Morning News: U.S. Homebuilders Request More Permits, Idaho School Laptop Bidding Process Underway

Welding-caused fire at INL prompts evacuations | AP Welders working on the roof of a building at the Idaho National Laboratory nuclear research site caused a fire that prompted the evacuation of employees. KIFI-TV in Idaho Falls (http://bit.ly/HP5iJ5) reported on Monday that nobody was injured in the blaze at the Materials and Fuels Complex. (hosted2.ap.org)

US homebuilders request most permits in 3 1/2 years | Idahostatesman.com U.S. builders requested the most permits in March for single-family homes and apartments in 3 1/2 years, suggesting that many expect the housing market to improve over the next year. The Commerce Department said Tuesday that permits, a gauge of future construction, rose 4.5 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 747,000 in March. That’s the highest level since September 2008. (idahostatesman.com)

Idaho Kicks Off School Laptop Bidding Process | AP Idaho has started accepting bids for a contract to provide every high school student and teacher with a laptop, or similar device. The state is giving computer manufacturers until May 25 to submit their pitches, according to a request for proposals issued by Idaho’s Division of Purchasing. (magicvalley.com)