Take 2

KUTV 2News
  • 4.2 (34)
  • GOVERNMENT
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

2News Heidi Hatch hosts an array of special guests as they talk about the issues most important to Utahns.

  1. 3D AGO

    Take 2: State of the Union hit or miss? Prop 4 signature verification; SAVE Act

    Take 2 Podcast – Friday 2/27 Host Heidi HatchGuests: Maura Carabello, John Dougall  State of the Union Hit or miss Senator Mike Lee’s SAVE America Act received a standing ovation.Congressman Blake Moore recognized in the third row (no name) for naming Trump accounts.Some Democrats held an alternate event outside in animal costumes.Democratic leadership had Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger deliver the rebuttal, focusing on affordability.  Proposition 4 Signature Verification Utah GOP has surpassed the statewide number needed to repeal Prop 4: 157,898 verified signatures.Congressman Blake Moore urges voters to let the process play out and stop attempting to remove signatures:“As a former co-chair of Better Boundaries, I encourage them and all parties to stop trying to undo the petition to reconsider Proposition 4 by attempting to remove signatures.” Federal District Court and Utah Supreme Court dismiss redistricting lawsuits; GOP options limited unless they appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.  Utah Legislature Updates Bills Introduced: 1,019S.B. 308 – Judicial District Amendments: Will not move forward this session. Sen. Todd Weiler cited feedback from the Utah State Bar and legal community.HB88 – Immigrant Services Funding: Debate halted by Rep. Karen Peterson; bill sponsor Rep. Trevor Lee framed as protecting taxpayer money.Prediction Markets: Legislature advances ban on proposition betting; Attorney General warns online betting blurs legal lines.HB 423 – DUI and Hit-and-Run Amendments: Passed House committee and floor unanimously; Senate committee passed unanimously; now headed to full Senate vote. Closes gap where fleeing after seriously injuring/killing someone is only a third-degree felony.Secretary of State Proposal: House committee advances plan to amend Utah Constitution so Utahns elect a secretary of state in 2028 instead of the Lt. Governor overseeing elections.  Federal Election News U.S. Department of Justice sued Utah, Oklahoma, Kentucky, West Virginia, and New Jersey for failing to provide full voter rolls. Nationwide total now 29 states + D.C.AG Pam Bondi: “Accurate, well-maintained voter rolls are a requisite for the election integrity that the American people deserve.”Utah Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson:“Neither state nor federal law entitles the Department of Justice to collect private information on law-abiding American citizens… we will always follow the Constitution and the law.” Utah Democratic Party Chair Brian King:“This lawsuit is a blatant overreach and a threat to both Utah voters and our election process… it’s about control and interfering with the midterm election.” Congressional Votes & SAVE Act Four Republican senators, including Sen. John Curtis, opposed ending the filibuster to pass the SAVE Act. Curtis warned he wouldn’t support tabling Democratic amendments if it meant “changing the Senate’s rules.”  Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument Sen. Mike Lee seeks to roll back Biden-era regulations, potentially expanding land use for grazing, mining, and other development.GAO opinion supports congressional review of the BLM plan; Rep. Celeste Maloy requested the review last year.Congress would have 60 legislative days to reject the rule; a simple majority vote would revert management to 2020 Trump-era rules.Supporters frame it as Congress reclaiming lawmaking authority from agencies rather than a state land control issue. No podcast next Friday, but join us March 12th with Utah GOP Chair Rob Axson after the state verification process ends for the Prop 4 repeal effort See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    55 min

