Idaho News & Current Events | Public News Service

The AARP Foundation's Tax Aide program will be available in about 40 sites across Idaho in 2023. (Creativa Images/Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, September 21, 2022

ID Tax Aide Program Seeks Volunteers for 2023

Another income-tax season is approaching and a program to help people with low and moderate incomes do their taxes for free is looking for volunteers…

The Idaho Conservation League looked at data for 112 sewage treatment facilities in the state. (tuastockphoto/Adobe Stock)

Report: ID Sewage Treatment Plants Have Waste Issue of Their Own

Pollution is a major problem for wastewater facilities in Idaho. The Idaho Conservation League's fifth annual report on discharges from sewage …

Congress approved the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in 2020, and it was rolled out this year. (Orawan/Adobe Stock)

Suicide Prevention Month: Raising Awareness that People 'Aren't Alone'

September is National Suicide Prevention Month, highlighting a pressing issue in Idaho. The state had the fifth-highest suicide rate in the country …

The Idaho National Laboratory treats nuclear waste at its facility near Idaho Falls. (MichaelVi/Adobe Stock)

Critics: Climate Bill's Nuclear Funding Undermines Clean-Energy Claims

The Inflation Reduction Act aims to revolutionize the clean-energy sector in the United States. But in Idaho, critics think its investment in nuclear …

Last year, Congress passed a $1.2 trillion infrastructure package. Smaller, rural communities want to be sure they aren't forgotten as these funds are allocated. (knowlesgallery/Adobe Stock)

Rural Economies Set for Boost from Pilot Program in CHIPS Act

A program approved by Congress aims to give rural communities a leg up when applying for federal dollars. The CHIPS Act, passed last month, boosts …

Many kids are nervous on their first day of school. (Maria Sbytova/Adobe Stock)

How to Ensure Positive Start to School Year for ID Kids

School is starting up again for Idaho kids and teachers, and community members and parents can help keep the focus on positive experiences. Kim …

The Kids Count Data Book ranks Idaho 9th among states in its

Report: ID Child Well-Being Improves; Mental Health Top Concern

Idaho has made improvements to help the lives of children, according to a new report. The Annie E. Casey Foundation has released its annual Kids …

Idaho Power wants to reduce the rate it pays rooftop solar generators to the rate customers pay for power. (Jason/Adobe Stock)

Idaho Power Throwing Shade on Rooftop Solar, Supporters Say

Idaho Power has commissioned a study which found the rate it pays for rooftop solar customers to send their power back to the grid should be lowered…

The proposed mine is located adjacent to the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness area. (Bob/Adobe Stock)

Conservation Groups, Nez Perce Not Sold on ID Gold Mine

Idaho has issued its first major permit for a gold mine east of McCall. Conservation groups and the Nez Perce tribes say the project raises alarm …

Idaho wetlands are especially important for the state's bird species. (nrcs.usda.gov)

SCOTUS Could Exclude Waterways from Clean Water Protections

By Kristi Eaton for The Daily Yonder.Broadcast version by Eric Tegethoff for Northern Rockies News Service for the Public News Service/Daily Yonder Co…

In Idaho's 2022 Republican primary, eight incumbent senators lost and 13 current senators didn't run. (Eldon/Adobe Stock)

Groups Say Anti-Democracy Candidates Could Gain Seats in ID Legislature

Far-right candidates made inroads in Idaho's Republican primary and likely will have seats in the state Legislature after November's election - but so…

Hydropower provided about half of Idaho's electricity in 2021. It's technically considered

Despite SCOTUS EPA Decision, ID Moves Toward Clean Energy

The busy season of U.S. Supreme Court decisions has come to an end, and among the policies justices struck down is the federal government's ability …

NuScale Power plans to build six reactor modules west of Idaho Falls to generate 462 megawatts of electricity. (Oregon State University/Wikimedia Commons)

Research: Radioactive Waste Issue Unresolved with New Reactor Designs

New, smaller designs for nuclear reactors have been touted as vital for the clean energy future, but new research found they could generate more …

About half of Americans believe the United States will cease to be a democracy one day, according to a recent survey. (rarrarorro/Adobe Stock)

Many See Democracy in Peril as US Celebrates Independence Day

It's July 4th, a celebration of the United States' independence. It's also an opportunity to take a look at the state of the country's democracy…

The only memorial to Anne Frank is located in Boise. (Kencf0618/Wikimedia Commons)

ID AARP Grant Winners Include Anne Frank Memorial

Three projects in Idaho have been selected to receive grants from the AARP Community Challenge. Among them is the Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial in …

The U.S. Supreme Court's decision on Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization sends abortion rights back to states. (lucky-photo/Adobe Stock)

Resources for Idahoans After SCOTUS Overturns Abortion Access

Abortion is set to be prohibited in Idaho at the end of July after the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade last week. The …

The Nature Conservancy in Idaho manages a 30-acre teaching farm in Twin Falls, Ida. (Brad Johnson/The Nature Conservancy)

