• Take 2: Assassination Attempt, Data Center, Statewide Convention winners and losers, Iran, SCOTUS ruling
    May 1 2026
    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
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    1 Std. und 9 Min.
  • Take 2 Podcast Convention weekend and the scandals in both parties
    Apr 25 2026
    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
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    26 Min.
  • Take 2 Podcast: Political controversies and campaign shakeups rock Utah campaign season
    Apr 17 2026
    Host: Heidi HatchGusts: Maura Carabello, Exoro Group & Nic Dunn, Sutherland Institute Utah Supreme Court justice faces allegations of impropriety in Prop 4 case In 2025, the Beehive Family earned $123,716 and paid $34,482 in taxes, about 28% of household income. That breaks down to nearly 2½ hours of every workday spent paying taxes UVU commencement speaker Sharon McMahon cancels Nate Blouin makes national headlines over vulgar social media history Utah legislative Democrats condemn Blouin Two businessmen accuse Utah Rep. Trevor Lee of past check fraud and abuse of power Utah House Speaker Mike Schultz says the Legislature is reviewing the allegations Signature gathering ends, Utah CD3 heads toward a convention showdown Swalwell and Gonzales resign from Congress under threat of expulsion TMZ opens a Washington, D.C., office and offers cash for tips, raising questions about whether more candidates could drop out or step down Trump posts a meme depicting himself as Jesus Provo Cougar Pride hosts event featuring a piñata resembling Sen. Mike Lee, a painting of President Donald Trump’s severed head on a platter, and decorative Molotov cocktails for sale Happy Tax Day, Utah families spend nearly 2½ hours each workday paying taxes
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    1 Std. und 1 Min.
  • Take 2 Podcast: JD Vance set to lead ceasefire talks this weekend, Utah gas prices higher than national average
    Apr 11 2026
    Take 2 Podcast, Friday, April 10, 2026 Heidi Hatch with Maura Carabello of Exoro Group and Utah House Speaker Mike Schultz. Vice President JD Vance is set to lead ceasefire talks this weekend, as tensions tied to a potential conflict with Iran continue. There are ongoing questions about whether a ceasefire will hold and if the Strait of Hormuz will remain open. Gas prices in Utah are now higher than the national average, $4.26 compared to $4.16. Lawmakers are also discussing how the state’s gas tax bill works and what it means for drivers. As the legislative session wraps, the group looks at highlights and lowlights, including early fundraising in Utah’s newly redrawn congressional districts and the latest update on efforts to repeal Proposition 4. President Donald Trump is requesting $1 billion to restore and protect the Great Salt Lake, bringing renewed attention to the lake’s decline and long-term environmental concerns. Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson is urging the Department of Homeland Security to abandon a proposed detention center in Salt Lake City. In an April 6 letter, she raised concerns about the plan, as questions remain about whether DHS can back out after already purchasing the site. Utah’s job market continues to grow. Nonfarm payroll employment increased an estimated 0.6% over the past 12 months as of January 2026. A Utah Valley University commencement decision is drawing more attention. The selection of Sharon McMahon as speaker is facing criticism, with College Republicans speaking out against the choice. Photo Courtesy: Jackson Murphy
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    56 Min.
  • Take 2 Podcast: Utah's Congressional Races, LDS GOP numbers shift, Washington County Sheriff
    Apr 4 2026
    Host: Heidi Hatch Guests: Maura Carabello, Exoro Group & Carolyn Phippen, Political Advisor CD1: Democrats try new tactic to win House seat in Utah, running as progressives in red state Open Primary: Who will it favor? DATA FOR PROGRESS INTERNAL POLL RESULTS dfp_ut01_memo_crosstabs.pdf Signatures for D1 Blouin and McAdams will both be in the primary CD2: House Speaker Mike Johnson and Jim Jordan Endorse Blake Moore for Reelection– Lisonbee counting on Convention support- calls out Moore for Advertising campaign using House $$ Latter-day Saints are the 2nd most Republican religious group in America — but also the only one shifting away Washington County Sheriff steps down after accusations of misconduct President Trump signs an order directing the creation of a national eligible voter list Lt Governor immediately spoke out against the order Forest Service Headquarters moves to Salt Lake City Trump “You’re Fired” AG Pam Bondi DHS Kristis Noem President Trump is requesting $1 billion to restore Great Salt Lake as part of his annual budget proposal to Congress
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    56 Min.
