Is Ybarra a leader for schools, or glorified secretary?

Next year’s race for superintendent of public instruction, sarcastically speaking, should be highly entertaining … if key legislators are correct with their analysis.

SHOSHONE NEWS-PRESS | UPDATED 4 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Insulin users can’t wait for long-range solutions

As a wise fellow once told me, “You turn 70 only once.”

SHOSHONE NEWS-PRESS | UPDATED 4 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

U.S. Senate race may give us our sports fix

In case you haven’t noticed … Baseball is back, but no telling for how long; the National Basketball Association is playing in this funny bubble in Florida; who knows what’s going to happen with football; and there’s golf, but no fans following the players.

SHOSHONE NEWS-PRESS | UPDATED 4 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

It’s summer, but lawmakers are in mid-winter form

During this month, the Hallmark channel has been showing sappy Christmas movies, giving people a dose of feel-good television viewing during these difficult times. Christmas in July is a little strange, but it’s a nice touch.

SHOSHONE NEWS-PRESS | UPDATED 4 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Jordan hopes for boost from ‘Bountygate’

Here we go again. More talk about what the president knew and when he knew it in relation to news reports saying that Russia offered bounties to militants in Afghanistan for the killing of U.S. soldiers.

SHOSHONE NEWS-PRESS | UPDATED 4 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Freedom group pins ‘liberal’ tag on Republicans

Sen. Mary Souza of Coeur d’Alene has been referred to in a variety of ways during her political life and time as a community activist. But it’s a safe bet that no one in the Lake City has accused her of being a “liberal.”

SHOSHONE NEWS-PRESS | UPDATED 4 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

House Republicans sue Pelosi over proxy voting

Imagine what the level of outrage would be if the conservative-based House Freedom Caucus – of which Idaho Congressman Russ Fulcher is a member – were to declare solidarity and seek proxy voting on floor issues to spare its members the burden of making House votes in person.

SHOSHONE NEWS-PRESS | UPDATED 4 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Foreign policy looms large in Senate campaign

If you are a die-hard Republican who puts the word “greatness” in the same sentence with Donald Trump – as many within the GOP do – then you’ll probably appreciate how Idaho Sen. Jim Risch does business as chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee.

SHOSHONE NEWS-PRESS | UPDATED 4 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

A million-dollar question for Democrats

A decade ago, I was entertaining the notion of running for an open seat in the Idaho Legislature and getting a fair share of encouragement in the process. Some of my friends were telling me that I would be an asset to the Legislature and the constituents I’d represent.

SHOSHONE NEWS-PRESS | UPDATED 4 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Risch: Voting 'no' to relief bill was unthinkable

Think back to a couple of months ago, when senators only had to worry about whether to remove an impeached president. Those were the good-old-days – light work compared to the coronavirus pandemic.

SHOSHONE NEWS-PRESS | UPDATED 4 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

This senator lives with today's business struggles

When Sen. Mary Souza of Coeur d’Alene talks about the state of the economy – with businesses closed and staff reductions – she isn’t thinking only of situations happening to “somebody else.”

SHOSHONE NEWS-PRESS | UPDATED 4 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Fulcher: This is no time for fear or panic

The deteriorating economy, and hysteria over the coronavirus pandemic, is not what a sitting president should like to see in an election year.

COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 4 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Malloy: Fulcher: This is no time for fear or panic

The deteriorating economy, and hysteria over the coronavirus pandemic, is not what a sitting president should like to see in an election year.

COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 4 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Fulcher: This is no time for fear or panic

The deteriorating economy, and hysteria over the coronavirus pandemic, is not what a sitting president should like to see in an election year.

SHOSHONE NEWS-PRESS | UPDATED 4 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

We'll soon see what $500 million can buy

It doesn’t take a political genius to know that a Republican presidential nominee will carry Idaho by a wide margin. As a result, it doesn’t make sense for candidates on either side to spend much time and resources in the Gem State.

