This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated.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.
Poll: Most Americans want Supreme Court seat filled, but wide partisan divide. Medicaid expansion alternative on way to governor. Romney's speech didn't sway many.
Happy Wednesday. More than half of Americans disapprove of the GOP's plan to block a Supreme Court nomination, a new poll shows, though it's clear that the issue is politically divisive. Some 69 percent of Republicans want to keep the seat open, while nearly 80 percent of Democrats disapprove of the GOP's blockage. [http://www.politico.com/story/2016/03/poll-republican-senate-supreme-court-block-220480" target="_blank">Politico]
Topping the news: The Senate gave final approval Tuesday to a compromise bill expanding Medicaid coverage to 16,000 of the poorest Utahns — while Democrats complained that it is "less than crumbs" compared to what the state should be giving. The bill now awaits Gov. Gary Herbert's signature. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/3633429-155/only-one-hurdle-remains-for-utah" target="_blank">Trib] [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865649561/Senate-committee-backs-House-GOP-Medicaid-expansion-bill.html" target="_blank">DNews] [http://www.good4utah.com/news/top-stories/partial-medicaid-expansion-plan-moving-forward-at-capitol-and-with-feds" target="_blank">ABC4] [http://kuer.org/post/utah-senate-approves-limited-medicaid-expansion-sends-legislation-governor-herbert" target="_blank">KUER]
-> Gov. Gary Herbert said there's a chance that SLC won't be hosting a GOP presidential debate after meeting with several governors from his party. [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865649640/Gov-Herbert-cautions-there-may-not-be-a-presidential-debate-in-Salt-Lake.html" target="_blank">DNews]
-> A speech last week by Mitt Romney tearing apart GOP presidential front-runner Donald Trump doesn't seem to have changed many people's minds about the candidate. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/3633555-155/mitt-romneys-attack-on-donald-trump" target="_blank">Trib]
-> Utah's Rep. Jason Chaffetz wants the BLM and Forest Services to hand over law enforcement on public lands to local sheriffs. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/3635372-155/chaffetz-wants-to-get-rid-of" target="_blank">Trib] [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865649562/Chaffetz-wants-to-take-guns-away-from-BLM-Forest-Service-agents.html" target="_blank">DNews]
Tweets of the day: From https://twitter.com/RobertGehrke">@RobertGehrke: "Unlike people, when you kill a bill they sometimes can be brought back to life."
From https://twitter.com/moethemyth">@moethemyth: "https://twitter.com/hashtag/IfTrumpWins?src=hash">#IfTrumpWins Mexico will build a wall to stop the swarm of illegal American aliens trying to escape the Trump dictatorship."
From https://twitter.com/NateSilver538">@NateSilver538: "Trump defying 'momentum' so far: IA: Pretty bad NH: Very good SC: Pretty good NV: Very good 3/1: Pretty good 3/5: Pretty bad 3/8: Very good"
Tune in: Senate Majority Whip Stuart Adams and Senate Minority Leader Gene Davis join Jennifer Napier-Pearce to talk about a proposed $53 million out-of-state investment aimed at protecting Utah's coal economy. Watch Trib Talk live at 12:15 p.m. MT on http://sltrib.com/" target="_blank">sltrib.com.
