Boise

BOISE, Idaho  -- Prompting references to Jesus and George Orwell, a bill requiring women to have an ultrasound exam before getting an abortion was approved on a 23-12 vote Monday.

BOISE, Idaho -- U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell is optimistic the agency's new planning procedures will lead to needed restoration and protection of soil, water and wildlife habitat while also reducing appeals and lawsuits.

Tidwell visits Boise Monday at the invitation of Sen. Mike Crapo and plans to discuss the proposed rules that were unveiled earlier this month and expected to become final in March. The rules outline procedures individual forests must use when updating their guiding documents known as forest plans. The new rules have been criticized both for being too lenient and too strict in the approach they take to protecting biological diversity.

BOISE, Idaho -- Saying the measure had nothing to do with Occupy Boise, the Senate voted 26-9 Tuesday to approve a bill that prohibits protesters from camping on the Capitol Mall.

DeMar H. Smart, born April 29, 1924, died in his sleep Sunday, Jan. 29, 2012, at his home in Boise. A graveside service will be held at noon Thursday, Feb. 2, at the Valley View Cemetery in West Valley City. Services are under the direction of the Relyea Funeral Chapel. Post condolences at www.relyeafuneralchapel.com. See the complete obituary in the Standard-Examiner's e-edition.

BOISE, Idaho -- A Michigan state trooper has a message for all those Idaho troopers prowling U.S. Highway 95 on the Lewiston Hill: Maybe you should consider raising the speed limit instead of writing reams of tickets.

Speaking to the Senate Transportation Committee Thursday, Lt. Thad Peterson said setting highway speed limits based on actual driving behavior not only increases compliance -- it often improves traffic safety.

BOISE, Idaho  -- A coming revenue forecast could affect how much money gets set aside for tax relief this session, but looming federal budget cuts may play a role as well.

Gov. C.L. (Butch) Otter allocated $45 million for general tax relief in his fiscal 2013 budget proposal. He also recommended $60 million for savings and $41 million for employee raises, based on a 5.8 percent, $148 million increase in revenue next year.

BOISE, Idaho -- Tyler Tettleton's fourth-down, 14-yard pass to LaVon Brazill was a touchdown, giving Ohio their first lead of the game with just 37 seconds left to play in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl.

No, wait: Brazill's knee was down two feet short of the goal line.

Then the version was that Brazill fumbled his own reception before recovering for the score.