This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

IRS gave $1.1M bonuses to workers who owe back taxes. Shurtleff says if he's charged, he'll win. A preview of the state political conventions.

Happy Thursday. Here's one that'll cause a groan: The IRS paid more than $1 million in performance bonuses and handed out some 10,000 hours in extra paid vacation to 1,100 employees who failed to pay their own individual taxes. A new report by the Treasurer inspector general says at least five of those employees got the financial reward even after being disciplined for intentionally under-reporting their tax liabilities for several years, paying their taxes later or failing to pay their due. [WaPost] [LATimes]

Topping the news: In response to a report released Tuesday saying his handling of Marc Jenson's case "defies explanation," former AG Mark Shurtleff said he was unable to explain his actions because of an ongoing criminal case. He adds that if he's charged, he'll win. [DNews] [ABC4]

-> Want to know what to watch for at this Saturday's political party conventions? You're in luck: here are two previews: [Trib] [DNews]. Bob Bernick has his predictions for how things will shake out. [UtahPolicy]

Tweet of the day: From @daveweigal: "I can't blame voters for failing to tell pollsters who they voted for in 2012. Who wants to remember that election?"

From @sausagegrinder: "I love the smell of new Representative in the morning. Justin Fawson is the freshly appointed @UtahReps from District 7."

In other news: State Rep. Ken Ivory, R-West Jordan, and former BLM Director Pat Shea clashed over whether states should take control of federal lands on Trib Talk, but they agreed to a debate at the U. [Trib]

-> Rep. Jason Chaffetz responded to claims made by his opponents at a delegate meeting Wednesday. [Herald]

-> Rep. Chris Stewart told state delegates they should vote for him because he kept his promises, has prominent committee assignments and will help Utahns on public lands issues. [SGNews]

-> Comic Con helped UTA set a ridership record over the the convention's three days. [Trib]

-> The SLC Council adjusted impact fees Tuesday. [Trib]

-> Pat Bagley gives his take on the politics of the Keystone pipeline. [Trib]

Nationally: The FCC is proposing allowing companies to pay Internet service providers for fast lanes. [NYTimes]

-> Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal signed a controversial bill allowing people to carry guns into places such as schools, churches and government buildings. [AJC]

-> Wealthy candidates who are funding their own campaigns have seen some success this year. [WaPost]

Where are they?

Rep. Jason Chaffetz holds town hall meetings in Cottonwood Heights and Heber.

Lt. Gov. Spencer Cox speaks at North Sanpete High School and hits the Garkane Energy 75th Anniversary.

SL Co. Mayor Ben McAdams meets with SL Co. DA Sim Gill, speaks at Ballet West's Topping Off Ceremony and meets with Deputy Mayor Nichole Dunn.

President Barack Obama participates in an official arrival ceremony in Tokyo, an inspection of the Honor Guard, a state call with the Emperor and Empress of Japan, meets and hold a press conference with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and tours the Miraikan Science Expo. He also speaks at the science expo's youth event, tours the Meiji Shrine, participates in a reception line and goes to the State Dinner with Abe.

Got a tip? A birthday, wedding or anniversary to announce? Email us at cornflakes@sltrib.com. If you haven't already, sign up for our weekday email and get this sent directly to your inbox. [Trib]

— Thomas Burr and Topher Webb Twitter.com/thomaswburr and Twitter.com/topherjwebb