Governor declares wildfire emergency, deploys Guard + Idaho National Guardsmen accused of assault in D.C.

By Christina Lords | Editor-in-Chief

“As this year’s wildfire season becomes more demanding, the Idaho National Guard is honored to serve alongside our local, state and federal partners to help protect lives, property and communities across Idaho.” - Maj. Gen. Tim Donnellan, adjutant general of the Idaho National Guard

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s AirNow fire and smoke map shows the location of the Big Grass Fire along the border of Oregon and Idaho, as of July 29. (Graphic courtesy of U.S. EPA/AirNow)

ENVIRONMENT

Idaho Gov. Little declares wildfire disaster emergency, authorizes Guard to help along Oregon border

By Clark Corbin

Idaho Gov. Brad Little signed a wildfire disaster emergency Tuesday and deployed the Idaho National Guard to help fight the Big Grass Fire burning along the border of Oregon and Idaho, Little’s office announced Wednesday.

In the tort claim, attorneys say Idaho National Guardsmen approached Washington, D.C., resident Anna King to detain her as she was sitting outside her apartment on May 8. (Screenshot of surveillance footage courtesy of the ACLU)

COURTS + POLICING

Woman files $3 million claim against Idaho National Guard for detaining her in D.C.

By Laura Guido

In the claim, attorneys say the guardsmen approached King as she was sitting outside her apartment on May 8. She had signs on her front patio showing her opposition to the presence of the National Guard in the city, including “Occupation: Troops Out,” and “National Guard Stop Being So Embarrassing,” the court filing said.

The claim said the guardsmen did not explain why they were detaining her or provide a warrant when they approached her that evening.

A construction crew works outside a new development in Boise. A recommendation to the governor's office for areas in Idaho to receive a federal designation that allows for tax breaks on certain developments included multiple in Boise. (Photo by Abigail Gerstein/Idaho Capital Sun)

GROWTH + AFFORDIBILITY

Idaho to submit ‘Opportunity Zone’ proposals seeking tax breaks for economic development

By Laura Guido

The Idaho Economic Advisory Council submitted to Idaho Gov. Brad Little’s Office its 25 recommended areas to be designated as federal Opportunity Zones. Once an area receives that designation, certain investments in housing and projects to spur economic growth there would be eligible for tax breaks.

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ICYMI

Shining a light on other Idaho politics reporting

Note: Some links may lead to stories behind a news organization's paywall

Associated Press: 5 states, including Idaho, offer to accept nuclear waste in exchange for help developing nuclear energy
Idaho EdNews: Ousted Idaho State director claims age, religious discrimination
Local News 8: States may soon manage grizzly bears after exceeding recovery goals
Shoshone-News Press: Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office seeks fix for flawed pay scale

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