Take 2: Utah's Legislature With Heidi Hatch, Greg Hughes And Jim Dabakis

Take 2 welcomes a new guest with former U.S. Attorney Brett Tolman who will join guest Maura Carabello, of The Exoro Group, and host 2News Heidi Hatch. The topics discussed in the political climate of Utah, which was rocked lately with a questionable HIV campaign, included the Articles of Impeachment against President Donald Trump that were hand-walked over to the Senate late Wednesday. Additional topics talked about surrounding the impeachment proceedings include: Mitt Romney - open to witnesses (Democrats only need 4 Republicans) Mike Lee - (not open to witnesses but sided with Democrats on Iran military bill) Utah Impeachment History: Rep. Chris Cannon was a trial manager in 1999 for President Clinton. He was chosen by the Judiciary Committee (not the Speaker). The trio then took to other issues at the forefront of Utah politics. The chit-chat included: Democratic Presidential Candidates:  Should they take part in the trial? Michael Bennett, Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders, and Amy Klobuchar

Take 2 guests Maura Carabello, of The Exoro Group, and Utah Sen. Dan McCay (Riverton-Dist. 41), talk with 2News Heidi Hatch about politics in Utah. The Friday discussion led off with former Take 2 guest, Greg Hughes, joining the gubernatorial race. The first debate of the candidates vying for Utah's head of the executive branch took place in St. George. The panel analyzed if there's enough money to go around and how the candidates are going to have to position themselves to stand out. Other topics discussed included: Governor’s Budget - $20 Billion, which included a freeze on higher education tuition and an earmark of $18.6 million for extended day Kindergarten, The budget increased per pupil spending by 4.5% increase, though the State Board of Education wanted  6%. Another earmark was $100 million for air quality and $20 million for affordable housing. Tax Referendum: Harmons opens stores to signature gathering. Inland Port ruling: Big loss for Salt Lake City?

2News Anchor Heidi Hatch hosts guests Maura Carabello, of The Exoro Group, and Greg Hughes, former Speaker of the House, in its first episode of Take 2 in 2020. The panel discussed Thursday's attack by Joint Special Operations Command that killed Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commander, Qassem Suleimani. Carabello and Hughes didn't exactly agree on the political fallout from the mission. Other topics they also were at odds about included: Tax Referendum signatures: Can they get on the ballot? Full Medicaid expansion is in place and is now a huge part of the state's budget. Gubernatorial candidates file to gather signatures (except Rep. Rob Bishop – he’s old school.) 4th District is getting crowded by candidates but is there any standouts? Utah Legislature will look at delayed school start times again, this as the Salt Lake City School Board is on a listening tour to see if kids really need more sleep.

2News Anchor Heidi Hatch hosts another Take 2 Podcast with guests Maura Carabello, of the Exoro Group, and Utah's former Speaker of the House, Greg Hughes. The lively debate focused on several topics; impeachment, tax reform and background checks on guns. The trio also discussed the claim by a whistleblower that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is stockpiling $100 billion instead of earmarking to help the needy. Words were also exchanged about federal parental leave. A breakdown of the debate is as follows: Impeachment: How the Utah delegation voted and reacted. Fundraising for District 4 based on the impeachment vote. Governor signs tax reform but there's a citizen referendum that is collecting 116,000 signatures in the next month. Is it possible? Winners and losers with tax reform, personally and politically. Salt Lake County Mayor puts in place the new rule for background checks at gun shows starting Jan. 1. Federal parental leave.

2News Anchor Heidi Hatch hosts guests Maura Carabello and Greg Hughes to talk about politics from both sides of the aisle. A new tax code has been introduced in a special session of the Utah Legislature. It awaits a signature by Gov. Gary Herbert but is opposed by Lt. Gov. Spencer Cox. An impeachment vote on President Trump is coming, while only two of Utah's representatives in Congress have spoken out. Meanwhile in the U.K., conservatives won big. https://kutv.com/news/local/podcast-take-2-talking-politics-at-thanksgiving-animal-cruelty-insulin-costs-more

A special holiday Take 2 podcast for Thanksgiving features 2News Anchor Heidi Hatch and former lawmakers Jim Dabakis (D) and Greg Hughes (R). The three-member panel talks about Trump in Florida for Thanksgiving after being given the opportunity to testify next week in his impeachment hearings. Will he? Should he? The trio tackles those questions and more: Melania Trump was booed in Baltimore in her speech on opioids. Was the heckling warranted? Federal Animal Cruelty Law: The Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture Act (PACT) is a bipartisan initiative that bans the intentional crushing, burning, drowning, suffocating, impalement or other serious harm to "living non-human mammals, birds, reptiles, or amphibians." Insulin Cost: Utah Legislature takes on soaring prices. Amber Alerts: Why can’t Utah get them right? This week's Amber Alert sent with 511 number and no information and last month's Amber Alert said, "GryTyt" and nothing else. Debt Ceiling: Cliff coming Dec. 20. Sens. Mike Lee and Mitt Romney

