The Hinckley Report

With the 2026 Utah Legislative Session officially under way, host Jason Perry leads a discussion on how lawmakers are pushing for their priorities. It's expected to be a tight budget year, so how will that affect things on Capitol Hill? Plus, Gov. Cox delivers his annual State of the State address. THE DEEPER DIVE:• From big-picture priorities like AI, critical minerals, and long-term infrastructure to a potentially record number of bill filings, we break down the session's opening week.• In his State of the State address, Governor Spencer Cox focused on efforts to improve childhood literacy, housing affordability, and homelessness. We also explore his call for greater unity and less political divisiveness. • ⚖️ Tensions between the judicial branch and legislature may be at a tipping point. Chief Justice Matthew Durrant addressed the issues in rare public comments. We discuss the changes lawmakers are considering for Utah's judiciary. • What bills are our political experts watching? From water-use reporting and Great Salt Lake protections to alcohol policy changes and some quirky proposals, our panel brings you into the conversation. ️ FEATURING:• Kate Bradshaw – Mayor, Bountiful City• Dennis Romboy – Deseret News• Ben Winslow – Fox 13 News Funding for The Hinckley Report is made possible in part by the Cleone Peterson Eccles Endowment Fund and by the financial contributions of PBS Utah members. If you would like to support the work we do, please visit https://pbsutah.org/supporthinckley

As Utah lawmakers prepare for the 2026 General Legislative Session to start next week, host Jason Perry leads a discussion about which issues will get the most attention. Plus, new polling offers a closer look at what matters most to Utah voters. THE DEEPER DIVE:• ️ Utah Legislature Prepares for 2026 Session: Lawmakers preview major policy debates—including affordability, housing, and tax reform—as the state enters a year with a tighter budget and shifting economic conditions.• Housing Affordability Takes Center Stage: Panelists highlight rising housing costs, zoning challenges, infrastructure gaps, and property tax pressures, describing affordability as the top concern among Utah residents across political parties.• Budget Constraints Drive Tough Decisions: With revenues flat due to the One Big Beautiful Bill and mandated 5% budget‑cut exercises, legislators grapple with funding priorities in higher education, criminal justice, and essential state services.• Key Policy Battles Ahead: The session is set to debate high‑impact bills on non‑compete agreements, K–3 literacy, income tax rate reductions, and property tax restructuring, each carrying significant implications for Utah workers, families, and businesses.• ️ Redistricting & Elections Shape Political Landscape: Momentum builds around a ballot initiative to repeal the independent redistricting commission, while Utah sees an unprecedented 285 candidates running for 90 legislative seats, signaling heightened civic engagement and competitive races. ️ FEATURING:• Rep. Karen Peterson – (R) Clinton, House Rulse Vice Chair• Rep. Grant Miller – (D) Salt Lake City• Chris Bleak – RRJ Consulting Funding for The Hinckley Report is made possible in part by the Cleone Peterson Eccles Endowment Fund and by the financial contributions of PBS Utah members. If you would like to support the work we do, please visit https://pbsutah.org/supporthinckley

As the candiadate filing deadline for the 2026 elections closes, some elected officials gear up to face challengers while others decide not to seek reelection. The major issues of the 2026 Utah legislative session emerge including water usage for AI data centers, homelessness, and childhood literacy. THE DEEPER DIVE:• ✍️ Utah elected officials decide whether to face challengers in their reelection campaigns or to drop out of the race.• ️ Legislators gear up for the 2026 Legislative Session, which begins on January 20th and runs through March 6th.• Major issues come to the forefront as legislators begin to file bills including water usage by AI data centers, homelessness, and how to fix poor childhood literacy rates among Utah's elementary school students. ️ FEATURING:• Sean Higgins – Politics Reporter, KUER• McKenzie Romero – Editor, Utah News Dispatch• Marty Carpenter – Partner, Northbound Strategies LINKS:The Future Is Watching: Understanding Utah's Early Literacy Landscape. Report on childhood literacy in Utah by the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute: https://d36oiwf74r1rap.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/EarlyLiteracy-Jan2026-Final.pdf Funding for The Hinckley Report is made possible in part by the Cleone Peterson Eccles Endowment Fund and by the financial contributions of PBS Utah members. If you would like to support the work we do, please visit https://pbsutah.org/supporthinckley

