The Hinckley Report

Unsustainable water use, a growing population, and ongoing drought are all contributing to the shrinking Great Salt Lake. But what can YOU do to fix it? On this episode of Utah's favorite political podcast, host Jason Perry leads our panel in an engaging discussion about the innovative solutions, policy shifts, and community-driven efforts to restore one of the state's most vital natural resources...

As the government shutdown drags on, the financial impacts on local communities are escalating. In this episode of Utah's favorite political podcast, host Jason Perry leads a conversation about the ideological and electoral forces impacting lawmakers decisions. Plus, the ongoing redistricting battle in Utah took an unexpected turn this week. We also examine what Governor Spencer Cox's latest pick...

The federal government shutdown is now stretching into its second week. In this episode of Utah's favorite political podcast, host Jason Perry and our expert panel dive into the economic and social fallout coming from Washington D.C., the high-stakes debate over redistricting and political representation, and a pivotal shift in judicial leadership within the Utah Supreme Court. TOPICS COVERED: • ️...

With Congress unable to pass a spending bill, the federal government officially shut down on Wednesday. In this episode of Utah's favorite political podcast, host Jason Perry and our expert panel unpack the latest political tensions gripping the nation and Utah. TOPICS COVERED: • ️ Government Shutdown: What’s new, who’s to blame, and how it impacts Utahns • Healthcare Funding & The Big Beautif...

After a major court ruling, Utah’s legislature is under a tight deadline to redraw congressional boundaries, and tensions are rising. In this episode of Utah's favorite political podcast, host Jason Perry and our expert panel break down the redistricting process, partisan debates, and what it means for Utah voters. Topics Covered: • ‍⚖️ The impact of Proposition 4 and Judge Gibson’s ruling • ⚖️ Pa...

In this powerful episode of Utah’s favorite political podcast, host Jason Perry leads a timely and emotional discussion on the rise of political violence in America, following the assassination of Charlie Kirk on a Utah college campus. TOPICS COVERED: • How political rhetoric fuels violence • The impact on youth and civic engagement • The role of social media and echo chambers • ️ Bipartisan calls...

In this special episode of Utah's favorite political podcast, host Jason Perry and a panel of political experts dive deep into the upcoming Special Legislative Session—a pivotal moment that could reshape the state’s political landscape. TOPICS COVERED: • ️ Who can call a special session? The impact of Amendment C and the evolving power dynamics between the Governor and Legislature • ⚖️ Judicial re...

Welcome to Season 10 of Utah's favorite political podcast! In this powerful premiere episode, host Jason Perry is joined by political experts Doug Wilks, Leah Murray, and Max Roth to break down the biggest political stories shaping Utah and the nation. TOPICS COVERED: • ⚖️ Utah Redistricting Lawsuit: What a historic court ruling means for congressional maps and voter representation. • Trump’s “Big...

A Utah judge has ruled that Utah's controversial school chioce program violates two sections of the state constitution. This case revolved around the "Utah Fits All Scholarship", which uses public funding to help Utah families pay for private schools and homeschooling programs. Our expert panel discusses the ruling, and what this means for the voucher program moving forward. Organizers of a refere...

Organizers of a ballot referendum to overturn HB267 submitted their final batches of signatures this week. State law requires about 140,000 signatures, but supporters more than doubled that total with more than 330,000. Now county clerks across the state will work to verify the signatures and determine if they meet the minimum thresholds in 15 of Utah's 29 senate districts. Groups who are opposed...

Three members of Pres. Donald Trump's cabinet visited the Beehive State this week. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, and EPA Director Lee Zeldin met with state lawmakers and members of the state's congressional delegation. Our expert panel discusses why the three federal leaders have high praise for Utah. Kennedy specifically praised a bill recently pass...

With the growth of artificial intelligence and more data centers being built in Utah, the state's electricity needs are expected to increase exponentially in the coming years. That growing demand has some politicians in the Beehive State worried that production won't be able to keep up. Governor Spencer Cox has proposed big changes through his "Operation Gigawatt". And the Utah State Legislature h...

