Crapo, Craig, 21 others urge new Cuba policy

Idaho Sens. Mike Crapo and Larry Craig joined 21 other Senators in urging the State Department to engage with Cuba in the wake of Fidel Castro’s resignation. You can read more about western politicians and their love of Cuba in this week’s High Country News.

Read the letter after the jump.

Sudan task force chides senator

In a powerfully worded missive to the Legislature, Idaho Task Force for Divestment from Sudan coordinator John Sullivan takes Senate State Affairs Committee Chairman Curt McKenzie to task for bowing to GOP pressure. Read the letter here…

Senate OKs out-of-state workers on Capitol

You can listen to the minimal Senate debate on out-of-state Capitol construction workers set to a fitting Billie Holiday tune on PaleoMedia.org.

Otter back in the office

Gov. C. L. “Butch” Otter was back in the office this morning presiding over a meeting of the State Land Board. It was his first day in the office since he had his right hip resurfaced on Jan. 29.

First U.S. prez born in a hospital

Jimmy Carter was the first U.S. President born in a hospital… in 1924. Prior presidents were born at home… according to NPR.

Bills you’ve got to see

Nielsen wants a separate porn channel for the internet. State might just ask Congress to do it. Why not ask Al Gore?

300+ bills already prepped

On the first day of the session there were 312 pieces of Legislation prepared for Idaho lawmakers’ consideration. This is about average… there were 279 pre-bills last year and 350 the year before. The problem is these future bills are…

Idaho teachers fasted in support of Kozol

Education writer Jonathan Kozol who has been in classrooms across the country documenting the way that the No Child Left Behind Act has changed the way we teach recently ended a months long partial fast against the top down focus…

Governor Orders State Offices to Use Fuel Efficient Vehicles

Earlier this month Gov. C. L. Butch Otter ordered state offices to refrain from buying SUVs unless necessary for the job and to make it a priority to buy hybrids or fuel efficient vehicles. State agencies will also have to report…

It’s Hannuka in Boise

Got a dreidl and gelt on Main St. yesterday. Guys in the coffee shop debating whether it’s eight or nine or 12 days. Deli serving Matzoh Ball Soup and Pulled Pork.