As a turbulent year in politics comes to a close, our panel of experts reflect on the biggest political headlines of the last 365 days. What decisions had a significant impact? Which messages resonated with voters? And what major events will have long-term effects? THE DEEPER DIVE:• ️ The assassination of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University and subsequent security-heavy events have intensified conversations about civility, student engagement, and the future of political discourse in the state and nation. We examine where the nation goes from here. • ️ A landmark court ruling overturned Utah's 2021 Congressional Map, creating a Salt Lake County–focused district that leans Democratic, setting the stage for competitive races and potential shifts in national power. Our expert panel discusses what comes next for the legal case, and how things could still shift in 2026.• ✊ Following large protests and over 300,000 signatures for a referendum, lawmakers reversed a controversial bill eliminating collective bargaining rights for public sector employee unions, signaling ongoing battles over labor policy. We explore what impact this could have on the upcoming legislative session.• The 43-day federal government shutdown tied to Affordable Care Act subsidies ended up being the longest in history. We discuss whether the end result will lead to skyrocketing healthcare costs and how it may influencing upcoming elections. ️ FEATURING:• Heidi Hatch – Anchor, KUTV 2News• Jeff Parrott – Politics Editor, The Salt Lake Tribune• Daniel Woodruff – Reporter, KSL 5 News Funding for The Hinckley Report is made possible in part by the Cleone Peterson Eccles Endowment Fund and by the financial contributions of PBS Utah members. If you would like to support the work we do, please visit https://pbsutah.org/supporthinckley

Lawmakers will likely expand the size of the Utah Supreme Court. On this episode of Utah's favorite political podcast, host Jason Perry leads a discussion examining the arguments for and against adding additional justices. Plus, how are Utah leaders responding to Pres. Trump's executive order on artificial intelligence? And will Congress act to extend ACA subsidies? THE DEEPER DIVE:• ⚖️ The size of the Utah Supreme Court has remained the same for more than 100 years, since it was set at five justices back in 1917. Would adding two more amount to court packing? Proponents of this plan say many states of a similar size already have larger supreme courts and that expanding would allow the Court to get through a backlog of cases more quickly. On the other side, critics argue there are more affordable ways to move cases along and this is simply a political move.• Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) subsidies are set to expire in January unless Congress extends them. Utah is the 4th highest recipient of subsidies in the nation, so there would be a big impact here if they go away. Will Republicans and Democrats in Washington, DC come together to find a solution? Or will healthcare continue to be a political football?• ✍️ In the past year, Congress has only passed 57 pieces of legislation, yet Pres. Trump has issued 221 executive orders. Critics of this dynamic claim the legislative branch has given up too much power to the executive branch. We examine how this is impacting our government and whether it defies the intention of the Constitution.• Utah leaders are pushing back on an effort by Pres. Trump to control artificial intelligence regulations at the federal level. Should it be an issue managed by the states? Or does that create a marketplace that is too difficult for tech companies to navigate? ️ FEATURING:• Maura Carabello – President, Exoro Group• Jay Evensen – Opinion Editor, Deseret News• Chris Bleak – Partner, RRJ Consulting Funding for The Hinckley Report is made possible in part by the Cleone Peterson Eccles Endowment Fund and by the financial contributions of PBS Utah members. If you would like to support the work we do, please visit https://pbsutah.org/supporthinckley

