Information provided in these news updates is collected up until the end of February and includes professional sources, news releases, weekly and daily newspapers, television and other media.
Northern Idaho
North central Idaho
Southwestern Idaho
South central Idaho
Southeastern Idaho
Eastern Idaho
NORTHERN IDAHO
Benewah, Bonner, Boundary, Kootenai and Shoshone counties
Regional news
- Avista Utilities, a keystone provider of electric and natural gas utilities in the panhandle, has filed a proposal with the Idaho Public Utilities Commission that would raise rates for Idaho customers. As currently proposed, electric rates in Idaho would increase by 14% in September followed by a 5% increase in 2026, while natural gas would increase 10% and 1% in 2025 and 2026 respectively. Avista stated the proposed increases are intended to cover ongoing investment in infrastructure. Source: Journal of Business
Kootenai County
- North Idaho College (NIC) received sanctions relief from its accrediting agency, with the college’s multi-year show cause sanction reduced to a probationary status. The move to probation grants a one-year extension for NIC to return to compliance, and a letter from the accrediting body noted improvement on a majority of the college’s noncompliance issues. Source: Coeur d’Alene Press
- Work on the multi-year project to replace the State Highway 411 and Interstate 90 interchange in Post Falls is proceeding to the next phase, after a productive winter helped by relatively mild weather. The Idaho Transportation Department will close the current westbound off-ramp with detours and temporary rerouting as they move on to the next phase. Construction has been underway since 2022 and the new interchange is slated for completion in 2026. Source: Coeur d’Alene Press
- The Coeur d’Alene School Board approved a new Early Plus program to expand preschool opportunities in the school district and improve kindergarten readiness. The new program will be located in the former Borah Elementary School building, after the school was closed last year. Half of the building is currently occupied by the Coeur d’Alene Early Learning Center, which serves children with special needs from ages three to five. Source: Coeur d’Alene Press
- The city of Rathdrum has unveiled plans for a new $15 million city hall which will consolidate municipal departments into a single facility, located on a 30-acre community campus. The 30,000-square-foot building will house the city’s council, administration, police and parks and recreation departments, with a nearby shop facility housing the street crew and water and sewer department. Source: Journal of Business
Samuel.Wolkenhauer@labor.idaho.gov, regional economist
Idaho Department of Labor
(208) 696-2353
NORTH CENTRAL IDAHO
Clearwater, Idaho, Latah, Lewis and Nez Perce counties
Regional news
Nez Perce County
- The A. Neil DeAtley Career Technical Education Center in Lewiston was awarded a $2.3 million grant from Idaho Career Ready students to add a space large enough for students to assemble larger projects such as tiny homes or jet boats. The new addition will also house lab areas and a dedicated space for information technology courses. Source: Lewiston Tribune
- Halme Construction of Spokane was awarded a $6.7 million contract to start rebuilding water infrastructure that directs water from the Clearwater River to the City of Lewiston’s water treatment plant. Total project cost is estimated to be around $16 million. Source: Lewiston
- Snake River Community Clinic was awarded a $160,000 grant by the Direct Relief’s Fund for Health Equity. The grant will allow the free service clinic to extend operational hours, optimize its electronic health record system and establish new risk management policies. Source: KOZE
Idaho County
- Syringa Hospital completed renovation of the new Specialty Clinic in the Therapy Services building in Grangeville. Cardiologists at the clinic are offering cardio and vascular consultation services and simple diagnostics. Source: Idaho County Free Press
Latah County
- The University of Idaho and Idaho National Laboratory (INL) signed a five-year Strategic Understanding for Premier Education and Research agreement to produce collaborative research of nuclear materials and fuel cycle engineering, integrated energy systems and cybersecurity. The University of Idaho’s nuclear engineering program was founded in 1954 through a partnership with INL. Source: Daily Fly
- JoAnn Fabric and Crafts has announced plans to close its Moscow store in the Palouse Mall as part of bankruptcy proceedings. It will also be closing its Clarkston store across the river in Asotin County. Source: JoAnn Fabric and Crafts
Lisa.Grigg@labor.idaho.gov, regional economist
Idaho Department of Labor
(208) 696-2256
SOUTHWESTERN IDAHO
Ada, Adams, Boise, Canyon, Elmore, Gem, Owyhee, Payette, Valley and Washington counties
Regional news
Ada County
- For the third year in a row, the Boise Airport broke its annual record for passenger traffic. The airport accommodated 4,990,885 passengers in 2024, this was an uptick of 238,000 passengers from 2023, with a growth rate of 5% from 2023 to 2024. Source: KTVB News
