Idaho News & Current Events | Public News Service

Idaho saw a 22% increase in opioid overdoses between 2020 and 2021. (Kimberly Boyles/Adobe Stock)

Bills in Congress Would Extend Medicaid to Incarcerated

Organizations in Idaho are calling on the state's congressional delegation to support access to health coverage and substance-use treatment for the in…

Time management is among the most important aspects of being a student and parent. (A. Frank, peopleimages.com/Adobe Stock)

Boise State Creates Space for Student Parents, Kids

In September, the spotlight is on a college student population that is often overlooked: parents. This month is student parent month and studies show …

Only 29% of respondents to a recent AARP survey said they had a backup power generator. (Oleksandr/Adobe Stock)

ID Event to Help Idahoans Prepare for Disasters

Next week, AARP Idaho is holding a town hall on preparing for disasters before they strike. On Tuesday, the regional Federal Emergency Management …

The U.S. Department of Energy wants to develop nuclear waste interim storage facilities. (Satakorn/Adobe Stock)

Fed Board Meets in ID to Discuss Nuclear Waste Storage

Federal officials are in Idaho to discuss where to store nuclear waste. The U.S. Nuclear Waste Technical Review Board, an independent federal agency…

There are estimated to be nearly 730 grizzly bears in the Yellowstone National Park region. (kellyvandellen/Adobe Stock)

Grizzlies Could Have Protections Removed Under Bill in Congress

Members of Idaho's Congressional delegation want to remove endangered species protections for grizzly bears. Sen. Jim Risch, R-Idaho, has introduced …

A trusted adult can be an important resource for kids during their first week of school. (Kiattisak/Adobe Stock)

Tips for Idaho Parents to Make Back-to-School Less Stressful

The new school year can be a stressful time both for kids and parents, but a few useful tips can reduce some of those anxieties. Kim Hemmert…

Idaho lawmakers passed changes to voter registration during the 2023 session. (Mark Bradbury/Adobe Stock)

ID Voter Registration Law Could Hurt Ballot Measures' Chances

Voter registration has changed in Idaho. Along with reducing the number of eligible voters, critics say it could also hurt ballot initiatives' …

Atomic bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan, three days apart at the end of World War II. (George Caron, Charles Levy/Wikimedia Commons)

Oppenheimer, Japan Bombings Put Nuclear Energy in Harsh Light

The power and destructiveness of nuclear energy has been in the spotlight since the film "Oppenheimer" was released in July. It is in focus again …

The U.S. Supreme Court's decision in the Dobbs case last year sent abortion rights to states to decide. (Heidi/Adobe Stock)

Legal Challenges Bog Down Idaho's Abortion Travel Ban

An Idaho law banning interstate travel for abortion care to people under age 18 is facing legal challenges. This week, a federal judge barred …

The installed capacity of Idaho wind energy is 973 MW, according to the American Clean Power Association. (Steven/Adobe Stock)

Congress Spending Bill Rider Could Slow Down ID Wind Energy Installation

A spending bill in Washington, D.C. includes a provision to conduct further study of wind energy before its installation in Idaho. Critics say the …

Teaching about boundaries is not just helpful for adults, but children as well. (artit/Adobe Stock)

ID Child Sex Abuse Cases Stress Urgency of Prevention Methods

An unfortunate spate of child sexual abuse cases in Idaho is putting prevention methods in the spotlight. A Kuna middle school teacher recently …

There were 14 health advisories and closures on Idaho lakes because of algae blooms in 2022. (Mykola Mazuryk/Adobe Stock)

Algae Blooms Undermine Summer Fun in ID

During the summer, many Idahoans head to the water, but algae outbreaks can stop them from a relaxing day cooling off. Algae blooms typically occur …

Critics of a new law in Idaho say it will be hard to register to vote without a driver's license. (Darylann Elmi/Adobe Stock)

