After at least one loud, jangling cell phone went off during the prayer that opened the joint session of the Legislature on Monday night for the State of the State address, House Speaker Bruce Newcomb brandished the heavy wooden gavel he uses to call the…
As Idaho's lawmakers convened their session, they were joined by a delegation of government officials from - where else? - Mongolia. House Speaker Bruce Newcomb got to play the diplomat, as he told the group, "Of course we're always interested in how other governments work,…
When Sen. Edgar Malepeai accompanied a delegation from the Senate to the House to report that the chamber was ready for business, House Speaker Bruce Newcomb expressed doubts about whether Malepeai's attire met the House dress code. But the bright-awful-orange shirt, clashing orange tie, and…
Idaho Gov. Dirk Kempthorne (shown at right with U.S. Rep. Butch Otter, R-Idaho) bit into a freshly barbecued, juicy-hot double hamburger at a beef rally across from the state Capitol on Friday, and encouraged Idahoans to keep eating beef, despite a mad cow scare in…
Acting University of Idaho President Gary Michael charmed a joint legislative committee on employee compensation with his wit and business knowledge from his many years as CEO of the Albertson's grocery store chain. But he also had some tough news for the lawmakers: UI is…
State officials are serious about not letting this year's legislative session run as long as last year's record-long, 118-day marathon _ so serious that Gov. Dirk Kempthorne has decided to do away with the traditional two opening speeches of the session, the State of the…
With states across the country pressed for cash, a few are looking at selling naming rights to state parks, highways, bridges and other landmarks – especially if it means avoiding tax hikes.South Carolina Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer said, "We ought to try to be innovative.…