Inside Sources

Republican candidates face off in the fourth and final debate, less than 6 weeks before the Iowa caucuses, and Nikki Haley is the target; The University of Utah opens the Hatch Center in Washington DC for students to live and learn and for the University to use as an embassy; And a professor who applied for a job at the University of Nevada Las Vegas shoots and kills 3 people on campus. 

Guest Hosts: Leah Murray and Abby Osborne

Math scores for US students have plunged 13 points lower than pre-pandemic levels according to recent test scores. Why are American students struggling so much with math? Nat Malkus from the American Enterprise Institute joins to discuss what we're seeing beyond the numbers, the impact, and how we can get those scores back up.

Guest Hosts: Leah Murray and Abby Osborne

Yesterday, a tragic shooting occurred at the University of Nevada Las Vegas. A professor, who recently applied for a job at the university, shot and killed 3 people and critically injured another before he was taken out. KSL TV's Dan Rascon is in Las Vegas following this story, and he joins the show with the latest updates and Utah connections.

Guest Hosts: Leah Murray and Abby Osborne

Last week, former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O' Connor passed away. She was the first woman every appointed to the high court.. and at her passing, she left behind a large and storied legacy. Leah and Abby are joined by the Deseret News' Kelsey Dallas to discuss one of the aspects of her legacy that relates to her defense of religious liberty. 

Guest Hosts: Leah Murray and Abby Osborne

Today, the University of Utah is celebrating the grand opening of the Orrin G. Hatch Center... a place where students can live while interning in Washington DC. It will also be the University's "embassy" in our nation's capital. Jason Perry from the University's Hinckley Institute of Politics joins live from DC to discuss why this center is important for Utah's impact on the nation.

Guest Hosts: Leah Murray and Abby Osborne

Distrust in our elections isn't the only challenge the country faces as we head into a big presidential election year. A new Harvard Youth Poll finds that many younger voters don't plan on voting next year. Leah and Abby discuss why so many young Americans, especially independents, are so disinterested in participating in the 2024 presidential election.

Guest Hosts: Leah Murray and Abby Osborne

We have a big presidential election coming up next year. But going into 2024... we're still seeing significant distrust in our election process. Utah's Lieutenant governor Deidre Henderson joined election officials from other states to call out both parties for weakening trust in a recent op-ed. She joins the show to discuss how we can repair that trust going into 2024. 

Guest Hosts: Leah Murray and Abby Osborne

Last night 4 Republican presidential candidates stepped onto the debate stage in Alabama. While there was some discussion about policy... the debate was mostly characterized by attacks on Nikki Haley who is rising in the polls. Leah and Abby discuss why Haley was the target of so many attacks and why they were disappointed by the candidates' performances. 

Guest Host: Marty Carpenter

Governor Cox proposes $150 million as part of his budget plan to build 35,000 new starter homes over the next 4 years; Congress passes amendments that would rescind federal funding to colleges providing platforms for antisemitic speech... but even hateful speech is protected, free speech; And math scores for US students hit all-time lows. 

Guest Host: Marty Carpenter 

A new survey from Bankrate found that... despite inflation and high prices... Americans are planning to increase their tips this holiday season. Is this just because everyone is feeling the Christmas spirit? Or is this part of the holiday overspending trend we're seeing this season? Financial planner for DMBA Shane Stewart joins to discuss the latest money trends. 

Guest Host: Marty Carpenter

Math scores for US students have plunged 13 points lower than pre-pandemic levels. This loss of learning is just another sign that students have not recovered from the school closures of 2020. Derricke Dennis from ABC News joins to discuss the results of this key international exam and what experts are saying about how we can get scores back up.

Guest Host: Marty Carpenter

The Kem C. Garner Policy Institute released a new report today looking at the current landscape of Utah's K-12 teacher workforce. Senior education analyst Andrea Brandley says that while Utah is doing better than most states when it comes to retaining teachers... there are still some warning signs we need to be aware of.

