New legislation has been signed into law by Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter. A $5 million plan could help grow Idaho’s economy with $5 million that bolsters university research and businesses.

The legislation ties in with his Idaho Global Entrepreneurial Mission, IGEM, intended to get new research at Idaho universities into the commercial markets sooner.

Starting June 1st of this year, the legislation puts $1 million toward grants for start-up businesses and tech, while $2 million goes to Center for Advanced Energy Studies and $2 million to each Idaho research university.

The legislation passed on March 6th with 30 ayes and 4 nays.

Online Document: House Bill 546 is available for reading online at the legislature’s website, which also shows the history and votes on the bill. 

Here’s an idea - Google Hangouts with citizens and local politicians. It’s another way to talk face to face over great distances. Some selected Google+ users had the rare opportunity to ask questions to President Barack Obama in a video chat on Monday. Reuters' Anthony De Rosa explains: 

He answered questions about the economy, job creation, small business, and the use of drones in Iraq and Afghanistan. Obama referenced a New York Times story on the use of drones, which he called “overwritten,” and said that the use of drones had not resulted in an unusual number of civilian casualties. Asked about the anti-piracy legislation that set the Internet on fire, Obama said, ”When SOPA came up on the hill, we expressed some concerns about the way the legislation had been written.”

Share: It’s one way to answer the questions of millions of citizens. Locally, would you like to see this happen with state and city officials?

A new report suggests 18 backcountry areas that are recommended to Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar for congressional protection.

At this point it’s only a preliminary list that will be used to collection local support for the foundation of a bipartisan public lands bill that they hope to pass through Congress.

The list was compiled by Deputy Secretary David J. Hayes and BLM director Bob Abbey based on input from congress, state and city officials and interested parties.

"The backcountry areas we identify in this report are by no means the only public lands that may deserve protection by Congress, but this preliminary list of possibilities shows that there is a compelling case for bipartisan legislative action to conserve lands for recreation, protection, and enjoyment," said deputy secretary David J. Hayes.

Locations from Washington, Idaho and Montana made the list. They’re not exactly localized near you, but if you find yourself traveling for vacation, check them out.