News roundup: Washington could face a 'train wreck' this fall

This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2017, and information in the article may be outdated.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.

Fear of 'train wreck' in Washington this fall. Judge rules against 3rd District wannabe candidate. BLM pulls lease sale near Zion National Park.

Happy Monday. Concerns are rising in Washington that Congress may be headed toward the economic and political disaster of a debt default and a government shutdown later this year. And the the Senate, known as the world's greatest deliberative body, may not be able to live up to its moniker. [<a href="http://www.politico.com/story/2017/06/05/senate-republicans-shutdown-debt-default-239083">Politico</a>]

<strong>Topping the news: </strong>A judge ruled that Utah election officials were right to block BYU professor Chia-Chi Teng from entering the special election to replace Rep. Jason Chaffetz after he attempted to file from China via video chat. Teng could appeal the decision directly to the Utah Supreme Court. [<a href="http://www.sltrib.com/news/5360225-155/judge-utah-right-to-bar-byu">Trib</a>] [<a href="http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865681257/Judge-rejects-Republican-candidates-challenge-to-in-person-filing-law.html">DNews</a>]

-> Prosecutors make mistakes but are rarely ever punished. A Salt Lake Tribune analysis shows it is rare to see repercussions for misconduct. [<a href="http://www.sltrib.com/news/5349969-155/who-punishes-a-prosecutor-in-utah">Trib</a>]

-> The BLM pulled the plug on oil and gas leases near Zion National Park after residents and state officials asked for the land to be protected. [<a href="http://www.sltrib.com/news/5352062-155/blm-yanks-oil-and-gas-leases">Trib</a>]

<strong>Tweets of the weekend: </strong>From @<a href="https://twitter.com/redsteeze">redsteeze</a>: "Terror: Don't overreact. This is just something we have to learn to live with. Leave Paris Accord: We just literally murdered planet Earth"

-> From @<a href="https://twitter.com/AndyYoungFilm">AndyYoungFilm</a>: "BREAKING NEWS: Trump shutting down Netflix to help bring back Blockbuster jobs."

-> From @<a href="https://twitter.com/ilooklikelilbil">ilooklikelilbil</a>: "hey there delilah, whats it like in a country that believes in climate change."

<strong>Happy Birthday: </strong>To Taylorsville City Councilman Ernest Burgess.

<strong>Opinion section:</strong> United Utah Party's candidate in the special election to replace Rep. Jason Chaffetz, Jim Bennett, believes that members of the state's dominant Republican Party are responsible for challenges faced by the new group. [<a href="http://www.sltrib.com/opinion/5355217-155/jim-bennett-officials-of-our-one-party">Trib</a>]

-> Richard Davis, the chair of the new United Utah Party, explains why the group believes that there is a need for a centrist political party. [<a href="http://www.sltrib.com/opinion/5352358-155/richard-davis-why-a-new-political">Trib</a>]

-> Despite recent social progress, attorneys who represent various organizations that fight for LGBT rights feel that the future is uncertain for the movement. [<a href="http://www.sltrib.com/opinion/5352347-155/op-ed-pride-2017-a-celebration">Trib</a>]

-> Former members of Gov. Jon Huntsman's Blue Ribbon Advisory Council on Climate Change are more confident in warming caused by humans today than they have ever been. [<a href="http://www.sltrib.com/opinion/5352380-155/op-ed-what-science-tells-us-after">Trib</a>]

-> Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke's review of national monuments designated under the Antiquities Act is an opportunity to curtail abuse of executive power, contendsRandy Simmons, professor of political economy at the Jon M. Huntsman Business School at Utah State University. [<a href="http://www.sltrib.com/opinion/5352415-155/op-ed-antiquities-act-review-a-chance">Trib</a>]

-> Rex Zedalis of the University of Tulsa law school feels that public lands like Bears Ears National Monument personify one of America's most important values: freedom. [<a href="http://www.sltrib.com/opinion/5352389-155/op-ed-bears-ears-and-other-wild">Trib</a>]

