News roundup: Key GOP senators and Trump critics plan Russia sanctions bill

This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2017, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Key GOP senators and Trump critics plan Russia sanctions bill. Leaked Mormon leaders' paychecks show max salaries. State lawmakers worry raising taxes for education will hurt business climate.

Happy Tuesday. Two of Donald Trump's fiercest GOP critics on Tuesday will release a bipartisan bill to increase sanctions on Russia over its meddling in November's presidential election. Backed by several Democrats as well, the bill is designed to send a message that key Republicans remain committed to punishing Russia for its belligerent behavior, despite President-elect Donald Trump's desire to improve relations with the Kremlin and his downplaying of Russia's involvement in the election. [<a href="http://www.politico.com/story/2017/01/john-mccain-lindsey-graham-no-russia-sanctions-bill-233395">Politico</a>]

<strong>Topping the news: </strong>MormonLeaks purportedly released the pay stubs of top Mormon leaders, showing salaries up to $120,000. [<a href="http://www.sltrib.com/lifestyle/faith/4800350-155/how-much-do-top-mormon-leaders">Trib</a>] [<a href="http://kutv.com/news/local/mormonleaks-web-page-posts-information-about-living-allowance-of-lds-general-authorities">KUTV</a>]

-> Some Utah state lawmakers are concerned the proposed income tax increase to help schools might hurt the state's economy by scaring away businesses. [<a href="http://www.sltrib.com/news/4799641-155/lawmakers-worry-income-tax-hike-for?fullpage=1">Trib</a>] [<a href="http://kutv.com/news/local/caution-urged-about-proposed-income-tax-increase-for-schools">KUTV</a>]

-> Oscar Azarcon Solis, an auxiliary bishop in Los Angeles will take over the Salt Lake Catholic Diocese, becoming the first Asian to lead a U.S. diocese. [<a href="http://www.sltrib.com/home/4800167-155/pope-francis-makes-historic-choice-to">Trib</a>]

<strong>Tweets of the day: </strong>From @<a href="https://twitter.com/joshgondelman">joshgondelman</a>: "It is a credit to Meryl Streep's star power that people are saying she swung the election with a speech she gave 2 months after voting."

And from @<a href="http://www.twitter.com/Patbagley">Patbagley</a>: "It's fun being anti-Obamacare GOP howler monkey when all you do is screech. Not such much fun when howler monkeys have to create alternative"

<strong>Happy Birthday: </strong>To Bobby Harrington.

<strong>In other news: </strong>Salt Lake City plans to develop the old Barnes Bank building, near 300 East and 400 South, into at least 40 apartments as part of an affordable housing plan. [<a href="http://www.sltrib.com/news/4798915-155/salt-lake-city-unveils-affordable-housing">Trib</a>] [<a href="http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865670767/Salt-Lake-City-launches-mixed-use-project-to-include-affordable-housing.html">DNews</a>]

-> Utah climate scientists worry what cuts to NASA funding by the Trump administration would do to future research. [<a href="http://www.sltrib.com/news/4793068-155/utah-climate-scientists-anxious-over-threatened">Trib</a>]

-> The Utah Supreme Court is weighing whether the Public Waters Access Act violates the state constitution by making streams off limits. [<a href="http://www.sltrib.com/news/4780117-155/utahs-top-court-wades-into-waterway">Trib</a>]

-> Paul Rolly says Lyman Family Farm LLC gating off a country road that accesses the new Bears Ears National Monument closely replicates the attitude of the Utah Legislature to control more land in the state. [<a href="http://www.sltrib.com/news/4789220-155/rolly-private-land-grab-in-rural">Trib</a>]

-> SL Co. Mayor Ben McAdams took the oath of office Monday and said he will continue "understanding and then acting on what the people of Salt Lake County desire for their future." [<a href="http://kutv.com/news/local/salt-lake-county-mayor-sworn-in-monday-morning">KUTV</a>]

-> Meanwhile, 25 people elected to office in five new metro townships — Kearns, Magna, Copperton, White City and Emigration Canyon — were also sworn in. [<a href="http://www.sltrib.com/news/4792307-155/metro-township-officials-recite-first-oaths">Trib</a>]

-> Snowbird Ski & Summer Resort hopes to increase its summer business by installing a 2.75 mile zip-line. [<a href="http://www.sltrib.com/news/4792305-155/snowbird-zip-line-plan-stirs-complaints">Trib</a>]

-> Evan McMullin criticizes Trump's plan for the United States to play nice with Russia. [<a href="http://fox13now.com/2017/01/09/evan-mcmullin-questions-trumps-loyalties/">Fox13</a>]

<strong>Nationally:</strong> Jared Kushner, Donald Trump's son in law, will serve as a White House senior advisor — leaving ethic experts questioning whether this violates a federal anti-nepotism statute. [<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-politics/wp/2017/01/09/tumps-son-in-law-jared-kushner-expected-to-join-white-house-as-a-senior-adviser/?hpid=hp_hp-top-table-main_kushner-150pm%3Ahomepage%2Fstory&utm_term=.7ae255bfd9a8">WaPost</a>]

-> The Obama administration plans to blacklist five Russians before Trump takes office. [<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/09/us/politics/russian-sanctions-obama-administration.html?ref=politics">NYTimes</a>]

-> Republican leadership continues with plans to repeal Obamacare within 100 days of the Trump administration. [<a href="http://www.politico.com/story/2017/01/obamacare-repeal-replace-republicans-233374">Politico</a>]

<strong>Where are they?</strong>

<ul>

<li>Rep. Jason <strong><a href="https://twitter.com/jasoninthehouse" target="_blank">Chaffetz</a></strong> sits in on a GOP organizing meeting and casts his vote.</li>

<li>Rep. Mia <a href="https://twitter.com/RepMiaLove" target="_blank"><strong>Love</strong></a> attends meetings and votes.</li>

<li>Lt. Gov. Spencer <strong><a href="https://twitter.com/SpencerJCox" target="_blank">Cox</a></strong> receives a visit from officials of the Chinese Embassy, speaks with a multicultural commission, participates in a ribbon cutting ceremony for Global Payments Inc., attends a luncheon and chats with the Intergenerational Poverty Commission.</li>

<li>President Barack <strong><a href="https://twitter.com/BarackObama" target="_blank">Obama</a> </strong>holds<strong> </strong>meetings in the White House, flies to Chicago to deliver his farewell address and returns back to Washington.</li>

</ul>

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— Thomas Burr and Miranda Tilley

<a title="Thomas Burr" href="https://twitter.com/thomaswburr" target="_blank">Twitter.com/thomaswburr</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/mtilley11">Twitter.com/mtilley11</a>