Aug. 28, 2026

Take 2 Returns: Election Watch, Data Centers, Where's the beef?

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

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