Good Tuesday morning Utah from the Tribune political desk! Thanks for reading “The Rundown”.
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Trump tells Republicans not to vote, but Utah’s GOP leader isn’t worried
On Wednesday, former President Donald Trump sent out a statement urging Republicans not to vote in the next two elections if the Republican party does not somehow “solve” alleged voter fraud. Trump has falsely blamed fraud for his loss to Joe Biden in 2020.
“If we don’t solve the Presidential election Fraud of 2020 (which we have thoroughly and conclusively documented), Republicans will not be voting in ‘22 or ‘24. It is the single most important thing for Republicans to do,” Trump said.
Trump’s claims about non-existent voter fraud have already contributed to two major election losses. Some of his supporters told Georgia Republicans to sit out the two runoff elections earlier this year, allowing Democrats to win a majority in the Senate.
Utah Republican Party Chairman Carson Jorgensen says he’s not worried Trump’s calls to not cast a ballot will have an impact on his party’s chances next year.
“In Utah, we will always strive to encourage voters and drive voter turnout. We will continue to elect Republicans,” Jorgensen said in a text message.
But, what about Trump’s call to “solve” an election fraud problem that there’s no proof to support? Jorgensen sidestepped direct comment on the issue.
“Election integrity should always be top priority in any election. Without faith in the election system, our country falls apart. We plan on making voter turnout, caucus attendance, candidate training, and winning races our top priority in ‘22,” Jorgensen said.
Here’s what you need to know for Thursday morning
🏛 The House Committee investigating the January 6 insurrection is preparing to pursue criminal contempt charges against former White House advisor Steve Bannon if he does not appear for a deposition today. Three other former Trump administration officials faced deadlines later this week.[WaPo]
🏠 Utah’s red-hot housing market could get worse, according to a new report. [Tribune]
📈 Inflation jumped again last month. Prices have risen 5.4% over the previous year, which is outpacing government projections. [WSJ]
📦 President Joe Biden announced a deal with several companies to expand operations at the Port of Los Angeles around the clock to help alleviate supply chain problems. [AP]
💵 Social Security recipients are about to get a big boost in their monthly checks as a 5.9% increase will go into effect next year. Much of that increase could be offset by rising inflation. [CNN]
💉 Data shows those who got the Johnson & Johnson vaccine may benefit from a booster shot, but maybe one from a different manufacturer. [WaPo]
💻 Apple CEO Tim Cook discussed data privacy and how education needs to change to meet a changing workplace. He also joined several high-profile Utahns to raise funds to support LGBTQ+ youth. [Tribune]
Sen. Mitt Romney and former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer discussed antitrust for the tech sector and the rise of China at the Silicon Slopes summit on Wednesday. [Tribune]
🚨 A review of police response times in Salt Lake City found it took officers an average of 17 minutes. Officials said the number was startling and vowed to find solutions. [Tribune]
⚡️ The Biden administration announced plans for wind farms along nearly the entire U.S. coastline. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland says they will decide which federal waters to lease to wind developers by 2025. [NYT]
😳 Georgia GOP Senate candidate Herschel Walker canceled a fundraiser with a supporter who used a swastika in her social media profile. [Atlanta Journal Constitution]
😳 Journalist Katie Couric says she nixed comments made by former Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg critical of those who kneeled during the national anthem. Couric says she wanted to protect RBG from any backlash. [Twitter]
🍹 Utah officials are warning of possible shortages at state-run liquor stores ahead of the holiday season. [Tribune]
Thursday morning’s Utah news roundup
Utah
Comcast gives $100,000 and 1,000 laptops to organizations in Salt Lake County to support internet accessibility. [Tribune]
Construction on ‘The New SLC’ moves forward following topping out ceremony. [KUTV]
National ACT composite score lowest in a decade, but Utah scores trend upward amid pandemic. [Deseret News]
Salt Lake County prepares to welcome dozens more Afghan refugees. [KSL]
Vandalism in schools rises, officials blame TikTok challenge. [ABC4]
COVID-19
19 more Utahns die of COVID-19 as ICUs remain near capacity, providers ‘struggle to provide care’. [Tribune]
Police
Fatal shooting of Aaron Lowe happened after argument over moving his car, records state. [Tribune]
Environment
Salt Lake County switches to cleaner Tier 3 gas, challenges others to follow suit. [Tribune]
Local Government
State audit finds Uintah County has been misusing funds. [Deseret News]
Candidate’s performance as fire chief under scrutiny in Bluffdale mayor’s race. [KUTV]
Utah redistricting group holding public meeting in Layton. [Standard Examiner]
Provo’s Municipal Council votes to get public input on new way of parking management. [Daily Herald]
Summit County’s transit district proposes a budget 35% higher than 2021. [Park Record]
Coalville told its water systems must expand to handle growth. [Park Record]
Opinion
Cox campaign’s investigative report that found sexual misconduct should be public, Editorial Board writes. [Tribune]
Jay Evensen: A sexualized culture is hurting young girls. [Deseret News]
— The Tribune’s Connor Sanders contributed to this report.
