Idaho News & Current Events | Public News Service

Local opposition to the proposed land swap near Payette Lake was strong before the Idaho Department of Lands rejected the deal. (Ty/Adobe Stock)

Thursday, September 23, 2021

Coalition Proposes Conserving Lands Previously Targeted by Developer

MCCALL, Idaho -- After the rejection of a developer's proposed land swap near Payette Lake, a coalition of groups wants the state to do the opposite…

Rep. Mike Simpson, R-ID, has proposed a $33.5 billion plan to save Chinook salmon and other endangered fish in the Columbia River Basin. (BLM/Flickr)

ID Salmon Industry Feels the Pain from Dismal Runs

BOISE, Idaho -- Closed fisheries from imperiled fish runs in the Columbia River Basin are prompting calls for action before it's too late. Steelhead …

About 14% of Idaho's electricity was generated from wind in 2019, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. (knowlesgallery/Adobe Stock)

ID Wind Project Stirs Concerns for Impact on National Parks, Wildlife

TWIN FALLS, Idaho -- The public has an opportunity to weigh in on a large wind-energy project proposed in Idaho. The Lava Ridge Wind Energy Project …

Eighteen Idaho lawmakers scored 100% in the Kids Matter Index. (SeanPavonePhoto/Adobe Stock)

Index Gauges How Much 'Kids Mattered' During 2021 ID Session

BOISE, Idaho - An organization has rated Idaho lawmakers on how they voted for measures that affect children in the 2021 session. Idaho Children …

Nearly 240,000 Idahoans identify as Hispanic or Latino, according to the 2020 U.S. census. (mmg1design/Adobe Stock)

ID Grows More Diverse, But Not Its Redistricting Commission

BOISE, Idaho - The redistricting process begins today in Idaho, and some are raising concerns that the commission overseeing it doesn't reflect the …

The United States has 93 nuclear reactors, down from 104 in 2012. (ThomasLENNE/Adobe Stock)

Hundreds of Groups Sign Letter Opposing Nuclear Subsidies

BOISE, Idaho -- Hundreds of groups have signed a letter opposing nuclear subsidies in Congress's infrastructure and budget reconciliation bills…

About 95% of the population needs to be immune to measles for the population to reach herd immunity. (natara/Adobe Stock)

After Pandemic Dip, Pediatricians Encourage Families Back for Checkups

BOISE, Idaho -- For many Idaho families, the pandemic may have pushed wellness checkups off the calendar for their kids, including routine …

Researchers at the Idaho National Laboratory near Idaho Falls study nuclear energy. (Sam Beebe/Flickr)

Critics Decry $12 Billion for Nuclear in Infrastructure Bill

BOISE, Idaho -- The U.S. Senate has passed a massive infrastructure bill, and buried within the package is $12 billion for the nuclear industry…

Programs such as Double Up Food Bucks help families buy more fresh food at farmers markets. (Jeremy Segrott/Flickr)

Anti-Hunger Advocate to Tout Safety Net's Benefit in ID

BOISE, Idaho -- The head of Hunger Free America is coming to Idaho this weekend as part of his tour across the country. Joel Berg, CEO of the …

A video from July shows sockeye salmon with red lesions and fungus because of the Columbia River's hot water. (Conrad Gowell/Columbia Riverkeeper)

In Hot Water, Rallies Planned for NW Salmon

BOISE, Idaho -- Rallies are taking place across the Northwest to support salmon, which face dire conditions in the Columbia River Basin. Saturday…

Smoke from the Bootleg fire in southern Oregon is blowing across Idaho and as far east as New York. (National Interagency Fire Center/Flickr)

Tiny Particles in Wildfire Smoke Pose Health Risks

BOISE, Idaho -- Wildfires are affecting air quality across the West, bringing hidden dangers in smoke that can harm people's health. The Boise-based …

Treating food as medicine is becoming a more mainstream remedy in doctors' offices. (ARTFULLY-79/Adobe Stock)

