Idaho Media Want St. Luke’s Trial Opened

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — A coalition of news organizations is asking the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to order a federal judge to make all witness testimony and exhibits in a recent antitrust trial open to the public.

The news organizations challenged a broad protective order issued earlier this year by U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill that allowed witnesses and attorneys for St. Luke's Health System, Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center, the Federal Trade Commission and others to keep a large amount of testimony and evidence sealed. The news groups contend the antitrust trial is of public interest because the results will directly affect health care consumers in Idaho.

The appeal was filed Tuesday by the Idaho Statesman (http://bit.ly/1co1zMo ), Associated Press, The Times-News, Lewiston Tribune, Idaho Press-Tribune and others.

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Information from: Idaho Statesman, http://www.idahostatesman.com

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