From Capitol Hill: The bill to eliminate the state's death penalty passed a committee by one vote Tuesday. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/3636423-155/bill-to-eliminate-death-penalty-barely" target="_blank">Trib] [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865649647/Death-penalty-bill-advances-to-House-floor.html" target="_blank">DNews] [http://kutv.com/news/local/bill-to-abolish-death-penalty-moves-to-full-house" target="_blank">KUTV] [http://fox13now.com/2016/03/08/utah-gets-one-step-closer-to-abolishing-the-death-penalty/" target="_blank">Fox13] [http://kuer.org/post/death-penalty-repeal-moves-full-house" target="_blank">KUER]
-> The Legislature may spend $800,000 to fund a study on how to attract more revenue to the Point of the Mountain area after the state prison leaves. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/3635795-155/800000-study-endorsed-to-study-developing" target="_blank">Trib]
-> Lawmakers announced a plan to conduct an in-depth study of the Utah Transit Authority. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/3635212-155/legislature-plans-in-depth-study-of-uta" target="_blank">Trib]
-> The Senate reversed the meaning of a bill originally advocating for the abolition of non-compete clauses in contracts. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/3635947-155/senate-turns-non-compete-bill-on-its" target="_blank">Trib] [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865649633/Senator-unveils-stripped-down-bill-regulating-noncompete-contracts.html" target="_blank">DNews]
-> A bill requiring anesthesia for a fetus that has been in gestation for 20 weeks or more passed a House committee yesterday. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/3636414-155/fetal-anesthesia-bill-closer-to-becoming" target="_blank">Trib] [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865649646/Fetal-anesthesia-bill-advances-in-House-committee.html" target="_blank">DNews] [http://kutv.com/news/local/brambles-abortion-bill-moves-to-house-as-session-nears-end" target="_blank">KUTV] [http://www.good4utah.com/news/local-news/abortion-anesthesia-bill-passes-house-committe" target="_blank">ABC4]
-> A bill proposing the enforcement of Internet sales tax may be doomed thanks to opposition from the "mommy blogger" community. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/3636599-155/effort-to-tax-internet-in-utah" target="_blank">Trib]
-> A bill dealing with parental responsibility in school truancy reduces the severity but still considers allowing a child to miss excessive school a crime. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/3633838-155/school-truancy-would-be-a-lesser" target="_blank">Trib] [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865649585/Substitute-bill-could-make-school-truancy-a-class-C-misdemeanor-for-parents.html" target="_blank">DNews]
-> Those in opposition to the bill that could define bigamy as a crime blame the LDS Church for its strong influence over lawmakers. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/3633701-155/utah-bigamy-bill-has-polygamists-pointing" target="_blank">Trib]
-> The Legislature approved a budget that gives a 3 percent funding increase to schoolchildren throughout the state. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/3633290-155/utah-lawmakers-adopt-public-education-budget" target="_blank">Trib] [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865649644/Lawmakers-put-finishing-touches-on-education-budget.html" target="_blank">DNews] [http://www.good4utah.com/news/top-stories/education-budget-exceeds-governors-recommendations" target="_blank">ABC4]
-> Lawmakers didn't, however, provide funding for after school programs or extended kindergarten. [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865649614/Lawmakers-turn-down-funding-for-after-school-programs-early-kindergarten.html" target="_blank">DNews]
-> Bob Bernick wonders if three Utah House leaders could be hurt in leadership elections this fall because of their votes for SB54. [http://utahpolicy.com/index.php/features/today-at-utah-policy/8780-" target="_blank">UtahPolicy]