  2. FEB 20

    Take 2 Podcast: Redistricting Rulings, Prop 4 Repeal, Lawmakers Advance Tax Cuts

    Host: Heidi Hatch Guests: Maura Carabello, Exoro Group & John Dougall, Former State Auditor Judge’s Ruling in Redistricting cases   Federal District Court Utah Supreme Court   UFRG and Utah GOP surpass expectations, turn in 200K + signatures   Current verified signatures 117,114   HB 575, Fuel Tax and Supply Amendments, Rep. Cal Roberts, R-Salt Lake   New Gas Tax bill reduces rate by 6 cents a gallon, a 15.8% savings – well below below original 20 Cents a gallon   Presser expected Monday: State Leaders to Announce Major Oil and Gas Supply, Water, and Refining Agreements   HB 587, Income Tax Amendments, Rep. Steve Eliason, R-Salt Lake   The bill reduces both the corporate and individual income tax rates from 4.5% to 4.45%.   Immigration HB 88, Public Assistance Amendments, Rep. Trevor Lee, R-Davis   Would prohibit undocumented immigrants from accessing state- and local-funded programs: nonemergency medical health care, local- or state-administered health care or health insurance, housing assistance, food assistance, cash benefits, tuition assistance.   The bill also allows the public to sue state employees who intentionally ignore the law's requirement to present proof of lawful status to access certain services.   HB 294, Employer Verification Amendments, Rep Tiara Auxier, R-Morgan   Would require companies with 100 or more workers to use E-Verify (or similar programs) when hiring employees.   Current law applies to companies with 150 or more workers.   US conducts first air transport of nuclear microreactor in bid to show technology's viability   Arrived at Hill Air Force Base via three Air Force C-17s, then transported to Utah San Rafael Energy Lab in Emery County. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    40 min

  3. FEB 13

    Take 2 Podcast: US House approves SAVE America Act as GOP makes election bill push

    Host: Heidi Hatch Guests: Maura Carabello, Exoro Group; Curt Bramble, former Utah state senator Happy Valentine’s Day. We’re halfway through the session, it’s Presidents' Day weekend, and it’s the anniversary of Utah women’s right to vote.   U.S. House approves the SAVE America Act as GOP makes election bill push Utah Reps. Kennedy, Moore, Maloy, and Owens all voted in favor. Sen. Mike Lee has 49 votes so far in the Senate. UTAH LEGISLATURE Utah lawmaker proposes HB 392, Unlicensed Driver Amendments, heads to the Senate.   As described by HB 136 sponsor Rep. Matt MacPherson, R-West Valley City, the bill is aimed at addressing the rising number of crashes caused by unlicensed drivers. Utah wants to remove marriage tax penalties.   New bill would limit tax credits for unmarried individuals in an attempt to incentivize marriage.   Tax penalties present an obstacle to married households, which threatens the best foundation for kids to have good life outcomes, according to Rep. Melissa Ballard, R-North Salt Lake.   Should Utah third graders struggling with reading be held back a year?   ‘Constitutional court’ three-judge panel bill takes on new amendments.   Utah’s digital ID program, “digital bill of rights,” could lead the nation in privacy framework.   Utah forces Chinese company to sell motorsports park in Tooele County. SIGNATURE GATHERING WINS AND LOSSES • Ben McAdams says he is the first to get the needed 7,000 signatures to make it on the ballot. • Prop 4 repeal signature gathering in 11th hour. Signatures must be turned in by Sunday, Feb. 15. • Salt Lake County tax referendum fails. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    58 min

  4. FEB 6

    Take 2 Podcast: Everything you need to know as Democrats, Republicans use every legal avenue in Utah's redistricting fight

    Host: Heidi Hatch Guests: Maura Carabello, Exoro GroupRob Axson, Utah GOP Chair NEW FEDERAL REDISTRICTING LAWSUIT A new federal lawsuit has been filed by Congressmen Burgess Owens and Celeste Maloy, along with other elected officials, challenging Utah’s redistricting process.   “Today we took action. I, along with elected officials throughout our state, filed a federal lawsuit to defend the constitutional process by which Utah chooses its representatives. We can’t just sit idly by as our representative government is weakened. This lawsuit exists to restore proper constitutional balance.” — Rep. Celeste Maloy   More information on the case: Powers-Gardner v. Henderson   Related developments with the lawsuit filed with the Utah Supreme Court: Utah Legislature asks the Utah Supreme Court to stay the redistricting rulingUtah County Clerk requests to join the case  PROP 4 REPEAL: FINAL DAYS 9 days remain in the Proposition 4 repeal signature-gathering effort, which officially ends Sunday, February 15. Signatures currently verified and submitted to the Lieutenant Governor’s Office: 52%Is a large final submission still coming? Utah GOP Chair Rob Axson offers insightGrowing controversy surrounding the effort, including accusations of assaults on signature gatherers and complaints from voters who say they did not understand what they were signing  SIGNATURE GATHERING CONTROVERSY Better Boundaries announces a targeted signature removal campaign following reports of deceptive signature-gathering practices related to the repeal of Utah’s anti-gerrymandering law.   Better Boundaries says voters were misled by signature gatherers- our Take 2 guests argue this isn’t really an argumentUtah County Attorney confirms a criminal investigation into potential signature-gathering fraudUtah County Clerk Aaron Davidson flagged approximately 300 signatures  SAVE AMERICA ACT The U.S. House is expected to vote next week on Sen. Mike Lee’s SAVE America Act, introduced with Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas). The bill would require proof of citizenship to voteMeasures include photo ID requirements and documentation compliant with REAL ID standardsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    38 min

  5. JAN 30

    Take 2 Podcast: Legislative Session Day

    Host: Heidi Hatch Guests: Utah House Speaker Mike Schultz; Maura Carabello, Exoro Group Tax Cuts & Budget Cuts Utah lawmakers advanced SB60, the proposed cut would reduce tax rates from 4.5% to 4.45% Opponents argue that the reduction could be better allocated amid a projected $300 million revenue loss   Utah Majority Family-focused legislation The House Majority Caucus has made cost-of-living and strong families a priority for this session   Utah Gas Prices Currently, Utah has a $0.385 tax rate per gallon for motor fuel sold at gas pumps in the state, but has an exemption for fuel exported out of state. A draft bill is still in the works that would reassess the state’s gas tax structure   Refineries produce up to 220,000 barrels a day, but about 75,000 of those are shipped out of state to meet demand elsewhere in the West, pushing our prices higher here at home.   As of late January 2026, Utah's average gas prices for regular unleaded are around $2.68 per gallon    Idaho Legislature is fighting Mad over Utah Legislations Idaho House speaker calls Utah House Speaker's plan “Bull manure”, and Speaker Schultz had some choice words in return https://legislature.idaho.gov/wp-content/uploads/sessioninfo/2026/legislation/HJM012.pdf   Sentencing Commission The Speaker is sponsoring HB 274 to reconfigure the sentencing commission. HB274, sponsored by House Speaker Mike Schultz, R-Hooper, would change the makeup of the Utah Sentencing Commission by removing all defense lawyers from the commission and replacing them with more members from law enforcement. The Bar said it “strongly” opposes the bill because it “politicizes” the commission by restructuring it in a way that “favors law enforcement and partisan viewpoints.” https://le.utah.gov/~2026/bills/static/HB0274.html   Utah won a $30 million bid for US Magnesium’s land, water rights, and mining agreements on Tuesday as part of a wider strategy to refill the shrinking Great Salt Lake Utah purchased US Magnesium’s land, water rights, and mining agreements for $30 million to help US Magnesium filed for bankruptcy in 2025, halting magnesium production. Gov. Spencer Cox and Department of Natural Resources Director Joel Ferry say the move is critical for long-term lake health and air quality   Where is Utah’s Appeal to the Supreme Court on Redistricting? Signature-gathering status: Will they need a miracle to get to the magic number by Feb. 14? When it comes to redistricting, most Utah voters do not believe the state legislature should be solely responsible for the district boundaries because it favors the party in power See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    54 min

  6. JAN 23

    Take 2 Podcast: Governor Spencer Cox delivers State of the State address

    Host: Heidi Hatch Guests: Maura Carabello, Exoro Group; Nic Dunn, Sutherland Institute   Governor Spencer Cox — State of the State   Polling: Deseret News / Hinckley Institute One-third of Utah voters say affordable housing should be the Legislature’s top priority.Housing ranked twice as high as any other issue across all partisan and age groups.Utah Legislature's approval rating sits at 47% overall  Possible ICE Detention Center in Salt Lake County West-side Salt Lake City warehouse rumored as potential siteLocal city and county leaders appeared caught off guard, despite ICE’s two-year search for detention space statewide  Legislative Session Updates Utah Senate votes to expand the Utah Supreme Court from five to seven justicesSen. Nate Blouin’s ICE opt-out bill declared dead on arrival, killed in committeeBills to watch heading into Friday’s legislative deadline  BLM Approves Updated Northern Corridor Highway Plan Federal approval clears the way after years of debate and environmental review  Senator Mike Lee's Social Media Post Makes Headlines Reaction and political fallout discussed  Prop. 4 Repeal Effort Scott Presler returns to Utah for a second weekend of signature gathering to repeal Proposition 4  Coming Up Next Week Utah House Speaker Mike Schultz joins Take 2 Podcast See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    1h 1m

