This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated.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.

Donald Trump's new challenge: Unify the GOP. Lee backs Cruz, says Rubio should suspend. All the legislative news fit to print.

Happy Friday. He may have offended his way to the top but now Donald Trump's new job is to unify the GOP. Of late, Trump is trying to pivot toward the general election, where he'll want the full might of the Republican Party behind him in a faceoff with the Democratic nominee. And Trump is now arguing that the party is better off with him as well, saying its leaders should embrace the enthusiasm and new membership he has brought to the party. [<a href="http://www.politico.com/story/2016/03/donald-trump-gop-unifier-220620?lo=ap_c1"; target="_blank">Politico</a>]

<strong>Topping the news: </strong>Utah Sen. Mike Lee announced his support of GOP presidential candidate Ted Cruz and called for Marco Rubio to throw in the towel. [<a href="http://www.sltrib.com/news/3644514-155/utahs-mike-lee-becomes-first-senator"; target="_blank">Trib</a>] [<a href="http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865649741/Sen-Mike-Lee-to-endorse-Ted-Cruz-for-president-reports-say.html"; target="_blank">DNews</a>] [<a href="http://kutv.com/news/local/sen-mike-lee-endorsing-ted-cruz-for-president"; target="_blank">KUTV</a>] [<a href="http://fox13now.com/2016/03/10/mike-lee-becomes-first-senator-to-endorse-ted-cruz-for-president/"; target="_blank">Fox13</a>] [<a href="http://www.good4utah.com/news/local-news/utahs-mike-lee-becomes-first-senator-to-back-ted-cruz"; target="_blank">ABC4</a>]

-> Utah's Rep. Chris Stewart called GOP presidential front-runner Donald Trump "our Mussolini," but hasn't sworn off supporting him if he wins the party's bid. [<a href="http://www.sltrib.com/news/3645825-155/utahs-stewart-calls-trump-our-mussolini"; target="_blank">Trib</a>] [<a href="http://kutv.com/news/local/utahs-rep-chris-stewart-calls-trump-our-mussolini"; target="_blank">KUTV</a>]

-> Although the legislative session had the potential to be out of the ordinary, it ended in a traditional fashion. [<a href="http://www.sltrib.com/news/3647540-155/out-of-character-legislative-session-ends-with-traditional"; target="_blank">Trib</a>] [<a href="http://fox13now.com/2016/03/11/the-utah-state-legislatures-done-heres-what-they-did-to-your-life/"; target="_blank">Fox13</a>] Gov. Gary Herbert also weighed in on the session. [<a href="http://fox13now.com/2016/03/10/gov-gary-herbert-discusses-2016-utah-legislative-session/"; target="_blank">Fox13</a>] Here is a list of bills passed during this year's legislative session. [<a href="http://www.good4utah.com/news/local-news/bills-passed-during-2016-legislative-session"; target="_blank">ABC4</a>]

-> Utah will invest $53 million in a California coal port. [<a href="http://www.sltrib.com/news/3641085-155/utah-legislature-oks-53-million-cash"; target="_blank">Trib</a>] [<a href="http://www.good4utah.com/news/local-news/will-terminal-save-coal-jobs"; target="_blank">ABC4</a>] [<a href="http://kuer.org/post/lawmakers-approve-53-million-california-port"; target="_blank">KUER</a>] [<a href="http://m.eastbayexpress.com/SevenDays/archives/2016/03/10/utah-lawmakers-voting-to-spend-public-funds-on-oakland-coal-terminal-took-29000-from-company-that-stands-to-profit"; target="_blank">EastBayExpress</a>]

<strong>Tweets of the day: </strong>From <a class="ProfileCard-screennameLink u-linkComplex js-nav" href="https://twitter.com/RobertGehrke">@<span class="u-linkComplex-target">RobertGehrke</span></a>: "Three-hundred-and-twenty days until next session. Plenty of time for me to find a way out of covering the 2017 Legislature"

 

From <a class="ProfileCard-screennameLink u-linkComplex js-nav" href="https://twitter.com/charlescwcooke">@<span class="u-linkComplex-target">charlescwcooke</span></a>: "Trump now giving the Reagan-and-O'Neill-speech that you hear if you tell old people in Queens that you write about politics."

From <a class="ProfileCard-screennameLink u-linkComplex js-nav" href="https://twitter.com/RalstonReports">@<span class="u-linkComplex-target">RalstonReports</span></a>: "'Math doesn't tell the whole story in politics.' — Kasich, being wrong, of course."

