Inside Utah Politics with Lindsay Aerts

The US Supreme Court allows President Trump's executive order restricting mail-in voting to go forward without addressing the merits of the case. If they take effect, the USPS could be prevented from delivering ballots to states like Utah which have withheld voter info from federal requests. Panelists Leah Murray and Taylor Morgan join Lindsay to weigh the impacts of that decision on both our elections and our politics. Plus, Nevada sues the federal government over the latest deal to enforce water sharing. Our panel evaluates the chances that suit's chances of succeeding, and what needs to happen to ensure...

It was a busy interim week on Utah’s Capitol Hill. Lawmakers across multiple committees heard briefings from experts of all kinds to dissect the data center debate. It's an early phase of the legislative process that could inform laws to come. Lawmakers also heard the results of an audit of Utah’s 6 month gas tax. Representatives Jill Koford and Cal Roberts join Lindsay to unpack the issues. Plus, Governor Cox teases MIDA reform and shares some big personal news.

President Stuart Adams has threatened to sue four of his critics who he claims made defamatory statements about him. Panelists Taylor Morgan and Adam Gardiner run through whether the claims are defamatory or if Adams is being sour after his Primary loss. Plus, Governor Cox says he wants more MIDA reform, especially after the Stratos data center rollout. Plus, Utah's gas tax was cut by $ 0.06 at the pump, yet Utah still has higher-than-average gas prices. We discuss how the state should bring them down and whether the cut was worth it.

Three environmental groups filed a complaint with the FTC, alleging that Utah's messaging about nuclear energy is misleading. Panelists Taylor Morgan and Adam Gardiner weigh in on whether the messaging is accurate and whether the agency will do anything about it. New polling shows Utah's federal delegation and statewide leaders are underwater on their approval ratings and that Utahns strongly approve of showing voter ID and proof of citizenship to vote. Our panelists also make their predictions for Utah's 2027 legislative session as August's interim day approaches.

Utah's recent victory in federal court over Kalshi means the state's anti-gambling laws can now be enforced, but how will it do that? Panelists Taylor Morgan and Leah Murray break down some recent comments from Attorney General Derek Brown on how that may happen. Plus, former Utah Jazz player Enes Kanter has taken on the WNBA over its transgender policies, officially declaring for the WNBA draft. Our panelists weigh in on whether the stunt is the right way to have the policy discussion. And Utah is pushing for more quantum technologies - why that's important to the future of...

Utah was spared the worst of the cuts when the Bureau of Reclamation release its plan to break the gridlock over how states share the water of the Colorado River. But there are still questions about what is to come. Amy Haas, the executive director of Utah's Colorado River, joins Lindsay to explain how the plan will impact our state over the next 10 years, and whether we can expect to see lawsuits. Plus, Utah beats Kalshi in court. A federal judge found that federal law does not shield the company from Utah's prohibition on gambling. But how will our...

Utah is on the Trump administration's short list for a new nuclear lifecycle innovation campus in Tooele. The head of the state's department of energy, Emy Lesofsky, talks about what will be made at the facility, and how Utah plans to keep radiation and waste levels safe. Plus, Utah's new Great Salt Lake commissioner talks about the strategy for saving the lake, and addresses criticisms over hats she made that say, "Make Alfalfa Great Again."

Utah stands poised to bring a nuclear lifecycle campus to Tooele but is hoping to help the dwindling Great Salt Lake in the process by securing federal funds. Hosts Panelists Taylor Morgan and Leah Murray debate whether the risk is worth the reward. Plus, dozens of local cities look to raise property taxes, and Utah Senator John Curtis is proposing a state-led migrant worker program with a pathway to citizenship.

Utah's Department of Natural Resources is getting a new leader, and a new Great Salt Lake commissioner. Jamie Barnes will head the department while Hannah Freeze takes over as GSL czar. Panelist Leah Murray and Erin Rider discuss the monumental task of securing Utah's water needs into the future. Plus, Senator John Curtis and Senator Mike Lee are on opposite sides of the issue of President Trump's nomination of Todd Blanche for attorney general, and on nuking the filibuster. And, Dr. Anthony Fauci pleads the 5th as he testifies before the Senate.

