IJR News

76-Foot Capitol Christmas Tree Begins Idaho TourLifestyle — Oct 27, 2026The 76-foot 2026 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree, harvested from Idaho’s Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, is beginning a nearly 3,000-mile trip to Washington, D.C., with free public stops in Idaho and other communities along the way. The tour celebrates Idaho’s forests and includes local educational events before the tree is displayed on the Capitol’s West Lawn for the holidays.

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Art Teachers Earn State Educator Awards Across Three StatesLifestyle — Nov 4, 2026Art educators in North Carolina, Idaho and Virginia have received statewide honors: East Carolina University graduate Ashley Carmichael was named North Carolina Preservice Art Educator of the Year, BYU-Idaho’s Josh Hobbs was named Idaho Art Educator of the Year, and Harrisonburg High School teacher Jauan Brooks was named Virginia Art Educator of the Year. The awards recognize their contributions to art education and support for students’ creativity and learning.

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Idaho, Mississippi Universities Report Mostly Steady Fall 2026 EnrollmentLifestyle — Nov 2, 2026Fall 2026 enrollment was mixed across the reported institutions: Idaho State University fell 2.7% to 13,533 students, while BYU-Idaho declined just 1.4% despite a rise in students deferring to serve as missionaries. Mississippi’s public university system was essentially unchanged, enrolling 81,771 students compared with 81,961 a year earlier.

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Idaho School-Choice Credits Mostly Go to Higher-Income FamiliesPolitics — 20hIdaho’s first-year, $50 million Parental Choice Tax Credit largely subsidized private-school costs for families already outside public schools: recipients averaged $178,000 in household income, and only about one-quarter of students had previously attended public school. The findings challenge supporters’ claim that the program would primarily expand access for lower-income families; a separate analysis found most schools among the top subsidy recipients were Christian-affiliated.

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Rachel Meyers This program was sold as helping lower-income kids but the numbers show it mostly paid private tuition for families already earning 178k on average.

Food Banks Launch Holiday Hunger CampaignsLifestyle — 3dFood banks in Barrie, eastern Idaho and eastern Michigan have launched holiday campaigns to raise money and distribute food, with Barrie seeking $1 million and 500,000 pounds of food, Idaho aiming to provide 1 million meals, and eastern Michigan setting a $1 million fundraising goal. The campaigns come as food banks report rising need, including a fourfold increase in Barrie client visits over five years and more than 234,000 people facing food insecurity in eastern Michigan; Barrie’s campaign also includes a $50,000 matching gift.

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Most Influential Women in World HistoryYourlist — RankingFrom ancient queens who ruled empires to modern activists who changed laws, these women left indelible marks on politics, science, and culture. Vote for who you think shaped history most profoundly.

Air Force beats Idaho State 89-82, Best sets recordSports — Nov 7, 2026Air Force rallied to beat Idaho State 89-82, improving to 2-1 as freshman Grant Best scored 25 points and set a program record by making all 16 of his free throws. The Falcons overcame a seven-point second-half deficit, with Kam Sanders scoring 16 of his 18 points after halftime.

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Costco draws thousands to new Idaho and California warehousesBusiness — Nov 5, 2026Costco is expanding with new warehouses in southern Ontario, including locations planned for Wasaga Beach and Windsor, while recent openings in Meridian, Idaho, and Camarillo, California, drew large crowds. The new Meridian store adds a large-item delivery operation and 16-pump gas station, while Wasaga Beach’s planned warehouse is expected to create more than 370 jobs.

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Wyoming routs Idaho State 93-62Sports — Nov 7, 2026Wyoming routed Idaho State 93-62, led by Nasir Meyer’s 18 points and nine rebounds, to improve to 2-0.

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New Opportunity Zones Span States, Start 2027Business — Nov 5, 2026New federal Opportunity Zone designations taking effect in 2027 will offer tax incentives intended to draw private investment into communities in California, Idaho and Wyoming, supporting potential development of businesses, housing and jobs. The plans vary by location, with Lake Elsinore and Beaumont naming specific areas, Idaho approving 25 zones, and Wyoming designating 20 tracts, 16 of them rural.

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Dana Whitfield California spots like Lake Elsinore need the housing push, but these tax breaks often favor bigger developers over locals.

Gaffigan plans January shows in Idaho Falls, Oshkosh — Nov 3, 2026Jim Gaffigan will bring his “Everything Is Wonderful!” tour to Oshkosh Arena on Jan. 15 and Mountain America Center in Idaho Falls on Jan. 21, 2027. Tickets for both shows go on sale to the public Nov. 6; Gaffigan is known for observational comedy and his recent Hulu special, “The Skinny.”

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Idaho Voters Pick ‘Gun That Won The West’ In Referendum Panned By Local Experts — Nov 4, 2026Voters in Idaho chose the Winchester Model 1873 as the state’s official firearm in a non-binding referendum Tuesday.

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Madonna vs Lady GagaYourlist — VS BattleThe Queen of Pop versus the artist who studied at her throne.

Doug Ricks and Pete Ricketts win Idaho and Nebraska Senate races — Nov 4, 2026AP called Nebraska's Senate race for Pete Ricketts early Wednesday; he told supporters socialism "does not work in Nebraska." Doug Ricks won Idaho District 34 about 81% to 19%.

