Latest news with #RaúlLabrador
New York Post
03-07-2025
- Politics
- New York Post
Idaho AG bans ‘Everyone is Welcome Here' signs at public schools, says the ‘political statement' violates state law
Idaho's attorney general has ruled that the 'Everyone is Welcome Here' signs that stirred up controversy for 'inadvertently' sparking division must be removed from every public school in the state. A legal opinion was released on Friday by Attorney General Raúl Labrador's office that officially banned signs like the one Lewis and Clark Middle School teacher Sarah Inama displayed in her classroom in February. The AG's office found that banners like Inama's, which read 'Everyone is Welcome Here,' violates the state's vague House Bill 41 prohibiting flags or banners alluding to or depicting any political viewpoint in public schools. Advertisement 'These signs are part of an ideological/social movement which started in Twin Cities, Minnesota following the 2016 election of Donald Trump. Since that time, the signs have been used by the Democratic party as a political statement. The Idaho Democratic Party even sells these signs as part of its fundraising efforts,' the office's statement said. 3 A legal opinion released by the Idaho Attorney General's Office determined that the 'Everyone is Welcome Here' banner can't be hung in public schools. KTVB-TV Inama made headlines last winter when the West Ada School District ordered her to remove her 'Everyone is Welcome Here' sign featuring cartoon hands in various skin tones. Advertisement Inama originally took the poster down, but had a change of heart and put it back up over the weekend. The district administration asserted that Inama needed to take it down because the message 'is not something that everybody believes,' she told KTVB. According to emails from the district obtained by the Idaho Statesman, the district took issue with the different skin-toned hands, which apparently violated the state's requirement that all displayed content be 'neutral and conducive to a positive learning environment.' 3 The opinion asserted that the banner was 'part of an ideological/social movement.' Advertisement The Idaho Democratic Party started to sell the merchandise inspired by the posters on March 25 'after hearing from Idahoans who wanted a way to show support for Ms. Inama,' the party's communications director Avery Roberts wrote in an email to The Post. 'Across the state, parents and teachers, regardless of their political affiliations, want children to have a fair shot. They're working hard to build strong public schools where every student feels welcome and has the support they need to succeed,' Roberts wrote. 3 The teacher at the center of the poster controversy has hung up the poster annually since 2017. Lewis and Clark Middle School 'We're not doing this to make money. The signs and stickers barely cover costs. What matters is the message. Taking a stand against discrimination shouldn't be a partisan issue, and we hope leaders in every party see it that way.' Advertisement The office's opinion goes on to note that Inama began displaying the signs in her classroom shortly after Trump's first term in 2017 and accused her of hanging it to 'share her personal, ideological beliefs.' Per the office's opinion, certain types of student artwork could also be prohibited from being hung in schools.
Yahoo
19-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Idaho AG drops ‘transparency' lawsuit over University of Phoenix deal
Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador dismissed his lawsuit against the Idaho State Board of Education after it ratified an end to the proposed deal between the University of Idaho and the University of Phoenix. Labrador sued the State Board in June 2023 over the way the controversial transaction came about. He accused the State Board of violating Idaho's open meetings law when it negotiated the U of I's planned purchase of the online, for-profit school in private. He said in a news release Wednesday that the legal battle was about government transparency. Both parties agreed to cover their own litigation costs. 'This case was never about the merits of any particular transaction, but about ensuring government remains open and transparent for all Idahoans,' Labrador said. 'Idaho's Open Meeting Law requires government entities to conduct state business in public meetings with proper notice, ensuring transparency when taxpayer resources and state institutions are involved. The law reflects the principle that government accountability depends on public access to decision-making processes, particularly for transactions of significant scope and financial impact.' The universities called the proposed $550 million acquisition quits on June 3 after two years of negotiations. The deal was plagued by ridicule and legal challenges from the start. In December, the Idaho Supreme Court returned a 4-1 victory in Labrador's favor, overturning a lower court ruling that would have OK'd the secret government negotiations, according to the release. The acquisition would have had Four Three Education, a nonprofit created by the U of I, buy Phoenix from its hedge fund owner, Apollo Global Management. The U of I spent over $17 million trying to complete the deal, according to Jodi Walker, a spokesperson for the university. By terminating it, Phoenix is expected to fully reimburse the U of I for out-of-pocket expenses it incurred while pursuing the sale. University of Idaho, University of Phoenix call off $550M acquisition As Idaho's nursing shortage persists, a private Christian university could help
Yahoo
17-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Idaho Supreme Court hands down mixed ruling in abortion-rights ballot lawsuit
