Take 2 Podcast

Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025

Guests: Heidi Hatch, Maura Carabello (Exoro Group), Sen. Daniel McCay

Redistricting New Maps

• Public comment period runs for 10 days, through Oct. 5
• Feedback can be submitted at redistricting.utah.gov
• Special session scheduled for Oct. 6 to vote on the new map
• Final maps will be submitted to the courts for approval

Great Salt Lake Water Woes

• Gov. Spencer Cox launches GSL 2034, a public-private charter urging all Utahns to help restore the lake
• Comes with a $200 million pledge, half already committed by Ducks Unlimited over 10 years
• New philanthropic coalition Great Salt Lake Rising aims to raise an additional $100 million within a year, led by Josh Romney
• Cox wants lake elevation back to 4,198 feet by the 2034 Winter Olympics (currently at 4,191 feet)

Charlie Kirk Monument at UVU

• Petition supporting memorial: 20,000 signatures
• Petition opposing memorial: 13,000 signatures
• UVU announced creation of a Memorial Committee, co-chaired by Scott M. Smith (UVU Board of Trustees, Qualtrics co-founder) and Amanda Covington (Utah Board of Higher Education chair)
• Committee will include students, political leaders, and other stakeholders

USU Turning Point Event – Tuesday, Sept. 30

• Featured guests: Gov. Spencer Cox, Sen. Mike Lee, Former Rep. Jason Chaffetz
• Some surprise at Cox’s participation after past criticism from Charlie Kirk in 2022
• Still unclear if the format will be a panel or Q&A

Sutherland Institute Transition

• Rick Larsen to step down as CEO on Jan. 1, 2026, and become president emeritus

One Week Out from Possible Government Shutdown

• Federal government faces shutdown if Congress fails to pass spending bill by Oct. 1
• Republicans and Democrats remain divided, particularly over extending enhanced ACA premium subsidies

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Hosted by Heidi Hatch with guests Maura Carabello of the Exoro Group and Utah GOP Chair Rob Axson

On this week’s Take 2 Podcast, we look at the assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk on the campus of Utah Valley University in Orem. Utah GOP Chair Rob Axson, a friend of Kirk, and Maura Carabello of the Exoro Group join the discussion on the political and emotional fallout one week later.

Topics this week:

Charlie Kirk assassination at UVU

• George Zinn, known in political circles, diverted police attention and was arrested on child pornography charges
• 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, the accused shooter, faces the death penalty
• Utah released Robinson’s mugshot despite state law prohibiting it
• A Pennsylvania man was arrested in Utah after posting an online threat against UVU
• Debate over university security and whether DPS or local law enforcement should step in
• Businesses and universities firing employees over online comments after the assassination

Utah’s special session pushed back to Oct. 6

Utah Legislature releases list of lawmakers who will oversee redistricting

Two weeks until Congress faces its budget deadline

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Host: Heidi Hatch

Guests: Greg Hughes & Maura Carabello

• Congressional Hearings on Aliens
• Age limits for federal office
• Romney wants everyone out of the Presidential race.
• DeSantis in Utah answered question on new African American Ed Curriculum
• Former President Trump facing new charges.
• Presidential Poll Numbers
• Hunter Biden Plea deal Falls Through

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Host: Heidi Hatch

Guests: Greg Hughes & Maura Carabello

Utah CD2 Race: Exclusive, Greg Hughes talks about his run, loss, and convention.

• Greg’s campaign experience
• Celeste Maloy wins in 5th round at convention.
• Lawsuit filed by R Quinn Denning contends Maloy is not qualified.
• Becky Edwards and Bruce Hough get signatures needed.

Presidential Race

• DeSantis in Utah for fundraising and open event at Capitol Friday
• Biden is in political/legal trouble with Hunter Biden Laptop/IRS FBI whistleblower.
• Trump is in political/legal trouble new indictment coming related to January 6th
• 3rd Party? No Labels Formed in 2010, raised $70 million this year for “unity ticket.”

Gov. Cox new campaign for civility “disagreeing better.”

• Utah's governor has officially taken the reins as chair of the National Governors Association, a public policy organization comprised of the nation’s governors.
• As part of his chairmanship, Cox is launching an initiative to try to chip away at one of the country's biggest problems – toxicity in politics.

UDOT approves Gondola Project

• Environmental groups push back

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Host: Heidi Hatch

Guests: Former US Attorney for the State of Utah Brett Tolman and Executive Director of Right on Crime

• School debt forgiveness ruling Friday Am release.
• Affirmative Action SCOTUS decision: 6-3 and 6-2 decision
• LGBTQ website SCOTUS ruling
• Trump Charges
• Hunter Biden Plea deal/Whistle Blower
• 2-tiered Justice system in the US- does it exist- if so how and where do we start fresh and start holding the powerful accountable?
• First Step Act/Criminal Justice reform does it play into any of the current high profile political cases?
• Tolman was appointed by President George Bush in 2006 as the United States Attorney for the District of Utah and held that office for nearly 4 years from 2006-2009.
• He worked with President Trump to pass the First Step Act/Criminal Justice Reform. Tolman is the Executive Director for Right on Crime.

