Stories from Tuesday, March 2, 2021

BOISE, Idaho (AP) _ Two Idaho lawmakers have dropped their lawsuit against the Republican-led state Legislature and legislative leadership that alleged lax coronavirus protocols at the Statehouse. Democratic state Reps. Sue Chew of Boise and Muffy Davis of Sun Valley notified the federal court Wednesday that they were dismissing the lawsuit. ...

An upbeat Gov. Brad Little said Idaho has made incredible progress to fight the coronavirus pandemic in Idaho. During his regular AARP Idaho-sponsored telephone town hall meeting Tuesday afternoon, Feb, 23rd, Little said the fight is paying off. As of Friday, Idaho’s coronavirus case count rate stood at 18 per 100,000 residents. That represents a huge improvement compared to the peak of the pandemic when case rates hit 68 per 100,000 on Dec. 8, Little said...

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (DHW) and Central District Health (CDH) have confirmed the first known infection with the UK (B.1.1.7) variant of the virus that causes COVID-19. The individual infected is an adult female who lives in Ada County...

Central District Health, Idaho, March 1, 2021 An estimated 46 percent of people 65 years and older who are currently eligible for COVID-19 vaccine within Central District Health’s (CDH)four-county jurisdiction have received their first dose since February 1, 2021. ...

Idaho Department of Health and Welfare Director Dave Jeppesen announced Tuesday that a statewide scheduling program for the COVID-19 vaccine will premier next month. If enrolled in this program, Idahoans will receive notifications from vaccine providers when appointments are available. ...

Last week saw the Senate and House discuss several bills relating to Idaho’s irrigation and water management. The Senate passed S1072 and S1074, which both aim to improve Idaho’s irrigation management systems. S1072 would modify irrigation district board member requirements to broaden the pool of candidates eligible for filling vacancies, while S1074 would clarify the rights and obligations of irrigation management entities. ...

On Thursday, the Senate advanced House Bill 176 which provides $175 million in immediate rental assistance funding for Idaho families who are facing eviction or other housing difficulties due to job loss or other Covid-related expenses. The Senate voted unanimously to approve the bill, which now goes to the Governor for signature...

Dear Friends, I take short walks on occasion around the Capitol and it is amazing what I find. Across the street from the Capitol, I found this beautiful monument to the Challenger space shuttle crew. This was a tragic accident that happened in January of 1986. ...

Washington, D.C. – “I have been a proponent of hydroelectric power since I first came to Congress. It is one of the best energy sources we have—clean, reliable, renewable baseload generation that is more valuable than ever as we seek to reduce carbon emissions in the electricity sector. ...

There are many who have chosen to make Idaho home. What is important is their love, devotion, and desire to protect the freedom of our state and nation. We need unity, not division. I will always work for unity, and to secure the promise of liberty and responsibility. ...

S1109: This bill would establish the “Idaho Promise Mentor Program.” This program would allow volunteer mentors to assist Idaho high school students, veterans, and other adults to help them overcome barriers to earning post-secondary apprenticeships, job training certificates, and associate degrees. The bill passed out of the Senate Education Committee with a Do Pass recommendation but failed on the Senate Floor...

After a long day of wrestling, the 4A State Wrestling Tournament is complete and Mountain Home had one placer. Congratulations to Marcus Robinson for finishing the state tournament in 5th place. Marcus is now a two-time state placer and also became the newest member of the century club, earning is 100th and 101st victories...

During weekend of Feb 27-28, the Mountain Home Talkin’ Tigers Speech & Debate team won the District IV debate tournament. They qualified 11 students to the State tournament, which will take place on March 12th-13th. The following students qualified to State-...

Recent child deaths and an increase in abuse-related pediatric hospitalizations sparks concern Feb 25 - BOISE, ID -- A record year of abuse-related child deaths, and a measurable increase in child abuse cases that are serious enough to result in emergency care at St. ...