-> Mary Bishop, a Salt Lake City resident who is fighting cancer, worries that proposed cuts to Medicare will reduce access to healthcare. [<a href="http://www.sltrib.com/opinion/5352434-155/op-ed-proposed-medicare-cuts-would-devastate">Trib</a>]

-> A new law that enables internet service providers to sell browsing history threatens the freedom of Americans, writes Rowland Hall student Michael Palmer. [<a href="http://www.sltrib.com/opinion/5275813-155/op-ed-how-isps-made-you-their">Trib</a>]

-> George Pyle argues that Republicans who decry social programs but give breaks to large corporations are hypocrites. [<a href="http://www.sltrib.com/opinion/5355596-155/george-pyle-why-do-republicans-have">Trib</a>]

<strong>Weekend in review:</strong> Sen. Orrin Hatch spoke at the University of Utah about the state's high suicide rate. He introduced a bill last month to create a three digit suicide hotline. [<a href="http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865681291/Special-problems-here-Hatch-talks-Utahs-dire-suicide-rate-lauds-state-hotline.html">DNews</a>]

-> Longtime mayors Tom Dolan and Dan Snarr will return to the ballots of their municipalities for upcoming elections. [<a href="http://www.sltrib.com/news/5359685-155/longtime-mayors-dolan-snarr-back-in">Trib</a>]

-> After a breach was opened connecting the northern and southern portions of the Great Salt Lake, scientists are monitoring the lake for a highly poisonous form of mercury. [<a href="http://www.sltrib.com/home/5332901-155/breach-may-help-solve-toxic-mystery">Trib</a>]

-> At the 42nd annual Utah Pride Parade, participants emphasized the need to include all voices in the LGBTQ conversation. [<a href="http://www.sltrib.com/news/5357078-155/pride-parade-attendees-feel-sense-of">Trib</a>] [<a href="http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865681324/Thousands-celebrate-diversity-at-Utah-Pride-Parade-downtown.html">DNews</a>] [<a href="http://www.good4utah.com/news/top-stories/the-street-was-filled-with-rainbows/731379761">ABC4</a>] [<a href="http://fox13now.com/2017/06/04/thousands-celebrate-pride-in-salt-lake-city/">FOX13</a>] [<a href="http://kutv.com/news/local/2017-utah-pride-fest">KUTV</a>]

-> A group of protesters gathered outside of Club Jam on Friday, the night of the Pride Festival Opening Ceremonies, and shouted anti-gay remarks at patrons. [<a href="http://www.sltrib.com/news/5362130-155/video-shows-protesters-shouting-anti-gay-comments">Trib</a>]

-> Salt Lake City Council members are questioning Mayor Jackie Biskupski's decision to nominate state Sen. Jim Dabakis to the UTA board. [<a href="http://www.sltrib.com/news/5357242-155/city-council-members-question-dabakis-qualifications">Trib</a>]

-> After a series of scandals and controversies, the UTA board is working to regain public trust so that it can raise taxes to fund needed growth. [<a href="http://www.sltrib.com/news/5359413-155/uta-board-talks-about-rebuilding-public">Trib</a>]

-> Seven women have accused Rob Miller <span style="margin: 0; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Calibri', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: #000000;">—</span></span> a candidate for Utah Democratic Party chairman <span style="margin: 0; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Calibri', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: #000000;">—</span></span> of sexual misconduct. [<a href="http://www.sltrib.com/news/5359823-155/7-women-allege-sexual-misconduct-by">Trib</a>] [<a href="http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865681269/Several-women-allege-sexual-misconduct-against-Utah-Democratic-Party-chairman-candidate.html">DNews</a>] [<a href="http://kuer.org/post/candidate-utah-democratic-chair-accused-sexual-misconduct">KUER</a>]

-> With recent tweaks made to the Utah Science, Technology and Research initiative by the Legislature, officials say the program is even better equipped to make the state a technology and innovation leader. [<a href="http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865681328/USTAR-revising-role-in-making-Utah-tech-matter.html">DNews</a>]

-> Gov. Gary Herbert told the Utah Board of Education that it still has work to do to address Utahns' discontentment with the Common Core. [<a href="http://www.sltrib.com/news/5359823-155/7-women-allege-sexual-misconduct-by">Trib</a>]

