Take 2 Podcast

Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025

Guests: Heidi Hatch, Maura Carabello (Exoro Group), Sen. Daniel McCay

Redistricting New Maps

• Public comment period runs for 10 days, through Oct. 5
• Feedback can be submitted at redistricting.utah.gov
• Special session scheduled for Oct. 6 to vote on the new map
• Final maps will be submitted to the courts for approval

Great Salt Lake Water Woes

• Gov. Spencer Cox launches GSL 2034, a public-private charter urging all Utahns to help restore the lake
• Comes with a $200 million pledge, half already committed by Ducks Unlimited over 10 years
• New philanthropic coalition Great Salt Lake Rising aims to raise an additional $100 million within a year, led by Josh Romney
• Cox wants lake elevation back to 4,198 feet by the 2034 Winter Olympics (currently at 4,191 feet)

Charlie Kirk Monument at UVU

• Petition supporting memorial: 20,000 signatures
• Petition opposing memorial: 13,000 signatures
• UVU announced creation of a Memorial Committee, co-chaired by Scott M. Smith (UVU Board of Trustees, Qualtrics co-founder) and Amanda Covington (Utah Board of Higher Education chair)
• Committee will include students, political leaders, and other stakeholders

USU Turning Point Event – Tuesday, Sept. 30

• Featured guests: Gov. Spencer Cox, Sen. Mike Lee, Former Rep. Jason Chaffetz
• Some surprise at Cox’s participation after past criticism from Charlie Kirk in 2022
• Still unclear if the format will be a panel or Q&A

Sutherland Institute Transition

• Rick Larsen to step down as CEO on Jan. 1, 2026, and become president emeritus

One Week Out from Possible Government Shutdown

• Federal government faces shutdown if Congress fails to pass spending bill by Oct. 1
• Republicans and Democrats remain divided, particularly over extending enhanced ACA premium subsidies

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