Living
Despite criticism, Idaho Power looks to raise general rate for first time since 2011
For the first time in over a decade, Idaho’s largest electricity provider is looking to increase its general rate – a proposal that has led to criticism from customers and environmentalists. In March, the utility company filed a general rate case with the Idaho Public Utilities Commission to increase its rate by $111 million, or […]
A ‘disaster’ nears: Millions of federal workers’ paychecks would be on hold in a shutdown
WASHINGTON — More than 3.5 million federal employees and military personnel — many in the Washington, D.C., area but also scattered across the states and around the globe — are bracing for another partial government shutdown, as U.S. House Republicans struggle to produce a short-term plan to fund the government past the end of the […]
Idaho Falls water company looks to increase rates. Here’s how to give input on decision.
The Idaho Public Utilities Commission is holding a customer hearing on Oct. 23 to hear testimony about an application from Falls Water to increase its rates. Falls Water, a water utility company based out of Bonneville County, serves approximately 6,500 residential and commercial customers. According to the proposal, Falls Water is looking to increase its […]
September is Idaho Preferred Month. Here’s what that means for local farmers, consumers.
Last week marked the beginning of “Idaho Preferred Month,” a month-long initiative to promote food and agricultural products made in Idaho. Each year, the governor declares the month of September Idaho Preferred Month because it is the peak harvest season. This month, farmers, stores and Idaho Preferred, a state program, partnered to promote local products […]
Third of Oregon counties now in a drought emergency
Twelve of 36 counties, covering half the land in Oregon, are in a state of emergency over drought, with local officials calling for help. Gov. Tina Kotek Wednesday declared the latest drought emergencies in Gilliam, Douglas and Lincoln counties, the 10th, and 12th such declarations of the year. The declarations follow requests for drought aid […]
Idaho utilities commission approves increase in Avista gas, electric services
North Idaho residents will see an increase in their electric and natural gas service from Avista starting this month. On Sept. 5, the Idaho Public Utilities Commission announced its approval of a proposal to increase base revenues collected for natural gas service by about 2.7 % this month, and 0.01% in September next year. The […]
Millions more workers would receive overtime pay under proposed Biden administration rule
Salaried workers who have been ineligible for overtime pay would benefit from a proposed Biden administration regulation. The U.S. Department of Labor’s new rule would require employers compensate full-time workers in management, administrative, or other professional roles for any overtime worked if they make less than $55,068 annually. Currently, the salary threshold is $35,568. The […]
Major upgrades are coming to these 15 public libraries in Idaho to address community needs
This fall, the Cascade Public Library will add 1,000 square feet of interior space and 1,500 square feet of usable exterior space. The library will add a dedicated media/telehealth room, kitchen space and two ADA-accessible restrooms. There will also be a separate children’s area. Bear Lake County Library District in Montpelier will create safe, usable […]
Through Digital Economy Program, U of I Extension empowers rural residents to stay in communities
According to the Idaho Transportation Department, more than 64,000 people moved to Idaho in 2021, but did you know that more than 57,000 people also moved out of Idaho? Losing residents can erode the unique identity and culture of small towns and tribal communities. It may also lead to declining participation in local events and […]
Seeing ‘Red’ after Taylor Swift debacle, lawmakers weigh concert ticket rules
There’s no question what motivated state Rep. Kelly Moller to push for changes in Minnesota law on concert ticket sales. “Really, it was the Taylor Swift debacle for me,” she said. A self-professed Swiftie, the Democrat found herself among millions of other Americans unable to buy tickets last year to Swift’s Eras Tour. She preregistered […]
Job growth exceeds economists’ expectations as unemployment inches up
The labor market is stable and healthy, economists and policy experts say, although the unemployment rate ticked up in the month of August. The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ report released Friday showed that unemployment rose to 3.8% in August from 3.5% in July. Meanwhile the economy added 187,000 jobs, above expectations of 170,000 jobs from […]
As the U.S. reels from disasters, here’s how Idahoans can prepare for an emergency
As September marks the beginning of National Preparedness Month, it is a great time to remind communities in Idaho what emergency preparedness means and what steps every household can take to ensure they are ready for a disaster or emergency. To do that, it is important to recognize common risks in Idaho, identify national initiatives […]