Guest Host: Marty Carpenter

The US House recently passed amendments to take away federal funding from colleges who "give a platform to antisemitism." This raises the age-old question... Should bad speech be protected? Is it protected? JD Tuccille from Reason explains why the government shouldn't be trying to control speech and we should target hateful actions rather than speech.

Guest Host: Marty Carpenter

Yesterday, North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum announced his decision to suspend his presidential campaign... narrowing the 2024 field even further. Marty explains why he thinks that despite the field narrowing, former president Donald Trump will be the nominee unless he's in jail.

Guest Host: Marty Carpenter

Former candidate for Congress, Becky Edwards, is starting a new Political Action Committee that aims to support candidates who lean away from partisan fights focus more on governing and solutions. She joins Marty in studio to discuss why it's important to change the incentives for political candidates if we want better leadership. 

Guest Host: Marty Carpenter

Yesterday, Governor Cox announced his budget includes $193 million to address homelessness and mental health. That proposal now heads to the legislature. Who is going to carry those bills related to mental health? Rep. Tyler Clancy joins to discuss the legislature's plans address mental health issues in 2024.

Guest Host: Marty Carpenter 

Today, Governor Cox announced as part of his budget proposal $150 million to build 35,000 starter homes over the next 4 years. He also created a new position, Senior Advisor for Housing Strategy and Innovation. Steve Waldrip has been appointed to that position, and he joins to discuss the administration's plan to address the state's housing crisis.

Guest Host: Maura Carabello

Governor Spencer Cox releases his budget plan to alleviate homelessness across the state; The Utah Board of Education removes application fees for Utah students applying to public collegues and universities in the Beehive State; and Rep. Brian King launches his campaign to be Utah's next governor. 

Guest Host: Maura Carabello

A girl from Olympus Jr. High School in Utah has recently won big at the 2023 Parapan American Games in Santiago Chile. At just 13 years old, Chloe Cederholm won both bronze and silver medals. Chloe started swimming at 4 years old and was diagnosed later with a rare disorder that makes sports difficult. Chloe joins to share her inspiring story. 

Guest Host: Maura Carabello

We are nearly a month away from the start of Utah's legislative session where lawmakers will vote on hundreds of bills that impact Utahns. With that in mind... Speaker of the Utah House of Representatives Mike Schultz joins to discuss some of the legislative issues that are top of mind and gaining traction as we head into the new year, including the Olympics.

Guest Host: Maura Carabello

The Governor's race for 2024 has officially kicked into high gear. This morning, Democratic Representative in the Utah House... Brian King... announced his bid for the governor's seat, challenging Governor Spencer Cox. Rep. King joins Maura in studio to explain why he's running for office.

Guest Host: Maura Carabello

Across the country, the issues of the day are dividing students on college campuses. Recently, the Utah Board of Higher Education approved a free speech resolution for all public universities. It called for neutrality on campus and for universities not to engage in certain political speech. Leah Murray, co-host of KSL at Night and director of Weber State University's Walker Institute of Politics, says having debates about controversial topics is critical for student learning.

Guest Host: Maura Carabello 

The Utah Board of Higher Education voted Friday to remove the application fee for Utah students applying to public colleges across the state. Cydni Tetro, a member of the Utah Board of Higher Education and President of the Women Tech Council, joins to discuss why this was an important step for the state and the benefits of getting a higher education.

The House expels New York Rep. George Santos, protecting the institution; The Israe-Hamas ceasefire ends with 7 Americans still in captivity; and Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, the first woman to serve on the Supreme Court, passes away at the age of 93. Plus, Boyd has an exclusive interview with independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. 

Former Justice Sandra Day O'Connor passed away at the age of 93. Boyd highlights some of the lessons from her life. 

Former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor passed away today at the age of 93. She was the first woman to serve on the US Supreme Court. Former DC Circuit Judge Thomas B. Griffith knew Justice O'Connor and was sworn in by her. He joins to reflect on her life and legacy and shares some personal stories.

