorney Sean Reyes is being sued by a former client for malicious prosecution. And, construction has started on the Power District, west of downtown.

As Utah's redistricting case moves on, Utahns don't seem to be paying close attention. That's according to some new polling from the Deseret News. Panelists Leah Murray and Taylor Morgan discuss why. Speaker of the House Mike Schultz released a video addressing the court case, and where the case stands. Plus, municipals are coming up and some are using their political parties to get a leg up, despite races being non-partisan.

Municipal elections are just days away now. Utahns are voting for local leadership in dozens of races across the state. Governing Group executive director Kyle Friant has his fingers on the pulse. He joins Lindsay to walk us through some of the mostly hotly contested races. Meanwhile, the mayor of Salt Lake County has proposed a nearly 20% property tax hike. She says the county needs to offset rising costs from inflation. Council members Aimee Winder Newton and Suzanne Harrison explain their approaches to the proposal and tell us whether they think the mayor will get the full 20%.

Salt Lake and Davis counties have proposed property tax raises of roughly 20% and higher. Panelists Adam Gardiner and Rusty Cannon weigh in on whether the proposals will stick. Plus, Utah State Senator Daniel Thatcher (District 11, Forward party) has announced his intention to resign from the legislature ahead of the next general session, and the Forward party will fill his seat. Plus, they weigh in on the demolition of the White House's east wing.

Donald Trump Jr. weighs in on the Utah GOP's push to repeal prop 4 as lawyers on both sides of the redistricting case prepare to return to court. Panelists Taylor Morgan and Leah Murray weigh in on the impact national actors have had on Utah's efforts to draw congressional lines. Plus, ballot instructions cause confusion in Utah County as the clerk there declines to print new ballots to correct incorrect instructions. Lastly, the No Kings protests across the nation drew millions to the streets this weekend to voice their disagreement with the Trump administration. The question now: how effective were they?

The Utah GOP is sponsoring two pushes to settle the questions around redistricting in Utah. Party chair Rob Axson joins Lindsay to explain why republicans are hoping to put Map C on the 2026 ballot just weeks after the party's elected members approved it during the special session. Meanwhile, tensions are high at the state capitol. State auditor Tina Cannon is on the show to explain the behind-the-scenes disagreements between her office and the legislature that have become increasingly public.

Proponents of Prop 4 push back at the Utah GOP's bid to repeal the anti-gerrymandering criteria and the newly approved Map C. They've filed new legal action asking a court to intervene again. Panelists Taylor Morgan and Rusty Cannon weigh in on the fairness of it all and try to cut through the confusion as to where this goes next. Plus, our panel weighs into a truly controversial topic: predicting the score in Saturday's showdown in Provo when the Utes come to town to take on an undefeated BYU.

Exactly two weeks after the Utah Republican Party endorsed map c in Utah’s court-stipulated redistricting process, the party has filed paperwork to run a referendum to repeal map C and an initiative to ask the legislature to repeal Proposition 4. Panelists Taylor Morgan and Leah Murray walk us through the implications for the process and the impact on our local and national politics. Plus, republicans in Utah and beyond condemn a new political cartoon in the Salt Lake Tribune portraying Utah's congressional delegation as a wanted gang. Did the strip go too far?

The legislature is facing new legal action after it approved a new congressional map with amended redistricting rules. Sen. Brady Brammer joins the program to explain lawmakers' position. On the national stage, the government shutdown is dragging towards the two week mark. Utah promised to keep the Mighty Five open, but who is actually paying the bills. Lindsay visits Zion National Park to get to the bottom of it.

The government shutdown has reached day 9, and ABC 4 went to Zion National Park to find out who's funding the parks to keep them open. Panelists Adam Gardiner and Rusty Cannon weigh in on the shutdown, talk of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, and Democrats who could run for Congress because of the makeup of Utah's proposed redistricted maps.

Utah lawmakers face a new legal challenge after giving Map C their stamp of approval alongside some new redistricting criteria passed during the special session. Panelists Taylor Morgan and Leah Murray debate the strategy behind the latest legal move, and how Utah Democrats could approach midterm elections in 2026.

Utah will have a special session on Monday to vote on new Congressional maps and make some tweaks to laws before the general session. Senate Parliamentarian, Todd Weiler, weighs in on which map the legislature is leaning towards, the GOP picking its favorite, and what else the legislature will change on Monday. Plus, the federal government continues to be shut down, and both Republicans and Democrats seem to be digging in their heels. Congressman Blake Moore discusses how the shutdown ends and who's at fault.