-> A new study found that two-thirds of Utah college students work, which can lead to prolonged attendance and lower graduation rates. [<a href="http://www.sltrib.com/news/5351529-155/most-utah-college-students-work-while">Trib</a>]

-> The Homeland Security Department gave $4.7 million to Utah and the Salt Lake City metro area to prepare for disasters and terrorism attacks. [<a href="http://www.sltrib.com/news/5359383-155/feds-give-utah-and-slc-47">Trib</a>]

-> The LDS Church will return $2.35 million dollars in donations made by Jeremy Johnson, who was convicted of fraud-related charges. [<a href="http://www.sltrib.com/news/5360384-155/mormon-church-returns-23m-of-convicted">Trib</a>]

-> In Colorado City and adjoining Hildale, traditionally polygamous communities, the LDS Church is expanding its presence. [<a href="http://www.sltrib.com/news/5352208-155/mormon-church-the-one-that">Trib</a>]

-> Former Provo police chief John King voluntarily gave up his Utah police certification after authorities launched an investigation into his alleged sexual assault of a police department volunteer. [<a href="http://www.sltrib.com/news/5360046-155/ex-provo-police-chief-king-voluntarily-gives">Trib</a>]

-> Dennis Kelsch, director of homeless services for Catholic Community Services, is retiring. [<a href="http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865681327/After-lifetime-of-helping-others-homeless-services-director-to-retire.html">Trib</a>]

-> Next year, a new law will eliminate mandatory vehicle safety inspections. Some Utahns are excited about reduced government regulation, while others worry about public safety. [<a href="http://www.sltrib.com/news/5356090-155/utahns-cheer-dread-impending-demise-of">Trib</a>]

<strong>Nationally: </strong>After a series of three terrorist attacks in London, President Donald Trump responded on Twitter by criticizing the mayor of the city. [<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/04/us/politics/britain-attack-trump-twitter-storm.html?ref=politics&_r=0">NYTimes</a>] [<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/trump-reacts-to-london-terror-by-stoking-fear-and-renewing-feud-with-mayor/2017/06/04/2811bcce-4931-11e7-a186-60c031eab644_story.html?utm_term=.e3e39cf0e710">WaPost</a>] [<a href="http://www.politico.com/story/2017/06/03/trump-london-travel-ban-239104">Politico</a>]

-> Protesters held a "March for Truth" in Washington to object to President Trump and possible collusion with the Russian government in the presidential election. [<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/03/us/politics/protests-washington-russia-trump.html?ref=politics">NYTimes</a>] [<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/2017/06/03/2d75a63a-4882-11e7-bcde-624ad94170ab_story.html?utm_term=.d8d6b0f47d0c">WaPost</a>]

-> One week after two men were killed defending two Muslim women from hate speech, there are counter protests in Portland <span style="margin: 0; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Calibri', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: #000000;">—</span></span> one decrying racism and the other defending free speech. [<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/right-wing-free-speech-rally-draws-massive-counter-protests-in-portland/2017/06/04/12971892-496f-11e7-9669-250d0b15f83b_story.html?utm_term=.1a6daa756659">WaPost</a>] [<a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/us-oregon-protests-idUSKBN18V0J0">Reuters</a>]

<strong>Where are they?</strong>

<ul>

<li>Rep. Mia <a href="https://twitter.com/RepMiaLove" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Love</strong></a> meets with constituents.</li>

<li>Gov. Gary <strong><a href="https://twitter.com/GovHerbert" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Herbert</a></strong> plays in the Chad Lewis Golf Classic and holds meetings in his office.</li>

<li>Lt. Gov. Spencer <strong><a href="https://twitter.com/SpencerJCox" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Cox</a></strong> participates in an economic development meeting in New York City.</li>

<li>State Auditor John <strong><a href="https://twitter.com/FrugalDougall" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Dougall</a> </strong>attends staff meeting and meets with his management team.</li>

<li>SL Co. Mayor Ben <strong><a href="https://twitter.com/MayorBenMcAdams" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">McAdams</a></strong> meets with the county's elected officials.</li>

</ul>

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— Thomas Burr and Emily Anderson

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