Inside the Democrats’ plan: Why Franken had to go. Claims against a Utah county commissioner couldn’t be substantiated. State senator asks LDS Church to clarify its take on hate crimes legislation.
Happy Friday. Sen. Al Franken says he’s going to resign. Rep. John Conyers has done so, too. There’s a reason Democrats have started a zero tolerance movement within their own ranks and are purging those who face allegations: They want to be known for standing for something and show a difference with their Republican counterparts. [Politico]
Topping the news: A Utah County female employees claims of sexual harassment by County Commissioner Greg Graves could not be substantiated, according to an investigator hired by the county. [Trib] [DNews] [KUTV]
-> State Sen. Daniel Thatcher asked the LDS Church to clarify its stance on his proposed hate crimes bill. [Trib]
Tweets of the day: From @aedwardslevy: “conveniently, ‘surrogate’ already ends in ‘gate’”
-> From @jbillinson: “Donald Trump just referred to the attack on Pearl Harbor as a ‘pretty wild scene.’”
-> From @petridishes: “excited to see what city we decide is the capital of another country today!!”
Happy Birthday: To Exoro’s Maura Carabello. On Saturday to state Reps. Edward Redd, Jon Stanard and John Westwood, and to tea party organizer David Kirkham.
Behind the Headlines (for Friday editions): Tribune reporters Christopher Smart and Brian Maffly, Washington Bureau Chief Thomas Burr and editorial page editor George Pyle join KCPW’s Roger McDonough to talk about the week’s top stories, including the decision to shrink Bears Ears and President Donald Trump’s endorsement of Sen. Orrin Hatch.
In other news: Rep. Brad Last replaced Rep. Dean Sanpei as the new House chairman of the powerful Executive Appropriations Committee. [Trib]
-> Net neutrality supporters rallied together at the at the Sugar House Verizon store on Thursday. [DNews]
-> Utah firefighters are assisting in fighting the wildfires in California. [Trib] [ABC4] [Fox13]
-> The USS Utah’s bell was returned to the state yesterday, the anniversary of Pearl Harbor. [Trib] [DNews] [ABC4]
-> Pat Bagley compares Vladimir Putin to a drug czar. [Trib]
Nationally: After accusations of sexual misconduct, Sen. Al Franken stepped down from Congress on Thursday. [NYTimes]
-> Rep. Trent Franks resigned after information surfaced which revealed he asked employees to act as a surrogate for him and his wife. [WaPost]
-> The government will not shut down -- at least for another two weeks -- thanks to a funding bill passed Congress on Thursday. [Politico]
Got a tip? A birthday, wedding or anniversary to announce? Email us at cornflakes@sltrib.com. If you haven’t already, email us to sign up for our weekday email and get this sent directly to your inbox.
— Thomas Burr and Karenna Meredith Twitter.com/thomaswburr and Twitter.com/meredithkarenna
Follow @sltribpolitics