Inside Sources

Inside Sources

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.

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Inside Sources
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. 

01:16:51
Feb 21, 2025 3:47 PM
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More Episodes

Inside Sources
Town Halls as a form of civic engagement

Hosts: Leah Murray and Adam Gardiner 

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. 

00:10:57
Feb 21, 2025 3:43 PM
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Inside Sources
Pres. Trump to take control of USPS, continuing trend of consolidating power

Hosts: Leah Murray and Adam Gardiner 

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. 

 

00:09:35
Feb 21, 2025 3:43 PM
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Inside Sources
New York Governor says she won’t fire New York City mayor

Hosts: Leah Murray and Adam Gardiner 

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. 

 

00:09:51
Feb 21, 2025 3:42 PM
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Inside Sources
Budget cuts coming to the Pentagon, Department of Defense

Hosts: Leah Murray and Adam Gardiner 

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. 

 

00:09:20
Feb 21, 2025 3:41 PM
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Inside Sources
On the Hill 2025: Amendments to how some taxes are used

Hosts: Leah Murray and Adam Gardiner 

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. 

00:08:27
Feb 21, 2025 3:41 PM
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Inside Sources
On the Hill 2025: Changes to the Utah Fits All Scholarship program

Hosts: Leah Murray and Adam Gardiner 

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. 

 

00:10:12
Feb 21, 2025 3:40 PM
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Inside Sources
On the Hill 2025: The relationship between the legislature and the Utah Board of Education

Hosts: Leah Murray and Adam Gardiner 

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. 

 

00:09:45
Feb 21, 2025 3:39 PM
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Inside Sources
How might a new SLCPD chief affect the relationship between the city and the state?

Hosts: Leah Murray and Adam Gardiner 

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. 

00:08:44
Feb 21, 2025 3:39 PM
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Inside Sources
Inside Sources Full Show February 20th, 2025: Pres. Trump and Ukraine, Federal layoffs, Section 504 lawsuit updates

Hosts: Erin Rider and Leah Murray 

Fallout grows over Pres. Trump’s comments on Ukraine 
GOP Senators, foreign policy experts, and world leaders are all coming out against President Trump for his recent comments saying Ukraine is responsible for the Russian invasion of their country. Utah's Senators are also weighing in on those claims, with Senator Curtis saying he supports Ukraine, but doesn’t want to second guess the President. The Inside Sources hosts give their analysis on the situation today. 
 
The effects of federal layoffs here in Utah 
One of President Trump's campaign promises was to reduce the size of the federal government. It's a big reason DOGE was created. Layoffs of federal employees are already underway -- probationary employees have already been let go. And more layoffs are coming. The hosts talk about the potential effects here in Utah and the importance of compassion in this discussion. 
 
Updates to the multi-state lawsuit over disability protections 
For our listeners who've been following the multi-state lawsuit regarding Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act -- which protects people with disabilities -- there are new updates on the case. Last week, Utah Attorney General Derek Brown spoke with Inside Sources about the lawsuit and what it hopes to achieve. He joins us again to address a solution to one specific concern.  
 
The state of Utah’s budget 
One of the first action items in the state's legislative session is figuring out the budget -- how much money will there be available to spend on all the legislation lawmakers hope to pass? Appropriations committees have wrapped up now and the state's budget... isn't looking as positive as in previous years. Can lawmakers get their desired tax cuts with the state of the budget? Leah and Erin discuss. 
 
Analysis of the federal government budget proposals 
How does the federal budget look under the House GOP’s proposal? It’s the one President Trump appears to like more, so what’s in it? Mike Murphy, Senior Vice President at the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget joins Inside Sources in the studio to share his expert analysis of the budget proposals and whether Congress has a chance to actually balance the budget. 
 
The 1st Amendment, freedom of the press, and President Trump 
Recently, the Trump Administration barred the Associated Press (AP) from covering the Oval Office. It comes because of how the news organization refers to the Gulf of America: call it Gulf of Mexico while also mentioning that President Trump has decided to call it the Gulf of America. It's brought up some thoughts on how President Trump works with the press, how far the 1st amendment goes, and when a President can sue for libel. 
 
