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Idaho Submits Opportunity Zone Proposals for Economic Development

Idaho Submits Opportunity Zone Proposals for Economic Development

Idaho Submits Opportunity Zone Proposals for Economic Development
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Idaho Governor Declares Disaster Emergency Amid Wildfire Strain

Idaho Governor Declares Disaster Emergency Amid Wildfire Strain

Idaho Governor Brad Little has declared a disaster emergency to enhance wildfire suppression efforts as extreme fire conditions threaten communities across the state. The declaration allows for additional state resources to support firefighting operations, particularly in areas affected by the Big Grass Fire in Owyhee County. The Idaho National Guard has been authorized to assist with equipment and personnel. The declaration comes in response to prolonged hot, dry weather and severe drought conditions that have exacerbated wildfire risks.
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Idaho Governor Declares Wildfire Disaster Emergency, Deploys National Guard

Idaho Governor Declares Wildfire Disaster Emergency, Deploys National Guard

Idaho Governor Brad Little has declared a wildfire disaster emergency in response to the Big Grass Fire, which has burned over 301,000 acres along the Oregon-Idaho border. The declaration allows for the deployment of the Idaho National Guard to assist in firefighting efforts. The fire, which started on July 23, has exhibited extreme behavior and is only 7% contained. The emergency declaration covers Owyhee County and other affected areas. The Idaho National Guard is preparing to provide air support and other resources to combat the fire. Local Democratic legislators had urged the governor to activate the Guard to protect communities at risk.
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Boise Cascade Increases Quarterly Dividend by 5% for Shareholders

Boise Cascade Increases Quarterly Dividend by 5% for Shareholders

Boise Cascade Increases Quarterly Dividend by 5% for Shareholders
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Unhealthy Air Quality Persists in Boise, Impacting Zoo Operations

Unhealthy Air Quality Persists in Boise, Impacting Zoo Operations

Boise, Idaho, is experiencing unhealthy air quality due to smoky conditions, prompting Zoo Boise to take precautionary measures to protect both animals and visitors. According to Boise State Public Radio (31 July 2026), the zoo is closely monitoring animal welfare and has provided indoor spaces for animals to reduce stress. Some outdoor exhibits, such as the Butterflies in Bloom and animal encounters, may close early or remain shut depending on air quality levels. Visitors are encouraged to check for updates on closures via the zoo's social media or by calling ahead. The zoo also continues its conservation efforts, with a portion of admission fees supporting projects like the Foothills Restoration Project and the Gorongosa National Park restoration in Mozambique.
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Boise Celebrates Basque Heritage with San Inazio Festival

Boise Celebrates Basque Heritage with San Inazio Festival

Boise Celebrates Basque Heritage with San Inazio Festival
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Tennessee Agrees to Nuclear Waste Storage for Energy Development

Tennessee Agrees to Nuclear Waste Storage for Energy Development

Tennessee, along with four other states, has agreed to accept nuclear waste in exchange for federal assistance in developing nuclear energy. This initiative is part of a broader effort to reclaim U.S. leadership in civilian nuclear energy. The states involved, all led by Republican governors, are Tennessee, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Utah, and Idaho. The plan includes the potential development of Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campuses, which would host waste sites and facilities for uranium enrichment, spent-fuel reprocessing, and advanced reactor deployment.
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1959 Boise Mudslide Disaster Continues to Influence Fire Management

1959 Boise Mudslide Disaster Continues to Influence Fire Management

In 1959, Boise, Idaho, experienced a significant natural disaster known as 'The Big Mud Bath.' Following a wildfire that burned 9,000 acres, heavy rains caused mudslides that buried parts of the city in mud and debris. This event highlighted the ongoing risks associated with wildfires, even after the flames are extinguished. Dr. Jen Pierce, a geoscientist at Boise State University, emphasizes that the dangers of wildfires extend beyond the immediate burn area. The 1959 disaster led to the Boise Front Watershed Restoration Project, which aimed to stabilize the burned landscape and prevent future flooding. The event remains a critical example of the long-term impacts of wildfires and the importance of proactive fire management strategies.
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Wildfire Smoke Pushes Boise Air Quality to 'Very Unhealthy' Levels

Wildfire Smoke Pushes Boise Air Quality to 'Very Unhealthy' Levels

Wildfire smoke has caused air quality in Boise and much of Idaho to reach 'very unhealthy' levels this week, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) exceeding 200 in some areas, according to the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (Idaho Capital Sun, 2026-07-29). This level of air pollution poses health risks to everyone, not just sensitive groups. The smoke is primarily originating from grass and shrub fires in Oregon, which are contributing to the poor air quality in Idaho. The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality has issued air quality advisories for 35 of the state’s 44 counties, including Ada, Canyon, Boise, and Blaine counties. These advisories prohibit all outdoor burning, including campfires and residential burning.
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Wildfire Smoke Blankets Large Swaths of the U.S., Air Quality Deteriorates

Wildfire Smoke Blankets Large Swaths of the U.S., Air Quality Deteriorates

Wildfire smoke from the Pacific Northwest is causing hazy skies and unhealthy air quality across large portions of the United States. As of July 29, 2026, 45 large uncontained fires in Oregon and Washington have burned over 1.8 million acres, with additional fires in British Columbia contributing to the smoke. The worst air quality was reported near Boise, Idaho, where particulate matter levels approached 'very unhealthy' thresholds. Eastern Oregon and southern Idaho are also experiencing 'unhealthy' air quality, prompting advisories for residents to limit outdoor activities. The smoke has traveled thousands of miles, affecting areas as far as Florida, though much of it remains aloft. This event follows record-setting air pollution earlier in the month caused by Canadian wildfires. Environmental factors, including a historically warm winter and prolonged heat waves, have exacerbated wildfire conditions this year.
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Oregon Faces Record-Breaking Wildfire Season with Over 1 Million Acres Burned

Oregon Faces Record-Breaking Wildfire Season with Over 1 Million Acres Burned

Oregon is experiencing one of its most severe wildfire seasons, with over one million acres already burned across central and eastern regions of the state (WHRO, 2026-07-29). Thirty-four major fires are currently active, primarily on public rangelands from Bend to the Idaho state line. Dense smoke has led to air quality advisories in Boise, Idaho, affecting over 700,000 residents. The fires, ignited by a recent lightning storm with minimal rain, are being exacerbated by strong winds and dry conditions. Officials warn that higher-altitude forests remain at risk as the state recorded its lowest snowpack last winter. Thousands of residents have been evacuated, and ranchers are scrambling to protect their livestock. The situation is compounded by stretched firefighting resources and ongoing climate challenges.
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Wildfire Smoke Blankets U.S., Affecting Air Quality Across Multiple States

Wildfire Smoke Blankets U.S., Affecting Air Quality Across Multiple States

As of Monday morning, 46 large uncontained wildfires in Oregon and Washington have burned over 1.6 million acres of wildland, with additional fires in British Columbia contributing to a massive plume of smoke. This smoke has created hazy skies and unhealthy air conditions across the U.S., reaching as far as Florida. The worst air quality was reported near Boise, Idaho, with 'very unhealthy' particulate levels. Air quality advisories have been issued in several states, urging residents to limit outdoor activities. The fires are fueled by prolonged heat waves and dry conditions, exacerbated by climate change, according to experts.