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Idaho view: Are these the ‘better lawyers’ Labrador promised?

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Idaho view: Are these the ‘better lawyers’ Labrador promised?


If you happen to’re stunned by Idaho Lawyer Normal-elect Raul Labrador’s decisions to go up his workplace, you’ve not been paying consideration.

The previous four-term congressman who excelled at putting politics forward of fixing issues is now placing partisanship forward of authorized acumen. No less than, that’s the case in his two most distinguished hires:

Theo Wold — Labrador’s decide as solicitor normal — served within the Trump Division of Justice, together with performing assistant legal professional normal within the Workplace of Authorized Coverage and deputy assistant to the president for home coverage. He additionally served as deputy chief counsel to U.S. Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah.

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The Idaho Statesman’s Bryan Clark identified lately the person Labrador has assigned as his chief litigator has made extra of an impression sounding Trumpian marketing campaign themes throughout a 2020 look on a conservative speak radio program. Clark discovered cases of Wold telling the 2022 Nationwide Conservatism Convention at Miami he would assist utilizing the heavy hand of presidency to compel personal enterprise to observe ideological positions “whether or not on immigration or fetal analysis or any variety of points. …”

Individuals are additionally studying…

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And Clark dug up Wold sharing a put up from right-wing commentator Matt Walsh discussing the Nice Alternative Concept, a darkish imaginative and prescient of whites being demographically and culturally changed by non-whites.

Regardless of the case, it can take a while to seek out out. As Betsy Russell of the Idaho Press famous, Wold isn’t licensed to observe legislation within the state of Idaho. He’s scheduled to take the state bar examination in late February — greater than halfway via the upcoming legislative session.

Perhaps he’ll move, get his license and transfer on.

After which once more, as anybody who has taken the bar examination will inform you, there are not any ensures.

David Dewhirst — Labrador’s decide for chief deputy — like Wold, served within the Trump administration as principal deputy normal counsel on the U.S. Division of Commerce. Till earlier this month, he served as solicitor normal for Montana Lawyer Normal Austin Knudsen. His background additionally consists of working the pro-business Freedom Basis in Washington state.

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Like Wold, he isn’t licensed to observe legislation within the state of Idaho. Nevertheless, the Gem State and Montana have a reciprocity settlement so after a 60-to-90-day background examine, Dewhirst would have the mandatory credential — once more effectively after the legislative session has convened.

Understand that together with Lawyer Normal Lawrence Wasden — who Labrador defeated within the GOP major — not less than eight of his key staffers have already left the workplace. A number of the folks working for Wasden spent extra time engaged on things like reapportionment or initiative legislation than the judges who heard their arguments in court docket.

A lot of the time, the work these folks did was detail-oriented and routine — however nonetheless very important. You wouldn’t find out about it except issues went haywire, disrupting one thing just like the state’s meals stamp program.

So that you’re left to surprise: With all of the attorneys on this state, why has Labrador chosen two individuals who for the second can’t observe legislation right here and are strangers to the authorized tradition of the Gem State? What’s Labrador’s relationship with the judiciary and the authorized neighborhood that he felt compelled to achieve exterior the realm of experience in Idaho legislation?

Again in October, Labrador advised the Lewiston Tribune’s William L. Spence: “The Lawyer Normal’s Workplace must have higher attorneys. That’s actually my No. 1 precedence. We appear to lose quite a lot of instances within the state.”

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In fact, it is determined by how one defines what makes for “higher attorneys.”

Within the case of Idaho’s subsequent chief authorized officer, that means Labrador is extra fascinated by performative politics than authorized accomplishment. He’s pursuing a nationwide agenda as a substitute of an Idaho agenda. And expertise and data about Idaho legislation are usually not amongst his priorities.

However you knew that already.

