Idaho

OGDEN — Americans treasure their freedom of speech and freedom of religion, along with the ability to deny both to people they don’t like.

So Dan Mach, director of Freedom of Religion for the American Civil Liberties Union, told an audience at Weber State University on Wednesday.

BOISE, Idaho -- With the 150th anniversary of the Idaho Territory coming up in another year, Idaho Gov. C.L. (Butch) Otter is asking all cities and counties to reflect on their own historic roots.

The storms of the past week have lifted some of Idaho's snowpacks from well below average to within a storm or two of normal.

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 -- The Idaho Legislature convenes Monday in Boise to divvy up a revenue boost and debate legislation, while maintaining what they hope will be an appealing appearance to a somewhat unknown set of voters in an election year.

SEATTLE -- For years, the federal agencies that helped the U.S. wolf population recover under the Endangered Species Act have also quietly killed hundreds of wolves that threaten livestock or prized game.

They've even taken to the skies -- and are considering doing so again.

Officials in Idaho said Wednesday they would consider deploying federal sharpshooters in helicopters across north-central Idaho in the coming weeks to kill up to 75 wolves threatening elk near the Montana border.