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

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