- Bardenay opened its fourth Idaho restaurant and distillery in Garden City. The 7,500 square foot space allocates 4,500 square feet to its restaurant and patio, with 3,000 square feet to the distillery. Source: Idaho Press
Canyon County
- The city of Nampa announced that Tractor Supply will build a new distribution center to serve the Pacific Northwest’s 200 stores. The facility will be a $225 million investment with space of 865,000 square feet and yield the creation of 500 jobs. Source: tractorsupply.com
- A groundbreaking was hosted by the College of Western Idaho for its student success center. The center will be home to the bookstore, a library, tutoring space and a one-stop center for students. Source: Idaho News
Jan.Roeser@labor.idaho.gov, regional economist
Idaho Department of Labor
(208) 696-2172
SOUTH CENTRAL IDAHO
Blaine, Camas, Cassia, Gooding, Jerome, Lincoln, Minidoka and Twin Falls counties
Regional news
Blaine County
- Mountain Rides Transportation Authority is planning on developing a dedicated bus route to the Friedman Memorial Airport in Hailey. The tentative plan is to run this service from 5:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. or 11:00 p.m., seven days a week. This service is planned to begin in October 2025. Source: Idaho Mountain Express
- The city of Ketchum purchased a three-unit condominium building to be used for workforce housing. Pricing has not yet been set for the units. Source: Idaho Mountain Express
Jerome County
- Idaho State Police (ISP) are working on developing a forensic crime lab in Jerome. Currently, evidence is sent to Pocatello or Meridian for testing. ISP hopes to have the lab operating next year. Source: KMVT
Twin Falls County
- The College of Southern Idaho’s 28,000-square-foot transportation technology building will be completed in September 2025. This new building will support the diesel tech and automotive service programs. Source: Magic Valley Times News
Seth.Harrington@labor.idaho.gov, regional economist
Idaho Department of Labor
(208) 696-2364
SOUTHEASTERN IDAHO
Bannock, Bear Lake, Bingham, Caribou, Franklin, Oneida and Power counties
Regional news
Bannock County
- A drone battery manufacturing facility caught fire but was quickly extinguished by firefighters. There were no injuries and the building is believed by firefighters to not have suffered critical damage. Source: Idaho State Journal
- Bannock County broke ground on the new Youth Development Center which aims to be a day treatment center for teens at high risk of expulsion. Source: KPVI News
- The mayor of Chubbuck issued a statement on the closure of JCPenney stating that he believes the store will be closing in May. Source: East Idaho News
Bear Lake County
- The Butch Cassidy Museum’s owner is looking to sell. Acquired in 2015, the former Bank of Montpelier was converted into a museum commemorating the famous robbery. Source: Idaho State Journal
Oneida County
- The Nell J Redfield hospital celebrated its 100th year with a new upgraded operating table and surgical lights to enhance the quality of care for the community. Source: The Idaho Enterprise
Brandon.Duong@labor.idaho.gov, regional economist
Idaho Department of Labor
(208) 236-6715
EASTERN IDAHO
Bonneville, Butte, Clark, Custer, Fremont, Jefferson, Lemhi, Madison and Teton counties
Regional news
- Idaho National Laboratory (INL) agreed to a five-year memorandum of understanding with Boise State and Idaho State Universities. The agreement outlines collaboration on research in critical and strategic materials and minerals, environmental sustainability and security, nuclear materials and fuel cycle engineering, efficiency in nuclear power systems and industrial cybersecurity. Source: INL
- The 29th Annual East Idaho Fly Tying and Fly Fishing Expo returned to Mountain America Center in Idaho Falls. The event featured over 50 vendors and hundreds of patrons. Source: Idaho Falls Magazine
- Yellowstone National Park hosted 4.7 million visitors for 2024, the second highest on record, and a 5% increase from 2023. Source: National Park Service
- Utah-based travel subscription service, Flights from Home, added Idaho Falls Regional Airport to three other intermountain west airports it services. Source: Idaho Business Review
- A total of $136,000 in Rural Education Professional Grants were awarded in the eastern Idaho region by the U.S. Small Business Administration, administered by Idaho Commerce Rural Services. Source: Idaho Commerce
- According to Natural Resources Conservation Services mountain data from SNOTEL, the six runoff basins that comprise eastern Idaho have an average year-to-date snow water equivalent of over 103% of median and year-to-date precipitation between 95% and 103%. Source: Natural Resources Conservation Services
Ryan.Whitesides@labor.idaho.gov, regional economist
Idaho Department of Labor
(208) 696-2347
This Idaho Department of Labor project is funded by the U.S. Department of Labor for SFY25 as part of a Workforce Information grant (40%) and state/nonfederal funds (60%) totaling $885,703.
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