State News
Sunday, March 29, 2026 · Caribou & Bannock Region
NBA Playoffs: Conference Semifinals Preview
The NBA Conference Semifinals are set to begin. This round features high-stakes matchups and crucial decisions for teams looking to advance. Here's a look at the key storylines.
Vandals Stun No. 2 Montana State 24-21 in Big Sky Thriller
In a pivotal Big Sky Conference clash, the No. 8 Idaho Vandals pulled off a stunning upset over the No. 2 Montana State Bobcats on Halloween weekend. A missed game-tying field goal sealed the 24-21 victory for Moscow's gridiron warriors. The win keeps Idaho firmly in the hunt for a conference title.
Sunday, March 29, 2026
ISU Rolls Out Mobile Health Unit for Eastern Idaho's Rural Gaps
Idaho State University has launched a mobile health unit targeting primary care and vaccinations in underserved rural pockets of eastern Idaho. The initiative promises to bridge critical healthcare deserts where residents face long drives for basic services. Reported first by East Idaho News, it's a game-changer for communities beyond Pocatello.
Sunday, March 29, 2026
Idaho mountain towns shake off summer slump with price cuts, rising bookings
After a disappointing stretch, Idaho's premier mountain destinations are rebounding as hotels lower rates and travelers respond, marking the first significant summer uptick in nearly two years. The modest gains signal cautious optimism for the state's outdoor economy as the season peaks.
Sunday, March 29, 2026
Idaho Gov Signs Tough Fentanyl Law with Mandatory Prison Terms
Gov. Brad Little has signed House Bill 406 into law, imposing mandatory minimum sentences for fentanyl trafficking to stem the deadly opioid surge ravaging Idaho communities. The measure adds steep penalties, including life sentences for drug-induced deaths, effective July 1. Lawmakers say it's a critical deterrent amid rising overdose fatalities.
Sunday, March 29, 2026
Boise State Lands Top Idaho Guard Brady Hennig in Major Recruiting Win
Boise State men's basketball has secured a prized in-state commitment from Brady Hennig, a standout 6-foot-6 shooting guard from Washington's Mount Si High School with deep Idaho ties. The signing bolsters the Broncos' roster for next season amid aggressive transfer portal moves. Local fans celebrate keeping elite talent close to home.
Sunday, March 29, 2026
INL's Fission Battery Breakthrough Powers Idaho's Remote Future
Idaho National Laboratory researchers have unveiled a fission battery initiative promising decades-long power for remote sensors without recharging. This game-changing technology could transform monitoring in Idaho's vast wilderness and bolster national energy security. Initially reported by East Idaho News, the project highlights INL's pivotal role in advanced nuclear innovation.
Sunday, March 29, 2026
Boise Fire Rages Through Idaho Youth Ranch Warehouse on Irving St.
Flames tore through a massive warehouse at the Idaho Youth Ranch outlet yard in Boise's industrial district Monday afternoon, collapsing the structure and damaging nearby buildings. No civilians were hurt, but two firefighters sustained minor injuries amid a massive response. The cause remains under investigation as crews battled toxic smoke into the night.
Sunday, March 29, 2026
Idaho Senate Pushes Voucher Expansion Amid Funding Fights
The Idaho Senate has advanced a bill to boost funding and eligibility for the state's controversial school voucher program, drawing fresh battle lines in the education wars. Critics warn it siphons millions from underfunded public schools, while supporters hail expanded parental choice. With rural districts hit hardest, the debate intensifies in Boise.
Sunday, March 29, 2026
Bruins Crush Jerome 74-0 in Idaho Football Rout
In a stunning display of dominance, the Bruins demolished Jerome 74-0 Friday night at Bruin Stadium, led by quarterback Ty Hess's 204 yards and three touchdown passes. The lopsided victory highlights the Bruins' offensive firepower in southern Idaho high school football. Fans in Jerome are left stunned by the shutout.