In a special session this week, the state legislature tweaked election law and sent a strong message to the Utah judiciary. On this episode of Utah's favorite political podcast, host Jason Perry leads a discussion examining the reaction coming from candidates, political parties, and voters themselves. Plus, some Utah leaders find themselves on the national stage. THE DEEPER DIVE:• ️ The Utah Legislature repealed a bill that had banned colelctive bargaining for public employee unions. When lawmakers originally passed HB267 in early 2025, a coalition of union organizers spearheaded a citizen referendum. That effort secured more than 320,000 signatures and qualified for the ballot in 2026. Our panel explores what led to the repeal and what could come next.• ️ Multiple bills during the special session were in response to the recent court rulings on Utah's Congressional map. One of the biggest changes involves pushing back the candidate filing deadline from January to March. We discuss why some lawmakers felt the change was necessary and how it impacts the future of redistricting litigation.• ⚖️ SB2002, allows election-related court cases to be expedited directly to the Utah Supreme Court. We evaluate why some in the legislature felt the change was unnecessary. ️ FEATURING:• Doug Wilks – Executive Editor, Deseret News• Rep. Jefferson Burton – (R) Spanish Fork• Rep. Jennifer Dailey-Provost – (D) Salt Lake City Funding for The Hinckley Report is made possible in part by the Cleone Peterson Eccles Endowment Fund and by the financial contributions of PBS Utah members. If you would like to support the work we do, please visit https://pbsutah.org/supporthinckley

Governor Spencer Cox unveiled his proposed budget for the next year. On this episode of Utah's favorite political podcast, host Jason Perry leads a discussion about what this suggests about the governor's policy priorities and how it could influence the Legislature. Plus, the fight over Utah's congressional boundaries is taking another turn. THE DEEPER DIVE: • The governor is required by state law to present a budget to the state legislature, but lawmakers aren't required to take his recommendations. This year his $30.7 billion proposal is largely "flat" from last year, something Gov. Cox attributes to lower revenue due to Pres. Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill".• Homeless services would receive $25 million next year under this proposal. The governor described this issue as his top policy priority, including the construction of a new homeless services campus in Salt Lake City. Building this facility in Utah's capital city has received criticism. We evaluate arguments from both sides of the debate.• Money to support improving child literacy in the state is another big policy priority. As is enhancing school safety programs. • For the first time since Gov. Cox took office, his budget proposal does not include an income tax cut. He believes the cuts included in the "Big Beautiful Bill" will still help Utahns.• ️ The ongoing fight over Utah's Congressional Maps will return to Capitol Hill next week. In a special session, the lawmakers will consider a plan to change the filing deadline for candidates. That woudl allow the Legislature more time to appeal the map selected last month by a judge. We examine what impact this could have on the races. ️ FEATURING:• Rep. Hoang Nguyen – (D) Salt Lake City• Brigham Tomco – Deseret News• Rep. Ryan D. Wilcox – (R) North Ogden

Rapid growth has pushed Utah's housing market to a breaking point, but that's not the only factor making real estate unaffordable. On this episode of Utah's favorite political podcast, host Jason Perry leads a discussion about what's causing the Utah's housing crisis. Plus, what policies and solutions are on the table to secure the state's housing future? THE DEEPER DIVE:• Utah is expected to add 2 million more residents over the next 40 years. That's on top of the 18.4% growth the state has seen over the past decade. How does this impact housing affordability? And how should the state respond?• The median price of homes in Utah is 6X that of the median income. That's double the number economists recommend as a healthy balance. With the cost of homes continuing to outpace wage growth, what can be done to make Utah more affordable?• The median age of a first-time home buyer is much higher now than the historical average. We explore what this means for young people and their ability to accumulate generational wealth. • Are zoning policies throughout the state to blame for the housing shortage? Our experts discuss the various barriers to increasing supply, and how the state government may get involved.• ️ Construction costs grew quickly during the COVID-19 pandemic and never really returned to pre-2020 levels. What further impact do tariffs and immigration policies have on the cost of building housing? ️ FEATURING:• Steve Waldrip – Senior Advisor for Housing Strategy to Utah Gov. Spencer Cox• Natalie Gochnour – Director of the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute at the University of Utah• Steven Bond – Founder of the Utah-based non-profit HomeOwnership4U.org Funding for The Hinckley Report is made possible in part by the Cleone Peterson Eccles Endowment Fund and by the financial contributions of PBS Utah members. If you would like to support the work we do, please visit https://pbsutah.org/supporthinckley

