Take 2

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?