SHOSHONE NEWS-PRESS | UPDATED 4 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

We’ll soon see what $500 million can buy

It doesn’t take a political genius to know that a Republican presidential nominee will carry Idaho by a wide margin. As a result, it doesn’t make sense for candidates on either side to spend much time and resources in the Gem State.

SHOSHONE NEWS-PRESS | UPDATED 4 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Lower costs, more cures and who takes credit

President Trump has called on Congress to support efforts to lower the outrageous costs of prescription drugs, and what’s playing out in Congress is the political version of the “Me Too” movement.

SHOSHONE NEWS-PRESS | UPDATED 4 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Governor has broad support for literacy goals

State Superintendent Sherri Ybarra, who taught third grade for 11 years at Mountain Home before being elected as the lead advocate for public schools, knows all about the importance of children in the early grades reading proficiently. She has first-hand knowledge about the consequences for those who fall behind.

SHOSHONE NEWS-PRESS | UPDATED 4 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Trump supporters 'rock on' while Dems groan

After all these endless hours of opening statements and grilling of House impeachment managers and President Trump’s defenders, there was one key question not asked.

SHOSHONE NEWS-PRESS | UPDATED 4 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Please 'click' on this article and read it

In the life of a newspaper writer, mood swings are common. Turn a couple of good stories for the front page, and it’s a good week. It’s maybe not so good if it’s a week of mundane stories that land deep on the inside pages. I’ve been on both ends …

SHOSHONE NEWS-PRESS | UPDATED 4 YEARS, 12 MONTHS AGO

Paulette Jordan eyes run against Risch

There’s speculation, with perhaps some wishful thinking among Democrats, that former state Rep. Paulette Jordan will run for the U.S. Senate this year – giving Idahoans at least one competitive high-level race.

SHOSHONE NEWS-PRESS | UPDATED 5 YEARS AGO

Fulcher's first year sees highs and lows

Idaho Congressman Russ Fulcher can do a lot of things in his official capacity – including casting votes and helping his First District constituents navigate the federal government’s maze. But he might not be much assistance when it comes to career counseling.

SHOSHONE NEWS-PRESS | UPDATED 5 YEARS AGO

Partisanship wins in this impeachment battle

As Congress proceeds with seemingly endless rounds of impeachment hearings, I am trying to pinpoint when presidential politics became so vicious.

SHOSHONE NEWS-PRESS | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Senators seek path to better jobs, higher wages

WHEW … 1965 was a long time ago. Lyndon Johnson was president, the Great Society was alive and well, and I was in junior high school – with aspirations of becoming a Major League baseball player. I ended up playing in a few beer-drinking slo-pitch softball leagues in my adult …

SHOSHONE NEWS-PRESS | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Little to McGeachin: Make government more frugal

Gov. Brad Little, who has taken a meat cleaver to thousands of pages of administrative rules and regulations, is now taking a closer look at budgets.

SHOSHONE NEWS-PRESS | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

No need for worry...it's only $22 trillion

While most of the national news is consumed by impeachment hearings and Democratic proposals to offer Medicare for all, Idaho Sen. Mike Crapo wants to bring attention to the elephant in the room. The $22 trillion debt that nobody from President Trump on down seem to want to talk about.

SHOSHONE NEWS-PRESS | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Risch speaks no evil of President Trump

Sen. Jim Risch of Idaho, who chairs the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, is accustomed to getting questions from the media. But there are a couple of ground rules that he is exercising these days.

SHOSHONE NEWS-PRESS | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Impeachment talk rages; other work stalls

In Washington politics, the shrill voices are the ones who tend to get heard, but it’s those who are trying to stay above the fray – such as Idaho Sen. Mike Crapo – who are trying to deal with some of the real-life problems.

SHOSHONE NEWS-PRESS | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Risch to Idahoans: Read transcript, then decide

Idaho Sen. Jim Risch chairs the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and is the No. 2 figure on the Select Intelligence Committee, which means he has access to President Trump – and lots of clout to boot.

