Advertise on podcast: The Hinckley Report

With about 10 days until the 2026 midterm election, the federal government now plans to send poll watchers to the Beehive State. In this episode, host Jason Perry leads a discussion digging into this latest news. Plus we discuss Lt. Governor Deidre Henderson's clash with the DOJ, voter confidence in Utah's election system, shifting voter affiliations, and the debate surrounding Amendment B. It's a detailed look at how election administration, public trust, and political messaging are shaping Utah's electoral landscape. THE DEEPER DIVE: • The U.S. Dept. of Justice plans to deploy election monitors across the country, including in Utah. Our expert panel discusses why many voters in the Beehive State may never notice them. Plus, while state leaders have welcomed lawful oversight, the move is generating debate because of the broader national conversation around election security and federal involvement in elections overall. • Earlier this year, Utah lawmakers commissioned a study to evaluate the security of the state's mail-in election system. Researchers released their findings this week and determined there is no substantial security difference between in-person and mail voting. The research also evaluated possible ways to strengthen election security. We discuss whether the benefits would outweigh the financial and logistical challenges for counties. • New polling finds roughly three-quarters of Utah voters have confidence in state and local governments to conduct fair and accurate elections. We explore how these numbers fit into the national conversation about voting access and confidence. • More Utah voters are moving away from formal political party affiliation, with numbers showing a notable increase in the number of unaffiliated voters in teh state. Our panel explores how dissatisfaction with national parties could be contributing to the trend, and whether these affiliation changes actually have any impact on election outcomes. • A proposal to change Utah's constitution has emerged as a major ballot issue. Amendment B would raise the approval threshold for citizen-led initiatives that increase taxes from a simple majority to 60 percent. The debate has attracted significant attention, substantial campaign spending, and could become one of the most influential issues on Utah's ballot this election cycle. ️ FEATURING: • Sean Higgins – Politics Reporter, KUER and Co-host, State Street Podcast • Holly Richardson – Co-host, Inside Sources • Daniel Woodruff – Reporter, KSL 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 voters begin receiving their mail-in ballots, political conversations across the state are intensifying ahead of a pivotal midterm election. In this episode, host Jason Perry leads a discussion digging into polling and fundraising numbers to explore potential outcomes in several key races. Plus, our panel evaluates Utah's new voter verification requirements. THE DEEPER DIVE: • New voter verification requirements are in place in Utah. We discuss how they may affect thousands of Utah voters whose citizenship documentation could not be automatically verified. the conversation explores the balance between election security, voter access, and public confidence in the electoral process. • Utah's vote-by-mail system is evolving, including future changes that will require voters to opt-in to continue receiving ballots by mail. Panelists examine what these changes could mean for voter participation and election administration. • Inflation, housing affordability, and the overall cost of living remain top issues for many voters. The discussion highlights how economic pressures are shaping campaign messaging and influencing voter priorities ahead of Election Day. • Even though he is not on the ballot, Pres. Donald Trump remains a significant factor in the national political conversation. The panel examines how his influence continues to impact voter sentiment and Republican candidates across the country. Plus, how ongoing debates within the Utah GOP could shape future leadership, priorities, and electoral strategy. • ️ Congressional contests are drawing statewide attention as candidates make their final push toward Election Day. We break down the races, the political dynamics at play, and what the outcomes could mean for Utah's representation in Washington. • ️ Important battles are also taking place within Utah's state legislature. Leadership positions, particularly in the Utah Senate, could be influenced by the outcome of several competitive races. Our panel discusses how fundraising, candidate recruitment, and coalition-building today may shape legislative priorities and leadership decisions for years to come. ️ FEATURING: • Sarah Jane Weaver – Editor, Deseret News • Robert Gehrke – Reporter, The Salt Lake Tribune • Marty Carpenter – Partner, Northbound Strategy 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