This week, 2News Anchor Heidi Hatch moderates debate between former lawmakers Jim Dabakis (D) and Greg Hughes (R) in the weekly Take 2 podcast. The three-member panel talks about Trump's call to wage war on cartels after 9 victims were killed in an ambush-style attack on Monday. What does the United States need to do if anything? That and more is talked about including: Election wrap-up and low voter turnout that resulted in the win of Erin Mendenall as Salt Lake City's 36th mayor. ERIN MENDENHALL -- 58.17% -- 25,502 LUZ ESCAMILLA -- 41.83% -- 18,342 Tax Meeting: A state tax cut from $75 million to $100 million, with a flat-rate of 4.5 percent, down from the current 4.95 percent. Food Tax: Refund if you can’t afford the food tax? Taxation of new services? Hunstman family's donation of $150 million to mental health at the University of Utah. Is Jon Huntsman, Jr., going to announce candidacy this coming week for the governor's seat? The Salt Lake Tribune officially becomes a non-profit. Sen. Mitt

2News Anchor Heidi Hatch hosts another epic Take 2 Podcast with guests Maura Carabello, of the Exoro Group, and Utah's former Speaker of the House, Greg Hughes. The trio talked about how the Utah congressional delegation voted on party lines with the Trump impeachment inquiry. They also talked about the following topics: Mail-in Ballots: How is voter turnout? Will people vote or let the day slip by in an off-year election? Twitter No More Political Ads: Should the rest of the internet follow suit? Homeless center issues continue. There's a cold snap and there aren't enough beds. Who’s at fault? Kanye bringing Jesus back? Can this save our Country? New Beer: The state stayed up late dumping the week stuff down the drain 3.2%. This was a big enough deal Budweiser’s Clydesdales came for a funeral procession. Now what? Business as usual?

This week, 2News Anchor Heidi Hatch moderated a debate between Maura Carabello, from the EXORO Group, and Greg Hughes, former Utah House Speaker in a new episode of the Take 2 podcast. The panel discussed Sen. Mike Lee's demand of Democratic presidential candidate Beto O’Rourke to take back what he said about religious freedom.  The former Texas congressman proclaimed in a recent town hall meeting that churches should lose tax-exempt status if they oppose same-sex marriage. Other topics the trio discussed included: Utah Legislature looking at incentives for daycare as families struggle to find resources. Tampon Tax – Utah lawmakers killed the bill in 2016; new effort to make tampons a medical necessity. LDS Church releases a statement opposing a proposed conversion therapy ban. New advertisement calls Sen. Mitt Romney a "Secret Democratic Asset." Democratic Debate: Presidential candidate Elizabeth Ann Warren show, hits, and misses. Elizabeth Warren tries to trap Facebook with fake ad: Hit

2News Anchor Heidi Hatch hosts another debate on issues important to Utahns between Maura Carabello, of The Exoro Group, and Greg Hughes (R), former Speaker of the House, on the Take 2 podcast. The three-member panel talked about the University of Utah being selected to host the 2020 vice presidential debate on Oct. 7, 2020. It's a  first for Utah and the only one in the West this election cycle. Additional topics discussed are: Tulsi Gabbard believes the nominating process is rigged. Should she boycott the debate? Competing rallies outside Ben McAdams Office: Our own Greg Hughes among them. Sen. Mitt Romney comes out swinging against Trump this week and Trump swings back. Do we need tougher adoption laws in the state with this week's human trafficking case?

2News Anchor Heidi Hatch facilitates a lively discussion between Utah lawmakers Jim Dabakis (D) and Greg Hughes (R) on the Take 2 podcast. The three-member panel tackles the issue of the Salt Lake City mayoral race. Is Dabakisready to back one of his former rivals? Listen in to find out and also what is speculated about former U.S. Russian Ambassador Jon Huntsman, Jr. candidacy for governor.  Will he or won't he run? What is known is that businessman Greg Miller is not running for the state's top seat, saying in a prepared statement: After careful consideration, I have decided not to run in the 2020 election. At this time, I believe I can do more to enrich the lives of my fellow Utahns through my work in the private sector and through philanthropic and community engagement. What about Hughes? He has half-a-million dollars earmarked for a campaign but is he joining the governor race? Additional topics discussed include: Should the Utah High School Athletic Association (UHSAA) fine schools who forfeit be

**Warning: Viewer advised that an expletive is said in this podcast and in the video.** This week, 2News Anchor Heidi Hatch posed some heavy-hitting questions to former Utah lawmakers Jim Dabakis (D) and Greg Hughes (R) on the Take 2 podcast. The panel discussed the following topics: Utah Women can go topless, Climate Change in Utah, Driver's License Division allowing law enforcement to scan your ID, John Swallow’s big payout, Cannabis in Corrine Utah, Salt Lake County Mayor heads to the border, Utahns favor “red flag” gun laws.