The ceasefire which began on November 24^th between Hamas and Israel has ended and the fighting has resumed. Behnam Ben Taleblu from the Foundation for Defense of Democracies breaks down what this means for hostages, especially the remaining American hostages, and what comes next in the Middle East.

Today, the House of Representatives voted to expel New York Representative George Santos from Congress amid his finance crimes and campaign lies. This makes him the 6th member of Congress to ever be expelled from the chamber. Boyd explains how this was about protecting the constitution and the institution.

It's time for our weekly look at presidential politics. This week: Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and California Governor Gavin Newsom debate. Nikki Haley gains momentum and endorsements heading into the 4^th Republican presidential debate. And Robert F. Kennedy Jr. talks with Boyd after holding a rally in Utah to get signatures for ballot access.

Next week, Republican candidates who qualify will face off in their fourth presidential debate. The debate will be hosted by NewsNation... and will be the last debate before the Iowa caucuses. Johanna Maska from NewsNation joins to talk about the candidates on the stage, the moderators, who has momentum going into 2024, and who might make a surprise appearance.

Yesterday, independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. made a surprise visit to the Beehive state. His campaign is resonating particularly among young voters. And he's polling higher than any 3^rd party candidate since Ross Perot. Kennedy joins Boyd to discuss his campaign, his efforts to get on the ballot in Utah, and the failures of the 2-party system.

Lawmakers are proposing a bipartisan fiscal commission to stabilize our nation's debt, but they already know what they need to do. They're just avoiding their responsibility; 2024 presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. flies to Salt Lake City to hold a rally; and former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger passes away at the age of 100, leaving behind a complicated legacy and reputation. 

With serious issues facing our country and unrelenting gridlock in Washington... what's the path forward? Boyd reflects on his conversation with Steven Pearlstein on the fantasies dividing Congress and the need for greater leadership. 

Yesterday, former secretary of state Henry Kissinger passed away at the age of 100. He was an immigrant, a Nobel Peace Prize Winner, and often credited with opening to door to US-China relations. Michael Rubin from the American Enterprise Institue joins to discuss his complicated legacy and reputation.

Political polarization is infecting every area of our society. Andrew Latham from Macalester College says a liberal arts education could be the answer. Andrew joins Boyd to discuss how this type of education can promote more critical thinking, humility, and respect for others... all essential for changing our political discourse.

Independent candidate for president Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is making a surprise campaign stop in Salt Lake City today. Both Democrats and Republicans have labeled RFK a spoiler candidate. But Boyd says his campaign is worth watching and his message is one worth listening to.

The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has been extended to a 7^th day. This comes as Hamas takes credit for a terrorist attack at a bus stop in Jerusalem. Meanwhile, Secretary of State Antony Blinken is meeting with Israeli and Palestinian leaders in Israel. Boyd breaks down the latest updates on the ceasefire, hostages, and more.

As we've been discussing ... Congress is broken, and one of the consequences of their brokenness is our crushing debt. Why is Congress so dysfunctional? Columnist and professor from George Mason University Steven Pearlstein says the right wing, the left wing, and the moderate middle are stuck under certain delusions that keep the country from moving forward. 

With the US over $33 trillion in debt... some are projecting we have 20 years to avoid default. What is Congress doing about it? There's one bipartisan proposal on the table from Senator Romney to establish a fiscal commission. Boyd re-examines what that commission would look like and speaks with Eric Boehm from Reason who says Congress essentially already has a commission in place to get us out of the mess they created.

Boyd discusses 3 fantasies from the left, right, and middle in Congress helping drive dysfunction; Senator Mitt Romney joins to talk about the 2034 Olympics, his bipartisan proposal to adress the nation's crushing debt, and the war in Israel; And the Republican National Committee and Democratic National Committee refuse to commit to participating in the presidential debates. What needs to change to save this time-honored tradition?

