Morning News: U.S. Economic Growth Slows, Republicans Divided On Farm Bill, Nez Perce County Farmers Get Help After Hail

U.S. Economy Slowed to a Tepid 1.5% Rate of Growth – “The United States economy grew by a tepid 1.5 percent annual rate in the second quarter, losing the momentum it had appeared to be gaining earlier this year, the government reported Friday. ” The New York Times

Farm bill: The Speaker’s next big headache – “Rural Republicans are desperate to enact a farm bill. They want to avoid the chaos associated with failure to renew commodity programs that start to expire after September 30, and they need to demonstrate they are coming to the aid of farmers who are threatened by a potentially devastating drought.” The Hill

Pro-business group endorses new tax – “Friedman Memorial Airport Director Rick Baird stressed the importance of air service to the valley’s economy, citing data obtained by Sustain Blaine, an economic development agency that focuses on countywide issues.” Idaho Mountain Express

N. Idaho farmers get fed help after hail – “[S]ome Nez Perce County farmers are eligible for federal loans and disaster assistance after huge hailstones damaged crops. “ Associated Press

New York-based Thomson Reuters to buy MarkMonitor, founded by Boise residents – “MarkMonitor safeguards more than half of the Fortune 100 brands. New York-based Thomson Reuters is a global information and news organization.” Idaho Statesman