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A tartalmat a Idaho Reports and Idaho Public Television biztosítja. Az összes podcast-tartalmat, beleértve az epizódokat, grafikákat és podcast-leírásokat, közvetlenül a Idaho Reports and Idaho Public Television vagy a podcast platform partnere tölti fel és biztosítja. Ha úgy gondolja, hogy valaki az Ön engedélye nélkül használja fel a szerzői joggal védett művét, kövesse az itt leírt folyamatot https://hu.player.fm/legal.
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Matt Deseno is the founder of multiple award winning marketing businesses ranging from a attraction marketing to AI appointment setting to customer user experience. When he’s not working on the businesses he teaches marketing at Pepperdine University and he also teaches other marketing agency owners how they created a software company to triple the profitability for the agency. Our Sponsors: * Check out Kinsta: https://kinsta.com * Check out Mint Mobile: https://mintmobile.com/tmf * Check out Moorings: https://moorings.com * Check out Trust & Will: https://trustandwill.com/TRAVIS * Check out Warby Parker: https://warbyparker.com/travis Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy…
Idaho Reports
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A tartalmat a Idaho Reports and Idaho Public Television biztosítja. Az összes podcast-tartalmat, beleértve az epizódokat, grafikákat és podcast-leírásokat, közvetlenül a Idaho Reports and Idaho Public Television vagy a podcast platform partnere tölti fel és biztosítja. Ha úgy gondolja, hogy valaki az Ön engedélye nélkül használja fel a szerzői joggal védett művét, kövesse az itt leírt folyamatot https://hu.player.fm/legal.
The longest-running public policy show in the West, Idaho Reports turns a spotlight on the statehouse during the legislative session. Subscribe for regular episodes and bonus content dedicated to political analysis and in-depth reporting from around the state. © Idaho Public Television | Idaho State Board of Education, an agency of the State of Idaho
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741 epizódok
Mind megjelölése nem lejátszottként
Manage series 2674602
A tartalmat a Idaho Reports and Idaho Public Television biztosítja. Az összes podcast-tartalmat, beleértve az epizódokat, grafikákat és podcast-leírásokat, közvetlenül a Idaho Reports and Idaho Public Television vagy a podcast platform partnere tölti fel és biztosítja. Ha úgy gondolja, hogy valaki az Ön engedélye nélkül használja fel a szerzői joggal védett művét, kövesse az itt leírt folyamatot https://hu.player.fm/legal.
The longest-running public policy show in the West, Idaho Reports turns a spotlight on the statehouse during the legislative session. Subscribe for regular episodes and bonus content dedicated to political analysis and in-depth reporting from around the state. © Idaho Public Television | Idaho State Board of Education, an agency of the State of Idaho
…
continue reading
741 epizódok
ทุกตอน
×Vapes are largely unregulated in Idaho, and Rep. Jerald Raymond is intent on keeping them out of the hands of minors. He's been working for several years to craft an updated taxing scheme and write regulations for vaping products, and he sat down Tuesday with associate producer Logan Finney to review four bills in the hopper.…
On Presidents' Day, across the state Idahoans protested federal budget cuts by President Donald Trump’s administration. Hundreds showed up at the statehouse in Boise, while others protested in Salmon, Stanley, Twin Falls, Idaho Falls, and McCall. Those protests coincided with news that late last week, thousands of federal workers across the country received word that they had lost their jobs. On Thursday, Melissa Davlin spoke to Clare Vergobbi, one of several employees let go from the Sawtooth National Recreation Area last week, about the layoffs and how they might impact services for visitors.…
Idaho has no medical school and currently relies on the multi-state WWAMI agreement to educate and place Idaho medical students. This week, Dr. Mary Barinaga and Dr. Joseph Holmstead discuss a legislative proposal that might undo that medical education agreement and why doctors are concerned. Then, Kevin Richert of Idaho Education News brings us up to speed on the latest education bills.…
Senate Bills 1042 and 1043 would reorganize Idaho's landlord-tenant code and require that landlords only charge application fees for a vacant unit to two prospective tenants at a time, as well as that those application fees must be related to the actual costs of a criminal background check and processing the application. Bill sponsor Sen. Ali Rabe spoke with associate producer Logan Finney after the Senate passed the bills off the floor Wednesday.…
This week, Lieutenant Governor Scott Bedke discusses managing fire and water issues alongside the federal government. Then, Rep. Jordan Redman and Rep. Megan Egbert share their views on Medicaid Expansion and its future in Idaho. Two things can be true at once: Medicaid Expansion was a lot more expensive than anticipated, and a lot of Idahoans depend on the program for their healthcare. So what’s next?…
2024 was a rough fire year in Idaho. This week, Melissa Davlin sat down with Lt. Gov. Scott Bedke to ask about Gov. Brad Little’s recommendations to improve the state’s firefighting capabilities moving forward. Last year also saw the culmination of a long-simmering water fight in eastern Idaho. A looming water shortage prompted senior water right holders to threaten to withhold the ability of junior rights holders to use their water, at least until the senior rights holders used their share. Had it gone through, it would have overwhelmingly affected agriculture, and could have meant fields going dry. Ultimately, stakeholders worked out an updated agreement that involved, among other things, prioritizing recharge efforts in the Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer.…
Each new legislature brings at least a couple of new faces to the capitol building. First-term state Sen. Camille Blaylock of Caldwell sat down with associate producer Logan Finney to reflect on her first six weeks representing Legislative District 11 in the Senate.
Christine Pisani of the Idaho Council on Developmental Disabilities spoke with producer Ruth Brown about possible federal and state level changes to the Medicaid program that have members of the disabilities community concerned about their coverage.
On Monday, the House passed a bill to reduce state income taxes to the tune of about $253 million, with Republican leaders hailing it as the largest income tax cut in state history. House Minority Leader Ilana Rubel sat down with associate producer Logan Finney to share her thoughts.
Lawmakers have made a concerted effort to return budget surpluses and provide tax relief to Idahoans. But how much can the Legislature cut before affecting vital services? This week, Christine Pisani of the Idaho Council on Developmental Disabilities discusses concerns about the trajectory of Medicaid. House Minority Leader Ilana Rubel and Majority Leader Jason Monks examine spending priorities.…
Rep. Chris Mathias is sponsoring school safety legislation that would require local districts to notify parents of serious bullying, intimidation and harassment that involves their children. He sat down with associate producer Logan Finney to discuss the bill and his approach to legislating from the minority party at the capitol.…
Some lawmakers have made it clear they want to see deep cuts to Medicaid spending. This week, producer Ruth Brown sits down with House Health and Welfare Committee Chairman John Vander Woude to discuss the future of Medicaid Expansion. Then, Kevin Richert of Idaho Education News, James Dawson of Boise State Public Radio, and Dr. Stephanie Witt of Boise State University’s School of Public Service join the pundits to review the first month of the 2025 session.…
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Idaho Reports
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Many states around the country are exploring ways to create digital driver's licenses that could be accessed through an app on our mobile phones. Associate producer Logan Finney sat down with Rep. Stephanie Mickelsen to discuss how Idaho might do so and what she learned from other states.
This week, Superintendent of Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield joins Melissa Davlin to share her views on public dollars going toward private education. Senate Majority Leader Lori Den Hartog and Rep. Wendy Horman discuss their bill to provide tax credits to families to help pay for private education costs, and House Assistant Minority Leader Steve Berch walks through his concerns.…
The big education news from this year’s State of the State address was Gov. Brad Little setting aside $50 million of public money for private education. Not everyone is a fan of the idea. House Assistant Minority Leader Steve Berch discusses his concerns.
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Idaho Reports
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The big education news from this year’s State of the State address was Gov. Brad Little setting aside $50 million of public money for private education. On Wednesday, Rep. Wendy Horman and Sen. Lori Den Hartog introduced a bill that would provide tax refunds for qualifying private education expenses.…
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Idaho Reports
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The big education news from this year’s State of the State address was Gov. Brad Little setting aside $50 million of public money for private education. Like the governor, Superintendent of Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield has previously expressed reservations about sending public money to private school. On Friday, she discussed what she’d like to see in a bill.…
Gay and transgender Idahoans have asked lawmakers for years to protect them from discrimination under the state's human rights act. Senate Minority Leader Melissa Wintrow and activist Nikson Mathews reflect on the ten years since the one and only legislative hearing on the "Add the Words" bill in 2015.…
Wildfire season is getting longer, and home insurance companies are noticing. Department of Insurance Director Dean Cameron discusses how wildfires are changing the home insurance industry. Boise State University’s Dr. Matthew May and Dr. Lantz McGinnis-Brown discuss this year’s public policy survey, and Whitney Bryen of Investigate West discusses Idaho’s high female incarceration rate.…
The annual State of the Judiciary address to the Idaho Legislature discusses the work of the courts and maintaining the state’s court system. Idaho Supreme Court Chief Justice Richard Bevan urged lawmakers to increase judicial compensation to help with challenges in recruiting and keeping judges in Idaho’s state courts. "Judges are elected officials, but taking that office requires the new judge to undergo a dramatic transition," Bevan said. "Becoming a judge often means relinquishing existing friendships, adjusting hobbies and revisiting how you spend every moment of your free time — all to ensure impartiality and fulfill constitutional duties."…
We get an update from producer Ruth Brown on the state of emergency medical services in Idaho. Mario Pile, associate director of student involvement at University of Idaho, shares his thoughts on the State Board of Education’s DEI resolution that led to the closure of the Black and African American Cultural Center. House Education Chairman Doug Pickett discusses proposals to use public funds for private education costs.…
The 2025 legislative session kicked off this week and the high-priority policy issues are already coming into focus. Legislative leaders and Gov. Brad Little touched on school choice, tax cuts, and Medicaid Expansion.
Gov. Brad Little delivers his 2025 State of the State Address with commentary from Idaho Reports guests Kevin Richert of Idaho Education News, Dr. Stephanie Witt of Boise State University's School of Public Service, and Lori Wolff of the Division of Financial Management.
With the 2025 session just days away, we have a good idea of what’s at the top of the priority list. This week, Kevin Richert of Idaho Education News and Dr. Jaclyn Kettler from Boise State University School of Public Service join the show to discuss what we learned at Friday’s Idaho Press Club Legislative Preview, where Gov. Brad Little and legislative leaders gave a sneak peek of their priorities for the upcoming session.…
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter passed away Sunday, December 29 at age 100. The Georgian served as the 39th president from 1977 to 1981. Carter and his family visited central Idaho in August 1978 on vacation, a three-day raft trip down the Middle Fork of the Salmon River with the family of then-Interior Secretary Cecil Andrus. The Idaho Reports team this week tracked down and got in touch with Judy Clapp, one of the U.S. Forest Service Kayak Patrol who worked the presidential float trip. The Reporters: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3ITjXfe0KA More: https://gorafting.com/jimmy-carter-middle-fork-salmon/…
Melissa Davlin sat down to discuss the Lava Ridge Wind Project with Rep. Lance Clow of Twin Falls and John Robison, Public Lands and Wildlife Director at the Idaho Conservation League. The project will include 241 wind turbines and related infrastructure on federal and state land in Jerome, Lincoln and Minidoka counties. The final plan is only about half of what was originally proposed, but it still faces local opposition.…
This week, Don Day of BoiseDev catches us up on the unsuccessful merger between Kroger and Albertsons and how it might affect Idahoans. Producer Ruth Brown examines foster care concerns with Cadence Wright, a woman who aged out of Idaho’s foster system. Then, Rep. Lance Clow of Twin Falls and John Robison of the Idaho Conservation League discuss approval of the Lava Ridge Wind Project in Magic Valley.…
Idaho lawmakers were unable to reach an agreement last year on legal protections for in vitro fertilization, or IVF. Associate producer Logan Finney discusses how the procedure works and the legal landscape around fertility with Dr. Emily Jungheim, Chief of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.…
The people of Idaho had their say on legislative representation, and now lawmakers have elected their own leadership. We discuss the new legislative assignments and the potential implications on public policy with Kevin Richert of Idaho Education News and Drs. Stephanie Witt and Jaclyn Kettler of Boise State University’s School of Public Service.…
House Speaker Mike Moyle sat down with associate producer Logan Finney at the annual Associated Taxpayers of Idaho conference to discuss tax policy and his priorities for the new legislative session.
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Idaho Reports
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Break: Happy Thanksgiving! by Idaho Public Television
In this extended conversation, Braden Jensen from the Idaho Farm Bureau and Rick Naerebout from the Idaho Dairymen’s Association discuss challenges facing agriculture producers in Idaho.
This week, we explore Idaho’s veterinarian shortage and how it affects Idaho’s ranchers. Braden Jensen from the Idaho Farm Bureau and Rick Naerebout from the Idaho Dairymen’s Association discuss other challenges facing ag producers, and Irene Ruiz of the Idaho Organization of Resource Councils shares how discussions of mass deportations are affecting farmworkers and their families.…
Robin Fox, a service hydrologist for the National Weather Service in Spokane, lays out how ongoing drought conditions up north have impacted regional agriculture and the winter recreation season. U.S. Drought Monitor for Idaho: https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/CurrentMap/StateDroughtMonitor.aspx?ID
Idaho has 44 counties, and where you die can have a big impact on the investigation into your death. Audrey Dutton of ProPublica and Casey Petti from the Office of Performance Evaluations discuss Idaho’s coroner system, the lack of oversight, and how that can sometimes adversely affect families. Then, Kevin Richert of Idaho Education News brings us up to date on school bonds and levies and more.…
Newly named director Ryan Langrill of the Office of Performance Evaluations discusses taking over the helm of the legislature's independent watchdog agency, and recent policy changes that have resulted from their work.
This week’s election saw big wins for Republicans across the nation, and Idaho was no exception. That includes a huge defeat for Proposition One. Latah County Republican precinct committeewoman Cindy Agidius, Latah County Treasurer BJ Swanson, and University of Idaho professor Markie McBrayer discuss the results, as well as the implications for public policy moving forward.…
Idaho Secretary of State Phil McGrane reviews our 2024 general election administration from the Idaho GOP watch party in Meridian.
Tuesday’s election isn’t all about the race for the White House. We review a handful of competitive legislative districts with pundits Kevin Richert of Idaho Education News and Stephanie Witt and Jaclyn Kettler from Boise State University’s School of Public Service. Then, Secretary of State Phil McGrane joins us to discuss early voting, and preparations for an anticipated massive election turnout.…
Fire Bureau Chief Josh Harvey from the Idaho Department of Lands joins associate producer Logan Finney to discuss this year in wildfire and the long term trends as Idaho's population continues to grow.
Melissa Davlin sits down with Luke Mayville, spokesperson for Idahoans for Open Primaries, and Rep. Brent Crane, House State Affairs Committee chairman, to discuss their philosophical stances regarding Proposition One.
We dive deep this week into Proposition One – what it would do, what it might cost, and what supporters and opponents are saying.
With the 2024 election less than three weeks away, Idaho Secretary of State Phil McGrane explains a constitutional amendment appearing on the ballot. Then, we sit down with Idaho’s Democratic congressional candidates Kaylee Peterson and David Roth. Plus, we visit Twin Falls where the Idaho State Department of Agriculture is working to eradicate invasive quagga mussels from the Snake River.…
The Idaho State Department of Agriculture returned to Twin Falls this October to continue treating the Snake River after detecting quagga mussels last year. Associate producer Logan Finney speaks with ISDA Director Chanel Tewalt about the eradication campaign, Idaho's multi-agency approach to managing quagga mussels, and impacts on the rest of the river.…
With less than 30 days to go until the 2024 election, associate producer Logan Finney spoke with Ada County Clerk Trent Tripple about absentee voter turnout, election integrity measures, and an innovative new tool that makes every ballot in the county publicly visible.
Idaho legislators have made only minor changes to the state's abortion laws since the U.S. Supreme Court restored their power to regulate abortion. Lead organizer Melanie Folwell with Idahoans United for Women & Children sits down with associate producer Logan Finney to explain the early drafts of a voter initiative that seeks to put a new abortion law on the ballot in 2026, as well as the next steps before they begin collecting signatures.…
President Joe Biden announced on Sunday that he is no longer seeking reelection this November. Now, the Democratic Party has swiftly aligned behind Vice President Kamala Harris as their new nominee. Associate Producer Logan Finney sits down with delegate Rep. Lauren Necochea, chair of the Idaho Democratic Party, to discuss the race and what comes next at the DNC in Chicago.…
Former president Donald J. Trump has selected U.S. Sen. JD Vance of Ohio as his running mate in the 2024 election. Idaho delegate Theo Wold joined Melissa Davin on Thursday from the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee to discuss what a Vance vice presidency might mean for Idaho and for the Republican Party.…
Idaho state law now requires "reasonable age verification methods" on adult websites to prevent minors from accessing pornography and other harmful content. Associate producer Logan Finney sits down with Molly Buckley, a legal fellow at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, to learn about these verification tools and the privacy concerns that arise with collecting sensitive personal data online.…
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Idaho Reports
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Break: July 4, 2024 by Idaho Public Television
Associate producer Logan Finney sat down with Charlie Hunt of the School of Public Service and Jen Schneider of the College of Innovation and Design at Boise State University to share what happened this year at the Idaho Republican Party Convention. The Big Tent is a public affairs radio show on Radio Boise hosted by School of Public Service faculty at Boise State University. Learn more: https://www.boisestate.edu/sps/big-tent-radio/…
In observation of the Juneteenth federal holiday, we're re-airing "Race and the Gem State," an Idaho Reports special produced in June 2020 as communities across the nation protested against racism and police brutality following the death of George Floyd. The episode discusses the role of protests and vigils in effecting change, as well as the history of anti-black racism in Idaho.…
The Idaho Republican Party 2024 Convention is underway in Coeur d'Alene where delegates will consider resolutions, platform updates and rule changes. Associate producer Logan Finney spoke with Mary Souza and Dorothy Moon, the two candidates for party chair, about their motivation to run and their visions for the party.…
Joining the podcast this week is Alex Adams, the new director of the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. He has served for the past five years as budget director for Gov. Brad Little, and now he takes the helm at one of the largest – and most expensive – state agencies. Associate producer Logan Finney discusses Adams’s first week on the job, his actions to streamline adoption and foster care placements, and the relationship between the Legislature and IDHW moving forward.…
The results from Idaho's spring primary are official. The Idaho Board of Canvassers — made up of the Secretary of State, State Controller and State Treasurer — met Wednesday in Idaho Falls to certify the results of the May 21st primary election and review post-election audit findings. Several four-person auditor teams from the Secretary of State's Office spent the week ahead of the state canvass conducting precinct-level audits of specific races in several counties. Idaho Reports observed part of the Valley County audit on Monday at the courthouse in Cascade. View the photos: https://blog.idahoreports.idahoptv.org/2024/06/06/election-results-finalized-no-major-audit-findings/ More from Idaho Capital Sun: https://idahocapitalsun.com/2024/06/05/idaho-election-officials-certify-may-primary-election-results/…
In the final episode of our 52nd season, Senate President Pro Tem Chuck Winder reflects on 16 years in office after losing his primary election last week. Kevin Richert of Idaho Education News gets us up to speed on what’s next in the attempted University of Phoenix acquisition. Plus, we take a look at youth assessment centers and the work they do to prevent minors from ending up in the justice system.…
About 24 percent of registered Idaho voters cast a ballot on Tuesday with the majority participating in the Republican primary. Senate President Pro Tempore Chuck Winder was one of 15 incumbents to lose their race this election. We discuss the results with Rep. Wendy Horman, winner of one of the most closely watched races. We also examine the implications for future public policy with Sen. Lori Den Hartog, Kelley Packer of the Association of Idaho Cities and Kevin Richert of Idaho Education News.…
The primary election is just four days away. This week, Idaho Secretary of State Phil McGrane talks about campaign finance enforcement and the lead-up to Tuesday’s primary elections for state legislature and local offices. Then, Ball Ventures Ahlquist CEO Dr. Tommy Ahlquist and Unite America campaigns advisor Amos Rothstein join the pundits table to discuss competitive precinct races and campaign spending.…
As demand for rental water is increasing in certain parts of the state, the Idaho Water Resource Board is looking for more surplus water rights to lease as part of its voluntary water exchange. Mary Condon, program manager for the Idaho Water Supply Bank, joins associate producer Logan Finney to discuss the need.…
This week, Lt. Gov. Scott Bedke joins Idaho Reports to discuss upcoming legislative primaries and what he’s hearing from voters, and Shannon McGuire of Spark Strategic Solutions shares findings from a new report about community support for mothers in Idaho.
This week is Children’s Mental Health Acceptance Week. Producer Ruth Brown spoke with Brenda Willson, executive director of FYIdaho, about the range of mental health resources available for parents and children in Idaho.
Power struggles between the legislative and executive branches are nothing new, but this year, those fights are starting to have real impacts on the state’s operations. Kevin Richert of Idaho Education News and Dr. Jaclyn Kettler of Boise State University discuss the results of the session for Gov. Brad Little, the upcoming primary elections, and more.…
Idaho legislators have looked for several years at modifying the process by which cities can annex land and expand their boundaries. Associate producer Logan Finney sits down with Kelly Packer, executive director of the Association of Idaho Cities, to discuss the changes signed into law this year and why she thinks they will cause issues down the road.…
The national spotlight is centered on whether Idaho’s abortion ban conflicts with federal law. Senate Minority Leader Melissa Wintrow shares her view on the oral arguments before the U.S. Supreme Court. Then, Attorney General Raúl Labrador gives his take on how the hearing went. Plus, Division of Financial Management administrator Alex Adams discusses how budgeting issues at Vocational Rehabilitation could affect clients.…
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Idaho Reports
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The U.S. Supreme Court last week allowed an Idaho state law to take effect that bans gender-affirming care for transgender minors while litigation over the law moves through the courts. Associate producer Logan Finney sits down with Dr. Marvin Alviso, a family medicine doctor in Boise who offers gender-affirming care for adolescents and kids, to discuss what that medical care looks like and how the landscape is changing now that the law is in effect.…
This week, Dr. Marlene Tromp from Boise State University discusses the future of higher education in Idaho amid discourse about student loan debt and workforce readiness. Plus, McKay Cunningham from the College of Idaho discusses arguments coming up before the U.S. Supreme Court regarding whether the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act, or EMTALA, overrules Idaho's state abortion ban.…
Next week the U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral arguments on whether the federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act, or EMTALA, conflicts with Idaho's state law that bans all abortion except to save the life of the mother, or in cases of rape and incest. Constitutional law professor McKay Cunningham from the College of Idaho joined Melissa Davlin on Thursday to preview the arguments the nation expects to hear in court on Wednesday.…
Lawmakers gaveled out for the year, but Medicaid uncertainty may bring a special session. This week, Logan Finney sits down with Reps. Ned Burns and Brent Crane to discuss the library bill that became law. Kevin Richert gives us a run-down of education highlights. Finally, Senate President Pro Tem Chuck Winder discusses the end of the session, including whether a Medicaid bill will cause disruption of services to Idahoans with disabilities and bring lawmakers back to the statehouse.…
Legislative committees in Idaho often meet less than twelve hours after an agenda is posted. They also leave the details about how to accept public testimony up to each individual chairman. Jason Mercier, vice president and director of research at Mountain States Policy Center, joined associate producer Logan Finney to discuss some possible transparency reforms that could help Idahoans access their part-time citizen legislature.…
Lawmakers set the final state budgets this week – or did they? The showdown over the transportation budget is finally ended, and long-anticipated bills await the governor’s signature or veto. Melissa Davlin sits down with lawmakers investigating a possible budget shortfall at the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. Then, Dr. Jaclyn Kettler from Boise State University and reporter James Dawson from Boise State Public Radio discuss the lead up to adjournment.…
Like many election years, there have been a lot of social issues up for debate in the 2024 legislative session. However, lawmakers seem increasingly ready to pass legislation that they know will end up being decided somewhere down the line in court. Associate producer Logan Finney sat down this week with ACLU of Idaho legislative strategist Amy Dundon to discuss reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ and gender issues, and balancing our conflicting rights as enshrined in the constitution.…
This week, Dr. Jim Souza, Dr. Megan Kasper, and Idaho Medical Association CEO Susie Keller talk about the effects of Idaho’s abortion ban on physician recruitment and patient care after the Senate and House Health and Welfare Committees canceled a hearing on the topic. Then, Kevin Richert of Idaho Education News and James Dawson of Boise State Public Radio bring you the latest from the statehouse.…
The Idaho Transportation Department headquarters used to be situated on a 44-acre property at the edge of downtown Boise. The state has been working for several years to sell the land. Associate producer Logan Finney sits down with BoiseDev senior reporter Margaret Carmel to dig into the history of the site and the possible consequences of lawmakers interrupting the deal. Read more here: https://boisedev.com/project/idaho-transportation-dept-campus-redevelopment/…
As we’re nearing the end of the legislative session, contentious debates are filling the days. How might these floor votes affect the upcoming legislative primary season? This week, former Gov. Butch Otter, Kevin Richert of Idaho Education News, and Dr. Stephanie Witt of Boise State University join the pundits to discuss the late-session legislative dealings and upcoming primary races to watch.…
Senate Minority Leader Melissa Wintrow joins associate producer Logan Finney to discuss a bill she has been working for years to pass, SB 1234, which increases the amount of contraceptives that Idaho women can pick up in a single pharmacy visit to six months. Gov. Brad Little signed the bill and it takes effect on July 1, 2024.…
Lawmakers have debated for several years over adjustments to how the state should fill judicial vacancies when judges retire. A bill introduced in the House this week on judicial retirements is also tied to pay raises for judges. Producer Ruth Brown spoke with Idaho Supreme Court Chief Justice G. Richard Bevan on Thursday about his concerns with the bill and its potential impact on the court system.…
It’s no secret that Idaho Republicans have been fighting amongst themselves for years. This week, Rep. Stephanie Mickelsen discusses her recent censure from her legislative district central committee, and Idaho Republican Party chairwoman Dorothy Moon gives her take on the presidential caucus, recent election bills and divisions within the party. Plus, Ruth Brown talks to Idaho Supreme Court Chief Justice Richard Bevan on how a judicial salary bill could affect court administration.…
Senate Assistant Majority Leader Abby Lee joins producer Ruth Brown to discuss issues with the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare’s foster care system, efforts over her legislative career to address them, and a pair of bills she's co-sponsoring this year to limit temporary placement of foster kids and to create an independent ombudsman office. Read more here: https://blog.idahoreports.idahoptv.org/2024/02/28/two-bills-introduced-on-potential-foster-care-system-changes/ https://blog.idahoreports.idahoptv.org/2024/02/23/oversight-committee-raises-child-welfare-concerns/…
The Idaho Republican Party Presidential Caucus drew just 7 percent of registered Republicans to the polls last Saturday, but didn’t draw any presidential candidates to Idaho to campaign. Where does the party go next? Reps. Dustin Manwaring and Lauren Necochea join Dr. Jaclyn Kettler of Boise State University to discuss the presidential caucus and what lawmakers have left to do before adjournment.…
Idaho’s judicial branch this year is requesting general funds for its IT staff and services, and to complete the court’s transition to a cloud-based technology system. For the last ten years, the state has largely funded court technology by imposing fees on the people who use the justice system. Associate producer Logan Finney spoke to Lisa Foster of the Fines and Fees Justice Center this week about the problems with the current fee-based set-up.…
Former President Donald Trump easily won the Idaho Republican presidential caucus over the weekend and will receive all of Idaho’s 32 delegates to the Republican presidential nominating convention. Associate producer Logan Finney sat down Monday with political scientist Josh Putnam to go over the results, what they mean for the rest of the contest as we head into Super Tuesday, and how much influence Idaho has over the presidential nomination process.…
The revenue that the Idaho Supreme Court generates from court fees has been in decline over the past several years. But at the same time, the costs to run its technology systems have increased. Sara Omundson, administrative director of courts, sat down with Logan Finney on Thursday to discuss the cybersecurity threats facing the state court system, and what they’re doing to address them.…
On Wednesday, the Idaho Department of Correction called off the execution of Thomas Creech, after nearly an hour of attempting to establish an IV line to administer the necessary lethal injection chemicals. Lead producer and host Melissa Davlin spoke the next day with media witnesses Scott McIntosh of the Idaho Statesman and Roland Beres of KIVI Channel 6 about what they saw, and what the state might do next.…
The Idaho Department of Correction halted the execution of Thomas Creech after failing to set an IV line. Witnesses Scott McIntosh of the Idaho Statesman and Roland Beres of KIVI share what they saw. Administrative director of courts Sara Omundson discusses cybersecurity funding. Kevin Richert of Idaho Education News brings us the latest reactions to the proposed University of Phoenix acquisition.…
On Wednesday, the Idaho Department of Correction called off the execution of Thomas Creech, after nearly an hour of attempting to establish an IV line to administer the necessary lethal injection chemicals. According to IDOC director Josh Tewalt, the medical team tried to set up an IV line in eight different locations on Creech’s body, including his arms, hands, and legs, before calling off the procedure.…
Associate producer Logan Finney sat down this week with Idaho Superintendent of Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield to discuss the status of the education budget, as well as policy bills on libraries and bullying.
This week, McKay Cunningham from the College of Idaho discusses potential issues with an effort to add a balanced budget amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Then, Kevin Richert of Idaho Education News, Dr. Stephanie Witt of Boise State University, and former Attorney General and Supreme Court Justice Jim Jones join the pundits to review the week that was, and to remember our late friend Dr. Jim Weatherby.…
Beginning last legislative session, Idaho began a massive undertaking to shift from its unconstitutional county-based public defense system to a state-based system. Idaho Association of Counties executive director Seth Grigg sat down with Ruth Brown this week to discuss the final details being ironed out as the October 1 changeover date approaches, including funding for child protective service cases and employee benefits for the public defenders who will soon start working for the state.…
After last week’s House leadership shake-up, Republicans have chosen a new majority leader. How much might that impact pending legislation that hits the floor? This week, Rep. Jason Monks discusses his role as the newly elected House Majority Leader, as well as complex school facility legislation he is co-sponsoring. Then, Kevin Richert of Idaho Education News and Dr. Jaclyn Kettler of Boise State University give us their insights on the week, including the threat of a lawsuit from the Legislature over the proposed University of Phoenix purchase.…
House Bill 494 would rewrite Idaho's human trafficking laws to make them more victim-centered and hopefully give law enforcement more tools to investigate and prosecute trafficking cases that they find in relation to other crimes. Bill sponsor Rep. Jaron Crane, R-Nampa, joined producer Ruth Brown this week to discuss the legislation and who is supporting it.…
This week, Rep. Megan Blanksma joins us to discuss a historic vote to remove her as House Majority Leader, and what she thinks led up to it. Then, House Appropriations chair Rep. Wendy Horman gives some insights into the behind-the-scenes budget fights that became public over the last few days, and Minority Leader Ilana Rubel shares her thoughts on how the dysfunction might affect the rest of the session.…
The legislature’s budget committee made some big changes to how they appropriate your taxpayer dollars, but on Friday, they reconsidered some budgets that had already passed. Producer Ruth Brown discusses an update on a pending execution and new death penalty legislation, and Kevin Richert of Idaho Education News gives us an update on the open meeting lawsuit against the State Board of Education.…
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Idaho Reports
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Idaho Secretary of State Phil McGrane joins associate producer Logan Finney this week to discuss legal action headed before the U.S. Supreme Court over whether former President Donald Trump is eligible to appear on the ballot in 2024. They also discuss McGrane's priorities for the new legislative session, and a letter he and Attorney General Raúl Labrador issued to statehouse lobbyists regarding bribes and threats to elected officials.…
It's the third week of the session, and lawmakers are already addressing big concerns like fentanyl trafficking and guns on campus. Kevin Richert of Idaho Education News gives us an update on the open meeting lawsuit over the University of Idaho’s acquisition of the University of Phoenix. Then, Senate Majority Leader Kelly Anthon discusses changes to the budget process and the session so far.…
Idaho lawmakers are once again pushing to add fentanyl to the state's list of illegal substances that carry mandatory minimum prison sentences for drug trafficking. The same committee that blocked the bill last year advanced the bill to the House after three hours of testimony on Friday and another two hours of deliberation on Tuesday. Associate producer Logan Finney sat down with Sen. Todd Lakey, R-Nampa, to dive into the details of the bill and predict its path forward this legislative session.…
No matter where you are in Idaho, you likely got hit by winter storms this week. But how did that affect the snowpack? Water Supply Committee chair David Hoekema discusses the statewide outlook. Then, Dr. Matthew May and Lantz McGinnis-Brown from Boise State University review results of this year’s public policy survey, and Kevin Richert of Idaho Education News reviews the week at the statehouse.…
Idaho Supreme Court Chief Justice G. Richard Bevan addressed lawmakers this week, speaking to the judicial branch's relationship to the legislature and the rule of law. He also highlighted the court system's budget needs for the year, including improved technology support and judicial salaries. Bevan's full comments are available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7rwlN6lLl8c…
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Idaho Reports
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While touting his own proposals this week, Gov. Little had some harsh words for the federal government and its $34 trillion dollar debt. Concerns about spending in Washington aren’t new. Former US Sen. Larry Craig has been promoting a balanced budget amendment since the Reagan administration. And on Thursday, Mick Mulvaney came to Boise to meet with legislative leaders to pitch the amendment. Mulvaney served as both Director of the Office of Management and Budget and chief of staff under President Donald Trump. Both joined Melissa Davlin to discuss the proposal.…
There’s already plenty to talk about – including a push for a federal balanced budget. This week, we get reactions to Gov. Brad Little’s state of the state and proposed budget. Mick Mulvaney, former chief of staff to President Donald Trump, and former US Sen. Larry Craig discuss a proposed federal constitutional amendment that would require Congress to pass a balanced budget. Then, Dr. Jaclyn Kettler from Boise State University's School of Public Service gives her take on the first few days of the legislative session.…
Gov. Brad Little delivered his 2024 State of the State Address on Jan. 8, the first day of the legislative session. The speech focused on budget priorities for the upcoming session, including fully funding Idaho Launch and an ambitious proposal to help fund local school buildings.
Kevin Richert from Idaho Education News, political science professor Stephanie Witt from Boise State University, and administrator Alex Adams from the Division of Financial Management provide commentary after Gov. Brad Little's 2024 State of the State address.
Associate producer Logan Finney examines the implications of not fully funding jail facilities. Caribou County Sheriff Adam Mabey, Fremont County Sheriff Len Humphries, Payette County Sheriff Andy Creech, and jail inspector Ben Wolfinger from the Idaho Sheriffs Association discuss the state of Idaho's aging county jails, how being a recreation destination plays into the issue, and a policy pitch that would help counties to pay for jail construction.…
The session is just around the corner, and the press got a sneak peek at the priorities. This week, Gov. Brad Little and lawmakers give us a preview of the upcoming legislative session. Associate producer Logan Finney discusses issues with jail facilities across the state with members of the Idaho Sheriffs Association. Finally, House Majority Leader Rep. Megan Blanksma joins us to discuss proposals on maternal health and Idaho Launch.…
Association of Idaho Cities executive director Kelley Packer joins Ruth Brown to discuss the upcoming 2024 legislative session, as well as some of the bills in the works relating to property tax budgets, city annexation, and water rights.
