Senator gauges federal programs’ work with small businesses

A U.S. senator from Idaho held an oversight hearing in Anchorage to receive feedback from Alaska business leaders on Small Business Administration programs. The Alaska Journal of Commerce reports Republican Sen. Jim Risch, chairman of the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, aimed for the hearing last week to gather insight into how and if the programs are helping businesses navigate the federal contracting system.

U.S. Department of the INTERIORInterior Approves Final Two Segments…

Interior Approves Final Two Segments of Gateway West Power Line Transmission line will create jobs and provide more reliable power to the Western U.S. The Department of the Interior's Bureau of Land Management has approved routes for segments of the Gateway West electric transmission line project on public lands in southwestern Idaho, connecting previously authorized routes in southern Wyoming and eastern Idaho. The project will improve the nation's energy infrastructure and boost the economy in the Pacific Northwest and Intermountain West.

US Senate confirms Bart Davis as Idaho’s next U.S. Attorney

Senate Minority Leader Michelle Stennett, D-Ketchum, pays tribute to Sen. Bart Davis, R-Idaho Falls, after the Senate adjourned, Wednesday, March 29, 2017, in Boise, Idaho. The U.S. Senate has confirmed Bart Davis as Idaho's next U.S. attorney, in a unanimous-consent decision that came at the close of business in the Senate today.

Trump, critics gird for long war after Comey’s moment

The initial shock and awe phase of the great, unresolved Russia election mystery ended with James Comey's spellbinding testimony. Now a war of political attrition will rage that will further pollute the Washington swamp and confound the nation before special counsel Robert Mueller concludes his probe - however many months or years that takes.

James Comey on Trump Tweet: ‘Lordy, I hope there are tapes’

Former FBI Chief James Comey said Thursday: "Lordy, I hope there are tapes" of his private conversations with President Donald Trump, implying they would offer corroboration of his testimony at a blockbuster Senate hearing. Comey also testified that the Trump administration "chose to defame me," told "lies, plain and simple" and that he was "confused" by Trump saying he was fired due to the Russia probe.

US agencies emphasize cooperation entering wildfire season

The heads of the two largest public land agencies in the U.S. signed a memorandum Friday emphasizing cooperation among federal, state, tribal and local agencies in battling wildfires as the main part of the wildfire season arrives. Secretaries Ryan Zinke of the Interior Department and Sonny Perdue of the Agriculture Department signed the document following a briefing at the National Interagency Fire Center in Boise.

Risch’s ‘weasel’ remark draws protest

Sen. Richard Burr, R-N.C., left, speaks with Idaho Sen. James Risch before a Senate Intelligence Committee last week. Idaho Sen. Jim Risch's defense of President Donald Trump's reported May 10 disclosure of classified intelligence to Russian officials is the trigger for another protest Friday at the senator's Boise office.

Republicans Rush to Trump’s Defense

After a report surfaced on Monday that President Trump shared classified information with Russian officials during an Oval Office meeting last week, some Senate Republicans initially rushed to defend the president, while other GOP lawmakers, as well as congressional Democrats, expressed alarm. "It's no longer classified the minute he utters it," Republican Senator Jim Risch said , according to Talking Points Memo 's Alice Ollstein.

Former wrestling executive Linda McMahon on track to SBA

In this Jan. 24, 2017, file photo, Small Business Administration Administrator-nominee,former wrestling entertainment executive, Linda McMahon testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington,at her confirmation hearing. McMahon is on track to secure Senate confirmation to be the next leader of the Small Business Administration.