Idaho

Idaho Teen Faces Hurdles Under Parental Consent Law After Giving Birth

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In Boise, Idaho, a complex interplay of health policy and personal circumstance is stirring debate after a young teenager faced significant hurdles accessing healthcare due to Idaho’s parental consent law. At just 15, the teen navigated her pregnancy and subsequent medical needs under a statute that requires parental consent for most medical treatments for minors. This law placed her in a precarious position, highlighting a critical issue faced by minors seeking reproductive healthcare independently in Idaho. The law stipulates that medical professionals must obtain consent from a guardian before administering care, except in life-threatening situations. … Read more

Idaho Set for Judicial Boost: Congress Considers Addition of Third Federal District Judge to Tackle Case Backlogs

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WASHINGTON — In a bid to address judicial understaffing challenges that have intensified with its growing population, Idaho is on track to potentially secure a third federal district judge. U.S. Rep. Mike Simpson, R-Idaho, is spearheading legislative efforts through a newly proposed bill. This comes at a critical time for the state, which has previously held the status of having fewer federal judges compared to others across the nation. The new legislation, known as the Judicial Understaffing Delays Getting Emergencies Solved Act of 2024, or the JUDGES Act, aims to add a significant number of … Read more

Federal Judge Issues Ruling on Idaho Voter ID Laws as Election Nears

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BOISE, Idaho — A federal judge recently handed down a ruling that shifts the landscape of voter identification requirements in Idaho, stirring debates and raising concerns as the state approaches its elections. The decision scrutinizes and ultimately upholds several new laws, igniting a discussion about the impact these stringent measures will have on voter turnout and election integrity. The laws in question necessitate more rigorous identity verification for voters, particularly emphasizing the dissemination and use of a new enhanced voter identification card. While supporters argue these measures are necessary to prevent fraud and enhance trust … Read more

Jury Decides: Idaho Man Who Founded ‘Church’ Advocating Pedophilia to Stay in Illinois Prison

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EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. — An Illinois court has decided that an Idaho man who previously established an online “church” advocating for pedophilia will continue to serve his time in prison. After less than a quarter-hour of deliberation, a Madison County jury concluded Wednesday that James M. Lopes, 49, remains a sexually dangerous individual under state law. The swift verdict came during a mandated periodic review to determine whether Lopes should be released from confinement. State prosecutors firmly argued that Lopes had made no attempts at rehabilitation since his last assessment. Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine … Read more