<strong>Happy Birthday: </strong>Today to Tim Robison, senior policy adviser to Rep. Chris Stewart and the National Press Club's Sarahanne Driggs. On Saturday, to Mitt Romney and on Sunday to Jeff Robinson and Gary Guelker.

<strong>Condolences: </strong>To those mourning Nina Dougherty, a clean-air activist who died from Parkinson's disease in her 80s. Services will be held today. [<a href="http://www.sltrib.com/news/3645307-155/nina-dougherty-early-fighter-for-clean"; target="_blank">Trib</a>]

<strong>Tune in: </strong>Tribune reporters Robert Gehrke, Lee Davidson and Matt Piper as well as health, education and environment editor Rachel Piper join Jennifer Napier-Pearce to talk about the week's top news stories, including the end of the 2016 legislative session and a lawsuit by the widow of Oregon refuge occupier "LaVoy" Finnicum. Listen to Behind the Headlines live on KCPW and Utah Public Radio starting at <span class="aBn"><span class="aQJ">9 a.m.</span></span>

<strong>From Capitol Hill: </strong>Lawmakers passed a bill making most footage from Utah law enforcement body cameras public. [<a href="http://www.sltrib.com/news/3644246-155/bill-passes-to-make-most-utah"; target="_blank">Trib</a>] [<a href="http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865649728/Utah-lawmakers-set-guidelines-for-police-use-of-body-cameras.html"; target="_blank">DNews</a>] [<a href="http://www.good4utah.com/news/top-stories/body-cam-bill-passes-legislature-off-to-governor"; target="_blank">ABC4</a>]

-> Lawmakers created an account that would hold $14 million intended for suing the federal government over possession of public lands in the state. [<a href="http://www.sltrib.com/news/3644647-155/legislature-creates-fund-for-utahs-14"; target="_blank">Trib</a>]

-> The Senate approved a measure to keep the Utah State Fairpark in SLC and gave lawmakers more oversight. [<a href="http://www.sltrib.com/news/3645655-155/bill-ending-long-battle-over-utah"; target="_blank">Trib</a>]

-> Juveniles who commit serious crimes will no longer qualify for life sentences without parole under a bill passed yesterday. [<a href="http://www.sltrib.com/news/3644502-155/bill-passes-to-end-prison-without-parole-for"; target="_blank">Trib</a>]

-> A bill requiring water heaters to meet higher standards, as far as emissions go, passed. [<a href="http://www.sltrib.com/news/3646063-155/bill-okd-to-require-less-polluting-water"; target="_blank">Trib</a>]

-> Money originally set aside for transportation is being divided between water projects and education under a new measure. [<a href="http://www.sltrib.com/news/3645552-155/deal-moving-transportation-money-to-water"; target="_blank">Trib</a>]

-> The LGBT community is feeling slighted after a spokesperson for the LDS Church warned lawmakers of disrupting a delicate balance and a hate crime bill was tossed aside. [<a href="http://www.sltrib.com/news/3639536-155/after-mormon-church-balance-statement-lgbt"; target="_blank">Trib</a>]

-> Gov. Gary Herbert intends to sign a bill requiring anesthesia to any fetus undergoing an abortion that has been in gestation for more than 20 weeks. [<a href="http://www.sltrib.com/news/3647039-155/fetal-anesthesia-bill-headed-to-governor"; target="_blank">Trib</a>] [<a href="http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865649820/House-passes-bill-requiring-fetal-anesthesia-for-abortions.html"; target="_blank">DNews</a>] [<a href="http://kutv.com/news/local/abortion-bill-requiring-fetal-anesthesia-passes-house-with-some-changes"; target="_blank">KUTV</a>]

-> The House building will bear the late House Speaker Becky Lockhart's name. [<a href="http://www.sltrib.com/news/3647218-155/house-building-to-be-named-for"; target="_blank">Trib</a>]

-> Republicans now control power on all of the Legislature's committees after approval of a bill to expand GOP votes on a few key panels. [<a href="http://utahpolicy.com/index.php/features/today-at-utah-policy/8799-"; target="_blank">UtahPolicy</a>]

-> Gov. Herbert joins Bob Bernick and Bryan Schott to discuss this year's session. [<a href="http://utahpolicy.com/index.php/features/today-at-utah-policy/8805-Bob%20Bernick%20and%20Bryan%20Schott" target="_blank">UtahPolicy</a>] Bernick and Schott also discuss what the Legislature did, and did not do, during this year's 45-day session. [<a href="http://utahpolicy.com/index.php/features/today-at-utah-policy/8809-Bob%20Bernick%20and%20Bryan%20Schott" target="_blank">UtahPolicy</a>]

