The Trump administration’s revocation of a scientific finding that climate change is a danger to public health is likely to affect communities of color the most
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INTERVIEW: Brian Murdock Outlines Idaho Water Challenges, Legislation">INTERVIEW: Brian Murdock Outlines Idaho Water Challenges, Legislation
In an exclusive interview on Newstalk 107.9, East Idaho water advocate Brian Murdock provided an update on the state’s water security following a series of high-level meetings, including the Idaho Water User Convention and Farm Bureau Federation gatherings. Murdock expressed a cautious optimism, noting that while recent winter storms have been beneficial, the region continues to grapple with a “snow drought” that has left significant deficits in the state’s snowpack compared to previous years.
Murdock cited Grand Targhee ski resort as a primary example of the current moisture deficit. The resort reports 220 inches of snow this year, compared to 320 inches recorded at the same time last year. Despite the recent precipitation, Murdock warned that Idaho is “still not out of the woods yet,” particularly as rain has accounted for a portion of the moisture that would typically be stored as snow. This discrepancy poses challenges for the upcoming irrigation season, which will serve as a major test for the state’s current mitigation plans and water management strategies.
Under existing agreements, Murdock explained that 98% of groundwater users are expected to avoid new curtailments, provided they adhere to established pumping limits. However, those relying on surface water and older canal rights may face significant cuts, with Murdock projecting they may only receive 85% to 90% of their usual allocations. He noted that the absence of excess water for aquifer recharge means there is no safety net for overconsumption this year. Murdock remains confident in farmer compliance, suggesting that pressure from financial institutions often serves as a stronger motivator for water conservation than state regulation.
Regarding legislative action, Murdock highlighted a $30 million special water budget that has successfully cleared the J-FAC committee and is moving toward floor votes in the House and Senate. He also addressed the emergence of cloud seeding as a legislative topic, including a transparency bill sponsored by Senator Nichols. While acknowledging cloud seeding as a temporary measure, Murdock reiterated his stance that the primary long-term solution for Idaho involves the construction of more dams and reservoirs to increase the state’s total water storage capacity.
2.18.2026 – Idaho Legislative Drama: Prisons, Blood, & Utah">2.18.2026 – Idaho Legislative Drama: Prisons, Blood, & Utah
On a surprisingly wintery and snowy Wednesday, Neal and Julie kicked off the show with a mix of local legislative updates and federal insights from Congressman Mike Simpson. Feeling the fatigue of the current legislative session, Neal first dove into the ongoing issue of Idaho’s prison system, highlighting how counties are significantly under-reimbursed for housing state inmates, effectively subsidizing the state. Despite a proposed increase, it still falls short, prompting Neal to question why this disparity wasn’t addressed during a surplus year. They then discussed the self-directed blood donation bill (HB 528), a fascinating piece of legislation allowing individuals to choose specific donors, which passed despite some Republican “nay” votes. Neal speculated this bill’s timing relates to post-COVID distrust in the blood supply, passionately arguing for personal healthcare choice, drawing parallels to abortion debates and the importance of reclaiming language in cultural battles.
The conversation then shifted to the recent “gas tax war” with Utah, which thankfully fizzled out after Idaho’s Speaker Moyle took an aggressive, “Trump-esque” stance, successfully fending off Utah’s proposed tax on fuel leaving their state. Congressman Mike Simpson joined the show, offering updates on the Homeland Security shutdown (affecting FEMA and the Coast Guard more than ICE, he explained) and Congress’s shift towards funding individual appropriations bills. Simpson also voiced his incredulity over Minnesota Governor Tim Walz speaking at the Idaho Democrats’ Jefferson Jackson days, calling it a bewildering choice given Walz’s controversial record in Minneapolis. He shared insights on the promising economic outlook due to recent tax provisions and reiterated his support for a federal balanced budget amendment, while expressing caution about an Article V convention’s potential for unintended consequences, especially regarding vital entitlement programs and healthcare reform. The show wrapped up with a lighthearted Ash Wednesday discussion on giving up soda for Lent.
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**Highlight List**
* **County Jail Under-Reimbursement**: Idaho counties are significantly subsidizing the state for housing inmates, even after a proposed reimbursement increase.
* **Self-Directed Blood Donation Bill**: A new bill (HB 528) passed allowing individuals to choose specific blood donors, driven partly by post-COVID concerns about vaccine status in blood supply.
* **Utah Gas Tax Standoff Averted**: Idaho’s aggressive political push successfully prevented Utah from implementing a tax on fuel exported to Idaho.
* **Homeland Security Shutdown Impact**: FEMA and the Coast Guard are currently unfunded, causing critical disruptions, according to Congressman Simpson.
* **Entitlement Spending Crisis**: Congressman Simpson highlights the unsustainable growth of federal entitlement programs (Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid) as the core budget challenge.
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Police respond to a surge of crashes as winter weather grips the area">Police respond to a surge of crashes as winter weather grips the area
UPDATED: 4:15 PM
SOUTHEAST, Idaho (KIFI) — As severe winter weather grips Southeast Idaho, both the Idaho State Police and local authorities have been busy responding to several slide-offs and crashes throughout the area.
In a recent Facebook post, ISP released images of several minor crashes that took place along I-15 and US-20 early Wednesday morning.
In Rexburg, nearly 4 1/2 inches of snow and winter weather led to multiple crashes, one of which snarled traffic at the intersection of Main St & 2nd W in the morning.
Drivers are being urged to slow down and be cautious on the slick roads as another round of snow is on the way.
ORIGINAL:
SOUTHEAST IDAHO (KIFI) — As severe winter weather grips Southeast Idaho, Idaho State Police troopers have been busy responding to several slide-offs and crashes along I-15 and US-20.
In a recent Facebook post, ISP released images of several minor crashes that took place early Wednesday morning. To keep motorists safe, ISP is urging drivers to stay put if they lose control.
“If you slide off the highway and your vehicle is in a safe location, please remain inside your vehicle with your seatbelt fastened while waiting for emergency personnel,” ISP advised in a recent Facebook post. “Exiting your vehicle along the highway can be extremely dangerous.”
To keep track of all road closures and crash delays, click HERE.