Happy Friday. Obamacare is still the law of the land. Efforts to reform the tax code are in their infancy. There’s been no movement on an infrastructure bill. Republicans have failed to enact their ambitious agenda despite controlling Congress and the White House and now they’re headed into their summer break without any major legislative achievements. [WaPost]
Topping the news: Former vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin endorsed Tanner Ainge in the special election to replace Rep. Jason Chaffetz. [Trib] [DNews] [KUTV]
-> After a federal judge ruled that Jim Bennett must be included on the ballot in the 3rd Congressional District special election, Bennett is worried that he can’t catch up to other candidates after time lost in the legal battle. [Trib] [DNews] [ABC4] [FOX13] [KUER]
Tweets of the day: From @RobertGehrke: “Rep. @danmccay and Auditor John Dougall hit tennis balls around at Pioneer Park, lived to tell about it. Practice for 2018 Gov's Cup. ”
-> From @joncox435: “Politician who resigns early to become TV celebrity endorses candidate to replace politician who resigns early to become TV celebrity”
-> From @StephenAtHome: “Everybody is saying this will be the most luxurious, grandest jury in world! Best indictments ever! Believe me!”
Behind the Headlines: Tribune reporters Alex Stuckey, Emma Penrod and Lee Davidson as well as columnist Robert Gehrke join KCPW’s Roger McDonough to talk about the week’s top stories, including air pollution in the Salt Lake Valley and United Utah Party candidate Jim Bennett's spot on the ballot for Utah's Third Congressional District. Stream online at kcpw.org or listen to KCPW 88.3 FM or Utah Public Radio for the broadcast.
In other news: The Senate unanimously confirmed John Huber as U.S. attorney for Utah on Thursday. [Trib]
-> State Rep. Paul Ray has started drafting a resolution for the next legislative session that would endorse California’s secession. [Trib]
-> Six candidates hoping to be Salt Lake County’s interim sheriff appeared in front of Democratic voters Thursday night to make their case for selection. [Trib]
-> Pat Bagley gives his take on how GOP policies affect the American dream. [Trib]
-> Paul Rolly chronicles a Republican Party feud that has been brought to light by the 3rd Congressional District special election. [Trib]
Nationally: Special Counsel Robert Mueller has empaneled a grand jury to look into Russian interference in the presidential election. [NYTimes] [WaPost] [Politico]
-> Transcripts of President Donald Trump’s phone calls with Mexican President Peña Nieto and Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull obtained by the Washington Post reveal contentious conversations. [NYTimes] [WaPost]
-> The Secret Service moved out of Trump Tower after it reportedly had a disagreement with the president’s company. [NYTimes] [WaPost]
Where are they?
Lt. Gov. Spencer Cox attends the Utah Rural Summit.
State Auditor John Dougall meets with State Treasurer David Damschen, reviews a contract and draft audit work, visits House Speaker Greg Hughes in his office near the Rio Grande neighborhood and attends the Highland City Ruby Jubilee dinner.
Got a tip? A birthday, wedding or anniversary to announce? Email us at cornflakes@sltrib.com. If you haven’t already, sign up for our weekday email and get this sent directly to your inbox. [Trib]
-- Thomas Burr and Emily Anderson
Twitter.com/thomaswburr and Twitter.com/emilyinorgandy