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Host: Heidi Hatch

Guests: Maura Carabello - Exoro Group, Rep & Candice Pierucci - Utah House member

• SCOTUS decisions, still no decision on student loans
• Utah GOP Debates wrap up, 5 candidates will collect signatures/Convention Saturday
• Bibles are Back in Davis County Schools
• Bears Ears land swap: Backed by Tribes
• U.S. House votes to send Articles of Impeachment against President Biden to the Judiciary and Homeland Security Committees, 219-208.
• Hunter Biden plea deal: 2 tier Justice or good for him pleading and taking ownership.

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Host: Heidi Hatch

Guests: Maura Carabello - Exoro Group & Mike Schultz - House Majority Leader

• CD2 Race is set: 22 candidates compared to 26 when Chafetz resigned.
• Special Session Committee hearing discussed book bans from the Bible to pornography.
• Brian Redd new Executive Director Depart Corrections- can he fix probation and parole?
• 52% of Utahns disapprove of a 2023 law that would require all abortions to be performed in hospitals, a new Deseret News/Hinckley Institute of Politics shows.
• Supreme Court preserves law that aims to keep Native American children with tribal families.

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Host: Heidi Hatch

Guests: Maura Carabello - Exoro Group & John Dougall - Utah State Auditor

INDICTMENT: Former President Donald Trump – 1st American President criminally indicted by the Department of Justice.

Congressman Chris Stewart Sets Sept. 15 as resignation date

Gov. Cox sets up special election guidelines.

Congressional District 2 filings: How many people seek signatures.

Special Session: Will decided when voters will have to be registered as Republicans.

Road Rage On The Rise: Is there something that can or should be done legislatively?

Supreme Court Rules in Favor of Black Alabama Voters

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Host: Heidi Hatch

Guests: Maura Carabello - Exoro Group & Mike Schultz - Majority Leader Utah House

• Governor Pride Month Declaration: A little shorter than in years past.
• Congressman Chris Stewart Resigns (No date set)
• New Utah Law passed in 2020 for replacement Election.
• Possible Candidates
• Debt Ceiling Vote
• Senate Voted to undo Biden student Loan Relief: Biden says he will veto.
• Amy Fowler SLC Council Resigns
• Davis Schools remove Bible from Elementary and Jr, High Libraries: Vulgarity and Violence

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Host: Heidi Hatch

Guests: Maura Carabello - Exoro Group & Greg Hughes - Former Utah House Speaker

• PRIDE Merchandise pulled at Target
• Trent Staggs running for US Senate
• DeSantis officially in
• CNN PRESIDENTIAL POLL
• Colorado River Deal
• Great Salt Lake National Park

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Host: Heidi Hatch

Maura - Carabello Exoro Group, Ken Carabello - Maura’s Brother, #1 Take 2 Fan in Colorado & Greg Hughes - Former Utah House Speaker

• Gov. Cox apologizes for calling Congress imbeciles.
• Title 42 expired – the Pandemic Era rule started in March 2020 ended last week.
• DeSantis set to announce/Disney deal dead.
• When will Mitt Romney announce Senate run?
• Durham report fuels further House GOP skepticism over FBI surveillance
• Biden in Japan for G7
• Debt Ceiling:
• Utah Legislative Interim session

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Host: Heidi Hatch

Guests: Maura Carabello Exoro Group & Utah State Senator Todd Weiler

Great Salt Lake Commissioner named this week?

Gov. Cox Executive Order: Requiring water conservation at State facilities.

Interim Session Issues:

• Water conservation
• Noncompete restrictions
• State labor laws for minors
• Review of ESG
• Education bill impacts
• State Prison Staffing
• Film incentives for rural Utah should continue.
• Homeless Issues
• Drag Shows
• Salt Lake City councilwoman steps away from public duties following DUI arrest.

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Host: Heidi Hatch

Guests: Maura Carabello & Greg Hughes

• 0:00 - Porn Hub locks out Utah Users
• 18:00 - Utah Judge rules statewide abortion trigger law on hold until court hears case
• 24:00 - Salt Lake City Budget: City says crime is down. Is it?
• 29:30 - A new report by US News and World Report, which ranks utah as the nation’s number one state overall. https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/rankings
• 34:00 - Crime and corrections
• 37:00 - Debt Limit: House Democrats take step toward forcing vote on debt ceiling hike.
• 41:00 - Biden sending 1,500 troops to US Southern Border ahead of expected migrant surge. Currently there are 2,500 troops on the border.
• 48:00 - May 11th International travelers will not need a COVID-19 vaccine to enter the country.

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Host: Heidi Hatch

Guests: Maura Carabello & John Dougall

• 50 million gallons of water diverted to Great Salt Lake
• Draper landslide and homes collapse: Who is at fault?
• Utah GOP Convention:
• Biden officially in the 2024 Race: 2020 2.0
• Biden Questions and answers typed pre-planned.
• Former VP Mike Pence at the Herbert Center to Speak Friday
• Tucker Carlson/Don Lemon out: Should we care?