New polling suggests more Americans are re-evaluating the value of a college education. In this episode, host Jason Perry leads a discussion about how Utahns are feeling, and how state lawmakers are changing the way institutions are organized and funded. THE DEEPER DIVE: • Congressional debates are bringing the political process directly to college campuses across the state. Our expert panel discusses how this convergence helps prepare students for civic involvement later in life. • For the past couple of years, Utah has been transforming higher education in the state. At Snow College, part of that process has involved establishing the Badger Ready Initiative, a program designed to help students develop the skills and confidence to be thoughtful leaders and active contributors in their communities. • ⚖️ From a legislative level, the goal is for higher education institutions to be vibrant learning centers that approach issues from a position of neutrality. We explore how that allows students to grow without being told what to think. • New Gallup polling shows that on a national level, a decreasing number of Americans view a college education as "very important". Our panel evaluates what is eroding public trust in these institutions and what can be done to restore public confidence. • Polling from the Hinckley Institute of Politics shows that confidence is higher among Utahns compared to national numbers. Part of that trust may be due to the state's commitment to technical education and alternative education pathways. We discuss how Utah leaders have worked to expand opportunities for as many students as possible. • We're in the second year of implementing a strategic reinvestment initiative for Utah's higher education institutions. This required colleges and universities to redirect funding into high performing and high demand programs. We evaluate how things are going at campuses across the state, but especially at rural schools. • Utah's 18-to-24-year-old population is expected to keep growing until the year 2028 and then will decrease for the next two decades. This will likely present a serious enrollment challenge for the Utah System of Higher Education. Our panel discusses how these obstacles could allow higher ed to reinvent itself while still providing the learning opportunities Utahns need. ️ FEATURING: • Stacee McIff – President, Snow College • Rep. Karen Peterson – (R) Davis County • Francis Gibson – Chair, Snow College Board of Trustees 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

On the same day prosecutors filed criminal charges against him, Rep. Trevor Lee resigned his position in the Utah House of Representatives. In this episode, host Jason Perry leads a discussion about the political ramifications in both Davis County and beyond. Plus, election season officially kicks off with the first of several congressional debates. THE DEEPER DIVE: • The Utah Debate Commission is traveling the state presenting debates for Utah's four congressional races. In the First District, Democrat Ben McAdams and Republican Riley Owen faced off at Salt Lake Community College in Salt Lake City. The two candidates appeared to cater to the political center with their rhetoric. Our expert panel breaks down how McAdams and Owen spoke to voters about economic issues like high gas prices, among other issues. • ️ In the Third District, incumbent Republican Celeste Maloy is facing Democrat Kent Udell in the election. Spanning from St. George in the south to Park City in the north, CD3 is unique both as the geographically largest district in Utah, but also as one of the top 10 largest in the country. We explore the political dynamics at play in this race and in the debate between the candidates. • ⚖️ On the state level, Utah Rep. Trevor Lee resigned from the House of Representatives this week on the same day the Attorney General's Office filed felony fraud charges against him. Lee lost his primary election earlier this year amid allegations of impropriety. The investigation into those claims led to this criminal case. Our panelists discuss the political implications to both Lee's successor, and to his mother, Susan Lee, who is in the middle of her own election bid, running for a seat on the Davis County Commission. • In November, Utah voters will decide whether to approve two different amendments to the state constitution. Amendment A would change the requirements for announcing and publicizing proposed constitutional amendments in the future. Proponents say this change brings the rules into the 21st century when newspapers are less prevalent. But others question whether this model would allow enough notice for voters to fully understand proposed changes. • Amendment B would require ballot initiatives that create or increase taxes to receive 60% support from voters. Our panel discusses how this would have impacted multiple initiatives passed by Utah voters back in the 2018 election cycle. • New polling evaluates how Utah voters are feeling ahead of the 2026 election. We dig into the numbers, examining how Republicans, Democrats, and Independents feel about the economy, social issues, and the election itself. ️ FEATURING: • Rep. Neil Walter – (R) St. George, Utah House of Representatives • Mary Weaver Bennett – Director, Leavitt Center for Politics and Public Service at Southern Utah University • Shawn Guzman – Political Expert and Former St. George City Attorney 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 mail-in ballot fight between the state and federal government raises the question: Do Utahns have trust in our elections, and confidence in the results? Our panel of experts weighs in on how the issue is impacting local elections, and what voters can do to better understand the process. On this episode, host Jason Perry opens discussion on the history behind Utah's now-popular way to vote, and what mail-in voting could look like from here. THE DEEPER DIVE: • ️ With a state versus federal debate unfolding over mail-in voting, we address voter trust and confidence in the upcoming election and results. What can voters do to understand and participate in the process? We break down the distinction between election fraud and election error. • Lieutenant Governor Diedre Henderson said in an interview with PBS Utah that she would be in favor of some sort of federal ID requirement to vote, but not through bills like the SAVE Act that called for immediate action. Our panelists weigh in on the implementation of that kind of legislation, and what the Lieutenant Governor is facing as we head toward the midterm elections. • ⏱️ How did Utah develop its mail-in ballot system in the first place? It started with a desire to increase voter turnout and accessibility for rural voters. We dive into the timeline and history, and explore why mail-in voting is still the top choice for voters. • ✅ Utah passed a law that requires voters to opt-in to mail-in voting. Hear discussion on the rollout and why some panelists hope the law can continue to be tweaked in future legislative sessions. • Voter confidence appears to be declining. With lawmakers passing dozens of elections laws in the last few years, we debate the role of elected leaders play in shaping that narrative and what can be done to rebuild trust. ️ FEATURING: • Amelia Powers Gardner – Utah County Commissioner • Lannie Chapman – Salt Lake County Clerk • Ben Winslow – Fox 13 Reporter 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 decision from the U.S. Supreme Court will impact elections across the country, including here at home. Host Jason Perry leads a discussion on what the justices decided about mail-in ballots, and how Utah leaders are responding. We also look at how lawmakers are considering industry demands for AI regulation. THE DEEPER DIVE: • The Supreme Court struck down President Trump’s executive order that would have restricted mail-in voting. The order created a state vs. federal show down. Our panel discusses the popularity of mail-in ballot voting in the state, and why Utahns’ personal data became the center of the fight. • After the addition of two new state Supreme Court justices, Governor Cox has now appointed seven justices to the court in six years – more than any other governor. We dive into the debate: Is this “court packing” to persuade cases, or is it to keep the system moving to process more cases quickly? And how do Utahns feel? • Governor Spencer Cox is calling for Congress to create a national framework to govern the most powerful artificial intelligence systems. At the same time, communities are pushing back against data centers. Our panelists examine the complexities of creating AI guardrails, and what those regulations could look like. • With the midterm elections drawing closer, the Republican Party is hoping to see a huge show of support at the polls to keep its footing in Congress. We ask the question: Will President Trump’s promise of $5,000 to every American if Republicans stay in power be enough to sway voters? • New polls show that support for Democratic Socialism is on the rise, with additional poll numbers revealing that people first think of universal healthcare and higher taxes with more government spending. Our group discusses what that means in the Beehive State, especially in the projected blue Congressional District 1. FEATURING: • Brigham Tomco– Deseret News • Heidi Hatch – KUTV 2News • Glen Mills – Political analyst and expert 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

Utah. Lt. Governor Deidre Henderson is being investigated by the Dept. of Justice over her refusal to hand over the state's voter registration information. In this episode, host Jason Perry leads a discussion about the potential ramifications of this investigation, and how other leaders are responding. We also explore the ongoing impact of the Utah's primary election results. THE DEEPER DIVE: • Lt. Governor Deidre Henderson learned of the federal investigation into her actions through a letter from the DOJ. The L.G. has been outspoken on social media about her refusal to hand over sensitive data. Our panel discusses the possible legal consequences, and potential impact on voter confidence. • ️ Utah's primary elections in June saw some upsets againstbig names in Utah politics. Among those who lost a re-election campaign is Senate President Stuart Adams. Political experts attribute his defeat, in part, to his early support for a data center in Box Elder County. We examine what the election results reveal about how voters are feeling overall. • ️ Adams' defeat leaves a big opening in legislative leadership. Some familiar names have expressed interest in becoming the next senate president. Our panel discusses potential outcomes, and what we could expect from a very different looking state senate in the years to come. • The upcoming general election will be the first in Utah u sing new court-ordered congressional boundaries. Former Congressman Ben McAdams did well in his primary race in Utah's First Congressional District. We evaluate his chances in November. • As the nation reflects on the 25th anniversary of the September 11th attacks, our panel also looks back. What lessons can we learn from the political discourse in the days following 9/11? And how have current politics shifted in the last quarter of a century? ️ FEATURING: • Doug Wilks – Executive Editor, Deseret News • Kate Bradshaw – Mayor, Bountiful City • 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

