Inside Sources brings a one-of-a-kind insider perspective to Utah and national politics.
American cities are facing an unprecedented convergence of challenges as they navigate the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, climate threats, and mounting social crises. With more than 80 percent of Americans living in urban areas, the stakes couldn't be higher as cities grapple with shuttered downtowns, record homelessness, and an affordability crisis that touches communities of all sizes. Yet despite these headwinds, many cities are proving resilient and innovative in their responses, though experts warn that sustainable solutions will require significant support from state and federal partners. Saul Elbein from The Hill joins the show.
The 2024 presidential election has revealed a fascinating paradox in American politics: both major parties are selling voters control over time itself. While Kamala Harris promises a better future with "We're Not Going Back," Donald Trump's "Make America Great Again" yearns for an idealized past. This tug-of-war reflects our persistent belief that the ideal time exists somewhere other than the present. Yet such promises of temporal control may be at odds with what history actually tells us.
While debates around pronouns often center on personal identity and email signatures, there's a far more influential pronoun shaping American politics: the presidential "we." U.S. presidents have wielded this powerful linguistic tool to build unity, share responsibility, and sometimes obscure hard truths. Jay Stooksberry shares that research suggests that the use of "we" in presidential speeches has increased dramatically and this shift in presidential language tells us something fascinating about power, persuasion, and the complex relationship between America's leaders and its people.
Utah's aerospace and defense industry stands at a fascinating crossroads of innovation, education, and economic growth. This growing sector has quietly become a powerhouse, creating both opportunities and challenges, particularly in developing a skilled workforce pipeline. In response, the partnership between YouScience, Apogee Worx, and 47G has come together to bridge the skills gap and shape the future of aerospace and defense talent in Utah. Edson Barton, Aaron Starks, and Brian Janroy join the show.
In an era where trust in democratic institutions faces unprecedented challenges, the meticulous investigation into the 2020 election claims by a group of experts offers a powerful lesson in the pursuit of truth. The findings of this bipartisan group, composed of experienced judges and legal scholars, provide a compelling counter-narrative to widespread election fraud claims that have eroded public confidence. Judge Thomas Griffith shares that their work not only upholds the fundamental principles of our democracy but also highlights the vital role that we can play in bridging the divide between political passion and factual reality.
In an era of increasing political polarization and civic disengagement, the gap in civic knowledge among young Americans presents not just an educational hurdle, but a fundamental threat to the future of informed citizenship. Yet within this challenge lies an extraordinary opportunity to reshape how we approach civic education, starting with the most powerful classroom of all: the family dinner table. As we approach another pivotal election year, the call to action for parents, educators, and communities alike to nurture civic literacy in the rising generation has never been more urgent. Lindsey Cormack from the Diplomacy Lab at Stevens Institute of Technology joins the show.
The death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar marks a potential turning point in the Middle East. The Biden administration's cautious optimism reflects the delicate balance between hope for peace and the complex realities of Middle Eastern politics. The coming days and weeks could determine not only the immediate fate of the Israel-Gaza conflict but also the long-term trajectory of American influence in one of the world's most volatile regions. Anthony Adragna from POLITICO reports on the latest.
As America approaches its 250th anniversary in 2026, America is struggling to define its identity and purpose due to how we understand our past and envision our future. What was once a straightforward celebration of national pride has evolved into a complex dialogue about inclusion, historical truth, and competing visions of patriotism. Beverly Gage from Yale University emphasizes how this semiquincentennial presents both an opportunity and a challenge to forge a meaningful commemoration that honors both America's achievements and its ongoing struggles for justice
In an era where truth seems increasingly elusive, the battle against disinformation has become a defining challenge of our time. Journalists find themselves not only reporting the news but actively defending the very foundation of factual discourse. As newsrooms struggle, there's an urgent call for public participation in preserving the integrity of information. Tim Richardson shares how this partnership between journalists and citizens could be the key to building a more resilient information ecosystem.
As the world transitions to multipolar order, America is faced with an opportunity to recalibrate its international relations. Rather than viewing this shift with concern, we should embrace a new era of strategic restraint and balanced power dynamics. Moving forward, global power and stability should be determined by international cooperation and America has an opportunity to allow that to happen. Andrew Latham from Macalester College joins the show.