The Idaho Supreme Court partially ruled in favor of a nonprofit that sued state officials over what the group called 'misleading, inaccurate and prejudicial' proposals for a ballot initiative to let Idaho residents vote on abortions rights and other reproductive health care. Idahoans United for Women and Families, which formed last year in response to concerns about women's health care, sued Attorney General Raúl Labrador, Secretary of State Phil McGrane and Idaho Division of Financial Management Administrator Lori Wolff in January. The nonprofit said the officials chose confusing wording and left out key elements when crafting the language that could appear on voters' ballots in the future if the measure meets qualifications. Idaho voters can change or create state law through ballot initiatives, which are also called ballot measures. Proposals are submitted to the Secretary of State's Office, and the AG's office writes 'ballot titles' for the proposal. The titles, a long version and then a shorter version, are what appear on official ballots if enough signatures are gathered to support the proposal. Idahoans United's measure, which the group called the Reproductive Freedom and Privacy Act, would legalize abortion up to fetal viability or in the event of a medical emergency. It would also guarantee a right to privacy for reproductive health care decisions including contraception and fertility treatments. The group hopes to have the measure on voters' ballots next year. The court ruled that the AG's office failed to fully and comprehensively describe all four aspects of the initiative in its short title, but ruled against Idahoans United over its complaints against using the term 'fetus viability,' rather than 'fetal viability,' in the long and short titles. It also ruled that the long title the AG's office filed was legal and appropriate. The Supreme Court also ruled unanimously that the Division of Financial Management failed to establish a factual basis for its estimated financial impact and to comply with requirements that its fiscal impact statement be clear and concise. The fiscal impact statement is meant to help voters understand any financial implications of approving proposed legislation. Lead organizer Melanie Folwell told the Idaho Statesman in a phone interview that the ruling was 'a substantial win on the issues that were of highest priority for us.' 'Today's ruling is a significant victory for fairness and transparency in Idaho's election process,' Folwell added in an emailed statement. 'We are grateful that the Idaho Supreme Court recognized the importance of providing voters with clear, accurate and impartial information about ballot initiatives.' Representatives for the Division of Financial Management and Idaho Attorney General's Office did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Both offices were ordered to provide revised documents within seven days of the ruling. Folwell said Idahoans United hopes to have acceptable ballot measure titles by the end of June to begin collecting voter signatures around the state. It's the second time Labrador has been sued over ballot initiative titles during the Republican's tenure as attorney general. In 2023, Idahoans for Open Primaries won a lawsuit against the AG's office in which the Idaho Supreme Court ruled that Labrador's ballot titles did not comply with state law.
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Yahoo
Idaho DMV, Star Card texts are scams, state officials warn
Claiming to be from the Idaho DMV, some of the scam texts say your driver's license could be immediately suspended unless you pay — through a suspicious link. (Courtesy of Getty Images) Idaho government officials are warning that text messages about unpaid traffic tickets and the newly required Star Card are scams. Idaho law enforcement agencies never send texts to people to demand payments, threaten penalties for violations or tolls that haven't been paid, or for missed jury duty, the Idaho Attorney General's Office said in a news release. 'Scammers stole over $63 million from Idahoans last year, predominantly targeting our seniors,' Attorney General Raúl Labrador said in a statement. 'These scammers are now using fake DMV texts to steal even more. Idaho families need to know that legitimate government agencies never demand payments through text messages.' Claiming to be from the Idaho DMV, some of the scam texts say your driver's license could be immediately suspended unless you pay — through a suspicious link. The Idaho Attorney General's Office urges Idahoans to look out for red flags, like: Demanding payment urgently — or through gift cards. Threats to suspend licenses, or even arrest. And suspicious web links that might look official. If you receive a suspicious text, do not click any links or share your personal information. Report the text to the Federal Trade Commission, and delete it. The FTC's fraud reporting website is The Idaho Transportation Department is also warning Idahoans about scam texts that falsely promote online payments or quicker access to REAL IDs, also known as Star Cards. 'Scammers are targeting Idahoans with messages that look official but are completely fake,' Idaho DMV Administrator Lisa McClellan said in a statement. 'Your REAL ID can only be obtained in person through an authorized DMV office, not by clicking a link in a text message.' Find accurate information about Idaho services for the DMV and REAL ID online at the Idaho DMV website, at SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Idaho joined a drug price settlement. Find out if you qualify for compensation.
People who purchased generic prescription drugs between May 2009 and December 2019 may be eligible for compensation in the settlement, the Idaho Attorney General's Office said. (Getty Images) Idahoans should see if they're eligible for compensation as part of a proposed settlement over an alleged conspiracy to inflate generic drug prices and limit competition, Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador said. Idaho is among 50 states and U.S. territories that are seeking preliminary approval for the $39.1 million settlement with drug manufacturer Apotex in federal court in Connecticut, the Idaho Office of the Attorney General announced in a news release. A coalition of states last fall also announced a $10 million settlement with Heritage Pharmaceuticals. 'When companies conspire to fix prices, real people pay the price — especially Idaho families who rely on affordable prescription drugs,' Labrador said in a prepared statement. 'I encourage every Idahoan who purchased generic medications during the covered period to review their eligibility and seek compensation if you qualify. Our office will continue to defend the integrity of the market and ensure Idahoans are protected from corporate misconduct.' People who purchased generic prescription drugs between May 2009 and December 2019 may be eligible for compensation in the settlement, the Idaho Attorney General's Office said. Here's how to find out if you're eligible: Visit which lists generic drugs involved in the settlements Email info@ Call 1-866-290-0182, a toll free number SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