Youth-Led ID Group Goes to Court to Stop New Voter Registration Law

Critics of a new voter registration law in Idaho are attempting to stop it in court. House Bill 340 requires proof of residency and went into effect …

Last year, more than 220 activities were planned for Latino Conservation Week across the country. (mmg1design/Adobe Stock)

Latino Conservation Week Celebration Comes to ID

This week is Latino Conservation Week, and 2023 marks the tenth year of the celebration. Latino Conservation Week began on July 15 and runs through …

Pandemic-related SNAP benefits ended in March, causing thousands to fall off the

Changes to SNAP in 2023 Farm Bill Concern Hunger-Fighting Groups

Anti-hunger advocates are closely watching negotiations over the 2023 Farm Bill. Every five years, Congress considers this large piece of …

The Winchester Community Library has until Nov. 30 to build out its new garden. (Halfpoint/Adobe Stock)

Six Community Improvement Projects in ID Selected for Grant Funding

Six projects were selected in Idaho for a grant program designed to make communities more livable. AARP has announced the recipients of its annual …

There were more than 3.3 million visits to Yellowstone National Park in 2022. (done4today/Adobe STock)

Alternatives Available to Overcrowding in National Parks

America's national parks are bracing for another record year of attendance, but overcrowding in the parks could take away some of their magic…

Radioactive waste is typically stored at the site where it's generated. (MichaelVi/Adobe Stock)

Nuclear Waste Transportation Draws Opposition in West

Concerns are growing in the west about nuclear waste transportation. On Tuesday, the Snake River Alliance is holding a webinar on these concerns…

While the pandemic worsened the issue, youth mental health was on the decline before COVID-19 hit. (Synthex/Adobe Stock)

Barriers Exist for Addressing Youth Mental Health in ID Schools

Mental health issues are at epidemic rates among young people, but the issue can be hard to tackle in Idaho schools. America's Health Ranking …

Idaho ranks fifth in the nation among states in the Family and Community category of a new report on child well-being. (Douglas Hughmanick/Adobe Stock)

ID Ranks High in Child Well-Being, But Child Care Costs Concerning

Idaho ranks fairly high compared to other states in a new report on children's well-being, but the high cost of child care lurks as a burden for …

Salmon populations in the Northwest face growing decline in the region. (jamie/Adobe Stock)

White House Engages NW on Dams, Future of Salmon

The Biden Administration is considering the future of Pacific Northwest salmon and the effect of dams in the region. The White House Council on …

A six month experiment will take place at the Idaho National Laboratory to test a new type of nuclear reactor. (MichaelVi/Adobe Stock)

ID Experiment Prompts Concerns of Nuclear Weapons Proliferation

An experimental nuclear technology project slated for testing in Idaho is raising concerns about the potential for nuclear weapons proliferation…

The Snake River plain, which will receive restoration funds from BLM, is home to diverse landscapes.(Danita Delimont/Adobe Stock)

ID Projects Among Those Selected for Landscape Restoration Funds

The federal government is investing $161 million into restoration projects across the West. The U.S. Bureau of Land Management has selected 21 …

In 2017, Delaware became the second state to adopt the Idaho Stop, 35 years after the Gem State did so. (skilas/Adobe Stock)

Idaho Stop Law for Cyclists Rolls Across U.S.

The "Idaho Stop" measure for bicyclists is spreading to other states. Minnesota is the latest to adopt the so-called Idaho Stop, in which cyclists …

In 2004, a couple from Priest Lake, Idaho, attempted to build a house but were stopped because of nearby protected wetlands. (Kirk Fisher/Adobe Stock)

SCOTUS Idaho Case Unravels Federal Wetlands Protections

A U.S. Supreme Court case that began in Idaho has weakened protections across the nation under the Clean Water Act. The justices on Thursday handed …

Ideal Option's mobile clinic for substance abuse treatment is operating in the small eastern Idaho town of Rexburg. (Ideal Option)