SHOSHONE NEWS-PRESS | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

State treasurer fights GOP eviction notice

House Majority Leader Mike Moyle of Star and State Treasurer Julie Ellsworth have a friendship that goes way back.

SHOSHONE NEWS-PRESS | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Those crazy kids...from 50 years ago

Things that can be learned by attending a 50-year high school class reunion.

SHOSHONE NEWS-PRESS | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

'Common sense' gun reform not happening

Here we go again. Two more mass shootings, one in El Paso and one in Dayton, and we’re hearing some predictable rhetoric – this time with a Democratic presidential nomination on the line.

SHOSHONE NEWS-PRESS | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Labrador will build bridges, not walls, with GOP

Judging by some of the statewide political commentaries that rail against Republicans, one might get the impression that Idaho is a legitimate two-party state – and a toss-up in any presidential election.

SHOSHONE NEWS-PRESS | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Idaho Dems say socialist agenda won't work

Former Idaho Democratic congressmen Walt Minnick, Larry LaRocco and Richard Stallings are not on the front lines of this presidential campaign. But they have better thoughts about what it will take for a Democrat to win the White House than most of the candidates running.

SHOSHONE NEWS-PRESS | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Here's a job that only punching bags can like

If there were a television program titled, “Worst Jobs in American Politics,” the chairmanship of Idaho’s Republican Party would be sure to make the list – if the series lasted long enough to get to that segment.

SHOSHONE NEWS-PRESS | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

No headline

If you pay attention to what you read and hear about the national rankings, you might think that our public schools are in the water hazard.

SHOSHONE NEWS-PRESS | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Re-election & saving salmon are Simpson priorities

Forget any talk about Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson stepping down after 11 terms, or speculation about the political drama that would occur from a hotly contested GOP primary.

SHOSHONE NEWS-PRESS | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Simple suicide hotline number makes sense

What is the number of that suicide prevention hotline?

SHOSHONE NEWS-PRESS | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

McGeachin stays loyal to base while Little fumes

Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin, who is a proverbial heartbeat away from being Idaho’s next governor, might be making Gov. Brad Little’s heart flutter a bit.

SHOSHONE NEWS-PRESS | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Thank the Dems if Trump wins again

You won’t get this through the network television news or by listening to the talking heads, but this is a nice time to be a Republican on Capitol Hill.

SHOSHONE NEWS-PRESS | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

What voters want may not be what they get

After receiving 58 percent support in the last election, there was no question that Gov. Brad Little earned the right to be the state’s chief executive through 2022.

SHOSHONE NEWS-PRESS | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Conservatives rally behind McGeachin photo-op

“Well, this is another fine mess that you’ve gotten me into.” - Oliver Hardy to Stan Laurel

SHOSHONE NEWS-PRESS | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Some old photos never die, or fade away

I was hoping that word about this photo of me would never get out, because there’s no doubt that my career would be over if the public knew about it.

SHOSHONE NEWS-PRESS | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Mayor brings small-town flavor to big city

Mayor Tammy de Weerd of Meridian describes herself modestly as a mother and grandmother, a wife and a former business person who has a passion for her city.

SHOSHONE NEWS-PRESS | UPDATED 6 YEARS AGO

With elections over, the power struggle begins

House Assistant Majority Leader Brent Crane of Nampa has placed himself at a political crossroad.

SHOSHONE NEWS-PRESS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Slot machines won't save racing, opponents say

If it looks like a slot machine, pays off like a slot machine and eats money like a slot machine, then it must be...

SHOSHONE NEWS-PRESS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Jockey hopes voters will bring back racing in Idaho

As a female jockey, Nikeela Black of the small town of Greenleaf has experienced the thrill of victory and the agony of being kicked in the teeth and bucked off a horse.

SHOSHONE NEWS-PRESS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Stallings: Dems not smart enough to win nationally

Say what you want about President Trump – and there are plenty of strong opinions on both sides – but this much is clear. He’s the president that the Democratic Party so richly deserves.

