This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
The session begins. Are TV ads worth it for campaigns? Trump feels invincible.
Happy Monday. Welcome to the start of the 2016 Utah legislative session. After today, there's only 44 days of lawmaking left. The new Tribune/Hinckley Institute Poll found that 91 percent of residents want that lawmaking done in public, not in closed door GOP caucuses. So what is Senate President Wayne Niederhauser's response? "We don't plan on changing." [http://www.sltrib.com/news/3450482-155/poll-utahns-want-legislative-debate-out?utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=twitterfeed" target="_blank">Trib] More from the poll below.
Topping the news: The GOP candidates spending the most on TV ads in the early primary states don't have much to show from it, making some question the tried, true and expensive campaign staple. [http://www.latimes.com/nation/politics/la-na-campaign-advertising-20160125-story.html" target="_blank">LATimes]
-> GOP presidential candidate and front-runner Donald Trump said Saturday that he could "shoot someone and not lose voters." [http://www.cnn.com/2016/01/23/politics/donald-trump-shoot-somebody-support/" target="_blank">CNN] [http://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/presidential-races/266839-trump-defends-shooting-comments" target="_blank">TheHill] [http://www.people.com/article/donald-trump-joke-shoot-someone-not-lose-voters" target="_blank">People]
-> Of the $1.54 million raised by state lawmakers in 2015, 94 percent of the cash came from special interest groups. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/3437412-155/lawmakers-rake-in-cash-from-special" target="_blank">Trib]
Tweets of the weekend: From https://twitter.com/spencerjcox?refsrc=email&s=11" target="_blank">@SpencerJCox: "Really hoping that if I shot someone none of you would vote for me. https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Trump2016&src=hash" target="_blank">#Trump2016"
From https://twitter.com/RexHuppke">@RexHuppke: "The script for the new X-Files is just a copy of the comments section under a Breitbart story about Hillary Clinton."
Tune in: Sonita Alizadeh and director Rokhsareh Ghaem Maghami join Jennifer Napier-Pearce for a special Trib Talk Live in Park City, sponsored by the Utah Film Commission. Time change: Watch this online video chat at http://sltrib.com/" target="_blank">sltrib.com starting at 3:45 p.m. MT.
Opinion section: George Chapman, a former SLC mayoral candidate, and Craig Carter, who is retired from the University of Utah and active in Americans with Disabilities Act and East Bench issues, ask that Utahns not forget about law enforcement officers who are willing to take a bullet for them. [http://www.sltrib.com/opinion/3445617-155/op-ed-never-forget-that-police-officers" target="_blank">Trib]
-> Bob Pegritz, a practicing medical/legal consultant for 25 years, advises Utahns to be more inclined to request autopsies for loved ones. [http://www.sltrib.com/opinion/3386564-155/op-ed-utahns-should-be-more-inclined" target="_blank">Trib]
-> Lesli Allison, executive director of the Western Landowners Alliance, believes the key to preserving western ranching is cooperation, not standoffs. [http://www.sltrib.com/opinion/3424677-155/op-ed-cooperation-not-standoffs-drives-the" target="_blank">Trib]
-> Bill Hedden, the executive director of the Grand Canyon Trust from Grand County, says the wording of Reps. Rob Bishop and Jason Chaffetz' Public Land Initiative practically gives away land to counties and oil and gas companies. [http://www.sltrib.com/opinion/3445710-155/op-ed-long-awaited-pli-is-a" target="_blank">Trib]
-> David M. Abelson, managing director of Abelson Partners in Boulder, Colo., wonders how long politicians who supported oil shale development in 2012 are willing to wait for results. [http://www.sltrib.com/opinion/3445701-155/op-ed-how-long-will-utah-politicians" target="_blank">Trib]
-> Johanna Watzinger-Tharp, director of International Studies Program at the U., urges Utahns to support extending the state's unique language education programs through high school. [http://www.sltrib.com/opinion/3445682-155/op-ed-keep-utahs-language-education-momentum" target="_blank">Trib]
-> Nubia Pena, a third-year law student at the U. and founder and president of the Social Justice Student Initiative, and Susan Folsom, a third-year medical student at the U. and founder and president of the Health and Human Rights Interest Group, advocate for victims of human trafficking here in Utah. [http://www.sltrib.com/opinion/3445728-155/op-ed-human-trafficking-happens-here-and" target="_blank">Trib]
-> Eric Rumple, a Sandy resident with an MBA from the University of Chicago and author of the novel, "Forgive Our Debts," says the state uses taxes from residents as "handouts" to Hollywood productions. [http://www.sltrib.com/opinion/3437222-155/op-ed-state-film-subsidy-is-handout" target="_blank">Trib]
