Advertise on podcast: Take 2

This week on Take 2 Podcast: Heidi Hatch is joined by Maura Carabello of the Exoro Group and Utah GOP Chair Rob Axson.  The 2026 election sprint: Mail ballots go out Oct. 13 ahead of Utah’s Nov. 3 general election. The new Salt Lake-centered 1st Congressional District and whether it could help determine the balance of power in Washington. Breaking down the CD1 debate between Democrat Ben McAdams and Republican Riley Owen: Did either candidate move undecided voters? What to watch for in the CD3 debate between Republican Rep. Celeste Maloy and Democratic challenger Kent Udell. New polling on how Utahns are feeling about the midterms — and whether optimism, anxiety and the national political environment will shape turnout. Constitutional Amendments A and B, including the proposed 60% threshold for citizen initiatives that create or increase taxes. Former Utah Rep. Trevor Lee’s fraud charges, resignation and the impact on public trust. Two major death-penalty developments: the halted execution of Tennessee inmate Christa Pike and the release on bond of Utah death-row inmate Douglas Carter after more than 40 years. CBS News’ partnership with prediction market Kalshi: Useful political data or a risky new influence on election coverage?

Heidi Hatch is joined by Maura Carabello with the Exoro Group and Rep. Ryan Wilcox, who sits on the Utah Legislative Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Interim Committee. The 158-page UVU campus-safety review following the Charlie Kirk shooting: staffing, coordination and accountability. The Supreme Court allowing the Trump administration to use the SAVE database to check voter citizenship — and what it means for Utah’s election administration and voter privacy. The federal case against a Utah postal worker accused of discarding about 300 Eagle Mountain ballots and other mail — and whether the case undermines trust or shows election safeguards working. Sen. John Curtis calling for an investigation into Donald Trump Jr. and Hunter Biden over presidential family business dealings and foreign connections. Whether Utah lawmakers can write meaningful guardrails for Flock cameras, license plate readers and artificial intelligence before the 2027 legislative session. New polling showing Utahns’ concerns about data-center growth, water use and the pressure to keep up with the tech economy.

This week on the Take 2 podcast, Utah Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson joins Heidi Hatch to discuss Utah’s legal fight with the U.S. Department of Justice over access to voters’ unredacted personal information. The interview was recorded Sept. 14, just hours before the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in the separate USPS case. Henderson says the lawsuit will not affect Utah’s upcoming election.

Heidi Hatch joins Maura Carabello and former Utah State Auditor John Dougall to examine how America has changed in the 25 years since 9/11 and debate plans to memorialize Charlie Kirk at UVU. They also discuss Gov. Spencer Cox’s “Disagree Better” campaign, questions surrounding his growing national profile and a Justice Department lawsuit challenging Utah’s in-state tuition policy for undocumented immigrants.

Host: Heidi Hatch Guests: Maura Carabello, Exoro Group, and Doug Fiefia, Utah representative and Senate candidate Utah Legislature dives into issues months before the session To Flock or Not to Flock? This week: Utah lawmaker to propose “parameters” for Flock cameras and ALPRs Two months out from Election Day President Trump on the campaign trail Bears Ears and Grand Staircase protections

Take 2 Podcast Host: Heidi Hatch Guests: Maura Carabello and Adam Gardiner Welcome back after the Take 2 summer break. While we were taking a break - Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall’s divorce filing and whether she will run for reelection as Luz Escamilla enters the race. Sen. Todd Weiler’s new role leading the Sutherland Institute. Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante resized. The continuing war with Iran. More than half a million acres burned in Utah this summer. Flock cameras—and why so many Utahns are pushing back. Nine weeks until Election Day. Election watch The SAVE America Act: voter ID, proof of citizenship and whether changes can be implemented before November. Utah voters on election requirements: 66% support proof of citizenship at registration, according to the latest Deseret News-Hinckley Institute poll. The Supreme Court’s mail-voting ruling and Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson’s response that it currently has no effect on Utah. New polling: Gov. Spencer Cox, Sen. Mike Lee and Sen. John Curtis all in negative territory, with independents moving away from Cox. Utah politics and policy The Stratos AI data-center backlash, calls to reform MIDA, and questions over water, heat, noise and public accountability. Utah Senate President Stuart Adams’ demand for retractions and threats of lawsuits. Inflation, high gas prices and high beef prices. Trump’s imported-beef plan—and pushback from Utah ranchers and members of Utah’s congressional delegation. Tyson’s Eagle Mountain closure: 700 jobs lost after five years, despite a 10-year agreement and major tax incentives. Utah’s $212 million Meta settlement and how the state should spend it on youth mental-health concerns. If time: Gov. Cox’s new book, Off Ramp, out Sept. 8. Coming up Friday, Sept. 4: Rep. Doug Fiefia Friday, Sept. 11: Rep. Cal Roberts

Host: Heidi Hatch Guests: Maura Carabello, Exoro Group & Utah House Speaker Mike Schultz Utah Legislative Primary Races Lessons Learned, who will lead the Utah Senate Wildfire Crisis in Utah Fallen Firefighters Three wildland firefighters killed on the Utah-Colorado border Two additional firefighters seriously injured Cottonwood Fire More than 100 condos and 30 cabins destroyed at Eagle Point Resort Damage assessment continues Wildland Firefighter Employment Protections Should part-time wildland firefighters have job protection when called to active duty? Forest Service Staffing Cuts Are management and staffing cuts contributing to current wildfire challenges? Headquarters relocation from Washington, D.C., to Salt Lake City Supreme Court Decisions Transgender Sports Supreme Court upheld state laws banning transgender students from participating on girls sports teams 6-3 decision Mail Ballots Supreme Court ruled 5-4 that states may count mail ballots received after Election Day if they were postmarked by Election Day More than a dozen states currently follow this practice Birthright Citizenship Supreme Court struck down President Trump's executive order seeking to end birthright citizenship 6-3 decision in Trump v. Barbara Charlie Kirk Murder Case Court Hearing Next Week Accused killer Tyler Robinson back in court Charlie Kirk's parents, widow Erika and others expected to attend Tight courtroom security, no electronics allowed Utah Supreme Court expected to decide before Monday whether Robinson's roommate/romantic partner must testify   Happy Birthday America – 250 years’ worth celebrating   We will be taking a July summer break. Thanks for listening!

Hosts: Heidi Hatch Maura Carabello, Exoro Group Rob Axson, Utah GOP Chair (joining from Washington, D.C.) Fire danger across Utah Statewide fireworks restrictions and the new law allowing cities to designate safe discharge zones. The Cottonwood Fire in Beaver County, now expected to become the costliest wildfire in Utah history. Gov. Spencer Cox's comments on the destruction. Looking ahead to the dangerous fire weather forecast. Primary election shakeup Several high-profile incumbents lost Tuesday's primary: Senate President Stuart Adams Sen. Dan McCay Rep. Trevor Lee Two Box Elder County commissioners What do these results say about the direction of Utah Republican politics? Congressional races Democrats Ben McAdams wins the Democratic nomination in Congressional District 1. What does his victory say about the party moving away from convention-selected candidates? Republicans Rep. Blake Moore wins his primary over Karianne Lisonbee. Does Lisonbee have a political future after this race? Rep. Celeste Maloy defeats Phil Lyman. Is this the end of Lyman's statewide political influence? Voting issues Some Democratic voters reported not receiving ballots. Was this simply a learning curve with the first Democratic congressional primary conducted this way, or is there more to examine? Supreme Court rulings Major decisions released this week. Which rulings have the biggest impact on Utah and national politics? SAVE Act President Trump's push for the SAVE Act. Why is the administration making a full-court press now? What are the political and legal implications?

HOST: Heidi HatchGUESTS: Maura Carabello, John Dougall ICE plans to sell warehouse facilities in Salt Lake, six other cities moving back to existing detention space “From day one, DHS has remained singularly focused on removing the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens from the United States and is always evaluating the best methods to do so. These heinous criminals, once arrested, should be removed at lightning speed, not housed on American soil at the taxpayer’s expense. DHS is moving swiftly to utilize EXISTING detention space with our state and county partners.” - DHS Voter Turnout - Thursday 5pm Salt Lake County 20% A new Utah law requires mail ballots to be received by 8 p.m. on Election Day. Previously, ballots only needed a postmark by the day before Election Day. The change comes from HB300, which passed the Legislature last year. Trump on Utah Mail in Ballots Will Utah’s new deadlines avoid headlines we are seeing out of California with long delays Utah County Clerk's Office hired a 23-year-old conservative influencer to be the chief deputy clerk Karianne Lisonbee, without evidence, accuses Blake Moore of ‘insider trading’ before deleting X post Salt Lake County Allegations Liban Mohamed was escorting voters to the polls- Clerk apologizes Utah Supreme Court Justices approved by Senate Statement from the Utah Democratic Party on the Packing of Utah's Supreme Court “It is not a coincidence that these appointments come as the Supreme Court prepares to hear landmark cases on redistricting and reproductive rights. Across this country, courts are being reshaped not to deliver justice, but to preserve political power. Our state is not immune. Utahns deserve better.” Iran Memorandum of Understanding Both sides agreed to "the immediate and permanent end to military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon." Iran can begin exporting oil as soon as the MOU is signed. Iran "will make arrangements using its best efforts for the safe passage of commercial vessels with no charge for 60 days only from the Persian Gulf to the Sea of Oman and vice versa." The U.S. and regional partners will develop a reconstruction plan for Iran worth at least $300 billion. Iran affirms that it "shall not procure or develop nuclear weapons." The two sides "have agreed to resolve the disposition of stockpiled enriched material." U.S. sanctions on Iran will be lifted on schedule as a part of a final deal, linked to nuclear compliance. There will be 60 days to sign a final agreement, which the two sides can agree to extend. AMERICA 250 UVU Professor Greg Jackson book release “Been There Done That” Professor Greg Jackson, podcast host of History That Doesn’t Suck, proves that while today’s political climate may be dark, these aren’t as unprecedented times as we may think. COMING UP watching KUTV 2 News for post election results Tuesday Next Friday Post Election discussion Wednesday July 1st Speaker Mike Schultz will be back, he attended the UFC fight night at the White House, walked past the highly debated reflecting pool. _____

THE POLITICS OF FIRE  Fires in Utah in full swing this week Tooele County, multiple fires, arson arrest SLC Capitol Hill Fire - State says started by homeless, City says they don’t know Mike Lee ignites controversy after adding roadless rule repeal to a wildfire bill 13-year-old girl dies at Pineview after dead tree falls: Would Pineview Reservoir be safer if it were a state park? Not US Forest Service land   Pentagon Classification of Latter-day Saints   Election Day 11 days out - Drama between campaigns ramps up   PAC cash flowing into Congressional races   Trevor Lee Race - voters get video text describing fraud allegations   Senator Dan McCay sends out mailer with endorsement from Senator John Curtis - Curtis said he is neutral on the race    Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, warned states involved in Colorado River disputes could lose access to remaining federal conservation funding if they pursue litigation over water rights.   SLC Council picks new member with a coin flip    SLC, Salt Lake County sue DHS over planned Detention Center   House GOP Vice Chair Blake Moore will host the annual NRCC summer meeting in Utah this weekend

Host: Heidi Hatch Guests: Maura Carabello, Rep. Cal Roberts   Gov. Spencer Cox declared June "Fidelity Month in Utah."   In his declaration, Cox said that American support for traditional values has "significantly declined." "A majority of Americans no longer esteem values like faith, family, patriotism or community involvement," he continued. He said it is "imperative" that Utah's "recommit" themselves to the pursuit of fidelity, defined as "dedication to faith, family and country."   DATA CENTERS   Senate President Stuart Adams and Kevin Oleary, write each other letters and make a deal to downsize   No referendum BEAR group files lawsuit to get the issue on the November ballot   Should massive data centers get tax incentives    PRIMARY ELECTION JUNE 23RD   Winner and Losers or nothing gained or lost in Congressional Debates?   Ballots should be in your mailbox this week   Tooele County sent out 9,000 bad ballots, mistake made at printer   U of U private equity capital deal for the athletic program   The University of Utah's groundbreaking private equity deal is a historic $500 million partnership with the New York-based firm Otro Capital. The deal shifts the school's commercial revenue operations—like ticketing, corporate sponsorships, and licensing—into a for-profit entity called Crimson Brand Partners (formerly Utah Brands & Entertainment LLC)   Utah state auditor says Utes’ private-equity deal has ‘significant risks.’ Here are her concerns.

