While lawyers argue, it’s past time to physically protect Utah’s public lands

The Salt Lake Tribune) U.S. President Donald Trump, surrounded by Utah representatives looks at Sen. Orrin Hatch to give him the pen used to signs a presidential proclamation to shrink Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante national monuments at the Utah Capitol on Monday, Dec. 4, 2017. Depends on whom you ask.

Senate Tax-Reform Bill will hurt graduate students and charitable giving to universities

In a surprising 51-to-49 vote, the Senate narrowly approved a major piece of tax legislation for the first time in 31 years. Though this Tax-Reform Bill will have several drastic implications affecting hard-working Americans, it also stands to affect the lives of millions of students who are carving a better future for themselves and their families.

Donald Trump stumps for embattled Roy Moore

President Trump stumped for Alabama's Republican Senate candidate Roy Moore during a packed rally in nearby Pensacola, Fla., last night, where he said the GOP needs the controversial former judge to keep its "Make American Great Again" agenda on track. "We want jobs, jobs, jobs, so get out and vote for Roy Moore," Trump said about 30 miles from Florida's state line with Alabama, where voters Tuesday will choose between Moore or Democrat former prosecutor Doug Jones.

Markey: Tax plan an assault on Bay Staters

U.S. Sen. Edward J. Markey is slamming the Republican tax plan as a measure that would disproportionately hurt Bay State residents and is sounding off on calls to go after entitlement programs next year. "This Republican tax plan is a direct assault on Massachusetts families and their way of life," Markey said.

Republicans ceding high ground

By continuing to back Roy Moore for Alabama's U.S. Senate seat, national Republican leaders have ceded any claim to the moral high ground in the name of political expediency. In the long term, Republicans have likely dealt their political fortunes a serious blow as well.

Kathleen Parker: Michael Flynna s holiday cheer

At least three people must have celebrated the news that former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI about his conversation with a Russian ambassador. First to pop a champagne cork was surely Matt Lauer, whose Icarus imitation put to shame all others recently accused of sexual misconduct in the workplace.

Hard to identify winners, losers in post-Franken scenarios

Sen. Al Franken, D-Minn., leaves the Capitol after speaking on the Senate floor, Thursday, Dec. 7, 2017, on Capitol Hill in Washington. Photo Credit: AP / Andrew Harnik He became the first television comedian to win a U.S. Senate seat.