-> A House committee narrowly approved a bill connected to a controversial Rocky Mountain Power initiative. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/3635426-155/amended-rocky-mountain-power-bill-moves" target="_blank">Trib] [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865649586/Sen-Stuart-Adams-Rocky-Mountain-Power-bill-survives-committee-hearing.html" target="_blank">DNews] [http://kuer.org/post/electric-bill-gives-lawmakers-more-say-rates" target="_blank">KUER]
-> Utah would be the third state to incorporate legislation on scientific review of administrative lawmaking action under a new bill. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/3635903-155/utah-passes-bill-allowing-those-with" target="_blank">Trib]
-> A bill removing students' SAGE scores from teacher evaluations passed in committee. [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865649631/Bill-would-give-more-power-to-Utah-teachers.html" target="_blank">DNews] [http://www.good4utah.com/news/top-stories/bill-to-remove-sage-results-from-teacher-evaluations-clears-another-hurdle" target="_blank">ABC4]
-> Parents would have the option of enrolling their middle schoolers in a gun safety course under a bill that gained preliminary approval from the House Tuesday. [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865649643/Lawmakers-advance-gun-safety-proposal-for-Utah-students.html" target="_blank">DNews]
-> A bill calls for a more defined role for law enforcement officers in schools. [http://kutv.com/news/local/bill-says-the-role-of-school-police-officers-should-be-clearly-defined" target="_blank">KUTV] [http://kuer.org/post/bill-takes-aim-utahs-school-prison-pipeline-problem" target="_blank">KUER]
-> The legality of a bill proposing an investment of $53 million in an Oakland coal port is in question. [http://www.good4utah.com/news/53-million-coal-port-plan-is-a-shell-game-says-critics" target="_blank">ABC4]
-> Here is today's legislative committee schedule. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/3635141-155/legislative-committees-wednesday-march-9" target="_blank">Trib]
In other news: Gov. Gary Herbert said he'd be comfortable letting a judge decide the fate of a recent law allowing candidates to qualify for the ballot by gathering signatures. [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865649611/Governor-lawmakers-might-leave-Utah-election-law-decision-to-judge.html" target="_blank">DNews]
-> The Salt Lake County Council held a closed-door meeting Tuesday to discuss County Recorder Gary Ott. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/3635820-155/salt-lake-county-council-mum-about" target="_blank">Trib] [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865649627/Council-holds-closed-door-meeting-amid-concerns-about-county-recorder.html" target="_blank">DNews]
-> At the Jeremy Johnson trial, the defendant told the jury Tuesday he's not a "con man" and that his business' actions were transparent. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/3633386-155/jeremy-johnson-tells-jury-he-is" target="_blank">Trib] [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865649572/On-trial-for-fraud-Jeremy-Johnson-tells-jurors-his-business-model-was-transparent.html" target="_blank">DNews]
-> Authorities say the shooting of LaVoy Fincham was justified, but FBI agents still have questions to answer about two unreported shots fired. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/3633495-155/investigators-shooting-of-lavoy-finicum-was" target="_blank">Trib] [http://kutv.com/news/local/county-prosecutor-says-fbi-justified-in-shooting-of-lavoy-finicum-widow-disagrees" target="_blank">KUTV] [http://fox13now.com/2016/03/08/district-attorneys-office-says-finicum-shooting-is-justified/" target="_blank">Fox13] [http://www.good4utah.com/news/local-news/lavoy-finicums-wife-upset-over-shooting-justification" target="_blank">ABC4]
-> A poll asking whether Utahns would favor an unnamed Republican candidate over an unnamed Democratic candidate finds what you'd expect: Much more support on the GOP side. [http://utahpolicy.com/index.php/features/today-at-utah-policy/8779-" target="_blank">UtahPolicy]
-> The Jonathan Johnson for Governor campaign manager has asked for a probe into a potential election fraud. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/3635501-155/johnson-for-governor-campaign-alleges-election" target="_blank">Trib]