-> Though lawmakers were on the path to legalizing medical marijuana in Utah, they stopped the bill making it happen when they realized they didn't have money to implement it. [<a href="http://www.sltrib.com/news/3647166-155/money-runs-out-for-utah-medical-marijuana"; target="_blank">Trib</a>] [<a href="http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865649793/Medical-marijuana-bill-looks-like-its-dead.html"; target="_blank">DNews</a>] [<a href="http://kutv.com/news/local/utah-legislature-kills-medical-marijuana-bill"; target="_blank">KUTV</a>] [<a href="http://fox13now.com/2016/03/10/medical-marijuana-supporters-say-ballot-initiative-going-forward-after-bill-fails-in-utah-legislature/"; target="_blank">Fox13</a>] [<a href="http://www.good4utah.com/news/local-news/final-medical-marijuana-bill-dies-on-final-day-of-legislative-session"; target="_blank">ABC4</a>] [<a href="http://kuer.org/post/medical-marijuana-stalls-final-hours-utah-legislative-session"; target="_blank">KUER</a>]

-> Despite an interruption by the brother of a murderer, [<a href="http://fox13now.com/2016/03/10/brother-of-man-executed-in-utah-taken-into-custody-after-protest-disrupts-legislative-session/"; target="_blank">Fox13</a>] [<a href="http://kutv.com/news/local/brother-of-executed-man-shouts-at-disrupts-lawmakers"; target="_blank">KUTV</a>] lawmakers decided not to get rid of the death penalty. [<a href="http://www.sltrib.com/news/3645615-155/death-penalty-survives-in-utah-murderers"; target="_blank">Trib</a>] [<a href="http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865649764/House-leaders-say-death-penalty-repeal-bill-wont-be-heard.html"; target="_blank">DNews</a>] [<a href="http://kutv.com/news/local/death-penalty-medical-marijuana-fizzle-as-2016-legislative-session-ends"; target="_blank">KUTV</a>] [<a href="http://fox13now.com/2016/03/10/brother-of-man-executed-in-utah-taken-into-custody-after-protest-disrupts-legislative-session/"; target="_blank">Fox13</a>] [<a href="http://kuer.org/post/death-penalty-doesnt-get-final-house-debate"; target="_blank">KUER</a>]

-> Lawmakers passed a plan to manage public lands if control was given to the state. [<a href="http://www.sltrib.com/news/3647516-155/bill-passes-to-outline-how-utah"; target="_blank">Trib</a>]

-> The Legislature approved a measure for middle schoolers to be taught gun safety. [<a href="http://www.sltrib.com/news/3644198-155/utah-lawmakers-approve-gun-safety-training"; target="_blank">Trib</a>]  [<a href="http://kuer.org/post/bill-teach-gun-safety-students-heads-gov-herberts-desk-0"; target="_blank">KUER</a>]

-> A measure to lessen charges against parents of children who miss excessive school failed in the House yesterday. [<a href="http://www.sltrib.com/news/3645651-155/homeschool-provision-erodes-support-for-utah"; target="_blank">Trib</a>]

-> The controversial Rocky Mountain Power bill originally failed in the House, [<a href="http://www.sltrib.com/news/3646473-155/contentious-rocky-mountain-power-bill-fails"; target="_blank">Trib</a>] but when 13 lawmakers changed their vote hours later, the measure passed. [<a href="http://www.sltrib.com/news/3647139-155/13-utah-lawmakers-change-votes-pass"; target="_blank">Trib</a>] [<a href="http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865649808/Rocky-Mountain-Power-bill-voted-down-by-lawmakers.html"; target="_blank">DNews</a>]

-> A partisan state school board will likely become the new norm if the measure gains Herbert's blessing. [<a href="http://www.sltrib.com/news/3646520-155/barring-action-by-guv-or-a"; target="_blank">Trib</a>] [<a href="http://kuer.org/post/state-lawmakers-approve-partisan-school-board-elections"; target="_blank">KUER</a>]

-> The Legislature decided on Medicaid expansion for the poorest of Utahns, [<a href="http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865649836/Utah-lawmakers-extend-Medicaid-to-states-poorest-stymie-medical-marijuana-plan.html"; target="_blank">DNews</a>] which wasn't enough to satisfy Democrats. [<a href="http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865649702/Utah-Democrats-upset-over-Medicaid-vow-to-continue-to-push-for-full-expansion.html"; target="_blank">DNews</a>]

