All articles tagged with #idaho
The Idaho Legislature approved a measure restricting bathroom access for transgender individuals and imposing jail penalties for violations, sending the bill to the governor for consideration.
Idaho lawmakers advanced a bill that would criminalize using restrooms or changing rooms that don’t match a person’s sex assigned at birth in government buildings and places of public accommodation, with a misdemeanor for the first offense and a felony for a second offense within five years. The measure includes exceptions for custodial work, medical aid, law enforcement, single-user facilities when no other option exists, dire need, athletic events, and guardians accompanying someone needing assistance, and it now goes to the governor. Supporters say it protects privacy and safety; opponents argue it targets transgender people and could endanger them, with groups like the ACLU and Planned Parenthood condemning the bill. Critics note little evidence that inclusive policies threaten safety, and Idaho has recently pursued other anti-LGBTQ measures.
Idaho lawmakers are considering a bill that would criminalize transgender people using bathrooms and changing rooms that align with their gender identity in any place of public accommodation, with penalties of up to a year for a misdemeanor and up to five years for a felony on a second offense; it includes carve-outs for emergencies, dire need, and other staff roles, but faces opposition from law-enforcement groups and LGBTQ advocates who warn it could lead to profiling and harassment. The Senate was expected to vote on the bill this week, potentially sending it to Governor Brad Little for signing.
Idaho’s proposed budget could dissolve the state’s Medicaid-funded home-care and other disability services, prompting fears among families who rely on these programs and potentially forcing caregivers to leave or reduce work. Advocates warn the cuts could be devastating for people with disabilities and may make Idaho a bellwether for disability services amid broader Medicaid reductions, with hearings drawing hundreds of attendees.
At Steve Pearce’s confirmation hearing for the Bureau of Land Management, Sen. Jim Risch pressed him on whether he or President Trump could sell public lands, asserting there is no authority to do so. Pearce said he would follow the law and defer to states, but did not fully renounce past views. Idahoans and conservation groups oppose land sales, citing a poll and describing public lands as sacred, while critics point to Pearce’s past support for land disposal and ties to oil/gas interests. A Senate vote date has not yet been scheduled.
A NiceRx ranking names Idaho the healthiest state, highlighting its low obesity and alcohol use, strong physical activity, and abundant fitness facilities, supported by easy access to outdoor recreation and a slower-paced lifestyle that encourages healthier habits.
Five measles cases in Canyon County, Idaho—tied to one household—have prompted exposure notices at Vallivue Middle and High Schools, as public health officials warn the disease is highly contagious and stress vaccination; statewide cases (mostly unvaccinated or unknown) total 21 since August, reflecting a national resurgence linked to lower immunization rates.
A small plane clipped a power line and crashed into the Payette River near Black Canyon in Gem County, Idaho, killing two men. Idaho Power said the outage affected more than 5,300 customers in Crouch, Horseshoe Bend and Placerville, with power restored by mid-afternoon as responders worked on scene. Horseshoe Bend schools canceled classes as a precaution.
Roland Steadham, CBS Boise chief meteorologist, was killed in a small-plane crash near Emmett, Idaho, reportedly after clipping a power line into the Payette River; the other occupant also died. A licensed pilot with about 3,000 flight hours and a 35-year meteorology career, he’s remembered by colleagues as a pro and mentor, and is survived by his wife, six children and grandchildren.
The Supreme Court appears poised to uphold state bans on transgender women and girls competing in female school sports, with a conservative 6-3 majority leaning toward affirming the bans in Idaho and West Virginia and a decision expected in June, potentially narrowing the ruling rather than ruling broadly on transgender rights in sports.
The Stagecoach Inn is expected to be sold to a prominent local family, signaling a change in ownership for a longtime community landmark.
The Idaho Attorney General's Office will reduce paid parental leave from eight weeks to two weeks starting July 1, citing budget concerns, setting it apart from other state agencies that follow the governor's eight-week policy, with staff able to use accrued sick leave or unpaid FMLA leave for additional time.
Flu cases are rapidly increasing in the Boise area and southern Idaho, with the CDC reporting high activity levels and a predominance of influenza A. Health officials emphasize the importance of vaccination and preventive measures, as the flu season peaks and severe cases, including hospitalizations and a death, are reported. It is not too late to get vaccinated to reduce severity and prevent complications.
An Idaho company recalled nearly 3,000 pounds of ground beef due to potential E. coli contamination, with no confirmed illnesses reported. The recall involves vacuum-sealed packages produced in December, and consumers are advised to discard or return the product and cook ground beef to 160°F to ensure safety.
An Idaho-based company recalled nearly 3,000 pounds of ground beef due to potential E. coli contamination, with no confirmed illnesses reported. The affected products were produced in December and shipped to multiple states, and consumers are advised to discard or return the meat and cook ground beef to 160°F to ensure safety.