North Idaho and eastern Washington share a grim distinction: Both have far higher rates of parents choosing not to immunize their children against childhood disease than either Idaho or Washington as a whole. As a result, health authorities say youngsters in the region are at…
A panel of Idaho lawmakers approved big changes to the state's 2007 Idaho Energy Plan in a series of close votes last week, but critics say nearly all of them will weaken the plan by loosening its requirements. Gone from the plan: Support for local-option…
Seven North Idaho counties are planning a second lawsuit to challenge Idaho's new legislative redistricting plan. "These northern counties want to make sure that their interests are represented, and their interests may diverge somewhat from the Twin Falls petition," said attorney Christ Troupis. Troupis is…
Marking the 40th anniversary of the landmark "Reed vs. Reed" case, Boise attorney Allen Derr is being honored both in Idaho and in Washington, D.C. Derr, 83, who still practices law, represented Sally Reed of Boise when she sought control over her son's estate rather…
Here's a news item from the Associated Press: HAILEY, Idaho (AP) — "Die Hard" movie star Bruce Willis is asking $15 million for his Idaho home complete with a guesthouse, gym and pool with water slides. The Idaho Mountain Express (http://bit.ly/upNUKX ) reports Willis' property…
Idaho Gov. Butch Otter has sent out a guest opinion entitled, "Leaner, more focused government must be our new normal," that already has appeared in the Capitol Hill newspaper "Roll Call," in which he says Idaho sets "an example of responsible governance for the rest…
While gas prices in Idaho are considerably higher than they were a year ago, AAA Idaho says they're down from the level of a month ago, and nationwide, 4 percent more Americans are expected to travel for the Thanksgiving holiday. The auto owners group reports…
In what's long been considered something of a warmup for the legislative session, the Associated Taxpayers of Idaho will hold its annual conference on Dec. 1, inviting business and government leaders, taxpayers and others to hear a series of presentations about federal, state and local…
The four Idaho counties that are suing to challenge Idaho's new legislative redistricting plan - which include Kootenai County - have drawn up and submitted to the Idaho Supreme Court their own version of a new legislative district plan, dividing just six counties, vs. the…
On the lower level of the Coeur d’Alene Public Library, 11 computers sit in a circle for use by kids, with Internet filters blocking access to inappropriate material. “Adults can’t use those,” said Bette Ammon, library director. Upstairs, kiosks offering work stations with Internet filters…
Gov. Butch Otter has appointed Gayle Batt of Wilder to complete the Idaho House term of state Rep. Pat Takasugi, who died after a three-year battle against cancer of the appendix. Batt was Takasugi's choice to fill in for him in the last legislative session,…
Idaho Gov. Butch Otter issued this statement today on the execution of Paul Rhoades, Idaho's first execution in 17 years: “My thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their loved ones, the mother of Paul Ezra Rhoades and everyone who has been impacted by these…
Tom Moss, who prosecuted Paul Ezra Rhoades in 1987 and later served as U.S. attorney for Idaho, said after this morning's execution, "Nothing brings total justice. They don't get their loved ones back. But it brings some satisfaction to them." He said, "I've often said…
The media witnesses to Paul Ezra Rhoades' execution are now answering questions from other reporters about what they witnessed. "Perhaps the most noteworthy thing was Mr. Rhoades' final statement," said AP reporter Rebecca Boone. "He apologized for the Michelbacher murder, but did not take responsibility…
Idaho Attorney General Lawrence Wasden said the last-minute delay in the execution of Paul Ezra Rhoades this morning was prompted by a motion for a stay filed at 3 a.m. by an attorney from Mountain Home who had never previously represented Rhoades, and who didn't…
Paul Ezra Rhoades has been executed; the time of death was 9:15. "The procedures are complete." announced Corrections spokesman Jeff Ray. You can read my full story here at spokesman.com.
After just a brief holdup, today's scheduled execution of Paul Ezra Rhoades is now back on track, scheduled to occur 55 minutes later than originally planned. "Procedures have started again," state Corrections spokesman Jeff Ray just announced. "Attorney General Wasden will be here after the…
Paul Ezra Rhoades' execution is on hold, due to a filing in 4th District Court, which is the state court here in the Boise area. "Right now the procedure has been delayed," said state Corrections spokesman Jeff Ray. "Right now a judge is reviewing that,"…
About 45 people gathered in a circle in the freezing darkness outside Idaho's state prison complex this morning to protest capital punishment, as the clock ticks toward Idaho's first execution in 17 years. "This is a heartbreaking morning," said Mia Crosthwaite of Idahoans Against the…
Addressing the media in the chill of the press tent this morning, state Corrections Director Brent Reinke said, "The law requires and justice demands that Mr. Rhoades be held accountable. ... Today we carry out the execution order." All Idaho state prisons, statewide, are on…
Idaho Corrections Director Brent Reinke, asked about the demeanor this morning of condemned prisoner Paul Ezra Rhoades, said, "He's very serious. He understands what is about to happen. His spiritual adviser and his attorney have been with him throughout the night."
Idaho state Corrections Director Brent Reinke will brief reporters momentarily on the preparations for this morning's execution of Paul Ezra Rhoades. The fog has lifted over the prison complex, and it's clear, cold, and 32 degrees. Click below for an AP report on the final…
It's foggy and spooky out at Idaho's state prison complex this morning, where the first execution since 1994 is scheduled for 8 a.m. Space has been set aside for protesters both for and against the death penalty at the main entry gate to the prison…
Here's a news item from the Associated Press in Washington, D.C.: WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. Supreme Court is refusing to intervene in the case of an Idaho inmate who is scheduled to be executed Friday for killing two women nearly a quarter-century ago. Paul…
Late yesterday, condemned killer Paul Ezra Rhoades filed a petition for a rehearing en banc by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals of his bid for a stay of execution; today, the appellate court rejected that motion. He also filed an additional motion for a…
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