Scott Bedke Archives - Northwest Public Broadcasting

Idaho Lawmakers Sue, Say Returning To State Capitol During Pandemic Violates ADA

By NWPB News January 10, 2021

Idaho Democratic state Rep. Muffy Davis, seen here in 2019, and Democratic Rep. Sue Chew are suing Idaho's top House Republican. They contend he's preventing them from safely participating in the upcoming legislative session amid the pandemic. CREDIT: James Dawson/Boise State Public Radio

Two Idaho state lawmakers, both Democrats, have filed suit against Republican state House Speaker Scott Bedke, saying he has violated the Americans with Disabilities Act by forging ahead with the legislative session — scheduled to begin Monday — without providing them an option to participate remotely in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.Read More

Some Idaho Legislators Want 2021 Session Pushed Back. House Speaker Says That Takes A 2/3 Vote

By NWPB News December 17, 2020

A large crowd of onlookers and protesters, most not wearing masks, some open carrying firearms, gathered in the Idaho Capitol in Boise for the state's special legislative session that began Monday, Aug. 24, 2020. CREDIT: Sami Edge/Idaho Education News

Citing the coronavirus pandemic, Gov. Brad Little said last week legislators should seriously consider delaying the session or going remote, while House Minority Leader Ilana Rubel, D-Boise, said legislators should postpone the session until a vaccine is available, Idaho Education News first reported Thursday.Read More

Anti-Government Activist Ammon Bundy Arrested At Idaho Statehouse For 2nd Time In 2 Days

By NWPB News August 25, 2020

This image taken from video shows anti-government activist Ammon Bundy, rear, being wheeled into an elevator in a chair following his arrest at the Idaho Statehouse in Boise, Idaho, Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2020. Authorities arrested Bundy after he refused to leave a meeting room where a few hours earlier angry protesters forced out lawmakers. CREDIT: Keith Ridler/AP

The incident follows another on Monday when angry protesters forced their way into the Idaho House gallery that had limited seating because of the coronavirus pandemic, the window of a glass door getting shattered as protesters jostled with police. Protesters were ultimately let in when Republican House Speaker Scott Bedke stepped in, seeking to avoid violence.Read More

Power Struggle Within Idaho’s GOP-Led Legislature Means Delayed Retirement For Obscure Employee

By NWPB News January 13, 2020

Idaho Administrative Rules Coordinator Dennis Stevenson in his office in Boise. A power struggle between the Republican-dominated Idaho House and Senate has had big ramifications for Stevenson, who for three decades has toiled in an agency most people didn't know existed. CREDIT: Keith Ridler/AP

A power struggle between the Republican-dominated Idaho House and Senate turned out to have big ramifications for a relatively unknown state employee who has toiled for three decades in an agency most people didn’t know existed.Read More