A Utah judge rejected new congressional boundaries drawn by the Legislature, instead selecting a map submitted by the plaintiffs in a redistricting lawsuit. On this episode of Utah's favorite political podcast, host Jason Perry leads a discussion about how this will impact Utah politics. Plus, the longest government shutdown in American history finally comes to an end. THE DEEPER DIVE:• After 43 days, the U.S. government is officially back open. We examine what eventually led to an agreement, plus were there any winners politically? And who do Americans blame overall?• Healthcare subsidies were at the heart of this disagreement over federal spending. Democrats have pushed to extend those payments. Will the debate influence next year's midterm elections?• With a new map in place for Utah's congressional boundaries, prominent Democrats are already launching campaigns for Congress. We discuss the showdown this could mean for candidates.• ️ Critics of the redistricting ruling argue that the Utah Constitution reserves the redistricting power for the Utah Legislature. Will there be an appeal to the Utah Supreme Court? And what will be the political ramifications of this decision?• ️ At least one state lawmaker is calling to impeach Judge Dianna Gibson because of her ruling in the redistricting case. Our panel evaluates what legislative leadership are saying about that possibility.• ️ If the new map remains in place for the 2026 midterms, it has the potential to impact national politics. How could that shift the balance of power in Congress? ️ FEATURING:• Kate Bradshaw – Bountiful City Mayor-elect• Spencer Stokes – Founder and Partner, Stokes Strategies• Ben Winslow – Fox 13 News Funding for The Hinckley Report is made possible in part by the Cleone Peterson Eccles Endowment Fund and by the financial contributions of PBS Utah members. If you would like to support the work we do, please visit https://pbsutah.org/supporthinckley

Voters made their voices heard here in Utah and across the nation. On this episode of Utah's favorite political podcast, host Jason Perry leads a discussion about what the 2025 election results suggest about the political direction of the state and country. Plus, with the federal government shutdown now the longest in history, is there any end in sight? Plus, we examine what comes next in Utah's redistricting battle. THE DEEPER DIVE:• ️ Voter turnout varied between rural and urban areas of the state. Why were some voters more motivated to make their voices heard?• Utah's pilot program with Ranked Choice Voting expires at the end of this year. Will it be extended? Or was the process too confusing for voters?• Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced she will retire at the end of her current term after 40 years in Congress. We explore what will be her enduring legacy.• Democrats performed well nationally with big wins in Virginia, New Jersey, and New York City, overperforming trends from the 2024 Presidential Election. What explains this shift?• ️ Judge Dianna Gibson will rule on Utah's new congressional map in the coming days. Will she keep the map approved by the Legislature in September? And what happens if she throws that map out as well?• ✈️ As a result of the government shutdown, airports around the country - including here in Salt Lake City - are being forced to cut the number of daily flights. Will this push Congress toward a compromise on federal spending? ️ FEATURING:• Rep. Candice Pierucci – (R) Riverton, Majority Whip• Rep. Andrew Stoddard – (D) Midvale• Lindsay Aerts – Host, Inside Utah Politics on ABC4 News Funding for The Hinckley Report is made possible in part by the Cleone Peterson Eccles Endowment Fund and by the financial contributions of PBS Utah members. If you would like to support the work we do, please visit https://pbsutah.org/supporthinckley