-> Three teens are volunteering 20 hours per week to organize the Herriman City Chamber of Commerce. [http://kutv.com/features/inside-the-story/inside-the-story-teens-jump-start-herrimans-chamber-of-commerce" target="_blank">KUTV]
-> Utah Planned Parenthood was planning to ask for an extension yesterday of a court order that would keep funding for the program. [http://www.sltrib.com/home/3633339-155/utah-planned-parenthood-to-challenge-defunding" target="_blank">APviaTrib] [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865649579/Utah-Planned-Parenthood-challenges-Herberts-defunding-order.html" target="_blank">APviaDNews] [http://www.good4utah.com/news/local-news/utah-court-to-hear-planned-parenthood-case" target="_blank">ABC4] Herbert said he feels confident about his decision to cut funding. [http://fox13now.com/2016/03/08/governor-says-hes-on-solid-footing-over-cutting-money-to-planned-parenthood/" target="_blank">Fox13]
-> A worker at a SLC's veteran hospital allegedly bypassed security to steal more than 24,000 painkillers, and federal agents are looking into why required software was not in place to prevent it. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/3635613-155/feds-probe-massive-theft-of-opioids" target="_blank">Trib]
-> After a verdict from the jury against the polygamous towns on the Utah-Arizona border, it's up to a judge to decide what actions should be taken. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/3633494-155/judge-to-decide-future-of-polygamous" target="_blank">APviaTrib]
-> Prosecutors in another case involving the FLDS sect, accusing some of food stamp fraud, are seeking the $200,000 from businesses involved in the alleged scheme. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/3635456-155/prosecutors-seek-cash-tied-to-alleged" target="_blank">Trib] [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865649616/Federal-government-looks-to-seize-191K-from-FLDS-in-food-stamp-fraud-case.html" target="_blank">DNews]
-> Pedestrian fatalities are up 60 percent from last year, a study shows. [http://kutv.com/news/local/pedestrian-fatalities-in-utah-up-60-over-the-last-year-study-shows" target="_blank">KUTV]
-> Repeat DUI offenders could serve less jail time under proposed changes in how the Utah Board of Pardons and Parole sentences. [http://www.standard.net/Courts/2016/03/06/Utah-DUI-charges-felony-sentencing-guidelines-2016.html" target="_blank">StandardExaminer]
-> Residents who own commonly stolen cars are receiving anti-theft devices from the SLC Police Department. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/3633500-155/slc-police-giving-away-anti-theft-devices" target="_blank">Trib] [http://kutv.com/news/local/slcpd-giving-away-free-anti-theft-devices-to-help-prevent-car-thefts" target="_blank">KUTV] [http://www.good4utah.com/news/local-news/protect-your-vehicle-from-car-thieves-enter-to-win-the-club" target="_blank">ABC4]
-> Unified Police are also warning of a phone scam dealing with jury duty. [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865649575/Unified-police-warning-people-about-jury-duty-phone-scam.html" target="_blank">DNews] [http://fox13now.com/2016/03/08/unified-police-warning-people-about-jury-duty-scammers/" target="_blank">Fox13]
-> Police are monitoring the homeless situation at the SLC airport. [http://fox13now.com/2016/03/08/airport-police-monitoring-homeless-situation/" target="_blank">Fox13]
-> There are now dogs on-duty who can sniff out explosives in the SLC airport. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/3633273-155/explosive-sniffing-dogs-now-on-duty-at" target="_blank">Trib] [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865649609/Explosive-sniffing-dogs-join-TSA-agents-in-airport-screening-process.html" target="_blank">DNews] [http://fox13now.com/2016/03/08/tsa-demonstrating-canine-screening-at-salt-lake-city-airport/" target="_blank">Fox13] [http://www.good4utah.com/news/local-news/new-k9-teams-introduced-to-slc-international-airport" target="_blank">ABC4]
-> A woman in Uintah County has died from swine flu. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/3636720-155/woman-in-utah-dies-of-swine" target="_blank">Trib] [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865649615/Duchesne-County-woman-dies-from-swine-flu.html" target="_blank">DNews] [http://kutv.com/news/local/one-person-dies-from-swine-flu-in-eastern-utah" target="_blank">KUTV] [http://fox13now.com/2016/03/08/one-person-dies-from-swine-flu-in-uintah-county/" target="_blank">Fox13]