The races for Utah's primary elections are officially set. Host Jason Perry leads a discussion evaluating the top races voters will decide, and what those races say about the state of politics in the the Beehive State. Plus, new polling reveals Utahns concerns about major issues. THE DEEPER DIVE: • ️ Utah's Republican and Democratic Parties both held nominating conventions this past week. Our expert panel examines the outcomes and what the format of each meeting says about each party. • Attendance at each event was high, but in each instance the number of delegates represents a small number of Utah's total population. We examine why many political insiders believe this system is still important and why some feel it leaves other viewpoints unrepresented. • 1️⃣ In Utah's 1st Congressional District, four Democrats will face each other in the primary election. Liban Mohamed and Ben McAdams received the most votes at convention and will be joined by Nate Blouin and Michael Farrell who each gathered signatures. The winner of that primary will face Republican Riley Owen in November. • 2️⃣ In Utah's 2nd Congressional District, sitting Congressman Blake Moore will face Utah Rep. Karianne Lisonbee (R-Clearfield) in the Republican primary. Lisonbee won at the convention, but M oore qualified through signature gathering. The winner of that primary will face Democrat Peter Crosby in November. • 3️⃣ In Utah's 3rd Congressional District, sitting Congresswoman Celeste Maloy will face former Utah Rep. Phil Lyman (R-Blanding) in the Republican primary. Both received delegate support at the convention. The winner of that primary will face Democrat Kent Udell in November. ️ FEATURING: • Maura Carabello – President, Exoro Group • Rob Axson – Chairman, Utah Republican Party • Eric Biggart – Executive Committee, Utah Democratic Party 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 state's two largest political parties prepare for their conventions this weekend, more accusations of wrongdoing are coming to light in the race for Utah's 1st Congressional District. Host Jason Perry leads a conversation about what's to come when Republicans and Democrats meet on Saturday. THE DEEPER DIVE: • Approximately 4,000 Republicans and 1,500 Democrats will gather as delegates at their respective state conventions this weekend to vote on candidates for public office. Our expert panel discusses some of the top contests and examines what dynamics will be at play. • ️ Delegates are elected at neighborhood caucus meetings which have been criticized over the years for low attendance. Polling from the Hinckley Institute of Politics finds only 10% of Utahns attended their local caucus. We evaluate whether delegates really represent the opinions of Utah voters at large. • ✍️ Some candidates have already qualified for the primary ballot by gathering signatures. Our panel discusses Utah's unique dual path for ballot access, and whether changes to the system are likely to come in the future. • Some notable incumbents did not win at their recent county conventions. Rep. Trevor Lee who has made a name for himself in the Utah Legislature as a conservative firebrand came second to his GOP challenger, Davis County Commissioner Bob Stevenson. Both will advance to the primary election in June. But in Salt Lake County, Laurie Stringham was eliminated in her bid for a second term on the County Council. Kathleen Anderson secured the Republican nomination for that seat and will face Democrat Zach Robinson in the November general election. • ⚠️ There are new allegations of scandal in the race for Utah's 1st Congressional District. This week four women, including three prominent Utah Democrats, publicly accused Salt Lake City Councilwoman Eva Lopez Chavez of unwanted sexual advances. Lopez Chavez is one of the Democratic candidates for CD1 and has denied any wrongdoing. (Editorial note: one of the accusers is Rep. Hoang Nguyen (D-Salt Lake City) who also serves on PBS Utah's advisory board.) • ️ Former Utah Congressman Rob Bishop is making a bid to re-enter politics in the Beehive State. Bishop is running for an open seat in the Utah House of Representatives, where he served as Speaker in the 1990s before being elected to Congress. ️ FEATURING: • Rep. Doug Owens – (D) Millcreek, Utah House Minority Caucus Manager • Becki Wright – Founder & CEO, Proximity • Taylor Morgan – Partner, Morgan & May Public Affairs 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

