This Week in Utah Politics

In this episode of This Week in Utah Politics: ⚖️ Utah Supreme Court's Landmark Decision: The court allows a challenge to the near-total abortion ban to proceed. What’s next for reproductive rights in Utah? Emily Anderson Stern has the details. 🗣️ Republican Push for a Special Session: In response, Republicans call for a special session to pass new abortion restrictions. 💸 Trump's Spendy Fundraiser in Utah: Former President Donald Trump is planning an exclusive fundraiser in Utah, with sky-high ticket prices. 🏅 Olympic Games in Jeopardy: The IOC threatens to pull the plug on the 2034 Salt Lake City Winter Games. Could Utah lose its hosting chance? 🌍 Anger Over Paris Opening Ceremonies: Utah politicos react angrily to the Paris Olympics opening ceremonies. 📚 Interview with Mike Madrid: Author of "The Latino Century: How America's Largest Minority is Transforming Democracy," Madrid shares insights on how Latino voters are reshaping the political landscape. 🔥 Owens Didn't Read the Memo: Despite GOP leaders’ advice, Congressman Owens continues to call VP Kamala Harris a "DEI hire." What are the party repercussions? 🐦 Sen. Mike Lee’s Social Media Escapades: We recap Senator Mike Lee’s eventful week on social media.

In this episode, we dive deep into how Utah Democrats and Republicans are reacting to the news that President Joe Biden won’t run for re-election. District Attorney Sim Gill sheds light on the state’s controversial request to dismiss a lawsuit from the Utah Education Association over the vouchers program. Salt Lake City is named the host for the 2034 Winter Games. Senator Mike Lee’s recent gaffe as he falls for a hoax about Jimmy Carter’s death. We also welcome former Utah State Senator Scott Howell. He shares his unique insights on President Biden’s decision not to seek another term and offers a look at his longstanding friendship with the Bidens. Howell also recounts his interactions with Vice President Kamala Harris and the behind-the-scenes preparations for the 2020 vice presidential debate.

🎙️ On the inaugural episode of This Week in Utah Politics: 📰 Tribune political reporter Emily Anderson Stern discusses her blockbuster story about how Gov. Spencer Cox was alerted about problems with the head of the Utah National Guard in 2021 but didn’t investigate until after the Army stepped in two years later. ⚖️ We dive into the Utah Supreme Court's ruling against the Legislature's gutting of an independent redistricting commission and how Utah politicos reacted to the attempted assassination of Donald Trump. 🗳️ (24:17) Ben Phillips from the Campaign Legal Center joins us to discuss the lawsuit challenging Utah's congressional maps as an illegal gerrymander. “This case is about the fundamental right of Utah voters to have a meaningful say in how their government is structured,” Phillips explains. 🔄 (40:10) Finally, I walk you through Phil Lyman's latest effort to overturn his primary election loss to Spencer Cox. 📞 Leave a question or comment on our voicemail at (385) 236-3205 and you might be featured in an upcoming episode! #UtahPolitics #Podcast #Election2024 #DonaldTrump #SpencerCox

This Week in Utah Politics breaks down the Beehive State’s top news stories from the past week. Join host Bryan Schott along with journalists from the Tribune newsroom and newsmakers who dig into the important Utah political news you need to know.