Happy Monday!
The U.S. ambassador to Denmark vetoed the appearance of an American NATO expert critical of President Donald Trump at an international conference in Copenhagen, prompting the event’s cancellation. The expert, Stanley R. Sloan, a former CIA analyst, said the decision had left him “stunned and concerned about our country.” [NYTimes]
Topping the news: Utah Gov. Gary Herbert has called on lawmakers to double the already proposed tax cut from $80 million to $160 million, after estimates show a massive surplus. [Trib] [DNews]
-> Rep. Chris Stewart proposes a bill to close the gap in the debate between protecting rights of the gay community and those of religious groups. But major LDGBTQ groups say his proposal hardens discrimination by religious organizations.[Trib]
-> Jon Huntsman, former U.S. ambassador to Russia and gubernatorial candidate, says Vladimir Putin is likely “joyful” about the renewed prominence of a debunked conspiracy theory that Ukraine was responsible for meddling in the 2016 election, which experts consider Russian disinformation. [APviaTrib]
Tweets of the day: From @AWinderNewton: “It would be interesting to have the legislature poll the public and see if they would rather an income tax cut or more money to go towards public education. #utpol #utleg #uted”
-> From @TheAHolocomb: “In Utah, a man is 6% more likely to get a college degree than a woman, in contrast to the national trend, says Rod Decker at @MarriottLibrary. #utpol #uted”
Happy Birthday: to former state Reps. Edward Redd and John Westwood, and David Kirkham, Utah Tea Party organizer
Also in the news: Gov. Herbert has received a hugely positive response from leaders of Utah’s refugees following his invitation that the president send more refugees here. [Trib]
-> San Juan County, the highest taxed and poorest county in Utah, can expect another property tax hike. [Trib]
-> A group of 82 Utahns will lose food stamp benefits because of changes ordered this week by the Trump administration. [Trib]
-> Former Salt Lake City mayor, Rocky Anderson, is speaking out on his concerns about Utahns experiencing homelessness in the cold, and saying “mentally ill” people are falling through the cracks. [DNews]
-> On Friday, the state Capital was flooded with activists rallying about climate change and issues like the inland port before delivering 4,000 letters to Gov. Gary Herbert’s office. [DNews] [Fox13] [StandEx]
-> Researchers and advocates say FBI statistics miss many hate crimes in Utah. [Trib]
-> Hundreds of students marched throughout the Utah Capitol on Friday, stopping outside the governor’s office and demanding that he address climate change. [Trib]
Nationally: House Judiciary Chairman Jerry Nadler said Sunday that the jury would convict Trump in impeachment in “three minutes flat.” [CNN] [AP]
-> Congress may pass a ban on surprise medical bills. It would help patients by resolving billing disputes between insurance companies and doctors. [NYTimes]
-> At a time when a method for settling trade disputes is most needed, Trump’s offensive against the World Trade Organization may upend the group’s system. [NYTimes]
-> Military officials are trying to develop systems that push intelligence to front-line forces and development strategists say the move could help deter foreign aggression. [NYTimes]
-> While Trump has refused to engage in impeachment hearings, Democrats have decided to press ahead anyway. [NYTimes]
-> The House Judiciary Committee has released a report that outlines historical arguments for impeachment. [CNN] [AP]
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-- Lee Davidson and Clara Hatcher
Follow @sltribpolitics