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Host: Heidi Hatch

Guests: Maura Carabello & John Dougall

UTAH STATE OF EMERGENCY FLOODING: On Tuesday, Gov. Spencer Cox declared a state of emergency.

This year, the Legislature appropriated $5 million for flooding emergencies and mitigation but those funds have already been depleted.

NEW ROMNEY POLL: Dan Jones

ROMNEY GIVES BIDEN AN “F” on border security:

DeSantis HEADLINING UTAH GOP CONVENTION SATURDAY

GOP LEADERSHIP ELECTIONS

UTAH 16TH YEAR TOP SPOT RICH STATE POOR STATE REPORT

Fox News Dominion Settlement

ALPINE SCHOOLS 5TH GRADE CLASS CANCELS UNDERGROUND RAILROAD REENACTMENT

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PART 2 Take 2:

MLB baseball in Utah

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Host: Heidi Hatch

Guests: Greg Hughes & Maura Carabello

PART 1 Take 2:

• National Guard member arrest in leaked classified Documents.
• Flooding
• White House proposes Colorado River Rights cuts.
• Mayor Mendenhall running for re-election.
• Rocky V Mendenhall
• House Speaker Brad Wilson exploring Senate run
• Senator Mitt Romney files paperwork to run for re-election.
• Legislative Interim meeting’s Agenda

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Host: Heidi Hatch

Guests: Maura Carabello & Greg Hughes

• Record Snow- Flooding risk rising
• New polling numbers for Senator Mitt Romney
• Former President Donald Trump Indicted on 34 Felony counts- pleads not guilty.
• Utah’s GOP convention: Governor Ron DeSantis Headlining the event.
• Utah GOP denies Doctor and Dem from Air Quality Board

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Host: Heidi Hatch

Guests: Greg Hughes & Maura Carabello

• LDS Church donates 5,700 water shares to Great Salt Lake
• Cox officially signs abortion bill- who will provide services?
• Governor Cox says he will run for 2nd term
• GOP party chair will not run for a second term
• SVB Bank Failure- FDIC to insure past $250k
• Zions Bank stocks slide
• Did Utah’s Governor promise to step in and cover payroll with taxpayer dollars if the FDIC did not?

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Host: Heidi Hatch

Guests: Greg Hughes & Maura Carabello

• Utah 2023 Legislative session wrap up
• Governor Cox says he will sign a bill requiring most abortions to take place in a hospital.
• The State Flag Fight is not over yet
• Student Dress Codes
• Was this Legislative session more partisan?
• UEA calling on the Governor to Veto HB 427
• Tax Cuts
• Daylight Saving on Sunday- Spring ahead!

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Host: Heidi Hatch

Guest: Daniel Woodruff

KUTV political reporter, Daniel Woodruff takes us behind the scenes of Utah’s 45 day legislative session. 

What you didn't see on TV, the stories behind the bills and how reporters make sure that you hear about the new laws affecting you and your family.

Next week join Heidi Hatch with Greg Hughes and Maura Carabello as they talk about the bills passed in the final hours of the 2023 session.

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Host: Heidi Hatch

Guests: Greg Hughes & Maura Carabello

LEGISLATIVE SESSION, IT’S LAST WEEK AND BREAKING RECORDS: 1,377 bill requests, and 894 bills drafted.

• Snowpocalypse 2023
• New Great Salt Lake Bill:
• HB537 Kera Birkeland bill would make voters request a mail-in ballot.
• Diversity or the lack thereof
• HB477 Full Day Kindergarten Amendments: would expand access statewide
• HB550 introduced, compared to Florida’s “Don’t say Gay bill”
• Magic Mushroom bill crashes and burns
• First Time Home Buyer Cash
• Food Tax advances
• NATIONAL POLITICS
• Biden visits Ukraine
• Romney on running: Will not make an announcement until Spring or Summer

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Former Utah Gov. Gary Herbert joined former CIA Director and U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Wednesday at the Crossroads of the World International Trade Summit.

The two shared a wide-ranging discussion on trade, immigration, and global power dynamics.

The invite-only event, sponsored by Zions Bank and World Trade Center Utah, focused heavily on international trade and ongoing tariff negotiations with the Trump White House. Leaders from around the globe gathered in Salt Lake City to explore Utah’s growing influence on the international stage.

Pompeo, who supports President Donald Trump, said he remains concerned about the long-term impact of tariffs.

“President Trump hasn’t been clear about his overall strategic objective here,” he said, referring to the escalating trade measures involving nearly every major economy.

Herbert said Utah is well-positioned to navigate trade challenges on a state level, but acknowledged the uncertainty is troubling.

He also touched on divisions within the Republican Party, especially over trade, noting there are many in the GOP who support Trump but disagree with some of his economic policies.

Herbert said his conversation with Pompeo also included discussions on Israel, Russia, China, and other global powers. The two also shared perspectives on U.S. immigration policy, an issue Herbert says Congress has failed to seriously address.

“What happens, unfortunately, in my view, is we have too many in Congress setting aside solving a problem as a top priority to getting re-elected as the number one priority — and then they get re-elected, but the people suffer,” Herbert said.

