News roundup: GOP likely to take Senate, retain House

GOP likely to take Senate, keep House. Utah seeks SCOTUS stay on same-sex marriage ban. Experts weigh in on Shurtleff, Swallow evidence.

Happy Thursday. Things are not looking good for Senate Democrats, who could lose control of the upper chamber after this midterm election. The Washington Post's Election Lab predicts that Republicans will take control of the Senate — owning 52 seats to Dems 48 — and the GOP will retain control of the House. There's a lot of green between now and Election Day but so far, Republicans are positioned well. [WaPost]

Topping the news: Utah is asking for an emergency stay from the U.S. Supreme Court on same-sex marriages so the state doesn't have to recognize gay and lesbian unions. [Trib] [DNews] [KUTV] [KSL] [Fox13]

-> Experts say there is a lot of evidence against former attorneys general John Swallow and Mark Shurtleff, but still question if it's enough. [Trib] [DNews] [KSL] [Fox13]

-> And, if they're convicted, the LDS Church could excommunicate Swallow and Shurtleff for the accused political misdeeds. [Trib]

Tweet of the day: From @danmccay: "Said to @SenHoward, 'Would you like to try chia seeds on your head?'"

In other news: Mia Love is dominating fundraising in her race to succeed Rep. Jim Matheson. [Trib] [Fox13] [UtahPolicy]

-> Pat Bagley asks the tough question: Is it worse in Utah to be accused of multiple felonies, or be accused of being a Democrat? [Trib]

-> The South Salt Lake City Council passed an ordinance to limit the amount of compost a company can store outdoors in response to a mulch fire a week ago. [Trib] [KUTV] [Fox13]

-> A Utah state senator is sponsoring legislation to make Utah's air pollution standards more strict. [Trib] [DNews]

-> Utah could jettison Common Core standards as well as federal funding under No Child Left Behind at the same time. [UtahPolicy]

-> Rep. Chris Stewart, R-Utah, is working on a bill that would give state officials control over the wild horse population. [Trib]

-> A state representative wants to ban motorcycle gangs from riding in Utah. [DNews]

-> Carbon County Commissioners are looking into allegations made about the county's sheriff and may choose to fire him. [Trib] [DNews] [KSL]

-> A federal judge has ordered Utah to turn over disciplinary records of police officers in two polygamous towns. [Trib]

-> Gov. Gary Herbert selected Laura Nelson as the new director of the Utah Office of Energy Development. [DNews]

Nationally: President Barack Obama revealed a number of initiatives for climate change, including better preparedness for natural disasters. [NYTimes]

-> The Justice Department launched an investigation into Lois Lerner's missing emails regarding the IRS targeting tea party members. [WSJ] [Politico]

-> Many congressional Republicans have expressed disapproval of Obama's immigration plan to deport children who cross the border without parents, but now Democrats are also lining up in dissent, including House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi. [WaPost]

-> Senate Democrats have been working to stall the Supreme Court's ruling on Hobby Lobby that allows corporations to choose whether or not to offer female contraceptives in employee healthcare plans, but now their plan is stalling instead. [WaPost] [Politico]

Where are they?

Rep. Jason Chaffetz eats breakfast at the Aspen Institute, participates in a NRCC meeting and meets with SLC Mayor Ralph Becker. Chaffetz later attends a fundraising luncheon, speaks with Apple and returns to Utah.

Rep. Chris Stewart also eats breakfast with the Aspen Institute to discuss Ukraine, talks with Safety Net Hospitals and speaks on the House floor. He ends his day meeting with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Enefit Energy before traveling home to Utah.

Gov. Gary Herbert meets with Gary Harter and later Edwards Medical Advisory Board members.

Lt. Gov. Spencer Cox attends a UServe Utah Commission meeting.

SL Co. Mayor Ben McAdams speaks with Sandy Mayor Tom Dolan and meets with county staff.

President Barack Obama travels to Delaware where he speaks on infrastructure at the Port of Wilmington. He later travels to New York for a party fundraiser and a House Majority PAC roundtable before returning back to the White House.

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 Courtney Tanner Twitter.com/thomaswburr and Twitter.com/CourtneyLTanner