Idaho

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.

  • By Andre Claudio

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.

  • By Shefali Luthra, The 19th

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.

  • By Andre Claudio

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.

  • By Andre Claudio

'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."

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram

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.

  • By Andrea Noble

A Showdown Over Idaho Governor’s Authority

Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin issued an executive order to “fix” the state’s rules on vaccine mandates while Gov. Brad Little was away on business.

  • By Andrea Noble

Pandemic Growth Led This State to Slash Taxes, Issue Rebates

Tax policy experts and state officials believe Idaho’s rapid economic growth will offset the tax cuts, making them feasible under federal funding rules.  

  • By Andrea Noble

Despite Federal Moratorium, Eviction Rates Returning to Pandemic Levels

But states and cities across the U.S. that set up their own eviction-prevention programs are seeing lower eviction rates than those where tenants were protected only by the federal rules.

  • By Benjamin Larsen and McAllister Hal, The Conversation

Mid-Sized City Mayors Urge Feds Not to Forget Them in Climate Fight

The type of infrastructure investment needed to advance the Biden administration’s climate policy goals could be out of reach for many small and mid-sized cities without federal help.

  • By Andrea Noble

Lawsuit: State Vaccination Program Should Prioritize Seniors

An 87-year-old Idaho man filed the suit, seeking to force the state to alter its Covid-19 vaccination program.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram

Attorneys General, FTC File Antitrust Lawsuits Against Facebook

Trump administration proposes $600 direct payments… Protests disrupt a vote on an Idaho mask mandate… Michigan undertakes an election audit.

  • By Andrea Noble
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Arizona Legislature Closed After Giuliani Hearing

STATE AND LOCAL ROUNDUP | Covid-19 patients flown out of South Dakota… Alabama sheriff takes down “thugshots” social media post… Republican governors call for Congress to pass Covid aid.

  • By Andrea Noble

Rural Public Health Staff Strained by Covid Surge, Public Backlash

STATE AND LOCAL ROUNDUP | Two Minnesota state senators switch from Democratic caucus to independents, citing polarization … Plans for historic dam removal moving ahead … Matthew McConaughey for Texas governor?

  • By Bill Lucia

One Republican Governor Reversed Course on a Mask Mandate. Others Are Still Resisting.

Utah Gov. Gary Herbert declared an indefinite statewide mask mandate on Sunday as coronavirus cases continue to spike around the country, but other governors—including those in states hit hardest by the virus—haven't budged.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram

Concerned About Mail-In Voting? Maybe a Virtual Assistant Can Help.

Idaho is using IBM's virtual assistant platform to answer common questions about mail-in voting, a technology available for free in the lead-up to the presidential election.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram

Roadkill Dropped During Coronavirus Shutdowns, Study Found

The study, which found a 58% decrease in mountain lions killed by cars, examined crash reports involving large animals and traffic patterns in three states.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram

Critics Question CARES Act Spending in Some States

“I’ve yet to meet a pothole that has the coronavirus.”

  • By Sophie Quinton, Stateline

Idaho Becomes First State to Ban Transgender Athletes From Women’s Sports

Proponents of the new law argue that a ban is intended to create a “level playing field.” Opponents say that the policy is discriminatory and unnecessary.

  • By Emma Coleman

Amid Closures, Libraries Find New Ways to Provide Services

As their branches close to protect public health, librarians turn to virtual programming and relief efforts to continue serving their communities.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram

A State Seeks to Boost Air Travel Within its Borders

There are no direct flights between cities in Idaho, so travelers must take connecting flights out of state to travel between them. One lawmaker hopes to establish a committee to tackle the problem.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram