This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated.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.
GOP wants to approve judges, just not for the Supreme Court. Police shooting prompts small riot. Poll: Utahns want to vote on raising taxes for education.
Happy Monday. While Senate Republicans are vowing to block President Barack Obama's Supreme Court pick until after the election, GOP leaders are quietly maneuvering to approve lower-level judicial nominees, including several from conservative states who were recommended by Republican lawmakers. The effort could undermine the GOP's argument that a term-limited president shouldn't be making lifetime appointments in the tail end of his/her tenure. [http://www.politico.com/story/2016/02/courts-gop-senate-confirmations-nominees-219850" target="_blank">Politico]
Topping the news: Police shot a 17-year-old boy in downtown SLC on Saturday night, who is now in critical condition after surgery. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/3592678-155/teen-shot-by-police-in-critical" target="_blank">Trib] [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865648876/I-dont-think-they-had-the-right-to-shoot-him.html" target="_blank">DNews] [http://kutv.com/news/local/rio-grande-community-reacts-to-officer-involved-shooting" target="_blank">KUTV] [http://fox13now.com/2016/02/28/salt-lake-city-pd-issues-statement-after-teen-suspect-shot-by-officer/" target="_blank">Fox13] [http://www.good4utah.com/news/local-news/police-shoot-homeless-teen-in-slc-witnesses-say" target="_blank">ABC4] Some say what happened represents a deeper issue. [http://kutv.com/news/local/homeless-rio-grande-shooting-reflects-underlying-issue" target="_blank">KUTV] After the shooting, a riot broke out. [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865648835/Police-responding-to-reports-of-shots-fired-on-Rio-Grande-St-in-Salt-Lake.html" target="_blank">DNews] [http://kutv.com/news/local/shooting-police-activity-near-homeless-shelter-in-slc" target="_blank">KUTV] SLC Mayor Jackie Biskupski has expressed condolences for the incident. [http://kutv.com/news/local/slc-mayor-deeply-saddened-and-concerned-after-saturday-officer-involved-shooting" target="_blank">DNews] [http://fox13now.com/2016/02/28/salt-lake-city-mayor-gives-statement-on-police-use-of-force-after-teen-shot-by-officer/" target="_blank">Fox13] [http://www.good4utah.com/news/local-news/slc-mayor-reacts-to-shooting-and-riots-slcpd-release-new-details" target="_blank">ABC4]
-> GOP presidential candidate Ted Cruz has asked a court to dismiss a Utahn's claim that the Texas senator wasn't born in the United States and therefore doesn't qualify for president. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/3589397-155/ted-cruz-asks-court-to-dismiss" target="_blank">Trib]
-> Of the state's four Democratic super delegates, two support Democrat Hillary Clinton and two are undecided. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/3587291-155/utahs-presidential-superdelegates-two-support-hillary" target="_blank">Trib]
-> A new poll shows Utahns want to vote this fall on whether to pay more state taxes to fund public education. [http://utahpolicy.com/index.php/features/today-at-utah-policy/8673-" target="_blank">UtahPolicy]
-> A Utah House committee will debate a bill today that would make it mandatory to administer anesthesia to a fetus that has passed the 20-week mark of gestation prior to an abortion. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/3589047-155/utah-abortion-bill-would-mandate-anesthesia" target="_blank">Trib]
Tweets of the weekend: From https://twitter.com/jwoodham">@jwoodham: "OBAMA: You can either run for president or you can introduce Lady GaGa at the Oscars. You can't do both. BIDEN: Okay. I've made my decision."
From https://twitter.com/DouthatNYT">@DouthatNYT: "If Rubio utters the phrase 'short fingered vulgarian" at the next debate the fall of the republic will have been worth it."
From https://twitter.com/PoliticsJim">@PoliticsJim: "Can someone just attack Ben Carson so he feels relevant?"
From https://twitter.com/yourgoddesssss">@yourgoddesssss: "Plot Twist: Michelle Obama enters the race and wins...Obamas end up in office 8 more years."
Tune in: Anna Brower of the ACLU of Utah and Utah Eagle Forum's Maryann Christensen join Jennifer Napier-Pearce to discuss Sen. Steve Urquhart's bill to end capital punishment, which cleared a Senate committee last week.
Opinion section: Sen. Mike Lee says the Senate has a right to wait for a Supreme Court nomination from the next president. [http://www.sltrib.com/opinion/3582607-155/lee-senate-well-within-its-rights?fullpage=1" target="_blank">Trib]
-> SLC Mayor Jackie Biskupski and SL Co. Mayor Ben McAdams express confidence in their plan to fight homelessness and encourage Utahns to act now. [http://www.sltrib.com/opinion/3577055-155/op-ed-we-have-a-good-plan" target="_blank">Trib]
-> Jeff Clawson, an emergency physician and medical director of the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch in Salt Lake City, says the halt between rivals BYU and the U. is the result of a dangerous, violent pattern. [http://www.sltrib.com/opinion/3573336-155/op-ed-u-of-us-halt-of" target="_blank">Trib]
-> Mary Tracy, president of Scenic America, wrote a letter urging Utahns not to spoil scenic byways with billboards. [http://www.sltrib.com/opinion/3581914-155/letter-dont-let-legislators-spoil-utahs" target="_blank">Trib]
-> Sue Ashdown, a sixth-generation Utahn and the president of the Utah-based IcarusCuba LLC, believes Americans must better understand Cuban culture to conduct business there. [http://www.sltrib.com/opinion/3576964-155/op-ed-americans-need-to-understand-cuba" target="_blank">Trib]
-> The Rev. Lyn Zill Briggs, vicar of the Episcopal Church of the Resurrection in Centerville, humanizes the homeless by telling the story of Dave, a member of his congregation. [http://www.sltrib.com/opinion/3573031-155/op-ed-the-homeless-have-names-and" target="_blank">Trib]
-> Herman Daniels Jr., a Navajo Nation Council Delegate representing Shonto, Naa'tsis'Áán, Oljato and Ts'ah Bii Kin, disagrees with how Gov. Gary Herbert has handled the issue of Bears Ears. [http://www.sltrib.com/opinion/3586236-155/op-ed-herbert-is-wrong-about-bears" target="_blank">Trib]
-> Carol Somerville, a South Jordan resident, thanks Rep. Mia Love and Sen. Orrin Hatch for fighting for and supporting Medicare Advantage. [http://www.sltrib.com/opinion/3577984-155/op-ed-thanks-rep-love-and-sen" target="_blank">Trib]
-> Keith M. Buswell, vice president of corporate relations for Wadman Corp, asks for a revision of the dated management system for the State School Fund, which he doesn't think puts enough money into schools. [http://www.sltrib.com/opinion/3577973-155/op-ed-revise-antiquated-state-school-fund" target="_blank">Trib]
-> Bill Barton, a native West Valley resident who served 12 years in the Utah Senate and whose maternal family survived the Armenian Genocide of the early 1900s, discourages Utahns from buying into Azerbaijan's facade of religious freedom. [http://www.sltrib.com/opinion/3567688-155/op-ed-utah-legislators-shouldnt-fall-for" target="_blank">Trib]
-> Margaret P. Battin, a professor at the U., and Anna C. Beck, an associate professor at the U. who has dealt with cancer patients, say those opposing the end-of-life bill should think more about the patients' wishes. [http://www.sltrib.com/opinion/3577170-155/op-ed-end-of-life-bill-is-about-honoring" target="_blank">Trib]
-> David Jenkins, president of Conservatives for Responsible Stewardship, believes Rep. Rob Bishop is inspiring radicalism throughout the region. [http://www.sltrib.com/opinion/3577972-155/op-ed-bishop-is-fanning-the-flames" target="_blank">Trib]
-> Paul Rolly explains why some are speculating that Mitt Romney may be eyeing an open national convention if no GOP presidential candidates secure the necessary number of votes. [http://www.sltrib.com/opinion/3576620-155/rolly-could-romney-be-eyeing-a" target="_blank">Trib]
-> Pat Bagley gives his take on Gov. Herbert's decision to halt clean air efforts. [http://www.sltrib.com/opinion/3587127-155/bagley-cartoon-making-bad-air-perfectly" target="_blank">Trib]
-> Frank Pignanelli and LaVarr Webb share feedback on standard issues and new trends debated by legislators. [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865648827/Legislature-offers-contradictions-in-standard-issues-and-new-trends.html" target="_blank">DNews]
From Capitol Hill: The Senate Finance and Revenue Committee had fun "ripping up" two bills Friday morning. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/3585812-155/utah-committee-has-fun-ripping-up" target="_blank">Trib]
-> The federal status for marijuana, listed alongside heroin and cocaine, may hold up medical research on cannabis that Utah's leaders have called for. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/3582997-155/cannabis-catch-22-utah-research-on-medical" target="_blank">Trib] Veterans expressed support for medical marijuana on Capitol Hill last week. [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865648746/Veterans-express-support-for-medical-marijuana-bill.html" target="_blank">DNews] [http://kutv.com/news/local/group-of-utah-veterans-plead-with-legislators-to-pass-medical-marijuana-bill" target="_blank">KUTV] Faithful members of the LDS Church are left to reconcile marijuana use after a spokesman for the religion took a stand against legalizing medical marijuana. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/3586998-155/mormon-faithful-faced-with-reconciling-marijuana" target="_blank">Trib]
-> The House approved the creation of new oversight that would monitor drug-treatment centers and prevent insurance treatment fraud. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/3587089-155/utah-house-takes-step-to-curb" target="_blank">Trib]
-> Initial approval of the proposed hate crimes bill was given by the Senate Friday, but the debate will continue. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/3587566-155/senate-gives-initial-ok-to-hate-crimes" target="_blank">Trib] [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865648737/Utah-Senate-gives-initial-approval-to-hate-crimes-bill.html" target="_blank">DNews] [http://kutv.com/news/local/hate-crimes-bill-opposed-by-lds-church-survives-vote-in-utah-senate" target="_blank">KUTV] [http://kuer.org/post/hate-crimes-bill-moves-forward-still-faces-obstacles" target="_blank">KUER]
-> A Senate committee endorsed a bill that would let landlords opt out of participating in a federal program that helps pay for low-income housing. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/3586596-155/senate-approves-landlord-opt-out-bill-despite" target="_blank">Trib]
-> A bill that called for a one-year rest period between when politicians serve in the Legislature and when they can serve as lobbyists was rejected in committee. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/3587231-155/committee-kills-bill-to-limit-lobbyist" target="_blank">Trib]
-> The House approved a plan to manage public lands if ownership passes from the federal government to the state. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/3587408-155/house-oks-plan-to-manage-federal" target="_blank">Trib]
-> A House committee supported a bill that would ban life sentences for juveniles. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/3587508-155/house-panel-approves-bill-to-end" target="_blank">Trib] [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865648708/Advocate-opposed-to-life-without-parole-for-youth-asks-legislators-to-give-children-a-chance.html" target="_blank">DNews]
-> A bill that would make it easier for property owners to put up billboards on scenic byways passed a Senate committee. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/3586779-155/bill-would-ease-billboard-restrictions-on" target="_blank">Trib] [http://kutv.com/news/local/bill-may-mean-more-billboards-along-scenic-byways" target="_blank">APviaKUTV]
-> Teenagers who are helping a lawmaker sponsor a bill that would place a high tax on e-cigarettes are allegedly receiving threats online. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/3587349-155/legislator-says-teens-fighting-e-cigs-threatened" target="_blank">Trib] [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865648764/Investigation-underway-for-threats-allegedly-made-to-students-over-support-for-e-cigarette-tax.html" target="_blank">DNews] [http://kutv.com/news/local/students-respond-after-getting-threatened-bullied-over-e-cig-bill-support" target="_blank">KUTV] [http://www.good4utah.com/news/local-news/students-receive-threats-over-bill-support" target="_blank">ABC4]
-> The Utah Supreme Court ruled it lawful for property owners to prevent anglers from crossing into their land by walking along streams while fishing for trout. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/3586740-155/anglers-again-restricted-from-private-waterways" target="_blank">Trib]
-> The audit ordered by the state Legislature to investigate the U.'s athletic department audit has also sparked questions of how much oversight the government should have over athletics. [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865648814/A-look-at-whats-behind-audit-of-University-of-Utah-athletics.html" target="_blank">DNews]
-> The state Legislature honored fallen soldiers Friday. [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865648753/Legislature-honors-Utahs-fallen-soldiers.html" target="_blank">DNews]
-> A bill that would reduce the number of representatives in the House was approved by a Senate committee. [http://kutv.com/public-employee-double-dipping-bill-passes-utah-house" target="_blank">KUTV]
-> A bill seeking to tweak after-school programs didn't gain Senate approval. [http://kuer.org/post/tweak-after-school-program-falls-flat-now-state-senate" target="_blank">KUER]
-> A bill allowing victims of sexual abuse more time to report it passed in the House. [http://kuer.org/post/house-passes-bill-give-sex-abuse-victims-more-time-seek-justice" target="_blank">KUER]
-> As we head into the final two weeks of the Legislature, here is an update on where things stand. [http://www.sltrib.com/home/3589602-155/things-to-know-as-utahs-lawmakers" target="_blank">APviaTrib] And here is today's legislative committee schedule. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/3587961-155/legislative-committees-monday-feb-29" target="_blank">Trib]
