Idaho
How Idaho uses data to fill in-demand jobs
The Idaho LAUNCH scholarship program grants students up to $8,000 to cover tuition and fees at eligible institutions, if they are looking to be trained in an area that needs more workers.
New bill seeks to allow Idaho to create optional electronic driver’s licenses
The Transportation Security Administration already accepts digital driver’s licenses issued by 14 states, including Utah.
Idaho lawmakers consider requiring employers to verify immigration status of workers
The E-Verify program shows little impact in other states.
How system modernization is helping Idaho mitigate unemployment
The Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses is leveraging a new web-based portal to make it easier and quicker for people to obtain professional licenses and enter the workforce.
Emails reveal how health departments struggle to track human cases of bird flu
Farm owners' resistance to tracking human bird flu infections is creating significant gaps in disease surveillance. But forcing farmers to submit to testing could reignite a backlash against public health efforts.
Eight states to vote on amendments to ban noncitizen voting
It is already illegal under state laws and rare, but Republicans in some states say the language needs to be clearer in their constitutions.
Governments often struggle with massive new IT projects
Culture, bureaucracy and serving a broad patchwork of agencies can make a comprehensive technology update a challenge, experts say.
Heat deaths highlight stark differences in state policies protecting workers
Some states like California, Oregon and Washington have passed strict protections for workers in high temperatures. But Idaho, which produces over $10.8 billion worth of agricultural products each year, hasn’t.
How a common election integrity law is keeping Idaho from fixing its crumbling schools
An influential conservative group is targeting local bond and levy elections, which districts rely on heavily to build and repair schools.
Governors propose spending billions on overdue infrastructure projects
In State of the State addresses this week, several governors said they would prioritize ambitious and much needed infrastructure projects. Plus, more news to use from around the country in this week's State and Local Roundup.
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Idaho Governor Vetoes Bill to Restrict Library Materials
The bill allows parents to sue libraries for giving out materials “harmful to minors." Of his veto, Gov. Brad Little said the state doesn't need a "library bounty" and that he’s more concerned about what kids can find on the internet.
A Library Struck by Controversy That Began Over a Book It Didn’t Own
In Boundary County, Idaho a local librarian decided to resign citing a “political atmosphere of extremism.” The situation there mirrors a trend affecting libraries around the country.
Localities Are Finding Creative Affordable Housing Solutions
There's an estimated shortage of 3.8 million housing units nationwide. Cities and towns are stepping up to help residents.
How One State Used Its Giant Budget Surplus
Idaho this year had extra revenue that was equal to nearly half the amount of its general fund revenues, and that was on top of federal aid. Here's what lawmakers did with the money.
Mayor Details Alarming Public Harassment of Her and Her Family
Boise, Idaho Mayor Lauren McLean described the threats and intimidation she and other city staff have dealt with during the past two years. She said she wouldn’t step down but understands why many public servants are calling it quits.
Idaho and Oklahoma Expected To Be First States To Pass Texas-inspired Six-week Abortion Bans
Clinics say they are preparing for bans to take effect as early as April. Texas offers a preview of what might happen if those bills go into effect.
Some Unusual State and Local Laws to Take Note of This Valentine's Day
A number of state and municipal laws deal with relationships—both good and bad ones.
8 Best Winter Festivals in the U.S.
A list from Travel + Leisure showcases festivals that include snow golf and volleyball, skiers hanging onto a cowboy on horseback and plungers jumping into the icy waters.
'An Absolutely Fascinating' Local Government Job
Coroners operate "in the shadows of local government" and their profession is misunderstood. Longtime coroner Dotti Owens explains why "this is my thing."
How Public Health Officials Overcame Vaccine Barriers in Minority Communities
A series of reports issued by the Communivax Coalition explores resistance to Covid-19 vaccinations in four states and strategies to improve immunization rates.
