Information provided in these news updates is collected up until the end of September 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
- Northern Idaho is currently in a drought at the highest ratings of severity, according to hydrologists with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Several years of below-normal snowpack, low rainfall totals and above-normal temperatures have created “extreme to exceptional” drought in the region. Recent data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration showed more than 50% of measured stream flow sites in the region are below normal. Source: Coeur d’Alene Press
Kootenai County
- Local governments in Kootenai County are completing their budgetary approval processes for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. The Coeur d’Alene City Council approved a $151.9 million budget with an allowable 3% property tax increase, and Post Falls approved a $165 million budget with a 3% property tax increase. County commissioners approved a $144 million budget for Kootenai County, with a 2.5% tax increase. Source: Coeur d’Alene Press
- Major changes are coming to the retail development on US 95 at Neider Avenue in Coeur d’Alene. Construction is underway on a Raising Cane’s chicken restaurant, with confirmed plans for additional businesses in the shopping center, including a Mexican restaurant called Cultura CDA and national chains like Jersey Mike’s Subs, Nothing Bundt Cakes and Sleep Number. The shopping center currently houses At Home, Tractor Supply and Safeway. Source: Coeur d’Alene Press
Shoshone County
- Commissioners in Shoshone County voted to consolidate the county’s two fire protection districts into a single entity: Silver Valley Fire Rescue. Consolidation into a single district will offer several benefits including improved personnel and equipment sharing, as well as greater eligibility for grants and other revenue. Consolidation will also allow for standardization of training standards and equipment. Source: Coeur d’Alene Press
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
- Phase one of the $18 million District Interoperability Governance Board region two fiber optic project between Nezperce and Orofino began construction in mid-September. When completed, a new middle-mile fiber optic line from Grangeville to Orofino will be put in place (phase two will run from Nezperce to Grangeville). The project also includes last-mile fiber-to-the-premises for the cities of Nezperce and Grangeville and will connect to the 198-mile Idaho Regional Optical Network broadband partnership from Grangeville to Star. Source: Idaho County Free Press
- The Port of Lewiston and Crown Utilities have started phase one construction of the middle-mile broadband project from Moscow to Lewiston. Phase two will extend to Grangeville and will then connect with the Idaho Regional Optical Network to link Grangeville and Star. The project is expected to be complete in the first half of 2027. Source: Daily Fly
Nez Perce County
- The City of Lewiston granted a request for Moonlight Mountain Recovery to open a 16-person sober living home in the Lewiston Orchards. The facility will be staffed by four employees. Moonlight Mountain currently provides substance abuse treatment centers in Pocatello, Boise, Nampa, Caldwell, Kuna and Jerome. Source: Lewiston Tribune, Mountain Moonlight Recovery
Idaho County
- Tates Rents hosted a grand opening celebration at their new equipment rental location in Grangeville. The site is the former Prairie Rental Center. Tates Rents currently has locations in Boise, Meridian, Eagle, Nampa, Caldwell and McCall. Source: Tates Rents
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
- Boise State University (BSU) was awarded a National Science Foundation grant for $7.4 million. The funds are to develop a research and education center focused on semiconductor manufacturing workforce and the skills needed to grow the sector. Source: Idaho Press
- The J.R. Simplot Co. announced it changed its name and organizational structure. The Simplot Co. is the new global parent company for all Simplot-related companies. Source: Capital Press
Canyon County
- Canyon County Commissioners approved $7.5 million to build a new women’s jail.
Valley County
- Valley County Commissioners approved a 93% reduction to the area of impact around the city of McCall. These areas of impact are not part of the city but must follow the city zoning regulations. Donnelly’s area of impact was reduced by about 20%. Source: Boise State Public Radio
Groundbreakings
- Idaho Botanical Gardens broke ground on its 32-acre expansion that will happen during three phases. The first phase includes the Borbonus Family Arboretum, infrastructure and underground utility upgrades, creating expanded parking in the new ‘parking garden’ and a new event lawn sponsored by Regence BlueShield of Idaho. Source: Idaho Press
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
- The Hailey City Council has approved a preliminary plan for Cascade Condos, a 24-unit three-story housing project. Source: Idaho Mountain Express
Cassia County
- Simply Hope Family Outreach, a local nonprofit that focuses on mental health, prevention and other support services has broken ground on its 15,000 square foot facility in Burley. The project is planned to be completed by December 2026. Source: KMVT
Minidoka County
- The City of Rupert has completed its fire station. The 9,300 square foot building has six apparatus bays and room for expansion. The project cost $2.1 million. Source: KMVT
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
- Cuts to federal funding postponed $24.5 million dollars in infrastructure projects including initiatives to install traffic signals and bike lanes along East Terry, South First and the South Fifth Complete Streets and Sewer project in the City of Pocatello. Mayor Brian Blad contends that these initiatives are not abandoned and will seek alternative financing. Source: Idaho State Journal
- Construction for the Pocatello Creek to Monte Vista pathway began. The new pedestrian pathway will enhance pedestrian and cyclist safety between these residential and commercial areas. The pathway operates independently of vehicle traffic. The build is part of a larger project to enhance pedestrian paths between Idaho State University and the Portneuf Wellness Complex. Source: KIFI News
- Construction began in south Pocatello for a new reentry center six minutes from the Bannock County Jail. The facility will house up to 100 inmates as they prepare to reenter society. The 23,500 square foot building will become Idaho’s sixth reentry center and will focus on education, vocational training and substance use disorder treatment for qualifying inmates. Source: Idaho State Journal
Bingham County
- The Aberdeen Fire District completed its new fire station addition. The new expansion increases the districts potential fire truck fleet. Source: Aberdeen Times
Caribou County
- The Soda Springs Geyser erupted again after $20,000 was spent rebuilding the geyser valve that timed the eruption. City Councilman Paul Gritton stated, “The geyser is our premier attraction…When it’s down, it hurts all our local economy. Getting it fixed was a priority and we’re thrilled to welcome everyone back to enjoy it again.” Source: The News Examiner
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
- A private Texas firm, Aalo Atomics, broke ground on Aalo-X, a pilot project of an experimental extra modular nuclear reactor inside the Materials and Fuels Complex at Idaho National Laboratory. It will reportedly be the world’s first co-located and co-built nuclear plant and data center once completed in July 2026. Aalo Atomics plans to deploy factories internationally to produce several gigawatts of electrical capacity for nuclear and artificial intelligence projects. Source: Idaho National Laboratory
- Yellowstone National Park hosted 882,000 recreation visits in August, a 2% increase year over year. Visits have decreased 4% from August 2021, the record-breaking year of over 4.8 million visitors. Year-to-date visits increased 3% year over year. Source: Yellowstone National Park
- The Center for Advanced Energy Studies , a consortium that includes Idaho National Laboratory and state universities, is rebranding its facility in Idaho Falls. It will now be known as the Critical Materials and Energy Systems Innovation Center. Source: Idaho Education News
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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