KSL at Night: 4-24-2024

Hosts: Maura Carabello and Rusty Cannon

Congresswoman Celeste Maloy explains her recent votes in Congress

KSL at Night hosts Maura Carabello and Rusty Cannon start the show talking with Utah’s 2nd Congressional District Representative Celeste Maloy. They discuss her recent votes in Congress, including her decision to vote against sending aid to Ukraine, while voting for aid to Israel and Taiwan. Rep. Maloy also talks about her ongoing campaign.

Robert Axson previews the Republican state convention

Utah Republican Party Chair Robert Axson joins the show to give a preview of this weekend’s Republican state convention. Axson gives a rundown of Saturday’s schedule, including details on when results should be made available. He also gives an interesting factoid: roughly 65% of all Republican state delegates are attending the convention for the first time. This will result, he says, in an “electric experience” for so many people.

Diane Lewis previews the Democratic state convention

Not only are the Republicans meeting this weekend, but so are the Democrats. Utah Democratic Party Chair Diane Lewis calls into KSL at Night to give a preview of their convention. The hosts talk with her about some of the races to watch, including the U.S. Senate race and Utah House District 23. They also discuss the turnout at rural county conventions in the state as well as the potential for “record-breaking” turnout at the state convention.

President Biden’s student loan forgiveness could tank his campaign

Maura and Rusty dig into President Biden’s actions for student loan forgiveness, giving some background on the legal challenges his plans have faced. They talk about the costs of college in general, and how that plays a role in their opinions of these ideas. They also analyze a Deseret News op-ed claiming the president’s plans could tank his re-election campaign, and offer their opinions on whether they agree.

Corey Astill on FTC banning noncompetes

The Federal Trade Commission announced a new rule banning noncompete clauses nationwide, saying it will “raise worker wages, lower health care costs, and boost innovation.” Corey Astill, Vice President of Business Roundtable, gives his perspective on what this ban could mean for workers and employers. They also look into whether this rule falls under the FTC purview, if Congress needs to make these kinds of decisions, or if it should be left to the states.

The Utah Fits All scholarship application period ends

Maura and Rusty dig into the school voucher vs. scholarship issue, debating where tax dollars should go when it comes to education. They talk about the news of the Utah Fits All scholarship receiving nearly three times more applications than scholarships available, and what that says about the program’s success overall. Maura gives her opinion on why vouchers aren’t a good idea, while Rusty examines how current tax dollars aren’t bringing in the educational success expected, and why that means it should be okay for parents to use school vouchers. 

Could government-owned internet networks hurt taxpayers?

Even though private network providers exist, more and more governments are getting into the internet business, building new networks around the country. Utah State Auditor John Dougall wrote an opinion piece claiming that governments should stick to essential services and stay out of the internet business. He joins the show to explain his stance, and the hosts also look at the opposing side of the issue, providing valuable insight to a complicated issue.

News roundup: not showering, top Utah high schools, and state political conventions

The show finishes up with a quick news roundup, taking a look at some of the stories you can’t miss. First up is an article from across the pond looking at the need for showering (and if it’s actually needed). The hosts then shift gears, looking at the top local high schools in the state. Who ranks where, and what actually determines the “top” ranking? Finally, Maura and Rusty wrap things up with what they’re looking forward to in the upcoming weekend’s state conventions.