-> Doctors across the state have reported a spike in flu cases. [http://fox13now.com/2016/03/08/utah-doctors-report-spike-in-flu-cases/" target="_blank">Fox13]
-> Average gas prices in Utah are around $1.78 per gallon. [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865649574/Average-Utah-gas-price-178-per-gallon.html" target="_blank">DNews]
-> Pat Bagley offers two cartoons to "take back our state." Part one: [http://www.sltrib.com/opinion/3635750-155/bagley-cartoon-take-back-our-state" target="_blank">Trib] Part two [http://www.sltrib.com/opinion/3635784-155/bagley-cartoon-take-back-our-state" target="_blank">Trib]
-> Paul Rolly gives the experience one Vietnam veteran of Mexican descent had with a call from a white supremacist advocating for Donald Trump. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/3628128-155/rolly-trump-supporter-to-vietnam" target="_blank">Trib]
Nationally: Democrat presidential hopeful Sen. Bernie Sanders got a big win in Michigan last night, [http://www.vox.com/2016/3/8/11184180/bernie-sanders-michigan" target="_blank">Vox] [http://www.politico.com/story/2016/03/democratic-primaries-2016-ledeall-220444" target="_blank">Politico] [http://www.bloomberg.com/politics/articles/2016-03-09/sanders-stuns-clinton-with-michigan-upset" target="_blank">Bloomberg] while GOP front-runner Donald Trump held onto his lead. [http://bigstory.ap.org/6ea7b149b45d4249a449d00ae121fe89" target="_blank">AP] [http://www.wsj.com/video/donald-trump-extends-lead-bernie-sanders-pulls-off-upset/84219C36-D2F7-4AFD-908D-345BCCD90A7A.html?mod=e2tw" target="_blank">WSJ] Sanders' win led some to question what went wrong with front-runner Democrat Hillary Clinton's campaign. [http://www.cnn.com/2016/03/09/politics/hillary-clinton-michigan-loss/index.html" target="_blank">CNN] Despite the hit in Michigan, she won by a significant margin in Mississippi. [https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2016/03/08/how-hillary-clinton-won-mississippi/?postshare=6711457487515358&tid=ss_tw" target="_blank">WaPost] Trump also won in Hawaii and Mississippi. [http://www.bbc.com/news/election-us-2016-35760148?ocid=socialflow_twitter" target="_blank">BBC]
-> Trump refused to appear on camera for a scheduled CBS interview Tuesday morning, and the excuse he gives is different than what others say. The news station refused to accept a phone interview from him instead. [http://www.politico.com/blogs/2016-gop-primary-live-updates-and-results/2016/03/donald-trump-cbs-220417" target="_blank">Politico] [http://money.cnn.com/2016/03/08/media/donald-trump-tv-interviews/index.html" target="_blank">CNN] [http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/cbs-this-morning-donald-trump_us_56dee6cfe4b03a405679c85e?bqsq0k9" target="_blank">HuffPost] [http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/272169-cbs-declines-phone-interview-with-trump" target="_blank">TheHill]
-> Mitt Romney has recorded "robocalls" for John Kasich — in addition to ones for Marco Rubio — in an effort to steer voters away from Trump. [http://fox13now.com/2016/03/08/romney-records-robocalls-for-rubio-and-kasich-in-effort-to-thwart-trump/" target="_blank">CNNviaFox13] [http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2016/03/04/us/politics/romney-multiple-candidates-stop-trump-tactical-voting.html?ref=politics&_r=0" target="_blank">NYTimes]
-> Despite controversy surrounding whether or not Congress will give a Supreme Court nominee from President Barack Obama a chance, he has began interviewing those he's considering. [http://www.npr.org/2016/03/08/469722360/president-obama-meets-with-supreme-court-candidates" target="_blank">NPR]
Where are they?
Got a tip? A birthday, wedding or anniversary to announce? Email us at cornflakes@sltrib.com" target="_blank">cornflakes@sltrib.com. If you haven't already, sign up for our weekday email and get this sent directly to your inbox. [http://www.sltrib.com/pages/email" target="_blank">Trib]
— Thomas Burr and Mariah Noble
https://twitter.com/thomaswburr" target="_blank">Twitter.com/thomaswburr and https://twitter.com/mnoblenews" target="_blank">Twitter.com/mnoblenews