Briefs
State officials conducting survey to better understand how Idahoans are faring during pandemic
Idahoans can now participate in a new, anonymous statewide survey to better understand how residents are grappling with the many interruptions and effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Gem State, according to an Idaho Department of Health and Welfare press release. The Division of Behavioral Health in the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare […]
If you have opinions on housing affordability in Boise, the city wants to hear about it
The city of Boise is inviting residents to participate in community discussions to explore ideas and to find solutions for housing affordability issues, according to a press release. Over the next few months, city of Boise staff will hold discussions with the community virtually and in person when it is safe to do so to […]
What’s the status of Ada County real estate? Higher inventory, steady prices
The share of homes in Ada County that sold for over list price dropped to 33.1% in September, but the median sales price for homes remained relatively unchanged, according to a press release from Boise Regional Realtors. The median sales price for homes increased 0.8% from August to September, rising from $530,500 to $534,950. “Competition […]
Work funded by Great American Outdoors Act will temporarily close Cherry Springs area near Pocatello
As part of its East Mink Creek Corridor Revitalization Project, the Caribou-Targhee National Forest will begin paving operations at the popular Cherry Springs Day Use Area for approximately two weeks beginning Oct. 11, according to a U.S. Forest Service press release. During that time, the area will be closed and heavy equipment will be working […]
Idaho Youth Ranch’s youth shelter stops taking residents amid staffing shortage
The Idaho Youth Ranch Hays House, the Treasure Valley’s only shelter for homeless and runaway youth, is temporarily not accepting youth residents because of staffing shortages, according to a press release. “Obviously, we are very saddened by this turn of events,” Scott Curtis, chief executive officer of the Idaho Youth Ranch, said in the release. […]
Did you get an income tax filing extension? The Idaho deadline is approaching
The extended filing deadline for individual income taxes is approaching, according to a press release from the Idaho State Tax Commission. Taxpayers who qualified for an automatic extension must send their return and full payment by Oct. 15. “We expect to receive about 50,000 individual income tax returns in October,” Tax Commission Chairman Jeff McCray […]
Got the Pfizer vaccine? You may be eligible for a booster dose in Idaho
Booster doses are now available for certain individuals who received the Pfizer/BioNtech COVID-19 vaccine, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare announced Friday. The announcement follows the Food and Drug Administration’s authorization and recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Those who are eligible for a single booster dose are those who received […]
Idaho Supreme Court to return to online court hearings and suspend new jury trials amid COVID surge
Amid the state’s declaration of crisis standards of care and surging COVID-19 cases, the Idaho Supreme Court will return to online court hearings and no new jury trials, according to a press release. The new order will take effect on Monday, Sept. 27. Most court hearings will take place online, but exceptions will include trials […]
Idaho mental health organizations hosting upcoming events for suicide prevention
Leaders of mental health organizations across Idaho are highlighting available resources and events as part of September’s National Suicide Prevention and Recovery Month, according to a press release. Mental Health America ranks Idaho among the highest in the country for prevalence of mental illness, but lowest for access to resources and support. Several Idaho organizations […]
Idaho governor co-signs letter requesting in-person meeting with Biden on Mexico border issues
Idaho Gov. Brad Little signed a letter with 25 other Republican governors requesting an in-person meeting with President Joe Biden about the U.S. border with Mexico and concerns over national security and public health, according to a release from the governor’s office. “The sustained availability of drugs and the impact from crime related to drug […]
Idaho health care to get another $10 million in state aid for COVID-19 surge
Idaho Gov. Brad Little announced Tuesday that health care providers will receive another $10 million in relief dollars to help them respond to the recent surge in COVID-19 patients. “We have taken many steps to preserve access to health care during the pandemic, and this latest round of support will help ease the burden on […]
Unable to keep up with contact tracing, southwest Idaho health district launches online self-reporting COVID tool
Southwest District Health, which covers six counties in Idaho, announced in a press release Wednesday that it has launched a new COVID-19 data collection tool for self-reporting since the district is unable to conduct contact tracing in a timely manner. The health district attempts to contact each person with a new positive case to learn […]