'Soil Health Curious' ID Farmers Explore Regenerative Agriculture

A kinder approach to the soil could be what Idaho farmers need to get more out of their land. The Nature Conservancy in Idaho has a demonstration …

Members of the white supremacist group arrested in Coeur d'Alene over the weekend included people from around the country. (Feng Yu/Adobe Stock)

Thwarted Attack on ID Pride Tip of Ramped-Up Extremist Activity

The arrests of 31 white supremacists outside of a Pride festival in North Idaho shook the country over the weekend. It's only part of a larger uptick …

From fall 2019 to spring 2021, Idaho colleges and universities lost more than 5,000 students. (knowlesgallery/Adobe Stock)

Costs Present Hurdle, But ID Provides Ways to Afford Higher Education

Higher education costs are a barrier for students across the country. A recent survey found Idaho is on the cheaper side of places to be a college …

Conservation groups filed a lawsuit in 2020 challenging the decision not to list the wolverine as an endangered species. (slowmotiongli/Adobe Stock)

Potential Endangered Status for Wolverine Passes Back to Feds

Federal protections are back on the table for the wolverine after a recent court ruling. The elusive predator also has found status as "endangered" …

A recipient for the Andrus Award recognizing a volunteer in Idaho will be announced in the fall. (Zoran Zeremski/Adobe Stock)

Nominees for Volunteer Award Apply Skills, Talents to Help Others

AARP has opened nominations for one of its most prestigious awards honoring volunteer work in Idaho. The Andrus Award for Community Service is named …

The spike in gas prices means many people are likely to modify their summer vacations this year. (Dragana Gordic/Adobe Stock)

Traveling Safely Key to Summer Fun Vacations

The busy summer travel season is kicking off this weekend, and a few tips can help ensure hitting the road is as painless as possible. Matthew Conde…

Activities like hikes can help improve Idaho kids' mental health. (Brocreative/Adobe Stock)

HOPE Week Promotes Positive Experiences for Kids' Mental Health

May is mental health awareness month. As part of that, groups in Idaho are using HOPE Week to help kids in crisis and reduce the state's worrying …

The deadline to vote in Idaho's Primary election is 8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 17. (Krakenimages.com/Adobe Stock)

Bilingual Resource Helps Spanish-Speaking Idahoans Vote

Voting can be hard for non-English speakers in Idaho, but a newly launched resource is helping Spanish-speaking Idahoans answer essential questions …

There are 3,000 Idaho children in out-of-home placement in each year. (sewcream/Adobe Stock)

ID Looks to Recruit More Parents During Foster Care Month

May is National Foster Care Month and Idaho is focused on bringing more foster parents into the fold. It's always been difficult for states to …

Farms still can function with the installation of solar panels on their land. (vermontalm/Adobe Stock)

Clean-Energy Groups: ID Needs Community-Owned Solar Projects

Clean-energy advocates are calling on Idaho Power to go further with its energy plans, pushing for community ownership of renewable energy sources…

Blue pinwheels, the symbol for Child Abuse Prevention Month, represent carefree childhoods. (Fotoluminate LLC/Adobe Stock)

Idaho High-School Students Speak about Child-Abuse Prevention

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, highlighting ways people can help stop abuse in their communities, and at one Idaho high school, students are …

More than 260,000 people in Ada County voted in the 2020 presidential election. (Seventyfour/Adobe Stock)

With ID Primary Approaching, Poll Workers 'Backbone' of Elections

Poll workers will be out in force across Idaho next month, helping with the state's primary election. They'll play an integral role in ensuring …

Some rural communities in Idaho rely on tourists visiting to fish for salmon. (Parilov/Adobe Stock)

As Columbia River Fishing Shuts Down, NW Considers How to Save Salmon

Salmon-season restrictions on the Columbia River are prompting regionwide discussions on what can be done to save the fish in the Northwest. Bob …

Many charity organizations are working on the ground in Ukraine and are in need of donations. (Darya Lavinskaya/Adobe Stock)

Tips for Avoiding Scams When Helping Ukrainians

Many people are looking for ways to help Ukrainians affected by war. However, they should be on the lookout for scams. Lynn Heider - vice president …

The Idaho Prescribed Fire Council held its annual meeting on March 24 to discuss liability and other topics. (Idaho Prescribed Fire Council)

ID Council Spreads Word on Benefits of Prescribed Fires

Fire can play a helpful role on the landscape in Idaho, and a council in the state is getting the word out on its benefits and how to use it safely…

Idaho lawmakers on March 14 approved a measure allowing immediate family members to sue abortion providers. (trac1/Adobe Stock)

ID Advocates Look to Future as Abortion Access Curtailed

Access to abortion care will be significantly reduced in Idaho after the Legislature passed one of the most restrictive laws in the country. The …

Nearly 200,000 Idaho kids were covered through Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program in June 2021. (nyul/Adobe Stock)