Three Republican women - former state Rep. Kelley Packer, former state Rep. and Senate candidate Laurie Lickley, and former Senate candidate Tara Malek - in December founded the Idaho Contraceptive Education Network. The group's goal is to educate Idahoans about contraception and how it is different from abortion.…
In the lead-up to the 2022 election, Raul Labrador campaigned on the promise that he would be more aggressive in defending state sovereignty. After nearly a year in office, we checked in with him about his challenges to state agencies, ongoing abortion litigation, and his approach to his job as Idaho’s chief legal officer.…
It’s been nearly a year since Idaho’s new constitutional officers were sworn in, including Attorney General Raúl Labrador, the state’s first new attorney general in more than two decades. We visited Labrador at his capitol office this week to discuss his first year as Idaho's chief legal officer, his outlook on the job, and the high-profile cases his office is currently litigating.…
Idaho is unique in many ways, but it unfortunately stands out in one policy area. It's the only state that still uses its prison system to house certain mental health patients — those whose condition a court has deemed "dangerously mentally ill" — even though they have committed no crime. ProPublica reporter Audrey Dutton joins Logan Finney this week to discuss this particular prison unit, the civil rights concerns that accompany it, and how debates over the practice stretch back decades at the Idaho statehouse. Read Audrey's reporting: https://www.propublica.org/article/idaho-keeps-some-psychiatric-patients-in-prison-ignoring-decades-of-warnings-about-the-practice…
A new report outlines a rise in infant and maternal mortality. What can be done to help? This week, Ivy Smith from Idaho Voices For Children discusses Idaho’s rising infant and maternal mortality rates, as well as policy recommendations to address that trend. Then, Jason Mercier of the Mountain States Policy Center explains his organization’s proposals to improve government transparency ahead of the next legislative session.…
The Snake River has been in the news a lot recently, but the recent detection of quagga mussels is not the only ecological issue facing the mighty river. Scientists with the U.S. Geological Survey released a study this week that takes a look at how the habitat conditions behind dams affect the level of mercury found in smallmouth bass. Research ecologist Colin Eagles-Smith joins Logan Finney this week to talk through the findings. Read more here: https://www.usgs.gov/news/state-news-release/smallmouth-bass-mercury-levels-linked-habitat-types-along-snake-river/…
The Greater Idaho movement would shift the Idaho-Oregon border to the west and merge conservative eastern Oregon with the Gem State. It’s a long shot — but what’s at the root of the proposal? This week, we explore the origins of the rural-urban divide. Then, Stephanie Witt and Jaclyn Kettler of Boise State University discuss how growing American political polarization fuels the conversation.…
The next legislative session in January 2024 is just over a month away – and policymakers are already hard at work, pitching bills and taking stock of this year's historic property tax relief package. This week, associate producer Logan Finney brings you to the annual Associated Taxpayers of Idaho conference in downtown Boise.…
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Idaho Reports
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Break: Happy Thanksgiving! by Idaho Public Television
There are two major factors that determine the cost of living: How much things cost, and how much people earn. This week, associate producer Logan Finney explores how the state’s Workforce Housing Fund contributes to solving the affordable housing puzzle. Then, president Gordon Jones from the College of Western Idaho discusses a new four-year degree proposal at the community college.…
Communities all over the state are grappling with housing affordability, but the sheer variety of programs that are available to support it can be overwhelming. Marketing and communications director Jason Lantz from the Idaho Housing and Finance Association sits down with associate producer Logan Finney this week to discuss how IHFA supports affordable homes for Idahoans in all walks of life.…
Tens of thousands of Idahoans who are elderly or have disabilities rely on direct care workers to live independently, but there’s a shortage of them. We take a look at the impact of that shortage, and what the state could do to help. We also follow lawmakers on a tour of the South Idaho Correctional Institution. Then, Kevin Richert from Idaho Education News discusses Tuesday’s election results.…
Ada County voters narrowly missed the 2/3 majority needed to pass a jail expansion bond in Tuesday's local election - but it's a familiar story for many counties across the state. Associate producer Logan Finney talks with jail administrator Capt. Doug Hughes from the Twin Falls Sheriff's Department about what a failed jail expansion bond means for an Idaho community.…
U.S. Attorney for Idaho Josh Hurwit and Idaho State Police Col. Kedrick Wills discuss the state and federal governments’ efforts to stop fentanyl trafficking and overdose deaths in Idaho. Plus, U.S. Sen. Jim Risch provides an update on efforts to stop the Lava Ridge Wind Project, and House Speaker Mike Moyle once again expresses frustration about the state’s new business management platform.…
The proposed Lava Ridge Wind Project in remote Jerome County would add hundreds of wind turbines to public land as part of President Biden's clean energy initiative. But the proposal faces fierce opposition from Magic Valley residents, county commissioners and the Idaho Legislature, with concerns ranging from land conservation to preserving the integrity and solemnity of the Minidoka Internment Camp National Historical Site. Idaho's U.S. Sen. Jim Risch joined Melissa Davlin to discuss those concerns and his efforts to stop the project.…
This week, in the first episode of Season 52, producer Ruth Brown travels to the Nez Perce and Coeur d’Alene reservations to explore the high rate of missing and murdered indigenous people. Then, Kevin Richert of Idaho Education News discusses upcoming school elections and the latest in the Attorney General’s lawsuit against the State Board of Education concerning the University of Idaho’s acquisition of University of Phoenix.…
Division of Financial Management administrator Alex Adams joins Logan Finney to discuss the latest round of state revenue numbers, and what they tell us about the current economic picture for Idaho.
Rising land prices in the growing regions of Idaho don't just affect the cost of housing — they also impact how much it costs for the Idaho Transportation Department to widen a highway. Senior reporter Margaret Carmel from BoiseDev joins Logan Finney to discuss her analysis of highway right-of-way prices and how it's affected local project planning at ITD. Read more: https://boisedev.com/news/2023/10/12/itd-land-prices/…
We still have an entire 2024 legislative session before the next Republican primary — but that hasn't stopped a pair of organizations from announcing their support for certain legislative candidates all across the state. Kevin Richert from Idaho Education News joins Logan Finney this week to break down the competing slates of candidates, as well as the significance of their endorsements and fundraising this far in advance of the next spring primary.…
Applications opened this week for Idaho Launch, the new state grant program for Idaho high school graduates to pursue training for certain in-demand careers. Workforce Development Council executive director Wendi Secrist joins Logan Finney to talk about the opportunity available to students, what constitutes an "in-demand" career, and just how much work it took since the end of the legislative session to get this program up and running. Visit http://nextsteps.idaho.gov for more information!…
The Idaho State Department of Agriculture announced last week the presence of invasive quagga mussel larvae in the Snake River near Twin Falls. Director Chanel Tewalt joins Logan Finney to discuss what this means for Idaho and the state's response plan. Find more information at http://www.idaho.gov/quagga…
Boise State University professor Dr. Laura King joins Ruth Brown to discuss a recent research study about the victimization of people with disabilities in Idaho. King and her team surveyed service providers and offered recommendations to improve accessibility and service provision for people with disabilities and for victims of crime, abuse, neglect or exploitation.…
Coeur d'Alene Press reporter Kaye Thornbrugh joins producer Ruth Brown this week to discuss the ongoing dispute between the board of trustees and the president at North Idaho College, and where the situation sits against the backdrop of NIC's current accreditation review.
The Idaho Department of Labor had a lot of unanswered questions about labor trends and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic - so they surveyed businesses across the state to ask them. Department of Labor regional economist Matthew Paskash joined Logan Finney this week to talk about the first annual Business Climate Survey and its findings.…
Patrons of the West Bonner County School District turned out en masse this Tuesday and voted to recall two members of the school board after months of tension in the district. Kevin Richert from Idaho Education News joins Logan Finney to break down the results and what they mean.
America's mutton consumption has increased over the past decade, and the sheep that provide that meat also provide wool and graze the rangelands of the West. However, since the U.S. joined the North American Free Trade Agreement in the 90s, domestic lamb and mutton production has declined 60% while imports have increased over 500% in the same time period. Idaho sheep ranchers Frank Shirts and Henry Etcheverry spoke with members of the media about the issue earlier this week in the Boise Foothills, calling attention to the importance of the industry and the economic threats they currently face.…
This week, Idaho Capital Sun reporter Kyle Pfannenstiel talks with producer Ruth Brown about a new residential facility that the Idaho Youth Ranch plans to open. It's the first in-state care residential facility for children with psychiatric needs. You’ll also hear from an interview with Idaho Youth Ranch CEO Scott Curtis from 2022, talking about plans for the residential facility.…
This week, we're bringing you a snapshot of the water supply in Idaho from the Governor's Water Summit, where water users and policy makers gathered at the state capitol to discuss water issues. Idaho Department of Water Resources technical hydrologist David Hoekema gave an overview of surface water and drought conditions, and hydrologist Dennis Owsley gave a snapshot of the groundwater in the different aquifers across the state.…
The growing needs of Idaho’s criminal justice system have concerned policymakers and legislators in recent years. But criminal justice is about more than just bed space. Lauren Bailey and Mackenzie Moss, analysists with the Idaho Legislature’s Office of Performance Evaluations, join Logan Finney to discuss the process of returning to the community when one exits the state’s criminal justice system.…
The West Bonner School District has been rocked by controversy and contentious board meetings after trustees named a new superintendent last month. Since the hiring of Branden Durst, a former Democratic state lawmaker and Republican candidate for Superintendent of Public Instruction, some patrons have even gotten a recall election on the ballot for two trustees. Kevin Richert of Idaho Education News joins Logan Finney this week to break down the story, as well as what it reveals about finding qualified staff to work in rural school districts.…
State and provincial leaders from the northwestern U.S. and Canada gathered in Boise this week for the annual summit of PNWER, the Pacific Northwest Economic Region. Bruce Agnew, director of the Regional Infrastructure Accelerator at the organization, sat down with Logan Finney this week at the conference to talk about the future of transportation infrastructure in the northwest region.…
Earlier this week, ACLU of Idaho released a report detailing findings after an investigation into allegations of racism against Latino students in some of Idaho’s school districts. On this week’s Idaho Reports podcast, ACLU of Idaho’s Legal Fellow Erica Rodarte Costa joins to discuss the report’s findings and recommendations. View the report: https://www.acluidaho.org/en/campaigns/education-equity-latinx-students-idaho Idaho Reports reached out to the Nampa and Caldwell school districts for a response, which is included here on our website: https://blog.idahoreports.idahoptv.org/2023/07/13/idaho-reports-podcast-erica-rodarte-costa-aclu-discusses-allegations-of-racism-in-school-dress-codes/…
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Idaho Reports
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Break: Happy July 4th! by Idaho Public Television
Our state is a destination for summer recreation and holiday celebrations. Ahead of July 4th weekend, Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris issued an advisory reminding out-of-state visitors that they can (and will) face consequences for possession of controlled substances. "This isn't Spokane," Norris told Idaho Reports. "You're not going to get a pamphlet on where to get help. You're likely to go to jail." However, the sheriff's public service announcement also included a note for Idaho lawmakers: a call to give counties local option taxing authority to fund public safety operations rather than relying solely on property taxes.…
Daniel Strawn, professor of environmental soil chemistry from the University of Idaho, joins Logan Finney to discuss his research in using biochar to capture nutrients from wastewater and distribute them back into the soil. They also discuss a paper he recently published in collaboration with the Canadian Light Source and the University of Saskatchewan that showed how the biochar and particular minerals interacted, allowing them to refine the process.…
An Idaho man was arrested last Friday after early morning reports of gunshots fired at power substations at the the Hells Canyon and Brownlee dams. We examine Idaho's energy grid resilience with Will Hart from the Idaho Consumer Owned Utilities Association and Richard Stover from the Governor's Office of Energy and Mineral Resources. Read more about the incident from the Idaho Statesman: https://www.idahostatesman.com/news/local/crime/article276338786.html…
It's the first full week of June, which means hot summer weather is just around the corner. Idaho Water Users Association executive director Paul Arrington talks with Logan Finney about staying safe when looking for a place to swim this summer by staying away from irrigation canals.
The state of Idaho is poised to spend roughly $2 million annually on opioid abatement and mitigation following a nationwide settlement with pharmaceutical manufacturers and distributors, in addition to payouts to local governments. The Idaho Behavioral Health Council this month is asking the public to submit comments about how the money could best be used to support opioid mitigation in their community, which will inform how the funds will be spent next legislative session.…
This week, Canyon County Sheriff Kieran Donahue joins us to discuss challenges sheriffs are facing in recruiting and retaining deputies, and how that affects public safety. Then, Sen. Ben Adams, Rep. Julie Yamamoto, and House Minority Leader Ilana Rubel join Idaho Reports to discuss what lawmakers are working on in coming months.…
Idaho Business for Education president Rod Gramer sat down with associate producer Logan Finney to discuss the state of education in Idaho, including legislative investments like the expanded Idaho Launch program and outstanding needs like stable funding for school facilities. Age of Agility: The Governor's Summit on the Future of Work (2023): https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvDo4LDXnoaCTvx5aZTif04-M0t7rDf3D…
This week, Shane Leach from the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare gives an update on how many people the state has removed from Medicaid rolls since the COVID-19 public health emergency. Then, Kevin Richert of Idaho Education News discusses a surprise move by the University of Idaho to acquire the University of Phoenix, plus the results of this week’s school bond and levy elections.…
The debate over whether libraries or parents should be responsible for what children read has not been limited to the statehouse. It's made it into local library trustee elections, with many races on the ballot place this Tuesday across Idaho. Mike Weland, publisher of 9B News, joined Logan Finney this week to break down the library district election in Boundary County and what it can tell us about the debate over library materials across the rest of the state. WATCH: Idaho Reports | Libraries and Liability | April 7, 2023 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wDKappqWQQM Posts from 9B News - - - - An awful, liberal library ... caught again: https://9b.news/news/2023/04/28library.htm Meet three of four library board candidates: https://9b.news/news/2023/04/03library.htm Unofficial final results in, incumbents stay: https://9b.news/news/2023/05/16election2.htm…
This week, Sen. Lori Den Hartog and Rep. Wendy Horman discuss historic state investments in education, and some possible changes they may propose next legislative session to the complex public school funding formula. Then, Sen. Rick Just discusses what lawmakers did this year to address the maintenance backlog at Idaho’s state parks.…
Reclaim Idaho has gathered a new coalition behind a ballot initiative that would institute open primary elections and instant runoff general elections in Idaho. Markie McBrayer from the University of Idaho Department of Politics and Philosophy joins Logan Finney this week to explain instant runoff elections, or ranked choice voting, and what political scientists know so far about how the process works. Read transcript here: https://blog.idahoreports.idahoptv.org/2023/05/10/podcast-episode-rewriting-election-rules/ More about RCV from University of Illinois Springfield: https://blogs.uofi.uis.edu/view/8598/1650413886…
Last week, Idaho Reports was invited to interview Gov. Brad Little at his home and ranch in Emmett. In part two of our two-part interview, Gov. Little shared his thoughts on education initiatives the legislature passed this year, the state's economic prospects, and whether he plans to run for a third term as governor.…
Last week, Idaho Reports was invited to interview Gov. Brad Little at his home and ranch in Emmett. In part one of our two-part interview, Gov. Little shared his thoughts on Medicaid, ongoing discussions about Idaho’s abortion ban, the vetoed library bill, and the property tax compromise.
This week, we sit down with Gov. Brad Little for the second part of a two-part interview discussing his views on the 2023 legislative session, as well as what the coming years may bring. Plus, a voter initiative has been filed that may change the way Idaho holds elections.
St. Luke's Health System chief physician executive Dr. Jim Souza and maternal fetal medicine physician Dr. Lauren Miller join Ruth Brown to talk about issues around recent abortion-related legislation and legal opinions the state issued this year.
We’ve heard the lawmakers’ takes on this year’s legislative session. Now it’s the governor’s turn to weigh in. Idaho Reports was invited to interview Gov. Brad Little at his home and ranch in Emmett and talk about the legislative session. "I always reflect back on my State of the State and what we talked about," Little told host Melissa Davlin. "My education initiative, my Launch initiative, our infrastructure initiative - all of those things were done, most of them with very little deviation from what I proposed, so I was pleased."…
Katie Sanders, the managing editor of PolitiFact, was in Idaho earlier this year as the keynote speaker for the University of Idaho's annual Oppenheimer Ethics Symposium. She joined Idaho Reports host Melissa Davlin at KUID in Moscow for a conversation on misinformation, conspiracy theories, and editorial judgement in media.…
Snow and rain has relieved recent drought, but likely won’t ease the upcoming fire season. This week, University of Idaho professor Garth Taylor joins Melissa Davlin to discuss this year in Idaho agriculture. Then, Lieutenant Governor Scott Bedke talks about water and education issues, as well as his new role in this year’s legislative session. Plus, federal officials visit Idaho to announce investments in conservation partnerships and preview the upcoming fire season.…
This past fiscal year, just like for everyone else, expenses rose for Idaho agriculture, up 20 percent. But good news: the industry saw even higher cash receipts and total revenues, with cash receipts up 28 percent, a record 11 billion dollars. University of Idaho associate professor Garth Taylor from the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences joined Melissa Davlin in March at KUID in Moscow to discuss water trends, the effects of the war in Ukraine, and how this year treated Idaho agriculture.…
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Idaho Reports
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U.S. Fire Administration head Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell and principals of America’s national fire service organizations traveled to the National Interagency Fire Center in Boise, ID as part of a western tour acknowledging America’s fire problem. During the visit, Idaho Reports producer Ruth Brown sat down with Moore-Merrell to discuss her agency's work and what can be done to reduce fire risk and implement resilient communities. "We can't just look at last year, we have to look at the last five years. In the last five years, we have burned 68% more acreage than we did in the last three decades," Moore-Merrell told Idaho Reports. "That's the important part. Look longer term, understand this beautiful precipitation today will not get us out of the woods."…
National news has focused recently on federal court action regarding mifeprisone, a medication that can be used to facilitate abortion in early pregnancies. Reproductive rights reporter Kelcie Moseley-Morris from States Newsroom joins Logan Finney this week to lay out the arguments in the cases, as well as how Idaho and our neighboring states are involved. Articles referenced in this episode: "In Washington, FDA lawsuit is part of larger strategy to preserve abortion access" by Kelcie Moseley-Morris https://idahocapitalsun.com/2023/04/17/in-washington-fda-lawsuit-is-part-of-larger-strategy-to-preserve-abortion-access/ "How to make a state abortion ban go national" by Sophia Resnick https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/how-make-state-abortion-ban-go-national "DOJ warns Supreme Court of ‘significant chaos’ in health care if abortion pill rulings stand" by Jennifer Shutt https://idahocapitalsun.com/2023/04/14/doj-warns-supreme-court-of-significant-chaos-in-health-care-if-abortion-pill-rulings-stand/ "Planned Parenthood Northwest sues Idaho AG over abortion-related legal opinion" by Kelcie Moseley-Morris https://idahocapitalsun.com/2023/04/05/planned-parenthood-northwest-sues-idaho-ag-over-abortion-related-legal-opinion/…
In March, lead producer Melissa Davlin sat down with Bob Collier from the University of Idaho’s Department of Animal, Veterinary and Food Sciences to discuss the state of veterinary medicine in Idaho, how our needs reflect the national trends, and what can be done to address the issue.
Election security and voter integrity have been at the top of lawmakers’ minds for several years now, and this session was no different. Secretary of State Phil McGrane joins Logan Finney to review which voting changes passed and which failed, and what voters need to know the next time they head to the polls. Plus, Bob Collier from the University of Idaho joins Melissa Davlin to discuss the state of veterinary medicine in Idaho.…
Melissa Davlin sat down in late March with the University of Idaho’s Markie McBrayer at KUID in Moscow to discuss the history of morality politics, as well as laws that use civilians to enforce policy in civil court.
The legislature has adjourned for the year, but not before failing to override a veto on a controversial bill concerning content in libraries. But that isn’t the end of the conversation around materials deemed “harmful to minors” or obscene. This week, we take a look at the months-long debates over collection policies in Idaho libraries, and what more, if anything, those libraries should do to prevent minors from checking out potentially obscene materials. Markie McBrayer from University of Idaho’s Department of Politics and Philosophy joins us to discuss the history of morality politics and civil enforcement mechanisms in law. Finally, Katie Ball from the University of Idaho’s College of Law, Rep. Brent Crane, and Meridian Library board trustee Jeff Kohler discuss civil enforcement, as well as what we may see in coming months in the library debate.…
The state of Idaho has become a thriving place for surrogacy, largely due to the fact that it did not have any laws governing the practice and allowed the industry to operate without any regulation. Last week, Gov. Brad Little signed a bill by Rep. Brooke Green, D-Boise, Rep. Dori Healey, R-Boise, and Rep. Bruce Skaug, R-Nampa, which sets out legal processes and recognition of parental rights under gestational carrier agreements for the first time in state law. Green and Nicole Williamson from surrogacy agency A Host of Possibilities joined Logan Finney to talk about the new law and its practical impacts for intending parents and gestational carriers moving forward. Learn more about surrogacy and the PBS documentary "Made in Boise" in this episode of Dialogue, also featuring Williamson: https://video.idahoptv.org/video/made-in-boise-ynhhag/ Read more coverage of HB 264 from the Idaho Capital Sun: https://idahocapitalsun.com/2023/03/02/idaho-is-a-surrogacy-hub-a-new-bill-would-set-legal-best-practices-for-the-first-time/…
This week, lawmakers wrapped up their remaining work at the capitol and recessed to allow for any remaining vetoes. Dr. Jaclyn Kettler and Dr. Stephanie Witt from Boise State University’s School of Public Service and Kevin Richert from Idaho Education News join the pundits to discuss the politics of the week and the closing days of the legislative session.…
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Idaho Reports
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Gov. Brad Little issued a surprising veto on Monday, rejecting the property tax bill that lawmakers have been working on all session. Specifically, Little pointed to how the bill would have changed the way Idaho handles its sales tax revenue, potentially jeopardizing millions of dollars in transportation bonding. It's a highly technical concern, so Margaret Carmel of BoiseDev joins Logan Finney to spell out how transportation funding got in the way of property tax relief.…
On Tuesday morning, the Idaho State Board of Land Commissioners approved $6 million for a Minidoka County property and $17.2 million for construction costs for the University of Idaho's Center for Agriculture, Food and the Environment. The planned facility would be the largest research dairy in the United States. Mark McGuire, Director of the Idaho Agricultural Experiment Station & Associate Dean of Research at the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, joins the podcast this week to discuss the landmark step in the decades-long CAFE project.…
For the past several days the air quality in Idaho has been deemed “seriously unhealthy,” “unhealthy” or “unhealthy for sensitive groups” across the state. The EPA issued “hazardous” air warnings for some areas. Some Idaho high schools canceled outdoor sporting events due to poor air quality. Mike Toole from the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality joins Melissa Davlin on the podcast this week to discuss the air quality index, seasonal wildfire smoke, and the impacts of unhealthy air quality. The DEQ has an interactive map of Idaho’s air quality at airquality.deq.idaho.gov on its website. The information is also available at the airnow.gov website or through the AirNow app.…
Last Thursday, the Idaho Legislature convened in a one-day special session to pass a wide-ranging bill with $500 million in one-time tax rebates, $150 million in ongoing tax cuts, and more than $400 million in ongoing education spending. Miguel Legarreta, president of the Associated Taxpayers of Idaho, joins the podcast this week to breaks down the tax components of the bill. Then Kelley Packer, executive director of the Association of Idaho Cities, explains how the education component may affect sales tax distribution to local governments, and what her organization wishes the governor had proposed instead.…
$500 million in tax rebates, $150 million in ongoing tax cuts, and more than $400 million in ongoing education spending. It took just ten hours to pass a wide-ranging bill with a historic price tag attached, and while the overwhelming majority of lawmakers voted yes, we heard a lot of misgivings about the bill, and the process. We’ll break down how the changes affect you. Sen. Steven Thayn and Reps. Julie Yamamoto, Gayann Demordaunt and Sally Toone share their takes on the special session, then Kevin Richert of Idaho Education News joins us to break down the education components.…
Governor Brad Little has called the legislature back for a special session to be held on Sept. 1, 2022. Join us on Idaho Public Television at 8 p.m., Friday, September 2nd, for a half-hour Idaho Reports special on the session. Or go to idahoptv.org/idahoreports to watch it on demand after the broadcast.…
This week, Gov. Brad Little announced he is calling a special legislative session for September 1. The governor has proposed a wide-ranging piece of legislation that would provide record-setting tax cuts and investments in education. Alex Adams, the administrator for the Division of Financial Management, joins Melissa Davlin to discuss the proposal.…
Ruth Brown is joined this week by Betsy Russell of the Idaho Press to discuss drafting disputes surrounding the tax effects of an education proposition set to be on the November ballot. Read the full story here: https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/claims-unfounded-why-school-funding-initiative-wouldnt-have-higher-than-advertised-price-tag/article_19a1992d-ac3a-5c20-8c8b-b64b0b26708f.html…
Idaho Voices for Children director Christine Tiddens joins Melissa Davlin to talk about the new KIDS COUNT Data Book, an annual report that examines child wellbeing state-by-state in four indicator categories. This year's report shows that mental health challenges are still a struggle for Idaho youth, despite overall improvements over the past decade. View the full report here: https://www.aecf.org/resources/2022-kids-count-data-book…
Idaho Governor Brad Little joins Melissa Davlin for a web-exclusive episode of Idaho Reports. They discuss Idaho’s abortion trigger law, the state’s ongoing budget surplus, high gas prices, the primary election system, marriage equality, education, highway safety, and much more.
COVID-19 numbers are again creeping up in Idaho and across the country, with test positivity rates above 15% in many parts of the state. Public Information Officer Katherine Hoyer from the Panhandle Health District joins Melissa Davlin to discuss the current COVID-19 wave, how it's different than previous ones, and how hospitals are coping.…
Logan Finney is joined by Idaho National Laboratory Director John Wagner for a web-exclusive episode of Idaho Reports. They discuss INL's net-zero carbon emission goals, the lab's work in cyber security, and where nuclear power fits in global and regional energy policy.
Far-right gubernatorial candidate Ammon Bundy and his associate Diego Rodriguez did not appear in court Tuesday after failing to cooperate in a lawsuit filed by the state’s largest hospital system. Audrey Dutton of the Idaho Capital Sun joins Ruth Brown to discuss the origins of the case and the latest developments in court. St. Luke’s Health System and its providers filed a lawsuit against Bundy and Rodriguez in May stating he and his supporters made false claims against the hospital and led protests that resulted in a temporary lockdown at one facility. The lockdown resulted in ambulances being diverted to other hospitals. It also alleges the defendants disparaged St. Luke’s, its CEO Chris Roth and a St. Luke’s physician and nurse practitioner. Read more: https://blog.idahoreports.idahoptv.org/2022/07/12/defendants-are-no-shows-in-lawsuit-stemming-from-st-lukes-hospital-lockdown/…
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Idaho Reports
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We're taking a break from the podcast this week in observation of the 4th of July holiday. In the meantime, visit idahoptv.org/idahoreports for links to all our coverage and to sign up for our weekly email newsletter.
Long-term construction projects are nothing new to Idaho residents, especially those who drive mountain roads where road engineering is a bit more complex. And the risk of rock slides makes competent engineering all the more critical. Earlier this week, Margaret Carmel and Autumn Robertson of BoiseDev.com released the results of a six-month investigation into major rockslides at a construction site on Highway 55 near Smiths Ferry. Today, Margaret joins us to discuss their work.…
The Idaho Democratic Party held their annual state convention last weekend in downtown Boise. Rep. Colin Nash joins Melissa Davlin to discuss the convention, their newly adopted platform, and the health of the party.
When people think of politicians and elections, they're not usually thinking of a judge in a courtroom -- but the Idaho Constitution stipulates that judges shall be elected in the state. Jeff Brudie, interim executive director of the Idaho Judicial Council, joins Logan Finney this week to discuss the judicial elections that Idahoans will see on this year’s general election ballot, and the special considerations that judges face while campaigning that other candidates do not.…
Candidates for Idaho Superintendent of Public Instruction debate ahead of the November 8th general election. Debbie Critchfield and Terry Gilbert answer questions from Kevin Richert of Idaho Education News and James Dawson of Boise State Public Radio, moderated by Melissa Davlin.
You know you’re voting for lawmakers and state offices - but what about the constitution? This week, Senate President Pro Tem Chuck Winder and House Assistant Minority Leader Lauren Necochea talk about the constitutional amendment that, if passed, would allow the Legislature to call itself back into session. Legislators have wanted that power for years, but the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated health orders and emergency declarations pushed it to the top of the priority list.…
Republican Julie Ellsworth is running for her second term as Idaho State Treasurer and sat down with Idaho Reports on Oct. 20. Her opponent, Democrat Deborah Silver, declined an invitation from Idaho Public Television to participate in The Idaho Debates.
Republican Brandon Woolf is running for his third term as Idaho Controller. His opponents, Democratic party candidate Dianna David and Constitution party candidate, Miste Gardner, didn’t respond to invitations from Idaho Public Television to submit materials for consideration for The Idaho Debates. Woolf sat down with Idaho Reports on Oct. 20.…
Republican Phil McGrane is running for his first term as Idaho Secretary of State. His opponent, Democrat Shawn Keenan, didn’t respond to an invitation from Idaho Public Television to submit materials for consideration for The Idaho Debates. McGrane spoke with Idaho Reports on Oct. 20.
Top of the ticket races get the most coverage in any given election cycle, but those elected in down-ticket legislative and local races also make critical decisions that affect the everyday lives of Idahoans. Dr. Jaclyn Kettler of Boise State University’s School of Public Service joins Melissa Davlin this week to discuss some of this year’s hot legislative face-offs.…
Wendy Norman is a Democrat running to represent Idaho's Second Congressional District. Her opponent, incumbent Rep. Mike Simpson, declined an invitation from Idaho Public Television to participate in The Idaho Debates. Norman spoke with Idaho Reports on Oct. 14.
Kaylee Peterson is a Democrat running to represent Idaho's First Congressional District. Her opponent, incumbent Rep. Russ Fulcher, declined an invitation from Idaho Public Television to participate in The Idaho Debates. Peterson spoke with Idaho Reports on Oct. 12.
This week, we sit down with Kaylee Peterson, who is challenging incumbent Rep. Russ Fulcher in the First Congressional District, and Wendy Norman, who is challenging incumbent Rep. Mike Simpson in the Second Congressional District. Both Democrats, Peterson and Norman did not have the chance to debate this election cycle because the incumbent candidates declined to participate in the Idaho Debates.…
Stephen Miller from the University of Idaho College of Law joins Logan Finney this week to discuss Sackett v. Environmental Protection Agency. This case was the first of the high court's new term and was heard last Monday. It begins with the Sacketts, who are a couple that purchased a piece of property in 2004 near Priest Lake, Idaho, in the northern panhandle. The Sacketts began to build a home on their lot in 2007, but construction was stopped by the EPA because, according to the agency, the property contains wetlands that are regulated under the federal Clean Water Act. Under existing court precedent, “jurisdiction over wetlands depends upon the existence of a significant nexus between the wetlands in question and navigable waters in the traditional sense.” However, the Sackets ask the court to consider whether that is the proper test for determining whether wetlands are “waters of the United States” under the Clean Water Act.…
It’s been a busy summer for abortion law in Idaho – and the election is just a month away. Dr. Stephanie Witt of Boise State University and former U.S. Attorney for Idaho Bart Davis join Melissa Davlin to discuss this week’s election debates. Then, Sen. Melissa Wintrow and House Majority Caucus Chair Megan Blanksma sit down with Ruth Brown to discuss Idaho Supreme Court oral arguments over three separate lawsuits concerning abortion bans that went into place this past summer.…
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Idaho Reports
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1 Debate: U.S. Senate 2022 1:28:52
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Candidates for Idaho’s seat in the U.S. Senate debate ahead of the November 8th general election. Incumbent Mike Crapo and challengers David Roth and Scott Cleveland answer questions from Betsy Russell of the Idaho Press, Margaret Carmel of BoiseDev.com, and Clark Corbin of the Idaho Capital Sun, moderated by Melissa Davlin. The Idaho Debates is a collaborative effort among the Idaho Press Club, Boise State University’s School of Public Service, University of Idaho’s McClure Center, Idaho State University’s Department of Political Science, League of Women Voters’ Voter Education Fund, and Idaho Public Television. Our goal is to give the public an unbiased platform to hear the views of congressional candidates on the ballot. We do not support or oppose political parties or candidates. Visit https://www.idahoptv.org/shows/idahodebates/ to learn more.…
Candidates for Idaho Attorney General debate ahead of the November 8th general election. Raúl Labrador and Tom Arkoosh answer questions from Kelcie Moseley-Morris of the Idaho Capital Sun and Jake Garcia of KIVI, moderated by Melissa Davlin. The Idaho Debates is a collaborative effort among the Idaho Press Club, Boise State University’s School of Public Service, University of Idaho’s McClure Center, Idaho State University’s Department of Political Science, League of Women Voters’ Voter Education Fund, and Idaho Public Television. Our goal is to give the public an unbiased platform to hear the views of congressional candidates on the ballot. We do not support or oppose political parties or candidates. Visit https://www.idahoptv.org/shows/idahodebates/ to learn more.…
Late last week, general counsel for the University of Idaho sent an email to all employees advising them not discuss, promote, or make referrals for abortion or birth control, lest they run afoul of the No Public Funds For Abortion Act, a state law passed in 2021 that prohibits the use of public assets or employees to promote or provide abortion services. Former Idaho Supreme Court Justice and former Idaho Attorney General Jim Jones joins Melissa Davlin on the podcast this week to discuss the memo and its first amendment implications.…
House party caucus chairmen Rep. Ned Burns and Rep. Dustin Manwaring talk about their new leadership roles and the end-of-session debates. Then, Kevin Richert of Idaho Education News and Dr. Jaclyn Kettler of Boise State University’s School of Public Service discuss education budgets and debates, as well as a legal fight between the attorney general and the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare.…
This week, the House passed a massive property tax proposal that sets aside more than $300 million for two projects: helping school districts pay down their existing bonds and levies, and providing tax credits for property tax payers who qualify for the homeowners exemption. The bill is a combination of three prior proposals from the House and Senate. The Senate Local Government and Taxation committee approved the bill Thursday, getting it one step closer to the governor’s desk. But one part of the bill makes school districts nervous. The proposal would also do away with a March election date that is reserved for school districts to ask voters for supplemental bonds and levies. On Friday, Logan Finney sat down with deputy director Quinn Perry of the Idaho School Boards Association to get her take.…
Lawmakers are eyeing the calendar to adjourn soon, but there are still issues and budgets to tackle. Logan Finney discusses the implications of a property tax relief bill with Quinn Perry from the Idaho School Boards Association. Ruth Brown talks to Ritchie Eppink from the ACLU of Idaho and Seth Grigg from the Idaho Association of Counties about a proposal to overhaul public defense in Idaho.…
Rep. Ilana Rubel, D-Boise, has spent several years trying to bring a Clean Slate Act - legislation that allows for minor criminal offenses to be sealed or expunged - to Idaho. She sat down this week with producer Ruth Brown to talk about a bill that passed this year with overwhelming bipartisan support and the compromises it took to achieve it.…
What happens when people decide to stop arguing and start listening? Philanthropist Greg Carr and Boise State University wanted to find a way to encourage people to engage in respectful listening, to get to know each other beyond labels or superficial impressions. Eleven ordinary Idahoans came to the BSU campus in fall 2022 to share stories about their lives in Idaho, and the audience had to agree to listen without interruption, without questions, without cheers or jeers. IdahoPTV documented the Idaho Listens project, and what the Idaho “listeners” took away from the project. The resulting documentary, Idaho Listens, airs Friday, March 24, at 8:30 PM on Idaho Public Television.…
This week, we take a look at the life and career of Gov. Phil Batt, who died Saturday, March 4th, on his 96th birthday. Then, Gov. Dirk Kempthorne, Sen. Jim Risch, Gov. Butch Otter, and Gov. Brad Little join the show to share memories of their friend and mentor. Plus, Republican and Democratic leadership review the progress - or lack thereof - made so far this legislative session.…
Former Idaho Gov. Phil Batt passed away this week, and will lie in state at the capitol before a public funeral. His former chief of staff Jeff Malmen joined Melissa Davlin to remember the former governor.
Idaho Reports examines a proposal to provide driver's licenses for undocumented immigrants. Then, Sen. Ben Adams, Sen. Scott Herndon, Sen. Janie Ward-Engelking, and Rep. Lance Clow discuss what might be next in the school choice debate, and whether this is the year the Idaho Legislature will find a compromise.…
The Idaho Senate rejected a high-profile education savings account proposal on a 12-23 vote after a lengthy debate on Monday. CEO Terry Ryan from the charter school nonprofit Bluum sat down with Logan Finney last week to talk about some of the issues he saw with the bill, the lessons he has learned from his career in the school choice policy arena, and what lawmakers should keep in mind as they negotiate the next ESA bills. Read more about the demise of SB 1038 here: https://blog.idahoreports.idahoptv.org/2023/02/27/senate-rejects-education-savings-account-proposal/ Read about new ESA bills introduced in the House here: https://blog.idahoreports.idahoptv.org/2023/02/28/house-education-previews-esa-bills-says-no-to-sboe-elections/…
According to the calendar set by legislative leadership, the lawmaking session is just over halfway done. This week, Governor Brad Little addresses reporters’ questions about the session so far. Then, Senate Assistant Majority Leader Sen. Abby Lee discusses removing ineligible participants from Medicaid and a bill she is sponsoring regarding mistreatment of vulnerable adults.…
Election bills are surfacing this legislative session on many topics, from voter identification and absentee ballots to safety at the polls. Secretary of State Phil McGrane sat down with producer Ruth Brown on Tuesday afternoon to walk through some of the bills moving around the statehouse, and his priorities as the state's chief elections officer.…
The Senate Education Committee has passed a bill to create education savings accounts. It's been described as school choice, education freedom, and of course, vouchers. Chairman Sen. Dave Lent and Sen. Lori Den Hartog join Logan Finney this week to talk about the $45 million proposal. Then, Kevin Richert of Idaho Education News and Kaye Thornbrugh of the CDA Press discuss a recent request that North Idaho College show concrete evidence its accreditation should not be revoked.…
You're used to filling out liability waivers regularly in your everyday life, but thanks to a quirk in case law, those waivers are not enforceable in an Idaho court if they come from an outdoor recreation guide or outfitter. The Senate Judiciary & Rules Committee this week took up a piece of legislation that seeks to remedy the situation.…
House Minority Leader Ilana Rubel is the co-chair of the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee, which currently oversees the Office of Performance Evaluations. Associate Producer Logan Finney sat down with Rep. Rubel on Friday morning to discuss her opposition to a bill that would eliminate the committee, as well as her views on the Idaho Launch program and the Democrats’ impact on important House votes.…
House Minority Leader Ilana Rubel shares her concerns over some of this session’s proposals, including bills to change oversight of the Office of Performance Evaluations and to ban gender-affirming care for transgender youth. Then, Rep. Wendy Horman and Sen. C. Scott Grow, co-chairs of the Joint Finance and Appropriations Committee, discuss changes to how the committee will vote in the future.…
The House Transportation & Defense Committee passed a bill last week that would give the state authority over any long-term changes made to the block of streets around the capitol building. BoiseDev senior reporter Margaret Carmel joins Logan Finney this week to discuss why the bill has caught the attention and ire of local officials in Boise and Ada County. Read Margaret's story: https://boisedev.com/news/2023/02/01/achd-5th-6th-goldthorpe/…
After serving as the Idaho House Majority Leader for 16 years, Rep. Mike Moyle, R-Star, became Speaker of the House in December. Already, he’s trying to make some big changes, both in public policy and in how the legislature runs. He sat down with Melissa Davlin this week to discuss his vision for the legislature and the state in a wide-ranging interview covering property taxes, budgets, education, Medicaid, and much more.…
Things are finally picking up at the legislature, with new proposals introduced on property tax relief, education savings accounts, and absentee voting. Plus, Idaho’s new House Speaker Mike Moyle discusses his vision for the legislature and the state in a wide-ranging interview covering property taxes, budgets, education, Medicaid, and much more.…
The Idaho Division of Veterans Services operates several skilled nursing homes across the state and helps Idaho veterans access resources and services. Chief administrator Mark Tschampl joins Logan Finney this week to discuss the staffing challenges faced by his agency, and plans to renovate Idaho's state-run veterans homes.…
It was education week at the statehouse, with budget pitches for K-12 and higher education. We look at some heated debates around funding needs across the state, including recruiting and retaining employees. Then, Idaho State University President Kevin Satterlee, College of Eastern Idaho President Rick Aman and College of Western Idaho President Gordon Jones discuss challenges in higher education.…
Idaho's newly elected Superintendent of Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield joins host Melissa Davlin to discuss her budget presentation to JFAC this week, priorities for the legislative session, combatting pandemic learning loss, and the ongoing school choice debate.