Mobile Clinic Aids in Addiction Treatment in Rural ID

A mobile clinic is bringing drug treatment to rural Idaho. The organization Ideal Option's first treatment clinic on wheels is in Rexburg. Ideal …

Pollution flows from mines in Canada's Elk River Valley to the Kootenai River, which runs through Montana and Idaho. (JOAN/Adobe Stock)

Canadian Coal Mine Pollution Threatens North ID River

Pollution from Canadian mines is endangering one of Idaho's largest rivers. Selenium and other pollutants from coal mines across the northern …

A lack of social connections can increase the risk of premature death by more than 60%. (DREIDREIEINS Foto/Adobe Stock)

Mental, Heart Health Could Be Directly Connected

It's mental health awareness month and mental well-being is connected to a person's overall health, including heart health. Dr. Jennifer Shalz is …

In a new report, Georgetown defined a good paying job as one with a median income of $57,000 at age 30. (Fabio/Adobe Stock)

Report: Variety of Ways for Young People to Get Good Paying Jobs

A new report explored the pathways young people can take to land good-paying jobs, and a popular program in Idaho is helping young people with the …

About 28% of Idahoans volunteered with organizations in 2021, according to AmeriCorps. (Nicholas F-peopleimages.com/Adobe Stock)

ID Nominees Sought for Prestigious Volunteering Award

The nomination process is open for older Idahoans who have volunteered their time to help improve their communities. The Andrus Award for Community …

Mental Health Awareness Month has been observed in May since 1949. (LIGHTFIELD STUDIOS/Adobe Stock)

Mental Health Awareness Month: Combating Stigma in the Workplace

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and stigma can be a barrier to talking about this issue, especially in the workplace. Beth Markley is the …

Potato farming practices have not changed much in many decades. (John Finnell)

ID Farm Pioneers Regenerative Ag Practices for Potato Growing

A farm in Idaho is pioneering a new way to grow the state's most famous crop: potatoes. The pioneering method is being demonstrated on Ladd Wahlen's …

One in seven children in the U.S. has experienced abuse or neglect in the past year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Adobe Stock)

ID Groups Plan 'Child Abuse Prevention Month' Activities

Child abuse happens to all children to varying degrees, according to experts, and during Child Abuse Prevention Month, several organizations in Idaho …

The Idaho law banning gender affirming care for youth goes into effect in 2024. (Mark Bradbury/Adobe Stock)

ID Anti-Trans Laws Tied to Anti-Democracy Movement, Group Says

Idaho lawmakers passed several measures this session that target transgender people. One group says this effort is connected to a wider movement to …

Advocates for homeless pets say the best place for these animals is in a home with loving owners. (eight8/Adobe Stock)

Preventing Animal Cruelty Could Mean Helping People Find Resources

April is Animal Cruelty Prevention Month and some of the reasons pets suffer do not necessarily look like what many imagine. Nadia Novik, chief …

Idaho is surrounded by states where abortion is legal, including Montana, Oregon and Washington. (trac1/Adobe Stock)

ID Criminalizes Helping Minors Travel Out-of-State for Abortions

Idaho is the first state in the nation to criminalize the act of helping people younger than age 18 get an abortion in another state. House Bill 242…

Idaho's unique habitats are under threat because native plant species aren't adapted for the frequent, intense wildfires becoming common in the state. (BLM)

As Fires Damage ID Plants, Report Finds Native Seed Supply Insufficient

A new report finds the country's supply of native seeds is falling behind the needs of current and future restoration projects. Researchers with …

The increase in voter registration for Idaho youths ages 18 to 24 between 2018 and 2022 was one of the highest in the country. (Seventyfour/Adobe Stock)

Idaho Lawsuit Challenges Ban on Student IDs for Voting

Idaho students are not letting their right to vote with a school ID go down without a fight. Earlier this month, state lawmakers passed legislation …

The Idaho National Laboratory is located near Idaho Falls. (MichaelVi/Adobe Stock)

