Happy Wednesday!
How has the stock market performed under President Donald Trump so far? Swimmingly, with the S&P 500 up 29%. Still, that’s below the 46% boost seen during the comparable period of President Barack Obama’s first term. [CNN]
Topping the news: Salt Lake City’s mayoral primary currently has Erin Mendenhall in the lead followed by Jim Dabakis and Luz Escamilla in a tight battle for second place and a spot on the general election ballot. It’s not over though, votes are still being counted. [Trib] [DNews] [Fox13]
-> In the other three mayoral races statewide, West Jordan Councilman Dick Burton will face current mayor Jim Riding in November, Ogden Mayor Mike Caldwell squares off with Angel Castillo and in Brighton, Dan Knopp and Don Despain face off. [Trib] [DNews] [StandEx] [Fox13]
-> Utah immigrants say they’re living in fear after the Trump administration’s crackdown on green cards for those receiving government assistance. [Trib] [ABC4]
Tweets of the day: @RepBriscoe: “Can I express to my friends on the SLC Council - and I consider them all friends - my frustration that we are not using ranked choice voting for the primary election? I wanted to show some love to more than on(e) candidate in such a good field.”
-> @SenatorRomney: “Protests in Hong Kong are further exposing China’s relentless campaign of repression, censorship, and the imprisonment of millions. I support the people of Hong Kong in their quest for freedom and autonomy. The Chinese Communist Party and the military should stay in Beijing.”
-> @atrupar: “Here’s acting USCIS director Ken Cuccinelli saying on NPR this morning that the Statue of Liberty plaque should be changed to read, ‘give me your tired and your poor who can stand on their own two feet, and who will not become a public charge.”
-> @JeffStenquist: “One of the popular arguments that Utah should accept full Medicaid expansion under the ACA is that ‘we would get millions and millions of federal dollars’. And where does the federal government get that money? They borrow it!”
Happy Birthday: To Salt Lake County Councilman Michael Jensen, former two-time congressional candidate Doug Owens and former Salt Lake City mayoral adviser Helen Langan.
In other news: Morgan County Councilwoman Tina Cannon has declared her candidacy for the 1st Congressional District seat of U.S. Rep. Rob Bishop when he retires after the current term. Kaysville Mayor Katie Witt previously announced she was exploring the race. [Trib] [StandEx] [DNews]
-> Salt Lake City Councilman Charlie Luke easily made the primary cut and faces newcomer Dan Dugan in November in District 6. Ex-Councilman J.T. Martin was eliminated. [Trib]
-> Utah County reports initial municipal primary election results. [DailyHerald]
-> Weber County is seeking public arguments for and against a change from the three-member commission form of government prior to a November general election on a step in that direction. [StandEx]
-> Salt Lake City’s mayor is considered mayor to the whole state some say. [DNews]
Nationally: Extreme climate change has arrived in parts of the United States — including a big swath of eastern Utah and western Colorado. [WaPost]
-> Nearly 30 states have filed suit in an effort to block the Trump administration’s move to roll back regulations on coal-fired power plants. [NYTimes]
-> Markets soared on news the Trump administration has delayed tariffs on laptops, cellphones and toys from China just in time for the start of a new school year and, in coming months, the holiday season. [NYTimes] [WaPost]
-> The U.S. Justice Department has reassigned the warden of the federal jail where accused sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein was found dead and two staffers have been placed on leave as the investigation continues. [WaPost]
-> Democrats are debating how hard to hit Trump on his racist rhetoric. [APviaTrib]
-> China has released video showing troops amassing across the border with Hong Kong. [Guardian]
-> Amid clashes with police, the Hong Kong protesters have adopted a theme song: “Do you hear the people sing?” from “Les Misérables.” [WaPost]
-> U.S. leaders are growing increasingly alarmed at what looks like an impending government crackdown on the protesters — with the exception of President Trump, who has said little besides hoping out loud that no one is hurt or killed. [Politico]