As the GOP majority in the House pushes through their latest reconciliation blueprint, Sen. Mike Lee says he sees a path for the SAVE America Act to to pass without 60 votes in the Senate. Panelists Taylor Morgan and Erin Rider join Lindsay to break down what the senator's latest statements mean for President Trump's top legislative priority. Plus, our new polling from Emerson College just dropped and it's chock-full of insights about presidential primaries and hot button issues like data center development.

Utah Governor Spencer Cox issues a modified version of his order that prohibited fireworks on the 4th of July, this time for Pioneer Day. The new text gives more power to cities this time around. Panelists Taylor Morgan and Leah Murray join Lindsay to reassess the order's approach with new circumstances. Plus, Utahns and environmental groups plan protests against President Donald Trump's executive orders shrinking Bear's Ears and Grand Staircase Escalante National Monuments. It comes as new polling characterizes Utahns feelings on the monuments.

The data center backlash continues to drive the conversation in Utah politics. Local Democrat-aligned groups are suing Kevin O'Leary, the celebrity investor and backer of the Stratos data center project. They claim the Shark Tank star defamed them when he alleged their opposition to the project stemmed from a Chinese influence operations. Analysts Sarah Reale and Adam Gardiner join Lindsay to discuss the merits and what this says about the salience of the emerging data center issue. Plus, Sen. Todd Weiler is taking the top job at a local conservative think tank. We weigh what impact that could have...

Utah's congressional delegation, Governor Spencer Cox and House Speaker Mike Schultz joined President Donald Trump in the Oval Office as he signed a pair of executive orders shrinking Grand Staircase Escalante and Bears Ear national monuments. The monuments have been a political football for decades, established by Democrats and shrunk twice now by President Trump. Panelists Adam Gardiner and Leah Murray join Lindsay to weigh the political impacts of the brace of orders, and to evaluate whether this is a case of the government working well. Plus, we dig into some national headlines, including the announcement that the administration...

Utah's America 250 celebrations came and went without mass displays of personal fireworks across much of the state. Governor Cox's executive order clamping down on those displays expired July 5th, but our fire danger has not subsided. Lindsay Aerts sits down with Utah's State Forester Jaimie Barnes to dig into what worked about the policy, what didn't and whether we might see its return for Pioneer Day. Plus, the race to replace Senate President J. Stuart Adamsis on. Adams is out of office at the end of the year, leaving a vacancy for the Senate's top job for the first...

Utah lawmakers will not pursue another version of Amendment D, the voided proposal to rein in the power of voter-led initiatives to change state law. It's the latest development on the many fronts of the war over Prop 4 and redistricting in Utah. Analysts Erin Rider and Adam Gardiner join Lindsay to explain why lawmakers are taking a beat here, and what this means for their overall strategy. Plus, the Department of Justice sends threatening letters to election officials across the country, floating funding cuts and possible prosecution if they don't fall in line with federal demands. It comes in...

The USMNT is out of the World Cup after their loss to Belgium, but it's the action off the field driving conversation. President Donald Trump made a personal call to FIFA president Gianni Infantino to review the red card against star US striker Folarin Balogun. Our panelists Taylor Morgan and Leah Murray join Lindsay to weigh whether this was an appropriate use of presidential power, and whether it does the game more harm or good in America. Plus, the 4th of July weekend has come and gone without another major wildfire. What does that mean for the state's expanded...

The United State Supreme Court has gone home for the summer, but not before dropping some landmark decisions. The high court handed President Trump a loss on one of his marquee policy proposals, denying him the ability to abolish birthright citizenship via executive order. On the same day we saw a win for conservative-governed states like Utah, with the court upholding laws banning transgender girls from women's sports teams. Longtime Utah Supreme Court Justice Christine Durham joins Lindsay Aerts to unpack how the justices made these big decisions. Plus, Utah Republicans are facing a new challenge in CD-1: running...

