Politics/Policy

Idaho Republicans Urge Legislators To Erase LGBT Protections

Associated Press — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 15:40:38 +0000

Republican Party leaders are urging the Idaho Legislature to put a stop to local communities' efforts to provide discrimination protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals.

The approval of the non-binding resolution came Saturday at the GOP's annual Central Committee summer meeting in McCall.

Republican Leaders In Idaho Reject Plan To Vet Candidates

Associated Press — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 15:08:22 +0000

The Republican Party Central Committee rejected a plan Saturday that would ask party officials to vet GOP primary election candidates. The group met in McCall Saturday.

The plan came from former Senate Majority Leader Rod Beck, as a way to pressure GOP candidates into adhering more to the wishes of their local party leaders.

But dozens of other Republicans including House Speaker Scott Bedke, Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter and Twin Falls County Prosecutor Grant Loebs objected to it.

Idaho GOP Considers Reversing Local Non-Discrmination Laws

Frankie Barnhill — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 23:45:36 +0000

The Idaho Republican Party’s state central committee will meet in McCall Saturday. Members will talk about possible rule changes and resolutions. One topic up for discussion: the committee will take a closer look at six cities which have passed lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) protections.

Idaho Woman Sues NSA Over Seizure Of Phone Records

Associated Press — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 18:31:40 +0000

A northern Idaho woman is suing President Barack Obama and top security officials over the National Security Administration's mass surveillance of phone records.

The Spokesman-Review reports Anna Smith, represented by state Rep. Luke Malek, R-Coeur d'Alene, filed the lawsuit in Idaho's U.S. District Court on Wednesday. Smith contends the once-secret surveillance program exceeds the government's authority and violates the First and Fourth Amendments.

Boise's Mayor Says To Attract Top Talent, City Must Invest In Itself

Scott Graf — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 15:52:01 +0000

Boise's mayor said Wednesday the city needs to invest in its infrastructure as a means of improving quality of life, and in turn, economic development.

Idaho Gov. Butch Otter Works Toward Third-Straight Year Of Tax Cuts

Emilie Ritter Saunders — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 17:31:17 +0000

Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter is spending part of his week in Coeur d’Alene at Idaho’s largest business lobby’s annual convention. Gov. Otter’s spokesman says one of the administration’s main goals for the next legislative session is to pass a third-consecutive year of tax cuts.

Immigration Group Rallies At Labrador’s Office, Meets With Congressman

Scott Graf — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 22:25:07 +0000

A group of about a dozen immigration rights supporters protested Monday outside Idaho Congressman Raul Labrador's Meridian office. They criticized Labrador’s decision last week to leave a group of House Democrats and Republicans who’ve worked for weeks on a bipartisan bill to reform immigration law.

Pocatello Becomes Sixth Idaho City To Pass LGBT Protections

Frankie Barnhill — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 20:08:29 +0000

After more than six hours of public testimony and debate, Pocatello's city council passed a non-discrimination ordinance early Friday morning. The new law protects lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender [LGBT] people from housing, employment and public accommodation discrimination.

This makes the eastern Idaho city the latest in a wave of local governments to vote for a so-called "add the words" law, in absence of the state Legislature's inaction. Currently there is no statewide protection of this kind.

Idaho Rep. Labrador Quits Congressional Immigration Reform Panel

Frankie Barnhill — Wed, 05 Jun 2013 23:45:47 +0000

Idaho Rep. Raul Labrador (R) quit a bipartisan House group working on immigration legislation.

He sent this tweet after his announcement:

I left Group of 8 #immigration talks today; after today's meeting, framework of bill had changed in a way that I could no longer support

North Idaho Town Latest To Protect Against Gender Identity, Sexual Orientation Discrimination

Associated Press — Wed, 05 Jun 2013 20:22:46 +0000

Coeur d'Alene has become the fifth city in Idaho to pass a law that bans discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.

The City Council late Tuesday approved an anti-discrimination law by a 5-1 vote.

The ordinance protects people in areas of employment and public accommodations, such as restaurants and housing, by preventing discrimination solely based on "sexual orientation, gender identity and expression."

Boise Transit Agency Eyes Land Near Capitol For Bus Depot

Associated Press — Mon, 03 Jun 2013 21:39:01 +0000

Public transportation officials in Boise are clinging to hopes of convincing state officials that a prominent downtown parking lot remains a good spot for a new transit hub.

