Living
New data shows worsening mental health, education trends among Idaho children
New nationwide data shows Idaho ranks among the best in the country for economic well-being, family and community factors, but also shows increasing anxiety and depression rates among children and low education scores. The 2022 Kids Count data is published annually by the Annie E. Casey Foundation to measure the health and well-being of children […]
Protecting the sanctity of life or violating religious freedom? Idaho faith leaders talk abortion.
As the Idaho Legislature considered several laws restricting abortion in the past two years, leaders from at least one faith group have advocated for the passage of these laws. In a petition requesting to appear as an amicus curiae in the cases before the Idaho Supreme Court, the Diocese of Boise stated that they see […]
Why America needs a caretaker to lead her future
Wars, mass shootings, pandemics, droughts, supply shortages, recession and political divisiveness … it’s ugly in America these days. Do you ever remember a time when you were a kid and everything seemed dark around you? Maybe you were being bullied or your parents were divorcing, or perhaps you just lost a loved one. If during […]
Minidoka director Kurt Ikeda wins Idaho Humanity Council’s highest honor
The Idaho Humanities Council awarded Kurt Ikeda the 2021 Outstanding Achievement in Humanities Award, the organization’s highest honor, awarded annually to recognize achievements that encourage a better understanding of the humanities. Ikeda serves as the Minidoka National Historic Site’s director of education and interpretation and previously worked as an education specialist for southern Idaho parks. […]
Kootenai County reduces public services amid 911 operator shortage
The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office announced in a press release Tuesday that its 911 center is at critical staffing levels and will shift non-emergency calls to voicemail for the time being to handle as many emergency calls in a timely manner as possible. According to the release, the center is approved for 25 emergency communications […]
Boise nonprofit Jesse Tree finds illegal clauses written into leases of Treasure Valley tenants
Case managers and legal interns at Jesse Tree have discovered questionable and illegal clauses written in the leases of Treasure Valley tenants. Jesse Tree is a Boise-based nonprofit whose mission is to prevent eviction and homelessness. It provides financial assistance and case management to households who are unable to pay rent. This summer, Jesse Tree’s […]
Campfire ban at Canyon County’s Celebration Park begins July 26
The Canyon County Parks, Cultural and Natural Resources Department announced that a campfire ban at Celebration Park will begin today. As of July 26, all the park’s campfire pits will be closed. Campfires outside of the pits, including portable campfire pits, are also prohibited. However, this does not include propane camp stoves. Propane stoves are […]
First round of grant funding open to expand child care access across Idaho
The deadline to apply for the first round of child care expansion grants from the Idaho Workforce Development Council is Aug. 1, and council Executive Director Wendi Secrist expects the $15 million in available funding this fiscal year to quickly disappear. During the 2022 legislative session, the Idaho Legislature approved $15 million from state fiscal […]
In private-public partnership, local organizations bring affordable housing to Nampa
In its grand opening, The Housing Company and its community partners opened new affordable housing developments for Nampa workers and families at Canyon Terrace Apartments. Community partners include the Idaho Housing and Finance Association, Saint Alphonsus, R4 Capital and the Nampa School District. Together, the organizations allocated $18.8 million for the construction of the project. […]
Boise’s LEAP Housing offers new model for affordable housing
For years, Pastor Joseph Bankard from the Collister United Methodist Church hoped to put the extra land on his church’s property to good use. He and his colleagues had talked about turning the outgrown plot of land into a garden, parking spaces and possibly a picnic area. His goal was to create a space to […]
Idaho Department of Labor to host Nampa career fair in skilled trades
To read this article in Spanish, click here. On Aug. 2, the Idaho Department of Labor will host a career fair for trade workers or those interested in following a career path in skilled trades. There are 25 local companies looking to hire and train carpenters, roofers, electricians, bridge workers, apprentices, machinists and other skilled […]
New chamber of commerce actively building network to connect veterans with Idaho services
Workforce connection. Family and wellness help. Education. Housing. Entrepreneurship resources. These are five pillars of the Idaho Veterans Chamber of Commerce, a 501(c)3 nonprofit established in August 2020 that aims to connect active and retired veterans to their Idaho communities. Just this year, the veterans chamber has helped 147 military members connect with services such […]