Utah's congressional contests are beginning to take shape. Host Jason Perry leads a discussion about how endorsements and accusations of scandal are impacting the races. Plus, Utah leaders weigh in on national headlines. THE DEEPER DIVE: • ⚖️ Utah Supreme Court Justice Diana Hagen has been accused of an inappropriate relationship with an attorney who argued the Prop 4 redistricting case before the court. Governor Spencer Cox and legislative leadership are moving forward with an independent investigation into the matter, but Justice Hagen has denied any wrongdoing. We evaluate what impact this could have on the public's trust in the process. • Utah Rep. Trevor Lee (R-Layton) is facing accusations of past impropriety regarding his actions in a former job that involved check fraud. This news dropped just days before Lee faces a challenger at the Davis County Republican Convention. Our panel examines waht this could mean for his future in the Utah Legislature. • The Democratic race for Utah's 1st Congressional District is heating up. This week, a national political news website published numerous controversial posts published by Sen. Nate Blouin (D-Millcreek) several years ago. Blouin quickly apologized for the offensive comments, but calls for him to drop out of the race came from many members of his own party. We discuss Blouin's response and why some Democrats are still supporting his candidacy. • ️ In the Republican race for Utah's 2nd Congressional District, incumbent Blake Moore is facing stiff competition from State Rep. Karianne Lisonbee. She has recently stated that Moore's past support for independent redistricting should be reason enough for voters to not send him back to Washington. Our panel evaluates what impact this will have on the race. • Controversy over Utah Valley University's scheduled commencement speaker has resulted in the school decidiing to have no speaker at all. Social media influencer Sharon McMahon, also known as "America's Government Teacher", had been selected by the shool to speak to graduates, but some students were upset over comments McMahon made in the wake of the Charlie Kirk assassination at UVU. The university eventually decided that out of safety concerns, there would be no speaker. ️ FEATURING: • Heidi Hatch – KUTV 2News • Marty Carpenter – Partner, Northboudn Strategy • Daniel Woodruff – Reporter, KSL 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 change in Utah law means the voter registration information of hundreds of thousands of Utahns could soon be made public. Host Jason Perry leads a discussion examining the change, and what this means for some voters. Plus, the campaigns for Utah's 4 congressional seats are heating up. THE DEEPER DIVE: • ️ A change to Utah law regarding voter registration information is making headlines this week. Lieutenant Governor Deidre Henderson sent letters to the approximately 300,000 voters who will be impacted. Previously, Utah voters could choose to keep their voter registration data private, but the state legislature passed a bill in the most recent legislative session requiring that voters apply for an exemption. Our panel evaluates how this could change the dynamics of elections in the Beehive State moving forward. • ⚖️ That change comes amid a legal fight between Utah and the federal government over the state's voter rolls. The Trump administration wants Utah to hand over all voter registrations, including sensitive data like social security numbers. But the Lieutenant Governor has refused, citing state law that would prevent her from doing so. We look at arguments on both side of the debate. • Campaigning for Utah's four congressional seats is kicking into high gear. The Republican and Democratic parties will both hold their nominating conventions at the end of the month, and several candidates have already qualified for the primary ballot through signature gathering. We discuss the unique intra-party challengers facing incumbents this year. • Pres. Donald Trump has earmarked $1 billion in his proposed budget for the next fiscal year to help save the Great Salt Lake. But that doesn't mean the funding will actually be approved. Our panel examines the politics that could keep it from passing, and how Utah managed to get to this point. ️ FEATURING: • McKenzie Romero – Editor, Utah News Dispatch • Brigham Tomco – Reporter, Deseret News • Sean Higgins – Reporter, KUER 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 debate over election security continues at the national level, host Jason Perry leads a discussion about how primary election season is officially kicking off in the Beehive State. Plus, a contentious citizen initiative will not appear on ballots this November after all. THE DEEPER DIVE: • Pres. Donald Trump signed an executive order that would require states to use a federally created "Citizenship List" to compile a roll of eligible voters. That list would also impact state's that utilize vote-by-mail. Utah Lieutenant Governor Deidre Henderson quickly pushed back. Our panel examines the constitutional questions at the center of this debate, and what the Trump administration is threatening if states don't comply. • ️ This week the deadline passed for Utah voters to change their political party affiliation ahead of the primary election in June. In Salt Lake County, the number of registered Democrats did increase, leading to questions about whether the state's new Congressional map had any impact on the shift. • ❌ The citizen initiative aiming to repeal Utah's independent redistricting law has officially failed to qualify for the ballot. Organizers had originally submitted enough signatures, but enough voters requested to have their signatures removed, leading to the initiative falling below required thresholds. We discuss where the fight over Prop 4 could go from here. ️ FEATURING: • Leah Murray – Director, Walker Center for Politics and Public Service at Weber State University • Robert Gehrke – Reporter, The Salt Lake Tribune • 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

