After President Donald Trump arrived late for his speech to the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday, he began by bragging about himself. “In less than two years, my administration has accomplished more than almost any administration in the history of our country,” Trump said before leaders audibly laughed. “I didn’t expect that reaction, but that’s okay," he continued. The reaction to the president, who also used the opportunity to denounce globalism and emphasize his commitment to “America first” ideals, underscored the country’s continued isolation on the world stage. [Politico]
Happy Wednesday.
Topping the news: Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke visited Zion National Park Monday to assess its funding needs. During his visit, Zinke said visiting the park “should be a five star experience” and that he plans to increase its funding without raising taxes or “growing government." [Trib] [DNews] [KUTV] [ABC4]
-> While Sen. Mike Lee has remained mute on the sex-assault allegations against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh, his communications director is all over social media with skepticism about the accusations. [Trib]
-> The Salt Lake County Council voted unanimously on Tuesday to call for openness from the Inland Port Authority Board after the group has been conducting closed subcommittee meetings. Another transparency issue also rose to the surface, with a coalition of concerned citizens upset by the vagueness of the board’s $2 million budget. [Trib]
Tweets of the day: From @ashleyfienberg: “Getting reports that rosenstein actually just messed up an office birthday card and needs to re-sign.”
-> From @ParkeyMolloy: “Looks like it might be more like Rod Rosenstay, amirite?”
-> From @ryanbeckwith: “Between Cruz and Kavanaugh, it is a good idea for aspiring politicos to check in with their college roommates and make sure they're still cool with you.”
Happy Birthday: To state Rep. Angela Romero.
In other news: The state of Utah announced Tuesday its plans to buy the Road Home, Salt Lake City’s emergency homeless shelter, for $4 million — a $3 million discount. The move comes ahead of the shelter’s scheduled 2019 closure and opening of three new, smaller shelters to replace it. [Trib] [DNews] [KUTV]
-> Rep. Mia Love and Salt Lake County Mayor Ben McAdams, who are running against each other in the 4th Congressional District, each released new campaign ads on Tuesday slamming the other — and some of their assertions don’t stand up well to outside scrutiny. [Trib]
-> The Utah Transit Authority quintupled ridership on buses in Provo and Orem using a new formula — free and frequent service. [Trib]
-> As November’s midterm elections loom closer, Gov. Gary Herbert and Utah Jazz owner Gail Miller are attempting to raise voter interest in the non-binding ballot measure seeking to raise taxes on gas in order to increase funding for education. [DNews]
-> Though polls show most Utahns are supportive of efforts to make immigration into the U.S. easier, the Trump administration has a proposal that would make it harder. The new rules could deny green cards to immigrants who use government assistance programs above certain thresholds. [ABC4]
-> Tribune columnist Robert Gehrke explores a draft bill created by state lawmakers and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for use if the ballot initiative to legalize medical marijuana fails, or in a special legislative session if it passes. [Trib]
-> Pat Bagley responds to Rep. Love’s comments that Democrats are targeting her because “they do not like the fact that I am a black female Republican.” [Trib]
Nationally: The Senate Judiciary Committee has scheduled the vote on Kavanaugh’s Supreme Court nomination for Friday, less than 24 hours after he will be questioned about Christine Blasey Ford’s allegations that he sexually assaulted her during a party in their high school years. [Politico] [CNN]
-> President Donald Trump lashed out following a second sexual assault allegation against his nominee, blaming Democrats for orchestrating a “con game” and targeting the accuser. Meanwhile, Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski, a crucial Republican swing vote, warned her colleagues not to prejudge the allegations against Kavanaugh. [NYTimes]
-> The U.S. deficit is expected to grow to its highest peak next year since 2012, when interest rates were almost at zero following the 2008 recession. That means the government will soon spend more on interest payments than on the military, health care and infrastructure. [NYTimes]
-> Following Trump’s harsh comments about Iran during his appearance at the United Nations on Tuesday, U.S. National Security Advisor John Bolton said there would be “hell to pay” if the country crossed the U.S. [BBC]
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-- Taylor Stevens and Cara MacDonald
https://twitter.com/tstevensmedia and Twitter.com/carammacdonald