  • Take 2 Podcast: Prop 4 dead? Trump pays TSA, No water for ICE, Vetoes, Big bills on Utah’s Capitol Hill
    Mar 28 2026
    Take 2 Podcast March 27 Heidi Hatch Maura Carabello Exoro Group Rep Ryan Wilcox Utah Legislature Repeal Prop 4 dies in Senate District 15 with signature removals Trump signs emergency order to pay TSA agents as Congress struggles to reach funding deal SLC Mayor Mendenhall: No water for ICE facility Governor Cox vetoes: HB462: Gov. Spencer Cox vetoes bill providing internet service on Utah’s rural school buses HB164: Would have required health care providers to tell patients how to file complaints with the state Division of Professional Licensing School bell-to-bell cell phone ban All prop bets are off in Utah under new law Curtis, Schiff introduce bipartisan legislation to ban sports prediction market contracts Wilcox bills: HB0044S07 Criminal Use of Cryptocurrency Amendments HB0072S02 Coercion Amendments Creates the criminal offense of aiding or encouraging suicide (moving the current language regarding aiding suicide from the criminal offense of manslaughter).
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    58 Min.
  • Take 2: ICE controversy intensifies as Utah Gov. Cox releases unity-focused book
    Mar 21 2026
    Host: Heidi Hatch Maura Carabello Exoro Group John Dougall Former State Auditor Utah Caucus night Utah House Speaker Mike Schultz endorses Karianne Lisonbee against incumbent Congressman Blake Moore Prop 4 Repeal Update – Senator Riebe District within striking distance for Better Boundaries 102 signatures beyond requirement ICE warehouse SLC spurs protests and condemnation from SLC and County Mayor’s Utah Democrats SLC Mayor Mendenhall says they won’t run utilities and can’t to the warehouse, demands meeting with DHS Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said he was not given any notice that the Department of Homeland Security was purchasing a warehouse in Salt Lake City Cox said he supports having an ICE detention center in Utah: He said such a center is necessary in the West, as several states, he argued, lack space to hold migrant detainees. Cox said he’d discussed establishing a detention center in the state with President Joe Biden’s administration prior to Trump taking office again. February Polling on ICE Detention in Utah Cesar Chavez: An investigation by The New York Times found extensive evidence that the United Farm Workers co-founder groomed and sexually abused girls Utah Legislature named scholarships after Chavez SLC named 500 South after the Labor leader – Gov. Cox signs 72 bills in the 2026 General Legislative Session Governor Cox new book Random House has announced a book deal with Spencer Cox, offering what the Utah governor calls a guide to lowering political tensions in the U.S. The book, titled Off Ramp, focuses on depolarization and aims to help Americans navigate disagreements in everyday life, from the dinner table to social media and politics.
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    39 Min.
  • Take 2 Podcast: Utah Legislative Session, Utah Congressional Races Shaping up
    Mar 12 2026
    Host: Heidi Hatch Guests: Maura Carabello, Exoro Group • Rob Axson, Utah GOP Chair Utah Legislative Session Sen. Adams kills bill passed seconds after midnight Last-minute signature removal law passed Utahns for Representative Government gets signatures to put repeal of Prop 4 on the ballot The petition to repeal Utah Proposition 4 ended up with nearly 166,000 verified signatures. Signature removal deadline: April 23 Utah Congressional Races Shaping up Utah CD1 Race shifting to the left. A public town hall was held for the eight Democratic candidates running for Congress in Utah’s 1st District. Ben McAdams did not participate. Utah CD2 Blake Moore, the 5th-ranked House Republican, is facing a primary challenge. Karianne Lisonbee is serving her fourth term representing District 14. Before her election to the legislature, she served on the Syracuse City Council. Utah CD3 Celeste Maloy, who won a hard-fought battle in the caucus convention, will face a challenger in Phil Lyman, who previously announced he would run for governor. Utah CD4 Mike Kennedy has filed to run for re-election and already has two Republican primary challengers in the race. Key Political Dates Caucus Night: Tuesday, March 17 Utah Conventions: April 25 National Issues What Americans think about the war in Iran, and whether it could affect the midterms. Partial government shutdown continues nearly a month in, with Utah TSA workers going without pay. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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    1 Std.