Local/Idaho Briefs November 17, 2012

Candlelight vigil is Sunday

COEUR d'ALENE - A Transgender Day of Remembrance candlelight vigil is scheduled 7-9 p.m. Sunday at the Human Rights Education Institute.

The public is welcome to participate in the vigil and listen to speakers discuss issues facing the transgender community.

"The Transgender Day of Remembrance is an important way of memorializing those who have suffered violence because of their gender identity, as well as a means of raising awareness and encouraging empowerment of transgender persons as part of the larger social community," according to a press release.

Diana Carlin, a student at Lewis-Clark State College, is the principal organizer of the event.

"Change is coming," Carlin said. "With awareness and education, we can promote an end to discrimination, prejudice and violence in the daily lives of our transgendered citizens."

A social inside the institute, 414 W. Mullan Road, will follow the vigil.

Otter to take time on decision

BOISE (AP) - Gov. Butch Otter will spend up to another month deciding whether Idaho will build its own health insurance exchange - or opt for an exchange created by the federal government.

Otter made the delay announcement on Friday.

But on Thursday, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius gave governors like Otter until Dec. 14 to decide.

Otter says Sebelius' extension gives Idaho more time to get answers about the program.

Previously, a governor-appointed panel told Otter to adopt a state-based exchange.

A health insurance exchange is part of President Obama's overhaul where individuals and small businesses will be able to shop for insurance via an Internet portal.