Sunday, March 29, 2026
Meridian braces for boom: 3,500 homes planned across northwest expansion
Northwest Meridian is poised for transformation as developers eye hundreds of acres of farmland for massive residential projects. The largest proposal, a 480-acre master plan called The Fields, would bring over 1,000 homes to the fast-growing city, with the first phase heading to city planners this week.
Sunday, March 29, 2026
Boise State Broncos Advance in MW Baseball Tournament
The Boise State Broncos baseball team punched their ticket deeper into the Mountain West Conference tournament with a gritty victory over San Jose State. Riding a hot streak, the sixth-seeded squad from Idaho's Treasure Valley eyes a championship run. Fans in Boise are buzzing as the Broncos keep the momentum alive.
Sunday, March 29, 2026
Idaho Vandals' Postseason Run Ends in Heartbreaking Big Sky Shootout
The University of Idaho women's soccer team's valiant Big Sky Conference tournament run came to a dramatic close Friday in Missoula. Trailing late, the Vandals forced penalties before falling 3-1 to top-seeded Montana. Senior Sara Rodgers' heroics etched her name in Vandal lore.
Sunday, March 29, 2026
Motorcyclist Airlifted After Serious Crash on US 20 Near St. Anthony
A motorcyclist suffered serious injuries in a crash Saturday afternoon on U.S. Highway 20 near St. Anthony, prompting an airlift to a local hospital. Fremont County Sheriff Bart Quayle said investigators are still piecing together the details as traffic briefly backed up on the busy eastern Idaho corridor. The incident underscores the hazards of the region's high-speed highways frequented by bikers and tourists.
Sunday, March 29, 2026
Wandermind Shop Opens in Idaho Falls for Neurodivergent Community
A new retail haven in downtown Idaho Falls is breaking ground for neurodivergent residents, offering tools and spaces tailored to ADHD and autism needs. Co-owners McKenzie and Jonny Willmore celebrated the grand opening Saturday, drawing crowds eager for sensory-friendly resources. With events continuing today, the shop signals growing support for Idaho's neurodiverse families.
Sunday, March 29, 2026
Idaho Falls Shilo Inn Bankruptcy Closure Upends Restaurant, Staff
The Shilo Inn in Idaho Falls slammed its doors Tuesday, thrusting restaurant owner David Rail, dozens of employees and booked events into chaos. Chapter 7 bankruptcy liquidation has shuttered the 780 Lindsay Boulevard property, marking the second such Idaho closure this week. Local workers scramble for answers and income amid the fallout.
Sunday, March 29, 2026
Idaho Falls Anglers: 13,000+ Rainbow Trout Stocked in Local Waters This May
Idaho Fish and Game is unleashing over 13,000 catchable-sized rainbow trout into eastern Idaho lakes and ponds this month, priming the perfect bite for local anglers. From Bannock Reservoir to Edson Fichter Pond, these fresh stockings promise action-packed fishing outings. Grab your license and hit the water before the crowds arrive.
Sunday, March 29, 2026
Rigby Teen Elintra Fischer Resurfaces in Utah After 3 Years Missing
A Rigby teenager vanished with two siblings in 2023, but Elintra Fischer has now surfaced in Utah by obtaining a driver's license. The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office removed her from missing persons lists but continues hunting for Rachelle and Allen Fischer. The puzzling case grips eastern Idaho families.
Sunday, March 29, 2026
Idaho Governor Race: Little's $1.7M War Chest Towers Over 17 Rivals
With 17 candidates chasing Idaho's governor's mansion in 2026, incumbent Republican Brad Little dominates fundraising at $1.7 million. Independent John Stegner trails at $200,000, while most others scrape by on pennies. As primaries near, cash flow reveals who's primed to lead the Gem State.
Sunday, March 29, 2026
Six Transgender Idahoans Sue State Over Strictest Bathroom Ban
Six transgender residents in Idaho have filed a federal lawsuit against the state's new bathroom ban, dubbed the nation's strictest, which criminalizes using facilities not matching sex assigned at birth. Set to take effect July 1, the law threatens jail time even in private businesses, forcing plaintiffs to choose between isolation or arrest. Represented by ACLU and Lambda Legal, they argue it violates constitutional rights and endangers lives.
