Happy Friday!
South Dakota lawmakers not only trust in God, they now mandate that students see that. A new state law requires all public schools to paint, stencil or otherwise prominently display the national motto of “In God We Trust.” Lawmakers said it is intended to inspire patriotism. But the Freedom From Religion Foundation says “it’s a terrible violation of freedom of conscience to inflict a godly message on a captive audience of school children.” [AP]
Topping the news: Utah’s Rep. Ben McAdams and Rep. John Curtis opposed a House measure to boost federal spending limits, while Reps. Chris Stewart and Rob Bishop supported the measure. Utah Sens. Mike Lee and Mitt Romney have said they will not support it in the Senate. President Donald Trump is in favor of the boost to the debt ceiling. [Trib] [DNews]
-> The Utah County Commission voted Thursday to go forward with a public vote on changing its government structure despite a petition filed earlier this month against the switch. [Trib]
-> Refugee advocates say that Utah could resettle twice as many people if not for national policies limiting refugee numbers. Advocates also asked Utahns to open their homes to foster refugee youths. [Trib] [Fox13] [DNews]
Tweets of the day: From @MatthewJGeek: “I think my favorite thing about researching Utah Rodeos is how almost none of the Rodeos’ websites list where there rodeo is actually taking place. It’s like, ‘This rodeo is being held in Daggett County! Hopefully you find it! GOOD LUCK!’”
-> From @heydebhenry: “Although I am constituent @SenMikeLee, his ego ignores I lost multiple kin as #911FirstResponders. My father, as FDNY Captain, lost 50+ of his ppl. Dad has survived cancer 4 times and the PTSD haunts our ENTIRE family: What is that worth, Senator? This is personal. #utpol”
-> From @AsteadWesley: “next time some country star is imprisoned im going to ask a politician what it means for the white community”
Happy birthday: to Ron Fox and daughter Kari Fox Hardy
Behind the headlines: Tribune reporters Thomas Burr and Jessica Miller, and columnist Robert Gehrke, join KCPW's Roger McDonough to talk about the week's top stories, including Rep. Chris Stewart's criticism of Robert Mueller's Russia probe.
Every Friday at 9 a.m., stream "Behind the Headlines" at kcpw.org, or tune in to KCPW 88.3 FM or Utah Public Radio for the broadcast. Join the live conversation by calling (801) 355-TALK.
News quiz: Last week, 95% of you knew about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ Boy Scout replacement program, but only 31% knew that the Round Peak Fire was likely caused by a campfire. Think you kept up with the news this week? Take our quiz to find out. A new one will post every Friday morning. You can find previous quizzes here. If you’re using The Salt Lake Tribune mobile app, click here. [Trib]
In other news: Controversy is stirring in Kanab over a proposed sand mine, where many residents fear it will be detrimental to the town. [Trib]
-> South Salt Lake and Shelter the Homeless are in a standoff over a permit needed to open a new homeless resource center — so the state could take matters into its own hands. [Trib]
-> Utah’s economy grew at the nation’s fourth fastest rate, 4.2%, in the first quarter of this fiscal year. [Trib]
-> The Utah Transit Authority board must choose between focusing on providing more frequent busses in more populated areas, or more busses across a larger physical area. [Trib]
-> As they gather at a conference in Utah, the nation’s governors start to think about what they will do if an appeals court upholds a ruling overturning President Obama’s signature health care law [APviaTrib].
-> Cindy McCain praised Romney at National Governors Association’s annual meeting, which was held in Salt Lake City this year. [DNews]
-> Columnist Robert Gehrke gives his take about how term limits are a neat idea that won’t solve the problems its proponents hope it will. [Trib]
Nationally: The Justice Department plans to execute five men convicted of killing children. The federal government has not executed anyone since 2003. [APViaTrib]
-> Members of a House subcommittee grilled the cofounder of Juul, an e-cigarette company, over evidence that the company attempts to target children as customers. [Reuters]
-> Three University of Mississippi students face a possible investigation by the Department of Justice after posing with guns in front of a bullet-riddled sign honoring Emmett Till, a black child who was tortured and murdered by a mob in August 1955. [Propublica]
-> Democratic representatives continue to be torn over whether to begin impeachment proceedings against President Donald Trump. [NYT]
-> Billionaire pedophile Jeffrey Epstein used his friendship with Leslie H. Wexner, the man behind Victoria’s Secret, to target young women. [NYT]
-> Auto manufacturing companies have agreed to comply with California’s stricter standards on emissions even as Trump fights to roll back emission standards. [WSJ]
-> How Trump ended up in front of a presidential seal doctored to include a Russian symbol. [WaPostviaTrib]
Got a tip? A birthday, wedding or anniversary to announce? Email us at cornflakes@sltrib.com. If you haven’t already, sign up here for our weekday email to get this sent directly to your inbox.
-- Lee Davidson and Sara Tabin
Follow @sltribpolitics