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Idaho Capital Sun
Study shows Idaho’s Native American tribes have nearly $1.5B economic impact
The five Native American tribes in Idaho have a combined economic impact of $1.45 billion, according to a study by a University of Idaho economist. The tribes contribute heavily to the economy, agriculture, tourism, recreation and hospitality industries and support more than 12,500 jobs across the state, said Steven Peterson, a University of Idaho research […]
A tale of two workers: Heat deaths on the job provoke differing responses in Oregon, Idaho
This story was originally published by InvestigateWest on Aug. 15, 2024. In a historic heatwave that covered the Pacific Northwest in June 2021, two workers died. Sebastian Francisco Perez, a 38-year-old Guatemalan immigrant, collapsed in 100-degree heat while moving irrigation lines outside at a farm and nursery in St. Paul, Oregon. Just 500 miles away, […]
Drought in the West has cost hydropower industry billions in losses in two decades, analysis finds
Persistent drought in the West over the last two decades has limited the amount of electricity that hydropower dams can generate, costing the industry and the region billions of dollars in revenue. The sector lost about 300 million megawatt hours of power generation between 2003 and 2020 due to drought and low water compared with […]
‘Perfect storm’ of crises is leading to cutbacks in abortion care, advocates say
Advocates for abortion access say compounding crises of abortion bans, rising economic costs and systemic health care issues are beginning to cause significant funding challenges and potential disruptions to reproductive care of all kinds. Several people described it as a “perfect storm” of problems with the U.S. health care system, particularly post-pandemic, and the rise […]
Measles case reported in child visiting southeast Idaho while traveling internationally
Idaho health officials are searching for other possible measles exposures after the highly contagious virus was reported in a child visiting southeast Idaho on international travel. The child, who officials said was not vaccinated, was not hospitalized after seeing a health care provider for measles symptoms, the state health department announced in a news release […]
Idaho watchdog office preparing report on effectiveness of state’s troubled Luma business system
Idaho’s independent Office of Performance Evaluations is taking an all-hands-on-deck approach to its study of the implementation and effectiveness of Luma, the massive new state business system that is tied to all state agencies and state employees. In February, the Idaho Legislature’s Joint Legislative Oversight Committee authorized the Office of Performance Evaluations to undertake study […]
Rural North Idaho volunteer EMS service temporarily exempt from 24-hour response requirement
In a rare move, Idaho health officials granted a rural north central Idaho volunteer ambulance service a waiver to a 24-hour response requirement in Idaho law. The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare board on Thursday unanimously approved the waiver for Kendrick and Juliaetta’s J-K Ambulance service for seven months. Amid recent wildfires and staffing […]
State of Idaho ends 2024 fiscal year with $52.5M revenue surplus
Despite revenue shortfalls in the spring, the state of Idaho ended the 2024 fiscal year with a budget surplus and will have $76.5 million to put toward reducing property taxes, Gov. Brad Little’s budget chief said Tuesday. Overall, the state finished the 2024 fiscal year on June 30 with a $52.5 million revenue surplus, Idaho […]
Idaho Supreme Court dismisses Idaho Transportation Department headquarters lawsuit
The Idaho Supreme Court on Tuesday dismissed a lawsuit filed by the would-be buyers that the Idaho Legislature blocked from purchasing the Idaho Transportation Department’s former Boise headquarters. In a unanimous decision, the five Idaho Supreme Court justices dismissed the lawsuit, writing that the state did not sign a contract with the would-be buyers of […]
Idaho environmental groups to host rally in Boise to push for more solar power
Idaho environmental groups will rally Saturday morning at the Idaho State Capitol in Boise to push for more renewable energy options in the state. The rally, “Solar for the People Rally,” is organized by the Idaho Sierra Club. Some of the cosponsors of the event include the Idaho Climate Justice League, the Snake River Alliance, […]
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