On this special episode of The Hinckley Report, we're on location in St. George. As the population of southern Utah continues growing, host Jason Perry leads a discussion about how local leaders manage the needed infrastructure and natural resources for an expaning population. Plus, with more people comes more political power. We examine the growing influence of Washington and Iron Counties on both the state and federal governments. THE DEEPER DIVE: • ️ Southern Utah is growing fast, and local leaders are working to balance that growth in community character, housing needs, and quality of life. • From water conservation to billion-dollar infrastructure investments, the region is planning ahead to make sure growth is sustainable in one of Utah's driest areas. • ️ The economy is shifting beyond tourism with healthcare, construction, technology, and education playing an increasing role in southern Utah's future. • Transportation, land use, and federal land restrictions add unique challenges for the area, but also highlight the complexity of building in this part of the state. • As population and economic importance rise, the region's influence is growing at the Utah Capitol and in Washington D.C., shaping policy decisions statewide and beyond. ️ FEATURING: • Christa Hinton – Santa Clara City Council • Zach Renstrom – General Manager, Washington County Water Conservancy District • Mary Weaver Bennett – Director, Leavitt Center for Politics and Public Service at Southern Utah University • Brad Last – Former Member of the Utah House of Representatives and Special Assistant to the President of Utah Tech University for Community and Government Relations 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 dust settles on the 2026 legislative session, host Jason Perry leads a discussion about which issues won and which were voted down. Plus, Utah voters attend their neighborhood caucus meetings as election season really heats up. THE DEEPER DIVE: • ✍️ Governor Spencer Cox is now in the process of reviewing all the bills passed during the legislative session. Will there be any vetoes? Our expert panel discusses how the executive branch engages with the lawmaking process. • ️ Both Republicans and Democrats held neighborhood caucus meetings this week to elect precinct chairs and delegates to county and state party conventions.These meetings appear to have had renewed energy for the members of at least one political party. We evaluate what people on the ground experienced. • ️ With the candidate filing period closed for Utah's four congressional seats, campaigning is now in full swing on both sides of the political aisle. Every incumbent is facig an intra-party challenger, and the field is especially large in the Democratic race for the state's newly drawn 1st congressional district. • Efforts to pass the SAVE America Act on the federal level have Utah politics in the national spotlight. The effort is backed by Sen. Mike Lee, yet Lt. Governor Deidre Henderson has publicly pushed back on the rhetoric being used by meembers of her own party. We examine why Pres. Donald Trump is pushing for the law so strongly and how it could impact the Beehive State. • This last week, the federal government purchased a warehouse in Salt Lake City for a potential ICE detention facility. Mayors Erin Mendenhall and Jenny Wilson have both spoken against the pruchase. While Gov. Cox is supportive of establishing an ICE facility of some kind in Utah, he says no one in his administration had any advance knowledge of this purchase. ️ FEATURING: • Ben Winslow – Reporter, Fox 13 News • Amelia Powers Gardner – (R) Utah County Commission • Wesley Smith – Partner, Northbound Strategy 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

Are Utah's colleges and universities adapting quickly enough in our tech-forward world? Host Jason Perry leads a discussion about the pressures facing higher education and how schools are preparing the future workforce while still keeping tuition affordable. THE DEEPER DIVE: • With public trust in institutions near all-time lows, Utah’s higher education system is in the midst of a course correction. We examine how schools are renewing their focus on value, transparency, public accountability, and student success. • As some question the value of a college degree, Utah’s higher education institutions are working to ensure a return on investment for students. Our panel discusses the ways schools are ensuring degrees and certificates lead to real career and economic opportunities. • The 16 publicly funded colleges and universities in Utah are working to improve collaboration across the system by streamlining programs, reducing duplication, and creating clearer pathways between technical colleges and four-year university programs. • This year, the Utah legislature pledged a historic $50 million investment in university research. We explore how this money will support innovation, industry partnerships, economic growth, and hands-on student experience across the state. • As artificial intelligence continues disrupting industries across the world, higher education is no exception. Our panel evaluates the efforts to reshape classroom learning, enhance university operations, and prepare students for an AI-powered workforce. ️ FEATURING: • Commissioner Geoff Landward – Utah System of Higher Education • Representative Karen Peterson – (R-Clinton, House Vice Rules Chair) • President Brad Mortensen – Utah State University 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