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Hundreds gather on Broadway Bridge in Idaho Falls to protest possible immigration raids – East Idaho News

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Hundreds gather on Broadway Bridge in Idaho Falls to protest possible immigration raids – East Idaho News


Photo: Three Hispanic young women share messages about Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) school raids and being raised by immigrant parents. The sign on the right says, “For my parents who came with nothing and gave me everything.” Video: Protestors thronged Broadway to voice opposition to federal U.S. immigration policy and tactics.| David Pace, EastIdahoNews.com

IDAHO FALLS — Several hundred people overflowed both sides of the Broadway Bridge in Idaho Falls on Saturday. The rally was to support families who may be targeted or broken up by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) immigration raids as the federal government takes new measures to enforce immigration policy.

One young mother with a baby boy spoke on condition of anonymity because her father is an undocumented immigrant.

“Immigrants are the root of America. My dad, he’s been here since I was born — a farmworker,” she said. “We live in fear. My dad, you know our family right now; it’s a tough time for our community. It’s a tough time for our people.”

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The woman said after 25 years living in the United States, her father couldn’t attend the protest in person because he fears being deported.

“He picks our potatoes that we eat. You know, they want to send him back to Mexico. They want to to send him back. And that’s my dad,” she said, breaking down in tears. “I’m here today for him because he couldn’t be here. I had my sign. He put his handprint on my sign.”

An EastIdahoNews.com reporter counted more than 350 supporters at the peaceful protest, located adjacent to the frozen waterfalls and Japanese Friendship Garden along the scenic Snake River in downtown Idaho Falls. No counter-protesters were noted at the site.

Immigration policy protesters congregate on Saturday afternoon on the Broadway bridge in Idaho Falls. | David Pace, EastIdahoNews.com

Signs such as: “School is for education, not deportation,” “They’re our neighbors,” and “Fight ignorance, not immigrants!” waved in the air, accompanied by cheers of “No fears! No hate! No ICE in our state!” and “Sí se puede!”

Other posters read: “We’re all immigrants,” “No human is illegal on stolen land,” “The Pilgrims were undocumented! #KnowYourHistory,” “We speak for those who can’t,” “Immigration reform,” and “Families belong together.”

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Event organizer Shantelle Duran said Hispanics and other immigrants are “business owners, workers, students, friends and neighbors.”

“We are here today to stand against racial profiling and unjust immigration policies that target our communities,” she said. “… We contribute to this country just like everyone else. The American flag represents us, too, and we will not be intimidated into silence. Our message is clear — we are here, we are staying, and we will continue to fight for our rights.”

Protesters gather on the bridge as cars honked their support throughout Saturday afternoon in  downtown Idaho Falls. | David Pace, EastIdahoNews.com
Protesters gather on the bridge as cars honked their support throughout Saturday afternoon in downtown Idaho Falls. | David Pace, EastIdahoNews.com

Idaho Falls City Councilman Jim Francis attended the event to better understand this part of our community.

“I’m a strong supporter of community policing in all of its full meaning — that anybody in this community should be secure from crime against persons and property,” Francis said. “So it’s not the primary responsibility of our police department to look at immigration status. It’s to protect all the people who live here.”

The Idaho Falls Police Department’s full policy on immigration violations is outlined in policy 414 (pages 216-218), which states that for immigration violations, “an officer is encouraged to forgo detentions made solely on the basis of a misdemeanor offense when time limitations, availability of personnel, issues of officer safety, communication capabilities or the potential to obstruct a separate investigation outweigh the need for detention.”

Local Idaho Falls officers inform a supervisor if anyone is “detained for a criminal immigration violation.”

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In response to “federal immigration officials requests for assistance … the department may provide available support services such as traffic control or peacekeeping efforts.”

Immigration and Customs Enforcement does operate throughout Idaho, but “I’m honestly not aware of anything locally that’s a massive raid,” Francis said.

Law enforcement in Bannock and Blaine counties recently released statements refuting rumors about ICE raids in their communities. Social media in eastern Idaho has been rife with raid rumors for the past several weeks, but there has been scant evidence of any large-scale operations in the area.

RELATED | Local sheriff issues statement about ICE conducting deportation ‘raids’

RELATED | Police debunk viral Facebook post claiming ICE detained and abused local man

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The city’s police policy is designed to increase trust with the general public and minority groups.

“Because as soon as you create fear among community groups about law enforcement, then they won’t come forward and help you solve crimes, and that’s our job,” Francis said. “I don’t care if you’re a tourist here or somebody who’s lived here for your entire life; you deserve the same protection of law.”

The rally drew support from large numbers of cars who honked passing by.

Former Bonneville County Democrats Chairwoman Miranda Marquit said it’s the second-largest demonstration she’s seen in Idaho Falls in the past 10 years.

Despite little evidence of ICE raids in the area, many at the protest said its a very real fear for them.

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The anonymous mother with the boy urged her fellow immigrants to be careful.

“There’s posts on the internet — if you’re undocumented, stay home. It’s just what’s best. … They can’t, they can’t do anything at your door,” she said. “Stay safe to all the immigrants out there, you know, not just the Hispanics, but the Portuguese — everybody — all the immigrants.”

Hispanic kids hold signs stating "No human is illegal" and "Immigration reform." | David Pace, EastIdahoNews.com
Hispanic kids hold signs stating “No human is illegal” and “Immigration reform.” | David Pace, EastIdahoNews.com

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From mist to magic: 8 iconic waterfalls of southern Idaho

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From mist to magic: 8 iconic waterfalls of southern Idaho


When considering places to see waterfalls, southern Idaho may not be the first place to come to mind. However, the region’s rolling hills, ancient volcanic formations, and deep canyons house some of America’s most unique waterfalls. Julie and I recently explored the area to discover its cascade wonders. We highlight eight waterfalls in southern Idaho that should be on your travel bucket list.

Shoshone Falls

Julie and I were apprehensive when we heard Shoshone Falls is dubbed the “Niagara of the West.” Well, seeing is believing. Much like Niagara, Shoshone Falls may not be the tallest waterfall, but you cannot deny its allure. Shoshone Falls quickly won us over with its raw power and sheer volume. In a word, we were mesmerized.

You will find the 212-foot natural wonder in Twin Falls, less than a two-hour drive southwest of the surreal . Shoshone Falls Park provides various vantage points along the rim and gorge where you can savor the view. We encourage you to try a few of the different perspectives.

Perrine Coulee Falls

A woman looking tiny in the photo stands next to the massive Perrine Coulee Falls in Twin Falls, Idaho.

Our favorite waterfall on the list, Perrine Coulee Falls, gives you the rare opportunity to see the backside of water. That’s right. You can walk behind the plunging waterfall that drops nearly 200 feet over a cliff nestled in the Snake River Canyon in Twin Falls. Be warned. You will get wet, but the experience and the views are worth it! Julie and I loved it so much that we went back to see it the following day.

As a bonus, the nearby stretches 1,500 feet across the Snake River, 486 feet above the canyon. Seeing the bridge and the Snake River Canyon took our breath. It is the only bridge in America where BASE jumpers can legally jump year-round. I encourage you to stop by the bridge early in the morning for the best odds of seeing BASE jumpers. It is something we will never forget.

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Pillar Falls

Perrine Bridge over Snake River  at Twin Falls,  Idaho, USA

While in Twin Falls, be sure to check out Pillar Falls as well. The best way to reach the natural wonder is by a pontoon boat ride or kayaking from Centennial Waterfront Park, one of the many . Trust me—it is worth it. You gain spectacular views of the Perrine Bridge and the Snake River from the canyon. Keep a watchful eye on the bridge. We were fortunate to witness a BASE jumper during our voyage to Pillar Falls.

Massive rock formations create a unique landscape, resembling pillars that soar above a waterfall shelf. The timing of your visit will impact the size of the falls. Although the waterfall may not be tall during summer, the views and the overall experience are so rewarding that it is still worthwhile.