01:07:46
Feb 20, 2025 4:31 PM
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Inside Sources
The 1st Amendment, freedom of the press, and President Trump 

Hosts: Erin Rider and Leah Murray 

Recently, the Trump Administration barred the Associated Press (AP) from covering the Oval Office. It comes because of how the news organization refers to the Gulf of America: call it Gulf of Mexico while also mentioning that President Trump has decided to call it the Gulf of America. It's brought up some thoughts on how President Trump works with the press, how far the 1st amendment goes, and when a President can sue for libel. 
00:09:06
Feb 20, 2025 4:13 PM
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Inside Sources
Analysis of the federal government budget proposals 

Hosts: Erin Rider and Leah Murray 

How does the federal budget look under the House GOP’s proposal? It’s the one President Trump appears to like more, so what’s in it? Mike Murphy, Senior Vice President at the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget joins Inside Sources in the studio to share his expert analysis of the budget proposals and whether Congress has a chance to actually balance the budget. 
00:10:18
Feb 20, 2025 4:12 PM
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Inside Sources
The state of Utah’s budget 

Hosts: Erin Rider and Leah Murray 

One of the first action items in the state's legislative session is figuring out the budget -- how much money will there be available to spend on all the legislation lawmakers hope to pass? Appropriations committees have wrapped up now and the state's budget... isn't looking as positive as in previous years. Can lawmakers get their desired tax cuts with the state of the budget? Leah and Erin discuss. 
00:09:24
Feb 20, 2025 4:12 PM
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Inside Sources
Updates to the multi-state lawsuit over disability protections 

Hosts: Erin Rider and Leah Murray 

For our listeners who've been following the multi-state lawsuit regarding Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act -- which protects people with disabilities -- there are new updates on the case. Last week, Utah Attorney General Derek Brown spoke with Inside Sources about the lawsuit and what it hopes to achieve. He joins us again to address a solution to one specific concern.  
00:10:25
Feb 20, 2025 4:12 PM
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Inside Sources
The effects of federal layoffs here in Utah 

Hosts: Erin Rider and Leah Murray 

One of President Trump's campaign promises was to reduce the size of the federal government. It's a big reason DOGE was created. Layoffs of federal employees are already underway -- probationary employees have already been let go. And more layoffs are coming. The hosts talk about the potential effects here in Utah and the importance of compassion in this discussion. 
00:09:13
Feb 20, 2025 4:11 PM
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Inside Sources
Fallout grows over Pres. Trump’s comments on Ukraine 

Hosts: Erin Rider and Leah Murray 

GOP Senators, foreign policy experts, and world leaders are all coming out against President Trump for his recent comments saying Ukraine is responsible for the Russian invasion of their country. Utah's Senators are also weighing in on those claims, with Senator Curtis saying he supports Ukraine, but doesn’t want to second guess the President. The Inside Sources hosts give their analysis on the situation today. 
00:19:20
Feb 20, 2025 4:11 PM
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Inside Sources
Inside Sources Full Show February 19th, 2025: Fight over open records in Utah, Pres. Trump says Ukraine started the war with Russia, LA mayor will investigate herself

Hosts: Erin Rider and Taylor Morgan 

On the Hill 2025: Fights brewing over open records management and access in Utah 
If you thought this legislative session has been a little slower or more quiet than normal – think again. Things are getting interesting regarding public government records here in Utah, as several bills that would affect open records access and management work their way through the legislature. One of those bills, SB277, is being sponsored by State Senator Mike McKell; he joins to share his motivations and thoughts on the legislation. Representing the other side of the conversation is journalist and KSL Investigator Daniella Rivera. The hosts get both sides of the discussion and share their own thoughts. 

President Trump working to expand access to IVF 
Saying he's fulfilling a campaign promise, President Donald Trump has signed a new executive order to expand access to and reduce the costs associated with in vitro fertilization, or IVF. It comes as Republicans appear divided on the ethicality of IVF, with many having voted against protecting IVF rights in the past few years. 

Ukraine responds to claims from Pres. Trump that they started the war with Russia 
Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelenskyy is pushing back on President Trump today, after Trump claimed that Ukraine started the war with Russia. Zelenskyy responded, saying President Trump is living in a Russian "disinformation space." The Inside Sources hosts discuss why the U.S. is quickly changing its stance on the Russian-Ukrainian conflict. 

Pres. Trump directs DOJ to fire U.S. Attorneys from the “Biden Era” 
President Donald Trump has instructed the Department of Justice to fire all U.S. Attorneys put in place by former President Biden. And although the action itself is pretty typical of a new administration, the way Trump is doing it is sparking additional concerns. Inside Sources co-host and lawyer Erin Rider shares the concerns she’s feeling. 

On the Hill 2025: Overview of bills affecting the state’s judicial system 
More proposed changes to Utah's judiciary, following the introduction of a few new bills. We talked about several of the proposals last week, and today we follow that conversation with a discussion on what’s new this week with judicial bills. The Inside Sources hosts discuss a proposal to limit injunctions and another that would create a committee of lawmakers who get to recommend judicial retention. 

Los Angeles mayor says she’ll investigate why she left the country as fires broke out 
The mayor of Los Angeles has received a lot of criticism for leaving the country just before fires in the region broke out. Now, she says she will launch an investigation to determine why she was allowed to leave the country. You didn’t misread that... she will investigate herself. The Inside Sources host talk about this fascinating PR move. 

01:16:14
Feb 19, 2025 3:26 PM
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Inside Sources
Los Angeles mayor says she’ll investigate why she left the country as fires broke out

Hosts: Erin Rider and Taylor Morgan 

The mayor of Los Angeles has received a lot of criticism for leaving the country just before fires in the region broke out. Now, she says she will launch an investigation to determine why she was allowed to leave the country. You didn’t misread that... she will investigate herself. The Inside Sources host talk about this fascinating PR move. 

 

00:07:58
Feb 19, 2025 3:24 PM
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Inside Sources
On the Hill 2025: Overview of bills affecting the state’s judicial system

Hosts: Erin Rider and Taylor Morgan 

More proposed changes to Utah's judiciary, following the introduction of a few new bills. We talked about several of the proposals last week, and today we follow that conversation with a discussion on what’s new this week with judicial bills. The Inside Sources hosts discuss a proposal to limit injunctions and another that would create a committee of lawmakers who get to recommend judicial retention. 

00:09:42
Feb 19, 2025 3:23 PM
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Inside Sources
Pres. Trump directs DOJ to fire U.S. Attorneys from the “Biden Era”

Hosts: Erin Rider and Taylor Morgan 

President Donald Trump has instructed the Department of Justice to fire all U.S. Attorneys put in place by former President Biden. And although the action itself is pretty typical of a new administration, the way Trump is doing it is sparking additional concerns. Inside Sources co-host and lawyer Erin Rider shares the concerns she’s feeling. 

00:10:01
Feb 19, 2025 3:23 PM
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Inside Sources
Ukraine responds to claims from Pres. Trump that they started the war with Russia

Hosts: Erin Rider and Taylor Morgan 

Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelenskyy is pushing back on President Trump today, after Trump claimed that Ukraine started the war with Russia. Zelenskyy responded, saying President Trump is living in a Russian "disinformation space." The Inside Sources hosts discuss why the U.S. is quickly changing its stance on the Russian-Ukrainian conflict. 

 

00:09:44
Feb 19, 2025 3:22 PM
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Inside Sources
President Trump working to expand access to IVF

Hosts: Erin Rider and Taylor Morgan 

Saying he's fulfilling a campaign promise, President Donald Trump has signed a new executive order to expand access to and reduce the costs associated with in vitro fertilization, or IVF. It comes as Republicans appear divided on the ethicality of IVF, with many having voted against protecting IVF rights in the past few years. 

 

00:09:39
Feb 19, 2025 3:22 PM
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Inside Sources
On the Hill 2025: Fights brewing over open records management and access in Utah

Hosts: Erin Rider and Taylor Morgan 

If you thought this legislative session has been a little slower or more quiet than normal – think again. Things are getting interesting regarding public government records here in Utah, as several bills that would affect open records access and management work their way through the legislature. One of those bills, SB277, is being sponsored by State Senator Mike McKell; he joins to share his motivations and thoughts on the legislation. Representing the other side of the conversation is journalist and KSL Investigator Daniella Rivera. The hosts get both sides of the discussion and share their own thoughts. 

