Take 2

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!