Morning News: Idaho’s Spring Wheat Acres Down 25 Percent, Idaho’s Historic Downtown Revivals

Manufacturing contracts for first time in 3 years – “The manufacturing sector unexpectedly contracted in June for the first time in nearly three years as new orders tumbled, according to an industry report released on Monday.” Reuters

Idaho Wheat Acres Down – “This year’s 25 percent decline in spring wheat acres isn’t enough to jeopardize that position as a major wheat-producing state, but it is a reflection of how agriculture is changing in southern Idaho. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s acreage report, growers planted 480,000 acres of spring wheat, down from 640,000 acres last year.” Times-News

Putting pizazz on Main Street: Idaho helps communities make economic engines out of their historic downtowns – “As Mayor Bill Butticci walks down Main Street in his hometown, he has a vivid memory of what was there five years ago. Cracked sidewalks. Over-grown trees masking some of the historic buildings. Spiders and cobwebs on buildings. Potholes in the street.” Idaho Statesman