The Take 2 podcast welcomes back former Utah lawmaker Jim Dabakis, representing Democrats and speaking about the latest political topics with former Speaker of the House, Greg Hughes. Host Heidi Hatch takes the two through topics that include a possible special session of the Utah Legislature to tackle the unfinished system of medical marijuana. They respond as one mother says she could lose her children because she uses CBD. They also talk about Jeff Burningham, who recently threw his hat into the ring to be Utah's next govenor. He is already $200,000 ahead of front runner Spencer Cox in fundraising. Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes backs the maker of guns in the appeal of the Sandy Hook shooting. Ten states and nearly two dozen members of Congress are joining the NRA in supporting gunmaker Remington Arms and it fights a Connecticut court ruling involving the liability for the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting.

2News Anchor Heidi Hatch speaks with Rep. Chris Stewart (R-2nd Dist.) in this week's Take 2 podcast. The duo discussed the congressman's recent travels for intelligence briefings and the $54 million earmarked for Hill Air Force Base that President Trump took to allocated to the border wall. They also talked about the likelihood of gun reform when Congress is back in session on Monday.

2News Anchor Heidi Hatch hosted Maura Carabello, from the EXORO Group, and Greg Hughes, former Utah House Speaker for a new episode of the Take 2 podcast. The 3-member panel squabbled over issues that ranged from "The Holy War" ( Utah vs. BYU) outcome to the shrinking Democratic pool of presidential candidates. Other issues debated include: INLAND PORT AGREEMENT FROM SLC MAYOR AND COUNCIL; Despite overwhelming public opposition, the Salt Lake City Council voted Tuesday to approve a hefty tax reimbursement to a developer in the city’s northwest quadrant, where an inland port is planned. FIREARM SAFETY: Will it stop school violence and or suicides? "This addresses the reality that guns are a part of our society and are often in places where children can find them," Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes said. STDs ARE THE MOST COMMON DISEASE IN UTAH OVER INFLUENZA: Two sexually transmitted diseases top the list for the most common diseases in Salt Lake County and the health department says the current approach t

This week, 2News Anchor Heidi Hatch hosted Maura Carabello, from the EXORO Group, and Greg Hughes, former Utah House Speaker for a new episode of the Take 2 podcast. The panel discussed the abrupt resignation of Overstock CEO Patrick M. Byrne. The head of the Utah-based company stated: I now plan on leaving things to the esteemed Department of Justice (which I have doubtless already angered enough by going public) and disappearing for some time. Additional issues that resulted in highly charged conversation included: VICE PRESIDENT MIKE PENCE IN UTAH - He touted Utah’s trade prowess saying, “Utah sends $2 billion worth of goods to Canada each year and $750 million worth to Mexico. Exports have doubled to Canada and tripled to Mexico over the past five years, according to Miller.” The trio speculated about whether Pence does the POTUS any good by showing up in a Republican state that doesn’t like his boss. INTERIM LEGISLATIVE SESSION - State abandons DABC-style control over medical cannabis; private dispens

Heidi Hatch hosts Maura Carabello from the EXORO Group and former Utah House Speaker Greg Hughes. The trio discusses the just tallied mayor voting for Salt Lake County with results that went against polls.  Vice President Mike Pence is heading to Utah, but why is his visit a secret? And the gun debate continues after six officers were shot in Philadelphia. The Trump administration makes major changes to endangered species rules and wants economics to decide the fates of animals.

This week on the Take 2 podcast, 2News Anchor Heidi Hatch is joined by former The Exoro Group's Maura Carabello and former radio host and congressional candidate Jay McFarland. The three-member panel discussed the recent shootings in El Paso, Texas, and Dayton, Ohio, which brings the total number of such incidents up to at least 17 this year.  Additional topics discussed include: MASS SHOOTINGS: What can be done? A space for hopes, prayers, regulation and change. MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS: Salt Lake City has had 20,544 ballots returned so far for 22.75 % turnout. That won’t include ballots being picked up Friday in drop boxes. For all the races in Salt Lake County, it is only 54,877 or 17.16% so far. Review of vote-by-mail instructions because Utahns proved in the last election they did not understand how it worked (Utah County in particular). JON HUNTSMAN, JR. RESIGNATION AS U.S. AMBASSADOR TO RUSSIA:  How would he shake up the governor race or would he?

The 25th episode of the Take 2 podcast features 2News Anchor Heidi Hatch and former Speaker of the House Greg Hughes (R) and The Exoro Group's Maura Carabello. The 3-member panel paid tribute to Norma Matheson, the former First Lady of Utah, who died late Sunday night. She was 89.  Norma was the wife of former Democratic Gov. Scott M. Matheson, and the mother of former U.S. Congressman Jim Matheson and 10th U.S. Circuit Court Judge Scott Matheson, Jr., along with former Rep. James Matheson. The panel then turned their attention to the following topics in a lively debate: Democratic Debates Round 2: Did anyone make headway or lose ground? Mitt Romney goes after Bernie Sanders after the debate. Health insurance: Private vs. Medicaid - During the discussion on health care, Montana Gov. Steve Bullock credited medical treatment in Salt Lake City and "good insurance" with saving his child's life. "Health care is so personal to all of us," Bullock said. "[I'll] never forget when my 12-year-old son had a hea