The federal government continues to be shut down, and both Republicans and Democrats seem to be digging in their heels. Panelists Adam Gardiner and Gabi Finlayson weigh in on who's at fault and whether it's appropriate for the administration to blame Democrats on government websites. Utah is in a battle of its own over new congressional maps, and the Utah Republican Party sent an email picking its favorite. Gardiner and Finlayson debate whether the party should have done that.

The federal government is barreling toward a government shutdown, and without a bipartisan deal, it's anticipated that it will at 12:01 a.m. on October 1. Panelists Taylor Morgan and Leah Murray debate who's at fault, and how Utah will be impacted. Plus, Governor Spencer Cox was on CBS's 60 Minutes, taking his "Disagree Better" campaign national. Morgan and Murray weigh in on Cox's messages of unity after the killing of Charlie Kirk.

Utah's redistricting battle got heated this week- with no final agreement on the a single map for public consideration. Republicans and Democrats on the committee both accused the other side of favoring their electoral interests when drawing these maps. Republican Rep. Candace Pierucci and Democratic Rep. Doug Owens join Lindsay to discuss their positions and the ongoing efforts to find common ground before a final vote on October 6th.

A court-ordered redrawing of congressional districts sparked heated debate between Republicans and Democrats during their second and final public hearing on Wednesday. Panelists Rusty Cannon and Sarah Reale weigh in on who was right and who was wrong. Plus, they debate the partisan bias test and whether there should be one or multiple. Links to follow along at home:https://le.utah.gov/interim/2025/pdf/00003659.pdf and https://le.utah.gov/interim/2025/pdf/00003630.pdf

The Utah legislature has released five new maps as a part of their court-ordered redistricting. Panelists Leah Murray and Taylor Morgan do a deep dive into the details of those maps, where they're split, and whether they favor one party. They also debate the newly proposed partisan bias test and whether it should be used to determine if the maps unduly favor or disfavor any party. Link to the maps : https://le.utah.gov/interim/2025/pdf/00003630.pdf

Two Utah lawmakers on opposite sides of the aisle join Lindsay to discuss moving forward after the assassination of Charlie Kirk. Plus, the legislature is on the clock to redraw Utah's congressional maps after the state Supreme Court denied their latest appeal in the gerrymandering case. Panelists Leah Murray and Erin Rider discuss. We also meet the head of Utah's newest office to manage disputes between homeowners' associations and the law.

A Utah State Senator has proposed creating a memorial to Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University. Panelists Leah Murray and Erin Rider discuss its funding and the appropriateness of the memorial. Kash Patel appeared before the Senate to address questions surrounding the FBI’s handling of Kirk's shooting, and Patel's handling of the case. They also weigh in on the latest developments with redistricting, including the new bipartisan commission's schedule.

Prosecutors in Utah County announced seven different charges against Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old Washington County resident who is accused of shooting and killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah valley University last Wednesday. Panelist Taylor, Morgan and Leah Murray weigh in on how the case has impacted them, about the protections of the first amendment and free speech, and whether there's any bias in the handling or prosecuting of the case. They also discuss the latest ruling from the Utah Supreme Court that denied the legislature's request to stay the ruling, And what's next for the Utah legislature in Utah's our district in case.

The Utah Supreme Court has signaled it will address Utah's redistricting order. Meanwhile, the judge has amended her order admitting that she can't "order" the legislature to redistrict. Panelists Leah Murray and Sarah Reale weigh in. Utah's teachers could be disciplined for so-called immoral behavior, if a proposed Utah State Board of Education rule passes. Utah has raised $200 million for the Olympics, and Mitt Romney didn't like the Salt Lake Tribune satire.

Lawyers in Utah's redistricting case have agreed on a new timeline for new maps in Utah's redistricting case. Panelists Taylor Morgan and Rusty Cannon discuss that and the judge's ruling denying the Utah legislature's request for a stay. They also discuss what it means that all of the Utah Supreme Court nominees are men, that Mike Lee wants to rename the Department of Defense to the Department of War, and Utah is getting $5 million in a settlement with a major online pornography operator.

After a judge ordered the Utah legislature to redraw its congressional maps, legislative leaders have stated that they are moving forward with the process, despite disagreeing with the ruling. Could the legislature work to delay drawing new maps before 2026? And, will they change the initiative process in Utah? Panelists Taylor Morgan and Leah Murray discuss what's next after Utah's redistricting ruling.