Heidi Hatch 2 News Maura Carabello, Exoro Group Mike Schultz, Utah House Speaker   Data Center Referendum: A Box Elder County group wants voters there to decide proposed data center’s fate  Elevate Utah accuses Speaker Mike Schultz of buying up property to profit off data Center   Schultz, a cattle rancher in Box Elder and neighboring counties, responds   Forget about 2026, everyone is talking 2028: John Curtis running for Governor   2028 RACE: Former Congressman Jason Chaffetz, Senator John Curtis, Speaker Mike Schultz, Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson, Traeger Grills CEO Jeremy Andrus, entrepreneur Brad Bonham and Rep. Blake Moore   Murray City School District awarded $13 million Catalyst Center grant to launch groundbreaking healthcare academy   The Healthcare Academy will initially focus on three high-demand disciplines: Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA): A foundational pillar of patient care. Radiology Technician Assistant: The first program of its kind in the nation offered to high school students. Behavioral Health Assistant: Among the first in Utah and the nation to be offered at the secondary level.   NEW BILL ALREADY IN USE: Child Care Business Tax Credit  HB 190 Stadler is using the child care business tax credit sponsored by Rep. Jason Thompson to help build a child care facility with more capacity than they need themselves, helping create more child care options for other businesses and working families nearby.   Eva Lopez out SLC Council – She does not live in the district  Councilwoman Eva Lopez Chavez’s seat was vacated after a short investigation from the Salt Lake City Attorney’s Office, which found that she “failed to maintain a primary place of residence” within her district.   Trump Administration moves to strip conservation from America’s Public Lands eases grazing regulations   Trump visits China   War with Iran continues and creates a Take 2 war of its own

Host: Heidi Hatch Guests: Marua Carabello, Rep. Cal Roberts BREAKING: Utah Supreme Court Justice Diana Hagen resigns amid conflict-of-interest allegations in Prop 4 case   Data Center passes Box Elder Commission vote 3-0     Better Utah calls for investigation into Senate Pres. Stuart Adams after donations to his PAC- but have no proof of wrongdoing   Questions over lawmakers benefiting from Data Center   How will Utah taxpayers benefit from new Data Center    Utah Focus Legislative Session on AI: State Coordination of Regional and Local Economic Development Projects HB 507   What is MIDA and how powerful are they   Gas Tax cut kicks in- how will the savings grow over time    Rep. Roberts was just appointed chair of the House Government Operations Committee   Primary sponsor Housing Bill ⁠HB 492⁠  HB492, which recently passed the Utah Legislature, aims to tackle the state's severe housing shortage by directing $100 million in low-interest loans from the Transportation Investment Fund to local governments for critical infrastructure projects. The funding would support essential developments such as water tanks, sewer lift stations, treatment plants, and regional roads—key bottlenecks preventing thousands of already-approved homes from being built.   SLC Eva Lopez Chavez out during investigation into accusations of sexual misconduct   SLC Mayor asks for 12.5% tax increase      Phil Lyman would like 18 debates with Maloy