Tens of Thousands of ID Kids' Health Coverage in Peril

A change to Medicaid enrollment in the coming months could put health coverage for millions of children across the U.S., and thousands in Idaho…

Nearly 500,000 Idahoans cast absentee ballots in the 2020 election. (The Toidi/Adobe Stock)

Elections Expert: Idahoans Should 'Vote for Democracy' in 2022

In the wake of misinformation about the 2020 election, one expert believes democracy is on the ballot this year. David Levine, elections integrity …

The first New Knowledge Adventure course for Idahoans in on March 15. (Koto Amatsukami/Adobe Stock)

Learning Program for Older Idahoans Aims to Keep Brains Active

Keeping our brains active as we grow older is key to our health, and an offering of courses in Idaho is helping people stay engaged. New Knowledge …

The Idaho House has also made past attempts to change how building codes related to energy efficiency are approved. (New Africa/Adobe Stock)

ID Lawmakers Push for Closer Oversight of Energy Building Codes

Idaho lawmakers want more control over building codes that regulate energy efficiency. The standards cover things like the efficiency of appliances …

There are more than 17 gun deaths per 100,000 residents in Idaho. (prathaan/Adobe Stock)

Study: ID Among States with Weakest Gun-Safety Laws

A new report ranks Idaho near the bottom among states for its laws on gun safety. The organization Everytown for Gun Safety places Idaho 49th for …

Russian attacks and strikes have been reported across Ukraine. (Christian Knospe/Adobe Stock)

Ukraine Crisis Expected to Have Impacts in Idaho, nation

The crisis in Ukraine has boiled over as Russian forces invade the country, and experts believe Idaho and the rest of the United States will feel its …

A bill repealing restrictions for banned private militias had a hearing in the Idaho House Transportation and Defense Committee this week. (kaninstudio/Adobe Stock)

ID Bill Would Repeal Prohibitions for Private Militias

Idaho lawmakers are considering a bill which would repeal restrictions on banned private militias. Paramilitary actions such as parading in public …

Grand View, ID, home to a waste site that accepts hazardous material, is located about 50 miles south of Boise on the Snake River. (NASA/Wikimedia Commons)

Radioactive Soil from Australia Destined for ID Facility

Radioactive soil in Australia is being excavated and shipped to a waste disposal facility in Idaho. The soil was polluted from a carbolic acid …

Hannah Sharp and three other defendants in Idaho challenged the state's pregnancy exclusive in advanced directives. (Courtesy of Hannah Sharp)

Lawsuit Dismissal Secures Pregnant Idahoans' Right to Decide Living Wills

A landmark victory on the rights of pregnant people when securing living wills has been settled in Idaho. A lawsuit over a 2005 law prohibiting …

A 2021 Idaho law allows for killing up to 90% of the state's wolf population. (Dennis Donohue/Adobe Stock)

In Wake of Yellowstone Wolf Hunt, Snaring Raises New Issues

The Yellowstone wolf population has been devastated by recent hunts in the region, and advocates for the species say another concern is trapping…

About half of Idaho children have had at least one adverse childhood experience. (Yurii Kibalnik/Adobe Stock)

ID Resolution Recognizes Impact of Traumatic Childhood Experiences

A resolution making its way through the Idaho Legislature encourages educating state officials and agencies on the impact of traumatic childhood event…

Cities like Victor, Idaho, have used Community Challenge Grant funding to increase accessibility to the area's library. (AARP Idaho)

AARP Opens Search for Community-Improvement Proposals

A contest from AARP to fund projects making places more livable is back. Now in its sixth year, the AARP Community Challenge Grant awards projects …

While salmon could benefit from favorable ocean conditions, climate change is bring harsher conditions in Idaho. (NorthwestWildImages/Adobe Stock)

River Conditions Still Concern for Salmon Despite Good Ocean News

Recent data on ocean conditions could be good news for struggling salmon in the Northwest. But advocates for the species warn this isn't enough to …

Idaho is expected to experience more extreme weather such as droughts as global temperatures rise. (TS Schofield/Adobe Stock)

Assessment Details Changing Climate's Effects on ID Economy

A new report analyzes the economic effects of a changing climate on Idaho. It's the first to look at state-specific circumstances. Katherine Himes …

Opponents of a religious exemption to child medical neglect are in Boise again for the 2022 legislative session. (Wirestock/Adobe Stock)

More Calls to End ID's Religious Exemption for Child Medical Neglect

Today at the Idaho Statehouse, a panel will take up the possibility of ending religious exemptions to medical neglect of children. Idaho is one of a …

Gov. Brad Little gave his speech to Idaho lawmakers on the first day of the session, which is scheduled to adjourn on March 31. (Idaho Public Television)

Governor Lauds ID Surplus, Urges Ed, Infrastructure Investments

Gov. Brad Little kicked off Idaho's 2022 legislative session Monday with a State of the State address outlining his budget priorities. Unlike last …

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