ID Partnership on 'Farmacy' Treats Food as Medicine

BOISE, Idaho -- Boise State University nursing students and the Idaho Foodbank are teaming up to establish healthy food as crucial medicine for …

The bipartisan infrastructure framework includes $5 billion to invest in Western water storage. (Andy/Adobe Stock)

Rural U.S., Climate Resilience Seen as Winners in Infrastructure Package

BOISE, Idaho -- Supporters from both sides of the aisle are touting a $1.2 trillion infrastructure framework taking shape in Washington, D.C…

More than 8,700 acres have burned in Idaho so far this year as wildfire season ramps up. (Glen/Adobe Stock)

NW Heat Wave, Fires Could be 'Preview' of Hotter Future

BOISE, Idaho -- An unprecedented heat wave and fears of another severe wildfire season have put the warming climate at center stage in the Northwest…

The Pandemic EBT program offers about $375 in food benefits per eligible child over the summer months to replace school meals. (fizkes/Adobe Stock)

Report: Permanent Summer Food Program Would Benefit ID Kids

BOISE, Idaho -- Summer usually coincides with a troubling spike in childhood hunger while kids are out of school, but a program set up during the …

A new report gives Idaho a 'D' for its civics education standards. (Yurii Kibalnik/Adobe Stock)

Report: ID Civics, US History Education Leaves 'A Lot to Be Desired'

BOISE, Idaho - Civics and history education are lacking in Idaho, according to a new report. The Thomas B. Fordham Institute rated every state's …

In 2019, 109,000 Idaho children lived in households where families spent more than 30% of their income on housing. (sorapop/Adobe Stock)

Pandemic, High Housing Costs Could Stall Progress for ID Kids

BOISE, Idaho -- A new report finds child wellbeing in Idaho had been improving since the Great Recession until COVID-19 hit. The Annie E. Casey …

A new Gallup survey shows more than 60% of Americans say they know "a little bit" or "nothing at all" about Juneteenth, the date that celebrates the end of slavery in the United States. (DoDEA.edu)

Juneteenth Declared National Holiday, Amidst Progress, Upheaval

BOISE, Idaho -- Juneteenth National Independence Day is now an official holiday, after President Joe Biden signed a bill Thursday, approved by both …

About one in three Idaho children don't see a doctor for an annual checkup. (lordn/Adobe Stock)

ID Groups Launch Campaign for Health Coverage for All Kids

BOISE, Idaho - A new campaign aims to ensure every kid in Idaho has health-care coverage. Health groups have launched Idaho Kids Covered to close the …

New parents can save money with smarter meal planning and trips to secondhand stores for baby clothes. (AntonioDiaz/Adobe Stock)

With Father's Day Coming, These Money Tips Can Help New Dads

BOISE, Idaho - Father's Day is approaching and, for new dads, some financial tips can help set their families up for success. First, revising …

More sustainable agriculture practices have several benefits, including less water usage. (Worawut/Adobe Stock)

Carbon Summit in ID Aims to Grow Sustainable Ag Movement

CALDWELL, Idaho -- An event in Idaho this week hopes to plant seeds for the sustainability movement in agriculture. The Carbon Summit will be held …

Reprocessing spent nuclear fuel was studied at the Argonne National Laboratory-West site in Idaho. (Argonne National Laboratory-West/Wikimedia Commons)

Experts: Halt Comeback of Spent Nuclear Fuel Technology

BOISE, Idaho -- As the U.S. aims to push past fossil fuel dependency, nuclear power is part of the conversation, but non-proliferation watchdogs hope …

Idaho ranks 39th in broadband internet access, according to BroadbandNow.(cienpies/Adobe Stock)

You May Have Help with High-Speed Internet Thanks to Pandemic

BOISE, Idaho - The internet has become a key facet to life during the pandemic, but access still lags in many parts of the country. To help people …

Ryan Meier was able to reunite with his daughter seven weeks after she was born. (Courtesy of Ryan Meier)

Reuniting Parents, Children in Focus During Reunification Month

BOISE, Idaho -- June is Reunification Month, and the spotlight is on parents being reunited with their children. Ryan Meier, a parent who was …

Idaho food pantries have been filling the need this month, as more than 40,000 families have seen their emergency food benefits decrease. (Halfpoint/Adobe Stock)

ID Food Banks See Need Grow as Emergency SNAP Ends

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho - Food banks have seen increased need since pandemic-related food benefits expired in Idaho. The Idaho Department of Health and …

Organizers of Kites for Hope will be distributing free kites across the state on Friday. (LIGHTFIELD STUDIOS/Adobe Stock)

ID Event Creates Right Conditions to Let Kites, Children Soar

BOISE, Idaho -- Families are flying kites in Idaho Friday to lift each other up during Mental Health Awareness Month. Organizations are holding …

At least 10 states have introduced legislation aimed at banning schools from teaching about systemic racism. (Blake/Adobe Stock)

ID Among First States to Ban Teaching on Systemic Racism

BOISE, Idaho -- Idaho lawmakers are among the first in the country to attempt to ban critical race theory in public schools. Conservatives across …

The pandemic has emphasized the important work done by volunteers. (insta_photos/Adobe Stock)

Nominations Open for ID Volunteer Award

BOISE, Idaho -- Nominations are open for Idahoans who are making a difference in their communities through volunteering as part of the 2021 Andrus …

Idahoans will no longer receive enhanced unemployment benefits as of June 19, although many continue to struggle as costs for housing, food and other necessities rise. (zimmytws/Adobe Stock)

"Unintended Consequences" of Ending Pandemic Unemployment in Idaho

BOISE, Idaho - Gov. Brad Little announced this week he will pull Idaho out of the federal unemployment programs that have provided enhanced benefits …

More than half of renters with extremely low income in Idaho are older or have a disability. (Kirk Fisher/Adobe Stock)

Housing Crisis Hits Idahoans on Fixed Income Harder

BOISE, Idaho -- The shortage of affordable housing in Idaho is hitting people on fixed incomes especially hard. The state is short more than 22,000 …

About 200 child-care centers have closed in Idaho since September. (Oksana Kuzmina/Adobe Stock)

ID Child-Care Centers Raise Alarms, Await Federal-Funding OK

BOISE, Idaho -- Idaho child-care providers closed their doors and came to the doors of the Capitol this week to call on lawmakers to approve federal …

The total student loan debt in Idaho is $7.4 billion for about 200,000 borrowers. (Burlingham/Adobe Stock)

Forgiveness Plan Would Remove One-Third of ID Students' Loan Debt

BOISE, Idaho - About one in three Idahoans who have federal student-loan debt would see it erased entirely if the Biden administration goes forward …

A symbol for Child Abuse Prevention Month, pinwheels represent the playfulness of childhood. (Fotoluminate LLC/Adobe Stock)

Greater Importance for Child Abuse Prevention Month After Pandemic Year

BOISE, Idaho -- It's Child Abuse Prevention Month and this year the awareness campaign comes in the wake of a hard year with the COVID-19 pandemic…

Farming techniques such as no-till and cover-crop planting will be demonstrated on a farm in Twin Falls. (Brad Johnson/The Nature Conservancy)

Demo Farm Could Plant Regenerative Agriculture Seed in ID

TWIN FALLS, Idaho - The Nature Conservancy in Idaho is demonstrating regenerative farming practices in the hopes that they will spread throughout the …

Some Nez Perce Tribe members say removing the lower Snake River dams is crucial for restoring their fishing rights. (spiritofamerica/Adobe Stock)

Groups Urge Action on Simpson NW Infrastructure Proposal

BOISE, Idaho - Groups are urging Northwest leaders to act on U.S. Rep. Mike Simpson's infrastructure and Snake River dam proposal. The plan would …

The average Idaho household has only about $2,500 in retirement savings. (Brian Jackson/Adobe Stock)

