Inside Utah Politics with Lindsay Aerts

Utah Supreme Court Justice Diana Hagen is stepping down after allegations that she was involved in an extramarital affair with the lead lawyer for the plaintiffs suing the state over redistricting. State leaders had been promising a new investigation into the claims that Utah's Judicial Conduct Commission found to be speculative because they don't believe the commission went far enough to investigate them. Panelists Taylor Morgan and Leah Murray join Lindsay Aerts to unpack what the move signals for judicial independence in Utah. Plus, Utah Senator John Curtis seems to be considering running for governor. We analyze why we're hearing about those plans so far ahead of primary season and under two years into his first term in the senate.

State and local leaders are facing continued backlash over plans to move forward with a data center planned in Box Elder County. Panelists Taylor Morgan and Erin Rider join Lindsay to discuss how the state and developers can address both the angst and what some are calling confusion and misinformation. For context on the incident between ABC4's Bayan Wang, you can see the full story below and read the accompanying statement. https://www.abc4.com/news/digital-exclusives/reporter-jj-nursery-utah-senator-jerry-stevenson-box-e…KTVX/KUCW stand on the story we aired and posted on ABC4.com. We presented the events of Bayan Wang’s interaction with Senator Jerry Stevenson completely and accurately.ABC4 arrived on the property after communicating with J & J management. It was not our intention to interview Sen. Stevenson after the state informed us he was unavailable. What you see on video was an unplanned encounter after Sen. Stevenson approached our team in the parking lot.After the events captured on camera, and our debrief with police, ABC4 accepts the Senator’s apology and intends to respect the trespassing warning issued at that time.Bayan Wang is declining to press charges against the Senator at this time.

The Box Elder County commission votes to move forward with plans for a massive data center despite weeks of public pushback. It's a fraught time for data center development across the country and here in Utah in particular. Just this past week, Governor Spencer Cox came out in support of developing more data centers in our state and across the nation as a matter of national security in the AI tech race against China. Panelists Leah Murray and Taylor Morgan join Lindsay to unpack the impact of this decision and whether the political fallout could be larger than you might think at first.

Utah's most senior member in the House is heading into a serious primary challenge. Outgoing state Rep. Karianne Lisonbee is fresh off a commanding victory at the Utah GOP State Convention over incumbent Rep. Blake Moore. She joins Lindsay today to discuss the perspective she hopes to bring to Washington and why she think it's time for voters to move on from Rep. Moore. Plus, some leaders in the state GOP are calling on voters to not retain two justices on the state supreme court. We talk to leadership at the Utah State Bar to hear their concerns about the party becoming so directly involved in a judicial retention election.

Utah Governor Spencer Cox fielded questions on a slate of hot button issues in his monthly press conference to wrap up April. Reporters, including our own Lindsay Aerts got his take on the controversy over plans for a massive data center in Box Elder County, and the latest flare in tensions between the state leaders and the judiciary. Panelists Adam Gardiner and Erin Rider join the show to react to the governor's positions on the issues and explore the sticky topics that are top of mind for the state's political press corps.

We're coming off the heels of a big weekend in state politics, where both the Utah GOP and Utah Democrats narrowed down their primary fields for this year's midterm elections. Panelists Taylor Morgan and Leah Murray weigh in on what we learned about our new congressional districts and what we can expect come election day this June. Plus, gunfire at the White House Correspondent's Dinner sparks renewed fears about how America protects its leaders, as President Trump says it's another reason to finish the White House Ballroom.

A newly released report on allegations against Supreme Court Justice Dianna Hagen is making a big stir. State leaders are calling for an entirely new investigation, saying the Judicial Conduct Commission did not go far enough when it looked into claims she had an extramarital affair with the lead plaintiff's attorney on the state redistricting case. JCC found those allegations to be speculative, Panelists Taylor Morgan and Leah Murray join Lindsay to unpack the political reaction, and analyze the ethical issues at play.

We are just days away from state party nominating conventions. Utah GOP Chair Rob Axson joins Lindsay to look ahead to what we can expect when hundreds of delegates from across the state gather to influence the direction of the party heading into the critical 2026 midterm elections. Plus, Josh Romney joins the program to discuss Great Salt Lake Rising, a new effort from a group of prominent families to get more water to the lake as it heads into the summer.

Newly resurfaced posts from social media accounts linked to Sen. Nate Blouin rock the all-important democratic primary in Utah's first congressional district. The posts contain slurs, jokes about sexual assault and derogatory comments about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Panelists Taylor Morgan and Erin Rider join Lindsay to break down the impact the posts could have on both Blouin's career and his chances at the state convention in just over a week. Plus, Utah Valley University drops commencement speaker Sharon McMahon after days of pressure from conservative groups and officeholders.

It was a busy weekend for Salt Lake County Democrats, long-time DA Sim Gill scraping by to stay on the ballot and Sen. Kathleen Riebe dropping out of the hotly contested CD1 primary race. Panelists Taylor Morgan and Leah Murray join Lindsay to explain what this tells us about the state of the party heading into their state convention. Plus, President Trump posts and deletes an AI generated image that seems to depict him as a religious figure. We dig into what the post says about the president's approach to religious tension amid an increasingly more public feud with Pope Leo.

The US Supreme Court rules against a Colorado state law banning conversion therapy on First Amendment grounds, sparking questions over Utah's own ban. Panelists Taylor Morgan and Leah Murray join Lindsay to unpack what the ruling, and whether the highest court in the land got it right. Plus, the fight in Utah's CD-2 is heating up after a series of high profile endorsements for both Rep. Blake Moore and state rep. Karianne Lisonbee. We dig into how impactful endorsements can actually be as convention and primary season gets going.

Utah's anti-gerrymandering law known as Proposition 4 has been to qualify for the November ballot. The GOP backed effort is vowing to continue its fight. Panelists Erin Rider and Sarah Reale break down what happens next. Plus, with Utah's new map, the Congressional races are already getting spicy. And, Mayor Erin Mendenhall looks to restrict water going to the ICE facility.

Congress debates how to fund the Department of Homeland Security, including TSA workers. Sen. John Curtis outlines what he would like to see from the negotiations. Plus, Curtis responds to President Trump, who says that he will not sign funding without passing the SAVE Act. Plus, Utah's anti-gerrymandering law, known as Proposition 4, has failed to qualify for the November ballot. The executive director of Better Boundaries, Elizabeth Rassmusen defends their signature removal tactics.

The effort to put a repeal of Utah's anti-gerrymandering rules on the ballot this year is on the verge of failing to qualify. Panelists Taylor Morgan and Leah Murray join Lindsay to weigh in on where the Prop 4 fight could go next, and what this whole saga says about the state of direct democracy in Utah. Plus, Senator John Curtis sponsors a bipartisan proposal to ban sites like Kalshi and Polymarket from offering lines on sports. It's the latest effort from an elected Utahn to rein in the emerging alternative to sportsbooks that remain illegal in states like Utah. But does the idea have the legs to pass both chambers of Congress, and does it strike the right balance when it comes to federalism?

Our record-breaking winter is over and the results are not pretty. The snowpack may have already peaked weeks earlier than it should have at a record low. Department of Natural Resources Executive Director Joel Ferry joins Lindsay to assess how the policy tools at their disposal can address the serious problem, and what the state's message will be heading into the hot months. Plus, national democrats set their sights on Utah. DNC Chair Ken Martin tells donors and state party leaders that they're hoping to lay the groundwork for a purple Utah. Utah Democratic Chair Brian King joins us to explain how they plan to make that big goal a reality. And for the first time, Governor Spencer Cox addresses the plans for an ICE facility in Salt Lake City.

Governor Spencer Cox breaks his silence on the plans to put an ICE facility in Salt Lake City. The governor expressed frustration over the lack of coordination with local and state leadership, but ultimately supports a new ICE facility in Utah. Panelists Leah Murray and Taylor Morgan weigh in on the impact a bigger DHS presence could have in our state and the wider issue of immigration enforcement nationally. Plus, the lieutenant governor expresses her displeasure with the lack of communication between Utah Senator Mike Lee and her office over the impacts the Save Act could have on the way our state runs its elections.

Elected democrats have been vocal about their opposition to plans to put an ICE detention facility in Salt Lake City. Panelists Taylor Morgan and Sarah Reale weigh in on the impacts the plan could have on state politics and, possibly, new immigration enforcement. Plus, national democrats are putting their cards on the table; they are working toward a purple Utah. we look at how they could mean to get it done.

Senate President J. Stuart Adams joins Lindsay to unpack the work lawmakers have done this legislative session. That includes big agenda defining items like court reform and tax cuts, but also the bills that caught Utah's attention in the 11th hour. With just minutes left to go in the session, lawmakers passed new regulations around signature removal campaigns that could hamper to effort to keep a repeal of Prop 4 off the ballot. It comes as candidate filing opened up for Utah's newly drawn congressional map. Liban Mohamed explains why he decided to make the jump from big tech to politics and responds to comments shared by Rep. Trevor Lee after his announcement.

Congressional candidates are officially filing to run in the primaries, with most of the notable contenders already in the race. Panelists Taylor Morgan and Erin Rider join Lindsay to discuss the new filings, and Phil Lyman and Celeste Maloy in District 3. Plus, a Utah lawmaker voted no to 54% of the 2026 bills, and the panel debates whether that amount is excessive. And is President Trump is requiring his cabinet members to wear a certain type of shoe?

Some 11th hour maneuvers on Capitol Hill have been the talk of the town since Utah's general session wrapped up Friday night. The governor has already signed a bill that would ban signature removal campaigns from pre-paying postage on recission forms. The law take immediate effect, directly impacting the Better Boundaries campaign to keep a repeal of Prop 4 off the November ballot. Panelists Taylor Morgan and Leah Murray join Lindsay to dissect the impact of the new law, and whether it constitutes changing rules in the middle of the game. Plus, candidate filing opens for Utah's new congressional districts. Our panel sizes up the field as it forms.

45 days goes by in the blink of an eye and lawmakers are done with their work in Utah's 2026 general session. Lindsay sits down with Governor Spencer Cox to discuss his perspective on the work the legislature has accomplished this year from court reform to funding for homelessness. Plus, Sen. Scott Sandall weighs in on water, taxes and what could be on the docket for the next time lawmakers convene on Capitol Hill.

Congress considers checking President Trump's power to wage war in Iran as the conflict enters heads towards a week long. Panelist Leah Murray and Taylor Morgan join Lindsay to weigh in the conflict today date and how the role Congress could play in the days to come. Plus, lawmakers debate a proposal that would write The Word of Wisdom into our state's drug laws.

President Trump says operations in Iran could go on for longer than a month, as Iran retaliates across the region for the strikes that killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Panelists Adam Gardiner and Leah Murray join Lindsay to assess the impact this latest conflict could have on America and our allies. Plus, Utah's legislative session is wrapping up this week. We dig into some of the issues that remain to be addressed in these waning days- including an overhaul to main-in voting.

Could Utah go back to a secretary of state running elections? One lawmaker has drawn up the plan to make it happen in the final days of the legislative session despite the senate cooling on the idea. Plus, Rep. Cal Roberts explains the big picture on Utah's 6-month cut to the gas tax and how the state is working to keep energy prices lower in the long term. We also dive into Utah's presence at the president's record-breaking State of the Union address, including a shoutout to one of the members of our delegation.

President Donald Trump broke the all-time record for the longest State of the Union address in his speech to Congress Tuesday night. Panelists Rusty Cannon and Taylor Morgan join Lindsay to unpack the highlights and lowlights. Plus, the Utah GOP sues Better Boundaries over their recission campaign's use of pre-paid postage on mailers asking voters to remove their signatures from the push to put Prop 4 back on the ballot.

A federal court has declined a request for an injunction to block a judge-imposed congressional map, just as the Utah Supreme Court has dismissed the legislature's appeal of that same map at the state level. That means, barring action from a higher court, Utah's newest congressional map all but confirmed to stay in place for the 2026 midterm election. The map includes the state's first democrat-leaning district in decades. Panelists Leah Murray and Taylor Morgan join Lindsay to weigh in on what's next for state politics under the new map, even if it is only in place for one election cycle. Plus, lawmakers tease that changes could be coming to the constitutional court proposal that passed just this month. It comes on the heels of a new lawsuit saying the idea of a three judge panel hearing constitutionally impactful cases at the district level is itself unconstitutional.

We have just two weeks left in Utah's general legislative session for 2026. It's a sprint to the finish with some big proposals left to debate. Will Utah tax social media companies? What's going to be in the state budget? Will the state ban non-citizens from public benefits? Our panel of insiders and experts answers these question. Plus, the federal case to overturn Utah's new congressional map meets for the first time. Hear the arguments that could reshape the midterm elections.

A plan to reduce the gas tax has been unveiled on Utah's Capitol Hill, but now that it will cut state revenue instead of taxing refineries, is it the right plan for Utah? Panelists Adam Gardiner and Sarah Reale weigh in. Plus, Utah's redistricting case hits the federal court, and the Utah legislature is weighing changes to the Utah Fits All scholarship.

Utah Republicans are rushing to meet the deadline to put a possible repeal of prop 4 on the ballot. It's a heavy lift, requiring 8% of all active voters in 26/29 senate districts. Utah GOP chair Rob Axson thinks they can get it done, he joins Lindsay to dive into the massive effort to give the voters a chance to weigh in on redistricting one more time. Plus, comments from an American athlete in Italy draw criticism from President Trump and Governor Cox shares his thoughts as state leaders work to bring the world back to Utah in 2034.

Governor Spencer Cox had some pointed words for the media at the Games in Milan after reporters asked him about a back-and-forth between a US skier and President Trump. Panelists Taylor Morgan and Leah Murray weigh in. Meanwhile, Utah's House leadership is pushing a bill to require by-mail ballots to be returned in person with ID. There are some signs of tension at the Utah legislature, and a bill has passed the House that would ban Prop betting in Utah.

As the legislative session approaches the halfway point, lawmakers are still mulling over some big ideas. Should Utah ban kratom? Do we need voter ID? How should venues supported by public funds accommodate gun rights? Panelists Adam Gardiner and Rusty Cannon join Lindsay to weigh in on the hot button topics driving debate on capitol hill. Plus, a federal court will hear the case over Utah's new congressional map. We dig into what that means for what's set to be an interesting midterm election year in Utah.

As the ink dries on the governor's signature to greenlight state Supreme Court expansion, the Utah State Bar association voiced their concerns that lawmakers are moving too quickly to change the courts. Rep. Matt MacPherson joins Lindsay to discuss his proposal to allow for a three-judge panel to weigh in on constitutional case, and whether he still supports impeachment in Utah's redistricting case. Plus, Utah State University's new president Brad L. Mortensen is hard at work on capitol hill after scathing audit blasted the university's spending under his predecessor.

Utah lawmakers are moving along steadily with a slate of transformative reforms to Utah's judiciary, with Supreme Court expansion already signed into law. Now, the Utah State Bar Association is reiterating its criticisms of some of these proposals and the idea that the legislature is making big changes too quickly. Panelists Erin Rider and Rusty Cannon join Lindsay to share their reactions. Plus, members of Utah's federal delegation join the fight over our state's redistricting process with a new challenge that implicates the US Constitution.

Lawmakers have published their audit of Utah State University under former university president Elizabeth “Betsy” Cantwell. The report details lavish spending including an office remodel nearing $300k, a top-of-the line bidet and a climate controlled golf cart. It also alleges contract dealings that may violate Utah's procurement laws. Panelist Leah Murray and Taylor Morgan join Lindsay to discuss the impacts that audit could, and maybe should have, and how the school is working to address the findings and move on. Plus a bill on Capitol Hill this session asks the question: should election day be a state holiday? What that proposal could mean for Utah if it's made law.

Week one jitters have worn off and now it's back to business at the Utah State Capitol. Reforms to the courts and to Utah's election system have taken top billing in both chambers. A proposal to create a new court specialized in constitutional issues turns heads, while plans to expand the judiciary at all levels speed through the legislature. Lawmakers are also refining a plan to bifurcate federal and state elections to allow for additional citizenship checks. Lindsay interviews Senator Mike McKell and Rep. Andrew Stoddard to get perspective on these issues from both sides of the aisle. Plus, actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt comes to town to promote AI regulation.

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.