Idaho Public Radio

12/31/2025

It will be “Don Monson Legacy Night” when Idaho men’s basketball hosts Eastern Washington on Saturday at 2:00 p.m. PT.

The programs will honor the former Idaho coach who passed away in October; tributes will include the teams wearing ‘Coach Monson’ patches.

(Vandal Athletics photo)

12/31/2025

Idaho Parks and Recreation is offering discounted rates at select parks through Jan. 4. The list includes Hells Gate State Park and Ponderosa State Park.

Info: parksandrecreation.idaho.gov

12/31/2025

Hells Gate State Park in Lewiston is hosting its 11th annual First Day Hike on New Year’s Day.

All ages are welcome to enjoy over 12 miles of trails.

The event starts at 10:00 a.m., and visitors can check in at the Lewis and Clark Discovery Center.

12/31/2025

Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador is warning Idahoans about a text scam claiming recipients must act urgently to receive $2,000 tariff rebate checks.

The messages say the recipient's check will not be sent unless they click a link.

More info on scams: ReportScamsIdaho.com

12/31/2025

12/30/2025

Governor Brad Little has announced the state will receive close to $1 billion in federal funding over five years to improve rural healthcare through Rural Healthcare Transformation grants.

“For many Idaho families – especially in rural areas – affordable, accessible health care is a real concern,” Governor Little said.

Little says the grants were championed by President Trump and congressional Republicans through the “One Big Beautiful Bill” Act.

“This investment…puts resources where they’re needed most. It helps strengthen local health care and ensures Idahoans can get the affordable care they need, no matter where they live,” Little said.

Idaho will receive $185.97 million in annual federal funding for five years to strengthen and modernize health care in rural communities.

Idaho’s application was submitted by the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare in consultation with the Idaho Rural Health Taskforce, which Little created through an executive order earlier this year.

12/30/2025

AAA Idaho is urging motorists to drive safely over the New Year’s holiday.

“Please arrange a safe ride home - or a place to stay - for everyone before the party begins," AAA Idaho public affairs director Matthew Conde said. “Please celebrate responsibly.”

The Idaho Transportation Department says there were 1,700 impaired driving crashes in Idaho last year, resulting in 86 deaths.

AAA has announced a national partnership with MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving), mirroring a long-standing partnership that has been in place in Idaho for the past several years.

12/30/2025

Idaho news briefs:

• The Idaho Department of Correction celebrated the graduation for participants of the Inside-Out Prison Exchange Program at the Idaho State Correctional Center in Boise. Begun at Temple University, the program was introduced in Idaho by Dr. Omi Hodwitz of the University of Idaho.

• Forty-nine individuals at South Boise Women's Correctional Center earned their GED in 2025, the Idaho Department of Correction said. Four GED graduation ceremonies were held this year.

• Idaho Fish and Game says a white-tailed buck harvested in Unit 15 south of Grangeville has tested positive for chronic wasting disease. It is the first detection in this hunting unit, but near CWD detections in Unit 14 at Slate Creek where CWD was first detected in 2021.

12/30/2025

An ongoing study of wolves in Idaho is being led by the U of I College of Natural Resources and its USGS Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit.

U of I student researchers have been working in Idaho’s backcountry for several years.

The study is collecting data to better understand family relationships and support informed wildlife management decisions.

(Photo: Peter Rebholz)

12/30/2025

The Moscow Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center says it welcomed 75 new members in 2025.

That brings its member base to 447 businesses, including 372 renewals.