Weekend in review: Vice President Joe Biden visited the Huntsman Cancer Institute on Friday and spoke with leaders there about research, collaboration and the future. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/3585810-155/joe-biden-stops-by-utahs-huntsman" target="_blank">Trib] [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865648706/Vice-President-Joe-Biden-visits-Utah-for-cancer-moonshot.html" target="_blank">DNews] [http://kutv.com/news/local/vice-president-biden-in-town-to-tour-huntsman-cancer-institute-join-in-discussion" target="_blank">KUTV] [http://kuer.org/post/vice-president-biden-visits-utah-discuss-cancer-moonshot" target="_blank">KUER] He also met with LDS leaders and received a copy of his ancestry records. [http://kutv.com/vp-biden-meets-with-lds-leaders-receives-copy-of-family-history" target="_blank">KUTV]
-> House Speaker Paul Ryan is vising Utah today for a campaign fundraiser for Rep. Mia Love and to ski. [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865648703/US-House-Speaker-Paul-Ryan-coming-to-Utah-to-raise-money-for-Rep-Mia-Love.html" target="_blank">DNews]
-> There was a rally for Democratic presidential hopeful Bernie Sanders in SLC on Saturday. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/3591002-155/bernie-sanders-supporters-rally-in-salt" target="_blank">Trib] [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865648816/Utah-activists-rally-for-Bernie-Sanders.html" target="_blank">DNews] [http://kutv.com/news/local/march-for-bernie-comes-to-salt-lake-city" target="_blank">KUTV]
-> Why are some state leaders backing Trump? They say he means what he says. [http://utahpolicy.com/index.php/features/today-at-utah-policy/8672-" target="_blank">UtahPolicy]
-> Western states like Utah are not thrilled by the new federal ozone standards. [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865648868/Western-states-chafe-at-new-federal-ozone-standard.html" target="_blank">DNews]
-> Four ambassadors will be attending the U.'s Pacific Alliance Economic Summit. [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865648725/Pacific-Alliance-Economic-Summit-at-UVU-to-feature-4-ambassadors.html" target="_blank">DNews]
-> San Juan County is facing a lawsuit for alleged violation of the Voting Rights Act. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/3587049-155/san-juan-county-sued-for-violating" target="_blank">Trib]
-> Protestors rallied outside Salt Lake City Hall this weekend to protest police brutality. [http://www.good4utah.com/news/local-news/dozens-gtaher-to-protest-actions-by-police" target="_blank">ABC4]
-> The Jeremy Johnson case took an unusual turn Friday as a witness who was an investor said he made money, not lost money, off the business. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/3587109-155/jeremy-johnson-trial-a-fraud-with" target="_blank">Trib]
-> The head of a drug organization in Utah went to prison this weekend. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/3588095-155/head-of-drug-organization-operating-in" target="_blank">Trib] [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865648705/Head-of-drug-trafficking-group-in-Utah-headed-to-federal-prison.html" target="_blank">DNews]
-> Police say a "heroin tsunami" has hit Utah, perpetuating crime. [http://www.good4utah.com/news/local-news/heroin-tsunami-hitting-utah" target="_blank">ABC4]
-> A free health fair sponsored by the Junior League gave dental students more experience while providing service to the poor. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/3589332-155/free-health-fair-helps-dental-students" target="_blank">Trib] Another free dental clinic at the U. drew in hundreds over the weekend. [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865648817/PHOTOS-U-dental-students-help-kids-keep-their-teeth-clean.html" target="_blank">DNews]
-> An investigation of how a nurse may have exposed patients to hepatitis C has some Utah residents considering a lawsuit. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/3514937-155/as-hepatitis-c-investigation-continues-some" target="_blank">Trib]
-> Members of the LDS Church have been urged by religious leaders to participate in caucus meetings. [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865648740/Utah-Mormons-urged-by-LDS-leaders-to-participate-in-caucus-meetings.html" target="_blank">DNews]
-> More of the indicted FLDS members have been arrested for allegations of food stamp fraud. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/3590312-155/another-suspect-in-polygamous-sect-fraud" target="_blank">Trib] [http://kutv.com/news/local/10th-individual-self-surrenders-in-flds-fraud-case" target="_blank">KUTV] One prominent bishop will stay in jail until his hearing. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/3586515-155/indicted-former-flds-bishop-to-stay" target="_blank">Trib] [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865648766/Judge-orders-detention-hearing-for-former-FLDS-bishop-in-food-stamp-fraud-case.html" target="_blank">DNews] Here's more background on the indictments. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/3590116-155/things-to-know-about-polygamous-sect" target="_blank">APviaTrib] [http://fox13now.com/2016/02/27/feds-flds-fraud-exceeds-12-million/" target="_blank">Fox13] The case has sparked fear among already-hungry community members, [http://www.sltrib.com/news/3586070-155/food-stamp-case-sparks-fear-for" target="_blank">Trib] but officials say food stamp benefits will not be interrupted in their towns. [http://kutv.com/food-stamp-benefits-wont-be-interrupted-in-polygamous-towns" target="_blank">APviaKUTV] Volunteers are providing those fleeing the sect to find shelter. [http://kutv.com/news/local/volunteers-helping-those-leaving-flds-say-more-and-more-getting-out" target="_blank">KUTV]