  7. JAN 19

    Take 2 Podcast: MLK Day of Service highlights as the Utah legislative session begins

    Take 2 Podcast 1/19/26 Host: Heidi Hatch Guests: State Sen. Jen Plumb, MD, State Rep. Ryan Wilcox MLK Day of Service highlights as the Utah legislative session beginsLawmakers kick off the session with a blood driveMinnesota facing growing tension amid an ICE surgeSen. Nate Blouin introduces a bill to block ICE from entering churches and hospitals and to ban agents from wearing masksUtah ICE detention center has been in planning for nearly two years, dating back to the Biden administrationTrump’s “one big, beautiful bill” and tightening budgets loom over legislative sessions across the West, reporting from Brigham TomcoUtah State School Board asked to cut $300 million, about 5% of its budgetBill filed to expand Utah Supreme Court justices from five to sevenU.S. Supreme Court hears arguments on state bans of transgender athletes in girls’ sportsConservative organizer Scott Presler in Utah gathering signatures to repeal Proposition 4See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    56 min

  8. JAN 9

    Take 2: 8 people shot, 2 killed outside Salt Lake meetinghouse

    Take 2 Podcast — Friday, Jan. 9, 2026 Host: Heidi Hatch Guests: Maura Carabello, Exoro Group; John Dougall, Former State Auditor Happy New Year and America’s 250th anniversary year.   8 people shot, 2 killed outside LDS church in Salt Lake City neighborhood   Nationwide protests after fatal ICE agent shooting in Minneapolis   Newly elected municipal leaders sworn in   Utah Political Updates   Filing deadlines and races The filing deadline has come and gone.Rob Bishop is running for a seat after Utah Rep. Matthew Gwynn announced he will not seek re-election.Former Provo Mayor Kaufusi is running for county commission.GOP Rep. Trevor Lee faces a challenge from Davis County Commissioner Bob Stevenson in House District 16.Three Republican candidates have filed to challenge Utah Senate President Stuart Adams in Senate District 7.Sen. Dan McCay announced his re-election bid while Rep. Doug Fiefia filed to challenge him.Sen. Nate Blouin is running for Congress. Four Democrats have filed: Richard T. Whitney, Silvia Caten, Evan Done and Taylor J. Paden, with Colin Smith also in the mix.County clerk challenge in Utah County: incumbent Aaron Davidson vs. newcomer Corey Astille.  Legal & Legislative The Utah Legislature filed a notice to appeal Utah’s redistricting case with the Utah Supreme Court, seeking to keep the old maps in place.Congressional filing deadline is March. Another Democrat joined the congressional race, bringing the total to 10 listed on Ballotpedia, with Liban Mohamed as number 10.A state school board member announced she won’t seek re-election, citing what she called a “corrupt” system.GOP priorities for the legislative session include a bill to ban cell phone use in schools from bell to bell. National & International ICE fatal shooting in Minnesota has led to nationwide protests, including in Salt Lake City.Nicolas Maduro captured (mention/source not verified in these notes — check if needed).Iran protests and internet shutdown.Trump administration weighing payments to Greenlanders to encourage closer ties with the U.S.Trump said his global power was limited only by his ‘own morality.’ New York Times interview: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/08/briefing/trump-interview-oval-office-apple-ceo.html?smid=url-share See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    1h 6m
See All (307)

4.2
out of 5
34 Ratings

About

2News Heidi Hatch hosts an array of special guests as they talk about the issues most important to Utahns.

Information

  • Creator
    KUTV 2News
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    307
  • Copyright
    © Take 2
  • Show Website
    Take 2

You Might Also Like