Latest news with #RaúlLabrador
Yahoo
3 days ago
- 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
5 days ago
- 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
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Judge denies coalition's request to temporarily block Idaho's library law
In Preston, the Larsen-Sant Public Library's colorful books line the shelves of its children's book section, accompanied by stuffed animals, like a large purple octopus above the shelves. (Kyle Pfannenstiel/Idaho Capital Sun) Editor's note: This story has been updated to include a quote from Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador. A federal judge has denied an Idaho coalition's request to stop the enforcement of House Bill 710 — a law that took effect in July requiring Idaho public libraries to relocate items that visitors deem harmful to children or risk facing legal action. The same month the law took effect, a coalition of private Idaho schools, privately-funded libraries and parents sued Idaho officials to stop the enforcement of the library law, alleging the law violates the First Amendment rights of private schools and libraries and 14th Amendment protections for the fundamental liberty interest of parents. But Judge Amanda Brailsford on Tuesday denied the plaintiffs' request to block its enforcement, and she dismissed some of the plaintiffs from the case. This case is one of two lawsuits related to House Bill 710, a highly controversial law that took effect after years of attempts from the Idaho Legislature to restrict access to library materials — particularly as they relate to sex education, LGBTQ+ people and diverse communities. These efforts have led librarians to consider leaving Idaho, and it even led at least one rural library to adopt an adults-only policy. There were 11 original plaintiffs in the case; however, Tuesday's decision dismissed eight of them, including four parents and their two children, and two libraries that do not receive public funds, including the Community Library Association and Collister United Methodist Church. The remaining plaintiffs include the Northwest Association of Independent Schools, Sun Valley Community School and the Boise-based Foothills School of Arts and Sciences. Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador said he was pleased with the judge's decision. 'I am pleased the court ruled that Plaintiffs are unlikely to succeed on the merits of this case and are also unlikely to prove that Idaho's law protecting minors from harmful material in schools and public libraries is somehow unconstitutional,' he told the Idaho Capital Sun. 'While the case itself was not dismissed, we will continue to defend Idaho's law as this process continues.' The Idaho Capital Sun has reached out to the plaintiffs' legal team for comment. Recap of House Bill 710 House Bill 710 codified the process that libraries must follow when receiving complaints from adult visitors who believe an item is harmful to minors. Any adult or minor who believes a library item is harmful to minors can provide a written notice to the school or public library asking for its relocation. The library board has 60 days to review the complaint. If the item is deemed harmful to minors, the library must relocate it to an area accessible by adults only. If the library does not relocate the item within the given time frame, then the individual may sue the library and recover at least $250. The plaintiffs alleged the law is overbroad in violation of the First Amendment and vague under the 14th Amendment. The court found the plaintiffs are unlikely to succeed on the merits of those claims and they also fail to show they are likely to suffer irreparable harm while the law is in place. 'The Court does not question the genuineness of Plaintiffs' concerns raised in their affidavits,' Brailsford wrote. 'Schools and public libraries are often pillars of our communities and formative in many of our lives. Regardless, Plaintiffs have yet to show irreparable harm that justifies a preliminary injunction.' New lawsuit seeks to stop enforcement of Idaho library materials bill Brailsford found that the parent plaintiffs do not have standing because the law is not directed at regulating parental decisions. 'H.B. 710 does not prohibit a child, parent, or legal guardian's conduct and does not contain any enforcement provision applicable to them,' Brailsford wrote. 'Rather, the statute only prohibits the conduct of schools and public libraries and only provides for the enforcement of a violation against schools and public libraries.' Likewise, Brailsford said the two libraries in the lawsuit do not have standing because they are not public libraries. While they are open to the public, the Community Library, located in Ketchum, and the Collister United Methodist Church library, in Boise, do not receive public funds and are not subject to the law. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