The United States Supreme Court has dropped their final rulings from the October 2025 term. It was a run of cases for the history books, between a pair of cases upholding bans on transgender girls in women's sports, a major loss for the president on birthright citizenship, and a potential game changer for campaign finance. Panelists Leah Murray and Sarah Reale join Lindsay to discuss the implications of those decisions, and to evaluate the state of the highest court in the land.

Lindsay Aerts unpacks all the big wins and losses on primary election night. Former congressman Ben McAdams details his plans to punch his ticket back to Washington in a new district where there's plenty of unknown. Plus, we sit down with the candidate behind the update rocking Utah politics. Stephanie Hollist, a political newcomer, managed to unseat Senate President J. Stuart Adams in the State Senate District 7 GOP primary. Hear how she got it and what her focus will be heading into a general election.

Governor Cox announces a new executive order that gives the State Forester and town fire marshals far greater power to restrict, and in some cases ban, private firework displays. It comes as over 100,000 acres burn in severe wildfires across the state, including the Cottonwood Fire, which the governor described as the most destructive fire in state history. Panelists Adam Gardiner and Erin Rider weigh in on the interplay between, legislative, executive, and municipal authority to handles these types of issues, and the political tensions that arise when those entities butt heads. Plus, Senate President J. Stuart Adams' loss on...

Your Local Election Headquarters is all over the results of the primary elections. We were there when Stephanie Hollist learned she had unseated Senate President J. Stuart Adams and we brought the race calls live in our first election on new congressional maps. Now, panelists Taylor Morgan and Leah Murray return for an encore performance the morning after to unpack why things shook out the way they did. How did the data center debate impact races up and down the ballot? How did Reps. Blake Moore and Celeste Maloy fend off challenges from the right from Karianne Lisonbee and...

On the eve of the election, we're sitting down with the candidates in what's set to be a highly watched State House primary race. In HD-16, incumbent Representative Trevor Lee faces an in-party challenge from Bob Stevenson, a veteran of Davis County politics. They join Lindsay to explain their priorities heading into election day. Plus, a last second controversy in the highly watched race for the Democratic Party's nomination in CD-1. Candidate Liban Mohamed says he was accused for an election crime he can't have committed. The county clerk has since apologized, claiming it was a case of mistaken...

The heat continues to climb in Utah's second congressional district, with Congressman Blake Moore saying his challenger has engaged in "outright defamation." It comes after outgoing state Rep. Karianne Lisonbee captioning a now-deleted X post “I came from nothing and built my American dream with hard work. I will not watch politicians like Blake Moore spend away our children’s and grandchildren’s future while making millions insider trading. No more.” Panelists Leah Murray and Taylor Morgan join Lindsay to discuss whether this is too far or par-for-the-course negative campaigning in 2026.

Colorado River negotiations reach their boiling point. Utah Senator Mike Lee says Congress will not reward states that sue other states over water with more federal funding. It comes as Arizona is lawyering up to take Utah to court as deadlock stalls a long-term agreement on the how to share the river's evermore precious water. Amy Haas is the executive director of the Colorado River Authority of Utah and one of the state's chief water negotiators. She joins Lindsay to chart a path forward for the 7 states that rely on the river. Plus, Utah CD-1 is gearing up for...

AI money seems to be flowing into Utah's congressional primary races, with big spends in favor of Ben McAdams and Rep. Celeste Maloy. Panelists Adam Gardiner and Leah Murray join Lindsay Aerts to weigh the impact those dollars might have, both positive and negative as we enter uncharted territory with the polarization surrounding AI development and data center infrastructure. Plus, the new map is spurring some interesting voter behavior in Utah's first congressional district. We dig into new data from the Salt Lake County Clerk to see how voters are reacting to Utah's first safe blue house seat in...