On border security, Herbert stressed the need for a “working door” to allow legal entry after the border is secured. He also defended Utah’s reputation as a welcoming state, referencing the Utah Compact, a set of principles focused on humane and practical immigration reform.

When asked directly whether Utah has become a sanctuary state, Herbert was clear: “Utah is not a sanctuary state.”

The former governor also highlighted the work of the Herbert Institute, which is currently focused on researching the use of artificial intelligence in Utah businesses.

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Host: Heidi Hatch

Guests: Greg Hughes & Maura Carabello

UTAH’S INFLUENCE ON NATIONAL POLITICAL NEWS

• Senator Mike Lee and Senator Mitt Romney making headlines for different reasons
• Chinese Spy Balloon down.
• VP Pence Subpoena
• State of the Union: Governor Cox joined Senator Mike Lee as his guest, fight over social security

HALFWAY MARK OF THE LEGISLATIVE SESSION

• Food Tax: Voters will likely make the final call on this.
• Conversion Therapy Bill passes with support of LGTQ allies Equality Utah
• Signature-gathering candidates could be eliminated at convention if new bill passes HB 393 Has been introduced but no hearing set.
• Proposal to give Utah tenants more notice of rent increases fails in House committee
• Bill to tighten law on overserving set for Friday morning hearing HB 247

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National Media spotlight on Gov. Cox

Sen. Mike Lee yanked from powerful Commerce Committee

Mike Lee on Lt. Alkonis Jailed in Japan

Sex offenders and private parks

Governor Cox pushes free UTA fares 2.0

Cell phone ban in schools fails

SB 152 Social Media Companies required to check age of users: Parents would have to give up personal Government ID info

Utah Corrections officer hospitalized after assault at new prison: Are there security lapses taxpayers should be concerned about?

HOV Lane bill

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Sen. Mike Lee discussed some of the biggest issues in our Nation’s Capital with Heidi Hatch on Wednesday, Jan. 25.

They discussed Classified documents now found in former President Trump’s home, President Biden, and former Vice President Mike Pence. They addressed the debt ceiling, how to roll back spending, negotiations on the release of Lt. Ridge Alkonis and the Senator’s top priorities.

DEBT CEILING

“We've got to raise the death ceiling because it's coming, it's coming at us.”

Senator Mike Lee told 2 News Heidi Hatch “The question is not about whether to raise it. It is about what conditions to attach to it.”

President Biden is hosting Republican House Speaker Kevin McCarthy at the White House Wednesday for a one on meeting. The White reiterated that there will be no negotiations on the debt ceiling.

Lee said that cannot happen. “This doesn't reflect modern realities.” The reality he says is an approaching thirty-two trillion in debt and baseline federal spending that went from “$4 trillion, a year as recently as 2019, to an average of about $6 trillion a year right now, these things aren't sustainable.”

Lee sees the goal as getting back to spending at or below 2019 levels.

When asked what conditions would be reasonable?

Lee said, Senate Republicans have adopted a position, as a conference that anytime they are asked to raise the debt ceiling- “the debt ceiling increase ought to be accompanied by spending cuts, equal to or greater than the value of the debt limit increase or alternatively structural spending reforms.”

The Senator noted- The House of Representatives is going to be in the principal driver's seat here. He plans on meeting with his counterparts in the house representatives to find common ground.

Senator Lee can is often a reliable no vote on massive spending bills- but if there is to be change- he will need more Senators to do the same.

Lee told 2News Heidi Hatch, he is never “the only no vote on these things,” and “there are a growing number of senators and representatives who, who are seeing the devastating consequences of this.”

Are Republicans part of the burgeoning debt problem?

Lee quickly answered yes. “There's no question that the accumulated debt is a problem of bipartisan creation. If you look back 20 years ago or a national debt was under $5 trillion. It then doubled over the next seven or eight years under a Republican president and under a Democratic president.” It doubled again over the next eight years between a Republican and a Democratic president.

“So, yeah, we've contributed to it.”

CLASSIFIED DOCUMENTS TRUMP, BIDEN, PENCE

Some of the classified documents found – date back to President Biden's time as a Senator. When asked if there is concern there are other Senators with classified documents at home:

“As to senators, it is highly, highly unusual that in a US Senator would have classified documents in his or her personal possession ever. I mean with very, very rare, very unusual exceptions. When we as senators review classified material, which we do all the time, we do it only in the confines of a secured facility known as a SCIF, that documents do not leave, that we don't walk out with them. It would be a felony if we did so.”

“As to the broader issue of documents in the possession of President Trump, president Biden, vice President Pence, former Vice President Biden, we're trying to get answers on this.” Lee said that Senators have asked for classified briefings so they can understand what these documents are in “order to understand the full ramifications.” Lee said it is imperative that they know what kind of documents they are dealing with and how they came into possession of them.

LT RIDGE ALKONIS

Sen. Mike Lee has been working to free Lt. Ridge Alkonis from a Japanese prison where a judge sentenced him to a 3-year term, after an accident where he hit and killed two people. Military doctors believe the Lt. suffered from altitude sickness, passing out while driving.

Lee said that in just the last few days he has had follow up conversations with the US Ambassador to Japan, Ambassador Ram Emanuel. “Emmanuel and I have been working on this together closely for many, many months.”

Emmanuel helped the Senator visit Alkonis in prison as he worked to negotiate his release.

“There have been ongoing conversations, including conversations between President Biden and, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida during his recent visit to the United States.

Lee said there are ongoing efforts to secure his return to the United States, as part of a prisoner transfer agreement. “I remain hopeful and optimistic that we're going to get there and we're going to get there within the next month or two.”

CONGRESSIONAL PRIORITES

1. Rein in Federal spending
2. Rein in federal regulations with legislative reform.
3. Competition including Google's power to dominate online advertising.

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Sen. Mitt Romney discussed some of the biggest issues in our Nation’s Capital with Heidi Hatch on Wednesday, Jan. 25. 

They discussed classified documents now found in former President Trump’s home, President Biden, and former Vice President Mike Pence. They addressed the debt ceiling, how to roll back spending and the Senator’s top priorities.

DEBT CEILING NEGOTIATIONS

“Well, there is an expression that has been used around Washington for a long time, and that is never take a hostage, you are not prepared to shoot. And the reality is we should not take the debt ceiling as a hostage because we are certainly not willing to shoot it," Romney said.

Sen. Mitt Romney, a Republican Utah Senator, said the debt ceiling must be raised but said it should not be done without conditions.

“It would be unacceptable for us to say, we are going to stop all payments, not just interest on the debt, but social security payments, Medicare, Medicaid payments, veterans’ benefits, we are going to stop all of that. That is simply unacceptable. Nevertheless, raising the debt ceiling has, in the past, been used as an opportunity for us to find ways to reduce spending, and that is something we badly need to do.”

President Joe Biden has said he will not negotiate, but Romney believes House Republicans have an opportunity to negotiate and find ways to cut spending.

“The White House needs to negotiate to say, okay, we need to work together to restrain spending and see if we can't get closer to a balanced budget.”

Romney wants to get back to the old way of doing business where there is a process to approving spending that does not come at the last minute when there is no time to negotiate.

He said, “It's been more than 10 years since we've actually had a normal appropriations process that allows us to have those kinds of votes.”

“As we look at the coming year budget, we need to have a process which allows us to look at each aspect of federal spending, one by one, have amendment votes for either reducing or expanding spending at a particular area.”

I asked Senator Romney if he has any specific ideas on how to reign in spending.

He pointed to the Trust Act- Bipartisan, bicameral legislation he hopes will rescue endangered federal trust funds that could run out some time in the next 11 years.

TRUST ACT

Senator Romney said most people focus on the budget passed each year. The most recent passed in December. The $1.7 trillion dollar omnibus.

The Trust Act would focus on the other two thirds of the budget that does not get a vote.

“That's the non-discretionary, the mandatory, the entitlement. And that is an area where the deficit has been large and has been adding to our debt.”

His Trust Act “is designed to create rescue committees to save Social security, Medicare and Medicaid, and the Highway Trust Fund from becoming bankrupt, which they're scheduled to do over the next few years.”

CLASSIFIED DOCUMENTS TRUMP, BIDEN, PENCE

Some of the classified Documents connected to President Biden are connected to his time as a Senator. When asked if there could be other Senators with Classified documents in their homes- Romney said, “it is very unlikely that you will find any senators current or past that have classified documents in their possession. Uh, in part because we do not have access to them. It is the executive branch where this problem is.”

He went on to say that he does not believe the documents found so far were kept in for sinister reasons.

“I do not think any one of the people that you're talking about … took them with ill intent or with a design to hurt national security. But I do believe that sloppiness looks bad.” That sloppiness he added, “whether it is on the current president, past president, or past vice president. It is just wrong. And it puts our nation, uh, in an embarrassing light.”

PRIORITIES

#1 Save Social security, Medicare, Medicaid, save our military, and get to a balanced budget.

#2 Immigration “It really affects our state in a major way.”

#3 Military “With Hill Air Force Base, with the Dugway Proving Grounds, it's important for us to have, the support needed to keep our military the strongest in the world such that no one would think of threatening us.”

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Host: Heidi Hatch

Guests: Maura Carabello & Greg Hughes

Recap of the week that was on Utah’s Capitol Hill

Social Media and Kids:

CONGRESS: This week Congressman Chris Stewart presented a bill that would make social media use illegal for kids under the age of 16.

UTAH: Governor Cox announces plan to sue social media companies claiming they harm children.

The future of Utah’s GOP: New poll O.H. Predictive Insights

Next week Election laws on the docket

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Host: Heidi Hatch

Guests: Greg Hughes & Maura Carabello

Utah’s snow gauge at 200%

Governor’s State of the State focus on children

First week of the Utah Legislature and they are moving fast

Next week – week 2 of the Utah Legislative session, proposed social media ban for kids under the age of 16 and a look at the debt ceiling.

