Idahos

Trump Administration Ends Legal Fight Over Idaho’s Abortion Ban, Igniting National Policy Shift Fears

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WASHINGTON — In a significant policy reversal, the Trump administration has decided to withdraw a Biden-era lawsuit that challenged Idaho’s severe abortion laws. This legal pivot aids states with stringent abortion bans, representing a dramatic shift in the federal government’s stance on reproductive rights amid ongoing legal battles. The previous administration had succeeded in the initial phases of the litigation, maintaining a court order that permitted Idaho hospitals to perform abortions if a woman’s life or health was at risk. However, the U.S. Justice Department declared on Wednesday that it would cease its lawsuit, signaling … Read more

Barry McHugh Steps Up as New Administrative District Judge for Idaho’s First Judicial District

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COEUR d’ALENE, Idaho — Barry McHugh has been appointed the new administrative district judge for Idaho’s First Judicial District, overseeing the five northern counties of the state. As of Jan. 1, McHugh replaces Judge Lamont Berecz, who will now serve as deputy administrative district judge. In his new role, McHugh will manage significant judicial responsibilities beyond presiding over cases. The position of an administrative district judge entails overseeing court operations, assigning judges to specific cases, and establishing local processes through administrative rulings. These judges are selected by their peers within the judicial district, underpinning the … Read more

Federal Court Approves Idaho’s Abortion Trafficking Law but Blocks Recruiting Provision

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San Francisco – Following recent legal disputes, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has made a critical decision concerning Idaho’s unique abortion law. The court ruled that the state can impose its “abortion trafficking” statute, which prosecutes those aiding minors in obtaining abortions without parental consent, specifically in terms of harboring or transporting minors across state lines for the procedure. However, the appellate court has decided to block the enforcement of the part of the law concerning the “recruiting” of minors for abortions. The terms of the 2023 law had initially defined “recruiting, harboring, … Read more

Lawmakers Threaten Lawsuit Over University of Idaho’s Controversial University of Phoenix Purchase

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BOISE, Idaho – Lawmakers in Idaho are preparing to take legal action against the University of Idaho’s proposed purchase of the University of Phoenix. The resolution, which has been in the works for weeks, creates a political clash between lawmakers and Governor Brad Little and the State Board of Education, who support the purchase. The resolution criticizes the State Board’s closed-door meetings that excluded lawmakers from the decision-making process. During the unveiling of the resolution, Representative Brent Crane emphasized the importance of fair process, stating, “We were not dealt into this process at all.” Representative … Read more