Emily Strizich photo
Bryn Ballenger, one of the 62,000 Idahoans stuck in the Medicaid gap (in the center with the trucker hat), attends a Medicaid for All kickoff event in Sandpoint.
ON INLANDER.COM
MUSIC: Metallica played a sold-out show at Spokane arena on Dec. 2 and we were there. Here's our cutting-edge editorial analysis: It was awesome. We took some photos too. Check 'em out.
SPORTS: We say it often, and we'll say it again: Gonzaga's basketball team is really, really good.
IN OTHER NEWS...
Idaho Medicaid expansion goes to court
The Idaho state Supreme Court has agreed to hear a legal challenge to Proposition 2, the ballot measure expanding Medicaid in the state that was approved by over 60 percent of Idaho voters last month. The Idaho Freedom Foundation — a libertarian think tank — is fielding the lawsuit, arguing that the measure is unconstitutional. The court will hear oral arguments in late January. (Idaho Statesman)
Simplifying the standard
Last month, I-940 — the ballot measure making it easier to prosecute cops who kill — was approved by voters overwhelmingly. Now, law enforcement representatives and community activists are calling on lawmakers to pass a compromise bill that would amend the initiative. The bill would simplify the standard prosecutors would hold police officers to when determining if they acted in good faith when they used deadly force. (Seattle Times)
Wisconsin Republicans seek to limit power of newly elected Democrats
After last month's general election where Democratic candidate Tony Evers defeated Republican incumbent Scott Walker in the Wisconsin gubernatorial race, local Republican lawmakers are trying to pre-emptively curb the powers of the office before the governor-elect is sworn in. Similar measures are being pushed by local-level Republicans in other states where Democrats saw wins in November. (New York Times)
