Aaron von Ehlinger

The Idaho Legislature is headed for a record-breaking session as we passed the 117 day mark. But there was plenty of other news this week as well, and the Idaho Matters Reporter Roundtable is here to get you caught up.

In the wake of disturbing testimony from a 19-year-old female volunteer staffer at the Idaho Capitol, telling a House Ethics Committee that she was sexually assaulted by a sitting lawmaker, two of the young woman’s attorneys say they have heard from people across the U.S. with what they call “an outpouring of support.”

The Idaho Legislature is still in session, making it one of the longest session's in recent history. This week, lawmakers in the House paused their work for a tense and often disturbing ethics hearing about a GOP member accused of raping a 19-year-old staffer. Idaho Matters looks at this and other stories from the week.

UPDATE 2:49 p.m. Thursday: Since this was originally published, Rep. Ehlinger resigned from the legislature. The Idaho House Ethics Committee is recommending censure, and possibly expulsion, of Rep. Aaron von Ehlinger after he was accused of raping a 19-year-old statehouse staffer. Idaho Matters learns what could happen next.

The House ethics committee Thursday unanimously recommended suspending a state representative accused of raping an unpaid intern through 2022 without pay.

The Idaho House ethics committee heard from more than a dozen witnesses Wednesday as it considers expelling a freshman Republican lawmaker over allegations he raped a staff volunteer.

Transcripts of interviews with House Republican leaders show two other women who work at the Idaho Capitol said a representative, who’s facing an ethics investigation for alleged rape, made them feel uncomfortable.

When rape allegations surfaced two weeks ago against Lewiston state Rep. Aaron von Ehlinger, many of his colleagues rushed to support him. One way some of them did that? By publicly releasing his accuser’s name. Idaho Matters talks with journalist Rebecca Boone with the Associated Press and Dr. Beronica Salazar with the Women and Children’s Alliance.

The 2021 Idaho legislative session has passed the 100 day mark, the state sets a lofty COVID-19 vaccination goal, sharply rising lumber costs contribute to Boise's housing squeeze, and an Idaho Republican lawmaker is accused of rape. Idaho Matters digs into all these stories and more *Mark Johnson* on this edition of the Reporter Roundtable.

Boise Police say an investigation is again open regarding Idaho state Rep. Aaron von Ehlinger and allegations he raped an adult volunteer staffer.