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Host: Heidi Hatch

Guest: Maura Carabello

State Snowpack at 191 % - flooding in Draper after valley rains

Salt Lake County creating emergency bus service for Cottonwood Canyons – emergency band aid permanent fix still needed

US House has a new speaker: Blake Moore elected to serve on House Ways and Means but he’s also no longer on the armed services committee.

Biden offices have now reportedly found 3 batches of Classified documents- Garland opened and investigation

Gov. Spencer Cox said he wants to see Utah’s sales tax on food eliminated

Domestic violence Friday funerals for family of 8 killed in Murder suicide, Cox wants the legislature to put 50 million aside for domestic violence resources

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Host: Heidi Hatch

Guests: Maura Carabello & Greg Hughes

NEW YEAR NEW PROBLEMS TO SOLVE

• Delta commits long term to SLCI Airport
• 13 votes and no US House Speaker
• Utah Legislative Business: 3 elections just days before the session begins
• Legislative priorities

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Host: Heidi Hatch

Guest: Maura Carabello 

• School Vouchers tied to teacher pay increase in upcoming Legislative Session
• Tech Layoffs Continue weeks out from the holidays: Governor’s office of Economic Opportunity says they will step in and help.
• Park City Utah company offering the stocking stuffers that are also NFT and give you a chance to meet the former President.
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• Government shutdown in DC? An annual holiday tradition

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Host: Heidi Hatch

Guests: Greg Hughes & Maura Carabello

• Gov. Cox releases proposed Budget
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• Rocky Anderson is running for Mayor again
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• Congress votes to codify same sex and interracial marriage- where did Utah’s delegation fall?
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• Senator Mitt Romney 2024: The latest poll and is he running?
• Democrats win in Georgia: Historically, bad year for Republicans, great year for Dems.
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• Utah Legislative session shaping up behind the scenes.
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• Elon Musk: Is he killing twitter or creating a fair and balanced platform?

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HOST: Heidi Hatch

Guests: Maura Carabello, Exoro Group; Greg Hughes, Former House Speaker/KNRS

Special guest: Former SLCPD Chief Chris Burbank

• Kamala Harris weighs run for governor or another presidential bid
• National Security Advisor Mike Waltz out – nominated to represent the US at the United Nations
• Utah GOP Leadership Elections coming up in a couple weeks
• United Utah, Forward Party merge
• 146,000+ signatures verified for the referendum to overturn a Utah bill restricting bargaining rights for unions
• USU Pres. Cantwell spent $660K on new cars, SLC apt., office bidet per SLTRIB reporting  
• Governors of Utah, Idaho, and Wyoming sign tri-state agreement to strengthen regional energy collaboration
• Trump’s first 100 days
• Border Security, drug/human/oil flow, and cartels with Special guest Former SLCPD Police Chief Chris Burbank

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Host: Heidi Hatch

Guests: Greg Hughes & Maura Carabello

$3.3 billion in Utah state surplus: Should taxpayers get a break or should we use the money in underfunded areas?

Former President Donald Trump is officially in the race for the White House

Democratic Party retains power in the Senate, Republicans cross 218 for control of the House.

Nancy Pelosi calls it a career, steps away from House Leadership

What will change in Congress with newly divided power?

Republicans already saying they will investigate the origins of COVID, Fauci and Biden’s son Hunter and his business dealings with China.

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Host: Heidi Hatch

Guests: Maura Carabello & Greg Hughes

Utah Midterm Results Deep Dive

Evan McMullin finishes 14% behind Lee while votes are still being tabulated- his backers still call it a win- but is it?

What does McMullin's loss mean for future independent runs and how does it compare to Democrats in Utah Senate races?

Constitutional Amendment A dies with 64% against.

In Salt Lake County the big winners were democrats.

The red wave that never happened- Who or what is to blame?

The balance of power yet to be decided.

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Host: Heidi Hatch

Guests: Maura Carabello & Greg Hughes

Ballot problems

Latest Senate Polls favor Sen. Mike Lee

Voter turnout

Constitutional Amendment an issue where Maura and Greg Agree:

Do voters know enough to vote? Does the Legislature need more spending capability?

Races to Watch

Balance of Power

Elon Musk is now in charge of Twitter

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January Walker is running for Congress in Utah’s 4th Congressional District with the United Utah Party.

Walker is running for Congress as a third-party candidate with an eye to problem solving through tech. She is working on an app that would allow constituents the ability to give direct feedback to their congressional candidate.

She sat down with Heidi Hatch on October 31st to discuss Immigration issues she believes can be solved in large part through technology, Inflation and what sets her apart from Congress Burgess Owens.

The midterm election is November 8th.

For voting and registration information: https://vote.utah.gov/

Learn more about Darlene McDonald running on the Democratic ticket and where she stands on issues important to Utahns.

You can learn more about Congressman Burgess Owens time in Congress: https://owens.house.gov/

For more on Owen’s reelection campaign.

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Sen. Mike Lee is looking to keep his seat serving Utah in the US Senate in the upcoming midterm election.