SHOSHONE NEWS-PRESS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Can politics play into newspaper battles?

In newspaper wars, such as the one that is brewing in the Treasure Valley with the Idaho Press of Nampa and the Idaho Statesman of Boise, the big guys don’t always win.

SHOSHONE NEWS-PRESS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Rep. Scott enjoys VIP treatment in the swamp

Rep. Heather Scott of Blanchard, a hardline conservative and one of the few legislators who writes regular newsletters to constituents, usually has plenty of dialogue that appeals to her base.

SHOSHONE NEWS-PRESS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Simpson: Vote for spending bill was the right call

Imagine what would happen if Idaho legislators tried to sneak through a 2,232-page spending bill. They’d never get away with it, with the swarm of reporters covering the statehouse.

SHOSHONE NEWS-PRESS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Don't tell Betsy Russell that newspapers are dead

Betsy Russell has seen just about everything in her long career covering Idaho politics, so there isn’t much that surprises her.

SHOSHONE NEWS-PRESS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Memo to GOP: We need runoffs in Idaho primaries

Lt. Gov. Brad Little’s victory in the Republican primary must mean that Idahoans basically are satisfied with the general direction of state government.

SHOSHONE NEWS-PRESS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Fulcher says he could work with Simpson

Former Republican State Sen. Russ Fulcher, the self-proclaimed frontrunner in the First District congressional primary race, often is asked how he would get along with Second District Congressman Mike Simpson.

SHOSHONE NEWS-PRESS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Little should take the fight to Labrador

For a political old-timer such as myself, it’s always interesting to attend a campaign function for Lt. Gov. Brad Little, who is hoping to become our next governor.

SHOSHONE NEWS-PRESS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Governor, lawmakers at odds on tax cuts

If Senate President Pro Tem Brent Hill of Rexburg were in the U.S. Senate, he probably would have voted for the controversial Republican-charged tax reform bill that was signed by President Trump.

SHOSHONE NEWS-PRESS | UPDATED 7 YEARS AGO

Trump bashing works only for Dems and lame ducks

Idaho Sens. Mike Crapo and Jim Risch recently sent a letter urging the White House to give its support for a bipartisan effort to extend “critical” lifeline funding in future disaster aid.

SHOSHONE NEWS-PRESS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Is Malek a hardline conservative, or a flaming liberal?

In Idaho’s First Congressional District, where the most conservative candidates generally win, ratings from the American Conservative Union tend to carry more punch than other places.

SHOSHONE NEWS-PRESS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

'Waiting for Trump' is Legislature's rallying cry

Since the Idaho Legislature has spent the last two months waiting to see what President Trump does with a variety of policy positions, there’s hardly need to discuss what’s going on at the statehouse. The session appears to be on auto-pilot, and everybody is waiting to go home.

SHOSHONE NEWS-PRESS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Leading Senate Conservative Backs Sen. Keough

Four years ago, Sen. Bob Nonini of Coeur d’Alene didn’t have kind words for Sen. Shawn Keough of Sandpoint, and was doing his part to secure her election defeat.

COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

STATE 3A BOYS BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT: Kellogg rebounds for fourth

COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

STATE 2A BOYS BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT SEMIFINALS: Not quite enough

BOISE - Trailing by three points with seven seconds to play, sophomore Bryant Asbury launched a shot from the top of the key that looked like it would hit nothing but net.

COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Hawks come out flat

BOISE - A funny thing happens to a lot of North Idaho teams when they come to the state tournament. They blow a tire against teams from the south, as the Lakeland Hawks did in their 47-32 loss to the Mountain Home Tigers in the first round of the state …

COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

'Reality' suggests tax increase for infrastructure

Republican Reps. Joe Palmer of Meridian and Paul Shepherd of Riggins are hardline conservatives and proud of it.

COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Critic Souza becomes part of establishment

When Mary Souza of Coeur d'Alene begins her first session as a state senator next month, she says she plans to keep her head down, stay quiet and not make waves.

COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO