Idaho

Throughout April, ISP has been involved in various activities and initiatives to raise awareness during Sexual Assault Awareness Month. These efforts will come to a head on Wednesday, as the ISP joins individuals and organizations nationwide in participating in Denim Day.

“Sexual violence affects every community, every demographic, and every corner of our state,” said Colonel Bill Gardiner, Director of the Idaho State Police. “As Idaho’s statewide law enforcement agency, we are committed not only to responding to these crimes with professionalism and compassion, but to thoroughly investigating and enforcing the laws designed to stop this violence.”

The entire flower glows, including its roots and leaves. This is made possible through bioluminescence, just like how certain mushrooms glow.

Bryan Kohberger’s recent autism diagnosis will not affect the prosecutor’s decision to seek the death penalty if he is convicted in his upcoming quadruple murder trial.

In a new ruling Thursday, Steven Hippler ruled that the state of Idaho can pursue the death penalty against Bryan Kohberger despite his autism diagnosis.

Bryan Kohberger has been charged in the stabbing deaths of four University of Idaho Students, Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Ethan Chapin, and Xana Kernodle, at an off-campus home in Moscow, Idaho, on Nov. 13, 2022.

Idaho State Police said a 63-year-old man from Irwin was killed in a crash on Thursday night.

Governor Brad Little announced today his appointment of Jennifer White to serve as executive director of the Idaho State Board of Education as current director Josh Whitworth is leaving for a job in the private sector. The Governor also selected Kurt Liebich to serve as the board’s president following the expiration of Dr. Linda Clark’s term as board president.

A federal judge has extended the Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) blocking the enforcement of Idaho’s new immigration enforcement law, House Bill 83.

Governor Little signed the bill into law on March 27, 2025. Only hours afterward, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Idaho filed a lawsuit, IORC v. Labrador, to prevent statewide enforcement of the bill.

Despite the lawsuit, on March 31, Governor Little, law enforcement officers, and supportive legislators celebrated the bill’s passage. Governor Little said the bill reinforces Idaho’s support of President Trump’s immigration policies.

“We all agree, children deserve to live carefree lives, free of abuse and neglect,” said Gov. Little in a press release. “We want Idaho’s children to grow up healthy, well adjusted, and safe. Yet, Idaho has struggled to meet the needs of its most vulnerable children — those who end up in the child welfare system. That stops today.”

The sun has set on the 2025 Idaho Legislative session as both the House and Senate adjourned “Sine Die” Friday, after 89 days in session, excluding weekends.

“America wants what Idaho has – safe communities, bustling economic activity, increasing incomes, tax relief, fewer regulations, fiscal responsibility, and common sense values,” said Governor Little.

“I thank my partners in the Idaho Legislature for working so hard for the people of Idaho,” said Little.

Farmers and property owners near Custer and Butte County, Idaho, are reporting acts of vandalism targeting their agricultural equipment.

According to the Custer County Sheriff’s Office, the farmers are mainly reporting stolen wires, internal parts, and switches from Pivot Electric Panels.

Governor Brad Little was joined by legislators and law enforcement leaders in celebrating the passage of Idaho’s immigration enforcement House Bill 83.

The move comes after a United States district judge granted a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) blocking the enforcement of the law hours after the bill was signed, in response to a lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Idaho against the state.

A rural Idaho population is receiving some much-needed assistance. The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has awarded $500,000 in drinking water construction funding to Butte City in Butte County, Idaho.

According to the DEQ, the funding will be used to improve the distribution system, including adding valves, hydrants, and water meters.

Rocky Mountain Power’s costs for fuel and wholesale electricity increased in 2024 but at a lower rate than the previous year, still necessitating a modest increase in customer bills. As part of an annual review of these costs, the company requested an average 1.9% increase for Idaho customers.

The Bridger-Teton National Forest is implementing a new fee program and large group reservation system for the Snake River Canyon beginning in May 2025. The U.S. Forest Service announced the change in a post to the Bridger-Teton National Forest Facebook page.

The new fee program and reservation system will help provide the financial resources necessary for maintaining facilities and managing the recreational use of the Wild and Scenic Snake River Canyon. The funds are intended to enhance user experiences, provide for visitor safety, and protect the wild and scenic river values, according to the US Forest Service.

Senate Bill 11-41 bans camping and sleeping on public property in cities with over 100,000 people. The bill created controversy while in the Idaho Legislature as critics say the legislation unfairly targets the state’s most vulnerable.

The investigation revealed that the victim purchased fentanyl from Goodale, who shipped the fentanyl through the Post Office in Chula Vista, California to Boise, Idaho. According to court records, Goodale sent a message that said, “shoot the $100 and I’ll send it now . . . 3pk . . . but I’m gonna need the $200 on Wed. if your still alive!!” 

“Alex Adams brings a highly strategic and visionary approach to achieving my priorities for Idaho. As my longtime budget director, he helped us champion record red tape reductions, historic tax relief, and huge wins for Idaho public education and workforce training. In under one year at the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, he completely transformed and improved Idaho’s child welfare system to better serve our state’s most vulnerable children and the generous foster families who care for them,” Governor Little said in a statement to the media.

Starting March 31, 2025, Inland Crane Inc. will resume work on the Stoddard Pack Bridge Project, which includes the installation of a new pack bridge across the Salmon River, providing access to the Frank Church Wilderness Area.