The deadline has passed for Governor Spencer Cox to sign legislation from the 2025 General Session. He ended up vetoing 7 bills this year, and allowed two more to become law without his signature. Our expert panel examines some of the thought processes that go into making these executive decisions. Of the bills he vetoed, SB296 (sponsored by Sen. Chris Wilson, R-Logan) would have hanged the way th...

Utah Governor Spencer Cox has less than a week left so sign or veto bills from the 2025 General Legislative Session. This year lawmakers passed 582 proposals and resolutions, a number the governor believes is far too high. Cox says he may veto some of the measures, but there are others that he will still sign even though he isn't in 100% agreement with the legislation. Our expert panel discusses w...

The Utah Legislature passed 582 bills in the 2025 General Session, only nine shy of the record set last year. In response, Governor Spencer Cox is calling on lawmakers to decrease that number in the future. He believes too much legislation prevents Utahns from engaging in the process. Our expert panel discusses whether or not we're likely to see any changes next year. We also explore the major the...

With the 2025 Utah Legislative Session coming to a close, our expert panel examines the common themes. From a battle between state vs. local control, to proposed reforms of Utah's judicial and electoral systems, it has been a busy 45 days on Capitol Hill. A bill that impacts how the state's capital city manages its own streets is now on the way to Governor Cox's desk. SB195, sponsored by Sen. Wayn...

With just a week left in the 2025 Utah Legislative Session, lawmakers still have a lot of bills to debate and consider. Several deal with elections and ballots in the Beehive State. HB563 is sponsored by House Speaker Mike Schultz and changes how ballot titles and analysis are written for proposed constitutional amendments. Currently, legislative leaders craft the language, but this bill would shi...

As the Utah Legislature prepares to pass a final budget, they will have less money to work with than originally estimated. Lawmakers received new estimates this week showing that projected revenue for the state is down about $112 million total. Our expert panel discusses what this means for state programs, and where cuts could be made. Plus, will there still be a tax cut? Governor Spencer Cox had...

The Utah Legislature is considering a potentially historic number of constitutional amendments this year. One appears to be in direct response to decisions made by the Utah Supreme Court in the Fall of 2024 regarding a requirement that proposed amendments be published in newspapers. Another would change the percentage of "yes" votes needed to approve some voter ballot measures. Our expert panel ex...

In the third week of the Utah Legislative Session, lawmakers passed a controversial bill that bars public employee unions from collective bargaining. Debate over the proposed legislation had been extensive, with union members negotiating behind the scenes for a better version of the bill. But in the end, the original bill passed the Utah House and Senate. Advocates are now urging Governor Spencer...

In Week 2 of the 2025 Legislative Session, Utah lawmakers work to allocate funds in a tight budget year after extra federal spending from the COVID-19 pandemic has dried up. Proposed legislation could affect how voters pass ballot initiatives and how the state manages elections. Lawmakers also discuss shoring up the state's resources as Federal grant and loan funding for state and local programs i...

Following his inauguration, President Donald Trump signed a flood of executive orders including actions on immigration, public safety, and birthright citizenship. He also pardoned approximately 1,500 people convicted of crimes related to the events of January 6th, 2021, including 18 Uthans. Governor Spencer Cox focused his State of the State Address on building affordable homes, energy production,...

With just a few days until Donald Trump is inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States, people close to his incoming administration say he is planning extensive executive action on his first day in office. Our panel examines how Utah could be impacted, including potential changes to the boundaries of national monuments like Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante. Plus, what will be th...

The inauguration ceremony for members of Utah's Executive Branch was held this week at the Eccles Theatre in downtown Salt Lake City. Governor Spencer Cox and Lt. Governor Deidre Henderson both took the oath of office and delivered an inaugural address. Our panel examines the tone of their speeches, and what it signals about their next four years in office. Plus, with about a week and a half until...

As the 2025 Legislative Session quickly approaches, Utah lawmakers are beginning to numerous propose bills. Our expert panel of political insiders discusses potential changes to higher education funding, election integrity, mail-in balloting, and judicial appointments, along with cuts to taxes on Social Security and shrinking the overall state budget. Plus, we remember the legacy of Former Preside...