Inside Sources Full Show February 21st, 2025: SLCPD chief pick, Utah Fits All Scholarship amendments, Pres. Trump to control USPS

Hosts: Leah Murray and Adam Gardiner 

How might a new SLCPD chief affect the relationship between the city and the state? 
Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall has selected Brian Redd to be the next chief of police for the city. The City Council will still need to approve the choice. The current chief is retiring at the request of Mayor Mendenhall, who said the city's police force needed a new leader and a new direction. Today, Adam and Leah discuss the pick and what it could mean for the future of the department. 

On the Hill 2025: The relationship between the legislature and the Utah Board of Education 
This morning, a bill that addresses the relationship between the Utah State Board of Education and the Utah Legislature passed out of committee. The bill -- House Bill 156 -- aims to clarify the relationship of the two entities: who gets to direct what. Bill sponsor State Representative Norm Thurston joins us to share more about the bill and answer a few questions. 

On the Hill 2025: Changes to the Utah Fits All Scholarship program 
We continue our deep-dive into education-related bills by looking at some changes being proposed to the Utah Fits All Scholarship program. If you'll recall, this program launched last year and provides up to $8,000 to be used for a variety of education expenses and services. State Representative Candice Pierucci led the charge on the original bill and is working on changes now; she joins us for this discussion. 

On the Hill 2025: Amendments to how some taxes are used 
Your property taxes may go to the state's general funds instead of local schools if the Governor signs a bill that has now passed the state Legislature. The bill is Senate Bill 37, and it would make changes to a few tax-related issues. State Senator Lincoln Fillmore is sponsoring the bill and joins us to talk more about it. 

Budget cuts coming to the Pentagon, Department of Defense 
The last couple weeks have been pretty turbulent for government employees. There are a lot of federal worker layoffs going on around the country, including at the IRS, FAA, the National Park Service, and the US Forest Service. Could layoffs be coming to the Department of Defense too? It looks like it... The Inside Sources hosts share their thoughts on cutting this important budget. 

New York Governor says she won’t fire New York City mayor 
The drama over the future of New York City Mayor Eric Adams continues after the New York Governor said that she won't remove him from office. It's the latest development in the situation following several pushes from the Justice Department for prosecutors to drop the bribery case against him. This whole thing can get a little weedy, but the Inside Sources hosts break down this fascinating topic. 

Pres. Trump to take control of USPS, continuing trend of consolidating power 
President Trump is now expected to take control of the United States Postal Service. That would involve firing the Postal Service's governing board, but the board is planning to fight the pending executive order. It comes as the President takes control of other boards and government-related organizations like the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Leah and Adam discuss the consolidation of power. 

Town Halls as a form of civic engagement 
Inside Sources host Leah Murray loves being involved in the civic process. Last night, she attended her second Town Hall meeting of the year and found the topics covered to be very interesting. She and Adam Gardiner discuss the range of issues frequently discussed in Town Halls. 

The latest in news and politics with a range of political expert hosts every day. Inside Sources gives a refreshing take on the day's news with each host bringing their unique perspective and expertise to the conversation.