Power substations across the U.S. have sustained attacks recently, leaving thousands without power. How vulnerable is Idaho and what’s being done to prepare for the future? Plus, Senate Majority Caucus Chair Mark Harris discusses administrative rules, and Kelcie Moseley-Morris of the Idaho Capital Sun talks about how Idaho GOP leaders’ priorities may differ from those of some Republican lawmakers.…
Producer Ruth Brown sits down with Rep. Bruce Skaug, the new chairman of the House Judiciary, Rules & Administration Committee, to discuss the issues that will come before the committee this session, which range from execution procedures and judicial appointments to gender-affirming care for transgender minors and mandatory minimums for drug crimes.…
This week, producer Ruth Brown examines a report regarding abuse endured by Idahoans with disabilities and what the state could do to remedy the situation. Then, Chris Cargill of the Mountain States Policy Center and Alex LaBeau of the Idaho Association for Commerce and Industry join Melissa Davlin to discuss Gov. Brad Little’s legislative priorities.…
It's the first week of the legislative session in Boise, and lawmakers are hitting the ground running. Associate producer Logan Finney speaks with Jayson Ronk, vice president for public affairs at Blue Cross of Idaho, about the different kinds of lobbyists at the statehouse and what the job entails.
Governor Brad Little lays out his priorities for the 2023 legislative session in the first state of the state and budget address of his second term. Melissa Davlin is joined by pundits Kevin Richert of Idaho Education News, Dr. Stephanie DeWitt of Boise State University and Alex Adams of the Division of Financial Management.…
Idaho’s statewide officers are sworn in and lawmakers are busy gearing up for the session. This week, we get a preview of the governor’s priorities for the upcoming legislative session, as well as how well those goals mesh with what House and Senate leaders have in mind. Ruth Brown sits down with freshmen Reps. Jaron Crane and Soñia Galaviz, then David Leroy and Andy Brunelle discuss the historical significance of Friday’s public inauguration ceremony.…
Idaho's constitutional officers are sworn in, including Gov. Brad Little, Lt. Gov. Scott Bedke, Attorney General Raúl Labrador, Secretary of State Phil McGrane, Superintendent Debbie Critchfield, Controller Brandon Woolf, and Treasurer Julie Ellsworth. Melissa Davlin discusses the significance of public inaugurations with former Lt. Gov. David Leroy and former Gov. Andrus staffer Andy Brunelle.…
Just before the end of the year, the newly formed Mountain States Policy Center released the results of a public policy survey they conducted shortly after the November election. MSPC President Chris Cargill joins Melissa Davlin this week to discuss those results, as well as the think tank’s priorities for the legislative session that starts next week.…
For decades, much of the discussion around higher education has focused on universities. But the Idaho Department of Labor is trying to show kids that there are other options, like apprenticeships, and they’re using a unique way to reach them. Kevin Richert joins us to discuss the latest news from North Idaho College, plus more about what the conversation around school choice might look like this upcoming legislative session. Then, Director Jani Revier of the Idaho Department of Labor talks about the department’s efforts to educate students about apprenticeship programs.…
Idaho is one of the only states that provides no general funds for local domestic violence services, and providers rely almost entirely on federal funding. This week, producer Ruth Brown explores funding challenges for rural domestic violence programs. Then, outgoing attorney general Lawrence Wasden joins Melissa Davlin to discuss his career and the transition to the incoming Raúl Labrador administration.…
Last week on the Friday show, we featured a segment about the environmental cleanup in the Bunker Hill Superfund site, which stretches all the way from the Montana state border in Shoshone County past the Washington state border in Kootenai County. To dig a little deeper into North Idaho’s Silver Valley this week, associate producer Logan Finney is joined by Idaho Public Television executive producer Bill Manny, who put together a new documentary that premiered this weekend on Idaho Experience: “Remembering the Sunshine Mine Disaster.” ----- "Remembering the Sunshine Mine Disaster" from Idaho Experience: https://video.idahoptv.org/video/remembering-the-sunshine-mine-disaster-50lk8m/ Learn more about the region's economic transformation in "Silver Valley Rising" from Outdoor Idaho: https://video.idahoptv.org/video/outdoor-idaho-silver-valley-rising/ Learn more about Coeur d'Alene Basin water quality testing in "Health of Our Lakes" from Outdoor Idaho: https://video.idahoptv.org/video/outdoor-idaho-health-our-lakes/…
For the first time in a decade, the Idaho House of Representatives has a new speaker, and the rest of the lawmakers have their new committee assignments. Kevin Richert of Idaho Education News and Betsy Russell of the Idaho Press break down what that means for Idahoans. Plus, a new chapter in the decades-long effort to clean up historic mining waste in the Bunker Hill Superfund site.…
This week, the Idaho Legislature convened in Boise for an organizational session at the state capitol in preparation for the 2023 session. Associate producer Logan Finney spoke with several newly elected members about their experiences transitioning from candidate to legislator, what they learned this week at orientation, and what they expect to see during the session in January.…
It’s no surprise that if you’re in rural Idaho and get hurt, it may take a while for first responders to get you to a hospital. But some EMS directors say Idaho’s policies on funding emergency medical services are making it even more difficult for them to help Idahoans. This week, we explore funding for emergency medical services in rural Idaho, and what policy changes might help those communities. Then, Kevin Richert of Idaho Education News and Kaye Thornbrugh of the Coeur d’Alene Press discuss the recent heated trustee elections at the College of Western Idaho and North Idaho College and what the races’ outcomes mean for Idaho’s students. We’ll also discuss the horrific events at the University of Idaho, and what role a university has when students are victims of crimes that happen off campus.…
This week, producer Ruth Brown is joined by Director Lee Flinn of the Idaho Crisis & Suicide Hotline to discuss the state's transition from the existing suicide hotline to the new nationwide crisis number 9-8-8. They discuss the resources available for Idahoans who call the new behavioral health crisis line, the increased call volume seen since the launch of the new number, and the next steps for suicide and mental health crisis prevention in Idaho. Visit www.call988idaho.com for resources and more information about the hotline.…
This week, Betty Richardson, Ken Burgess, and Jaclyn Kettler of Boise State University join Melissa Davlin to break down congressional, statewide and legislative election results. Our panelists look at Tuesday’s election outcome and what those results say about the political climate in Idaho. We’ll also hear from winning statewide candidates about their visions for the state in the next few years.…
Idaho Gov. Brad Little addresses supporters at the Idaho Republican Party election night celebration Nov. 8, 2022 in downtown Boise.
U.S. Sen. Mike Crapo addresses supporters at the Idaho Republican Party election night celebration Nov. 8, 2022 in downtown Boise.
Tuesday, November 8th, follow Idaho Reports online for live coverage of the general election. The Idaho Reports team will be on the ground throughout the day bringing you updates online. Plus, statewide and legislative results after the polls close, and political analysis of what it means for our state.…
The race for Idaho governor is a bit different this year, with incumbent Gov. Brad Little refusing to debate while facing challenges from both the left and right. This week, gubernatorial candidates Stephen Heidt and Ammon Bundy sit down to share their visions for Idaho. We also bring you up to speed on the fighters supporting and opposing the constitutional amendment on Tuesday’s ballot.…
Stephen Heidt is the Democratic candidate running for Idaho Governor. His opponent, incumbent Gov. Brad Little, declined an invitation from Idaho Public Television to participate in The Idaho Debates. Heidt spoke with Idaho Reports on Nov. 2.
Ammon Bundy is an independent candidate running for Idaho Governor. His opponent, incumbent Gov. Brad Little, declined an invitation from Idaho Public Television to participate in The Idaho Debates. Bundy spoke with Idaho Reports on Nov. 2.
This week, Logan Finney is joined by Margie Gonzalez, Executive Director of the Idaho Commission on Hispanic Affairs, to discuss Hispanic voter outreach in Idaho, recent improvements and difficulties in that arena, and where Latino Idahoans can find election resources and assistance at polls. Visit https://contamosidaho.org/ for more bilingual voter information and resources.…
Candidates for Idaho Lieutenant Governor debate ahead of the November 8th general election. Scott Bedke and Terri Pickens Manweiler answer questions from Betsy Russell of the Idaho Press and Ryan Suppe of the Idaho Statesman, moderated by Melissa Davlin.
Homeowners across the state of Idaho started receiving their property assessments last week, once again reigniting the state's conversation on property taxes. Mayor Dan Johnson of Lewiston, who is a state senator, and Mayor Kevin England of Chubbuck, who is the president of the Association of Idaho Cities, join Logan Finney this week to discuss rising property values, the taxes that come along with them, and what can be done about it. Idaho State Tax Commission property tax estimator: https://tax.idaho.gov/i-1072.cfm…
Idaho made national news over the weekend for the Coeur d'Alene arrest of 31 men affiliated with the white nationalist group Patriot Front who law enforcement say planned to riot downtown. Logan Finney is joined by Coeur d'Alene Press reporter Kaye Thornbrugh to go over the incident and what has been learned since.…
This week, Rachel Cohen of Boise State Public Radio joins Logan Finney to discuss a proposed wind farm in south-central Idaho that, if constructed, would be the largest wind facility in the state. As the federal government pushes for more domestic renewable energy production, Idahoans are mixed on supporting clean energy and job creation while voicing concerns about possible environmental and cultural impacts.…
About a week after the May primary election, the Idaho Secretary of State's office announced a group of eight counties that would be examined in the first post-election integrity audit conducted by the state under a new law passed this legislative session. This week, elections directors Helena Welling from Bonneville County and Cy Lootens from Jerome County join Logan Finney to discuss what the audit was like for their staff and what they learned in the process.…
Idaho Reports is the longest-running public policy show in the West, and we are celebrating our 50th anniversary this year! Many of the debates at the statehouse have stayed the same over the past five decades, but a lot has changed. Plus, Betsy Russell of the Idaho Press, Kevin Richert of Idaho Education News, and Chief Deputy Secretary of State Chad Houck discuss election audits and more.…
News of a shooting this week at an elementary school in Uvalde, TX has drawn reactions across the country and the state, including protests by high school students in Boise. Following the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Parkland, FL in 2018, Idaho Reports talked to students protesting gun violence at the statehouse, then hosted a roundtable discussion with House Speaker Scott Bedke, Idaho Freedom Foundation President Wayne Hoffman, then-Boise School District trustee Beth Oppenheimer and then-Boise High School senior Will Tanguy.…
The dust settles after a long-fought primary that divided conservatives and drew national attention. Betsy Russell of the Idaho Press, Kevin Richert of Idaho Ed News, former Secretary of State Ben Ysursa, and Rep. Jason Monks discuss the factors behind Tuesday night’s wins and losses, including the seismic turnover in the Idaho House and Senate and what it means for the next legislative session.…
Tuesday, May 17 was Idaho's primary election for statewide and legislative offices. Between the retirement of prominent lawmakers and defeat of multiple others, the Senate is going to be more conservative next year. No one in legislative leadership lost their primary races, though multiple committee chairs and vice chairs lost. No one section of the state was particularly worse for incumbents than the others, with challengers seeing victories in the north, central, west and eastern parts of the state. And while a handful of extremely conservative House members lost their races, other conservative challengers beat more moderate Republicans. Read more: https://blog.idahoreports.idahoptv.org/2022/05/18/primary-analysis-a-bad-night-for-incumbents/ https://blog.idahoreports.idahoptv.org/category/elections/…
Tonight on Idaho Reports, we take a look at the state’s booming economy and what it means for revenues. Plus, a preview of the Tuesday primary election, Republican infighting, and advice for Idaho families struggling to find baby.
This week, reporters James Dawson of Boise State Public Radio and Kelcie Moseley-Morris of the Idaho Capital Sun join Logan Finney ahead of next week's primary election for a dive into campaign finance reporting: who's raising donations, where is it all coming from, and why is it so difficult to keep track of it all? Read James's story: https://www.boisestatepublicradio.org/politics-government/2022-05-09/far-right-activists-set-to-spend-big-on-state-legislative-races/ Read Kelcie's story: https://idahocapitalsun.com/2022/05/11/something-were-going-to-see-more-of-how-pacs-are-influencing-idahos-may-17-primary/ Find official election information: https://idahovotes.gov/…
A leaked draft opinion indicates the U.S. Supreme Court is poised to overturn Roe v Wade. If the court overturns the precedent, an Idaho trigger law would criminalize nearly all abortion with exceptions for rape, incest, and the life of the mother. Rep. Brent Crane and Rep. Lauren Necochea discuss how Idaho might move forward once an opinion is finalized. Then, Marc Johnson provides a historical perspective on the state’s legislative abortion battles over the past few decades.…
This week, Idaho Department of Lands Fire Management Bureau Chief Josh Harvey joins Melissa Davlin to discuss the upcoming fire season, how the trends and statistics have changed in past years, and what individuals can do to avoid accidentally sparking a blaze this summer.
House Majority Caucus Chair Rep. Megan Blanksma looks back at the 2022 legislative session, and discusses how the upcoming primary election could change next year’s dynamics at the statehouse. Then, Stephanie Witt of Boise State University and Betsy Russell of the Idaho Press review the week’s statewide primary debates and heated races.…
Power County Clerk Sharee Sprague and Oneida County Clerk Lon Colton join associate producer Logan Finney to discuss election security, voting policy at the legislature, and what county elections offices are doing to prepare for the 2022 spring primary. Find election information at https://voteidaho.gov/ Find candidate debates at https://www.idahoptv.org/elections/ Listen to our previous coverage of some election bills introduced in the Legislature: https://soundcloud.com/idaho-reports/episode-election-bills-galore/…
Republican candidates for Idaho Secretary of State debate ahead of the May 17th primary election. Ada County Clerk Phil McGrane, Sen. Mary Souza, and Rep. Dorothy Moon answer questions from Betsy Russell of the Idaho Press, Ryan Suppe of the Idaho Statesman, and Kelcie Moseley-Morris of the Idaho Capital Sun, moderated by Melissa Davlin of Idaho Reports.…
GOP candidates for Superintendent of Public Instruction debate ahead of the May 17th primary election. Incumbent Superintendent Shrerri Ybarra, former state senator Branden Durst, and former Board of Education president Debbie Critchfield respond to questions from Betsy Russell of the Idaho Press, Jakob Thorington of the Post Register, and Kevin Richert of Idaho Ed News, moderated by Aaron Kunz of Idaho Public Television.…
Ruth Brown speaks with Twin Falls Housing Authority executive director Sunny Shaw about the growing issue of Idaho’s affordable housing shortage and what role the state could take in addressing it. Madelyn Beck of Boise State Public Radio details some of her recent reporting about people living on public lands. Then, Logan Finney is joined by Stephanie Witt and Jaclyn Kettler of Boise State University for a look back at this week's attorney general debate and ahead to the rest of the primary election season.…
Republican candidates for Idaho Attorney General debate ahead of the May 17th primary election. Incumbent Attorney General Lawrence Wasden, former Congressman Raul Labrador, and attorney Arthur “Art” Macomber respond to questions from James Dawson of Boise State Public Radio, Morgan Romero of KTVB, and Keith Ridler of the Associated Press, moderated by Melissa Davlin of Idaho Reports.…
Months after news broke of foster children needing to stay in hotels because of a lack of foster families, lawmakers made new investments in the system for recruitment and retention. But is it enough to fix the problems? This week, Betsy Russell of the Idaho Press discusses election debates and the latest in the lawsuit over Idaho’s new abortion law. Then, Family and Community Services Administrator Cameron Gilliland and Program Specialist Julie Sevcik from the Department of Health and Welfare discuss this legislative session’s investments in the child welfare system.…
North Idaho College in Coeur d'Alene faced a regional accreditation review this past year after complaints about conduct by its board of trustees. The school held on to its accreditation, but not without a warning to get its governance in order. Now, enough trustees have resigned that NIC is left without a functional board. Kevin Richert of Idaho Education News joins Logan Finney to break down the latest. Read Kevin's stories here: https://www.idahoednews.org/news/analysis-elections-have-consequences-and-nic-is-facing-them/ https://www.idahoednews.org/news/a-polarizing-presence-at-the-center-of-nics-dysfunction/…
Public defense has long been a fraught issue in Idaho. How far have we come, and how much more work is left? This week, Idaho State Appellate Public Defender Eric Fredericksen and Idaho Association of Counties executive director Seth Grigg discuss recent changes to public defense funding. Then, Boise State University hydrologist Alejandro Flores discusses this year's drought and what it means for fire season and agriculture.…
New funding for Idaho schools to move their employees on to the state health insurance plan was touted as a "game changer" for education this legislative session. Blake Jones from Idaho Education News joins Logan Finney to discuss why some districts are hesitant to switch over for fear that the funding won’t cover the full costs. Read the Idaho Ed News article: https://www.idahoednews.org/news/schools-hesitant-to-join-idahos-health-insurance-plan-with-incoming-funding-boost/…
The 2022 legislative session is officially finished. We bring you the latest on criminal justice and what the legislature managed to accomplish on property taxes. Ruth Brown discusses criminal justice issues with Reps. Greg Chaney and Colin Nash, then Logan Finney reviews legislation to revamp the public defense system with executive director Kelley Packer from the Association of Idaho Cities.…
This week, Logan Finney is joined by Rep. Dustin Manwaring, R-Pocatello, to discuss House Bill 583 or the Digital Assets Act. The new law — which Manwaring sponsored and Gov. Brad Little signed into law this week — provides definitions for digital assets, lays the framework for their use in the financial sector, and outlines how these assets fit into existing Idaho property law.…
The statewide test positivity rate dropped to an all-time low of 1.5%. The longtime goal of the Department of Health and Welfare is to keep the rate below 5%. Only one county, Benewah, currently has a moderate transmission risk, while the other forty three counties are currently at low risk. More than half of Idaho’s counties have seven day moving average case rates of 3 or less per 100,000 people. Hospitalizations and ICU admissions are also at the lowest point since June 2021. While officials have said more surges are possible in the future, especially with new variants, COVID-19 treatments are continually improving, which decreases death rates and hospitalizations. With that good news, this is our last broadcasted weekly COVID-19 update. We’ll continue to follow COVID-19 news online, including any future surges or public policy changes.…
Lawmakers saw more starts and stops this week as they tried to wrap up the session by Friday. But a resurrected library debate stalled adjournment plans, at least temporarily. We’ll have the latest with Kevin Richert of Idaho Education News and Betsy Russell of the Idaho Press. Plus, Senate Minority Leader Michelle Stennett gives us her take on the session.…
This week, Kelsey Mosley-Morris from the Idaho Capital Sun talks to Ruth Brown about a controversial bill speeding through the capitol that could change the way judges are appointed.
The clock is ticking on this year’s legislative session, and lawmakers are rapidly passing a number of bills. What’s left for them to address? Major property tax relief and full day kindergarten – some of the biggest talkers of the last few months. Betsy Russell of the Idaho Press helps break down the week, and Rep. Fred Wood gives his take on the state of rural health care.…
The state saw more good news this week, as the statewide test positivity rate dropped to 2.5%. That’s the lowest the positivity rate has been since the pandemic began in 2020. The longtime goal of the Department of Health and Welfare was to keep the rate below 5%. The state’s all-time high test positivity rate was nearly 38% back in January. With the decrease in positive cases, the state is also reporting a decrease in COVID hospitalizations. On a media call Tuesday, the Department of Health and Welfare urged that this was progress, but the pandemic was not yet over and case counts could rise again. Ada County hit a grim milestone this week, marking 1,000 COVID-19 related deaths since the pandemic began. Statewide, the COVID vaccine is still widely available to those who want it. Only 76% of the population 65 and older are fully vaccinated in Idaho.…
Friday evening was the candidate filing deadline for statewide and legislative offices. Melissa Davlin and Ruth Brown break down the early results, from familiar names on the ballot to future impacts at the statehouse.
A number of controversial legislative proposals are dying quiet deaths without hearings in the Idaho Senate. Plus, Garth Taylor of the University of Idaho explains how the war in Ukraine is affecting Idaho agriculture, and Sen. Peter Riggs discusses his proposed changes to civil commitment.
The state saw encouraging news this week as the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare reported Thursday that the statewide test positivity rate had dropped to 3.7%, down from last week’s 6.2%. That meets the state’s longtime goal of keeping the rate below 5% and is the lowest the rate has been at since June of 2021. The state’s all-time high test positivity rate was nearly 38% back in January. Gov. Brad Little announced this week that he plans to lift the state’s emergency disaster declaration on April 15. That comes after having a declaration in place since 2020. The declaration made Idaho eligible for federal emergency assistance in a time of crisis. While infection numbers are dropping, Idaho nears a grim milestone. The state nears 5,000 COVID-19 deaths, reporting 4,814 deaths as of Thursday. Nationwide, the death toll nears 1 million, as more than 965,000 COVID deaths had been reported across the country on Thursday.…
Senate President Pro Tem Chuck Winder, Senate Minority Leader Michelle Stennett, and House Minority Leader Ilana Rubel answered questions from reporters about sales and property taxes, higher education funding They also covered controversial bills regarding libraries and gender-affirming healthcare for minors.…
In a sign of good news, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare reported Thursday that the statewide test positivity rate had dropped to 6.2%, down from last week’s 10%, nearly meeting the goal of keeping the rate below 5%. The state’s all-time high was nearly 38% in January. The number of available ICU beds statewide has also increased. On Thursday, there were 48 available ICU beds in Idaho. Back on Feb. 24 there were just 10 available ICU beds. Gov. Brad Little told the Idaho Press Club this week that he hopes to end the state’s emergency disaster declaration soon, but Idaho still needs the federal emergency resources that assist with health care staff and other labor shortages. As of Friday, the declaration was still active. But, the Idaho Legislature is trying to shut it down through a concurrent resolution, but some lawmakers are concerned it would jeopardize needed federal emergency funding. For more on that, visit the Idaho Reports blog at idahoptv.org/idahoreports…
It’s been a big legislative session for education issues, but some major proposals, like full-day kindergarten, still don’t have consensus. Rep. Judy Boyle, Rep. John McCrostie, and Sen. Jim Woodward join us to give us their take.
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Idaho Reports
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1 Episode: Idaho Press Club and Gov. Little 1:01:52
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On Wednesday morning, Gov. Brad Little met virtually with members of the Idaho Press Club. He answered questions from the press ranging from coronavirus issues to election laws and pending legislation.
The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare reported Thursday that the statewide test positivity rate had dropped to 10%, down from last week’s updated 16.4%. This is progress, despite still being above the state’s goal of keeping the rate at 5% or less. While the state is not operating under crisis standards of care, the number of open ICU beds at Idaho hospitals remains low. On Thursday, the state only had 10 available ICU beds statewide. The state also announced this week that less than half of Idaho Medicaid participants are vaccinated for COVID, so testing is critical. Up to 12 tests per person per month are covered by Medicaid, according to the state. The COVID-19 vaccine is free to everyone, regardless of health insurance status.…
“I can’t believe we’re here,” more than one legislator noted this week while discussing COVID vaccines and business interests. Idaho reporters will fill you in on what we might expect out of this legislative session: Betsy Russell of the Idaho Press, James Dawson of Boise State Public Radio, and Bill Spence of the Lewiston Tribune join Logan Finney to discuss wide ranging legislative proposals.…
Last week, Facebook’s parent company Meta announced it has plans to build a new data center in the Treasure Valley. BoiseDev senior reporter Margaret Carmel joins Logan Finney to answer questions about the project, covering everything from Idaho's urban renewal and tax incentives to the possible economic and environmental impacts.…
On Tuesday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare deactivated crisis standards of care for hospitals in three of Idaho’s seven public health districts. The department had activated crisis standards of care on Jan. 15 due to a shortage of healthcare workers and blood supply. The department did warn that the test positivity rate is still much higher than what is safe and hospitals are still stressed. The statewide test positivity rate Thursday was at 17%, down from last week’s 25.1%. The state’s goal is to keep the rate at 5% or less. Canyon County still has the highest number of new coronavirus infections in the state, followed by Ada, Kootenai, Twin Falls and Bannock counties. The Department Health and Welfare continues to recommend that Idahoans get vaccinated and boosted, wear a mask in public places, and stay home if you feel sick. Visit coronavirus.idaho.gov for more information.…
This week, Rep. Wendy Horman and Sen. Janie Ward-Engelking discuss school choice, full day kindergarten, and other education policy and funding issues in front of the legislature this year. Kevin Richert of Idaho Education News join us on the panel to give us a run-down on a whirlwind week at the statehouse.…
This week on the Idaho Reports podcast, producer Ruth Brown is joined by Clark Corbin of the Idaho Capital Sun to discuss the latest bills introduced in the Legislature and how they could change the laws around elections and voting. A number of election bills have been introduced, covering a range from absentee ballot rules to so-called ballot harvesting, when unaffiliated voters can join a political party, use of student IDs, same-day registration, and more.…
COVID-19 Update: February 11, 2022 by Idaho Public Television
This week, mayors give us their take on the legislature and property taxes. Plus, grocery tax fights! Whether it’s rising property taxes, a shortage of affordable housing, or the weekly grocery bill, the cost of living is high for Idahoans. So what can the legislature do to help? Kelley Packer, Garden City Mayor John Evans and Greenleaf Mayor Bradley Holton discuss property taxes and city budgets. Then, Idaho Housing and Finance Association CEO Gerald Hunter updates us on Idaho’s housing shortage.…
Logan Finney is joined by producer Ruth Brown to discuss the case of Gerald Pizzuto Jr., a man who’s been on Idaho’s death row for more than 35 years. A decision was made in his case late Friday that questioned the constitutionality of the governor’s decision to deny a commutation recommendation that came from the Idaho Commission of Pardons and Parole. Read more: https://blog.idahoreports.idahoptv.org/2022/02/04/judge-sides-with-pizzuto-over-commutation-denial/ Update: the attorney general’s office on Wednesday appealed the decision to the Idaho Supreme Court. https://www.idahostatesman.com/news/local/crime/article258251090.html#eId=1136c1c1-5929-49d6-b861-1d3da64db469…
The income tax bill is over the finish line, but big questions still remain on what the legislature will do about property taxes, and whether it will be enough to provide relief for Idahoans. This week, Ruth Brown interviews Rep. Brandon Mitchell on his experiences with the foster care system, and what he thinks Idaho can do to help recruit and retain more foster parents. Then, Gooding County Assessor Justin Baldwin and Shoshone County Assessor Jerry White join Melissa Davlin to discuss Idaho’s rising property taxes.…
On Monday, Gov. Brad Little activated the Idaho National Guard to assist with staffing shortages due to COVID-19 at Primary Health Medical Group and the Idaho Department of Correction. This is the fourth time the guard has been activated in Idaho to assist with COVID-related issues. Little’s decision came as three of southern Idaho’s public health districts remain under crisis standards of care. The declaration, which spans across 18 counties, was largely due to a critical shortage of healthcare staff, as well as blood products used for transfusions and certain treatments. This week, the statewide COVID test positivity rate dropped modestly, down to 34 percent from last week’s 39 percent. Pediatric hospitalizations are on the rise this week, and Idaho recorded its second pediatric death due to COVID-19.…
This week, producer Ruth Brown is joined by director Rakesh Mohan and senior evaluator Casey Petti from the Office of Performance Evaluation. Petti presented a report to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Monday outlining the conditions and funding mechanisms of K-12 public school buildings in Idaho. They dive into the report's findings, the history of school building funds, local reliance on bonds and levies, and OPE's policy recommendations for lawmakers. Visit https://legislature.idaho.gov/ope/reports/r2107 to read the full report.…
The legislature’s joint budget committee heard budget requests and presentations from Idaho’s higher education institutes this week. President Gordon Jones of College of Western Idaho and President Cynthia Pemberton of Lewis-Clark State College join Melissa Davlin to discuss staff retention and student outcomes in higher education. They also talk about career technical education, and the future of education in Idaho.…
Two years into the pandemic, how are Idaho’s public colleges and universities faring? Presidents Gordon Jones of College of Western Idaho and Cynthia Pemberton of Lewis-Clark State College discuss staff retention and student outcomes in higher education. The Department of Health and Welfare reactivated crisis standards of care for three public health districts. Associate producer Logan Finney gives us an update on the Supreme Court decision on Idaho’s legislative redistricting map.…
On Monday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare reactivated crisis standards of care for three of southern Idaho’s public health districts due to a critical shortage of healthcare staff, as well as blood products used for transfusions and certain treatments. The affected health districts include Southwest Public Health, Central District Health, and South Central Public Health. IDHW says the rest of the state may fall under crisis standards of care if trends don’t soon change. Idaho continues to break daily case count records, with thousands of new cases recorded every day, and more than 40,000 backlogged positive laboratory results that haven’t yet been logged. Hospitalizations continue to rise, including among pediatric patients. The state’s test positivity rate is at 38 percent, with East Idaho Public Health District reporting a positivity rate near 50 percent.…
This week, Dr. Walter Kelley, medical officer for the American Red Cross Lewis and Clark and Arizona regions, joins Melissa Davlin to discuss the emergency blood shortage affecting Idaho and the rest of the nation. That blood shortage is a key reason the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare re-activated crisis standards of care for three public health districts in southwestern Idaho on Monday. This activation is different than the delta-driven surge in the fall, when hospital capacity was a key factor. Hospitalizations are rising, but what’s putting so much strain on the healthcare system is the combination of the blood shortage and healthcare workers getting sick with the omicron COVID-19 variant.…
This week, Ruth Brown is joined by Reps. Barbara Ehardt, R-Idaho Falls, and Sally Toone, D-Gooding, for a discussion on education content standards and the prospect of all-day kindergarten. Then, Kevin Richert of Idaho Education News joins Logan Finney to break down the budgets and the debates.
On Thursday, the statewide test positivity rate climbed to a record-breaking 34.1 percent, meaning that one in every three COVID tests came back positive last week. Public health officials’ goal is to keep that positivity rate below 5 percent. Eastern Idaho Public Health District had the highest infection rate this week, coming in at 44.7 percent. In Madison County, the positivity rate exceeded 58 percent. On Tuesday, Department of Health and Welfare Director Dave Jeppesen said he believes it’s likely that hospitals may be forced back into crisis standards of care soon due to increasing numbers of healthcare workers out of work due to illness. Hospitalizations also increased this week. The state reports there are at least 33,500 positive tests backlogged in the public health districts. As of Thursday, 4,317 Idahoans had died of COVID-19.…
For the first time in more than a decade, with the support of the governor, the Idaho Department of Correction is asking lawmakers for funding to build a new prison. On Tuesday, IDOC Director Josh Tewalt pitched his $333 million budget request to the Joint Finance Appropriation Committee, outlining some of the department’s greatest needs. Those requests included $112.4 million for a new 848-bed minimum custody women’s prison at the Idaho Department of Correction complex in Kuna. Logan Finney and Ruth Brown discuss the IDOC budget request and the need for more prison bed space. Then, Rachel Cohen of Boise State Public Radio joins Ruth to discuss a recent report that revealed Idaho has the highest female incarceration rate in the country. Read Ruth Brown's coverage on the blog: https://blog.idahoreports.idahoptv.org/2022/01/18/idaho-department-of-correction-hopes-to-build-new-womens-prison/ Read Rachel Cohen's coverage at Boise State Public Radio: https://www.boisestatepublicradio.org/news/2022-01-13/idaho-has-the-highest-female-incarceration-rate-in-the-country Learn more about ACEs, or adverse childhood experiences: https://www.idahoptv.org/shows/specials/resilience/…
It's the first week back at the statehouse, and lawmakers are already pushing for big income tax cuts. House Speaker Scott Bedke and Assistant Minority Leader Lauren Necochea join Logan Finney to discuss tax policy priorities and the start of the 2022 legislative session. Meanwhile, the omicron variant of COVID-19 is spreading rapidly across the state. Read more about HB 436 on the blog: https://blog.idahoreports.idahoptv.org/2022/01/12/tax-relief-bill-introduced-in-house-committee…
Currently, public health districts across the state are overwhelmed with positive coronavirus cases, driven by the highly transmissible omicron variant. As of Thursday afternoon, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare reported a backlog of almost 18,000 positive laboratory results that hadn’t yet been processed. That’s in addition to the thousands of positive cases the state officially recorded this week. The statewide test positivity rate broke an all-time record high last week, at 25.7 percent. That rate varies by region, with 27 percent in north Idaho’s Panhandle Health District, 26 percent in Central District Health, and 31 percent in Eastern Idaho Public Health District. No district in the state fell below 18 percent. Hospitalizations are also going up, though not as rapidly. This week, Idaho Department of Health and Welfare Director Dave Jeppesen warned that hospitals could soon see a return to crisis standards of care, due to a combination of the rise in cases and so many healthcare workers calling in sick.…
Logan Finney is joined by Kelcie Moseley-Morris of the Idaho Capital Sun to discuss issues within Idaho's child welfare system, including a shortage of social workers and foster families, and what's being considered to reform the system.
Governor Brad Little lays out his priorities for the 2022 legislative session, with focuses on education and infrastructure investments. Melissa Davlin then breaks down the proposals with pundits Kevin Richert of Idaho Education News, Dr. Stephanie DeWitt of Boise State University and Alex Adams of the Division of Financial Management.…
Gov. Brad Little and legislative leadership give us a preview of what we might see during the first few weeks of the 2022 legislative session. And no surprise: Taxes, education, and transportation are at the top of the list. Then, Senators Lori Den Hartog and Melissa Wintrow join Melissa Davlin to discuss their priorities for the upcoming session.…
Treasure Valley hospital officials told reporters on Thursday they’re preparing for another surge driven by the highly transmissible omicron variant. Idaho has seen a slight increase in patients hospitalized with COVID-19, as well as an increase in ICU admissions. The state positivity rate has risen to 17 percent, up from 8.6 the previous week. That’s the fastest one-week rise on record in the pandemic. That varies by district, with 19.5 percent in southern Idaho’s public health district 4, and 10.6 in southeastern Idaho. Just before Christmas, the state deactivated crisis standards of care for the Panhandle Health District, the final remaining district that was still operating under crisis standards. The counties with the highest seven day rolling average case rates are Blaine, Teton, Bonneville, Madison and Franklin.…
This week producer Ruth Brown is joined by Rebecca Boone of the Associated Press to discuss the death penalty in Idaho. On Friday, Gov. Brad Little the commutation recommendation issued for Gerald Pizzuto Jr., who has been on death row for more than 35 years for two murders. The Idaho Commission of Pardons and Parole voted 4-3 to recommend life without parole for Pizzuto, but the governor denied the move. Should the state move forward, this will be the first execution in Idaho in nearly 10 years. The last executions conducted in Idaho were those of Paul Ezra Rhoades in November 2011 and Richard Leavitt in June 2012. The only form of execution allowed in Idaho is death by lethal injection. Read more Idaho Reports death penalty coverage: https://blog.idahoreports.idahoptv.org/category/justice/deathpenalty This podcast’s conversation was recorded the morning of Tuesday, Jan. 4. On Jan. 5, a hearing was scheduled by Idaho District Judge Jay Gaskill in Mr. Pizzuto’s case. Pizzuto’s next court hearing before Judge Gaskill is scheduled for 3 p.m. Jan. 20. As of roughly 10:30 a.m., Jan. 5, a new death warrant has not been issued for Mr. Pizzuto and he remains in IDOC custody.…
On Monday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare announced it has deactivated crisis standards of care for the Panhandle Health District, meaning the entire state is no longer operating under crisis standards of care. You can visit the Idaho Reports blog at idahoptv.org/idahoreports for more details. While you’re there, sign up for our newsletter to get weekly Friday news roundups delivered straight to your inbox. We’re off the air until January to celebrate the holidays. You can stream our TV episodes any time on our website, or download the PBS app. Thanks again for listening, and have a happy and safe holiday season. Idaho Reports returns on Friday, January 7th to preview the 2022 legislative session.…
This week on Idaho Reports, Ruth Brown speaks with Deputy Attorney General Brett DeLange and Idaho Department of Health and Welfare substance abuse program manager Rosie Andueza about what recent nationwide opioid settlements mean for Idaho. Then, University of Idaho McClure Center director Dr. Katherine Himes tells Logan Finney about a new report on climate change and the state's economy.…
The state has recorded 1,000 COVID-19 deaths in long term care facilities, meaning that roughly one in every four documented COVID deaths in Idaho has occurred in assisted living facilities, skilled nursing facilities and nursing homes. Because of high vaccination rates in older Idahoans, the mortality rate in these facilities has decreased by half since last year, when vaccines weren’t available. The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare stresses the need for boosters in adults of all ages. The test positivity rate has dropped slightly to 6.5 percent, from 7.3 percent last week. That varies by region, ranging from 11.1 percent in East Idaho Public Health District to 5.3 percent in Central District Health. Hospitalizations and ICU admissions have plateaued statewide, though are still higher than public health officials would like to see. The Panhandle Health District remains under crisis standards of care.…
Logan Finney is joined by Kevin Richert of Idaho Education News to discuss recent issues facing North Idaho College in Coeur d’Alene. The school is facing an accreditation review in January following local complaints against members of the NIC Board of Trustees. Finney and Richert review the clash between rival trustee factions, the Idaho State Board of Education weighing in, and what it could all mean for students if the school loses its accreditation.…
This week, Idaho surpassed 4,000 recorded deaths due to COVID-19. Producer Ruth Brown sits down with Rep. Brent Crane to discuss changes to House ethics rules after a contentious year at the Idaho Legislature. Then, Idaho Fish and Game Director Ed Schriever joins Melissa Davlin to discuss the discovery of chronic wasting disease in Idaho, and how it may affect hunting policy in the coming years.…
December 10, 2021, Weekly Idaho Coronavirus Update | #IdahoCOVID19 Central District Health has announced it has detected the state’s first case of the highly transmissible omicron variant. The health district detected the case in an Ada County resident who recently traveled out of the state. The patient is older than 50, is fully vaccinated, and has experienced mild symptoms. Currently, all adults are eligible to get booster shots, which are recommended to slow the spread and severity of both the Delta and Omicron variants. On Wednesday, Idaho surpassed 4,000 recorded deaths due to COVID-19. The state hit 3,000 deaths on Sept. 28, meaning the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare recorded 1,000 additional COVID deaths in just 72 days. In comparison, it took 263 days for Idaho to hit its first 1,000 deaths. Statewide, the test positivity rate rose slightly to 7.1 percent, from 6.9 percent. This comes after weeks of falling rates, and may be due at least in part to Thanksgiving gatherings in late November. The positivity rate continues to vary by region, with 11.8 percent in East Idaho Public Health District, and 5.6 in Central District Health. Hospitalizations have stayed roughly steady, and statewide ICU admissions are dropping slightly. The Panhandle Health District remains under crisis standards of care.…
After two high profile hearings in 2021, the Idaho Legislature's Committee on Ethics and House Policy met this week to discuss possible changes to their role and processes under House Rule 45. On Wednesday, Ruth Brown talked more in-depth about those details with committee member Rep. Brent Crane, R-Nampa. Read more on the blog: https://blog.idahoreports.idahoptv.org/2021/12/07/ethics-committee-weighs-changes-to-hearing-policy-transparency/…
Idaho’s on track to hit a $1.6 billion surplus, and there are a lot of eyes on that money. This week, Superintendent of Public Instruction Sherri Ybarra joins Melissa Davlin to discuss staff shortages and her 2022 legislative priorities. Then, Miguel Legarreta, president of the Associated Taxpayers of Idaho, talks about his organization’s 2021 conference and what we might see from the upcoming legislative session.…
Cases and hospitalizations continue to fall throughout most of the state. While epidemiologists nationwide are watching for signs of the omicron variant of COVID-19 spreading in the United States, as of Friday afternoon, no cases of the highly transmissible variant had been reported in Idaho. Statewide, the test positivity rate is at 7 percent. That varies by region, with 5.4 percent in Public Health District Four, and 10 percent in the Panhandle Health District. Currently, the Panhandle Health District is the only part of the state still under crisis standards of care. The five counties with the highest seven day moving average case rates are Benewah, Lincoln, Lewis, Franklin, and Shoshone. Nearly 20,000 Idaho children between the ages of 5 and 11 have received their first dose of the Pfizer vaccine. 57 percent of Idahoans ages 12 and older are fully vaccinated. Currently, all adults are eligible to get booster shots, which are recommended to slow the spread and severity of both the Delta and Omicron variants.…
Lawmakers and lobbyists regard the Associated Taxpayers of Idaho conference, held each year at the beginning of December, as the unofficial start of the legislative season. Logan Finney attended the conference for Idaho Reports and sat down with Ruth Brown to break down the discussions around Idaho tax policy and what we might expect in the 2022 legislative session. Read more on the blog about Gov. Little's look ahead to 2022: https://blog.idahoreports.idahoptv.org/2021/12/01/little-gives-brief-glimpse-at-2022-priorities-at-wednesday-speech/…
This week, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare deactivated crisis standards of care for six of Idaho’s seven health districts, thanks to decreasing hospitalizations and test positivity rates. Only the Panhandle Health District remains under crisis standards of care, due to a large number of cases and hospitalizations, particularly in Bonner County. Idaho Department of Health and Welfare Director Dave Jeppesen said hospitals are still stressed, and most are working under contingency standards of care. Jeppesen urged Idahoans to continue wearing masks in crowded indoor settings and to choose to get vaccinated. Currently, Benewah, Bonner, Lincoln, Butte, and Clark counties have the highest seven day rolling average case rates. COVID hospitalizations and ICU admissions are now at the same levels they were in early August. Fifty nine percent of Idahoans ages 18 and older are fully vaccinated. About 15,000 Idaho children ages 5-11 have now received their first dose of the Pfizer vaccine.…
The Idaho Supreme Court said that parents who sued over fees for full day kindergarten have standing in that lawsuit. Kevin Richert of Idaho Education News and Betsy Russell of the Idaho Press discuss early childhood education and the latest election news. The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare announced it has deactivated crisis standards of care in six of the state’s seven health districts.…
The Idaho Reports podcast is taking a break from our Wednesday episode this week to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday. On Tuesday, we recorded a conversation with our pundits, Betsy Russell of the Idaho Press and Kevin Richert of Idaho Education News for our Friday broadcast show on early childhood education, election news, and the state deactivating crisis standards of care. You can watch the full show Friday night at 8 on Idaho Public Television, or listen here on the podcast feed. Have a happy and safe Thanksgiving holiday.…
This week, the Idaho Legislature returned to the statehouse in Boise after an already extraordinarily long legislative session this spring. The House was back with a lot on their minds, but with some push back from the Senate. The action started Monday morning when lawmakers introduced 36 pieces of legislation, just one of which made it across the finish line. Plus, the latest legal challenge to the redistricting commission’s legislative map.…
This week, the Idaho Legislature attempted to pass several bills regarding vaccine mandates and masking requirements, but all failed to pass the Senate. Extensive misinformation was shared in the statehouse this week, but the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare continues to provide accurate information on the state’s current health crisis at coronavirus.idaho.gov. The statewide test positivity rate dropped to 7.2%, down from 9% last week. That’s still above the state’s goal of keeping the rate below 5%. But some counties, such as Madison County, still report test positivity rates as high as 14.3%. As of Thursday, 10,056 children between the ages of 5 and 11 in Idaho have received their first dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. Idaho’s vaccination rates continue to lag behind national numbers. Nationwide, 81.7 percent of adults ages 18 and older have received at least one dose. In Idaho, that number is just 64.5 percent. Visit the Idaho Reports blog for the latest information on how Idaho plans to address President Biden’s recent vaccination and testing executive orders.…
On Monday, the legislature reconvened to consider bills opposing vaccine and testing mandates from the Biden administration, as well as other proposals relating to COVID-19 and public health measures. Both chambers adjourned sine die Wednesday afternoon, when Melissa Davlin, Ruth Brown and Logan Finney sat down to review the end of the 2021 legislative session. Plus, the latest legal challenge to Idaho's redistricting plan. Visit the Idaho Reports blog at idahoptv.org/idahoreports for more.…
Rudy Soto, chairman of the Idaho Democratic Party’s Native American Democrats Caucus, outlines his concerns with the state’s redistricting process and what the new maps mean for minority representation across the state. On Wednesday, Nov. 10, the redistricting commission held its final meeting to approve electoral maps and a final report. The commissioners finished their work before the legal deadline at the end of the month, and now the maps face likely legal challenges before eventually coming into play in the spring 2022 primaries.…
Commission for Reapportionment co-chairs Bart Davis and Dan Schmidt discuss the new legislative and congressional district maps, as well as criticisms the commission has faced. On Wednesday, Nov. 10, the redistricting commission held its final meeting to approve electoral maps and a final report. The commissioners finished their work before the legal deadline at the end of the month, and now the maps face likely legal challenges before eventually coming into play in the spring 2022 primaries.…
This week, Idaho Department of Health and Welfare officials confirmed the first pediatric death from COVID-19 in Idaho. The infant lived in southwest Idaho, was younger than a year old, and passed away in October. The department didn’t release any other details to protect the family’s privacy. The news comes as COVID cases and hospitalizations are dropping statewide, with ICU admissions now at levels Idaho hasn’t seen since August. Those numbers are still higher than officials would like to see, but they’re trending in the right direction. Currently, the counties with the highest 7-day rolling average case rates are Benewah, Bonneville, Madison, Lewis, and Bonner counties. As of Friday, 4,701 children between the ages of 5 and 11 have received their first dose of the Pfizer COVID vaccine. Idaho’s vaccination rates continue to lag behind national numbers. Nationwide, 80 percent of adults ages 18 and older have received at least one dose. In Idaho, that number is just 64 percent.…
Lawmakers are ready to return to Boise, but what they will accomplish is anyone’s guess. This week, redistricting commission co-chairs Bart Davis and Dan Schmidt discuss challenges in creating the new electoral district maps. Rudy Soto outlines his concerns with minority representation under the new redistricting plan. Finally, House Speaker Scott Bedke, House Minority Leader Ilana Rubel, and Senate Pro Tem Chuck Winder join us for a preview of the legislature’s return next week.…
On Wednesday, Nov. 10, the redistricting commission held its final meeting to approve electoral maps and a final report. The commissioners finished their work before the legal deadline at the end of the month, and now the maps face likely legal challenges before eventually coming into play in the spring 2022 primaries. Clark Corbin of the Idaho Capital Sun joins Logan Finney to break down the process and what happens next.…
This week the CDC gave its final approval for emergency use authorization of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5-11 years old. The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare urges parents to consider the vaccine, saying it is both safe and effective. The children’s vaccine is available at your Idaho public health districts, or visit www.vaccines.gov to find a vaccine near you. The statewide test positivity rate, or percentage of tests that come back positive, has dropped to 10.3 percent, down from this surge’s high of 17 percent. That’s the lowest that number has been since the beginning of August. Public health officials aim to keep the rate below 5%. Hospitalizations and ICU admissions continue to drop, but some hospitals in Idaho continue to operate under crisis standards of care, meaning there are more patients in need than there are resources to help everyone. On Nov. 4, the state reported that there were 19 available ICU beds statewide. As of Thursday, 3,629 Idahoans have died of COVID-19 related causes.…
This week, producer Logan Finney explores the impact of local option sales tax on Idaho resort towns, and why other Idaho cities wish they had that option. Then, Dr. Jaclyn Kettler of Boise State University and Kevin Richert of Idaho Education News give us a run-down of Tuesday’s election results, and whether we can draw any statewide conclusions from them.…
Producer Ruth Brown is joined by University of Idaho College of Law Professor Shaakirrah Sanders to discuss the state’s recent decision to challenge President Biden’s executive order on vaccines. The state of Idaho has joined multiple other states in the lawsuit, led by Georgia, which challenges an executive order that would require employees of federal contractors be fully vaccinated by December 8, 2021, with few exceptions. The State Board of Education is also party to the lawsuit on behalf of Idaho universities. Sanders applies constitutional principles around executive authority, states' rights, and federal contracting to examine the issue.…
It’s the start of our fiftieth season! Idaho Reports started in 1972 as a live program called “Statehouse Report” that was broadcast directly from the capitol in Boise. Over the coming months, we’ll be taking a look back at some of the highlights from the last five decades, while bringing you the latest Idaho political news on taxes, healthcare policy, education and more. This week, producer Ruth Brown explores a shortage of juvenile mental health care in rural north central Idaho. Dr. Chris Yates of Idaho State University's Department of Counseling discusses what they are doing to address those shortages, and what the state can do to help. Then, Kevin Richert of Idaho Education News discusses vaccine mandates and the potential impact of next week’s school district elections. Watch the broadcast show Friday nights at 8pm on Idaho Public Television. Stream it online at www.idahoptv.org/idahoreports or on the PBS app.…
On Friday, the FDA authorized COVID-19 vaccines for children ages 5 to 11. The CDC must still give the final approval before pediatricians can begin administering those shots, but that approval may come as soon as next week. The statewide test positivity rate, or percentage of tests that come back positive, has dropped to 11.5 percent, down from this surge’s high of 17 percent. That’s the lowest that number has been since the beginning of August. Public health officials would like to see the percentage drop to 5 percent or lower. Still, north Idaho continues to see much higher levels of community spread, with a test positivity rate of 19.2 percent. Those rates are especially high in Boundary, Shoshone, and Bonner counties. In southern Idaho, Bonneville and Jefferson counties have the highest seven day rolling average case rates. Hospitalizations and ICU admissions continue to drop, though are still higher than they were at the peak of last December’s surge. A number of Idaho hospitals continue to operate under crisis standards of care, meaning higher nurse to patient ratios and cancelled procedures.…
This week, Ruth Brown is joined by Idaho Press reporter Betsy Russell to discuss a recent allocation of funding by the Constitutional Defense Council. The council met Monday and approved the payment of nearly $152,000 for Reclaim Idaho’s legal fees after the state lost a lawsuit over a 2021 ballot initiative bill. The Idaho Supreme Court shot down the legislation, but also ordered the state to pay the legal bills of the plaintiffs. Read Ruth Brown's coverage: https://blog.idahoreports.idahoptv.org/2021/10/25/legal-fees-over-ballot-initiative-bill-will-cost-taxpayers-150000/ Listen to our past conversation with Betsy Russell about the case: https://soundcloud.com/idaho-reports/episode-supreme-court-overturns-initiative-law…
The statewide test positivity rate, or percentage of tests that come back positive, has dropped to about 12 percent, down from this surge’s high of 17 percent. That’s still higher than what public health officials would like to see, but this is the fifth week in a row those numbers have dropped. Hospitalizations have also dropped from a late September peak, though the number of patients currently hospitalized due to COVID-19 is still much higher than it was during last December’s surge. Some hospitals across the state continue to operate under crisis standards of care, and fully staffed adult ICU beds are still limited, with 15 or fewer available daily over the last week. North Idaho has the highest concentration of COVID cases right now, with public health district one reporting a test positivity rate of 20 percent. Currently, Boundary, Lewis, Power, Shoshone and Kootenai counties are reporting the highest seven-day rolling average case rates. This week, Idaho Reports spoke to a Nampa mother about her toddler’s fight against a nearly fatal COVID-19 infection. Visit the Idaho Reports blog at idahoptv.org/idahoreports to read her story.…
As Idaho sits on a nearly billion-dollar budget surplus, Melissa Davlin sits down with Clark Corbin of the Idaho Capital Sun and Ruth Brown of Idaho Reports to break down what happened — and what didn't happen — at the first day of the annual Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee interim budget meeting. Read Ruth's coverage: https://blog.idahoreports.idahoptv.org/2021/10/19/idaho-state-budgeting-committee-meets-surplus-nears-1-billion/…
The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare is asking Idahoans to answer an anonymous survey about how the pandemic has impacted their life and mental health. The survey is open through Oct. 31 and can be found online at coronavirus.idaho.gov/behavioral-health. Some hospitals in Idaho continue to use crisis standards of care, as unvaccinated COVID-19 patients flood hospital beds. Statewide, on Thursday, there were only 15 open ICU beds for new patients. There have been no pediatric deaths due to COVID-19, as of Thursday, but there have been pediatric hospitalizations and serious illness due to the virus. Case positivity rates have dropped modestly, down to 13.2 percent, but that’s still well above the goal of keeping the rate below 5 percent. State health officials continue to stress that the best way to prevent hospitalization due to COVID-19 is to be vaccinated. Vaccinated people are 4 times less likely than unvaccinated people to contract the virus and if they do, they are 5 times less likely to need hospitalization, according to Central District Health on Thursday. Visit the Idaho Reports blog at idahoptv.org/idahoreports to see our latest updates on COVID-19.…
This week, producer Ruth Brown is joined by Audrey Dutton of the Idaho Capital Sun to discuss a complaint about the newest member of Central District Health’s board of health, Dr. Ryan Cole. Read Audrey's article here: https://idahocapitalsun.com/2021/10/11/it-should-be-stopped-idaho-medical-group-files-complaint-against-dr-ryan-cole/…
The month of September marked a grim milestone with more coronavirus deaths in one month than any other month in the pandemic. The state of Idaho has now reported more than 3,000 coronavirus deaths statewide. In north-central Idaho, hospitals are reaching a breaking point. In Moscow, Gritman Medical Center’s COVID-19 patient care unit is at capacity, with the largest number of people with COVID-19 being admitted for inpatient treatment, the hospital announced Thursday. On Wednesday, Kootenai Health was reporting 150 COVID-19 patients hospitalized with 43 in critical care and 2 pediatric COVID patients. No Idaho child has died of causes related to COVID-19 as of Thursday, but there have been children with serious illness due to the virus. Case positivity rates have dropped modestly, down to 14.6 percent, but that’s still well above the goal of keeping the rate below 5 percent. State health officials continue to stress that the best way to prevent hospitalization due to COVID is to be vaccinated. Visit the Idaho Reports blog at idahoptv.org/idahoreports to see our latest update on the costs of transfers to other states for medical care amid a hospital bed shortage.…
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Idaho Reports
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This week, our producer Ruth Brown sat down Tuesday morning with reporter Ryan Suppe of the Idaho Press to discuss labor shortages across Idaho and how the pandemic has impacted those in the workforce. Then, Ruth and Logan Finney looked at workforce issues in specific sectors of state government. But first, on Tuesday, Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin wasted no time exercising her temporary gubernatorial authority, issuing an executive order banning state agencies from requiring COVID testing and vaccines. She also contacted the Idaho National Guard to ask about deploying them to the US Mexico border -- a query that Major General Michael Garshak turned down, as no request for National Guard assistance had been submitted. McGeachin is acting governor while Gov. Brad Little is visiting the US Mexico border. Little said Tuesday he would immediately rescind all actions taken by McGeachin upon his return. For more, visit the Idaho Reports blog. Visit idahoptv.org/idahoreports to find the link.…
COVID-related hospitalizations in Idaho continue to hit abnormal highs with hospitals operating under crisis care standards. On Thursday, 53 people were reported dead in one day due to COVID, setting a new single-day record, and the statewide death toll is now at more than 2,900 people. State officials continue to stress that the number of child infections is increasing. Weekly case counts are now increasing more rapidly in kids than case counts in adults, according to the Department of Health and Welfare. Nearly 1,700 cases were reported last week in children, most school districts in Idaho do not have mask mandates, and there has been an increase in pediatric hospitalizations due to the virus. No Idaho child has died of causes related to COVID-19 as of Thursday, but there have been children with serious illness due to the virus. Case positivity rates have dropped modestly, down to 15.4 percent, but that’s still well above the goal of keeping it below 5 percent. See our full coverage online and watch the latest episode at www.idahoptv.org/idahoreports.…
This week, School Safety and Security Program Manager Mike Munger joins producer Ruth Brown to discuss a post-incident review report on the May 6 shooting at Rigby Middle School, which covers lessons learned from the incident and safety recommendations for all Idaho schools. The 11-page report can be found here: https://schoolsafety.dbs.idaho.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/106/2021/09/Rigby-MS-Lessons-Learned-Final-Release-Copy.pdf…
COVID-related hospitalizations in Idaho continue to reach record highs, with 760 patients hospitalized on Monday and more than 200 in the ICU. Additionally, more Idaho patients were ventilated this week than at any previous point in the pandemic, according to Idaho Department of Health and Welfare director Dave Jeppesen. Dr. Jim Souza, chief physician executive at St. Luke’s Health System, said patients in the St. Luke’s ICU have a higher mortality rate than during the December surge, with 43 percent dying after being admitted. Idaho has once again added more than 100 newly recorded deaths in the last week, including multiple people in their 20s, 30s and 40s. The areas of the state with the highest seven-day rolling average case rates are north central, Magic Valley, and east central Idaho. On Wednesday, Idaho Reports toured the Saint Alphonsus ICU in Boise, as well as the emergency department, trauma center, and Life Flight center. See our full coverage online and watch the episode at idahoptv.org/idahoreports.…
In this half-hour special on the ripple effects of crisis standards of care, hear how the surge in COVID patients is affecting the regional trauma center and emergency department at Saint Alphonsus, and get a glimpse behind-the-scenes on the coordination it takes to transport and find beds for rural patients across Idaho.…
This week, Keith Ridler of the Associated Press joined Logan Finney to discuss a central Idaho grazing lease that was purchased by a conservation group and approved by the Land Board this week. But first, the COVID-19 surge continues to flood Idaho hospitals. Idaho Reports is airing a half-hour special Friday on the implications of crisis standards of care, with an inside look at how Saint Alphonsus Health System is accommodating the surge in COVID-19 patients as hospitals across the state are overwhelmed. “Idaho Reports: A Statewide Disaster” airs Friday night at 8 pm in both the Mountain and Pacific time zones on Idaho Public Television.…
On Thursday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare announced it had activated crisis standards of care statewide as hospitals in southwest and south central Idaho became overrun with COVID-19 patients, nearly all of whom are unvaccinated. The crisis standards of care designation allows hospitals to operate with higher nurse-to-patient ratios and helps providers prioritize which patients receive limited resources, depending on how ill they are, and their chances of survival. It also means that some patients are being treated in makeshift patient care centers set up in classrooms or conference rooms. Crisis standards have been in place for north Idaho since Sept. 6. Idaho added more than 100 deaths to its statewide death toll in the last 3 days, though at least 30 of those occurred over the summer and are just now being added. While ICU bed availability varies hour by hour, as patients are admitted, discharged, or die, at multiple times over the last week, there were fewer than 10 fully staffed ICU beds available in the entire state of Idaho. We have more information on a special episode of the Idaho Reports Podcast, which you can find and subscribe to on all major podcast platforms.…
On Thursday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare announced it had activated crisis standards of care statewide as hospitals in southwest and south central Idaho became overrun with COVID-19 patients, nearly all of whom are unvaccinated. Crisis standards for north Idaho have been in place since Sept. 6. The crisis standards of care designation allows hospitals to operate with higher nurse-to-patient ratios and helps providers prioritize which patients receive limited resources, depending on how ill they are, and their chances of survival. It also means that some patients are being treated in makeshift patient care centers set up in classrooms or conference rooms. This affects all patients seeking care, not just those infected with COVID. While ICU bed availability varies hour by hour, as patients are admitted, discharged, or die, at multiple times over the last week, there were fewer than 10 fully staffed ICU beds available in the entire state of Idaho.…
This week, Betsy Russell of the Idaho Press joins Melissa Davlin to discuss President Joe Biden's trip to Idaho where he visited the National Interagency Fire Center in Boise. They discuss the roundtable discussion with officials at NIFC, issues of transparency and media access, and the politics surrounding the event.…
In this live special, Idaho Reports brings you up to speed as crisis standards of care have been declared for hospitals in the panhandle and north central Idaho. We are joined by healthcare representatives from across the state to discuss the statewide hospital crisis caused by surging COVID-19 cases in unvaccinated patients, and what that means for all Idaho patients in need of care.…
Ten hospitals in north central Idaho and the panhandle have been authorized to operate under crisis standards of care since Monday, when Kootenai Health in Coeur d’Alene asked the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare for the designation after weeks of being overwhelmed with COVID-19 patients. The crisis standards of care designation allows hospitals to operate with higher nurse-to-patient ratios and helps providers determine the order in which patients get limited resources. It also means that some patients are being treated in makeshift patient care centers set up in classrooms or conference rooms. On Thursday, Idaho Department of Health and Welfare Director Dave Jeppesen told Idaho Reports that the rest of the state could see crisis standards of care very soon. Doctors from hospitals around the state told Idaho Reports they continue to see a wave of COVID-19 patients, most of them unvaccinated, and it is affecting their ability to care for other patients. If you missed our half-hour special, The Consequences of Crisis Care, you can catch it online at idahoptv.org/idahoreports.…
This week, Kevin Richert of Idaho Education News joins us to discuss how the spread of the Delta variant has shaped the beginning of the fall semester for K-12 students in Idaho. But first, on Tuesday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare announced it had declared crisis standards of care for north Idaho, as mostly unvaccinated patients have overwhelmed hospitals. The declaration affects ten hospitals from Grangeville to the Canadian border. We’ll have more on Thursday, when Idaho Reports is airing a half-hour special on the consequences of crisis standards of care, airing at 8 pm in both the Mountain and Pacific Time Zones on Idaho Public Television. You can also catch it online after it airs at idahoptv.org/idahoreports.…
Hospital officials continue to implore Idahoans to get vaccinated as healthcare facilities are overwhelmed with unvaccinated COVID-19 patients. Staffing is stretched thin in hospitals throughout the state, and in the last week, the state has recorded more than 50 COVID-19 deaths, including multiple patients in their 20s, 30s and 40s. Nearly every ICU patient in Idaho is unvaccinated. But vaccine uptake is slowly rising, and this week, Idaho surpassed 1.5 million administered doses of the vaccine. 49 percent of eligible Idahoans ages 12 and older are fully vaccinated. Currently, the highest seven-day rolling average case rates are in north central Idaho, southwest Idaho, and Magic Valley. The statewide test positivity rate has risen to 14.2 percent. On Thursday, Idaho Reports is airing a second special on the statewide hospital crisis. The program will feature hospital representatives from around the state, and airs at 8 pm September 9th on Idaho Public Television.…
This week, Logan Finney sat down with Idaho Capital Sun reporter Clark Corbin to preview the redistricting process that kicks off this week to draw new legislative and congressional district maps for future elections. But first, on Tuesday Gov. Brad Little announced the activation of up to 150 Idaho National Guard members to support health care facilities across the state, as hospitals are filled beyond capacity with unvaccinated COVID-19 patients. You can find more details, and Little’s full speech, on the Idaho Reports blog. On Thursday, September 9th, we’ll have a live special on “The Consequences of Crisis Care” with hospital representatives from around the state to update you on the COVID-19 surge, and the impacts it’s having on the delivery of healthcare services in every region of Idaho. Idaho Reports and the Idaho Capital Sun will follow this week’s redistricting meetings in detail, and future meetings as they’re announced.…
Hospitals throughout the state continue to see record-breaking numbers of COVID-19 patients, many of whom are ending up in the intensive care units. Kootenai Health in Coeur d’Alene has converted a classroom to a patient care space, and could request the state to declare crisis standards of care within the next few days. Crisis standards of care are declared by the state only when a region’s healthcare system is depleted to the point where it cannot transfer patients elsewhere, nor can it provide healthcare services at a normal level. Other hospitals throughout Idaho say they may hit that point in the next couple of weeks. Nearly every ICU patient in Idaho is unvaccinated. Statewide, just 0.4 percent of vaccinated people have reported breakthrough cases, according to data from the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. Currently, the highest seven-day rolling average case rates are in north central Idaho and Magic Valley. The statewide test positivity rate has risen to 13.2 percent, the highest it’s been since January. If you missed our live Idaho Reports special on the state’s hospital crisis, you can catch it online at www.idahoptv.org/idahoreports. Our next special airs Thursday, September 9th at 8pm on Idaho Public Television.…
In this Idaho Reports special, we bring you the latest on the statewide hospital crisis caused by the recent surge in COVID-19 cases. We are joined by healthcare representatives from across Idaho, so no matter where you’re listening, you’ll find out what’s happening in your part of the state.
The Idaho Supreme Court issued an opinion Monday ruling that a bill passed by the Idaho Legislature on voter ballot initiatives is unconstitutional. The high court found that initiatives and referenda are fundamental rights under the Idaho Constitution, and that the new law was a grave infringement on those rights. Betsy Russell of the Idaho Press joins Ruth Brown to break down the history and unique aspects of the decision.…
Idaho Department of Health and Welfare officials warned this week that hospitals are close to being overwhelmed by this current COVID-19 surge, which could lead to rationing of health care. To be clear, that could affect everyone seeking medical care in Idaho, not just those with COVID-19. The Division of Public Health warns Idaho is on track to see as many as 30,000 new cases a week by mid-October. Officials say the surge is being driven by unvaccinated Idahoans. Almost every single Idahoan in the ICU because of COVID-19 is unvaccinated. Unvaccinated Idahoans make up more than 98 percent of new cases across the state. Public health officials are imploring Idahoans to get vaccinated. The highest case rates in the state right now are in north central Idaho, in Lewis, Idaho, Clearwater, and Nez Perce Counties. The statewide test positivity rate is up to 12.8 percent. Idaho Reports is airing a live special on the state’s hospital crisis, Thursday night at 8 pm on Idaho Public Television. Tune in to hear the latest on the status of the state’s healthcare systems, and get some answers to questions about COVID-19 vaccines.…
This week, Ruth Brown is joined by Idaho Department of Health and Welfare Director Dave Jeppesen and Administrative Director of Idaho Courts Sara Omundson. They discuss recent recommendations made by the Idaho Behavioral Health Council, existing needs in the state behavioral health system, and what it will take to implement the recommendations moving forward.…
The current COVID-19 surge has, once again, stressed the state’s hospital system. Two of Idaho’s major hospitals, St. Luke’s in southern Idaho and Kootenai Health in Coeur d’Alene, have postponed non-emergency elective procedures that require overnight stays, and have reassigned nurses to help care for critically ill patients. COVID-19 ICU admissions are now at the same levels they were in November, and Dr. Jim Souza of St. Luke’s said this surge has the potential to be worse than what the state experienced in December, when Idaho came close to having to activate crisis standards of care. On Thursday, Gov. Brad Little implored Idahoans to get vaccinated to ease the strain on hospitals and to help ensure an uninterrupted school year for Idaho students. Since May 15, there have been 13 times as many COVID-19 hospitalizations and ten times as many deaths among unvaccinated people as there were in vaccinated people. The statewide positivity rate has risen to 12.8 percent, and the highest case rates were reported in Clearwater, Nez Perce, Twin Falls, Shoshone and Kootenai counties.…
Heat, drought and population growth have dominated Idaho headlines this summer. This week, the director of Boise State University's Lab for Ecohydrological Applications and Forecasting (LEAF) Dr. Alejandro "Lejo" Flores joined Melissa Davlin to discuss water's role at the intersection of those topics, ranging from agriculture, housing and land use planning to the future of climate in Idaho. Learn more about LEAF at http://leaf.boisestate.edu…
The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare announced this week that the Delta variant of COVID-19 is now the most prominent variant in Idaho. Delta is nearly twice as transmissible as the original virus. Primary Health Medical Group reported a test positivity rate of 20% while Saint Alphonsus reported a test positivity rate of 17% on Wednesday. The state’s goal was to be below 5%. With the rise of Delta infections in Idaho, experts say childhood coronavirus infections have substantially increased in the state. Children ages 0 to 4 have seen a 200% increase in the number of infections over the last two weeks. There is not yet a vaccine approved for children younger than 12, and the CDC recently recommended that schools mandate masks be worn regardless of vaccination status. The Boise School District Board of Trustees on Tuesday announced masks would be required for students and staff in the next school year, regardless of vaccination status. Idaho does have COVID-19 vaccine doses widely available and health experts are seeing vaccination rates increase. Idaho just passed the benchmark of 50% of people 12 and older getting at least a first dose.…
This week, the House Ethics Committee unanimously found that Rep. Priscilla Giddings behaved in a manner unbecoming of a representative, and voted to recommend she be censured by the House and removed from her post on the Commerce and Human Resources Committee. Two complaints asserted that Giddings, R-White Bird, acted inappropriately when she disseminated the identity and photo of an individual who reported sexual assault by former Rep. Aaron von Ehlinger, R-Lewiston, then misrepresented her actions to the Ethics Committee while under oath. Producer Ruth Brown sat down with our reporter Logan Finney to review the hearing, from witness testimony to the recommendation for censure and what it could mean for future legislative sessions. -------------------------------- Watch the committee discussion and outcome: https://youtu.be/ulAV0v1Qk80 Read Logan's coverage on the Idaho Reports blog - 1) What to expect in the Giddings ethics hearing: https://blog.idahoreports.idahoptv.org/2021/07/30/what-to-expect-in-the-giddings-ethics-hearing/ 2) Giddings combative as lawmakers question conduct: https://blog.idahoreports.idahoptv.org/2021/08/02/giddings-combative-as-lawmakers-question-conduct/ 3) Committee recommends censure for Giddings ethics violations: https://blog.idahoreports.idahoptv.org/2021/08/03/committee-recommends-censure-for-giddings-ethics-violations/…
The state’s positivity rate has climbed to eight percent, and the number of confirmed cases with the Delta variant is now at 70, which is more than twice what it was last week. Every one of the state’s public health districts has seen an increase in the percentage of tests coming back positive, with the north central region seeing the highest positivity rate last week at 12.7 percent. Right now, the counties with the highest incidence rates in the state are Lewis, Adams, Twin Falls, Shoshone, and Boise. The number of patients admitted to the ICU with COVID-19 has more than doubled since the beginning of July, with hospitals reporting 49 patients statewide as of Monday. That number is still half of what it was during the pandemic’s peak in December, but those numbers are continuing to trend up, not down. Dr. Steven Nemerson of Saint Alphonsus told KTVB last week that all of the critically ill patients in his facility are unvaccinated. Currently, just 45.8 percent of Idahoans ages 12 and older are fully vaccinated. That’s compared to a national rate of 57.8 percent.…
We know that Idahoans ages 18-24 make up 11 percent of Idaho’s population, but people in their late teens and 20s account for the plurality of COVID-19 cases so far during the pandemic, and it isn’t even close. This week, Melissa Davlin discusses efforts to get college students vaccinated with Chris Owens, Associate Vice President of Kasiska Division of Health Sciences at Idaho State University in Pocatello. Then, Alex Adams, administrator for the Idaho Division of Financial Management, joins to discuss Idaho’s record-breaking general fund revenues for fiscal year 2021, and what the state might do with the surplus.…
In the last two weeks, nearly every COVID metric has worsened in Idaho, matching nationwide trends as the Delta variant spreads throughout the country. On Tuesday, officials with the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare told reporters that hospitalizations and new cases continue to increase, and almost every single one of those patients is unvaccinated. ICU admissions have doubled since the beginning of July. The statewide test positivity rate has climbed to 5.7 percent, though some regions are seeing a higher percentage of tests coming back positive. Public Health District 6 in southeastern Idaho has a positivity rate of 8.4 percent, and Eastern Idaho's Public Health District 7 has a positivity rate of 9.9 percent. So far, 30 cases with the highly transmissible Delta variant have been identified in Idaho. State epidemiologist Dr. Christine Hahn said Tuesday that doesn’t mean the Delta variant isn’t more prevalent in the state, and state laboratories are continuing to ramp up their efforts to sequence more positive samples to identify variants. Currently, 52.2 percent of Idahoans ages 18 and older are at least partially vaccinated. Nationwide, that number is 68.6 percent.…
Idaho is growing rapidly, and those growing pains aren't confined to Boise and the Treasure Valley. Last week, Logan Finney spoke with Madison Hardy of the Coeur d'Alene Press to get an update on the state of politics in Kootenai County, from a commissioner who's distancing himself from the local Republican party to a study group that's looking into restructuring the government of the state's third most populous county.…
Don’t expect lawmakers to come back to Boise to prevent employers from requiring vaccinations as a condition of employment. Idaho Senate Republicans announced Friday they would rather work out disagreements without passing new laws, at least for the time being. Last week, three of Idaho’s largest health care providers announced they would require all employees to get vaccinated by this fall. Idaho’s test positivity rate rose again last week, as did the statewide seven day moving average case rate and COVID-related hospitalizations and ICU admissions. While the numbers are still much lower than the highs Idaho saw in December, they follow nationwide trends of rising cases as the highly transmissible Delta variant spreads among mostly unvaccinated people. The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare has confirmed just nine cases of the Delta variant in Idaho so far. Currently, 51.7 percent of Idahoans ages 18 and older are at least partially vaccinated. Nationwide, that number is 68 percent.…
Idaho authorities are stressing the need for people to recreate responsibly, as Idaho is already seeing more than double the number of fires than the previous record. “Idaho is experiencing severe drought and unprecedented fire conditions across most of the state,” said Idaho Department of Lands Director Dustin Miller. “Extreme fire conditions are at an all-time high and weather forecasts indicate that no relief is in the weeks ahead.” Miller said during a press conference Tuesday at the National Interagency Fire Center that resources are already stretched thin and there is a significant shortage of people needed to fight fire. Portions of the state are under Stage I and Stage II fire restrictions, and fire managers expect to announce additional restrictions in more parts of the state. IDL has an interactive website that displays current restrictions and what they mean: https://www.idl.idaho.gov/fire-management/fire-restrictions-finder/ Read more on the Idaho Reports blog: https://blog.idahoreports.idahoptv.org/2021/07/13/idaho-sees-shortage-of-firefighters-amid-unprecedented-wildfire-conditions/ Watch the full press conference on the Idaho Reports YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/Zo9ia3ZLI90…
Three of Idaho’s largest health care providers announced this week they are requiring employees, volunteers and contractors to be vaccinated against COVID-19 by this fall. In a Friday media call, St. Luke’s President and CEO Chris Roth said nearly 80 percent of St. Luke’s employees are already vaccinated, and with the uptick in cases nationwide related to the Delta variant, hospital leadership felt it was the right time to add the COVID vaccine to the list of required immunizations already in place for hospital employees. The announcements drew criticism from conservative lawmakers across the state. The state’s test positivity rate remains low, but continues to creep up slightly at 3.6 percent. As of Friday morning, six cases of the Delta variant had been recorded in Idaho. Nationwide, the variant accounts for half of new cases recorded in the last week. Nearly 724,000 Idahoans have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. In the last week, providers have administered about 7,400 doses.…
Last year, Idaho's three branches of government combined their efforts to address mental and behavioral health issues in the state through the formation of the Behavioral Health Council. Last week, they released a strategic action plan outlining recommendations for 2021-2024. Producer Ruth Brown joins Logan Finney to give an overview of the issues under consideration including substance use disorders, youth mental health and adverse childhood experiences, and how the plan might be implemented moving forward. Read Ruth's coverage of the plan on the Idaho Reports blog: https://blog.idahoreports.idahoptv.org/2021/07/02/behavioral-health-council-set-to-make-recommendations-to-governor-legislators-courts/ Learn more about adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) in Idaho: https://www.idahoptv.org/resilientidaho/…
Sunny Shaw, executive director of the Housing Alliance and Community Partnership in Pocatello, sat down with Idaho Reports to talk about the CDC’s eviction moratorium which will expire at the end of July. The moratorium was issued to help slow the pandemic by keeping people in their homes and out of crowded or congregate settings like homeless shelters. Shaw also discussed rental and home affordability, growth, and the need she sees in Idaho for low-income housing funding. People who need rental assistance related to COVID-19 can visit http://www.idahohousing.com for information and applications from the Idaho Housing and Finance Association.…
Idaho Department of Health and Welfare has announced that Idaho’s laboratories will soon be able to test every positive COVID-19 sample for variants. The news comes as the Delta variant continues to spread throughout the nation. So far, Idaho has just one confirmed Delta case, but nationwide, the strain has accounted for 20 percent of new positives in the last week, almost all among unvaccinated people. State epidemiologist Dr. Christine Hahn said there isn’t evidence of large-scale undetected Delta spread in Idaho, as case counts and test positivity continue to drop. Last week, just 2.9 percent of the state’s tests came back positive. Still, the state wants to be prepared if and when the variant arrives, she said. While half of Idaho’s adults are now at least partially vaccinated, the majority of counties haven’t yet hit the 50 percent threshold, with rural counties in particular lagging behind the state’s metropolitan counties. Rural counties also report the state’s highest death rates due to COVID 19. We have much more information on the Idaho Reports blog. You’ll find the links on the Idaho Reports Facebook and Twitter pages.…
This week, Idaho Voices for Children director Christine Tiddens joins Melissa Davlin to talk about the new KIDS COUNT Data Book, an annual report that examines child wellbeing state by state. This year's edition explores how families with children fared during the pandemic and broader trends since the Great Recession. "What we've seen is that the number of Idahoans struggling to get by has really sharply increased, due to a variety of factors including the pandemic's really far reaching health and economic impacts," Tiddens said. Davlin and Tiddens discuss the report, with wide-ranging data from educational outcomes and poverty rates to health insurance coverage and teen pregnancy rates, and the economic picture it paints for Idaho families. Tiddens also describes her organization's state and federal policy priorities, and what she thinks can be done to address trends that began long before the pandemic.…
As of Friday, half of Idaho adults have had at least one dose of the coronavirus vaccine, and three fourths of Idahoans ages 65 and older have been fully vaccinated. Nearly 703,000 Idahoans ages 12 and older have received at least one dose. The statewide test positivity rate continues to drop, with 3.6 percent of COVID tests coming back positive last week. The seven day moving average incidence rate is down to a new low of 4.4 cases per 100,000 people. Eleven counties reported no new cases in the last week. Lewis County had the highest incidence rate. Ada, Canyon, and Kootenai counties had the highest raw numbers of cases. Variants continue to spread, especially among unvaccinated Idahoans, with the UK variant the most prevalent in the state. This week, Gov. Brad Little announced that state employees can receive four hours of paid time off to get their COVID vaccine, or four hours to use if they’ve already received it. Little encouraged private businesses to offer the same incentives for their employees.…
This week on the Idaho Reports podcast, producer Ruth Brown sits down with Reclaim Idaho co-founder Luke Mayville to discuss his organization's new education funding initiative and their lawsuit against the state over increased ballot initiative requirements. Visit the Idaho Reports blog at http://blog.idahoreports.idahoptv.org to read more about the initiative as well as the confusion surrounding its certification process.…
The state’s positivity rate, or percent of tests that come back positive, has fallen to 3.9 percent, the lowest Idaho has seen since June 2020. That’s down from a high of 19 percent in December. The seven day moving average incidence rate is also at its lowest point since last summer, at 5.6 cases per 100,000 people, down from a high of 90 in December. As of Friday, the state has administered 1,272,000 doses of the COVID vaccine, with 623,000 Idahoans fully vaccinated. The state’s highest vaccination rate is in Blaine County, with 67 percent of residents vaccinated, while the lowest is in Idaho County, with just 26 percent vaccinated. According to the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, more than 90 percent of new COVID cases are among people who aren’t vaccinated. The Idaho Department of Correction reports that 4,288 people incarcerated by the state have contracted the virus since the first recorded case in the state’s prisons last year. That means about half of IDOC’s incarcerated people have been infected with COVID-19.…
Idaho hit another grim milestone Friday, surpassing 2,100 deaths due to COVID-19-related causes. As reported on Thursday, 6 of the deaths were people between the ages of 18 and 29, 11 deaths were people in their 30s, and 37 deaths were people in their 40s. The statewide coronavirus test positivity rate increased mildly this week, but continued to hover around 5 percent. Kootenai, Canyon and Ada counties continue to be listed as hotspots, reporting the most new coronavirus infections. As of Friday, about 600,070 Idahoans have been fully vaccinated and another 80,749 people had their first of two doses. Vaccination rates continue to vary widely by county, with 71% of Blaine County residents ages 12 years and older fully vaccinated but just 26% of Idaho County residents. Because of increasing hospitalizations nationwide, the CDC is stressing the need for 12-15 year olds to get vaccinated. The state continues to fall behind in vaccine use, as Idaho has administered 77.2% of its supply, while the national average is 80.8%. For coverage throughout the week, make sure to follow Idaho Reports on Facebook and Twitter.…
Governor Brad Little’s actions during the pandemic were the subject of some of the most contentious debates during the legislative session this year. This week, he joins us to give us his take. The Idaho Reports broadcast schedule is ending for the summer, but we're still reporting on the statewide stories that matter to you. Find our reporting on the Idaho Reports blog, the Idaho Reports YouTube channel, and the IR podcast. You find links to all of those at idahoptv.org/idahoreports.…
The statewide incidence rate continues to drop, with the moving 7-day average incidence rate hitting 7.5 cases per 100,000 people. The highest incidence rates in the state are in north and north-central Idaho with Lewis, Clearwater, Shoshone, Kootenai and Idaho counties at the top of the list. The state’s test positivity rate, or percentage of tests that come back positive, rose slightly to 5 percent after weeks of hovering under 4.5 percent. Variants have now been detected in 26 of Idaho’s 44 counties, with the UK variant the most prevalent. As of Friday, 590,772 Idahoans have been fully vaccinated with 1,220,941 doses administered in the state. Vaccination rates continue to vary widely by county, with 69 percent of Blaine County residents ages 12 and older fully vaccinated, and just 23 percent of Owyhee County residents. On Thursday, while serving as acting governor, Lt. Governor Janice McGeachin issued an executive order that would have banned local government entities, including public schools, from imposing mask mandates. Gov. Brad Little reversed that order almost immediately upon his return to the state. Some Idaho school districts still have mask mandates for students; Check with your local district for information.…
In the midst of headline-grabbing news this week, cities, counties, and homeowners across the state are currently trying to wrap their heads around a sweeping new property tax reform law that, among other things, caps local government budget growth, increases the homeowner’s exemption to $125,000, and makes changes to the circuit breaker program. Logan Finney sat down with House Assistant Minority Leader Lauren Necochea to get her take on the bill and its implications.…
A surprise executive order from Janice McGeachin while she was acting governor and a strongly worded rebuke from Brad Little just gave us a preview of how the coming Republican gubernatorial campaign is going to look. In the midst of headline-grabbing news this week, cities, counties, and homeowners across the state are also trying to wrap their heads around a sweeping new property tax reform law. House Minority Leader Lauren Necochea sits down with Idaho Reports associate producer Logan Finney to discuss the problems she sees with the legislation. Logan Finney and Ruth Brown of Idaho Reports, Kevin Richert of Idaho Education News, and Betsy Russell of the Idaho Press join the pundits to discuss another wild week in Idaho politics.…
New daily cases continue to be much lower than they were most of last year and this winter, with the statewide rolling average 7-day case rate staying steady at 8.7 new cases per 100,000 people. That’s down from a high of 90 in December. Test positivity is also steady at 4.3 percent. But, a few regions have seen notable upticks in the past week. According to the Coeur d’Alene Press, COVID 19 admissions have doubled at Kootenai Health over the last week. Chief of Staff Robert Skoggins told the Press the hospital suspects the increase is due to a combination of new variants and a low vaccination rate. And on Thursday, KXLY reported Lake City High School in Coeur d’Alene is reinstating its mask mandate after at least 23 students have tested positive since April 26. Vaccination rates in Idaho continue to trail behind national rates. Forty seven percent of Idahoans ages 18 and older have received at least one dose of the vaccine, compared to 60 percent nationwide. Those rates vary by region: Central District Health has the highest vaccination rates, while the Southwest, Panhandle and North Central Health Districts have the lowest.…
This last legislative session saw plenty of toussling among Republicans who make up the supermajority in the Idaho legislature. Democrats called it the worst legislative session in Idaho’s history. House Republicans said last week they disagree, hailing transportation funding and income tax cuts as major accomplishments. On Thursday, House Speaker Scott Bedke sat down to give us his take. On Tuesday, the Commission of Pardons and Parole granted Gerald Pizzuto Jr. a commutation hearing, leading to cancelation of his scheduled June 2 execution. The commission will hold a public hearing in November to discuss whether they will recommend Gov. Brad Little grant him clemency. Pizzuto has been on death row for 35 years, after being convicted for the killings of 2 people in Idaho County. On Wednesday, Lieutenant Gov. Janice McGeachin announced she is running for governor.…
After the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said vaccinated people can safely go without masks this week, some health districts, school districts, and cities across the state are reevaluating their public health advisories and mandates. The status varies by location: Boise lifted its mask order on Friday, while Moscow’s remains in place. Be sure to check with your local officials. Also this week, 12-15 year olds are eligible to receive the Pfizer vaccine. New cases remained low, with the seven-day rolling average case rate in nearly all of Idaho’s counties hitting less than 10 new cases per 100,000 people. Kootenai and Benewah counties had the highest case rates in the state this week. Ada County reported the state’s first known case of the India variant, bringing the total number of variants found in Idaho to 6. Statewide, test positivity remained roughly the same at 4.4 percent, as did hospitalizations and ICU admissions. As of Friday, 631,018 Idahoans had received at least one dose of the vaccine, with 552,997 fully vaccinated.…
Clark Corbin of Idaho Capital Sun, Kevin Richert of Idaho Education News, and Ruth Brown of Idaho Reports discuss an unprecedented end to the record-breaking legislative session, constitutional uncertainties surrounding an indefinite recess, and tensions between the House and the Senate, as well as the scheduled execution of Gerald Pizzuto Jr.…
This week, Idaho reached 188,788 COVID-19 cases and 2,061 related deaths statewide. New cases continue to fall, with the statewide daily 7-day moving average case rate of 8.8 dropping below 10 new cases per 100,000 people for the first time in nearly a year. The state’s test positivity rate, or percentage of tests that come back positive, remained roughly the same at 4.3 percent. The counties with the highest case rates this week were Shoshone, Benewah, Idaho, Kootenai, Lewis and Canyon counties, while the counties with the highest total numbers of new cases were Ada, Kootenai, Canyon, Bonneville and Twin Falls. Statewide hospitalizations have fallen slightly since mid-April, though ICU admissions remain steady. Idaho hit yet another vaccination milestone this week, with half a million people now fully vaccinated. So far, 1,104,528 doses have been administered. According to the Post Register, 44 percent of Idahoans ages 16 and older have received at least one dose, compared to 57 percent nationwide. For continued coverage throughout the week, make sure to follow Idaho Reports on Facebook and Twitter.…
A school shooting in eastern Idaho puts the debate over arming teachers and staff into sharp focus. Plus, property taxes, public school and higher education budgets, and another swing at the governor’s executive powers. This week, Rebecca Boone of the Associated Press and Betsy Russell of the Idaho Press discuss the legislature’s slow approach to adjournment sine die. Devin Bodkin and Kevin Richert of Idaho Education News discuss the ongoing policy discussions around guns in schools after a sixth grade student opened fire at Rigby Middle School, injuring two classmates and a custodian. It was the first school shooting in Idaho in more than 20 years.…
The COVID-19 case rate has dropped in nearly every part of the state, with all of Idaho’s 44 counties now boasting a 7-day rolling average case rate below 20 cases per one hundred thousand people. Last week, 4.3 percent of COVID tests performed in Idaho came back positive. That’s the lowest positivity rate Idaho has seen since June. But variants continue to spread, and the UK variant continues to be the most prevalent. This week, the first instance of the so-called Brazil variant was found in an Elmore County patient. In the last week, Idaho surpassed the one million mark for COVID vaccine doses administered. As of Friday, 603,000 Idahoans had received at least one dose of the vaccine, and 486,000 are fully vaccinated. The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare has lifted the requirement that vaccine recipients either live or work in the state to get a vaccine here.…
This week, Kevin Richert of Idaho Education News, Betsy Russell of the Idaho Press, and Ruth Brown of Idaho Reports discuss this week’s ethics hearing and the resignation of Rep. Aaron von Ehlinger. Plus, education budgets and the threat of a partial government shutdown.
New COVID-19 cases continue to drop in Idaho, with the seven day rolling average case rate falling below 25 cases per 100,000 people in all of Idaho’s 44 counties for the first time in several months. The state’s test positivity rate, or percentage of COVID tests that come back positive, remains at 4.7 percent. Hospitalizations and ICU admissions remain steady, hovering between 140 and 160 hospitalized patients statewide on any given day since mid-February. Variants continue to spread, with about a third of Idaho’s counties reporting at least one case of the COVID variants, the majority of which are the UK variant. Idaho is nearing 1 million administered COVID doses, with more than 585,000 Idahoans receiving at least one dose of the vaccine, and nearly 445,000 Idahoans fully vaccinated. On Friday, the CDC recommended unpausing use of the one-dose Johnson and Johnson vaccine. For continued coverage throughout the week, make sure you’re following Idaho Reports on Facebook and Twitter.…
We are now more than one hundred days into the legislative session, with major budget bills still hanging in the balance. After weeks of discussion about critical race theory in Idaho classrooms, are lawmakers any closer to a compromise? This week, Hayat Norimine of the Idaho Statesman, Clark Corbin of the Idaho Capital Sun, and James Dawson of Boise State Public Radio join the pundits to help make sense of why the legislature still hasn’t adjourned, the debate over critical race theory in schools, and more. But first, the legislature’s wild ride continued this week, starting with attempted veto overrides on two bills to trim the governor’s emergency powers and put them under legislative oversight.…
Beginning this week, our Idaho Reports Coronavirus Updates are coming to you as weekly reports. Catch up with the latest pandemic news and analysis Friday evenings on air before and after PBS Newshour, on the Idaho Reports blog, and here on the podcast.
On Friday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare reported 212 new cases and 2 new deaths for a statewide total of 184,769 known cases and 2,017 deaths. State health officials have set a vaccination goal of 80 percent of Idaho’s population by September. Anyone over the age of 16 is currently eligible for a vaccine, and state epidemiologist Dr. Christine Hahn says younger teens should be able to get their shots before fall. As of Friday, more than 559,968 people in Idaho have received at least one dose of a vaccine, and nearly 399,110 are fully vaccinated. And starting next week, Idaho Reports will bring you a weekly COVID-19 update every Friday, both on air and on the Idaho Reports podcast. And of course, we’ll keep you updated throughout the week on the Idaho Reports blog.…
This week, the House and Senate continued to have different ideas about an adjournment timeline. On Friday afternoon, Governor Brad Little announced he will veto a pair of bills meant to trim the governor's emergency powers and hand oversight to the legislature. Betsy Russell of the Idaho Press and Kevin Richert of Idaho Education News join to discuss the move and the rest of the week's news.…
On Thursday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare reported 210 new cases and 9 new deaths, for a statewide total of 184,557 known cases and 2,015 deaths. As of Thursday, 555,330 people in Idaho have received at least one dose of a vaccine, and 389,083 are fully vaccinated. The state has administered 913,106 doses so far. Starting next week, Idaho Reports will transition to bringing you weekly COVID-19 updates and analysis every Friday, both on air and on the Idaho Reports podcast. We’ll also update with relevant information throughout the week on the Idaho Reports blog. You’ll find those links at idahoptv.org/idahoreports.…
On Wednesday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare reported 437 new cases and 6 new deaths for a statewide total of 184,347 known cases and 2,006 deaths. Starting next week, Idaho Reports will transition to weekly COVID-19 updates every Friday rather than daily updates. A bill prohibiting face mask mandates made it out of the Idaho House of Representatives on Wednesday in a 46-23 vote. The bill, House Bill 339, now goes before the Senate. The bill is not yet law and any existing local mask mandates are still valid. The CDC continues to urge people to wear face masks when in public, regardless of whether they are mandatory.…
On Tuesday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare reported 219 new cases of coronavirus and 4 new deaths due to COVID-19-related causes. The statewide case count is 183,910 and the death toll hit a grim milestone of 2,000 people dead. Idaho will pause the use of the Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) COVID-19 vaccine, after recommendations from the CDC and FDA. The pause allows experts to review an extremely rare type of blood clot that has been reported in six women who received the Johnson and Johnson vaccine. The women were between the ages of 18 and 48. The cases were extremely rare, because as of Monday, more than 6.8 million doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine had been safely administered nationwide, according to Central District Health. Gov. Brad Little stressed Tuesday that the vaccines are extremely safe and he urged Idahoans to move forward with the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines.…
On Monday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare reported 317 new cases and 3 new deaths. That brings the statewide total to 183,691 cases and 1,996 deaths. Eastern Idaho and Wood River Valley have the highest 7-day rolling average case rate, with Madison, Jefferson, Blaine, Bonneville and Caribou Counties all experiencing a high number of cases relative to their populations. In most counties, those case rates are still lower than they were two weeks ago. As of Monday, more than 538,000 Idahoans had received at least one dose of the vaccine, with about 365,000 people fully vaccinated.…
On Friday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare reported 312 new cases of coronavirus and 4 new deaths. That puts the statewide total at 183,153 and the death toll at 1,993. An estimated 102,697 Idahoans have recovered from the disease. As of Friday, the state reports that 518,450 people had received at least one vaccine dose and 345,288 people are fully vaccinated. Idaho’s positivity rate, or the percentage of tests coming back positive, is increasing. The new rate is 5.6 percent, which is the highest since mid-February. Previously the positivity rate had been hovering at about 5.2 percent.…
Idaho Senate Assistant Minority Leader Grant Burgoyne sat down with Melissa Davlin on Friday to give his take on end-of-session negotiations, from the future of property tax policy to transportation needs and funding sources, and what the legislature needs to get done before heading home.
On Friday, Idaho Senate President Pro Tem Chuck Winder joined Melissa Davin to talk about end-of-session negotiations between the House and Senate, what additional work the joint budget committee has in front of it, and what we can expect from the Senate on transportation and taxes. After the interview, the Senate passed a bill 25-10 regarding the governor’s emergency powers.…
On Thursday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare reported 310 new cases of coronavirus and 9 new deaths due to COVID-19-related causes. The statewide case count is 182,841 and the death toll is 1,989. Statewide, all people age 16 and older are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccination. Your local public health district or covidvaccine.idaho.gov can direct you to an available provider for an appointment. As of this morning, the state reports that 509,052 people have received at least one dose of the vaccination and 335, 527 people are fully vaccinated.…
The legislature returned from a two and a half week recess on Tuesday, and didn’t waste any time picking up their debates. This week, Senate Assistant Minority Leader Grant Burgoyne gives his take on end-of-session negotiations and the future of property tax policy, and Senate President Pro Tem Chuck Winder updates us on talks between the House and Senate on taxes and budgets.…
On Wednesday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare reported 349 new cases and 6 new deaths due to COVID-19-related causes. The statewide case count is 182,531 and the death toll stands at 1,980. Gov. Brad Little announced the signature of an executive order on Wednesday banning any Idaho governmental entity from requiring so-called “vaccine passports” – or proof that a person has received a COVID-19 vaccination - to receive public services or access to facilities. Little strongly encouraged all Idahoans age 16 and older to receive a COVID-19 vaccine but said he would not mandate vaccinations. His executive order states that 70 percent of Idahoans age 65 and older have received at least one dose of the vaccine.…
On Tuesday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare reported 346 new cases and 2 new deaths. That brings the statewide total to 182,182 cases and 1,974 deaths. Of the 95 variant cases detected in Idaho, four percent have resulted in hospitalizations and one percent in death, according to a Health and Welfare press briefing this afternoon. Epidemiologists said they think the UK and California variants are the most concerning. 491,314 Idahoans have received at least one dose of the vaccine, with 319,369 Idahoans fully vaccinated. Governor Brad Little will make an announcement on COVID-19 vaccines Wednesday at 2 pm MT/1 pm PT. The announcement will be streamed live on the Idaho Public Television YouTube channel.…
On Monday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare reported 337 new cases and 4 new deaths. That brings the statewide total to 181,836 cases and 1,972 deaths. More than 484,000 Idahoans have received at least one dose of the vaccine, with nearly 312,000 Idahoans fully vaccinated. Eastern Idaho continues to have the highest case rates in the state, with Madison, Clark, Bonneville and Jefferson counties showing the highest seven-day rolling averages. The state’s latest test positivity rate, or percentage of tests that come back positive, is 5.1 percent, and 95 total tests have shown variants.…
On Friday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare reported 284 new cases and 3 new deaths. That brings the statewide total to 181,181 cases and 1,966 deaths. Starting Monday, all Idahoans over 16 are eligible for the COVID vaccine, though health districts have removed restrictions earlier. You can pre-register and get a call back for appointment at covidvaccine.idaho.gov Crush the Curve Idaho is planning a mass vaccination event at the Boise Airport on April 8th. You can find details at crushthecurveidaho.com and sign up. Tonight on Idaho Reports, we’ll look at coronavirus spread and immunizations, plus what to expect from the rest of the session when the Idaho Legislature comes back on Tuesday after taking two weeks off due to an outbreak.…
When the legislature comes back from its COVID-induced recess on April 6th, there are a number of big issues left to address. One that has prompted a lot of discussion in the legislature and the community is the budget for Idaho’s higher education institutes, after several conservative House members expressed concern and anger over so-called social justice programs and curriculum at Idaho’s public universities. Senator Carl Crabtree sits on both the joint budget committee and Senate Education Committee, and carried the higher education budget on the Senate floor in March. On Thursday, he joined Melissa Davlin to discuss that budget, and whether he thinks it will pass the House. Public schools are also facing challenges, especially with Idaho’s youngest students. The state has long struggled to get elementary reading scores up, and additional funding often relies on local property taxes instead of the state. Davlin also asked Sen. Crabtree about policy changes the legislature could make to improve education in Idaho and what he believed needed to be done this year.…
What's left on the legislature's plate as lawmakers return from their COVID recess next week? A contentious higher ed budget, and lingering questions about property taxes. This week, Sen. Carl Crabtree gives us his take on the higher education debate in the legislature, and Sen. Ali Rabe discusses the housing crisis in Idaho’s most populated areas. Nicole Foy of the Idaho Statesman and Kyle Pfannenstiel of the Idaho Falls Post-Register and Report for America talk about recent COVID-19 cases and immunization data.…
On Thursday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare reported 361 new coronavirus cases and 1 new death. That brings the statewide case count to 180,897 and the death count to 1,963. Eastern Idaho Public Health announced today that they are opening up vaccine eligibility for anyone age 16 and older. That means six of Idaho’s seven public health districts have opened eligibility to the general public before the state’s target date of next Monday. Residents are encouraged to pre-register for a vaccine at COVIDvaccine.idaho.gov. If you signed up on that website but then end up booking an appointment directly with a provider or obtaining a vaccine by other means, your pre-registration confirmation email will have a link to remove your name from the list.…
On Wednesday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare reported 460 new cases and 5 new deaths due to COVID-19-related causes. That brings the statewide case count to 180,536 and the death toll to 1,962. So far, more than 447,000 people in Idaho have received at least one dose of the vaccine as providers urge others to sign up. Some health districts have opened vaccinations up to anyone age 16 and older, while other areas are waiting until Monday, April 5. Call your local public health district to learn if you are eligible for a vaccine. You can still sign up at COVIDvaccine.idaho.gov to pre-register for a vaccine.…
Today, Central District Health and Southeastern Idaho Public Health District announced they have opened up vaccine eligibility to anyone 16 and older. Previously, the Panhandle Health District and North Central District Health had opened up eligibility to the general population, meaning anyone who lives north of Riggins can get vaccinated. In the rest of the state, people 16 and older with one pre-existing condition can currently get a vaccine. If you live in one of the other three public health districts and aren’t already eligible, you will be on Monday, April 5. You can still pre-register at COVIDvaccine.idaho.gov. We’ll see you back here tomorrow. Until then, stay safe, Idaho.…
On Monday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare reported 335 new cases of coronavirus and 3 new deaths due to COVID-19. The statewide case count is now 179,763 and the death toll stands at 1,957. Today, Idahoans over age 16 with at least one medical condition are now eligible to be vaccinated. Next Monday, April 5th, eligibility opens for all Idahoans over the age of 16. Residents are encouraged to use the COVID-19 Vaccine Pre-Registration System at COVIDvaccine.idaho.gov. The Department of Health and Welfare says over 100,000 people have signed up through the pre-registration system, and nearly 42,000 of those people have been contacted by a provider to schedule an appointment. Today 432,483 people in Idaho have received at least one dose of a vaccine and 273,524 people are fully vaccinated.…
Rep. Barbara Ehardt, R-Idaho Falls, spoke with Idaho Reports about mental health issues and suicide prevention.
On Friday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare reported 317 new cases of coronavirus and no new deaths due to COVID-19. The statewide case count is now 179,204 and the death toll stands at 1,954. Vaccines are currently being offered to anyone age 45 and older. On Monday, people ages 16 to 44 may be vaccinated if they have at least one medical condition. As of April 5th, all Idahoans age 16 and older may schedule their COVID-19 vaccination appointment. So far, more than 417,000 Idahoans have received at least one dose of the vaccine. Residents are encouraged to use the COVID-19 Vaccine Pre-Registration System at COVIDvaccine.idaho.gov.…
This week, we explore the complexities around the legislature’s discussions on suicide prevention. Then, Rep. Laurie Lickley and Sen. David Nelson talk about the Idaho Behavioral Health Council, and whether the legislature is prepared to tackle the wide-ranging problems affecting mental health. But first, a vaccine update: the state is speeding up the timeline.…
On Thursday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare reported 343 new cases of coronavirus and 2 new deaths due to COVID-19 related causes. That brings the statewide case count to 178,887 and the death toll to 1,954. Bonneville County currently has the highest 7-day moving average infection rate in the state, with roughly 42 cases per 100,000 people. All Idahoans age 16 and older may now schedule their COVID-19 vaccination appointment starting April 5th. Residents are encouraged to use the COVID-19 Vaccine Pre-Registration System at covidvaccine.idaho.gov. So far, more than 406,000 Idahoans have received at least one dose of the vaccine.…
On Wednesday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare reported 425 new cases and 1 new death. That brings the statewide total to 178,544 cases and the death toll to 1,952. All Idahoans over the age of 16 can now schedule their COVID vaccine shot starting April 5th. That’s three weeks earlier than previously scheduled. Governor Brad Little announced the change today. Starting Monday, March 29th, any Idahoan with one of the CDC designated health conditions can make an appointment. Residents are encourage to use the COVID-19 Vaccine Pre-Registration System at covidvaccine.idaho.gov. So far, 396,315 Idahoans have received at least one dose of the vaccine.…
On Tuesday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare reported 359 new cases of coronavirus and 5 new deaths due to COVID-19-related causes. That brings the statewide total to 178,119 known cases and 1,951 deaths. Gov. Brad Little will make an announcement about vaccines in Idaho at 12 p.m. Mountain Time Wednesday on Idaho Public Television. As of Tuesday, more than 388,040 people in Idaho have received at least one dose of the vaccine. All Idahoans age 55 and older qualify to become vaccinated this week. Go to covidvaccine.idaho.gov to learn more and pre-register for an appointment.…
On Monday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare reported 340 new cases and 5 new deaths. That brings the statewide total to 177,760 known cases, and 1,946 deaths. The Department of Health and Welfare will hold a vaccine briefing with Director Dave Jeppesen, Public Health Administrator Elke Shaw-Tulloch, and Immunization Program Manger Sarah Leeds this Wednesday, March 24 at 12:30 pm Mountain Time, 11:30 am Pacific Time, following an announcement from Governor Brad Little at noon MT. All Idahoans age 55 and older qualify to become vaccinated today, with open eligibility next Monday for those age 45 and older with certain medical conditions. Go to covidvacine.idaho.gov to learn more and pre-register for an appointment.…
On Friday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare reported 383 new cases of coronavirus and 3 new deaths due to COVID-19-related causes. The statewide total now stands at 177,185 known cases and 1,941 deaths. The COVID-19 Vaccine Advisory Committee voted Friday to include congregate living facilities in vaccine Group 3 regardless of age and medical conditions. That includes people living in domestic violence shelters, residential treatment facilities, and people in jails and prisons. CVAC makes recommendations to Governor Brad Little, and he will make the ultimate decision. To pre-register for a vaccine, go to covidvaccine.idaho.gov and a provider will contact you when you’re eligible.…
This week, an outbreak of COVID-19 at the statehouse has prompted the Legislature to recess until April 6th. Betsy Russell of the Idaho Press and Kevin Richert of Idaho Education News discuss the lead-up and implications for the session. Also, Alex Adams of the Division of Financial Management gives us a run-down of the billions in federal stimulus dollars that Idaho will receive as part of the American Rescue Plan Act.…
On Thursday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare reported 341 new cases and 3 new deaths, bringing the statewide total to 176,802 cases and 1,938 deaths. Idaho Falls has been the nation's top hotspot for new coronavirus cases by population over the past two weeks, and Rexburg is close behind in third place, according to the New York Times coronavirus outbreak tracker. The Associated Press reported that Southwest Idaho reports an increasing number of people infected with a highly contagious variant of COVID-19, first identified in the United Kingdom. Primary Health Medical Group CEO Dr. David Peterman said 30% of positive tests on Wednesday at his facilities in southwestern Idaho were the UK variant.…
On Wednesday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare reported 454 new cases and 6 new deaths. That brings the statewide total to 176,461 known cases and 1,935 deaths. Central District Health reports another case of the UK variant identified in Idaho. That makes 8 cases in Idaho with that strain of the virus, which is thought to be more infectious and may be associated with an increased risk of death. Starting Monday, all Idahoans 55 and older will be eligible to get a vaccine. For more information, visit covidvaccine.idaho.gov. Governor Brad Little will hold a press conference tomorrow afternoon at 1:30 pm Mountain Time to discuss the federal COVID-19 relief plan. We'll share the link on our social media pages.…
On Tuesday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare reported 350 new cases and 13 new deaths. That brings the statewide total to 176,007 known cases and 1,929 deaths. This week, the state expects to receive more than 50,000 first doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, and 2,500 doses of the one-shot Johnson and Johnson vaccine. The state announced that starting April 12th, Idahoans ages 16-44 with qualifying pre-existing medical conditions will be eligible to get vaccinated. Then, beginning April 26th, all Idahoans older than 16 will be eligible. Currently, Idahoans older than 55 with pre-existing conditions are eligible. For more information on priority groups, visit covidvaccine.idaho.gov. https://youtu.be/q7HuLr26HLc…
On Monday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare reported 421 new cases of coronavirus and 6 new deaths. That brings the statewide total to 175,657 cases and 1,916 deaths. Starting today, Idaho residents ages 55-64 with certain pre-existing conditions are eligible to get vaccinated. Starting March 22nd, all Idahoans in that age group can schedule an appointment. The state is still vaccinating those who qualified in previous tiers, so if you’re 65 and older, it’s not too late. To pre-register for a vaccine, visit covidvaccine.idaho.gov and then a provider in your area will contact you to make an appointment.…
On Friday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare reported 333 new cases of coronavirus and 3 new deaths. The statewide total stands at 174,943 cases and 1,909 deaths. Though case numbers have been declining, Southwest District Health Department kept Canyon and Owyhee counties in the Yellow health zone because of continuing case loads. Starting Monday, residents 55-65 with one of the designated high risk health conditions will be eligible for a vaccine. Then starting March 22nd, all Idahoans 55-65 can schedule an appointment. Visit https://covidvaccine.idaho.gov to pre-register for a vaccination.…
Health care and education are the two biggest drivers of the budget in the state, and neither is without their share of policy proposals. This week, Layne McInelly, president of the Idaho Education Association, shares his take on the public education budget and a proposal to let school districts and public charters create their own teaching certificates to address teacher shortages. Then, House Health and Welfare Committee Chairman Fred Wood and Sen. Melissa Wintrow join me to discuss Medicaid and the state’s response to the COVID-19 crisis.…
On Thursday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare reported 364 new cases of coronavirus and 5 new deaths due to COVID-19 related causes. The statewide total now stands at 174,610 known cases and 1,906 deaths. As of Thursday, more than 304,000 people in Idaho have received at least one dose of a coronavirus vaccine. To pre-register for a vaccination appointment, visit covidvaccine.idaho.gov and then a provider in your area will contact you when you’re eligible.…
On Wednesday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare reported 456 new cases of coronavirus and 9 new deaths due to COVID-19-related causes. The statewide death toll now stands at 1,901. The state’s test positivity rate was 4.5 percent for the week of February 21 to 27, the most recent dates for which data is available. Providers around the state are continuing to make appointments for Idahoans in priority group 2.3, which includes food service and janitorial workers, and some providers are beginning to reach out to pre-registered adults ages 55-64. To pre-register, visit covidvaccine.idaho.gov and a provider in your area will contact you when you’re eligible.…
On Tuesday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare reported 481 new cases of coronavirus and 2 new deaths due to COVID-19-related causes. The statewide count now stands at 173,790 known cases and 1,892 people dead. More Idahoans in Group 2.3 are eligible for vaccinations starting March 15, but appointments are starting to go unfilled in most health districts, so some parts of the state are opening up shots to that group early. Newly eligible people include convenience and grocery store workers, manufacturing workers, U.S. Postal Service workers and flight crews. Pre-register at https://covidvaccine.idaho.gov and a provider in your area will contact you when you’re eligible. The next Idahoans eligible for the vaccine in Group 3 will be based on age and high-risk medical conditions.…
On Monday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare reported 378 new cases and 11 new deaths, bringing the statewide total to 173,309 known cases and 1,890 deaths. As of Monday, nearly 167,000 Idahoans were fully vaccinated, and another 117,000 had received the first dose of a two-shot vaccine. The state has launched a new vaccine appointment pre-registration system. At https://covidvaccine.idaho.gov, you can enter contact information, as well as details to help the state determine which priority group you’re in. When you’re eligible, a provider in your area will contact you to set up an appointment.…
On Friday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare reported 240 new cases and no new deaths, bringing the statewide total to 172,827 known cases and 1,876 deaths. The state launched a new vaccine appointment pre-registration system today. Idahoans can now go to covidvaccine.idaho.gov and register their names, then they will be contacted by a vaccine provider in their area when it’s their turn. Starting March 15, the next group of workers will be eligible for vaccination, including workers in the food and agriculture industry, grocery and convenience store staff, and other designed essential workers. The Covid Vaccine Advisory Committee is working on recommendations for who will be in the next phase of rollout. The committee proposes an alternating schedule between age groups and those with high-risk health conditions.…
After a year of uncertainty in education, concerns over content dominate the conversation. This week, lawmakers narrowly voted down a bill for a $6 million federal grant for early childhood education. Sen. Janie Ward-Engelking and Rep. Wendy Horman discuss education budgets and the controversy over social justice content and programs. Then, Kevin Richert of Idaho Education News gives us a run-down of some of the major education policy proposals in front of the legislature right now.…
On Thursday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare reported 299 new cases and no new deaths, bringing the statewide total to 172,587 known cases and 1,876 deaths. The department has identified 16 coronavirus cases with variants of concern, 12 of which are the strain known as the California variant. Transparency data shows that more than 75 percent of vaccines have been administered in each of the seven public health districts, and 80 percent of doses have been administered statewide. The Coronavirus Vaccine Advisory Committee will meet Friday at noon Mountain Time, 11 am Pacific Time, to vote on more clarifications to vaccine groups 1 and 2. We’ll have the link to view the public meeting on our social media.…
On Wednesday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 452 new cases and 5 new deaths to its statewide total. As of this morning, more than 257,000 people have received at least one dose of the vaccine. Earlier this week, the state began publishing demographic data for vaccine recipients, though the data is incomplete. Providers aren’t required to ask patients for their race or ethnicity, and patients aren’t required to supply it. But early data suggests racial disparities. For the 130,000 patients whose race and ethnicity we know, just 6,000 are Hispanic or Latino. Hispanic people make up 12 percent of Idaho’s population, but less than five percent of vaccine recipients.…
On Tuesday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 374 new cases and 4 new deaths to its statewide total. That brings the statewide total to 171,836 cases and 1,871 deaths. Also on Tuesday, the department announced the state will receive more than 13,000 doses of the newly approved one-shot Johnson and Johnson vaccine this week, in addition to the 40,000 first doses of Pfizer and Moderna that the state is currently receiving. The next priority group, which includes food processing employees, farmworkers, and janitors, is eligible to get vaccinated starting Monday, March 15. This comes as the state’s positivity rate has dropped to 5.1 percent. For more information on that next tier, as well as information on where to get vaccinated, visit coronavirus.idaho.gov.…
On Monday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare reported 322 new cases of coronavirus and 7 new deaths due to COVID-19 related causes. That brings the statewide total to 171,462 known infections and 1,867 deaths. Race and ethnicity data were made available today on the state’s COVID-19 vaccine website. Health and Welfare Director Dave Jeppesen said the department is committed to transparency, but race and ethnicity information are not mandatory for patients to report.…
On Friday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare reported 312 new cases and 9 new deaths. That brings the statewide total to 170,907 known cases and 1,859 deaths. Emergency room visits because of suspected COVID illness continue to decline. Counties with the highest number of cases this week are Ada, Bonneville, Canyon, Kootenai and Madison counties. As reported today, 108,502 Idahoans have received both doses of the vaccine. That includes more than 40 percent of Idahoans over age 65. Health officials say the state will be receiving more doses next week and the expected approval of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine over the weekend could increase available vaccine supplies.…
We have a surplus in the state budget, and you know what that means: Showdowns over tax cuts. This week, Senator Jim Rice responds to criticism of his property tax proposal from local government officials. Alejandra Cerna Rios, director of the Idaho Center for Fiscal Policy, gives analysis on an income and sales tax proposal from the House, then House Majority Leader Mike Moyle and House Majority Caucus Chair Megan Blanksma discuss taxes and more.…
On Thursday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare reported 306 new cases and 10 new deaths. That brings the statewide total to 170,595 known cases and 1,850 deaths. The Post Register reports that Idaho Falls school district will keep its current mask mandate and return to in-person schooling five days a week beginning March 8th. The Department of Health and Welfare says they’ve heard frustration from Idahoans who are unable to schedule vaccine appointments because of overwhelmed phone lines and websites, and they are working on a new registration tool to help streamline the process. We’ll have more details as they become available. The highest rate of people who have received at least one vaccine dose is in Blaine County at 27.45 percent, while the lowest rate is in neighboring Lincoln County at 7.23 percent.…
The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare reported 423 new coronavirus cases and no new deaths on Wednesday. Idaho’s state totals now stand at 170,289 known cases and 1,840 people dead due to COVID-19-related causes. The Department of Health and Welfare has confirmed the first known Idaho case of someone infected with the UK (B.1.1.7) variant of the coronavirus. The person is a woman who lives in Ada County and had traveled out of state earlier this month. The UK variant is known to spread more quickly and easily than other variants of the coronavirus. Idaho public health officials urge residents to remain cautious and wear face coverings in public.…
On Tuesday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 282 cases and 14 new deaths to its statewide total. That ends a four day run with no new deaths and brings the total number of cases to 169,866 and total deaths to 1,840. More than 219,161 Idahoans have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, and the state has administered about 93 percent of the vaccines it has received. On Tuesday, Health and Welfare announced that from now on, vaccine recipients must show proof they either live or work in Idaho to receive a vaccine here. During a media call later that day, Director Dave Jeppesen said about 4,800 people who neither live or work in the state have been vaccinated. During the briefing, state epidemiologist Dr. Christine Hahn said Idaho has a second confirmed case of the South Africa variant of COVID-19.…
On Monday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 332 cases and no new deaths to its statewide total, bringing the statewide total to 169,584 known cases and 1,826 deaths. More than 210,000 Idahoans have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, including forty percent of Idahoans aged 65 or older. Vaccination rates still vary county by county, however. As of today, one fourth of Blaine County residents have received at least one dose, but immediately to the south, just 7 percent of Lincoln County residents are inoculated, the lowest percentage in the state. Meanwhile, hospitalizations and ICU admissions continue to drop statewide. This comes as the United States passed the grim milestone of half a million recorded deaths today.…
On Friday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare reported 314 new cases and no new deaths. That brings the statewide total to 168,953 known cases and 1,826 deaths. Health officials have confirmed the first case of the South African variant of the coronavirus in Idaho. The case is a man living in southwest Idaho who had been traveling internationally. The South African variant is more contagious and vaccines may not work quite as well against it. Central District Health officials dropped mask requirements in Ada and Valley counties today, but masks are still mandatory in public spaces within the City of Boise. Mayor Lauren McLean continued the city’s mask order this afternoon.…
COVID-19 cases are dropping statewide, but it wouldn’t be a legislative session without a little infighting. This week, House Assistant Majority Leader Jason Monks and Senate Minority Leader Michelle Stennett give us their take on tax proposals in the legislature. Then, James Dawson of Boise State Public Radio updates us on a bill to set a higher bar for voter initiatives. Finally, Betsy Russell of the Idaho Press gives us a run-down on a contentious week.…
On Thursday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare reported 286 new cases and 9 new deaths. That brings the statewide total to 168,639 known cases and 1,826 deaths. The Idaho Press reports that Central District Health has detected new variants of the coronavirus from California and the UK in Ada County wastewater. The variants have not yet been detected through individual testing, but officials have assumed that they were circulating in the state. The CDH board will meet tomorrow at 8:30 am Mountain Time to consider changes to existing public health orders for Ada and Valley counties. The state’s COVID-19 vaccine advisory committee will also meet tomorrow at noon Mountain Time, 11 am Pacific Time. The public link will be posted on our social media pages.…
On Wednesday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare recorded 408 new coronavirus cases and 11 new deaths, bringing the statewide total to 168,353 cases and 1,817 deaths. Southeastern Idaho Public Health reported a disruption in its vaccination plans Wednesday. Because of the extreme winter weather across the country, vaccine shipments are delayed. The lack of delivery means the district’s 8 counties will temporarily postpone vaccinations. The COVID-19 vaccine advisory committee is scheduled to meet this Friday at noon MT, 11am PT. We’ll see you back here tomorrow, and until then, stay safe, Idaho.…
Idaho has hit a new milestone with COVID-19 vaccinations, according to Dave Jeppesen, director of the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. As of last week, more Idahoans have received the first dose of the vaccine than have been diagnosed with the virus. For the foreseeable future, the state will receive about 30,000 first doses each week, in addition to the paired second doses. Later this week, the state will make race and ethnicity data of vaccine recipients available on its COVID website. For updated case and vaccine numbers, visit coronavirus.idaho.gov.…
On Friday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare reported 349 new cases and 5 new deaths. That brings the statewide total to 167,225 known cases and 1,796 deaths. Southwest District Health lowered Adams, Canyon, Owyhee, Payette and Washington counties into the yellow category today. Only Gem County remains in the orange category for this health district. The Bonneville school board voted last night to drop its mask mandates starting March 8th. District officials hope that cases will continue to decline and enough educators will be vaccinated by that date. Because of the Monday holiday, we’ll see you back here on Tuesday. Until then, stay safe, Idaho.…
Congressman Mike Simpson has unveiled a proposal to save Idaho salmon. The effort includes removing four dams, replacing power generated by those dams, and locking in dams in other basins. The $33.5 billion proposal includes money for watershed partnerships, agriculture, economic development, and much more. Meanwhile, Idaho lawmakers work on proposals to end grocery taxes and limit ballot harvesting.…
On Thursday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare reported 323 new cases and 0 new deaths. That brings the statewide total to 166,876 known cases and 1,791 deaths. According to vaccine transparency data published yesterday, 66% of all vaccine doses distributed in Idaho have been administered. Panhandle Health District - 71% Public Health Idaho-North Central Health District - 56% Southwest District Health - 65% Central District Health - 72% South Central Public Health District - 74% Southeastern Idaho Public Health - 70% Eastern Idaho Public Health - 66%…
The second impeachment trial of former President Donald J. Trump has been underway in the U.S. Senate this week, focused on the January 6th altercation that interrupted the counting of electoral college votes from the 2020 presidential election. The trial centers around whether Trump incited that crowd to violence, but before the breach of the capitol itself were claims that massive fraud had stolen the election from the former president and his supporters. But is that true? Associate Professor Benjamin Cover of the University of Idaho College of Law discusses the electoral vote count and all of the surrounding constitutional claims and legal arguments.…
On Wednesday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare reported 458 new cases and 11 new deaths. That puts the statewide total at 166,553 known cases and 1,791 deaths. The COVID-19 test positivity rate dropped to about 7 percent by the end of January. That’s about what the rate was in the middle of last September, after a high of 19.1 percent positive last November. Because of the declining numbers and more teachers being vaccinated, a number of Idaho school districts are returning to in-person learning. The West Ada School District could return students grades 6 to 12 almost full time on March 30th. The Pocatello-Chubbuck School District will return all of its students to class on March 1st. Boise, Idaho Falls and Bonneville school districts are also considering their own re-opening dates.…
On Tuesday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare reported 437 new cases and 4 deaths. That brings the statewide total to 166,095 known cases and 1,780 deaths. Hospitalizations continue to drop, and on Saturday, ICU admissions dipped below 40 for the first time since early October. Idaho will continue to receive roughly 25,000 first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine each week, in addition to the second doses paired for those who have gotten their first shot. So far more than 62,000 Idahoans older than 65 have received their first dose, or about 20 percent of the state's senior population.…
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Idaho Reports
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On Monday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare reported 449 new cases and 9 deaths. That brings the statewide total to 165,658 known cases and 1,776 deaths. Today, the state released a new vaccine transparency dashboard to show how quickly health districts and individual providers throughout the state are distributing their doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. The dashboard is the result of an executive order from Governor Brad Little late last month, and follows concerns that Idaho was slow in its vaccine roll-out. You’ll find the link at coronavirus.idaho.gov.…
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Idaho Reports
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On Friday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare reported 404 new cases and 11 deaths. That brings the statewide total to 164,969 known cases and 1,758 deaths. The Eastern Idaho Public Health district lifted mandatory mask orders in Custer and Jefferson Counties. And if case numbers continue to decline, officials hope to lift mask requirements in Bonneville county on Monday. The Pocatello City Council will vote on lifting its required mask ordinance on February 18th. Even though some mandatory orders are being lifted, Health officials ask all residents to wear masks in public, wash their hands, and maintain social distances. The hope is to keep the COVID case numbers declining. On Idaho Reports, we’ll look at efforts to consolidate vaccine data and get an update on this week’s legislative action.…
This week, Dr. Tommy Ahlquist of Crush the Curve Idaho talks about their efforts to get vaccine information out to Idahoans. The Senate passed a constitutional amendment that would prevent future drug legalization in the state. Then, Betsy Russell of the Idaho Press updates us on the legislature’s newest proposals to put the governor’s powers in check and the latest on Medicaid funding.…
On Thursday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare reported 402 new cases and one less death than yesterday. That brings the statewide total to 164,565 known cases and 1,747 deaths. Hospital rates for COVID-19 have continued to decline, with 203 people hospitalized and 47 in the ICU, according to data collected on Monday. So far 91,575 Idahoans have received the first dose of the vaccine and 29,012 have received both doses. Vaccination rates by county vary between 3.5% to nearly 13%, though in any given county less than 5% of the population has received both doses. The Idaho Covid-19 Vaccine Advisory committee will meet tomorrow to review priority subgroups and evaluate vaccine administration.…
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Idaho Reports
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On Wednesday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare reported 507 new cases and 7 new deaths. That brings the statewide total to 164,163 known cases and 1,748 deaths. The Eastern Idaho Public Health District has established a lottery-style system for priority groups to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Those eligible can register on a waiting list, then a computer will then generate a random list and officials will call or text those selected to set up an appointment. Those who register before February 11th can expect an appointment between February 15th and the end of March. Visit https://eiph.idaho.gov/Home/Hot%20Topics/Coronavirus/COVID_Vaccine.html or call (208) 533-3223 for more information. The Idaho Covid-19 Vaccine Advisory committee will meet on Friday to review priority subgroups and evaluate vaccine administration. So far 87,135 Idahoans have received the first dose of the vaccine and 26,415 have received both doses.…
On Tuesday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare reported 491 new cases and 6 new deaths. That brings the statewide total to 163,656 known cases and 1,741 deaths. Governor Brad Little announced today that the state will advance from Idaho Rebounds Stage 2 to Stage 3, citing declining hospitalizations and case counts. Under that new health order, the limit on group sizes is increased from 10 people to 50 people. Those requirements still do not apply to religious or political gatherings, and attendance at youth sporting events is still under the purview of the State Board of Education. Officials emphasized that good hygiene, mask wearing and social distancing are still priorities to help slow the spread of the virus as the slow rollout of vaccines continues. “This is not the time to throw the masks away and go back to normal," state epidemiologist Dr. Christine Hahn said. "We're not there yet."…
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Idaho Reports
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On Monday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare reported 482 new cases and 10 new deaths. That brings the statewide total to 163,165 known cases and 1,735 deaths. Monday was the first day Idahoans ages 65 and older could get vaccinated, and already health districts across the state reported an overwhelming response with appointments filled almost immediately in some cities. Health districts are asking people to stay patient and keep watching for future appointments to open. Governor Brad Little will make an announcement regarding COVID-19 on Tuesday at 10 am MT, 9 am PT. We’ll have coverage here tomorrow and on the Idaho Reports social media pages.…
On Friday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare reported 635 new cases and 4 new deaths. That brings the statewide total to 162,355 known cases and 1,725 deaths. Idaho launched a new COVID-19 vaccination information web page today. The site (https://healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/covid-19-vaccination) is designed to let Idahoans know when and where they can get vaccinated and what to expect at their appointment. As of this morning, 73,770 Idahoans have received only one dose of the vaccine and 20,301 have received both doses. Monday, seniors 65 and older are now eligible for vaccination. Many providers are taking appointments now, but officials ask Idahoans to be patient as supplies are still limited.…
We’ve heard what’s on the governor and lawmakers’ to-do lists this session. But what about the average Idahoan? This week, Professor Jeffrey Lyons of Boise State University’s School of Public Service discusses their most recent Public Policy Survey, as well as insights into what Idahoans feel about the pandemic, vaccines, and mask mandates. Then, Mark Browning of College of Western Idaho and Kevin Richert of Idaho Education News discuss education budget requests and more. But first, a quick COVID-19 update.…
On Thursday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare reported 508 new cases and 7 new deaths. That brings the statewide total to 161,720 known cases and 1,721 deaths. Today, Governor Brad Little announced a new executive order that will require COVID-19 vaccine providers to report the number of doses they have been allocated by their local public health district, how many doses they have administered, and how many doses they have in their inventory. These new reporting requirements are intended to ensure transparency and enable the state to provide assistance if providers are not administering doses quickly enough. Little said he expects providers to administer vaccine doses within seven days of receiving them. The new transparency data should be available to the public on Monday, February 8th.…
On Wednesday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare reported 620 new cases and 26 new deaths. That brings the statewide total to 161,212 known cases and 1,714 deaths. State epidemiologist Dr. Christine Hahn asks that people in the first vaccine priority group who don’t yet have appointments call their healthcare providers right away. Demand will increase dramatically on Monday when nearly 300,000 residents 65 and older will become eligible for vaccination. Idaho is currently receiving about 21,000 new doses each week. At that rate, it could take more than three months to vaccinate everyone in the second priority group. Governor Brad Little will hold a press conference tomorrow at 1 pm Mountain Time/noon Pacific Time to discuss the COVID-19 vaccine.…
On Tuesday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare reported 559 new cases and 7 new deaths. That brings the statewide total to 160,592 known cases and 1,688 deaths. So far this week, the highest number of cases has been reported in the state’s most populated counties, including Ada and Kootenai, though rural counties like Camas, Blaine and Teton are experiencing the highest current incidence rates, or number of cases per 100,000 people. As of this morning, 81,210 people have received at least one dose of the vaccine, with about 15,500 people receiving both doses. Starting next Monday, Idahoans ages 65 and older will be able to sign up to get vaccinated.…
On Monday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare reported 527 new cases and 12 new deaths. In addition to 708 cases announced over the weekend, that brings the statewide total to 160,033 known cases and 1,681 deaths. Hospitalization rates are trending downward. On Saturday, there were 169 patients hospitalized for COVID-19 and 53 in intensive care. The Department of Health and Welfare will give an update on the status of vaccines on Tuesday afternoon at 2:30 Mountain Time, 1:30 Pacific Time. Idaho still remains near the bottom of states in the amount of vaccine received per capita. As of this morning, 78,805 people have received at least one dose of the vaccine. One of those was people is Governor Brad Little, who received his first dose today.…
On Friday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare reported 598 new cases and 13 new deaths. That brings the statewide total to 158,798 known cases and 1,667 deaths. The Idaho COVID Vaccine Advisory Committee today voted to allow clergy, who enter healthcare facilities for things like last rites, be included in the first vaccine group. The Committee rejected attempts to move up foster parents and utility workers. So far, 68,627 people in Idaho have received at least one dose of the vaccine, and of that group 13,732 people have received both doses.…
Friday afternoon, Governor Brad Little slammed lawmakers for proposals to end the COVID-19 emergency declaration, saying they would jeopardize millions in federal funding used for vaccine roll-outs, personal protective equipment, and more.
This week, Governor Brad Little slammed lawmakers for proposals to end the COVID-19 emergency declaration, saying they would jeopardize millions in federal funding used for vaccine roll-outs, personal protective equipment, and more. Director Brad Richy of the Idaho Office of Emergency Management joins us to discuss the differences between health orders and emergency declarations, and Audrey Dutton of the Idaho Statesman brings us up to speed on the vaccine roll-out.…
On Thursday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare reported 612 new cases and 19 new deaths. That brings the statewide total to 158,200 known cases and 1,654 deaths. Hospitalizations due to COVID-19 continue to trend downward, with 286 Idahoans hospitalized and 71 in the ICU as of Monday. The statewide seven-day incidence rate has dropped to 32.8 cases per 100,000 people, its lowest since just after Christmas. That statistic varies across counties, however, with the highest reported rates at 97.9 in Clearwater, 94.1 in Teton, 80.1 in Blaine, and 64.0 in Valley. So far 64,590 people in Idaho have received at least one dose of the vaccine, and of that group 13,093 people have received both doses.…
On Wednesday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare reported 810 new cases and no new deaths. That brings the statewide total to 157,588 known cases and 1,635 deaths, two less than yesterday’s reported number. Governor Brad Little announced today that he will ask the State Board of Education to allow more spectators at school sporting events. Little cited a decrease in statewide COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations as the reason to revise the guidelines. Spectators will still be reminded to social distance and wear masks. The Idaho COVID-19 Vaccine Advisory Committee will meet on Friday to clarify who falls into the priority subgroups for the next phase of vaccine distribution. So far 61,333 people have received at least one dose of the vaccine and 11,778 have received both.…
On Tuesday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare reported 1,224 new cases and 30 new deaths. Including cases from the weekend and MLK Day, that brings the statewide total to 156,778 known cases and 1,673 deaths. Today, Governor Brad Little announced he is making an additional 150 Idaho National Guard members available to help with vaccine distribution, for a total of 400 guard members. Little also announced new grants for COVID-19 vaccine providers to help with supplies, staffing and more.…
On Friday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare reported 1,112 new cases and 12 new deaths, bringing the statewide total to 154,470 known cases and 1,603 deaths. The Eastern Idaho Health District lifted mandatory mask orders in Fremont and Lemhi counties. Those counties were returned to minimal risk level but authorities warned that residents still should take precautions and wear masks when not able to maintain safe distances. Central District Health reports that in their area, demand for the vaccine far outstrips the supply. As of this morning, 41,424 Idahoans have received COVID-19 vaccinations; of that group, 9,739 have received both doses. On this week's Idaho Reports, we’ll talk about the vaccine rollout and how the legislature is handling the COVID-19 crisis.…
On Monday, we heard the governor’s priorities. Now it’s the legislature’s turn, and so far, COVID-19 and the governor’s executive powers are dominating the conversation. This week on Idaho Reports, Sen. Lori Den Hartog discusses transportation funding proposals and the state’s backlog on road and bridge maintenance. Then, Dr. Jaclyn Kettler of Boise State University and Betsy Russell of the Idaho Press talk about the first week of the session, and the tone it’s setting for the next couple of months.…
On Thursday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare reported 994 new cases and 27 new deaths, bringing the statewide total to 153,358 known cases and 1,591 deaths. Individuals over the age of 80 make up just over half of the total COVID-19 deaths in the state, while those in their 70s make up just under a third. As of Monday, 338 Idahoans were hospitalized with COVID-19, and 88 were in intensive care units. ICU cases rose slightly over the previous week, but neither statistic is near its peak from December. As of this morning, 37,777 Idahoans have received COVID-19 vaccinations; of that group, 8,859 have received both doses.…
On Wednesday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare reported 1,091 new cases and 8 deaths. That puts the statewide total at 152,364 known cases and 1,564 deaths. As of this morning, 35,296 Idahoans have received at least one dose of the vaccine, and 7,280 have recieved both doses. Frontline workers like firefighters, police officers, teachers and school staff, day care workers and prison employees can apply for their COVID vaccine starting today. Health care facilities are taking appointments and you may be required to show proof of where you work. Because of staff exposure to COVID-19, the Teton County courthouse will be closed to the public until January 19th, with the exception of court offices. Teton County was moved from high risk to critical status last Friday because of a surge of cases.…
On Tuesday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 1,034 new cases and 12 new deaths to its statewide total. That brings the statewide total to 151,273 known cases and 1,556 deaths. As of this morning, 33,168 Idahoans have received at least one dose of the vaccine, with 5,692 receiving both doses. Idaho is entering the next phase of vaccination rollout, with K-12 employees and some frontline workers able to get the vaccine starting January 13. Beginning February 1, Idahoans ages 65 and older will be eligible to get the vaccine. Find more information at coronavirus.idaho.gov.…
Melissa Davlin breaks down the 2021 State of the State address with pundits Kevin Richert of Idaho Education News and Alex Adams of the Division of Financial Management.
Governor Brad Little lays out his priorities for the 2021 Idaho legislative session, with focuses on COVID-19 recovery and infrastructure investments.
On Monday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 572 new cases and 10 new deaths to its statewide total. In addition to 1,409 cases and 11 deaths added over the weekend, that brings the statewide total to 150,239 known cases and 1,544 deaths. As of this morning, 35,842 doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in Idaho. The Department of Health and Welfare also has a new vaccination data dashboard with numbers by county and by health district. The link can be found at coronavirus.idaho.gov. The legislative session began today, and the Associated Press reports that attorneys for the legislature have asked a judge to refuse a request from two lawmakers who say the lack of COVID-19 precautions violates the Americans with Disabilities Act.…
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Idaho Reports
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On Friday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 1,085 new cases and 6 new deaths to its statewide total. That brings the statewide total to 148,258 known cases and 1,523 deaths. As of this morning, 28,194 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered to 26,806 people in Idaho. The Idaho Coronavirus Vaccine Advisory Committee voted today to add residents 65 and older to the next phase of rollout for the COVID-19 vaccine. A majority of the committee felt it was important to protect people at a higher risk of death. The change may delay vaccine access to some essential frontline workers. Governor Brad Little still needs to approve this change in the roll out plan. If he does, then vaccines for this group should be available starting next month.…
The violence from the US Capitol breach on Wednesday shocked the nation, but the scenes of angry rioters and property destruction were all too familiar here in Idaho. This week, Professor Jeffrey Lyons of Boise State University discusses the breach of the US Capitol, and how events during Idaho’s special legislative session in August may have helped normalize the actions of the rioters. Col. Kedrick Wills of the Idaho State Police discusses security measures at the statehouse for the 2021 legislative session. James Dawson of Boise State Public Radio brings us up to date on an ADA lawsuit from two Democratic House members over COVID-19 mitigation efforts at the statehouse.…
On Thursday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 1,067 new cases and 29 new deaths to its statewide total. That brings the statewide total to 147,173 known cases and 1,517 deaths. As of this morning, 25,416 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in Idaho. The Associated Press reports that two state lawmakers have filed a lawsuit against the Legislature and Republican Speaker of the House Scott Bedke. In the suit, Democrats Sue Chew of Boise and Muffy Davis of Ketchum say they have not been provided sufficient accommodations for the legislative session without serious risks to their health, and ask that they be permitted to participate in the session remotely. The legislative session begins Monday.…
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Idaho Reports
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On Wednesday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 1,263 new cases and 17 new deaths to its statewide total. That brings the statewide total to 146,106 known cases and 1,488 deaths. As of this morning, 22,822 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in Idaho. The COVID Vaccine Advisory Committee will meet on Friday to discuss whether to place people over 65 into the next group to get the vaccine. According to reports in the Idaho Press, that move would be a change from CDC guidelines, putting those over 65 ahead of other frontline essential workers. Under Idaho’s current plan, those under 65 are not scheduled to get their vaccinations until April. Idaho officials hope to finish vaccinating health care workers and residents in long term facilities by the end of January.…
On Tuesday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 1,538 new cases and 12 new deaths to its statewide total. That brings the statewide total to 144,843 known cases and 1,471 deaths. As of this morning, 20,843 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in Idaho. The Department of Health and Welfare held its first weekly briefing on vaccine distribution this afternoon. Public Health Administrator Elke Shaw-Tulloch said that the state expects to receive about 20,000 doses of vaccine each week. Director Dave Jeppesen said they expect that number to increase as production ramps up and more versions of the vaccine are approved. The department will also have a new vaccination dashboard online later this week.…
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Idaho Reports
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On Monday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 798 new cases and 11 new deaths to its statewide total. Including the weekend numbers, that brings the statewide total to 143,305 known cases and 1,459 deaths. As of this morning, 19,569 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in Idaho. On Tuesday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare will hold its first weekly briefing on vaccine distribution at 2:30 pm Mountain Time. Watch for updates and the link to view the press conference live on our social media pages.…
On Thursday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 1,213 new cases and 33 new deaths to its statewide total. That brings the statewide total to 141,077 known cases and 1,436 deaths. As of this morning, 15,780 doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in Idaho. According to the Idaho Statesman, the state’s seven-day average of new cases per day has dropped almost 50 percent to its lowest point since November first. The peak was on December 10th at an average of 1,650.3 new cases per day. The new average is 838 cases per day. The state’s test positivity rate went up slightly from 12.6 percent to 13.2 percent. Because of the holiday, there won’t be a report tomorrow, so we’ll see you back here Monday. Until then, Happy New Year and stay safe, Idaho.…
On Wednesday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 1,340 new cases and 10 new deaths to its statewide total. That brings the statewide total to 139,864 known cases and 1,403 deaths. As of this morning, 13,636 doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in Idaho. Today, Governor Brad Little announced that the Department of Health and Welfare will be keeping the state up-to-date on vaccine information through weekly press briefings, the first of which will be held on Tuesday, January 5th. The governor also urged Idahoans not to celebrate New Year’s by attending large gatherings this year, and instead encouraged celebrating at home, connecting with friends and family virtually, or maintaining physical distance and wearing masks if celebrating with a small group outside of the household.…
On Tuesday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 1,514 new cases and 16 new deaths to its statewide total. That brings the statewide total to 138,524 known cases and 1,393 deaths. As of this morning, at least 11,729 doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered. The Department of Health and Welfare has released an estimated timeline of when Idahoans should be able to get vaccinations. Healthcare personnel and long-term care residents began receiving vaccines this month. Essential workers such as first responders and school staff, as well as adults over the age of 75, should be able to get vaccines in February. Adults over the age of 65 and people with medical conditions that increase risk for severe COVID cases should be able to get vaccines in April. The vaccine is expected to be available to the general public in May. The vaccination timeline is available in more detail here: https://coronavirus.idaho.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/WhencanIgetaCOVIDvaccine.pdf…
On Monday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 795 new cases and 23 new deaths to its statewide total. With the new cases and deaths added from the weekend, that brings the statewide total to 137,010 known cases and 1,377 deaths. So far, at least 10,459 Idahoans have received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccination. So far this week, Ada County has reported the highest number of cases, but per capita, Idaho’s rural counties are seeing spikes as well. Adams County currently has the highest 7-day average incidence rate, followed by Caribou, Bonner, and Butte counties.…
On Thursday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 1,248 new cases and 25 new deaths to its statewide total. That brings the statewide total to 135,233 known cases and 1,349 deaths. So far, at least 8,490 Idahoans have received a COVID vaccine. The state’s positivity rate, or the average number of tests coming back positive, dropped in the last reporting period from 19.9 percent to 15.5 percent. Starting Monday, CVS Health Care will begin administering vaccines to about 10 thousand residents and staff at 75 long-term care facilities in Idaho. More than 500 people in Idaho’s long-term care facilities have already died of COVID-19. Because of the holiday, our next update won’t be until Monday, but be sure to check the Idaho Reports social media pages for the latest news.…
On Wednesday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 1,391 new cases and 11 new deaths to its statewide total. That brings the statewide total to 133,985 known cases and 1,324 deaths. After setting yet another new record on December 18th, ICU admissions have dropped just slightly, but remain higher than anything the state saw prior to late November. As of Wednesday morning, 6,538 Idahoans have received doses of the COVID-19 vaccination. Hospitals throughout Idaho are beginning to receive the Moderna vaccination. For information on when you may be eligible to receive the vaccination, watch for news from your regional public health district.…
On Tuesday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 1,717 new cases and 12 new deaths to its statewide total. That brings the statewide total to 132,594 known cases and 1,313 deaths. As of Tuesday morning, 5,665 Idahoans have received doses of the COVID-19 vaccination. The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare reports that two healthcare workers who received the vaccination experienced allergic reactions; Both have histories of severe reactions after receiving injectable medication, and both are recovering. The Coronavirus Financial Advisory Committee is meeting on Wednesday. We’ll have coverage on the Idaho Reports blog.…
On Monday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 917 new cases and 21 new deaths to its statewide total. That brings the statewide total to 130,877 known cases and 1,301 deaths. As of Monday morning, 4,348 Idahoans have received doses of the COVID-19 vaccination. The state’s average rate of infection for the last seven days is 71.5 per one hundred thousand people, according to the CDC — the sixteenth highest in the nation. For comparison, Oregon’s is 30 per 100,000, and Nevada’s is 80.…
On Friday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 1,340 new cases and 16 new deaths to its statewide total. That brings the statewide total to 128,218 known cases and 1,275 deaths. So far, 994 doses of vaccine have been administered. Idaho’s allotment of the covid vaccine has been reduced for next week, down 44 percent. The state did not receive a clear reason for the reduction. The state’s vaccine advisory committee decided not to put medical waste workers and drivers who transport high risk patients in the first priority list for the vaccine. Idaho should receive 28 thousand doses of the new Moderna vaccine next week.…
Earlier this week, Idaho received its first shipment of the COVID-19 vaccinations. House Speaker Scott Bedke and House Minority Leader Ilana Rubel discuss their differing views on when to hold the upcoming legislative session, and how it can be done safely.
On Thursday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 1,426 new cases and 28 new deaths to its statewide total. That brings the statewide total to 126,878 known cases and 1,259 deaths. So far, 321 doses of vaccine have been administered. As of Monday, 470 Idahoans were hospitalized with COVID-19, and 109 were hospitalized in the ICU. The Idaho Statesman reports that Central District Health is nearly two weeks behind in its case data tracking. While the Department of Health and Welfare data dashboard shows Ada County’s seven-day incident rate at around 30 cases per 100,000 people, Central District Health told the Statesman that due to the backlog, the true rate is likely around 85 to 90 — one of the highest in the state.…
On Wednesday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 1,433 new cases and 17 new deaths to its statewide total. That brings the statewide total to 125,452 known cases and 1,231 deaths. Idaho ranks 10th in the nation for new cases of COVID-19 per capita. According to John Hopkins University, one in every 173 Idahoans have received a positive test for the coronavirus in the past week. The COVID-19 Vaccine Advisory Committee will meet on Friday to review the public health districts vaccination plans. So far, 119 Idahoans have received a vaccine. Governor Brad Little proclaimed December as Health Care Worker Appreciation month. He called on Idahoans to express their gratitude by wearing masks, washing hands, and maintaining social distancing.…
On Tuesday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 1,802 new cases and 20 new deaths to its statewide total. That brings the statewide total to 124,019 known cases and 1,214 deaths. The Department of Health and Welfare has added information on COVID-19 vaccinations to the coronavirus.idaho.gov website. As of Tuesday, 38 doses of vaccine have been administered in Idaho. The Central District Health board voted today on their proposed health order, which failed in a 3 to 3 tied vote. The existing health orders in Ada and Valley counties will stay in place, while Boise and Elmore counties will remain under a health advisory.…
On Monday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 1,038 new cases and 19 new deaths to its statewide total. That brings the statewide total to 122,217 known cases and 1,194 deaths. Idaho received its first doses of the COVID-19 vaccination Monday. According to Kyle Pfannenstiel of the Post Register and Report For America, ER doctor Russ McUne of Madison Memorial Hospital in Rexburg received what may have been the first COVID inoculation in the state. On Friday’s Idaho Reports, we discussed what Idahoans can expect from the vaccination roll-out. You can watch the episode online at www.idahoptv.org/idahoreports.…
On Friday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 1,582 new cases and 15 new deaths to its statewide total. That brings the statewide total to 119,620 known cases and 1,151 deaths. Today the Health and Welfare board adopted rules for activating crisis standards of care. Those are the guidelines that healthcare providers, including 911 services, will use to decide who will receive critical care and who won’t when services are limited. Governor Brad Little today increased the number of Idaho National Guard members called up to support the state’s COVID response to up to 250 personnel.…
This week, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare approved a rule for declaring crisis standards of care. Idaho Immunization Program Director Sarah Leeds discusses vaccination roll-out in Idaho, and Twin Falls Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Shawn Barigar shares how Magic Valley businesses are faring, as well as if the local approach to COVID mitigation is working.…
On Thursday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 1,825 new cases and 33 new deaths to its statewide total. That brings the statewide total to 118,028 known cases and 1,136 deaths. Last week, the state’s positivity rate was 20 percent, a new record high. Today, Governor Brad Little announced that Idaho will remain in a modified Stage Two, so no additional restrictions or mandates are in place statewide from what we’ve seen for the last month. Meanwhile, doctors warned Eastern Idaho Public Health District’s board on Thursday morning that the state is continuing to get closer to crisis standards of care. We’ll have more on Friday’s Idaho Reports. Ten of today's deaths were reported in Canyon County. Three deaths each were reported in Bonneville and Twin Falls counties. Two deaths each were reported in Bannock and Gem counties. One death each was reported in Adams, Bear Lake, Bingham, Cassia, Clearwater, Gooding, Idaho, Jerome, Minidoka, Nez Perce, Owyhee, Payette and Washington counties.…
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Idaho Reports
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On Wednesday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 2,298 new cases and 29 new deaths to its statewide total. Today’s case count once again breaks the record for the most cases added in a single day, and is the second day in a row over 2,000 cases. That puts the statewide total at 116,203 cases and 1,103 deaths The Gem County Coroner has borrowed a refrigerated support trailer from Ada County to handle an overflow of bodies. Gem County usually averages 190 to 205 deaths a year, but has had over 240 already. Only a few deaths are COVID related, but the coroner’s office is concerned about the future, had run out of space and needed additional storage. Governor Brad Little will hold a press conference tomorrow at 12 pm Mountain Time, 11 am Pacific Time. You can watch it on Idaho Public Television or stream it online.…
On Tuesday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 2,012 new cases and 19 new deaths to its statewide total. Today’s total once again breaks the single-day record for the most cases added to the department’s statewide tally. That brings the statewide total to 113,905 known cases and 1,074 deaths. Today's deaths were reported in Canyon (3), Gooding (3), Bannock (2), Blaine (2), Twin Falls (2), Caribou (1), Cassia (1), Gem (1), Kootenai (1), Madison (1), Nez Perce (1) and Owyhee (1) counties. This evening, Central District Health abruptly cancelled a meeting after protesters came to the homes of board members to protest a new draft order. According to board member Dr. Ted Epperly, the mayor of Boise asked that the meeting be shut down for public safety concerns. The board was scheduled to vote on a less restrictive version of an order that was tabled at last Friday’s meeting. We’ll continue following this developing story online, and will have more on this week’s Idaho Reports.…
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Idaho Reports
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On Monday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 1,383 new cases and 20 new deaths to its statewide total. That's in addition to 2,144 cases and 3 deaths over the weekend, bringing the statewide total to 111,893 known cases and 1,055 deaths. During a Friday evening Central District Health meeting, hospital officials from St. Luke's and St. Alphonsus in Boise warned that Idaho is close to declaring crisis standards of care, meaning health care services will be prioritized for patients based on how critically they need it, and how good their chance of survival is. Officials said that without changes, Idaho will likely hit that crisis near the end of December.…
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Idaho Reports
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On Friday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 1,911 new cases and 18 new deaths to its statewide total, another new single-day case record. That brings the statewide total to 108,366 known cases and 1,032 deaths. Dr. Ken Krell told the Eastern Idaho Public Health board that the situation at Eastern Idaho Region Medical Center is so bad that they’re starting to ration care. He called on the board to take enforceable action to slow the spread of the virus. Tonight, the Central District Health Board will consider implementing health orders such as mask mandates, moving restaurants to take out only and closing restaurants and bars by 10pm. Tonight on Idaho Reports, our show looks at COVID in Idaho and what happened at this week’s legislative organizational session.…
This week, Kevin Richert of Idaho Education News and Betsy Russell of the Idaho Press join Melissa Davlin to discuss the legislature’s organizational session and what implications that might have on policy in the upcoming session. But first, Idaho’s COVID situation continues to worsen. In the last week, the state surpassed 100,000 known cases and 1,000 recorded deaths. But even if you are still not concerned about the virus, even if you had a mild case of it and recovered, there is still one piece of this puzzle that has the potential to affect anyone who needs medical care: hospital capacity.…
On Thursday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 1,721 new cases and 23 deaths to its statewide total. That brings the statewide total to 106,455 known cases and 1,014 deaths. According to a weekly report released by the White House coronavirus task force, Idaho is the number one state in test positivity, or the percentage of COVID-19 tests that come back positive. The report also says that 89 percent of Idaho’s counties are in the red zone for high levels of community spread. We’ll have more on the Idaho Reports blog on Friday.…
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Idaho Reports
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On Wednesday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 1,429 new cases and 31 deaths to its statewide total. That brings the statewide total to 104,734 known cases and 991 deaths. Today is the second day in a row that DHW has reported over 30 deaths. At the Central District Health Board meeting yesterday, the message was that Ada County is on the verge of a public health crisis. The board will meet on Friday to consider a draft health order for Ada, Elmore, Boise, and Valley counties. Those orders could include mask mandates in public, limiting capacity for bars and restaurants, and directing businesses to use curbside and takeout services. If passed, the orders would be enforceable as a misdemeanor if residents don’t comply.…
On Tuesday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 1,607 new cases and 31 deaths to its statewide total. That brings the statewide total to 103,305 known cases and 960 deaths. The state hasn’t yet released updated hospitalization numbers and ICU bed capacity, but according to the Idaho Statesman there were just 8 available ICU beds in Treasure Valley’s St. Luke’s facilities today. Some of those were reserved for patients who were coming out of surgery. Statewide, other ICUs and COVID units continue to struggle with capacity issues.…
Over the weekend, Idaho surpassed 100,000 known COVID-19 cases. On Monday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 1,214 cases and 9 deaths to its statewide total. That brings the statewide total to 101,698 known cases and 929 deaths. Monday’s deaths include two people who were in their 40s. Last week, Idaho once again broke records for hospitalizations and ICU admissions, with 470 people hospitalized statewide, and 110 people admitted to the ICU. Idaho’s positivity rate of 19 percent is also the highest it’s been since the start of the pandemic.…
On Friday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 1,997 new cases and 14 new deaths to its statewide total. Those numbers include cases from Thursday, bringing the statewide total to 98,500 known cases and 909 deaths. The state’s positivity rate, or the number of COVID-19 tests coming back positive, is at its highest point since the beginning of the pandemic. The state’s average this week is 19.4 percent. The State Board of Education will allow more applications for grants to help families pay for the cost of remote learning. The program had been closed because so many people applied, but officials felt some families needed more time. The website will open on Wednesday, December 2nd and you’ll have until December 4th to apply.…
On Wednesday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 1,773 new cases and 21 new deaths to its statewide total. That brings the statewide total to 96,503 known cases and 895 deaths. Idaho leaders approved spending five million dollars of federal coronavirus relief funds to hire more hospital staff. Health and Welfare director Dave Jeppesen says the state could see double the number of current COVID-19 patients by the end of December. The Idaho Falls City Council voted last night to begin prosecuting gatherings of more than 10 people. The new order could start December 1st. The Nampa School District will move to fully remote learning after the Thanksgiving break, joining the Boise and Caldwell School Districts. Because of the Thanksgiving holiday, there will be no updated numbers tomorrow, so we’ll see you back here on Friday. Until then, stay safe, Idaho.…
On Tuesday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 1,640 new cases and 8 new deaths to its statewide total. That brings the statewide total to 94,730 known cases and 874 deaths. If Pfizer gets federal authorization, Idaho is in line to receive 90 thousand vaccine doses, enough for 45 thousand people, as early as next month. According to Idaho Education News, health care workers are first in line for the two-shot vaccine. Next will come K-12 teachers and staff, critical workers, those over 65 and those with high risk health issues. The Lighthouse Rescue Mission, a men’s homeless shelter in Nampa, temporarily closed its doors today. Too many staffers were out because of COVID-19. Those men needing shelter will be transported to Boise’s Rescue Mission.…
On Monday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 1,437 new cases and 17 new deaths to its statewide total. That’s in addition to the 1,919 cases and 4 deaths added over the weekend, which brings the statewide total to 93,090 known cases and 866 deaths. On Thursday, the state recorded a new record high for hospitalizations, with 463 patients hospitalized statewide. Over the weekend, Dr. Jim Souza of St. Luke's Health System emphasized that Idaho hospitals may need to ration bed space in December — not just for COVID, but for all emergency procedures.…
On Friday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 1,786 new cases and 10 new deaths to its statewide total. That’s a new record for the highest single day of new reported cases. It brings the statewide total to 89,764 known cases and 845 deaths. The Eastern Idaho Health District has moved Bonneville County into the critical risk category. Bonneville joins Lemhi, Madison and Teton counties for critical risk status. Boise’s mandatory mask order goes into effect on Monday. Police can ticket or arrest anyone refusing to wear a mask and refusing to leave local businesses when asked. Businesses can temporarily lose their licenses if staffers or customers aren’t following mask orders.…
Although the entire state is seeing uncontrolled spread of the virus, Idaho communities are approaching mitigation in wildly different ways. This week, Dr. Vince Huntsberger of Bonner General Health in Sandpoint talks about how his hospital is affected by COVID-19 as other regional facilities are filling up. Mehli Marcellus of Magic Valley’s South Central Public Health District discusses COVID-19 investigations, and where the majority of new outbreaks are coming from right now. Finally, Betsy Russell of the Idaho Press discusses new property tax proposals and legislative leadership races.…
On Thursday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 1,543 new cases and 23 new deaths to its statewide total, the second highest single-day death count so far in the pandemic. That brings the statewide total to 87,978 known cases and 835 deaths. The Panhandle Health District board voted this afternoon to implement a district-wide mask mandate for 60 days. The Panhandle Health District covers Boundary, Bonner, Shoshone, Kootenai, and Benewah counties. The East Idaho Public Health board voted to reinstate a mask mandate for Custer County. The South Central Public Health District board voted against a proposed mask mandate.…
On Wednesday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 1,310 new cases and 14 new deaths to its statewide total. That brings the statewide total to 86,435 known cases and 812 deaths. KTVB reports that Idaho’s positivity rate is the second highest in the nation, only behind Montana. Central District Health issued a series of strong recommendations for residents of Ada, Valley, Elmore and Boise counties: -wear facemasks anytime you’re within 6 feet of non-household members -suspend youth and adult sports where physical distancing is not an option -close bars by 10pm -businesses should move to carryout and curbside service when possible -avoid social gatherings of any size with people who are not in your household These are not mandates, but could become health orders if pandemic conditions worsen.…
On Tuesday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added a new record of 1,781 new cases and 35 new deaths to its statewide total. That brings the statewide total to 85,125 known cases and 798 deaths. Eight of those deaths were recorded in Bonneville County, seven were recorded in Ada County, five in Twin Falls County, three each in Caribou and Bannock counties, and one each in Canyon, Cassia, Jefferson, Jerome, Kootenai, Lemhi, Lincoln, Minidoka, Power, and Shoshone counties. One death previously attributed to Gem County was removed or reassigned. Today was a day of healthcare meetings in the Treasure Valley. Southwest District Health held a meeting where doctors from St. Luke's Health System warned that their system is close to a breaking point. The surge in COVID-19 cases is causing bottlenecks, putting off elective surgeries and delaying the movement of patients. Boise Mayor Lauren McLean held a meeting with healthcare executives who warned that hospitals may have to start repurposing spaces like conference rooms because their clinical units are over capacity. Healthcare leaders at the Boise meeting and at a separate press event held jointly by several Treasure Valley hospitals warn that the number of hospitalized COVID patients could double by Christmas.…
On Monday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 1,099 new cases and 4 new deaths to its statewide total. That’s in addition to 2,447 new cases and 7 deaths added over the weekend, which brings the statewide total to 83,344 known cases and 763 deaths. Statewide, the positivity rate continues to climb, hitting nearly 17 percent the first week of November. Idaho broke hospitalization records last week, and though those numbers have dropped slightly in recent days, they’re still higher than they ever were before mid-November, and hospitals statewide continue to warn that they’re at or near capacity.…
On Friday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 1,519 new cases and 3 new deaths to its statewide total. That brings the statewide total to 79,798 known cases and 752 deaths. Governor Brad Little moved Idaho back to a modified Stage 2 today. That means gatherings of more than 10 people are prohibited. Businesses should encourage telework when possible, and bars and restaurants must operate with limited numbers and and seating only. The governor also mobilized 100 members of the National Guard to help with Idaho’s overwhelmed health care system. The governor did not order a mask mandate, but did plead with all Idahoans to wear masks. Idaho Reports will discuss today’s developments and take a closer look at what’s happening in rural hospitals and Idaho’s court system.…
Hospitals are short staffed, diverting patients and cancelling elective procedures. The governor is deploying the National Guard and rolling Idaho back to Stage Two, but is it too little, too late? This week, Abner King, CEO of Syringa Hospital in Grangeville, tells us how COVID is affecting rural hospitals like his. Then, Idaho Supreme Court Chief Justice Roger Burdick talks about the court’s decision to halt jury trials until January in light of COVID spread.…
Earlier this week, the Idaho Supreme Court announced a pause on jury trials statewide until January because of COVID spread throughout the state. On Thursday, Melissa Davlin spoke to outgoing Chief Justice Roger Burdick about that decision and its impact on pretrial detainees and people facing evictions.…
On Thursday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 1,158 new cases and 16 new deaths to its statewide total. That brings the statewide total to 78,279 known cases and 749 deaths. Three deaths each were reported in Bonneville and Twin Falls counties, two deaths in Idaho County, and one death each in Ada, Bannock, Canyon, Franklin, Fremont, Minidoka, Nez Perce, and Payette counties. As of Monday, November 9th, a record 361 Idahoans were hospitalized and 94 were in the ICU with the virus. Tomorrow at 1pm Mountain Time, noon Pacific Time, Governor Brad Little will hold a press conference to update Idahoans about COVID-19. You can watch it live on Idaho Public Television.…
On Wednesday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 1,693 new cases and 19 new deaths to its statewide total. That brings the statewide total to 77,121 known cases and 733 deaths. That’s a new record number of daily cases and deaths, and Idaho continues to see a record number of COVID-19 hospitalizations. St Luke’s Magic Valley hospital is not taking any transfer intensive care patients from the Elko, Nevada hospital. The Elko hospital made the request after being told that Utah hospitals can’t take their patients either. According to the Idaho Press, one out of three people coming into Primary Health clinics in Boise for coronavirus testing are testing positive. Governor Brad Little will hold a press conference on Friday to update Idahoans about COVID-19 in the state. You can watch it live on Idaho Public Television.…
On Tuesday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 1,201 new cases and 16 new deaths to its statewide total. That brings the statewide total to 75,428 known cases and 714 deaths. Ada County reports six deaths today and Bannock County reports two deaths. Bonneville, Canyon, Cassia, Idaho, Kootenai, Nez Perce, Payette and Twin Falls counties each report one death. Last night, the Twin Falls City Council voted to indefinitely table a proposed mask mandate after four hours of testimony. Boise State Public Radio reports that the mandate would have required masks at indoor and outdoor public spaces for 60 days. In Kootenai County, the Post Falls City Council voted down a proposed mask mandate. KXLY 4 News Now in Spokane reports that the council will later consider requiring masks at the city hall.…
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Idaho Reports
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On Monday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 1,266 new cases and 12 new deaths to its statewide total, in addition to the 2,052 cases and 7 deaths added over the weekend. Saturday’s total set yet another record for new daily cases. That brings the statewide total to 74,227 known cases and 698 deaths. Hospitals statewide continue to struggle with the influx of COVID patients. The Idaho Statesman reports that St. Luke's Magic Valley had to divert patients for two weekends in a row because they were at capacity. Last Thursday saw a record for patients hospitalized, with 342 statewide.…
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Idaho Reports
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On Friday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 1,330 new cases and 9 new deaths to its statewide total, setting yet another record for new daily cases. That brings the statewide total to 70,909 known cases and 680 deaths. Today’s numbers show 307 new cases in Ada County, 143 in Twin Falls County, 116 in Kootenai County, and 100 in Canyon County. The Post Register reports that the Eastern Idaho Public Health board moved Lemhi County into the critical risk level of their coronavirus response plan yesterday, after increasing case numbers in recent weeks and stress on the local hospital. The critical risk designation does not come with any additional restrictions. The board also voted to remove its mask mandate for Custer County, though that could be reinstated if cases there begin to rise again.…
This week, Joan Cartan-Hansen talks with Chief Deputy Secretary of State Chad Houck about Idaho’s election process, then with James Dawson of Boise State Public Radio and Logan Finney of Idaho Reports about Idaho turning a little more red this week with Republicans winning their statewide Senate and Congressional races, plus picking up a couple of seats in the Idaho Legislature.…
On Thursday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 1,265 new cases and 7 new deaths to its statewide total. That brings the statewide total to 69,579 known cases and 671 deaths. Ada County reported its second case of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in children. The disease strikes very young COVID-19 patients and can be life threatening. There have five cases statewide so far. Idaho families have until tomorrow to apply for assistance to help pay for educational materials, computers or other education services. Families can receive up to $3,500. Check out the Strong Families, Strong Students website (https://strongfamilies.idaho.gov) for more information. Friday on Idaho Reports, we’ll analyze the results of this week’s election and discuss the impact COVID has had on the people and the process. We’ll see you back here tomorrow, and until then, stay safe, Idaho.…
On Tuesday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 1,179 new cases and 15 new deaths to its statewide total. That brings the statewide total to 67,024 known cases and 647 deaths. Right now, every one of Idaho’s major urban areas is reporting a high number of cases, from Kootenai County sweeping down through the Treasure Valley, Twin Falls, and Idaho Falls. Rural counties continue to have high incidence rates. Tonight the Idaho Reports team is bringing you live updates on legislative and congressional races throughout the evening on social media. Make sure you’re following Idaho Reports on Twitter and Facebook.…
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Idaho Reports
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On Wednesday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 1,290 new cases and 17 new deaths to its statewide total. That’s a new single-day record of both reported cases and deaths in Idaho, bringing the statewide total to 68,314 known cases and 664 deaths. Members of the state Disaster Medical Advisory Committee sent a letter to Governor Brad Little this week asking for a statewide mask mandate. They’re concerned that Idaho’s hospitals are so overwhelmed that they’re on the brink of moving to crisis standards of care. When that happens, doctors have to prioritize who gets care based on things like the likelihood of survival. A Blaine County man and a Twin Falls County woman are the state’s first flu-related deaths of the season. Both individuals also had COVID-19. Doctors encourage everyone to get a flu shot.…
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Idaho Reports
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On Monday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 757 new cases and 2 new deaths to its statewide total, in addition to 1,278 new cases and 4 new deaths added over the weekend. That brings the statewide total to 65,845 known cases and 632 deaths. Thanks to a partnership with the State Board of Pharmacy, Albertsons and Safeway pharmacies are offering free at-home Covid-19 tests. The tests can be picked up at the store or mailed to the home and then returned to the lab. Patients can expect results in 72 hours or less once the sample is received. Tomorrow is election day. The polls open at 8 a.m. and Idaho allows for same day registration, so plan to vote. The Idaho Reports team will have election results and analysis on our social media platforms.…
While people are casting their votes, COVID is casting a shadow on the process. On Monday, Governor Brad Little announced Idaho’s return to Stage 3 as hospitals in nearly every region were at or near capacity. Betsy Russell of the Idaho Press discusses the rise in COVID cases, the congressional and legislative general election, and how the two intersect.…
On Friday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 1,064 new cases and 11 new deaths to its statewide total. That brings the statewide total to 63,810 known cases and 626 deaths. Doctor Deborah Birx, White House coronavirus task force coordinator, met with Governor Brad Little and state officials yesterday. The White House task force recommends Idaho implement statewide policies including limits on occupancy, use of face coverings and strict social distancing. On Idaho Reports, Melissa Davlin talks with Idaho Press reporter Betsy Russell about the increase in COVID-19 cases and its impact on hospitals and health care workers, and about the upcoming election. It’s too late to mail your absentee ballots. The polls will open at 8 a.m. on Tuesday and Idaho allows for same day registration. So if you haven’t yet, plan to vote.…
On Thursday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 961 new cases and 16 new deaths to its statewide total, the most deaths recorded in a single day of the pandemic so far. That brings the statewide total to 62,746 known cases and 615 deaths. Seven of today’s deaths came from Ada County. Two came from Bonneville County, another two from Twin Falls County, and one each from Canyon, Gooding, Kootenai, Madison, and Lemhi counties. The Idaho Press reports that five Canyon County poll workers at the O’Connor Field House early voting location in Caldwell have tested positive for the coronavirus. The infected workers have been home since testing positive. Early voting ends on Friday, and the general election is Tuesday.…
On Wednesday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 862 new cases and 14 new deaths to its statewide total, tying the record for the most reported deaths in a single day. That brings the statewide total to 61,785 known cases and 599 deaths. Kootenai Health Hospital in Coeur d’ Alene reports that its facility is at 90 percent capacity, down from 99 percent capacity last week. St. Luke’s in Boise had a seven percent increase in COVID patients overnight, while St. Lukes’s in Meridian, Nampa and the Magic Valley showed a slight decrease in new COVID patients. All of these hospitals still have a significant percentage of COVID cases overall, particularly in the Magic Valley. Portneuf Medical Center in Pocatello reports a 7 day average of 21 COVID cases per day, up from 8 per day in late August.…
On Tuesday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 882 new cases and 5 new deaths to its statewide total. That brings the statewide total to 60,923 known cases and 585 deaths. The Idaho Press reports that ICU beds in the Southwest District Health region are now at about 70% capacity, with 17% of those occupied by COVID-19 patients. Inpatient beds are at 60% capacity, with 10% of those occupied by COVID-19 patients. Idaho Attorney General Lawrence Wasden is warning residents about misleading healthcare advertisements online, citing deceptive ads about a variety of products that claim to prevent COVID-19 infections or boost immunity to the virus. Idahoans can file complaints with the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division if they see deceptive health claims or advertisements for fake coronavirus cures.…
On Monday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 697 new cases and 7 new deaths to its statewide total. That’s in addition to the 1,671 cases and 11 deaths added over the weekend, bringing the statewide total to 60,041 known cases and 580 deaths. On Monday, Gov. Brad Little announced that Idaho is rolling back to Stage 3, after multiple hospitals around the state are at or near capacity because of an increase in COVID-19 cases. Indoor gatherings are limited to 50 people, and outdoor gatherings are limited to 25 percent of a venue’s capacity. Bars can remain open, but all customers must be seated. Stage 3 does not affect churches or schools, and there is no associated mask order.…
On Friday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 1,073 new cases and 9 new deaths to its statewide total. That brings the statewide total to 57,673 known cases and 562 deaths. Hospital officials across Idaho warn that they are running out of beds and staff to handle increasing COVID-19 case loads. Kootenai Health Hospital in Coeur d’Alene is at 99% capacity. Patients in North Idaho may have to be sent to Seattle or Portland. Hospitals in the Magic Valley are also overwhelmed, and because Boise area hospitals and Salt Lake City area hospitals are filling up, Saint Luke’s officials fear there may be no place to send critically ill patients.…
As Idaho breaks records for new COVID cases, the state continues to ask local governments to make mitigation decisions. That’s putting some officials in tricky positions. This week, Dr. Joshua Kern of St. Lukes Magic Valley talks about what his hospital is facing as case counts rise across the state. Kevin Richert of Idaho Education News discusses how tensions between parents and teachers are affecting school board trustees.…
Kevin Richert of Idaho Education News discusses rising cases numbers throughout the state, and how school board trustees are navigating the difficult choices ahead.
On Thursday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 950 new cases and 7 new deaths to its statewide total. That brings the statewide total to 56,600 known cases and 553 deaths. South Central Public Health District, which covers the Magic Valley, declined to implement mask mandates for its region on Wednesday, opting instead to limit group sizes and to write a letter to Governor Brad Little to support a statewide mandate. Eastern Idaho Public Health made no changes to its public health order at its Board of Health meeting on Thursday, and Panhandle Health District rescinded its existing mask order for Kootenai County despite its hospital being at 99% capacity. All three regions are seeing surging case rates. We’ll have more on Friday’s Idaho Reports.…
On Wednesday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 987 new cases and 11 new deaths to its statewide total. That brings the statewide total to 55,650 known cases and 546 deaths. The Central District Health board voted to allow visits to long-term care facilities in Ada County, under strict safety parameters. Because of the pandemic, visitors have not been allowed since March. Idaho families can now apply for up to $3,500 to help pay for educational material, devices and services. The website went live today, so go to strongfamilies.idaho.gov to learn more. Governor Brad Little’s Vaccine Advisory Committee will have its first meeting on Friday. The committee will develop a plan for distribution of the yet-to-be-released vaccine. The first doses will probably go to health care workers.…
On Tuesday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 873 new cases and 4 new deaths to its statewide total. That brings the statewide total to 54,663 known cases and 534 deaths. Madison County continues to have the highest 7 day moving average incidence rate, with Cassia and Minidoka in second and third place. The top ten counties with the highest current incidence rates are all in eastern and central Idaho or the Magic Valley, and most of those are rural.…
On Monday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 698 new cases and 3 new deaths to its statewide total. That’s in addition to 1388 cases and 6 new deaths added over the weekend, bringing the statewide total to 53,790 known cases and 531 deaths. Idaho is currently near the top of the list for states with the highest rates of infection over the last seven days, behind the Dakotas, Montana, Wisconsin and Nevada. On Wednesday, eligible families who have been affected by distance learning can submit applications for grants of $1,500 per eligible student, with a max of $3,500 per family. Submit those applications at StrongFamilies.Idaho.Gov between Oct. 21 and December 8th.…
On Friday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 1,094 new cases and 6 new deaths to its statewide total. That’s a new record for single day cases since the pandemic began, bringing the statewide total to 51,704 known cases and 523 deaths. Twenty-four hospitals in southern and southeastern Idaho issued a joint statement today, saying hospitals in that region are experiencing the highest number of hospitalizations due to COVID-19 ever seen throughout the pandemic. Health care officials are concerned about bed availability but are more worried about the strains on staffing levels. The state now reports that all Idaho counties but Adams County have community spread.…
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Idaho Reports
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1 Debate: 2020 Senate - Jim Risch, Paulette Jordan & Natalie Fleming 1:28:50
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2020 candidates for the U.S. Senate - Republican Jim Risch, Democrat Paulette Jordan, and Independent Natalie Fleming - join moderator Melissa Davlin to discuss their priorities if elected on November 3rd.
We have less than three weeks to the election, and Idaho Reports has received a number of questions about the constitutional amendment on the ballot. Assistant producer Logan Finney joins Melissa Davlin to discuss the proposed change and why the legislature thought it was necessary.
On Thursday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 718 new cases and 1 new death to its statewide total. That brings the statewide total to 50,610 known cases and 517 deaths. On Thursday, Gov. Brad Little announced that, yet again, Idaho did not meet the criteria to advance past Stage 4 of Reopening Idaho. The state fell short on its hospitalization metrics. Currently, there are more than 50 ICU COVID patients. That’s more than twice as many as the state’s goal of 25 at any given time.…
On Wednesday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 645 new cases and 4 new deaths to its statewide total. That brings the statewide total to 49,892 known cases and 516 deaths. Today’s deaths were reported in Bonner, Kootenai, Shoshone and Bonneville counties. The largest case increases were 102 new cases in Ada County, 74 in Kootenai County, 68 in Canyon County, and 51 in Madison County. As of Monday, there were 219 patients hospitalized with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state, and 56 patients with confirmed cases in the ICU.…
On Tuesday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 584 new cases and 2 new deaths to its statewide total. That brings the statewide total to 49,247 known cases and 512 deaths. During a hospital press conference today, St. Alphonsus reported a 12 percent positivity rate, and St. Luke’s Magic Valley saw a record number of COVID-19 patients hospitalized at the beginning of the week. St. Luke’s said that they are bracing for more to come. Also, a pediatric COVID patient has been transferred to Salt Lake City and is awaiting a heart transplant due to Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children, which was linked to COVID-19. On Thursday, Governor Brad Little will hold another COVID-19 update from 1 PM to 2 PM.…
2020 candidates for Idaho's Second Congressional District - Republican Mike Simpson and Democrat Aaron Swisher - join moderator Marcia Franklin to discuss their priorities if elected on November 3rd.
On Monday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 597 new cases and 3 new deaths to its statewide total. That’s in addition to the 978 new cases and 1 death added over the weekend, bringing the statewide total to 48,663 known cases and 510 deaths. Madison County is reporting the highest daily case rate right now, and Magic Valley and Eastern Idaho are also experiencing spikes. According to the Idaho Statesman, the state is currently experiencing its highest ever seven day moving average, at 621 confirmed and probable cases daily.…
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Idaho Reports
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1 Debate: 2020 CD1 - Russ Fulcher, Rudy Soto & Joe Evans 1:26:38
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2020 candidates for Idaho's First Congressional District — Republican Russ Fulcher, Democrat Rudy Soto and Libertarian Joe Evans— respond to a series of moderator questions before the November 3rd general election.
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Idaho Reports
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On Friday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 662 new cases and 3 new deaths to its statewide total. That brings the statewide total to 47,088 known cases and 506 deaths. The deaths today were in Bonneville, Gooding, and Kootenai counties. Ada County continues to be a hotspot with 533 cases this week.…
On Thursday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 673 new cases and 3 new deaths to its statewide total. That brings the statewide total to 46,426 known cases and 503 deaths. 118 new cases are reported in Ada County, 92 cases in Twin Falls County, 75 cases in Canyon County, 62 cases in Bannock County, and 55 cases in Bonneville County. Today’s deaths occurred in Bonneville, Cassia, and Kootenai counties. As of Monday, the most recently available data, hospitalizations have begun to increase again, and ICU hospitalizations have stayed roughly the same.…
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Idaho Reports
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On Wednesday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 671 new cases and 8 new deaths to its statewide total. That brings the statewide total to 45,753 known cases and 500 deaths. According to John Hopkins University, Idaho has the second highest COVID-19 test rate in the nation, just barely behind South Dakota. As reported in the Idaho Press Tribune, Idaho’s test positivity rate is 23.22 percent, meaning that more than 23 out of every 100 tests recently administered came back positive. The World Health Organization’s advised reopening positivity rate is only five percent.…
On Tuesday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 660 new cases and 5 new deaths to its statewide total. That brings the statewide total to 45,082 known cases and 492 deaths. Ada County saw 95 new cases today, while Twin Falls and Madison counties each saw 75 new cases. South Central Public Health District reports that a man in his 20s has died from COVID-19 related illness in Twin Falls county, the youngest fatality in the state thus far. According to the health district, the individual had an underlying condition that put him at high-risk for a severe case of the illness. Today, Health and Welfare reports 2 deaths in Twin Falls county, and 1 death each in Ada, Kootenai, and Caribou counties.…
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Idaho Reports
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On Monday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 458 new cases and 5 new deaths to its statewide total. That’s in addition to 742 new cases and 8 new deaths added over the weekend, bringing the statewide total to 44,422 known cases and 487 deaths. Ada and Madison counties have both reported 92 cases so far this week, but Ada County has more than ten times the number of people than Madison, making the rate of infection much higher there. It’s currently the highest in the state. Currently, the top ten counties with the highest rates of infection are all rural counties, and hit every region of the state.…
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Idaho Reports
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On Friday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 677 new cases and 2 new deaths to its statewide total, bringing the statewide total to 43,238 known cases and 474 deaths. Because of increasing coronavirus spread, the Portneuf Medical Center will restrict visitors starting today. The eastern Idaho health district has reinstated mask orders in Custer, Lemhi, and Teton counties. Rexburg is now number six on the list of American cities with the worst COVID-19 outbreaks.…
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Idaho Reports
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We don’t yet have a vaccination for COVID-19, but already, Idaho is preparing for distribution. In the meantime, we’re still dealing with spikes, and officials are still trying to convince Idahoans to mask up. This week, James Dawson from Boise State Public Radio joins Melissa Davlin to discuss vaccinations and the state’s management of COVID-19. Then, Kevin Richert of Idaho Education News gives us an update on school and campus reopening.…
On Thursday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 513 new cases and 3 new deaths to its statewide total, bringing the statewide total to 42,561 known cases and 472 deaths. Today, Governor Brad Little announced Idaho will remain in Stage 4 as the state did not meet metrics for reported cases, percent positive tests, and COVID hospitalizations. He emphasized that there are no business restrictions under Stage 4, only recommendations to help mitigate the spread of the virus. Little announced that the state will receive 530,000 antigen tests over the next three months, which will be put to use in schools. The governor is also putting together a vaccine advisory committee, which will prioritize the distribution of vaccines when they are in limited supply. An eventual vaccine is expected first to be offered to healthcare workers, though final decisions have not yet been made.…
On Wednesday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 614 new cases and 5 new deaths to its statewide total. That brings the statewide total to 42,048 known cases and 469 deaths. Today’s largest case count increases occurred in Ada, Bonneville, Twin Falls, Canyon, and Latah counties. Today’s deaths occurred in Ada, Bonneville, Twin Falls, Canyon, and Madison counties.…
On Tuesday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 511 new cases and 4 new deaths to its statewide total. That brings the statewide total to 41,434 known cases and 464 deaths. The University of Idaho now has eight Greek houses on lock-down. According to the UI Argonaut, some of those houses voluntarily went into isolation, while others did so by order of North Central Health District. Wastewater testing there showed evidence of an increase in COVID cases after Labor Day weekend.…
On Monday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 422 new cases to its statewide total. That’s in addition to the 744 new cases and 2 deaths added over the weekend. That brings the statewide total to 40,923 known cases and 460 deaths. Statewide, a number of local increases in cases have been linked to college campuses. The University of Idaho Argonaut reported on Friday that three Greek houses are on lock-down. According to Idaho Education News, BYU-Idaho reported five dozen cases involving students and staff on Saturday, more than doubling the previous week’s total.…
On Friday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 523 new cases and 1 new deaths to its statewide total. That brings the statewide total to 39,757 known cases and 458 deaths. Friday’s total is the highest reported by IDHW in a single day since mid-August. This week’s positivity rate isn’t available, but last week’s 8.1 percent is up from the previous week’s 6.7 percent.…
We’ve learned a lot about the novel coronavirus in the six months since the pandemic started affecting Idaho. Dr. Meghan McInerney, pulmonologist at St. Alphonsus in Boise, joins Melissa this week to talk about long-term effects of the virus, and what we still don’t know. Ada County Clerk Phil McGrane tells us what voters need to know before the Nov. 3 general election, whether they’re voting in-person or by mail.…
On Thursday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 491 new cases and 3 new deaths to its statewide total. That brings the statewide total to 39,234 known cases and 457 deaths. Today’s three deaths were reported in Canyon, Adams, and Twin Falls counties. So far this week, the highest reported case counts have come from Ada, Bonneville, Canyon, Madison, and Twin Falls counties.…
On Wednesday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 396 new cases and 3 new deaths to its statewide total. That brings the statewide total to 38,743 known cases and 454 deaths. The number of cases statewide has started to increase once again. On Tuesday, Central District Health’s board voted to keep Ada County’s mask mandate in place because of a recent spike in cases. According to the Associated Press, hospital officials from Pocatello and Blackfoot told Southeastern Public Health District that their facilities are operating close to capacity because of COVID-19 patients. The Idaho Press reports an outbreak among Middleton School District, where one employee has passed away.…
On Tuesday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 446 new cases and 4 new deaths to its statewide total. That brings the statewide total to 38,347 known cases and 451 deaths. So far this week, Ada, Bonneville, Canyon, Idaho and Madison counties have reported the most new cases. According to the Idaho Statesman and Idaho Education News, Idaho County’s numbers went up dramatically because of testing at North Idaho Correctional Institute in Cottonwood, where 88 inmates and 3 staff members tested positive.…
On Monday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 410 new cases and 4 new deaths to its statewide total. That’s in addition to the 532 cases and 5 deaths added over the weekend. That brings the statewide total to 37,901 known cases and 447 deaths. IDHW officials are asking Idahoans to get flu shots this year. Both influenza and COVID-19 affect the respiratory system, and are spread in similar ways. Officials are concerned that a simultaneous spike in flu and COVID-19 cases this winter could overburden Idaho’s hospitals.…
On Friday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 470 new cases and 4 new deaths to its statewide total. That brings the statewide total to 36,959 known cases and 438 deaths. Today, Gov. Brad Little announced that Idaho did not meet the criteria to advance past Stage 4 of reopening the state, due to hospital and ICU admissions. We’ll have more tonight on Idaho Reports.…
This week, Joan Cartan-Hansen, host of Science Trek on Idaho Public Television, interviews author and environmental journalist Rocky Barker on fires, climate change, and what the future may hold for Idaho. Then, Betsy Russell of the Idaho Press joins Melissa Davlin to discuss recent CARES Act appropriations in Idaho.…
Joan Cartan-Hansen, host of Science Trek on Idaho Public Television, sat down with Rocky Barker, author and environmental journalist, for a conversation about climate change and fire in the west, and what our leaders are doing to address the issue.
Betsy Russell of the Idaho Press has been covering recent CARES Act funding appropriations, and joined Melissa Davlin to talk about two recent recommendations from the committee, and criticism directed at Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin, who sits on the committee, for missing those votes. They also get into the legal fight over Kanye West’s appearance on Idaho’s November ballot and how it’s really a story about our election laws and Secretary of State.…
On Thursday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 396 new cases and 5 new deaths to its statewide total. That brings the statewide total to 36,489 known cases and 434 deaths. This week, Ada, Bonneville, Canyon, Madison, and Twin Falls counties have reported the highest number of cases. On Friday, Gov. Brad Little will hold a press conference to address whether Idaho will advance past Stage 4 of reopening the state. You can watch that press conference on the IdahoPTV Facebook page, and watch Idaho Reports on Friday for more information.…
On Wednesday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 283 new cases and 6 new deaths to its statewide total. That brings the statewide total to 36,093 known cases and 429 deaths. Hospitalizations are down statewide, though COVID-related ICU admissions have remained steady. On Tuesday, the Coronavirus Financial Advisory Committee approved Gov. Little’s plan to replace $99 million in funds cut from the public education budget, and $50 million in grants for families impacted financially because of school closures and online learning.…
On Tuesday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 278 new cases and 4 new deaths to its statewide total. That brings the statewide total to 35,810 known cases and 423 deaths. So far this week, Ada, Bonneville, and Madison Counties have reported the most cases. The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare has a new site with a county-by-county map of transmission risk levels. Currently, just one county, Payette, has a high or critical alert, though different health districts use different metrics for determining threat levels. You can find the link to that map at coronavirus.idaho.gov.…
On Monday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 253 new cases and 4 new deaths to its statewide total. That’s in addition to the 329 cases and 3 deaths added over the weekend. That brings the statewide total to 35,532 known cases and 419 deaths. On Friday, Gov. Brad Little will hold a press conference.…
On Friday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 333 new cases and 5 new death to its statewide total. That brings the statewide total to 34,950 known cases and 412 deaths. Also Friday, Gov. Brad Little announced the state will replace $99 million in funding previously cut from the public education budget, as well as provide $50 million in grants to families of students affected by public school closures. We’ll have more on tonight’s episode of Idaho Reports.…
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Idaho Reports
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Parents, students and teachers aren’t the only ones affected by school closures. This week, we discuss ripple effects felt throughout the community, and what the state and organizations are doing to combat them. Melissa Davlin talks to Robin Findl, owner of Kids Choice Childcare Center and Preschool, about how school closures and homeschool pods are affecting daycares. Then, Chauntelle Lieske, executive director of Safe Passage in Coeur d’Alene, discusses the rise in severity of domestic violence and child abuse cases.…
On Thursday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare reports a statewide total of 34,617 known cases and 407 deaths. That's 306 more cases than were reported on Wednesday, though tonight the state has lowered yesterday's original case total and attributed 430 cases to today. One death was reported today in Nez Perce County. Ada and Canyon counties reported 73 new cases and 43 new cases respectively. The next highest increases were 30 cases in Bonneville County, 22 cases in Twin Falls County, 20 cases in Kootenai County, and 19 cases in Madison County.…
On Wednesday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 329 new cases and 17 new deaths to its statewide total. That brings the statewide total to 34,310 known cases and 406 deaths. Today marks the largest single-day increase in COVID-related deaths recorded by the state since the beginning of the pandemic. While most of the deceased were in their 80s or older, Wednesday’s count included an eastern Idaho woman who was in her 30s.…
On Tuesday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 240 new cases and 4 deaths to its statewide total. That brings the statewide total to 33,981 known cases and 389 deaths. If you are facing additional stress due to COVID-19, you can call or text the COVID Help Now Line at (986) 867-1073. The line is staffed daily 8am to 8pm Mountain Time, and representatives can provide emotional support, help with an immediate crisis, or connect you with community resources. Visit coronavirus.idaho.gov for more information.…
On Monday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 74 new cases to its statewide total. That’s in addition to 471 cases and three deaths added over the weekend. That brings the statewide total to 33,741 known cases and 385 deaths. Recently, the statewide weekly positivity rate has dropped to about 8 percent, down from a high of about 15 percent in July. That’s with about 11,000 fewer weekly tests than we saw two months ago.…
On Friday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 269 new cases and 10 new deaths to its statewide coronavirus total. That brings the statewide total to 33,196 known cases and 382 deaths. Canyon County reported four deaths to the state today, while Ada, Adams, Bingham, Minidoka, Shoshone, and Twin Falls each reported one death. While hospitalizations have dropped since the beginning of the week, the number of patients in the ICU has increased slightly.…
Idahoans have been working to stay at home and keep themselves safe during this pandemic, but what about those who have no control over their living conditions? Marcia Franklin talks to Tamara Prisock, administrator for the Division of Licensing and Certification at the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, about efforts to keep long term care facilities safe from COVID-19 outbreaks. Then, Ruth Brown of the Idaho Statesman joins Melissa Davlin to discuss outbreaks at jails and Idaho Department of Correction facilities.…
On Thursday, Gov. Brad Little announced that once again, Idaho did not meet the criteria to advance past stage four of reopening Idaho. While case numbers and positivity rates are going down, hospitalizations are not declining. State epidemiologist Dr. Christine Hahn said while numbers are currently decent, cases could easily spike again with Labor Day gatherings and the upcoming flu season.…
On Wednesday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 296 cases and 4 new deaths to its statewide total. That brings the statewide total to 32,664 known cases and 372 deaths. Ada, Bannock, Canyon, and Minidoka counties each reported one death to the state today. Half of the day’s cases came from Ada and Canyon counties, but factoring in population, the highest current case rates are in rural counties including Clark, Payette, Butte and Washington.…
On Tuesday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 280 new cases and 7 new deaths, which brings the statewide total to 32,368 known cases and 368 deaths. Governor Brad Little announced that Idaho will begin payments of $300 in supplemental unemployment benefits. Little will host a press conference regarding stage four of the reopening plan this Thursday at 11am.…
On Monday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 220 new cases and 2 new deaths to its statewide total, in addition to the 483 new cases and 6 deaths added over the weekend. That brings the statewide total to 32,084 known cases and 361 deaths. The Eastern Idaho Public Health board lifted mask and gathering restrictions in Lemhi and Clark counties today, though officials still recommend residents stay home when sick, wash their hands and use masks in public when they can not maintain physical distances.…
On Friday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 262 new cases and 10 new deaths to its statewide total. That brings the statewide total to 31,384 known cases and 353 deaths. Though the number of new daily cases is beginning to go down, hospitalizations have dropped only slightly, and the number of COVID-related ICU admissions has risen.…
The Idaho Legislature came back to Boise this week. All it took was a broken door, multiple arrests, and three wild days to reach an agreement. Melissa Davlin sits down with Betsy Russell of the Idaho Press and Kevin Richert of Idaho Education News to discuss this week’s special session, the related protests and how they compare to other acts of civil disobedience in recent years, and what we can expect from the upcoming regular session in January.…
On Thursday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 342 new cases and 6 new deaths to its statewide total. That brings the statewide total to 31,122 known cases and 343 deaths. Ada, Canyon, Bonneville, and Owyhee counties reported deaths to the state today. Ada and Canyon reported the highest raw case numbers, but those numbers are down from where they were in early August.…
On Wednesday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 305 new cases and 11 new deaths to its statewide total. That brings the statewide total to 30,780 known cases and 337 deaths. Half of the day’s new cases came from Ada and Canyon counties.
Tuesday, August 25, marked the second day of the Idaho Legislature special session on coronavirus issues related to liability and elections. Devon Downey and Melissa Davlin break down the day's events including the House passing a resolution to end Governor Little's emergency declaration, as well as the arrest of Ammon Bundy and other protesters who refused to leave the Lincoln Auditorium.…
On Tuesday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 405 new cases and 12 new deaths to its statewide total. That brings the statewide total to 30,475 known cases and 326 deaths. As of August 22, the most recent date for which hospitalization data is available, 160 patients are hospitalized with COVID-19 statewide. That number has steadily trended downward, though the number of patients in the ICU is about the same at 47.…
On Monday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 217 new cases and 7 new deaths to its statewide total. That’s in addition to the 484 new cases and 3 deaths added over the weekend. That brings the statewide total to 30,070 known cases and 314 deaths. Of those deaths, more than half were 80 years or older.…
The Idaho Legislature convened Monday, August 24, for a special session to consider issues relating to coronavirus liability and the fall election. Logan Finney was there to cover the day's events, including protestors forcing their way into the House gallery and shattering a glass door.
The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 239 new cases and 6 new deaths to its statewide total on Friday. That brings the statewide total to 29,359 known cases and 304 deaths. All of Friday’s reported deaths came from Ada County. Earlier today, Gov. Brad Little announced Idaho once again did not meet criteria to advance past Stage 4 of reopening Idaho because of the number of COVID-related hospitalizations, though case numbers are beginning to come down and other metrics have stabilized.…
Rep. Greg Chaney, chairman of the House Judiciary and Rules Committee, discusses the liability legislation that lawmakers will consider at the upcoming special legislative session. Sen. Lori Den Hartog tells us about education-related issues she wishes lawmakers could consider, and Rep. Melissa Wintrow tells us why she doesn’t think a special session is necessary right now at all.…
While some lawmakers say the upcoming special session should take up more bills, others aren’t convinced that a special session is necessary at all. On Friday, Melissa Davlin spoke to Rep. Melissa Wintrow, Democratic candidate for state senate in District 19, about her concerns.
The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 424 new cases and 7 new deaths to its statewide total on Thursday. That brings the statewide total to 29,120 known cases and 298 deaths. Canyon County reported 2 of today’s deaths. Shoshone County also reported 2 deaths. Kootenai, Gem, and Fremont counties each reported 1 death.…
The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 370 new cases and 9 new deaths to its statewide total on Wednesday. That brings the statewide total to 28,696 known cases and 291 deaths. Ada reported 4 deaths to the state, while Shoshone County reported 3, and Bingham reported 2. Statewide, rural counties top the list of current infection rates, with Clark, Lemhi, Payette, Washington and Jefferson counties in the top five.…
The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 384 new cases and 9 new deaths to its statewide total Tuesday. That brings the statewide total to 28,326 known cases and 282 deaths. Ada County reported three of today’s new deaths. Canyon County also reported three, while Kootenai, Payette, and Shoshone counties each reported one.…
Students return to the University of Idaho this week, and the university plans to test every single student arriving on campus. Officials have repeatedly said that results would be available within 24-48 hours thanks to in-house testing at a university lab. Student reporters Angela Palermo and Alexis Van Horn from The Argonaut join Melissa Davlin to discuss the delay in getting that lab certified and the delayed results from private labs in the meantime.…
The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 282 new cases and 4 new deaths to its statewide total Monday, in addition to 487 cases and 4 deaths over the weekend. That brings the statewide total to 27,942 known cases and 273 deaths. Today the state reports 62 new cases in Ada County, and 60 in Canyon County. The next highest increases were 21 new cases in Bonneville county and 20 in Bannock county. About thirty percent of reported cases are in people between the ages of 18 and 29, while about fifty-eight percent of reported deaths were people over the age of 80.…
On Friday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 542 new cases and 14 new deaths to its statewide total. Those deaths occurred in Canyon, Ada, Kootenai, Shoshone, and Twin Falls counties. That brings the statewide total to 27,173 known cases and 265 deaths.
Kyle Pfannenstiel of The Post Register and Report for America discusses the coronavirus outbreak in rural eastern Idaho, and East Idaho Public Health District’s approach to controlling the spread. Then, Dr. David Pate, retired CEO of St. Luke’s Health System and a member of Gov. Brad Little’s coronavirus working group, gives us his take on policy discussions surrounding COVID-19 in Idaho.…
Since retiring as the CEO of St. Luke's Health System, Dr. David Pate hasn’t had much of a break. Gov. Brad Little appointed him to the coronavirus working group, and he has since become a regular guest on Boise State Public Radio’s Idaho Matters, where he answers medical questions for listeners. This week, he joins Melissa Davlin to discuss the task force and public policy discussions surrounding COVID-19 decision-making.…
On Thursday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 498 new cases and 5 new deaths to its statewide total. That brings the statewide total to 26,631 known cases and 251 deaths. All five of Thursday’s reported deaths came from Ada County, and include one decedent who was in their 40s.
On Wednesday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 538 new cases and 0 new deaths to its statewide total. That brings the statewide total to 26,133 known cases and 246 deaths. Ada and Canyon counties continue to report the most cases, with Ada reporting 110 new cases today, and Canyon, 113. But adjusted for population, Canyon continues to have a much higher daily seven day moving average case rate -- in other words, more new cases per 100,000 people. Other hot spots include Bonneville and Twin Falls counties.…
On Monday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 495 new cases and 7 new deaths to its statewide total. That brings the statewide total to 25,595 known cases and 246 deaths. Today, Ada, Canyon, Benewah, and Payette Counties reported deaths.
On Monday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 429 new cases and 2 new deaths to its statewide total. That’s in addition to the 748 new cases and 8 new deaths added over the weekend. That brings the statewide total to 25,100 known cases and 239 deaths.
Across Idaho—especially in communities with uncontrolled spread of the virus—families and teachers are divided on whether schools should re-open for in-person learning. More than 40 parents, students and educators testified during an August 4th Boise School District board of trustees meeting, expressing concerns about the quality of online education, concerns about childcare shortages, and worries about community health. After two hours of testimony, the board opted for a virtual start to the school year, with a planned reassessment after two weeks. Boise School District student Shiva Rajbhandari and his father Ajit both encouraged the board to wait to reopen schools, despite some of the difficulties distance learning has posed for their family. Melissa Davlin spoke to Shiva and Ajit on Friday morning for their perspective.…
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Idaho Reports
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On Friday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 523 new cases and 6 new deaths to its statewide total. That brings the statewide total to 23,922 known cases and 229 deaths. By raw numbers of cases, the state’s current hot spots continue to be centered in the most populated areas: Ada, Canyon, Kootenai, Bonneville, and Twin Falls counties. But adjusted for population, a number of rural counties, like Minidoka, Payette, and Owyhee, have some of the highest seven-day incidence rates.…
This week, Kevin Richert of Idaho Education News gives us an update on how school districts and higher ed institutions are planning to start the school year. Shiva Rajbhandari gives us a student’s perspective on distance learning, and Rachel Roberts of the Idaho Statesman discusses her COVID-19 data tracking.…
On Thursday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 692 new cases and 6 new deaths to its statewide total. That brings the statewide total to 23,399 known cases and 223 deaths. Gov. Brad Little announced Thursday that Idaho has, once again, not met the criteria for advancing out of Stage 4 of reopening Idaho. We’ll have more on Friday’s episode.…
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Idaho Reports
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On Wednesday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 473 new cases and 7 new deaths to its statewide total. That brings the statewide total to 22,707 known cases and 217 deaths. The number of children younger than 18 hospitalized statewide has increased by four since yesterday, bringing that total to 26. Total COVID-19 hospitalizations have once again hit an all-time high at 242.…
On Tuesday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 559 new cases and 10 new deaths to its statewide total. That brings the statewide total to 22,234 known cases and 210 deaths. Deaths were reported in Ada, Canyon, Owyhee, Washington and Kootenai counties. Treasure Valley counties reported the most cases to the state on Tuesday, with Ada reporting 211 and Canyon 152.…
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Idaho Reports
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On Monday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 331 new cases and 3 new deaths to its statewide total. That’s in addition to the 623 new cases and 8 new deaths added over the weekend. That brings the statewide total to 21,675 known cases and 200 deaths. So far this week, Canyon County has reported the most new cases by far, with 128 on Sunday and Monday. For comparison, Ada County has reported just 32 in that same time period.…
On Friday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 475 new cases and 12 new deaths to its statewide total. That brings the statewide total to 20,721 known cases and 189 deaths. Ada, Canyon, Bonneville, Owyhee, Elmore, and Twin Falls Counties all reported deaths today. Statewide, hospitalizations are at a new high of 239 patients, and test positivity is at 13.8 percent.…
On Thursday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 567 new cases and four new deaths to its statewide total. That brings the statewide total to 20,246 known cases and 177 deaths. It took Idaho four months from its first recorded case on March 12 to reach 10,000 cases. It took less than three weeks to record its next 10,000.…
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Idaho Reports
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This week, high school English teacher Sally Mitchell discusses preparations some teachers are making for the chance they’ll start this semester online. Layne McInelly, president of the Idaho Education Association, shares educators' concerns statewide. Finally, Blaine Eckles, Dean of Students and Vice Provost of Student Affairs for University of Idaho, shares the university’s strategies for opening the campus for in-person instruction.…
On Wednesday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 457 new cases and thirteen new deaths to its statewide total. That brings the statewide total to 19,679 known cases and 173 deaths. Wednesday marks the most deaths added to the statewide tally in a single day, most of which came from Kootenai County.…
On Tuesday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 528 new cases and eight new deaths to its statewide COVID-19 total. That brings the statewide total to 19,222 known cases and 160 deaths. The state has reported the first death of a patient in their 30s, and the third death of a patient in their 40s.…
On Monday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 517 new cases and six new deaths to its statewide total. That’s in addition to 913 cases and two deaths added over the weekend. That brings the statewide total to 18,694 known cases and 152 deaths. Ada County has recorded the most number of deaths in the state, with 47 so far. Canyon County has reported 30, and Twin Falls has reported 27.…
This week, Beth Oppenheimer, Executive Director for the Idaho Association for the Education of Young Children, and Boise School District Trustee, joins us to discuss the current landscape for childcare providers and educators in Idaho. Then, Senate President Pro Tem Brent Hill discusses legislative working groups created in response to Gov. Brad Little’s COVID-19 emergency declaration.…
On Friday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 528 new cases and six new deaths to its statewide total. That brings the statewide total to 17,264 cases and 144 deaths. Earlier this week, the state released data on the ages of people who have been hospitalized with COVID-19 since March. While the majority of the 697 cases were in patients older than 60, young Idahoans aren’t immune. Fourteen children younger than 18 have been hospitalized, as have 41 people ages 18-29.…
Governor Brad Little press conference regarding public health districts, and Idaho remaining in Stage 4 for an additional two weeks. "Although increased COVID-19 spread is occurring in Ada, Canyon, Twin Falls, Bonneville, and Kootenai counties, some parts of Idaho still have no confirmed cases and no community spread of the disease, making the local approach to decision making appropriate at this time," said a press release from the governor's office.…
On Thursday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 414 new cases and three new deaths to its statewide total. That brings the statewide total to 16,736 cases and 138 deaths. Ada County reported two deaths, while Canyon County reported one. Canyon County currently has the fastest growing rate of infection in the state, and the second highest case rate and number of cases overall.…
On Wednesday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 500 new COVID-19 cases and nine new deaths to its count. That brings the statewide total to 16,322 cases and 135 deaths. Ada County reported five deaths to the state, while Canyon County reported two, and Blaine and Jerome each reported one. Ada, Canyon, and Kootenai Counties continue to report the highest number of new cases.…
On Tuesday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 556 new COVID-19 cases and four new deaths to its statewide total. That brings the statewide total to 15,822 cases and 126 deaths. The majority of Tuesday’s cases came from Ada, Canyon and Kootenai Counties, with a number reported in eastern Idaho as well.…
On Monday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 393 new cases and three new deaths to its statewide total. That’s in addition to the 1,121 new cases added over the weekend. That brings the statewide total to 15,266 cases and 122 deaths.
On Friday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 619 new COVID-19 cases and four new deaths to its statewide total. That brings the statewide total to 13,752 cases and 118 deaths. Those deaths were in Canyon and Ada Counties. So far this week, Ada County has added 1,376 cases, by far the most in the state.…
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Idaho Reports
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This week, Dr. Steven Nemerson of St. Alphonsus joins us to discuss the science behind mask use in combating the spread of COVID-19, and whether it’s too late for us to stop the momentum of rising cases. Then, Audrey Dutton of the Idaho Statesman joins us to talk about hospital capacity, and how the state’s ability to track that has changed.…
On Thursday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 688 new COVID-19 cases and four new deaths to its statewide total. That brings the statewide total to 13,133 cases and 114 deaths. Valley County has reported its first death. Two additional deaths came from Ada County, and one from Canyon County. The state has also recorded its first death from a patient younger than 50. Last week’s positivity rate for tests was 14.5 percent, the highest it’s been so far.…
On Wednesday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 727 new cases and seven new deaths to its statewide total. That brings the statewide total to 12,445 cases and 110 deaths. Today's totals shatter previous records for both new cases and deaths added in one day.
On Tuesday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 316 new cases and one new death to its statewide total. That brings the statewide total to 11,718 cases and 103 deaths. So far this week, Ada and Canyon counties have each added 201 known cases.
On Monday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 500 new cases and no new deaths to its statewide total. That’s in addition to 974 new cases and one death added over the weekend, bringing the total to 11,402 known cases, and 102 deaths.
There are now 9,928 known cases of COVID-19 in Idaho, with a total of 101 deaths, according to the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. On Friday, the state added 500 new cases and one new death, setting a new one-day record for new cases statewide. The state has doubled its known cases in the last two weeks.…
This week, James Dawson of Boise State Public Radio joins us to discuss how different local public health districts are responding to the COVID-19 public health crisis. Then, Clark Corbin of Idaho Education explains the state’s new school reopening guidelines, and the uncertainty surrounding that framework.…
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Idaho Reports
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1 Press Conference: Gov. Little on Back to School & Rebound Stage 4 1:06:20
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Governor Brad Little and the State Board of Education rolled out the new Idaho Back to School Framework today, offering guidance to local officials in their decisions to reopen schools for the 2020-2021 school year. Little also announced that Idaho will remain in the fourth and final stage of the Idaho Rebounds plan for an additional two weeks.…
There are now 9,428 known cases of COVID-19 in Idaho with a total of 100 deaths, according to the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. On Thursday, the state added 459 new cases and two new deaths, marking the third day in the row the state has recorded more than four hundred new cases. Of the two deaths reported today, one was in Ada County and the other was in Canyon County.…
There are now 8,969 known cases of COVID-19 in Idaho with a total of 98 deaths, according to the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. On Wednesday, the state added 430 new cases and four new deaths. That’s the second day in the row the state has recorded more than four hundred new cases.
There are now 8,539 known cases of COVID-19 in Idaho with a total of 94 deaths, according to the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. On Tuesday, the state added 487 new cases and no new deaths. That breaks the one-day record for new statewide cases. The vast majority of new cases have been in young people ages 18 to 29, but the spread isn’t limited to them.…
There are now 8,052 known cases of COVID-19 in Idaho with a total of 94 deaths, according to the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. On Monday, the state added 319 new cases and one new death. That’s in addition to 739 new cases added on Saturday and Sunday. The number of known cases in Idaho has doubled in the last 16 days.…
This week, Kevin Richert of Idaho Education News joins us to discuss recent court rulings affecting Idaho public education. Then, Scott McIntosh of the Idaho Statesman and Logan Finney of Idaho Reports discuss critics of Governor Brad Little’s COVID-19 response from within his own party.
Governor Brad Little announced today Idaho will transition to a regional response to COVID-19, and the state did not meet metrics to move out of the final stage of the Idaho Rebounds plan. Idaho will stay in the final stage of the Idaho Rebounds plan for at least another two weeks.
Governor Brad Little and Health & Welfare Director Dave Jeppesen discuss COVID-19 testing, contact tracing, mask usage, and how different communities in the state are handling the pandemic.
2 minute update on coronavirus spread in Idaho and the state's response to the epidemic.
This week, we talk to Professor McKay Cunningham of Concordia University School of Law about how a recent Supreme Court decision could affect Add The Words efforts in Idaho. Clark Corbin of Idaho Education News tells us what we know about public schools coming back in the fall. Finally, Dr. Ryan Lindsay of Idaho State University gives us his take on the latest coronavirus numbers.…
2 minute update on coronavirus spread in Idaho and the state's response to the epidemic.
2 minute update on coronavirus spread in Idaho and the state's response to the epidemic.
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Idaho Reports
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2 minute update on coronavirus spread in Idaho and the state's response to the epidemic.
2 minute update on coronavirus spread in Idaho and the state's response to the epidemic.
2 minute update on coronavirus spread in Idaho and the state's response to the epidemic.
It’s been two and a half months since the governor first declared a public health emergency because of COVID-19, and though we’re entering Phase 4 of reopening the state, some Idahoans are still unemployed or struggling with isolation. This week, we talk to Brooke Curtiss about issues Idahoans are facing while waiting for unemployment. Then, Dr. Chris Daniels of Hope and Recovery in Pocatello talks about how isolation and added stress is affecting Idahoans who struggle with addiction.…
2 minute update on coronavirus spread in Idaho and the state's response to the epidemic.
Governor Brad Little announces that Idaho has barely met criteria to enter Stage 4 of his "Idaho Rebounds" plan for reopening the state economy.
2 minute update on coronavirus spread in Idaho and the state's response to the epidemic.
2 minute update on coronavirus spread in Idaho and the state's response to the epidemic.
2 minute update on coronavirus spread in Idaho and the state's response to the epidemic.
2 minute update on coronavirus spread in Idaho and the state's response to the epidemic.
Protests and elections dominated the headlines this week, and we’re still in the middle of a global pandemic. This week, we have the second part of our interview with Dr. Tommy Ahlquist on fights within the Republican party. Then, Betsy Russell of the Idaho Press, former Representative Luke Malek, and Kevin Richert of Idaho Education News give us highlights of the primary election results, and discuss how mail-in voting due to COVID-19 may have impacted the outcome.…
Boise State University professor Michael Strickland and Boise City Council member Lisa Sanchez talk about recent protests, and the role of protests and vigils in affecting change.
On Friday June 5, Gov. Brad Little held a press conference discussing his administration’s new plan to give one-time back-to-work bonuses to incentivize Idahoans to return to their jobs.
As communities around the country hold protests against racism and police brutality, Idaho Reports hosts conversations with BSU Professor Michael Strickland and Boise City Council member Lisa Sanchez about the role of protests and vigils in affecting change, and with retiring state senator Cherie Buckner-Webb and Idaho Black History Museum Dir. Phillip Thompson on the history of racism in Idaho.…
2 minute update on coronavirus spread in Idaho and the state's response to the epidemic.
2 minute update on coronavirus spread in Idaho and the state's response to the epidemic.
2 minute update on coronavirus spread in Idaho and the state's response to the epidemic.
2 minute update on coronavirus spread in Idaho and the state's response to the epidemic.
Melissa Davlin and Devon Downey discuss the May 31 Black Lives Matter protest at the statehouse, and how it was different than other protests both in Boise and around the nation.
2 minute update on coronavirus spread in Idaho and the state's response to the epidemic.
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Idaho Reports
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This week, Dr. Jim Souza, Chief Medical Officer of St. Luke's Health Systems, updates us on the state of COVID-19 testing in Idaho. Then, Dr. Tommy Ahlquist, founder of Crush The Curve Idaho, talks about how the pandemic has highlighted weaknesses with the state’s public health system.
2 minute update on coronavirus spread in Idaho and the state's response to the epidemic.
Governor Brad Little holds a press conference regarding Stage 3 of his "Idaho Rebounds" economic reopening plan. Idaho will enter Stage 3 on Saturday, May 30.
2 minute update on coronavirus spread in Idaho and the state's response to the epidemic.
2 minute update on coronavirus spread in Idaho and the state's response to the epidemic.
2 minute update on coronavirus spread in Idaho and the state's response to the epidemic.
The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare sometimes talks about coronavirus in terms of wildfire — stopping sparks before they ignite and turn into something much bigger. But how is the COVID-19 outbreak going to affect the state’s ability to fight literal wildfires? Rebecca Boone of the Associated Press joins us to discuss how the spread of coronavirus is complicating preparations for this year’s wildfire season. Then, historian Tara Rowe outlines some of the many parallels between the COVID-19 outbreak and the influenza pandemic of 1918, and what lessons Idaho can take from that tragedy one hundred years later.…
2 minute update on coronavirus spread in Idaho and the state's response to the epidemic.
Nampa historian Tara Rowe outlines some of the many parallels between the COVID-19 outbreak and the influenza pandemic of 1918, and what lessons Idaho can take from that tragedy one hundred years later.
2 minute update on coronavirus spread in Idaho and the state's response to the epidemic.
2 minute update on coronavirus spread in Idaho and the state's response to the epidemic.
It's primary election day! Betsy Russell of the Idaho Press and Bryan Clark of the Post Register join Melissa Davlin to overview races and candidates in each region of Idaho. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Tuesday May 19 is the last day to request a ballot. Ballots must be returned to county clerks by June 2.…
2 minute update on coronavirus spread in Idaho and the state's response to the epidemic.
2 minute update on coronavirus spread in Idaho and the state's response to the epidemic.
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Idaho Reports
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Dr. Kenny Bramwell, medical director for St. Luke’s Children’s Hospital in Boise, talks about how St. Luke’s Health System is preparing for COVID-19 infection spikes and whether there is any truth to some of the viral rumors on social media. Don Day of BoiseDev.com tells us what he’s hearing from Idaho business owners as they prepare to reopen—or, in some cases, why they’ve permanently closed.…
Governor Brad Little holds a press conference regarding Stage 2 of his "Idaho Rebounds" economic reopening plan. Idaho will enter Stage 2 on Saturday.
2 minute update on coronavirus spread in Idaho and the state's response to the epidemic.
2 minute update on coronavirus spread in Idaho and the state's response to the epidemic.
2 minute update on coronavirus spread in Idaho and the state's response to the epidemic.
Host Aaron Kunz is joined by Governor Brad Little and Department of Labor Director Jani Revier to discuss the second stage of the state's economic rebound plan and to answer viewer questions about the coronavirus epidemic.
2 minute update on coronavirus spread in Idaho and the state's response to the epidemic.
(S48 Ep19) This week, Nicole Foy and Audrey Dutton of the Idaho Statesman join Idaho Reports to talk testing data and demographics, and why it’s important to know who is affected by the coronavirus. As the Idaho Department of Labor sees record-breaking numbers of unemployment applications, Melissa Davlin talks to Director Jani Revier to get an update on what the department is doing to address the backlog.…
2 minute update on coronavirus spread in Idaho and the state's response to the epidemic.
2020 Democratic candidates for Idaho's First Congressional District Rudy Soto and Staniela Nikolova respond to a series of moderator questions in advance of the May 19 primary election. The spring election will be conducted entirely via mail this year due to the coronavirus pandemic. Ballots must be returned to county clerks by June 2. Check voter registration and request a ballot at idahovotes.gov.…
2 minute update on coronavirus spread in Idaho and the state's response to the epidemic.
2020 Republican challenger for Idaho's First Congressional District Nicholas Jones responds to a series of moderator questions in advance of the May 19 primary election. The spring election will be conducted entirely via mail this year due to the coronavirus pandemic. Ballots must be returned to county clerks by June 2. Check registration and request a ballot at idahovotes.gov.…
2 minute update on coronavirus spread in Idaho and the state's response to the epidemic.
2 minute update on coronavirus spread in Idaho and the state's response to the epidemic.
2 minute update on coronavirus spread in Idaho and the state's response to the epidemic.
2020 Idaho Democratic Candidates for U.S. Senate Jim Vandermaas and Paulette Jordan respond to moderator questions before the May 19 Primary Election.
2 minute update on coronavirus spread in Idaho and the state's response to the epidemic.
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Idaho Reports
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Idaho Reports discusses transportation funding and the grocery tax veto. Melissa Davlin explains how the legislature's efforts this year will make a difference in road maintenance and expansion, but not enough to solve the widespread problems in Idaho's infrastructure. Ken Burgess of Veritas Advisors, Sen. Maryanne Jordan, Sen. Lori Den Hartog, and Dr. Jim Weatherby join the pundits to discuss legislative process, transportation, vetoes and more.…
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Idaho Reports
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Idaho Reports sits down with all three members of the Senate Minority Leadership: Maryanne Jordan, Cherie Buckner-Webb, and Michelle Stennett. Melissa talks with Senate Pro-Tem Brent Hill, and we take an in-depth look at the constitutional and legal questions surrounding faith healing. Rocky Barker, Dr. John Rusche, and Betsy Russell join the pundits to discuss oil gas legislation, transportation, and the politics of compromise.…
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Idaho Reports
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The Idaho Reports team gets a chance to talk political coverage with Nate Silver and Clare Malone.
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Idaho Reports
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Idaho Reports sits down with Senate Assistant Majority Leader Chuck Winder and House Assistant Majority Leader Brent Crane to discuss insurrections, compromise, and what it will take to go home. Wayne Hoffman of the Idaho Freedom Foundation and House Assistant Minority Leader Ilana Rubel discuss minority voices and how to get to yes. Former Lt. Gov. David Leroy, Bill Spence of the Lewiston Tribune, Kevin Richert of Idaho Ed News, and Betsy Russell of the Spokesman-Review join the pundits.…
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Idaho Reports
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Aaron Kunz visits the Idaho National Laboratory to get an update on clean-up efforts. Melissa Davlin sits down with Sen. Dean Mortimer and Rep. Julie VanOrden, the chairmen of the House and Senate education committees, and producer Seth Ogilvie gets the teachers' perspective from Rep. Sally Toone. House Speaker Scott Bedke meets with the Idaho Press Club to discuss the legislature's wait-and-see approach. Finally, Kevin Richert of Idaho Education News, Bill Manny of the Idaho Statesman, and Betsy Russell of the Spokesman-Review join the pundits to talk about leadership, the upcoming election, and more. Watch Idaho Reports 8 pm Fridays on Idaho Public Television. The show is also available at idahoptv.org/idreports.…
Exiting US Attorney Wendy Olson sits down with Melissa Davlin to give her take on the Department of Justice. Next, Senate Majority Leader Bart Davis shares his views on the state of Idaho’s judiciary, the big issues facing the legislature, and whether he’s eyeing any other jobs. Producer Seth Ogilvie explores the complex world of the Idaho Land Board, how they sell land, and whether some of those transactions have been unconstitutional, as one advocacy group is claiming. Ruth Brown of the Idaho Statesman, John Freemuth of Boise State University, and Betsy Russell of the Spokesman-Review join the pundits.…
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Idaho Reports
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This week, Aaron Kunz sits down with DEQ director John Tippets to discuss how the Trump administration's possible changes to the EPA may affect Idaho. Six Idaho political leaders share their vision for Idaho's future, and Sen. Cliff Bayer goes on a scavenger hunt. Clark Corbin of Idaho Education News and Justin Vaughn of Boise State University join the pundits.…
In this Idaho Reports web extra, Idaho Democratic Party Executive Director Sally Boynton Brown discusses running for DNC chair, healing the Democratic party's wounds after a bitter election and charges of Russian hacking, and reaching out to voters.
In this Idaho Reports web extra, Betsy Russell of the Spokesman-Review and Dr. Jim Weatherby sit down with Melissa Davlin to discuss Idaho's Congressional District 2 race, Congressman Raul Labrador campaigning for Donald Trump, and HJR5.
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Idaho Reports
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This week on Idaho Reports, Congressman Mike Simpson discusses his decision not to vote for Donald Trump, divides within the Republican party, and his view on congressional stalemates over deficit spending. Then, Democratic challenger Jennifer Martinez talks about her campaign, Latino voter outreach, and immigration reform.…
Idaho Supreme Court candidates Robyn Brody and Curt McKenzie face off over judicial philosophy, experience and administrative procedures in this Oct. 28, 2016 debate. Panelists Rebecca Boone of the Associated Press and Betsy Russell of the Spokesman-Review ask questions. Melissa Davlin moderates.
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Idaho Reports
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Idaho Reports discusses the legislative and Supreme Court primary results, what was surprising, and what wasn't. Rocky Barker of the Idaho Statesman joins the pundits.
In the first of our primary previews, Idaho Reports visits Orofino to get a glimpse of the issues on the minds of Clearwater County voters. Among the problems in the community: Drug use, unemployment, and lack of funding. Then, Rocky Barker of the Idaho Statesman joins the pundits to discuss the timber industry and more.…
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Idaho Reports
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Idaho Reports sits down with Attorney General Lawrence Wasden to discuss ongoing feuds between him and other elected officials. Wasden responds to criticism of how his office operates, and discusses how these fights affect citizens of Idaho.
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Idaho Reports
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Idaho Reports explores how discussions over public lands have morphed over the last century. House Majority Leader Mike Moyle shares his thoughts on taxes and health care plans, and Rep. Melissa Wintrow discusses her rape kit legislation. Bill Spence of the Lewiston Tribune joins the pundits to talk about urban renewal, health care, Democratic frustration and more.…
Idaho Reports discusses the future of the Idaho National Laboratory with INL director Mark Peters, and takes a trip to Nevada to show parallels between Elko and Idaho voting records. Presidential candidates Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio visit Boise, and Bryan Clark of the Post-Register and Bill Dentzer of the Idaho Statesman join the pundits to discuss the presidential primary.…
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Idaho Reports
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Gov. Butch Otter shares his view on education, health care, and the 2016 Idaho Legislature. Corey Cook, Dean of the School of Public Service at Boise State University, shares results of the school's recent public policy survey. Finally, Stephen Yates, chairman of the Idaho Republican Party, joins the pundits to discuss controversial presidential primary billboards.…
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Idaho Reports
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This week on Idaho Reports, we dive into a complex water fight that has pitted some state lawmakers and Treasure Valley irrigators against the governor, IDWR and the attorney general. What are the facts, and what's the hyperbole? Sen. Todd Lakey gives us an update on public defense reform, and we share highlights from a discussion between Gov. Butch Otter and reporters. Finally, Kimberlee Kruesi of the Associated Press joins the pundits to discuss campaign finance, local control issues, and more. Watch Idaho Reports, 8 pm MT/PT Fridays, or 10:30 am MT/9:30 am PT Sundays on Idaho Public Television. You can also watch online at idahoptv.org/idreports. You can also listen to the show as a podcast. Download the episode at https://soundcloud.com/idaho-reports.…
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Idaho Reports
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Idaho Reports discusses Medicaid expansion vs. PCAP proposals with Rep. John Rusche, Rep. Fred Wood, Health and Welfare Director Richard Armstrong, and emergency room physician Dr. Po Huang. Then, producer Seth Ogilvie explains some of the more confusing processes at the statehouse. Finally, Bill Dentzer of the Idaho Statesman joins the pundits to discuss taxes and more.…
In a Feb. 3 discussion at the Heritage Foundation Conservative Policy Summit in Washington DC, Congressman Raul Labrador, R-Idaho, discussed his concerns with a constitutional convention. For more, visit the Idaho Reports blog: idahoreports.blogs.idahoptv.org
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Idaho Reports
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Idaho Reports sits down with joint budget committee co-chairs Sen. Shawn Keough and Rep. Maxine Bell for a run-down on revenues and upcoming appropriations. Senate Assistant Minority Leader Cherie Buckner-Webb gives her take on Add the Words and education, and Melissa Davlin, Aaron Kunz and Seth Ogilvie discuss major water issues. Then, Marty Peterson joins the pundits to discuss public defense.…
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