The Senator sat down with Heidi Hatch on Oct. 18 following the televised Senate debate to discuss endorsements, gas prices, inflation, President Joe Biden’s student debt cancelation, attack ads that accuse him of taking money from special interests, immigration, solving the energy crisis and what it will take for Congress to tackle some of these issues in a meaningful way.

The midterm election is November 8.

For voting and registration information: https://vote.utah.gov/

To learn more about Sen. Mike Lee and where he stands on issues important to Utahns.

All candidates are offered the same opportunity for an interview, they will be posted as they are recorded here on KUTV.com and on the Take 2 Podcast.

You can learn more about independent candidate for US Senate, Evan McMullin.

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Congressman Chris Stewart is looking to keep his seat in Utah’s 2nd Congressional District in the midterm election.

The Congressman sat down with Heidi Hatch on October 17 to discuss gas prices, inflation, President Joe Biden’s student debt cancelation, immigration, solving the energy crisis and what it will take for Congress to tackle some of these issues in a meaningful way.

The midterm election is November 8.

For voting and registration information: https://vote.utah.gov/

Learn more about Nick Mitchell the Democratic candidate in the race and where he stands on issues important to Utahns.

All candidates are offered the same opportunity for an interview, they will be posted as they are recorded here on KUTV.com and on the Take 2 Podcast.

You can learn more about Congressman Chris Stewart’s time in Congress serving Utah’s 1st District:

Campaign information: https://www.stewartforutah.com/

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Evan McMullin is running for US Senate, hoping to unseat two-time Sen. Mike Lee in the upcoming midterm election.

The former presidential candidate sat down with Heidi Hatch on October 11 to discuss his recent lawsuit, gas prices, inflation, President Joe Biden’s student debt cancelation, his own campaign debt, immigration, his vow not to caucus with either party, immigration and how he thinks he can represent Utah in Congress as an independent voice.

The midterm election is November 8.

For voting and registration information: https://vote.utah.gov/

Learn more about Evan McMullin and Independent candidate in the race and where he stands on issues important to Utahns.

All candidates are offered the same opportunity for an interview, they will be posted as they are recorded here on KUTV.com and on the Take 2 Podcast. Senator Mike Lee will sit down with Heidi Hatch October 18th as ballots start to arrive in Utah mailboxes.

You can learn more about Senator Mike Lee’s time in Congress.

Campaign information.

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Host: Heidi Hatch

Guest: Maura Carabello & Greg Hughes

MARIJUANA: President Biden will pardon all federal offenses of simple possession of marijuana. The move is a first step toward decriminalization. He encouraged Governors to do the same.

Should Gov. Cox do the same - will he and can he?

Pioneer Park Coalition urges new strategies for reversing growing homelessness and crime in Salt Lake City; Thomas: “We can no longer remain silent”

The PCC listed four immediate steps it intends to take to help accomplish these goals. They include:

1. Promote the creation of a sanctioned camp and eliminate illegal camping.
2. Promote a “Housing Plus” Demonstration Project that reflects the key elements of the PPC plan.
3. Sponsor a research study to identify the flow of clients through the system and provide information about gaps in service.
4. Encourage facility owners and operators to be accountable for drug use and illegal activity in and adjacent to their facilities.

Pioneer Park Coalition

Evan McMullin Sues PAC KUTV and other local stations for running an attack Ad.

The Super PAC Club for Growth aired an altered interview McMullin did with CNN

McMullin was heard saying "the Republican base is racist”

His direct quote on CNN "there is an element of the Republican base that is racist, and our leaders are afraid to stand up to them, because if they do, if they do so, they'll be criticized, and they'll potentially lose votes, and so they don't do it. The full clip in question is here.

Sen. Mike Lee and Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson co-write Op-Ed about accepting election results: “It’s our ability to peacefully accept election results that makes America exceptional”

Opinion: It's our ability to peacefully accept election results that makes America exceptional.

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Congressman Blake Moore is looking to keep his seat in Utah’s 1st Congressional District in the midterm election.

The Congressman sat down with Heidi Hatch on Oct. 6 to discuss Gas prices, Inflation, President Biden’s student debt cancelation, immigration, solving the energy crisis and what it will take for Congress to tackle some of these issues in a meaningful way.

The midterm election is November 8.

For voting and registration information: https://vote.utah.gov/

To learn more about Rick Jones the Democratic candidate in the race and where he stands on issues important to Utahns:

https://www.electrickjones.com/

All major party candidates are offered the same opportunity for an interview, they will be posted as they are recorded here on KUTV.com and on the Take 2 Podcast.

You can learn more about Congressman Blake Moore’s time in Congress serving Utah’s 1st District.

Campaign information can be found here.

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Host: Heidi Hatch

Guests: Maura Carabello & Greg Hughes

Hurricane Ian: More than 2 million in Florida without power, death toll 12 but will likely be much higher. South Carolina in the path Friday. Damages in the 10’s of billions.

Goud Maragani, the GOP nominee for Salt Lake County Clerk used social media to accuse Democrats of "cheating" and stealing the 2020 election.