-> Utah's dirty air needs to be fixed. [http://www.good4utah.com/news/local-news/what-needs-to-be-done-to-fix-utahs-dirty-air" target="_blank">ABC4]
-> Christie Hutchings was the final nominee approved by the SL Co. Council to sit on the new Mountainous Planning Commission. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/3578140-155/hutchings-completes-mountain-planning-panel-filling" target="_blank">Trib]
-> Gun safety is being emphasized at Utah shooting ranges after two fatalities. [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865648726/Gun-safety-top-of-mind-at-Utah-ranges-following-2-deadly-shootings.html" target="_blank">DNews]
-> Utah investors are being warned about fraud. [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865648712/Utah-investors-warned-about-fraud.html" target="_blank">DNews]
-> SLC's new library opened this weekend. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/3590239-155/salt-lake-citys-new-marmalade-branch" target="_blank">Trib] [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865648818/PHOTOS-Salt-Lake-Public-Librarys-newest-location-now-open-for-bookworms.html" target="_blank">DNews] [http://fox13now.com/2016/02/28/community-gathers-for-grand-opening-of-marmalade-branch-library-in-slc/" target="_blank">Fox13] [http://www.good4utah.com/news/top-stories/salt-lake-citys-newest-library-is-open-for-business" target="_blank">ABC4]
-> A Ute clothing company is no longer allowed to sell university merchandise after a misunderstanding with another company and their design meant to mock BYU. [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865648810/Apparel-company-says-U-erred-by-cutting-ties-over-shirt-poking-fun-at-BYU.html" target="_blank">DNews]
-> SLC was rated in the top 20 cities for young families to live nationwide. [http://kutv.com/salt-lake-city-in-the-top-20-cities-for-young-families-to-live-in-the-usa" target="_blank">KUTV]
Nationally: A group endorsing GOP presidential candidate Marco Rubio raised $20 million last week and is focusing attacks on front-runner Donald Trump. [http://www.politico.com/story/2016/02/donald-trump-big-money-attacks-219887#ixzz41KC1QI7D" target="_blank">Politico] After discovering the way to get under Trumps skin was mockery, Rubio has taken advantage of opportunities to tease him, even about his fingers. [http://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/presidential-races/271113-rubio-attacks-trumps-short-fingers" target="_blank">TheHill]
-> Recent polls show Democrat Hillary Clinton and Republican Donald Trump as the candidates with the most votes in their parties on Super Tuesday. [http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/polls-super-tuesday-clinton-trump_us_56d2f1cae4b03260bf7724fd?section=politics" target="_blank">HuffPost] Clinton hopes to clinch the party nomination with a win in Texas. [https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/in-texas-the-largest-of-super-tuesdays-prizes-clinton-hopes-to-secure-her-fate/2016/02/28/fed8cc62-de10-11e5-8d98-4b3d9215ade1_story.html" target="_blank">WaPost] She is also ahead of rival Sen. Bernie Sanders in Massachusetts polls. [http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/onpolitics/2016/02/28/clinton-leads-sanders-massachusetts/81078554/" target="_blank">USAToday]
-> However, Hillary Clinton did retweet a post from Bernie Sanders attacking GOP front-runner Donald Trump. [http://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/presidential-races/271107-clinton-retweets-sanders-attack-on-trump" target="_blank">TheHill]
-> Democratic National Committee Vice Chair Tulsi Gabbard resigned Sunday in order to endorse Bernie Sanders. [http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/tulsi-gabbard-bernie-sanders_us_56d30d82e4b0871f60ebbcc8?section=politics" target="_blank">HuffPost]
-> President Barack Obama has a complex history with the Supreme Court, which makes his fight to nominate a replacement for Antonin Scalia that much more meaningful. [http://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/29/us/politics/obamas-tangled-history-with-supreme-court-sets-stage-for-nominee-fight.html?partner=IFTTT&_r=0" target="_blank">NYTimes]
Where are they?
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— Thomas Burr and Mariah Noble
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