Happy Friday!
Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin, a Republican and Trump loyalist, is raising allegations of voting “irregularities” in his election loss to Democrat Andy Beshear. Bevin hasn’t produced any evidence to back up his claims and Republicans say they will not take any action without proof. [HeraldLeader]
Topping the news: City Councilwoman Erin Mendenhall announced her administration would be “ready on Day One,” at a press conference as the mayor-elect prepares to take office in Salt Lake City in January. [Trib] [DNews] [Fox13]
-> The Utah Legislature’s new tax reform bill, which would increase sales tax revenue in Utah by $570 million and decrease the income tax by $650 million, was met with criticism Thursday night by educators, small business owners, low-income advocates and Democrats. [Trib] [Fox13] [DNews]
-> The first funerals for the U.S. citizens killed in a northern Mexico ambush on Monday were held yesterday in La Mora, Mexico, where hundreds of mourners were in attendance. [Trib] [DNews] [StandEx]
Tweets of the day: From @utahhousedems: “This is an ideological agenda for short term gain at long term expense. It’s not sound public policy. It’s just as bad as the #TrumpTaxCuts, or worse. How disappointing.”
-> From @utahousereps: “What’s really disappointing is the @utahhousedems resorting to base, party-building rhetoric on a tax reform proposal that not only is remarkably progressive for a conservative state, but that members of the House and Senate minority caucuses added value to.”
Happy Birthday: Conservative activist Cherilyn Eagar and Matt Sandgren, former chief of staff to Sen. Orrin G. Hatch and executive director of the Orrin G. Hatch Foundation.
Behind the Headlines: Tribune managing editor David Noyce, reporter Taylor Stevens and news columnist Robert Gehrke join KCPW’s Roger McDonough to talk about the week’s top stories, including the massacre of nine people with Utah ties in Mexico.
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, 97% of you knew about Utah’s record-breaking temperatures, but only 40% of you knew Becky Sauerbrunn was named the NWSL Defender of the Year. Think you kept up with the news this week? Take our quiz to find out. If you’re using The Salt Lake Tribune mobile app, click here. [Trib]
Also in the news: About 100 people protested the coming closure of The Road Home’s downtown homeless shelter, warning that people will be left out in the deadly cold this winter. State and local officials have vowed that no one needing shelter will be shut out. [Trib]
-> Dan Dugan, the challenger to Salt Lake City Council Chairman Charlie Luke, has maintained and widened his lead from Tuesday’s vote in what are still partial, unofficial results. [Trib] [DNews]
-> Faced with angry taxpayers over a proposed hike that would cost the average homeowner an extra $123 annually, Utah County Commissioner Bill Lee suggested several spending cuts — including ending death penalty cases, for an estimated $1 million savings. [DailyHerald]
-> Weber State University is investigating a student’s allegations that the school’s debate director teaches an anti-white curriculum. [StandEx]
-> Utah Valley University has been denied accreditation for his physician’s assistant masters program. It will not begin January as planned. [DailyHerald]
-> Lee Lonsberry, the communications director for the soon-to-retire Rep. Rob Bishop, will be taking over an afternoon talk show slot on KSL Newsradio in early December. [Trib]
-> The Utah Transit Authority will ditch ticket vending machines that cost nearly as much to buy and maintain as the fares they collect for the 35 MAX bus in West Valley City. [Trib]
-> The family of an autistic girl who was harassed and punched by her bus driver is suing multiple parties for discrimination and abuse following the attack. [Trib]
-> Pat Bagley gives his take on proposed tax reform based on what lawmakers hear through the grapevine. [Trib]
Nationally: Michael Bloomberg, the former New York City mayor, is actively preparing to enter the Democratic presidential primary. [NYTimes] [CNN] [AP] [WaPost]
-> House impeachment investigators have released the transcript of the testimony of a senior State Department official in charge of Ukraine policy, George P. Kent, who echoed the concerns of President Trump’s former adviser on Russia and Europe, Fiona Hill. [NYTimes] [AP] [WaPost]
-> President Trump denies reports that he had unsuccessfully pressed Attorney General William Barr to call a news conference to clear the president of any wrongdoing in the phone call with Ukraine’s leader. [APviaTrib]
-> President Donald Trump has been ordered by a New York state judge to pay $2 million to settle a civil lawsuit against the Trump Foundation and his children. [CNN] [AP] [WaPost]
-> Rudy Giuliani’s attacks were part of a “campaign of lies” and “slander” against the former Ukraine ambassador, according to a transcript from the testimony of a State Department official, released Thursday. [CNN] [AP] [WaPost]
-> Sen. Bernie Sanders released a plan on Thursday that includes an allowance for people who have been in the United States illegally for five years to stay without the risk of deportation. [NYTimes]
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-- Dan Harrie and Clara Hatcher
Follow @sltribpolitics