SLTRIB

Using phones while driving would be banned in Utah under renewed proposal

Rep. Carol Spackman Moss (D-Holladay) told KUTV 2News she will likely run a bill that last failed in 2021, believing passing it would deter people from doing things that contribute to distracted driving crashes.

Senate race ads

New Lee Ad from Club for Growth Action uses Evan McMullin saying "the Republican base is racist”

McMullin posted a clip from CNN where he says "But there is an element of the Republican base that is racist, and our leaders are afraid to stand up to them, because if they do, if they do so, they'll be criticized, and they'll potentially lose votes, and so they don't do it. The full clip in question is here.

UTA cutting service to ski resorts

Is there politics involved in trying to get people on board with the Gondola?

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HOST: Heidi Hatch

GUESTS: Maura Carabello, Exoro Group and Greg Hughes, Former House Speaker/KNRS

Judge rules Utah Fits All scholarship unconstitutional

• Governor Cox appeals

• Wednesday, the Judge rules that the program can continue while the court case plays out – teachers keep their raises

Former Speaker of the House Brad Wilson Named 47G Board Chair

RFK bans food dyes will phase out in US over the next two years.

House Speaker Mike Schultz was at the FDA announcement with a Utah Delegation

USU first to list program cuts after Utah Legislature cuts funding

https://www.usu.edu/president/reinvestment/programs.cfm

Trump Approval Ratings Dropping

https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2025/04/23/trumps-job-rating-drops-key-policies-draw-majority-disapproval-as-he-nears-100-days/

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Rick Jones is running for Congress in Utah’s 1st Congressional District as the Democratic nominee.

Jones is a student of history and currently a piano teacher. He heard Congressman Blake Moore was running uncontested the day before candidate filings were due. He immediately got to work, paid the filing fee and is working to bring civility back to politics.

He sat down with Heidi Hatch on September 29th to discuss Gas prices, Inflation, President Biden’s student debt cancelation and why he can make a difference in Congress.

The midterm election is November 8th.

For voting and registration information visit here.

To learn more about Jones and where he stands on issues important to Utahns visit his website.

All candidates are offered the same opportunity for an interview, they will be posted as they are recorded here on KUTV.com and on the Take 2 Podcast.

You can learn more about Congressman Blake Moore time in Congress serving Utah’s 1st District.

Campaign information can be found at electmoore.com

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Glenn Wright is running for Congress in Utah’s 3rd Congressional District as the Democratic nominee. Wright is a Vietnam veteran and currently serving as a councilman in Summit County.

Wright believes the economy; abortion rights and the environment are the top issues Utahns want Congress to act on.

He sat down with Heidi Hatch on Sept. 26 to discuss gas prices, Utah’s rural economies that depend on fossil fuels, inflation, President Joe Biden’s student debt cancelation and why he can make a difference in Congress.

The midterm election is Nov. 8th 

For voting and registration information visit vote.utah.gov.

To learn more about Wright and where he stands on issues important to Utahns, you can visit Wright's website.

All candidates are offered the same opportunity for an interview, they will be posted as they are recorded here on KUTV.com and on the Take 2 Podcast.

Learn more about Congressman John Curtis time in Congress serving Utah’s 3rd District.

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Host: Heidi Hatch

Guests: Greg Hughes & Maura Carabello

NEW SENATE POLL: Hinckley Des News

• Lee, McMullin react to new poll showing them separated by only 2 points

US SURPASSES RECORD SOUTHERN BORDER CROSSING: 2 million and counting

• VP Harris says the border is secure
• Gov. DeSantis ships migrants to Martha’s Vineyard

Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke canceled from Utah Sheriffs Association meeting

• Utah NAACP chair asked for his removal.
• Clark is controversial: spoke at a QAnon conference, supported the Proud Boys and called Black Lives Matter a hate group. For the record he is Black.

Legislative meetings: Highlights and lowlights?

Joel Ferry Replacement Sworn in: A Brigham City councilman is the newest member of the Utah House of Representatives, filling the seat recently vacated by the new head of the Department of Natural Resources.

Tom Peterson was sworn in Wednesday after defeating three other Republican candidates in a special election the day before. Peterson replaces Joel Ferry, who stepped down last month after being tapped by the governor earlier in the summer to lead the DNR. Peterson will have to step down from his council job, he works as a building official for the State.

New book coming out: Titan of the Senate

TITAN OF THE SENATE is the dramatic story of a conservative champion who shaped modern America—by leading a Golden Age of Bipartisanship and passing more legislation than any other Senator in the post-Vietnam era. Senator Orrin Hatch co-wrote the most sweeping civil rights bill since the 1960s, launched a health insurance program for 25,000,000 uninsured children, co-created the generic drug industry, and championed the greatest HIV/AIDS legislation in American history, while sponsoring or co-sponsoring over 750 pieces of legislation. Based on interviews with Hatch and many of his Senate colleagues plus over 10,000 pages of research from the U.S. Senate Historian's files, this is also the story of a leader who envisions a New Golden Age of Bipartisanship for the future of American politics.

WILLIAM DOYLE is a New York Times bestselling, award-winning author and TV producer based in New York City

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