That's despite opposition from Idaho lawmakers who fear Valley Regional Transit's proposal for a bus hub near the state Capitol would be a magnet for homeless people.

The Idaho Statesman reported Monday that Valley Regional Transit director Kelli Fairless hopes state officials will change their minds about the proposed $12 million facility.

Leaders Clash In North Idaho's Gay Rights Struggle

Jessica Robinson — Wed, 29 May 2013 17:33:48 +0000

Idaho's conflicting views on gay rights is playing out in the northern part of the state this week. A committee in Coeur d'Alene Tuesday advanced an anti-discrimination ordinance. Meanwhile the sheriff of the same county is threatening to drop a Boy Scout charter because the group voted to allow gay members.

Cross-Border Traffic From Canada Surges In Early 2013

Tom Banse — Tue, 28 May 2013 17:56:24 +0000

Fresh statistics from the U.S and Canadian governments show cross-border traffic between British Columbia and the American Northwest surged in the first quarter of 2013. Canadian visitors account for nearly all of the increase, despite a mild slowdown in economic growth there.

The stats show vehicle traffic across the northern border rose nearly 10 percent in the first three months of 2013 compared to the same period last year.

Idaho Senator Crapo Weighs In On IRS Scandal

Samantha Wright and Associated Press — Wed, 22 May 2013 19:27:30 +0000

Congress held another hearing today on the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) scandal. The IRS has revealed it subjected Tea Party and other conservative groups seeking non-profit status to extra scrutiny from 2010 to 2012.

Idaho Senator Mike Crapo sat in on two hearings yesterday where the matter was discussed. He says in 2010 the IRS had created a BOLO or 'Be On the Lookout' list, instructing Internal Revenue agents to identify Tea Party case files.

He says the abuse by the IRS is very serious.

Boise Considers Tougher Laws For Panhandling

The Associated Press — Mon, 20 May 2013 14:39:05 +0000

City officials in Boise are considering tougher ordinances on panhandling following complaints.

The Boise City Council on Tuesday is scheduled to review three ordinances.

One ordinance would outlaw aggressive panhandling.

Panhandling where solicitation can't be avoided would also be banned. That includes asking for money from drivers on roadways, people in line, or people dining at a sidewalk cafe.

Another ordinance would require panhandlers to have permits to put up tents, chairs or tables on public property.

U.S. Attorney: Kurbanov In Country Legally, Owned Explosives

Adam Cotterell — Fri, 17 May 2013 05:02:52 +0000

A Boise man appears in federal court at 8:30 Friday morning on terrorism charges. He was arrested Thursday in Boise at an apartment complex near Borah High School.

Wendy Olson is the U.S. Attorney for the District of Idaho. She says the suspect is a national of the central Asian nation of Uzbekistan and legally in the U. S.

Gov. Otter To Get $54,000 Annual Housing Stipend

Associated Press — Wed, 15 May 2013 15:40:38 +0000

Idaho will resume paying a $4,500 monthly governor's housing stipend to C.L. "Butch" Otter in June as it clears furniture from the governor's mansion in Boise in preparation for returning the home to the Simplot family.

The state decided this year to give back the hilltop mansion.

Sen. Crapo: Americans Should Get First Pick Of Guest Worker Jobs

Samantha Wright and Associated Press — Wed, 08 May 2013 19:37:40 +0000

Democratic and Republican senators have filed hundreds of amendments to an immigration bill in the U.S. Senate. Many amendments filed by Republicans aim to boost border security and add employment enforcement provisions. Supporters say in some cases the real intent is to kill the legislation.

Boise Seeks To Educate, Get Feedback From Dog Owners

Frankie Barnhill — Wed, 08 May 2013 15:22:32 +0000

Boise dog owners will have the chance to talk with city representatives beginning today at Morris Hill Park. Boise Parks and Recreation – along with the Boise Police Department and Animal Control – will be visiting 10 off-leash areas for dogs. In the past, unleashed dogs have been a contentious issue in the city.

May Day Protests In Seattle Turn Ugly Again

Deborah Wang — Thu, 02 May 2013 12:53:09 +0000

May Day began peacefully in Seattle with a march for immigration reform. But in the evening, hundreds of protesters clashed with police.

Police used what they call “blast balls.” That’s a kind of explosive that also contains pepper spray.