News
Biden opens up eligibility for COVID-19 vaccines, as infections surge in some states
WASHINGTON — Every adult in the U.S. will be eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine by April 19, President Joe Biden said Tuesday, praising governors for lifting restrictions on vaccine eligibility earlier than his original May 1 deadline. But his remarks also came as states such as Michigan, Florida and Pennsylvania reported worrisome COVID-19 trends. Michigan […]
Senate kills Strong Families grant bill…maybe
Senate kills Strong Students grant bill Originally posted on IdahoEdNews.org on April 6, 2021 The Senate Tuesday narrowly defeated a bill to create a “Strong Students” grant program for low-income families. The 16-18 vote — and the hour of sharply divided floor debate — reflected the controversy surrounding the grant bill, House Bill 294. Sen. […]
Balancing risk and normalcy: What COVID means for an athlete’s heart
For sports fans across the country, the resumption of the regular sports calendar has signaled another step toward post-pandemic normality. But for the athletes participating in professional, collegiate, high school or even recreational sports, significant unanswered questions remain about the aftereffects of a COVID-19 infection. Chief among those is whether the coronavirus can damage their […]
Legislature reconvenes Tuesday following Statehouse COVID-19 outbreak
The Idaho Legislature is preparing to resume the 2021 session Tuesday following a 17-day recess that legislators abruptly announced amid a COVID-19 outbreak inside the Statehouse. Legislators shut things down March 19 after at least six House members and one staffer tested positive over the previous week and a half. Two members of the Senate […]
State legislator: Idaho lawmakers discussed not fully adjourning session this year
A Republican committee chairman said Idaho legislators have discussed the possibility of not making the traditional motion to adjourn their business for the year. Rep. Lance Clow, R-Twin Falls, said legislators’ concerns about Gov. Brad Little’s authority and handling of CARES Act stimulus funding while the Legislature was not in session in 2020 prompted the […]
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau proposes mortgage servicing changes to prevent wave of COVID-19 foreclosures
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau proposed a set of rule changes Monday intended to help prevent avoidable foreclosures as the emergency federal foreclosure protections expire. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing economic crisis, millions of families nationwide have suffered the loss of income and nearly 3 million homeowners are behind on their mortgages. The […]
City officials, legislators expect controversial property tax bill to return
As the Idaho Legislature gavels back into session today after a two-week recess following a COVID-19 outbreak, a viable property tax relief bill is still one of the top priorities for many. And while Senate Bill 1108 was narrowly defeated March 18, legislators and local city officials expect to see a similar bill introduced in […]
Idaho health officials see more COVID variants in race against time for vaccinations
Just as vaccines were rolling out, scientists broke some news: They had discovered slightly tweaked versions of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. These variants seemed to spread more easily. They seemed to make people sicker. And some of them had changed in subtle ways that seemed to make it harder for antibodies to attack. First, […]
Federal, state and tribal partners confront violence against Native Americans
Various members of Idaho’s federal and state court systems met Thursday to hold a roundtable event with Idaho tribal partners to learn from each other about violence against Native Americans and what actions could be taken to reduce domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking and other violent crime on Idaho’s reservations. The discussion is part […]
After COVID scare, Idaho Legislature back in session Tuesday. Here’s how to follow along.
When the Idaho Legislature reconvenes Tuesday following an abrupt 17-day recess brought on by a COVID-19 Statehouse outbreak, Idahoans will be able to follow the action without leaving their home or office. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Legislature and Idaho Public Television have offered live streaming video of all committee hearings and floor sessions […]
1 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine have now been delivered to Idaho
The federal government has delivered 1.02 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine to Idaho as of Friday, according to the latest data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About 783,000 of those doses have made it into Idahoans’ arms. Nearly 478,000 people in Idaho have received at least one dose of the vaccine. […]
Biden administration mum so far on returning gray wolves to endangered species list
A controversial decision in the last months of the Trump administration to remove gray wolves from the endangered species list led to a massive overhunt in Wisconsin this year that Ojibwe tribal representatives said disrespected their wishes. But there’s no indication yet that the Biden administration will attempt to roll back that move, despite an […]