Financial Literacy Month: Time to Talk about Retirement Savings

BOISE, Idaho - April is Financial Literacy Month and one of the keys to good money habits is learning how to save. Unfortunately, many people aren't …

There is about $60 million in youth savings accounts in Idaho credit unions. (cherryandbees/Adobe Stock)

Youth Savings Habits in Spotlight During April

BOISE, Idaho -- In April, credit unions are highlighting the importance of starting financial education early. This month is Credit Union Youth …

Young people in Boise have been holding rallies calling for action on climate change in recent years. (thauwald-pictures/Adobe Stock)

April Fool: Chase Bank Target of ID Youth Climate Activist Flash Mob

BOISE, Idaho -- Chase Bank is receiving an April Fool's greeting today from Boise youths, who are calling the institution out for its investment in …

A plan to replace electricity generated by four lower Snake River dams includes $10 billion for renewable sources like wind and solar. (Oleg Kovtun/Adobe Stock)

Critics: Nuclear Not Needed in Snake River Replacement Plan

BOISE, Idaho -- Nuclear energy could be part of the mix to replace power from four lower Snake River dams if they're removed. Rep. Mike Simpson…

Idaho credit unions provided $119 million in benefits to its members in 2020. (Artur/Adobe Stock)

ID Credit Unions Provide Economic Boost to State

BOISE, Idaho -- Idaho credit unions have a big economic impact on the state, according to a new study. ECONorthwest found the institutions …

Idahoans received $1.5 billion in total from stimulus checks during the first round of relief. (ungvar/Adobe Stock)

Stimulus Checks, Tax Refunds Could Help Build Rainy-Day Funds

BOISE, Idaho -- With stimulus checks hitting bank accounts and tax refunds on the horizon for some, financial experts are advising people to make a …

Continued education for older people helps keep their brains healthy, but also is a way to make new friends. (insta_photos/Adobe Stock)

For Older Idahoans, Online Classes Help Fight Social Isolation

BOISE, Idaho - A program designed as a source of continuing education for older Idahoans has a new function during the pandemic: combatting social …

The latest COVID-19 relief package makes major investments in families, including billions for child care. (Brocreative/Adobe Stock)

Big Boost for Child Abuse Prevention in COVID-19 Relief

BOISE, Idaho -- The latest COVID-19 relief package makes massive investments in child well-being. The $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan makes …

Glenns Ferry was among communities awarded an AARP Challenge Grant last year. (Drmccreedy/Wikimedia Commons)

Grant Program Aids Communities of All Sizes

BOISE, Idaho -- Applications are open for AARP's Community Challenge grant program. The program provides funds for projects that can be produced …

Reforesting Idaho could absorb as much as 4.36 million cubic tons of carbon each year. (jeff/Adobe Stock)

Map Helps States Find Best Place for Next Forest

BOISE, Idaho -- A new tool identifies the potential for replanting trees in Idaho and across the country. The Nature Conservancy and American …

Many in the Northwest fishing industry say some of their challenges stem from four lower Snake River dams and their effects on salmon migration. (kellyvandellen/Adobe Stock)

Simpson's NW Salmon Plan Gets More Backing

BOISE, Idaho -- If the Pacific Northwest has a taste, it's for the region's salmon, but as the iconic fish species dwindles, it also effects a food …

Close to half of small businesses in the United States have had to let employees go over the past year. (daniilvolkov/Adobe Stock)

ID Small Businesses Hold On as Pandemic Continues

BOISE, Idaho - Idaho's smallest businesses are struggling to weather the pandemic. Johnatan Amissa is the director of operations and owner of …

Resources are available online for parents feeling overwhelmed from the pandemic. (116 & West)

ID Child-Abuse Prevention Campaign Launches as COVID-19 Stresses Families

BOISE, Idaho -- With the stress from the pandemic raising concerns about child abuse and neglect, Idaho organizations are coming together to offer …

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