-> Julienna Viegas-Haws, who was born and raised in Belgium, served an LDS mission on Temple Square, graduated with a B.A. in international politics from BYU and is raising three children with her husband in Texas, hopes this year will bring more advances for women in the LDS community. [http://www.sltrib.com/opinion/3415602-155/op-ed-hoping-2016-brings-more-needed?fullpage=1" target="_blank">Trib]
-> Paul Rolly explains how Utahns, despite disapproving of the Legislature's' performances, vote for their legislators again anyway. [http://www.sltrib.com/opinion/3444659-155/rolly-utahns-lambaste-their-legislators-but" target="_blank">Trib]
-> Pat Bagley questions Track Palin's case. [http://www.sltrib.com/opinion/3451357-155/bagley-cartoon-a-track-palin-question" target="_blank">Trib]
-> Tribune editor Terry Orme suggests that Utahns take a look at what they want as the 2016 legislative session begins today. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/3450241-155/editor-column-taking-your-temperature-before" target="_blank">Trib]
-> Frank Pignanelli and LaVarr Webb discuss the legislative session. [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865646066/Utah-Legislature-blasting-off-with-election-year-session.html" target="_blank">DNews]
Tribune/Hinckley Institute Poll: Utahns are divided on whether it would be worth the money to buy public lands from the federal government. They also disagree on what ought to be the fate of San Juan County Commissioner Chairman Phil Lyman. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/3445765-155/utahns-divided-on-public-lands-transfer-lyman" target="_blank">Trib]
-> A poll shows that most Utahns want the state to give up control of its monopoly on alcohol. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/3436742-155/majority-of-utahns-wants-to-scrap" target="_blank">Trib]
-> Despite some setbacks, Utahns want to fund healthcare for the poor. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/3450348-155/despite-setbacks-and-cost-utahns-still" target="_blank">Trib]
-> A new poll shows that the majority of Utah residents aren't interested in purchasing classroom computers for each student. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/3445181-155/poll-most-utahns-uninterested-in-buying" target="_blank">Trib]
Weekend in review: Four congressmen heard complaints of Utah residents against federal land management agencies in southern Utah on Friday. [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865646022/Public-lands-listening-session-brings-howls-of-complaints-against-feds.html" target="_blank">DNews] [http://kutv.com/news/local/recent-blm-plans-cause-debate-at-hearing-in-st-george" target="_blank">KUTV] [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865645985/Congressional-committee-rails-on-BLM-over-Washington-County-land-plans.html" target="_blank">DNews]
-> Gov. Gary Herbert offended some Latino lawmakers last week at a press conference with a George Carlin impression gone awry. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/3450459-155/utah-guvs-george-carlin-inspired-que-pasa" target="_blank">Trib] [http://www.good4utah.com/news/local-news/legislators-speak-out-against-governors-que-pasa-statement" target="_blank">ABC4]
-> Medicaid expansion is one example of public decisions made behind the closed doors of the Utah House Republican caucus. [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865646080/Behind-closed-doors-Public-decisions-made-in-private.html" target="_blank">DNews]
-> Newer residents in the Glendale Community clashed with local leaders when they weren't allowed to vote for council candidates at a meeting last week. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/3449654-155/growing-pains-discord-at-glendale-community" target="_blank">Trib]
-> Utah lawmakers are debating several proposals for bills related to guns as the subject is highlighted nationwide. [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865646098/Utah-lawmakers-to-grapple-with-gun-issues.html" target="_blank">DNews]
-> A proposed bill would require IT workers to report any child pornography, or they'd face jail time. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/3450646-155/bill-would-require-it-workers-to" target="_blank">APviaTrib]
-> A bill being drafted could "re-criminalize" polygamy and may affect a lawsuit against the state. [http://fox13now.com/2016/01/22/mystery-polygamy-bill-in-the-utah-legislature-could-impact-sister-wives-case/" target="_blank">Fox13]
-> Gubernatorial candidate Jonathan Johnson debated state Sen. Jim Dabakis Friday, after Gov. Gary Herbert declined an invitation to participate. The debate was recorded in three parts. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sUuwiERNFiU" target="_blank">YouTube] [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5iuH5tmmjig" target="_blank">YouTube] [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9WJoZ32rUcM" target="_blank">YouTube]