 

00:29:10
Feb 19, 2025 3:21 PM
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Inside Sources
Inside Sources Full Show February 18th, 2025: 'Eye on the Hill 2025' - Education-related bills, DOGE and DEI, Ukrainian peace talks

Hosts: Rusty Cannon and Taylor Morgan 

On the Hill 2025: Analyzing why the compromises on the labor union bill didn’t work 
Saying he was disappointed that compromise didn’t work in this case, Governor Spencer Cox signed House Bill 267, which bans public labor unions from collective bargaining. This was a pretty controversial bill – one of the first this legislative session – and had several substitutes. In the end, however, those all failed and the original bill was passed. Why? The Inside Sources hosts share their thoughts. 
 
On the Hill 2025: Updates on legislation to reinvest funds in higher education 
One widely discussed bill on Capitol Hill this legislative session would change how higher education funds are distributed to certain institutions and programs. It’s a kind of reinvestment – moving funds to more impactful programs – and is part of the House Majority’s goals of improving higher education.  State Representative Karen Peterson joins to share updates on HB265 and discuss the broader state of education in Utah.  
 
On the Hill 2025: Bill addressing the use of artificial intelligence in education 
As artificial intelligence becomes easier to access, it’s called into question its role in things like education: what's the appropriate use of AI? Utah’s been leading the charge on AI legislation and rules – broadly and in other sectors – and now there’s a bill that would address AI in schools. State Representative Ariel Defay joins Inside Sources at the State Capitol to talk more about HB168. 
 
On the Hill 2025: Additional changes to public education laws 
Our special coverage of Utah’s Legislative Session continues with a look at a bill that would make several changes to public education laws. HB76: Public Education Revisions addresses a few things, including salaries for teachers, kindergarten, and early learning plans. Bill sponsor State Representative Tracy Miller joins Taylor and Rusty to discuss the specifics of the kindergarten aspects of the bill. 
 
On the Hill 2025: New grant for rural school sports 
Rural schools often face unique challenges – things that we on the Wasatch Front don’t think about. Whether it’s dealing with things like teacher recruitment or retention, or things like sports and facilities, rural schools could use some extra love. State Representative Tiara Auxier is running a new bill that would create a new grant program to help rural schools with sports; she joins the show to explain the motivations for it. 
 
What departments will DOGE focus on next? 
Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) continues to make changes in Washington, DC... pushing for layoffs across the federal government. One of President Trump’s first executive orders eliminated DEI offices in the government, but it looks like DOGE might take that a step further, focusing on employees in offices that protect equal rights. The Inside Sources hosts discuss the latest with DOGE. 
 
On the Hill 2025: Pulse check on the state of politics in Utah 
One segment we’ve done a few times on this show involves a group discussion with both a Republican and a Democratic member of the state legislature. It’s a good way to hear different sides of things, while also showing a bit of the camaraderie that exists among Utah lawmakers even when they don’t agree. State Rep. Casey Snider and State Rep. Andrew Stoddard join the conversation on Inside Sources. 
 
U.S. and Russian delegations make plans for peace in Ukraine... without Ukraine 
Peace talks today between the United States and Russia as the two countries work to come to an agreement over Ukraine. Notably absent from the talks... Ukraine itself. The discussions have prompted concern from some of our allies, including several European countries and Ukraine itself. Inside Sources hosts Taylor Morgan and Rusty Cannon share their thoughts on this foreign policy move. 
 
01:13:04
Feb 18, 2025 3:43 PM
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Inside Sources
U.S. and Russian delegations make plans for peace in Ukraine... without Ukraine 

Hosts: Rusty Cannon and Taylor Morgan 

Peace talks today between the United States and Russia as the two countries work to come to an agreement over Ukraine. Notably absent from the talks... Ukraine itself. The discussions have prompted concern from some of our allies, including several European countries and Ukraine itself. Inside Sources hosts Taylor Morgan and Rusty Cannon share their thoughts on this foreign policy move. 
00:07:58
Feb 18, 2025 3:42 PM
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