Minnie Miller Falls

The small town of Hagerman is home to Thousand Springs State Park, which consists of six unique units. One of those units, Ritter Island, sits between two natural springs along the legendary Snake River. Julie and I could not believe how crystal clear the water was in these springs. Surrounded by lush green plants and towering basalt cliffs, you cannot help but gaze in awe.

You will walk across a footbridge to reach the island. After a short stroll on the island, you will discover several streams cascading down a cliff covered with verdant vegetation. It is unique, if not peace-inducing. During your visit, spend a little time touring the historic dairy farm.

Lemmon Falls

Lemmon Falls in southern Idaho

After visiting Minnie Miller Falls, check out Lemmon Falls on the mainland across from Ritter Island. With a short walk, you will observe two gushing streams pour over a bluff, combining into a wide waterfall descending the cliff.

Lemmon Falls is the most impressive of the two waterfalls at Ritter Island. However, both are worth your time. Since these two are so close together, enjoy a morning or afternoon of exploring the natural beauty and history of Ritter Island and Minnie Miller Farm.

Niagara Springs

Part of Thousand Springs State Park, Niagara Springs, is reminiscent of Minnie Miller Falls with a closer vantage point. The drive into a 350-foot-deep section of the Snake River Canyon is half the fun of accessing this waterfall. Please note the narrow road is steep and full of curves. The drive eventually yields a roadside view of white rapids tumbling through lush green cliffside vegetation. Keep a watchful eye. The area is known to attract birds and wildlife.

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Malad Gorge and Devil’s Washbowl

The Malad River winds through the famous Malad Gorge under a dramatic sky in southern Idaho.

Many consider Malad Gorge the crown jewel of Thousand Springs State Park. The Malad River, a 12-mile-long tributary of the Snake River, carves a canyon through basalt rock, tumbling over a cliff and into a deep basin called the Devil’s Washbowl.

Julie and I thoroughly enjoyed our time here. We marveled at the massive black rock gorge and spotted quails and yellow-bellied marmots. You can view the gorge by walking across a footbridge and from various overlooks along a short drive through the park.

Earl M. Hardy Box Canyon Springs Nature Preserve

Yet another section of Thousand Springs State Park, Earl M. Hardy Box Canyon Springs, requires a hike into its namesake canyon. Along the way, you will savor spectacular views of the canyon. Your reward is a breathtaking scene of a 20-foot waterfall thundering over rocks into a crystal-clear pool of water.

Plan Your Southern Idaho Adventure

Whether you want to discover natural attractions on foot or by car, southern Idaho has it all. Julie and I enjoyed exploring the region’s deep rocky canyons and ancient volcanic formations. Although a surprise, the southern Idaho waterfalls made a lasting impression.

As you plan your adventures, check out our recommended . These are among some of our favorite lodgings throughout the country. Never stop exploring!



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Protest against immigration policy planned in Idaho Falls Saturday – East Idaho News

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Protest against immigration policy planned in Idaho Falls Saturday – East Idaho News


IDAHO FALLS — A protest against the Trump administration’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement policy is planned for Saturday in Idaho Falls.

Organizers say a peaceful demonstration will begin at noon on the southeast corner of the Broadway Bridge and the public is invited.

“We want to take a stand against systemic racism and unjust immigration policies,” said Shantelle Duran, one of the demonstration’s organizers. “We invite the community to stand with us and show support for our neighbors who are likely to be targeted under increased ICE raids and detentions.”

Organizers ask participants to be respectful and follow laws regarding obstruction. Duran has been working with the Idaho Falls Police Department and the city of Idaho Falls, according to a news release.

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“Duran stresses the importance of nonviolence and nonaggression toward counter-protesters and others who might show up with intent to agitate,” the release says.

Students are also involved and plan to provide participants with helpful information about Constitutional and legal rights for those who live in the United States.

“Together, we can fight for justice and build community,” Duran said. “We encourage like-minded people to join us in this show of solidarity.”

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