Inside Utah Politics with Lindsay Aerts

Inside Utah Politics with Lindsay Aerts

by Lindsay Aerts
GovernmentPolitics
Season 1
Prop 4 repeal fails, Mendenhall restricts ICE facility water
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.
S1 · E101
Mar 28, 2026
23:30
Sen. John Curtis and Prop. 4 repeal fails
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.
S1 · E100
Mar 28, 2026
25:17
Lawmakers push on with court reform, USU rebuilds trust on capitol hill.
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.
S1 · E99
Feb 7, 2026
24:34
State bar opposes slate of judicial reforms, the federal delegation joins the redistricting fight  
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.
S1 · E98
Feb 4, 2026
23:14
Lawmakers release scathing audit of Utah State University, election day holiday debate
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.
S1 · E97
Feb 2, 2026
23:08
Sweeping reforms to election law and courts take shape, Hollywood visits Capitol Hill
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.
S1 · E96
Feb 2, 2026
24:26
Utah Education cuts, Dems hold on ICE budget
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.
S1 · E95
Jan 29, 2026
22:24
Governor Spencer Cox on judiciary, taxes, culture war bills
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.
S1 · E94
Jan 27, 2026
20:41
Minnesota shooting widens divide over ICE, Lawmakers talk NIL
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.
S1 · E93
Jan 27, 2026
22:09
Lawmakers proposes citizenship to vote, kids to read at 3rd grade
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.
S1 · E92
Jan 22, 2026
23:01
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