Happy Friday!
President Donald Trump has made baseless claims that the pharmaceutical industry is propelling impeachment talks, possibly as payback for his efforts to reduce drug costs. Trump said Thursday that these companies are “very powerful, they spend a lot of money” and conjectured that “the hoax” might have come in part from these industries. He did not offer any evidence to back up his accusations. [Politico]
Topping the news: Salt Lake City’s nonprofit bike-sharing program, GREENbike, is now available in South Salt Lake. Its expansion includes stations at affordable housing developments, transit stops and a restaurant and beer store. [Trib] [DNews]
-> David Ibarra, a businessman and former political opponent of Erin Mendenhall, endorsed her in the Salt Lake City mayoral race. [Trib]
-> Rep. Ben McAdams, a Utah Democrat, says he won’t react to every new development in the impeachment inquiry because he views himself “like a juror in a court proceeding.” [Trib]
Tweets of the day: From @erinforslcmayor: “David Ibarra’s commitment to making Salt Lake City a better place is deep and it is genuine. The mayor’s race has been better because he was a part of it. I am deeply grateful to receive his support today.”
-> From @MichelleObama: “27 years ago, this guy promised me a life full of adventure. I’d say he’s delivered. Here’s to our next chapter of becoming empty nesters and discovering what’s next—while still feeling the magic that brought us together all those years ago. Happy anniversary, Barack.”
-> From @ClintSmithIII: “'We tried to tell y’all’ - Ancient African-American Proverb"
Happy Birthday: Former state Rep. Roger Barrus and Tribune reporter Taylor Stevens.
Behind the headlines: Tribune managing editor David Noyce, reporter Jessica Miller and columnist George Pyle join KCPW’s Roger McDonough to talk about the week’s top stories, including statements by a leader in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints defining gender as ‘biological sex at birth.’
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.
Also in the news: Under a new plan by PacifiCorp, Utah’s electricity customers will be getting more power from renewable sources in the next several years. [Trib]
-> There was an increase in the number of reported groping cases at Utah colleges last year. There are accounts from 75 students of groping — a number triple the total from three years ago. [Trib]
-> The state has offered a $600,000 settlement to former Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff, and he has accepted it. [Trib]
-> State health officials have delayed implementation of emergency rules for e-cigarettes. [Trib]
-> Columnist Robert Gehrke discusses the recent signing of a California law that could guarantee athletes the right to make money off their name, image and likeness. “You know, like the coaches do.” [Trib]
Nationally: President Donald Trump has now urged China to investigate former Vice President Joe Biden and his son. [NYTimes] [CNN]
-> While Republicans attempt to strategize on the impending impeachment inquiry, Trump makes all the big moves himself. [NYtimes]
-> According to Rep. Doug Collins, the Democrats’ impeachment investigation has no legal basis. Or, that’s what he’s telling a federal judge. [CNN]
-> Kurt Volker is the former special envoy for Ukraine and is the first impeachment witness to meet with congressional investigators. [NYTimes]
-> Following a heart procedure that forced him off the campaign trail, Bernie Sanders plans to participate in the October Democratic primary debate. [Politico]
-> Trump spent the duration of his speech at an official White House event railing against “impeachment crap” and floating conspiracy theories. [CNN]
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.
-- Bethany Rodgers and Clara Hatcher
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