Sunday, March 29, 2026
Ririe Maverik Ex-Worker Charged in $760 Refund Theft Scheme
A former Maverik clerk in Ririe allegedly pocketed nearly $760 through fake cash refunds over a month, leading to her arrest and felony charges. Surveillance footage exposed the scheme at the eastern Idaho gas station. She faces up to 45 years if convicted.
Sunday, March 29, 2026
Meridian's Construction Boom Fuels Treasure Valley Home Surge
A wave of new housing and commercial projects in Meridian is supercharging Idaho's real estate market, with median home prices hitting $560,000 in March. Driven by Micron's massive investments and fresh developments like Pivot Pointe, the area sees homes selling in under two months amid rising inventory. Buyers and sellers navigate a competitive yet opportunity-rich landscape.
Sunday, March 29, 2026
ISU's Project EMPWRing Boosts School Mental Health with $4.5M Grant
Idaho State University is transforming K-12 mental health services through a $4.5 million federal grant powering Project EMPWRing. Partnering with high-need schools statewide, the initiative trains local providers to deliver critical support. This effort addresses Idaho's growing demand for student well-being amid teacher shortages.
Sunday, March 29, 2026
Idaho Falls Hospital Taps $930M Fund to Boost Rural Health Access
Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center in Idaho Falls is leveraging a massive $930 million federal grant to roll out telehealth kiosks and EMS training, targeting rural communities from the Snake River Plain to the Salmon River country. This initiative promises to slash long drives for care and cut emergency visits by 20%. Rural Idahoans stand to gain unprecedented access without leaving their hometowns.
Sunday, March 29, 2026
Boise State Claims Historic Third Straight Mountain West Crown
In a dominant 38-21 victory over UNLV, the Boise State Broncos secured their third consecutive Mountain West Conference football championship on Dec. 5, 2025, at Albertsons Stadium. Maddux Madsen's four first-half touchdowns propelled the Broncos to history-making glory before their 2026 Pac-12 departure. Boise fans erupted as their team etched its name in conference lore.
Sunday, March 29, 2026
Idaho Passes Wildfire Protection Law as Legislature Tackles Energy Challenges
The Idaho Legislature wrapped its 2025 session with passage of the Wildfire Standard of Care Act, creating a framework for utilities to develop mitigation plans while limiting their civil liability for wildfire damage. The measure reflects growing urgency around protecting Idaho's forests and communities as the state also grapples with competing demands over land use and energy infrastructure.
Sunday, March 29, 2026
Boise Tech Boom: Micron's $50B Bet Fuels Idaho's Innovation Surge
Micron Technology's massive $50 billion expansion in Boise is supercharging Idaho's tech sector, promising 2,000 high-tech jobs and over 15,000 indirect positions by 2030. With tech salaries soaring 26% over the past decade and a cost of living 11% below Portland's, the Treasure Valley is drawing engineers, developers and startups. This once-in-a-generation shift is cementing Boise as a semiconductor and AI powerhouse.
Sunday, March 29, 2026
Bruins Blank Jerome 74-0 Behind Hess's Three TD Passes
Ty Hess threw for 204 yards and three touchdowns as the Bruins delivered a dominant shutout against Jerome at Bruin Stadium. The high school football rout showcased one of the season's most lopsided victories.
Sunday, March 29, 2026
Idaho Readies Remote Firing Squads to Shield Prison Staff
Idaho is on track to pioneer remote-operated firing squad executions by July 2026, prioritizing staff safety at its Boise prison complex. After years of lethal injection failures, the state aims to push a button instead of rifles to carry out death sentences. Construction nears completion, with manual backups involving law enforcement if needed.
Sunday, March 29, 2026
Three Heroes Honored for Saving Family from Arrowrock Reservoir
Paige Tekippe, Timothy Tekippe and Alan Kindall plunged into freezing Arrowrock Reservoir in March to rescue a Star family whose vehicle had rolled into the water. Idaho State Police recognized their life-saving courage Friday, though the rescue came with heartbreak—a father and toddler did not survive.
Sunday, March 29, 2026