Host: Heidi Hatch Guests: Maura Carabello (Exoro Group), Thomas Wright (Former Utah GOP Chair, 2020 Gubernatorial Candidate, Real estate broker) White House correspondents’ dinner attempted assassination Utah Box Elder County Data Center Governor Cox:  Utah and other states have an obligation to "allow" the sprawling facilities. "There is a national security piece to this that has to be acknowledged," Cox said in response to a 2News question at his monthly PBS Utah news conference. "We have to do this. We just can't say no and shut the doors and go home and let China win this technology race." Scale: The project would cover approximately 40,000 acres in the remote Hansel Valley area of western Box Elder County. Power Demand: It is planned to produce and consume up to 9 gigawatts (GW) of power at full capacity (initially 3 GW), which is more than double the entire state of Utah's current average usage of roughly 4 GW. Energy Source: Power would likely be generated on-site using natural-gas-fired plants hooked into the Ruby Pipeline, which runs through the area. Water Usage: The project proposes a "closed-loop" water system to cool the systems, with officials claiming it will be a net positive for the Great Salt Lake. However, critics and some scientists have raised major concerns about the "heat island effect" and the impact on local water resources. Status & Approval: On April 27, 2026, the Box Elder County Commission tabled a decision on the proposal following public outcry and concern that the process was being rushed. Upcoming Action: A public meeting is scheduled for May 4, 2026, at 4 p.m. at the Box Elder County Fairgrounds in Tremonton. Democratic Convention Liban Mohammed wins D1 Race: A progressive surge in Utah? Liban Mohamed’s win in 1st District sets up high-stakes primary 51.8% Ben McAdams 48.5% Eva Lopez SLC Council Investigation into accusations of sexual misconduct Four people accuse Eva Lopez Chavez, a SLC Council member, of unwanted ‘sexual’ advances Salt Lake City Council member Eva Lopez Chavez could lose her seat over where she lives Republican Convention  Rob Bishop won a special election to Utah's House District 6 at the GOP nominating convention. Bishop will complete Rep. Matthew Gwynn's term ending Jan. 2027 and run in November. State Sen. Dan McCay faces a primary against Rep. Doug Fiefia on June 23. CD2 Congressman Blake Moore loses with  33.7% of the vote CD2 Former legislator Karianne Lisonbee  61.5%. CD3 Congresswoman Celeste Maloy garnered 50.95% CD 3 Phil Lyman 49.04% State Senate President Stuart Adams is in a primary, capturing 55.1%             Braden Hess with 44.9%.  Prop 4 Officially Dead  Prop 4 Repeal Fraud Charges Chadwick Kluttz, 40, of North Carolina, faces criminal charges accusing him of forging signatures in the effort to repeal Utah's Proposition 4. He is charged with 11 counts of forgery and 11 counts of unlawfully signing a certificate of nomination signature sheet. Kluttz was arrested in North Carolina and later released; Utah officials working to return him to Vernal to face charges. UVU new President search after difficult Year Charlie Kirk assassination, graduation without keynote speaker SCOTUS Gerrymandering In major Voting Rights Act case, Supreme Court strikes down redistricting map challenged as racially discriminatory WAR IN IRAN U.S. Senator John Curtis “From the beginning, my position has been that the President’s actions in Iran have been consistent with his legal authority under the War Powers Resolution of 1973. However, that same law is clear that after 60 days, military action must begin to wind down unless Congress provides formal authorization. “I take this requirement seriously for two reasons. First, the Constitution deliberately provides power to Congress to authorize war. Second, the legacy of the Vietnam War serves as a permanent reminder of the devastation that occurs when the lines of authority are blurred or ignored. That is why I have been clear: I will not support continued funding for the use of force without Congress weighing in. This is not an adversarial stance against the Administration; rather, it is a commitment to our system of government. It is critical to our national security that Iran’s malign capabilities are neutralized, but it is equally critical that we do so on a sound constitutional footing. “As we reach this 60-day mark, it is time for decision-making from both the Administration and from Congress—and that can happen in league with one another, not in conflict. I am currently engaged in thoughtful discussions with my Senate colleagues, and also with the Administration, on a path forward that honors our respective constitutional roles, clearly outlines objectives and guidelines, and is in the best interest of the country and our servicemembers.” PS Longest Federal Government Shutdown is over

Host: Heidi HatchGuest: Morgan Lyon Cotti Associate Director Hinckley Institute of Politics Conventions this weekend Delegates pick their candidates Inner party battles front and center Democrats now have 4 qualified candidates through signatures from the new Utah CD1 race 2 candidates facing accusation of wrongdoing Nate Blouin, Eval Lopez Chavez Republicans have an inner party fight in Utah CD3 Rep Celeste Maloy qualified through signatures Will Lyman get the nod from delegates or will Maloy still have a chance to shut him out at convention? Trevor Lee dealing with his own accusations of check fraud and pay for play Made it out of the Davis County convention alive, but lost to Stevenson Why are we seeing what seems like so many bombshells pre-convention this year New Hinckley Presidential Polling – Utahns support of President Trump fading