-> A bill passed yesterday that eliminates the requirement for disabled adults to get legal counsel if their parents seek guardianship. [<a href="http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865649823/Legislature-eliminates-legal-counsel-requirement-for-disabled-adults-if-parents-seek-guardianships.html"; target="_blank">DNews</a>]

-> A bill was approved yesterday to create more homeless shelters in SLC. [<a href="http://kutv.com/news/local/legislature-approves-bill-to-create-more-salt-lake-city-homeless-shelters"; target="_blank">KUTV</a>]

-> State public education saw a greater focus on equity and increased frustration with testing during this year's legislative session. [<a href="http://www.sltrib.com/news/3645527-155/utah-public-education-sees-renewed-focus"; target="_blank">Trib</a>] [<a href="http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865649837/Utah-schools-get-445M-funding-boost-new-direction-for-leadership-elections.html"; target="_blank">DNews</a>]

-> Overall, clean air advocates said they saw small steps taken rather than bold success during this year's legislative session. [<a href="http://www.sltrib.com/news/3645226-155/utah-air-quality-advocates-see-small"; target="_blank">Trib</a>] [<a href="http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865649835/Session-ends-in-mixed-bag-for-environment-energy-issues.html"; target="_blank">DNews</a>]

-> Tribune reporters kept a live blog from Capitol Hill throughout the final day of the 2016 legislative session. [<a href="http://www.sltrib.com/news/3646026-155/live-blog-final-day-of-the"; target="_blank">Trib</a>]

<strong>In other news:</strong> Local experts say the debate form of presidential candidates is poor. [<a href="http://kutv.com/news/local/local-experts-say-candidates-arent-following-good-debate-form"; target="_blank">KUTV</a>]

-> If a judge decides that part of Utah's signature-gathering rule is unconstitutional, potential candidates may qualify with just two names. [<a href="http://www.sltrib.com/news/3646085-155/state-attorneys-if-judge-strikes-signature"; target="_blank">Trib</a>] [<a href="http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865649803/All-candidates-would-make-primary-ballot-if-judge-strikes-part-of-Utah-election-law-state-says.html"; target="_blank">DNews</a>]

-> Plans for bringing new shops and apartments to Trolley Square passed an unlikely hurdle yesterday. [<a href="http://www.sltrib.com/news/3645371-155/plan-for-shops-apartments-south-of"; target="_blank">Trib</a>]

-> A witness in the Jeremy Johnson case yesterday finally spoke in favor of the defense. [<a href="http://www.sltrib.com/news/3644138-155/jeremy-johnsons-defense-gets-a-witness"; target="_blank">Trib</a>]

-> A man is being charged for throwing a rock at police during a "riot," which broke out a few weeks ago after an officer shot a 17-year-old boy. [<a href="http://www.sltrib.com/news/3644547-155/man-charged-for-allegedly-throwing-rock"; target="_blank">Trib</a>]

-> Despite his request for release, FLDS leader John Wayman, who was indicted for involvement in a possible food stamp fraud, will remain in jail until his trial. [<a href="http://www.sltrib.com/news/3645201-155/alleged-leader-in-polygamous-food-stamp"; target="_blank">Trib</a>][<a href="http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865649785/Another-alleged-leader-in-FLDS-fraud-case-to-remain-jailed.html"; target="_blank">APviaDNews</a>]

-> Utah's fight with polygamy has received national attention. [<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2016/03/09/utahs-latest-fight-over-polygamy-explained/?tid=sm_fb"; target="_blank">WaPost</a>]

-> Protesters gathered in Las Vegas in support of Cliven Bundy during his court appearance. [<a href="http://www.deseretnews.com/article/765684863/Bundy-backers-demonstrate-before-hearing-in-standoff-case.html"; target="_blank">APviaDNews</a>]

-> The South Salt Lake mayor used her veto power to stop a measure that would bring a Walmart to the area after it received strong opposition from the public. [<a href="http://kutv.com/news/local/mayor-uses-veto-power-to-nix-possible-wal-mart-development-in-south-salt-lake"; target="_blank">KUTV</a>] [<a href="http://fox13now.com/2016/03/10/mayor-vetoes-plan-to-rezone-site-of-old-granite-high-school-to-build-wal-mart/"; target="_blank">Fox13</a>]

-> The city of West Jordan announced plans for a new recreational center. [<a href="http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865649769/West-Jordan-announces-plans-for-new-rec-center-public-works-building.html"; target="_blank">DNews</a>]