Opposition to plans to build a massive ICE detention center in Salt Lake City is firing on all cylinders this week, with both Salt Lake City and Salt Lake County filing a lawsuit arguing the plans have not gone through the proper legal channels. Some non-profit groups have also filed their intent to seek a lawsuit of their own against DHS on similar ground. Panelists Taylor Morgan and Leah Murray join Lindsay to analyze the political trajectory of the controversial project, and whether the ICE facility risks becoming the next data center debate. Plus, the Pentagon revised its list...

In this special edition of Inside Utah Politics with Lindsay Aerts, we sit down with Kevin O'Leary for two interviews at a key juncture in the development of the Stratos Project hyperscale data center planned in Box Elder County. We dig deeper into Lindsay's conversations with Mister Wonderful to understand the plans from his perspective, his reaction to a request to cut down the project area by 75%, and why he feels like the rollout has gotten off on the wrong foot. We also ask the shark some of your questions, and press him on his allegation that some opponents...

Kevin O'Leary has released his promised letter responding to a demand from Senate President J. Stuart Adams to shrink the Stratos data center project and put up certain environmental guardrails and transparency requirements. Panelists Taylor Morgan and Leah Murray join Lindsay to unpack what this means for the political debate over data centers in Utah and across the nation. Plus, Governor Spencer Cox has declared June as Fidelity Month, a move local advocates are calling ‘a slap in the face’ to the LGBTQ+ community. In doing so, Utah joins a handful of other red states in forgoing a pride mont...

Shark Tank host and multi-millionaire Kevin O'Leary sat down with Lindsay Aerts to respond to the pushback to his data center project in Box Elder County. He tells us that he feels blindsided by the letter published by Senate President J. Stuart Adams which asked him to cut down the size of the Stratos Project by 75%. Panelists Adam Gardiner and Erin Rider join Lindsay to unpack what happened here and what we can make of O'Leary's first on-camera comments to local TV news. Plus, Republican candidates for Congress clash on stage as primary ballots sent out. We discuss whether...

Primary season is heating up in Utah as candidate for Utah's congressional race on both sides of the aisle prepare to take the debate stage. Panelists Leah Murray and Taylor Morgan join Lindsay to set both the expectations and the stakes. We are just days away from ballots going to Utahns across the state. Plus, President Donald Trump is dealing with low approval ratings here in Utah. The president has always had a tougher time with Utah voters than those in other red state. We look into what it might take to change that as his party heads into...

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox has declared a drought emergency after a record low snowpack has left our reservoirs below where we'd like them to be heading into the hottest and driest part of the year. It comes amid growing tensions over data center development in the Utah, with locals at city council meetings across the state voicing their concerns about potential environmental impacts of these projects meant to support emerging technology and economic growth. Lindsay Aerts sits down with decision makers in the state's Department of Natural Resources to understand how the state goes about making decisions about our...

It's a data driven episode of IUP+ for you today. Rep. Blake Moore's campaign released new internal polling data that shows him with a comfortable lead over state Rep. Karianne Lisonbee. We're also seeing a new local poll digging into how Utahns feel about plans for a data center in Box Elder County, which found that most people are not convinced the economic gains justify the water tradeoffs. Panelists Leah Murray and Adam Gardiner join Lindsay to assess how seriously both polls should be taken and what insight we can glean either way. Plus, GOP lawmakers sound off on...

President Donald Trump is wrapping up his visit to China to discuss economic collaboration with a large group of business leaders in tow. Panelists Taylor Morgan and Adam Gardiner join Lindsay to discuss what the two countries have to offer one another and how the US should approach the idea of greater economic and security collaboration with China. Plus, Prop 4 is proving to be a major topic of discussion in Utah's CD-2 Republican primary contest. Rep. Blake Moore defends his role in the anti-gerrymandering effort while supporters of Rep. Karianne Lisonbee accuse him of paving the way for Utah...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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.