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Tom Gallagher Ricketts kept the seat despite Osborn's strong independent run, but the margin shows voters wanted change.

Idaho Murders Survivor Seeks Privacy Amid ThreatsWorld — Nov 3, 2026University of Idaho murder survivor Dylan Mortensen is asking a judge to keep her face blurred in investigative footage slated for release, citing years of harassment, threats and privacy concerns. She says she and her family have moved repeatedly for safety after public speculation about her actions following Bryan Kohberger’s 2022 killings.

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Idaho Supreme Court to hear Vallow Daybell appeal of three murder convictionsWorld — Nov 1, 2026Lori Vallow Daybell is asking the Idaho Supreme Court to overturn her convictions for killing her two children and conspiring to murder a romantic rival. Her appeal argues that she was denied a speedy trial and her chosen attorney, and that jurors improperly heard evidence about shootings in Arizona.

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Divided Ninth Circuit Allows Idaho Abortion Ban Enforcement Pending AppealPolitics — Oct 30, 2026Ninth Circuit rules 2-1 to stay an injunction, allowing Idaho to enforce its abortion ban pending appeal; dissent warns some women face serious permanent health risks.

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Tom Gallagher Idaho's restrictions can now apply immediately, which aligns with giving legislatures room to set policy on this issue.

What hobby should you actually pick up?Quizie — QuizNot another 'try journaling.' Twelve questions and the AI prescribes the specific hobby your brain has been asking for.

Rollover Crashes Hospitalize Eight Across Three StatesAuto — Oct 25, 2026Rollover crashes in Utah, Texas and Idaho left people hospitalized, with two victims seriously injured in Utah and two people hurt in a Fort Worth crash. Fort Worth police say a suspected drunk driver caused that collision and faces charges; a separate San Antonio rollover also hospitalized two people, while Idaho officials reported no major injuries.

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Irish Dance Shows Span Arizona, Idaho, New YorkEntertainment — Oct 27, 2026Upcoming live performances include the Irish dance production “A Celtic Christmas” in Idaho Falls, featuring champion dancers, music and an audience-participation finale. Other theater offerings include a dance tribute to Sinéad O’Connor exploring her life and work, and a November lineup at Molloy University’s Madison Theatre that includes Irish dancing and a pageant.

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Raising Cane’s Opens Idaho Falls, Plans Fayetteville OpeningBusiness — Oct 26, 2026Raising Cane’s opened a new Idaho Falls restaurant on Oct. 27, drawing hundreds of customers, including two teens who camped out to be first in line. The chain is set to open its first Fayetteville location on Nov. 5, with opening-day giveaways and community events planned.

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Crashes Injure Women in Weyburn, Idaho FallsAuto — Oct 25, 2026An SUV struck a pedestrian in Weyburn, Saskatchewan, leaving her with minor injuries; police urged drivers to watch for pedestrians and avoid distracted driving. In a separate Idaho Falls crash, a Honda entered southbound Interstate 15 through a median emergency crossover and hit a Volkswagen, sending its driver to the hospital; the crash remains under investigation.

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Trout Stocked in Iowa, British ColumbiaEnvironment — Oct 23, 2026Across Idaho, Iowa and British Columbia, hatcheries and fisheries are raising or stocking trout for public fishing, while also offering families and children ways to learn about fish and enjoy the outdoors. Recent lake stockings in Iowa and near Sooke support angling, and Idaho hatcheries invite kids to watch and feed trout.

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Massachusetts, Idaho Face Divergent Gun Ballot MeasuresPolitics — Oct 25, 2026Massachusetts set gun registration six days before the vote on its 2024 law; Leary calls the registry a "wish list for nefarious actors." Idaho asks voters to pick a state gun.

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Tom Gallagher The real difference is that only Massachusetts voters can change actual laws while Idaho's ballot item stays symbolic.

Teams post mixed volleyball, football resultsSports — Oct 24, 2026Virginia Tech rallied to beat Syracuse in five sets, while Boston College swept the Hokies earlier in the week. Elsewhere, Southern Idaho defeated North Idaho in four sets, Newton routed Warren 70-8, and Line Mountain shut out Juniata 41-0.

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Gas Prices Ease in Arizona, Louisiana, IdahoBusiness — Oct 22, 2026Gas prices have declined in several regions, with Arizona’s average falling 13 cents in a week and Louisiana’s statewide average dropping below $4 per gallon. Prices remain elevated compared with a year ago in parts of Louisiana, while an Idaho commentary also reported a recent local decline.

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Gardens in Georgia, Illinois and Idaho Offer Year-Round Plant DisplaysLifestyle — Oct 17, 2026The articles showcase ways to enjoy and cultivate greenery, from a sprawling Georgia nursery and seasonal home-garden plans to popular houseplants associated with good fortune and air-cleaning benefits. They also spotlight peaceful garden escapes: a Japanese-style island garden in Idaho and a free Illinois conservatory filled with tropical plants.

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Developing storylines

2026 corporate earnings forecasts and guidance updates

Learjet crash in Greenacres Florida kills nine