Comment Period Open for Experimental Nuclear Tech in Eastern ID

The U.S. Department of Energy has opened a short public-comment window on an experimental nuclear technology in Idaho. The agency has released a …

In 2020, 35% of Idaho mothers had Medicaid at the time of their child's birth. (WavebreakMediaMicro/Adobe Stock)

ID Lawmakers Fail to Address Health Concerns for Pregnant Women

With concerning trends emerging for pregnant and postpartum women, frustration is growing that Idaho lawmakers could end the session without …

The Silicon Valley Bank is effectively under the control of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation after the bank's failure. (JHVEPhoto/Adobe Stock)

After Banks' Failures, Credit Unions Tout Independent Structure

The collapse of two banks has put the U.S. financial sector into focus this week. Some are considering the alternative structures of institutions …

Stable and secure relationships with parents are among the building blocks for positive experiences among children. (Afshar Tetyana/Adobe Stock)

ID Conference Spotlights Importance of Positive Moments for Children

This year's Strengthening Families Training Institute in Boise is highlighting the importance of positive experiences for children. Dr. Robert Sege…

Idaho's broadband delivery is patchy, in part because of its unique geography. (hansenn/Adobe Stock)

Initiative Seeks to 'Link Up Idaho' to Fast Internet

A stable internet connection is key in today's world and Idaho wants to ensure everyone has reliable access. The state's Link Up Idaho initiative is …

Alaska is one of two states using ranked-choice voting, including for its 2022 U.S. Senate race. (trongnguyen/Adobe Stock)

ID Bill Bans Ranked-Choice Voting, While AK Voters Like It

A bill in the Idaho Legislature would ban the use of ranked choice voting in all Idaho election, but experiences from Alaska show perhaps lawmakers …

Reclaim Idaho led a campaign to place Medicaid expansion on the ballot in 2018 - a measure that ultimately passed. (Kencf0618/Wikimedia Commons)

Ballot Measures Face Tougher Road to Qualification Under ID Resolution

Idaho lawmakers are attempting to change the ballot initiative process again - this time with an amendment to the state Constitution. Senate Joint …

More states are implementing financial literacy courses in high school. (BillionPhotos.com/Adobe Stock)

ID Bill Fills Financial Education Hole for High School Students

Learning how to manage your finances is an important skill, but one educators believe many young people lack. A bill in the Idaho Legislature would …

The USCAP funded a riparian revegetation project along the East Fork of the Salmon River at White Clouds Preserve. (Idaho Conservation League)

Mining Co., ID Conservation Group Partner to Fund Salmon Restoration

A cobalt mining company and conservation group are teaming up in Idaho for the third year in a row to fund projects that restore fish habitat near the…

The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program has nine sites in the Treasure Valley alone, and others across Idaho. (Paolese/Adobe Stock)

Free Tax-Aide Program 'Goes Live' Across ID

Tax time is here again. Between now and mid-April, Idahoans in need of assistance can find free help across the state through the AARP Foundation's …

Audio Activation
	"Siri, play the Public News Service (podcast)"
	"Hey Google, play the Public News Service podcast"
	"Alexa, play Public News Service podcast" or "Alexa, what's my news flash?" once you set it up in the Alexa app
	Embed this Newscast

Audio Activation
	"Siri, play the 2023 Talks podcast"
	"Hey Google, play the 2023 Talks podcast"
	"Alexa, play 2000 23 Talks podcast" or "Alexa, what's my news flash?" once you set it up in the Alexa app
	Embed this Newscast

Audio Activation
	"Siri, play the Yonder Report podcast"
	"Hey Google, play the Yonder Report podcast"
	"Alexa, play the Yonder Report podcast" or "Alexa, what's my news flash?" once you set it up in the Alexa app
	Embed this Newscast

PNS Daily Newscast - September 22, 2023

2023Talks - September 22, 2023

The Yonder Report - September 21, 2023

Idaho