Idaho

How a common election integrity law is keeping Idaho from fixing its crumbling schools

An influential conservative group is targeting local bond and levy elections, which districts rely on heavily to build and repair schools.

  • By Becca Savransky, ProPublica

Governors propose spending billions on overdue infrastructure projects

In State of the State addresses this week, several governors said they would prioritize ambitious and much needed infrastructure projects. Plus, more news to use from around the country in this week's State and Local Roundup.

  • By Daniel C. Vock

Idaho Governor Vetoes Bill to Restrict Library Materials

The bill allows parents to sue libraries for giving out materials “harmful to minors." Of his veto, Gov. Brad Little said the state doesn't need a "library bounty" and that he’s more concerned about what kids can find on the internet.

  • By Mia Maldonado and Audrey Dutton, Idaho Capital Sun

A Library Struck by Controversy That Began Over a Book It Didn’t Own

In Boundary County, Idaho a local librarian decided to resign citing a “political atmosphere of extremism.” The situation there mirrors a trend affecting libraries around the country.

  • By Molly Bolan

Localities Are Finding Creative Affordable Housing Solutions

There's an estimated shortage of 3.8 million housing units nationwide. Cities and towns are stepping up to help residents.

  • By Erika Bolstad, Stateline

How One State Used Its Giant Budget Surplus

Idaho this year had extra revenue that was equal to nearly half the amount of its general fund revenues, and that was on top of federal aid. Here's what lawmakers did with the money.

  • By Bill Lucia

Mayor Details Alarming Public Harassment of Her and Her Family

Boise, Idaho Mayor Lauren McLean described the threats and intimidation she and other city staff have dealt with during the past two years. She said she wouldn’t step down but understands why many public servants are calling it quits.

  • By Andre Claudio

Idaho and Oklahoma Expected To Be First States To Pass Texas-inspired Six-week Abortion Bans

Clinics say they are preparing for bans to take effect as early as April. Texas offers a preview of what might happen if those bills go into effect.

  • By Shefali Luthra, The 19th

Some Unusual State and Local Laws to Take Note of This Valentine's Day

A number of state and municipal laws deal with relationships—both good and bad ones.

  • By Andre Claudio

8 Best Winter Festivals in the U.S.

A list from Travel + Leisure showcases festivals that include snow golf and volleyball, skiers hanging onto a cowboy on horseback and plungers jumping into the icy waters.

  • By Andre Claudio

'An Absolutely Fascinating' Local Government Job

Coroners operate "in the shadows of local government" and their profession is misunderstood. Longtime coroner Dotti Owens explains why "this is my thing."

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram

How Public Health Officials Overcame Vaccine Barriers in Minority Communities

A series of reports issued by the Communivax Coalition explores resistance to Covid-19 vaccinations in four states and strategies to improve immunization rates.

  • By Andrea Noble
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A Showdown Over Idaho Governor’s Authority

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

  • By Andrea Noble

Pandemic Growth Led This State to Slash Taxes, Issue Rebates

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

  • By Andrea Noble

Despite Federal Moratorium, Eviction Rates Returning to Pandemic Levels

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

  • By Benjamin Larsen and McAllister Hal, The Conversation

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

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

  • By Andrea Noble

Lawsuit: State Vaccination Program Should Prioritize Seniors

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

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram

Attorneys General, FTC File Antitrust Lawsuits Against Facebook

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

  • By Andrea Noble

Arizona Legislature Closed After Giuliani Hearing

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

  • By Andrea Noble

Rural Public Health Staff Strained by Covid Surge, Public Backlash

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

  • By Bill Lucia

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

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

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram