Local News

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.

Truck drivers should know that speed and weight restrictions are in effect for many rural roads in eastern Idaho.

The bill’s text states that no flags or banners may fly over public schools or in Idaho classrooms “that represent a political viewpoint, including but not limited to flags or banners regarding a political party, race, sexual orientation, gender, or a political ideology.”

“Idaho’s law reflects common sense and biological reality, protecting all students’ privacy and safety in spaces like locker rooms and showers,” Attorney General Labrador said. “Every day, we see more examples of the harms of gender ideology, particularly to women and girls.  We applaud the court’s decision to allow our State Board of Education to continue its job of preserving each student’s privacy, dignity, and safety and providing a quality education for Idaho’s children.”