 The UtahPolicy.com daily newsletter gets you up to speed on the top local and national news about politics and public policy. Send news tips or feedback to bschott@utahpolicy.com, or message us on Twitter. Situational awareness - April 16, 2020Good Thursday morning from Salt Lake CityThe Utah Legislature begins its historic online-only special session this morning at 9 am. You can watch the proceedings on their website.TICK TOCK9 days to the Utah Republican and Democratic state conventions (4/25/2020)75 days to the 2020 Utah primary elections (6/30/2020)201 Days to the 2020 election (11/3/2020)279 days to inauguration day (01/20/2021)284 days to the start of the 2021 Utah Legislature (1/25/2021)Here are the stories you need to pay attention to this morning:
Thanks for subscribing to Utah's must-read daily political news rundown.If you know of friends or colleagues who would benefit from our daily news roundup, please encourage them to sign up for our emails. Today At Utah Policy Reyes, Skordas hold big leads in race GOP, Democratic Attorney General nominationsBy Bob Bernick, Contributing Editor GOP Attorney General Sean Reyes holds a healthy lead over the two fellow Republicans seeking to unseat him this year, a new UtahPolicy.com/KUTV 2News poll finds.  McAdams has more than five times as much campaign cash as his Republican challengers combinedBy Bryan Schott, Managing Editor Democrat Ben McAdams is close to taking Utah's 4th Congressional District out of play in November by building an almost insurmountable cash advantage over the field of Republicans vying to replace him.  Video: Senate President Stuart Adams previews Thursday's special sessionBy Bryan Schott, Managing Editor Senate President Stuart Adams, R-Layton, looks ahead to the Utah Legislature's online-only special session that begins on Thursday morning. OTHER UTAH HEADLINESDeseret News
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NATIONAL HEADLINESBack to business?President Donald Trump said he will unveil guidelines for relaxing stay-at-home rules on Thursday, citing signs that the coronavirus outbreak may be hitting a peak in some parts of the country [Bloomberg]. Trump's frustration with Congress growsPresident Trump threatened to invoke an obscure part of the Constitution to force Congress to adjourn so he could use his recess appointment power to fill several slots in the federal government. Scholars say that authority has never been used before, and they doubt Trump's gambit would be successful [The Hill]. Bad ideaU.S. officials warned President Trump that cutting funding to the World Health Organization would hobble global efforts to combat the coronavirus pandemic [Pro Publica]. Coronavirus conspiracyU.S. intelligence and national security officials say the government is exploring the possibility that the coronavirus originated in a Chinese lab instead of a market. The U.S. does not believe that the virus was associated with bioweapons research [CNN]. Whoops!Some business leaders had no idea they were included on President Trump's council to explore restarting the economy until they heard Trump read their names during a press event. Others were given little information on what they had agreed to [Washington Post]. Coronavirus protestsConservative groups in Michigan jammed the streets in Lansing to protest the state's stay-at-home order on Wednesday [CNN]. Some right-wing media personalities are egging on protests against social distancing measures [CNN]. No end in sightLos Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said Wednesday that large gatherings like sporting events and concerts are unlikely to occur in that city until 2021 because of the pandemic [Politico]. Out of cashThe $349 billion small business loan program to provide relief from the coronavirus pandemic is almost out of money [CNBC]. Unemployment skyrocketsThe unemployment rate could hit 20 percent this month, and economists say there's no guarantee it would stop there [Bloomberg]. Terrible economic news keeps comingRetail sales fell 8.7 percent in March [New York Times]. U.S. manufacturing dropped by the most since 1946 in March [Reuters]. Endorsement newsOne time Democratic presidential frontrunner Elizabeth Warren endorsed her former rival, Joe Biden, on Wednesday [New York Times]. The Trump showPresident Trump wanted to start a daily call-in radio show to answer questions about the coronavirus, but the plan was dropped because Trump didn't want to compete with Rush Limbaugh [New York Times]. College testingThe College Board says they will implement a digital at-home SAT test this fall if the nation's schools don't re-open [CNN]. BUSINESS HEADLINES
Policy News Utah Economic Task Force town hall: Pandemic unemployment assistance -- What you need to knowThe Utah Economic Task Force will host a virtual town hall on Thursday, April 16, 2020 at 4:00 p.m. MST to provide an overview of pandemic unemployment assistance and an update on coronavirus testing in the state, as well as discuss the Silicon Slopes small and midsize business survey.  Salt Lake Chamber launches grant program for rural and minority small businessesThe Salt Lake Chamber has announced the creation of the Mainstreet Preservation Grant through the Chamber's Utah Job Opportunities Foundation, thanks to a $500,000 donation from WCF Insurance. Department of Commerce warns consumers about coronavirus and stimulus scams, and unveils fraud-fighting website With economic relief payments, expanded unemployment benefits, loan programs, and other COVID-19-related initiatives, the Utah Department of Commerce is warning consumers to continue to be on the lookout for scams related to COVID-19, including stimulus and other government programs. Utah House of Representatives announces UHEAL fundraiser for frontline healthcare workers The Utah House of Representatives announced a fundraiser in partnership with the Utah Restaurant Association to raise money for meals for frontline healthcare workers. The Utah Healthcare Employee Appreciation Lunches (UHEAL) initiative will collect funds through GoFundMe, which will then be used to purchase and deliver meals from local restaurants to healthcare workers in local hospitals. More National Headlines
ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY1818 - The U.S. Senate ratifies the Rush-Bagot Treaty, establishing the border with Canada. 1862 - The District of Columbia Compensated Emancipation Act, A bill ending slavery in the District of Columbia becomes law. 1881 - In Dodge City, Kansas, Bat Masterson fights his last gun battle. 1908 - Natural Bridges National Monument is established in Utah. 1912 - Harriet Quimby becomes the first woman to fly an airplane across the English Channel. 1947 - Bernard Baruch first applies the term "Cold War" to describe the relationship between the United States and the Soviet Union. 1963 - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. pens his Letter from Birmingham Jail while incarcerated for protesting against segregation. 2007 - Virginia Tech shooting: A gunman kills 32 people and injures 17 before committing suicide on the Blacksburg campus. Wise WordsSmile in Trouble "I love those who can smile in trouble, who can gather strength from distress, and grow brave by reflection. 'Tis the business of little minds to shrink, but they whose heart is firm, and whose conscience approves their conduct, will pursue their principles unto death."Leonardo da Vinci Lighter SideCorona Burn "I guess during a pandemic crazy ideas like Medicare for all just don't resonate."- STEPHEN COLBERT Subscribers may receive special messages with information about new features, special offers, or public policy messages from clients and advertisers. |
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