As the government shutdown nears the one month mark, Congress is facing new pressure to pass a spending bill. On this episode of Utah's favorite political podcast, our expert panel examines the impact of missed paychecks, lapsed SNAP benefits, and polling that shows who Uthans blame for the continued stalemate in Washington. Plus, Utah's redistricting showdown escalates as the deadline for new maps looms. Journalist Jeff Parrott joins political insiders Renae Cowley and Marty Carpenter on this episode of The Hinckley Report.THE DEEPER DIVE:• This government shutdown could surpass the longest record in history of 35 days next week• Utahns who work for the federal government are missing paychecks• SNAP food benefits run out on November 1st• The State of Utah will give $4 million to local food banks• Uthans wait for the Court's decision on redistricting maps• Efforts to overturn Map C come from both Republicans and DemocratsFEATURING:• Renae Cowley – Partner at Foxley & Pignanelli government relations firm• Jeff Parrott – Politics Editor with The Salt Lake Tribune• Marty Carpenter – Partner at Northbound Strategy public relationsFunding for The Hinckley Report is made possible in part by the Cleone Peterson Eccles Endowment Fund and by the financial contributions of PBS Utah members. If you would like to support the work we do, please visit https://pbsutah.org/supporthinckley

Unsustainable water use, a growing population, and ongoing drought are all contributing to the shrinking Great Salt Lake. But what can YOU do to fix it? On this episode of Utah's favorite political podcast, host Jason Perry leads our panel in an engaging discussion about the innovative solutions, policy shifts, and community-driven efforts to restore one of the state's most vital natural resources. Learn how water conservation, legislative action, and public engagement are shaping the path forward as Utah prepares for global scrutiny ahead of the 2034 Olympic Games. THE DEEPER DIVE:• The environmental, health, and economic impacts of a shrinking lake• ️ Dust storms and air quality concerns• The Great Salt Lake Charter and bipartisan collaboration• Water conservation policies and technological innovations• The role of business, government, and individuals in lake restoration• ️ Olympic 2034 implications and global reputation risks ️ FEATURING:• Josh Romney – President/CEO of The Romney Group and Founder of the Great Salt Lake Rising Business Coalition• Natalie Gochnour – Director, Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute at the University of Utah• Brian Steed – Great Salt Lake Commissioner Funding for The Hinckley Report is made possible in part by the Cleone Peterson Eccles Endowment Fund and by the financial contributions of PBS Utah members. If you would like to support the work we do, please visit https://pbsutah.org/supporthinckley

As the government shutdown drags on, the financial impacts on local communities are escalating. In this episode of Utah's favorite political podcast, host Jason Perry leads a conversation about the ideological and electoral forces impacting lawmakers decisions. Plus, the ongoing redistricting battle in Utah took an unexpected turn this week. We also examine what Governor Spencer Cox's latest pick for the Utah Supreme Court signals about judicial philosophy in the state. THE DEEPER DIVE: • The ongoing government shutdown and its ripple effects on Utah families, federal employees, and national politics.• A deep dive into healthcare subsidies, partisan blame, and polling trends.• ️ The redistricting showdown in Utah: indirect initiatives, Proposition 4, and legal battles that could reach the U.S. Supreme Court.• ⚖️ Governor Cox’s appointment of Judge John Nielsen to the Utah Supreme Court and what it means for judicial philosophy and court expansion.• ️ Why municipal elections matter more than ever — and how local races impact your daily life. ️ FEATURING: • Frank Pignanelli – Political Lobbyist with Foxley & Pignanelli• Damon Cann – Political Science Professor at Utah State University• Heidi Hatch – Anchor, KUTV 2News Funding for The Hinckley Report is made possible in part by the Cleone Peterson Eccles Endowment Fund and by the financial contributions of PBS Utah members. If you would like to support the work we do, please visit https://pbsutah.org/supporthinckley

