Idaho Man Arrested on Suspicion of Terrorism + Other News Updates

Idaho Man Arrested For Role in Terrorism Plot

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — An Uzbekistan national living in Idaho has made his first court appearance on charges he gave support, cash and other resources to help a recognized terrorist group in his own country.

Thirty-year-old Fazliddin Kurbanov (fahz-LIHD'-ehn kuhr-BAH'-nahf) pleaded not guilty Friday morning during a brief hearing in federal court in Boise and was formally charged with three federal terrorism counts.

He was arrested Thursday during a raid at his Boise apartment.

A grand jury indictment alleges Kurbanov gave money, computer software and other resources to the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan — a designated foreign terrorist group.

Kurbanov said he couldn't pay for an attorney, so federal public defender Richard Rubin was appointed to handle the case.

Kurbanov will be held in the Ada County Jail until his detention hearing Tuesday.

Portland Mayor Takes Role in Police Sting Operation

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Portland Mayor Charlie Hales worked as a decoy yesterday in a police sting at a downtown crosswalk. A motorcycle officer was watching, and drivers who didn't stop for the mayor were given warnings or tickets. KGW reports the sting was intended to raise awareness as part of the city's "Safe Routes to School" program.

Washington State Serial Killer Trying to Appeal Conviction

SEATTLE (AP) — Serial killer Robert Yates, whose death sentence has been upheld by the state Supreme Court, is seeking an appeal through the federal court system. The Seattle Times reports Yates filed a petition that says his lawyers failed to present evidence of mental illness during his 2002 trial in Pierce County. He was convicted of killing two women in 1997 and 1998 and got the death penalty. Yates pleaded guilty in 2000 to 13 other murders in Spokane, Skagit and Walla Walla counties.

Bellingham Man Arrested for Writing Letters Threatening Northwest Politicians

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — Police have arrested a Bellingham man accused of writing letters to a Washington state newspaper that contained threats to kill Gov. Jay Inslee, state Attorney General Bob Ferguson, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder and President Barack Obama. The Olympian newspaper reports that Timothy McNiven was being held on $200,000 bail yesterday in the Thurston County Jail in Olympia. McNiven told court officials he is schizophrenic.