Today, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer gave a speech warning about the rising tide of antisemitism. Boyd revisits some of his remarks on the history of antisemitism and discusses why that context is important for understanding where we are today... and where things can go if we're not careful. 

Utah is set to host one of the 2024 presidential debates next year. But will it actually happen? Both the Democratic National Committee and Republican National Committee have refused to commit to the debates. But presidential debates are an important tradition in our country. Ben Voth from Southern Methodist University says there are changes we can make to save them.

A new Pew Research Survey shows that public trust in a variety of professional groups has declined... including trust in religious leaders.  Only 53% of Americans say they trust in religious leaders, down 10%. Ryan Burge - political scientist, pastor, and author - joins to discuss why we're seeing this lack of confidence, especially among young people, and how to regain that trust.

It's a busy day in Washington and here in Utah, and someone who has perspective on all of it is US Senator Mitt Romney. Senator Romney joins Boyd to discuss the news that Utah will host the 2034 Winter Olympics as well as the war ravaging the Middle East and his new bipartisan proposal to deal with our crushing national debt before it's too late

On the Senate floor today, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer delivered a powerful speech against antisemitism in the US. Boyd says this speech came at a crucial moment for our country and examines a few of Schumer's more pointed and powerful statements.

Yesterday, Celeste Maloy was sworn in as the newest member of Congress. She joins the body during a tense time. But with the far right and the far-left living in fantasy land, Boyd says Rep. Maloy has a chance to be a breath of fresh air, and he highlights moments from her swearing-in speech that gave a good sense of the kind of Congresswoman she will be.

It's no secret that Congress is dysfunctional... many lawmakers are jumping ship rather than running for reelection. Fights are breaking out. And nothing is getting done. Boyd examines 3 fantasies from the left, right, and center that are driving dysfunction in Congress and what needs to change for this core American institution to get back on track.

Syrian journalist Alaa Ebrahim joins to discuss how we can be better discerning when consuming news about the Israel-Hamas war online; Nikki Haley gets a huge endorsement from a Charles Koch-affiliated group that will give her a major boost in the 2024 race; and the Light the World Giving Machine campaign went global with a stunning kickoff event in Times Square. 

When it comes to the 2024 presidential election, everyone is saying that it will all be over after Iowa, New Hampshire, and South Caroline vote. But Boyd makes the case that these states aren't representative of the American electorate and presidential candidates shouldn't give up after the first states decide who they want their candidate to be. 

Having a college degree can open a lot of doors. But a new trend is emerging where low-paying jobs require employees to have college degrees... closing doors for about 60% of the population. Preston Cooper from the Foundation for Research on Equal Opportunity says requiring a college degree for low-income jobs makes it harder for people to pay back their college debt. 

Yesterday, the Light the World Giving Machine campaign went global. The campaign, put on by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, had their kickoff event in Times Square in New York City. Aaron Sherinian, senior vice president of global reach at Deseret Management Corporation, was there, and he joins to discuss the campaign which will have 61 locations in 7 countries. 

We are 48 days away from the Iowa caucuses... and one Republican candidate just got a major endorsement that could give her the momentum she needs to pull ahead in the race. Charles Koch's political group has backed Nikki Haley, opening up deep pockets and vast resources for her. Boyd looks at what this means for her as we prepare for the early states to vote.

Today, former presidents and first ladies and dignitaries gathered together to pay tribute to former First Lady Rosalynn Carter. They painted a picture of her influential life and the crucial role she played in shaping the modern first lady. Boyd breaks down what he learned from those closest to her. 

Since war broke out in Israel nearly 2 months ago... our social media news feeds have become a battleground for the messaging war. It can be challenging to discern between what's real and what's disinformation. Syrian journalist Alaa Ebrahim is in Utah with the University of Utah's Herbert Institute for Public Policy, and he joins Boyd live in studio to discuss how we can better distinguish between the narrative and the story.