The federal government shutdown is now stretching into its second week. In this episode of Utah's favorite political podcast, host Jason Perry and our expert panel dive into the economic and social fallout coming from Washington D.C., the high-stakes debate over redistricting and political representation, and a pivotal shift in judicial leadership within the Utah Supreme Court. TOPICS COVERED: • ️ Federal government shutdown and its impact on Utah’s 40,000 federal workers• Understanding continuing resolutions (CRs) and bipartisan negotiations• ️ Utah’s redistricting special session and the legal battle over congressional maps• ⚖️ Major change in how the Chief Justice of the Utah Supreme Court is selected• Calls for civility and bipartisan cooperation in today’s political climate ️ FEATURING: • Congresswoman Celeste Maloy – (R) Utah’s 2nd Congressional District• Rep. Doug Owens – (D) Millcreek, Minority Caucus Manager• Brigham Tomco – Political Reporter, Deseret News Funding for The Hinckley Report is made possible in part by the Cleone Peterson Eccles Endowment Fund and by the financial contributions of PBS Utah members. If you would like to support the work we do, please visit https://pbsutah.org/supporthinckley

With Congress unable to pass a spending bill, the federal government officially shut down on Wednesday. In this episode of Utah's favorite political podcast, host Jason Perry and our expert panel unpack the latest political tensions gripping the nation and Utah. TOPICS COVERED: • ️ Government Shutdown: What’s new, who’s to blame, and how it impacts Utahns• Healthcare Funding & The Big Beautiful Bill: The fight over tax cuts vs. coverage for vulnerable Americans• National Parks & Rural Economies: How shutdowns hit Utah’s tourism and local businesses• Polling data about who the public blames for the shutdown• ️ Partisan Politics & Term Limits: Calls for reform and restoring trust in government• ️ Redistricting in Utah: Special legislative session session and the battle over congressional maps• ⚖️ Prop 4 & Partisan Bias Tests: Legal battles and the future of fair representation EXPERT INSIGHTS FROM: • Dennis Romboy – Editor and Reporter, Deseret News• Rep. Jennifer Dailey-Provost – (D) Salt Lake City• Thomas Wright – Utah Business Owner Funding for The Hinckley Report is made possible in part by the Cleone Peterson Eccles Endowment Fund and by the financial contributions of PBS Utah members. If you would like to support the work we do, please visit https://pbsutah.org/supporthinckley

After a major court ruling, Utah’s legislature is under a tight deadline to redraw congressional boundaries, and tensions are rising. In this episode of Utah's favorite political podcast, host Jason Perry and our expert panel break down the redistricting process, partisan debates, and what it means for Utah voters. Topics Covered: • ‍⚖️ The impact of Proposition 4 and Judge Gibson’s ruling• ⚖️ Partisan symmetry and the battle of redistricting experts• ️ Urban vs. rural representation in Utah• ️ Public feedback and the role of citizen-drawn maps• What’s next before the October 6 special session and the court's deadline ️ Explore the proposed maps and leave your feedback: Redistricting.Utah.gov EXPERT INSIGHTS FROM: • Senator Luz Escamilla – (D) Salt Lake County, Senate Minority Leader• Senator Mike McKell – (R) Utah County, Senate Majority Assistant Whip• Daniel Woodruff – Reporter, KSL 5 News Funding for The Hinckley Report is made possible in part by the Cleone Peterson Eccles Endowment Fund and by the financial contributions of PBS Utah members. If you would like to support the work we do, please visit https://pbsutah.org/supporthinckley

In this powerful episode of Utah’s favorite political podcast, host Jason Perry leads a timely and emotional discussion on the rise of political violence in America, following the assassination of Charlie Kirk on a Utah college campus. TOPICS COVERED: • How political rhetoric fuels violence• The impact on youth and civic engagement• The role of social media and echo chambers• ️ Bipartisan calls for nonviolent political exchange• ️ Governor Spencer Cox’s “Disagree Better” initiative• ️ The importance of protecting free speech—even when it's uncomfortable• Exclusive Utah polling data reveals public concern and who citizens believe is responsible for escalating tensions EXPERT INSIGHTS FROM: • Amelia Powers Gardner – (R) Utah County Commissioner• Brian King – Chair, Utah Democratic Party• Chris Bleak – Partner, RRJ Consulting Funding for The Hinckley Report is made possible in part by the Cleone Peterson Eccles Endowment Fund and by the financial contributions of PBS Utah members. If you would like to support the work we do, please visit https://pbsutah.org/supporthinckley