-> Herbert named Kenneth Thomas Adams director for the Office of Outdoor Recreation on Friday. [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865645978/Office-of-Outdoor-Recreation-gets-new-director.html" target="_blank">DNews]
-> Herbert's not a fan of a Democratic plan to fund only public education through income tax collections, instead of both public and higher ed. [http://utahpolicy.com/index.php/features/today-at-utah-policy/8309-" target="_blank">UtahPolicy]
-> Utah Democrats celebrated their annual gala on Saturday. [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865646087/Utah-Dems-look-ahead-celebrate-at-annual-legislative-gala.html" target="_blank">DNews] [http://www.good4utah.com/news/local-news/utah-dems-host-annual-legislative-gala" target="_blank">ABC4]
-> Some without coverage still hold out hope for some kind of Medicaid expansion, [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865646095/No-insurance-but-still-clinging-to-hope.html" target="_blank">DNews] but others have been driven to sign up for healthcare despite concerns. [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865646054/Rising-penalties-drive-Utahns-to-sign-up-for-health-care-but-concerns-grow.html" target="_blank">DNews] The subject will come up again among lawmakers as the legislative session begins. [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865646097/Utah-lawmakers-get-creative-with-Medicaid-expansion.html" target="_blank">DNews]
-> 55 percent of Utahns wants the state to take over the federal land within its borders. [http://utahpolicy.com/index.php/features/today-at-utah-policy/8310-" target="_blank">UtahPolicy]
-> Utah Transit Authority announced it will double bus service to Capitol with buses arriving every 15 minutes. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/3449601-155/uta-doubles-capitol-bus-service-for" target="_blank">Trib] [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865646020/UTA-adds-extra-bus-service-to-state-Capitol-during-legislative-session.html" target="_blank">DNews]
-> The Summit County sheriff tried to ground the Uber chopper and Blade Helicopter Services transporting people to this year's Sundance Film Festival for lacking permits, but others say there are no permits to apply for. A district judge will hear more on the matter today. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/3450261-155/sheriff-tries-to-ground-uber-chopper" target="_blank">Trib] Uber agreed to halt services on Saturday. [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865646055/Uber-Chopper-flights-grounded.html" target="_blank">DNews] [http://kutv.com/news/local/uber-will-now-ground-helicopter-flights-around-sundance-film-festival" target="_blank">KUTV] [http://www.good4utah.com/news/local-news/the-battle-is-over-an-agreement-reached-to-stop-flights" target="_blank">ABC4]
-> A $104 million project will aim to replace rough concrete on I-215 in western Salt Lake City over a two-year period. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/3449836-155/major-work-coming-for-i-215-in" target="_blank">Trib]
-> Some students and faculty at the U. say that research and equality are suffering in light of a new visa law, profiling people from four Middle Eastern countries. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/3437332-155/university-of-utah-faculty-say-research" target="_blank">Trib]
-> Federal environmental officials are asking locals for input on what should be done about Utah's haze problem. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/3449243-155/visiting-feds-ask-for-local-input" target="_blank">Trib]
-> Tesoro has donated $300,000 to help with SL Co. drivers' emission repairs. [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865645984/Tesoro-donates-300K-to-help-Salt-Lake-County-drivers-pay-for-emission-repairs.html" target="_blank">DNews] [http://www.good4utah.com/news/local-news/sl-county-receives-grant-to-help-improve-vehicle-emissions" target="_blank">ABC4] [http://kuer.org/post/salt-lake-county-expands-program-repair-polluting-cars" target="_blank">KUER]
-> SLC leaders hope the upcoming legislative session will yield help for air quality and homelessness. [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865646029/Salt-Lake-City-leaders-seeking-Legislatures-help-in-addressing-air-quality-homelessness.html" target="_blank">DNews] Lawmakers are making air quality a priority heading into the legislative session. [http://kuer.org/post/air-quality-rises-top-lawmakers-agenda" target="_blank">KUER]
-> SLC Mayor Jackie Biskupski is working on a plan to reduce crime near the city's downtown hub for the homeless. [http://kutv.com/news/local/mayor-biskupski-working-on-new-downtown-homeless-plan" target="_blank">KUTV]
