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Tech companies look to set example by providing clean energy to Idaho Power’s grid
Some state governments set their own ambitious clean energy goals far into the future, but Idaho typically defers its energy goals to the private sector. While the Gem State is a leading figure in the U.S. in renewable energy because of its hydropower production — Idaho is one of the only Western states that does […]
Have questions about Idaho Power’s 8.6% rate increase? Utilities commission to host workshops on proposal
The Idaho Public Utilities Commission is hosting virtual workshops Aug. 14 and 15 to share information about Idaho Power’s application to increase rates for electric services. If approved by the utilities commission, Idaho Power will increase its overall rates by 8.6 percent. The online workshops will be hosted by commission staff who will present an […]
Idaho voter groups remain determined to halt new registration law
A lawyer for Boise-based Babe Vote and the League of Women Voters Idaho argued at a court hearing Friday that a new law passed in the 2023 legislative session is making it harder for voting advocacy groups to register voters. Meanwhile, the defense argued that the new law is constitutional, and it makes the registration […]
Power line electrocutions are no longer biggest threat to Idaho birds, Boise State study shows
Illegal shooting along power lines is the leading cause of death for many protected bird species in Idaho and its neighboring states, according to new research from Boise State University. Eve Thomason, the lead author of the study and a recent graduate of BSU’s raptor biology master’s program, partnered with private, state and federal agencies […]
New INL technology can help support rural Idaho communities during power outages
Though it appears to be a shipping container on the outside, Idaho National Laboratory’s latest technology — Microgrid in a Box — can help rural communities maintain power during emergencies. On July 21, the INL celebrated the ribbon cutting of its new microgrid project, which was deployed in partnership with the Fall River Electric Cooperative […]
New report shows what is working well for Idaho’s prisoner reentry programs, and what isn’t
A staffing shortage and hampered transition services are some of the main obstacles the Idaho Department of Correction must overcome to improve the reentry experience for formerly incarcerated individuals, according to a legislative report released this month. But aside from those obstacles, some state programs seem to be working well, according to the report — […]
Famous…Oregon potatoes? Nah. Idaho stats show which state reigns spud supreme
Let’s make one thing clear: Idaho is the undisputed OG spud state. And public officials say Idaho’s reputation as the potato state won’t fade — even if in June, the Oregon Legislature adopted a resolution to make the potato its state vegetable. After the resolution passed, some Idahoans took to social media to share their […]
Families of transgender youth file new motion in Idaho gender care lawsuit
The families of two transgender teens, who are suing Idaho officials in federal court over a new law that would ban transgender youth from accessing gender-affirming care, have made a new motion in the lawsuit. On Friday, the families filed for a preliminary injunction — a move that asks the court to prevent the ban […]
New debt relief plan will forgive federal student loans for 5,000 Idahoans
More than 5,000 Idahoans can expect to see their federal student loans forgiven in the coming weeks, according to a Tuesday press release from the U.S. Department of Education. On Friday, the Department of Education and the White House announced that it will provide $39 billion in automatic loan relief to 804,000 federal student loan […]
North Idaho residents could see spike in Avista rates this fall. Here’s how to get involved in decision.
The Idaho Public Utilities Commission will host public hearings throughout North Idaho in late July to receive testimony about Avista’s proposal to increase natural gas and electricity rates, according to a press release. Avista is asking the utilities commission to approve an increase in base rates for natural gas customers and electric customers in 2023 […]
Latino students in Idaho are fed up with being associated with gangs, ACLU report shows
Dress codes that label items as “gang-related” have negative consequences for Latino students, according to a new report from the ACLU of Idaho. On Monday, the ACLU of Idaho released its report on racism against Latino students in schools, “Proud to be Brown: Punishing Latine Culture in Idaho.” In the report, the ACLU uses the […]
Idaho’s small towns are embracing LGBTQ+ pride, despite recent legislation
When Chelsea Gaona-Lincoln began working as an LGBTQ+ activist in Idaho, she said there were only a few pride events available for Idahoans to attend. “I went to Boise, Pocatello and Coeur d’Alene,” she told the Idaho Capital Sun. “Now here we are trying to schedule out the Idaho Pride events calendar for volunteers because […]