In this special episode of Utah's favorite political podcast, host Jason Perry and a panel of political experts dive deep into the upcoming Special Legislative Session—a pivotal moment that could reshape the state’s political landscape. TOPICS COVERED: • ️ Who can call a special session? The impact of Amendment C and the evolving power dynamics between the Governor and Legislature• ⚖️ Judicial reform and the controversial bill on selecting the Chief Justice• The Great Salt Lake emergency and proposed berm management legislation• ‍♀️ Public employee unions and the referendum that could shake the 2026 ballot• ️ Redistricting battles and the looming court decisions• Behind-the-scenes negotiations and what’s really driving the special session agenda EXPERT INSIGHTS FROM: • Ben Winslow – Political Reporter, FOX 13 News• Kate Bradshaw – Bountiful City Council• Glen Mills – Political Analyst Funding for The Hinckley Report is made possible in part by the Cleone Peterson Eccles Endowment Fund and by the financial contributions of PBS Utah members. If you would like to support the work we do, please visit https://pbsutah.org/supporthinckley

Welcome to Season 10 of Utah's favorite political podcast! In this powerful premiere episode, host Jason Perry is joined by political experts Doug Wilks, Leah Murray, and Max Roth to break down the biggest political stories shaping Utah and the nation. TOPICS COVERED: • ⚖️ Utah Redistricting Lawsuit: What a historic court ruling means for congressional maps and voter representation.• Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill”: Tax cuts, rescissions, and the impact on Utah families and public broadcasting.• ️ Mail-In Ballots Controversy: Utah’s response to national criticism and why local leaders defend vote-by-mail.• House Bill 267 & Public Employee Rights: Firefighters, teachers, and police push back—will the legislature respond?• Utah Olympics 2034: A global vision for the next Winter Games.• ️ Ranked-Choice Voting: Is Utah abandoning a tool for reducing political polarization? ️ INSIGHTFUL COMMENTARY FROM: • Doug Wilks – Executive Editor, Deseret News• Leah Murray – Director, Olene Walker Institute at Weber State• Max Roth – Anchor, Fox 13 News Funding for The Hinckley Report is made possible in part by The Cleone Peterson Eccles Endowment Fund and by the financial contributions of PBS Utah members. If you would like to support the work we do, please visit https://pbsutah.org/supporthinckley

A Utah judge has ruled that Utah's controversial school chioce program violates two sections of the state constitution. This case revolved around the "Utah Fits All Scholarship", which uses public funding to help Utah families pay for private schools and homeschooling programs. Our expert panel discusses the ruling, and what this means for the voucher program moving forward. Organizers of a referendum effort in Utah are inching closer to qualifying for the ballot. As of Friday, county clerks have certified the minimum number of required signatures in 11 of Utah's 29 senate districts. State law requires referendum backers to collect signatures equaling 8% of registered voters in 15 of the 29 districts. Plus, Utah's political parties will all hold leadership elections in the coming days and weeks. For the Democrats, former Utah Rep. Brian King wants to become chair. Meanwhile, current Republican Chair Rob Axson is facing a challenge from Phil Lyman, a well-known name in GOP circles. We discuss what changes in party leadership could mean for politics overall in the Beehive State. Host Jason Perry is joined by Jay Evensen, opinion editor at the Deseret News — Rep. Jennifer Daily-Provost, a Democrat from Salt Lake City and House Minority Whip — and Sen. Mike McKell, a Republican from Spanish Fork and Senate Majority Assistant Whip. Funding for The Hinckley Report is made possible in part by Merit Medical and by the financial contributions of PBS Utah members. If you would like to support the work we do, please visit https://pbsutah.org/supporthinckley