-> Cedar City officials loosened gun laws Wednesday night. [<a href="http://www.good4utah.com/news/local-news/cedar-city-loosens-gun-ordinances"; target="_blank">Trib</a>]

-> A drill team at Cedar High School has dropped a halftime routine deemed offensive to Paiute Native Americans. [<a href="http://www.sltrib.com/news/3645227-155/school-squad-scraps-offensive-halftime-drill"; target="_blank">Trib</a>] [<a href="http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865649786/Cedar-City-school-scraps-dance-routine-tribe-considers-offensive.html"; target="_blank">DNews</a>] [<a href="http://kutv.com/news/local/utah-drill-team-scraps-routine-considered-offensive"; target="_blank">APviaKUTV</a>]

-> Dixie State ranked No. 2 in colleges with the biggest tuition hikes. [<a href="http://fox13now.com/2016/03/10/the-25-colleges-with-the-biggest-tuition-hikes/"; target="_blank">Fox13</a>]

-> Robert Kirby explains why moving to Canada isn't the solution to GOP front-runner Donald Trump. [<a href="http://www.sltrib.com/news/3634920-155/kirby-want-to-hurt-trump-dont"; target="_blank">Trib</a>]

-> Pat Bagley gives his take on the end of this year's legislative session. [<a href="http://www.sltrib.com/opinion/3646237-155/bagley-cartoon-when-the-fat-laddie"; target="_blank">Trib</a>]

-> Paul Rolly discusses how some Utah taxpayer money has gone almost directly to the Koch brothers. [<a href="http://www.sltrib.com/news/3639091-155/rolly-utah-taxpayers-are-helping-out"; target="_blank">Trib</a>]

<strong>Nationally: </strong>GOP presidential front-runner Donald Trump received an endorsement from Ben Carson yesterday. [<a href="http://www.cnn.com/2016/03/10/politics/ben-carson-to-endorse-donald-trump/index.html"; target="_blank">CNN</a>] [<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/politics/first-draft/2016/03/10/ben-carson-says-hes-leaning-toward-donald-trump-endorsement/?smid=tw-nytimes&smtyp=cur&_r=0"; target="_blank">NYTimes</a>]

-> Last night's GOP debate focused more on policy than insults [<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/gop-candidates-set-aside-insults/2016/03/10/19afedb6-e6d8-11e5-b0fd-073d5930a7b7_story.html"; target="_blank">WaPost</a>] [<a href="http://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2016-election/live-blog-final-four-gop-candidates-face-florida-debate-n535986"; target="_blank">NBC</a>] and was favorable for Trump and Ted Cruz. [<a href="http://www.vox.com/2016/3/11/11200318/republican-debate-miami-trump"; target="_blank">Vox</a>] Here are the most interesting moments of the debate. [<a href="http://www.politico.com/story/2016/03/republican-debate-2016-top-moments-220603"; target="_blank">Politico</a>] [<a href="http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2016/03/10/470025493/the-12th-republican-debate-in-100-words-and-4-videos"; target="_blank">NPR</a>]

-> President Barack Obama welcome Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to the White House yesterday, and some say its the beginning of a bromance. [<a href="http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-35781622"; target="_blank">BBC</a>] [<a href="http://time.com/4254198/justin-trudeau-president-obama-canada-white-house/?xid=time_socialflow_twitter"; target="_blank">TIME</a>] [<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/11/us/politics/in-trudeau-and-obama-the-internet-sees-a-budding-bromance.html?smid=tw-nytimes&smtyp=cur"; target="_blank">NYTimes</a>]

<strong>Where are they?</strong>

<ul>

<li>Gov. Gary <strong><a href="https://twitter.com/GovHerbert"; target="_blank">Herbert</a></strong> heads to Orem for the SCERA Awards, honoring Utahns who contribute to the arts.</li>

<li>State Auditor John <strong><a href="http://twitter.com/FrugalDougall"; target="_blank">Dougall</a> </strong>signs up for re-election at Lt. Gov. Spencer Cox' office, speaks at the Salt Lake Republican Women's Club luncheon and attends a fencing tournament at the Salt Palace where his nephew is competing.</li>

<li>President Barack <strong><a href="https://twitter.com/BarackObama"; target="_blank">Obama</a></strong> travels to Austin, Texas where he participates in a South by Southwest Interactive panel conversation, delivers remarks at a DNC reception and takes questions. Later, he departs for Dallas.</li>

</ul>

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— Thomas Burr and Mariah Noble

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