-> Activists are pleading for Utahns to fight against human trafficking. [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865646052/Activists-plead-for-help-in-the-fight-against-human-trafficking.html" target="_blank">DNews] [http://kutv.com/news/local/red-chalk-project-brings-awareness-about-human-sex-trafficking-to-utah" target="_blank">KUTV] [http://www.good4utah.com/news/top-stories/raising-awareness-about-the-forgotten-victims-of-human-trafficking" target="_blank">ABC4]
-> Protestors marched Friday advocating for an overturn of the ruling on Roe v. Wade on its 43rd anniversary. [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865646017/Group-marches-to-protest-Roe-v-Wade-ruling.html" target="_blank">DNews]
-> A lawsuit was filed Friday against the state of Utah and Washington County accusing the entities of failing to provide adequate public defenders and using a "broken" system. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/3449965-155/state-of-utah-washington-county-sued" target="_blank">Trib]
-> The funeral for Unified Police Department Officer Doug Barney, who was killed while on duty in a shootout, will take place today at 11 a.m. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/3450388-155/services-set-for-fallen-utah-police" target="_blank">Trib] Volunteers set up 3,000 American flags for the ceremony. [http://fox13now.com/2016/01/24/volunteers-set-up-3000-flags-in-northern-utah-ahead-of-funeral-services-for-fallen-officer/" target="_blank">Fox13] [http://www.good4utah.com/news/top-stories/utah-gets-ready-to-say-good-bye-to-a-hero" target="_blank">ABC4] Last night at the viewing, Salt Lake County Sheriff Jim Winder said Barney's death was "not for nothing." [http://www.sltrib.com/news/3450276-155/doug-barneys-death-was-not-for" target="_blank">Trib] [http://kutv.com/news/local/the-night-before-his-funeral-hundreds-gather-for-fallen-officers-viewing" target="_blank">KUTV] [http://fox13now.com/2016/01/24/hundreds-attend-viewing-for-fallen-officer-doug-barney/" target="_blank">Fox13] [http://www.good4utah.com/news/local-news/hundreds-gather-to-celebrate-the-life-of-ofc-barney" target="_blank">ABC4]
-> The LDS policy announced in recent months has most Utahns divided. Most Mormons support it, while others don't. [http://www.sltrib.com/lifestyle/faith/3446271-155/split-surfaces-in-lds-policy-on" target="_blank">Trib]
-> Billboards of former U.S. President William Harrison have popped up all over Utah as part of an experiment. [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865646096/President-Harrison-billboards-teach-a-lesson-to-Utahs-lieutenant-governor.html" target="_blank">DNews]
-> More Utah colleges are restricting hoverboards. [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/765683816/More-Utah-universities-restricting-hoverboards.html" target="_blank">APviaDNews] [http://kutv.com/news/local/utah-universities-restricting-hoverboards" target="_blank">APviaKUTV]
-> The state's unemployment rate has remained at a steady 3.5 percent. [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865646011/Utahs-jobless-rate-remains-low-at-35-percent.html" target="_blank">DNews]
Nationally: An Iowa newspaper declared its endorsement of GOP presidential candidate Marco Rubio and Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton on Saturday, with the caucus taking place next week. [http://www.npr.org/2016/01/23/464144018/marco-rubio-hillary-clinton-pick-up-endorsements-from-iowa-newspaper" target="_blank">NPR]
-> Texas Gov. Rick Perry is prepared to endorse fellow Texan Ted Cruz, even though the two don't exactly have the strongest relationship. Perry says the race is down to Cruz and Donald Trump. [http://www.politico.com/story/2016/01/rick-perry-endorses-ted-cruz-218170" target="_blank">Politico]
-> Tina Fey mocked Sarah Palin's endorsement of the Republican front-runner on "Saturday Night Live." [http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/entertainthis/2016/01/24/snl-saturday-night-live-tina-fey-as-sarah-palin-donald-trump-ronda-roused-selena-gomez/79255698/" target="_blank">USAToday]
-> The net worth of the Koch brothers has more than doubled since President Barack Obama was elected in 2008. [http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/koch-brothers-net-worth_us_56a3ac86e4b076aadcc6d1f4?section=politics" target="_blank">HuffPost]
Where are they?
Got a tip? A birthday, wedding or anniversary to announce? Email us at cornflakes@sltrib.com" target="_blank">cornflakes@sltrib.com. If you haven't already, sign up for our weekday email and get this sent directly to your inbox. [http://www.sltrib.com/pages/email" target="_blank">Trib]
— Matt Canham and Mariah Noble
http://Twitter.com/mattcanham" target="_blank">Twitter.com/mattcanham and https://twitter.com/mnoblenews" target="_blank">Twitter.com/mnoblenews