There’s a discussion we have from time to time in the Boise State Public Radio newsroom, about geography and how we cover the news. In many respects — politically, for example — Idaho has more in common with the Rocky Mountain States that lie to its east and south than it does with its neighbors to the west. On the other hand, a lot of transplants to the state come from Washington and California.
I thought of that discussion yesterday when I read Robert Krulwich’s latest blog entry, A ‘Whom Do You Hang With?” Map of America. At the top of the piece, Krulwich walks through the findings of a study on population mobility, which relies on data tracking the movement of dollar bills. The study results in a map covered in blue lines of varying strength that don’t correspond to state lines. The areas delineated by strong blue lines are areas in which dollars bills tend to circulate and stay.
Last April, Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter and and representatives of 15 Idaho companies traveled to China hoping to develop trade relationships. On Friday, Otter and 17 Idaho businesses will head to South Korea, Taiwan and Vietnam for a similar mission.
The trade mission targets countries where Idaho companies hope to maintain or forge partnerships, said Megan Ronk, Department of Commerce spokeswoman.
“We didn’t randomly establish where to go,” Ronk said. “Businesses give their input about key markets where there are strategic opportunities and where some support from the governor could make a difference.” Continue Reading →
Idaho Power's Hells Canyon Dam, on the Snake River
As StateImpacthas reported, Idaho Power on Monday submitted a proposal to raise customer rates by as much as 15.34 percent, on average, for the next year.
The price hike is largely the result of low rainfall and snowpack, which have lowered Idaho Power’s production of hydroelectricity — a comparatively cheap resource.
The Idaho Conservation League’s Ben Otto points out that Idaho Power customers will likely see more such price increases in years to come.
“The Snake River, really, is the driver of our system,” he explains. “The 20- to 30-year models of stream flows show declining flows into the future, because we have a lot of competing uses of water.” Continue Reading →
Did you remember to include the use tax on your Idaho income tax form? Judging by the numbers, probably not. Idaho is one of 45 states that collects a use tax. But as NPR’s Planet Money reports, the vast majority of taxpayers don’t pay it.
There is one mistake, in particular, that lots of people made: They bought tax-free things online or in another state — and they failed to pay tax on their purchase in their home state.
It’s called a use tax. As far as I can tell, accountants and tax lawyers are some of the only people who pay it.
Forty-five states have a use tax. About 1.6 percent of the taxpayers in those 45 states actually pay the use tax. – NPR
In Idaho, that share of taxpayers is even less. According to the Idaho Tax Commission, just 1.36 percent of Idaho taxpayers paid the use tax last year. Continue Reading →
Protesters held letters spelling "U.S. Bank Is Stripping Our Wealth."
About 40 demonstrators turned out as U.S. Bank held its annual shareholders’ meeting at Boise State University’s Morrison Center today.
Protesters lined up outside one entrance, shouting a steady stream of chants: “Banks got bailed out, we got sold out!” and “Hey, hey, it’s not fair! U.S. Bank, pay your share!”
At last year’s shareholder meeting, in Minneapolis, U.S. Bank’s CEO faced questions from local activists about mortgage loan modifications and lending practices. Idaho Community Action Network (ICAN) executive director Terri Sterling said she and others from the region wanted to keep up the pressure at this year’s meeting. Continue Reading →
Idaho Power is asking utility regulators to raise electricity rates by as much as 15 percent, on average, starting in June. That would be the highest cost adjustment to hit customers in more than a decade, as you can see in the chart below.
Boise's U.S. Bank building (left) is a fixture of the downtown skyline.
U.S. Bank executives and shareholders are en-route to Boise for their annual meeting. The Minneapolis-based bank’s shareholders are scheduled to gather on Boise State University’s campus at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday.
The Nationwrites the big bank moved its meeting some 1,400 miles west this year in part to avoid protesters and groups opposed to the bank’s policies.
[Last year] The event was dominated by shareholders and proxies who are members of Minnesotans for a Fair Economy, an alliance of community, faith and labor organizations working for a more equitable economy. Continue Reading →
Thanks to a $29,000 investment in gold, Pocatello man Jon Norstog got a nod in the paper of record this week. Norstog’s nest egg may still shine, but since 2011 it has lost 42 percent of its value.
“I thought if worst came to worst and the government brought down the world economy, I would still have something that was worth something,” Norstog tellsThe New York Times.
Does this state, known for having its fair share of survivalists, have more than the usual number of gold bugs? “It might be logical to think that, but I’m not certain!” says Patricia Highley, a senior securities analyst with the Idaho Department of Finance. The agency regulates commodity investment contracts, but it has nothing to say about the cash purchase of gold. Continue Reading →
More people moved to Idaho last year than left the Gem State. Still, driver's license data show more than 29,000 gave up their Idaho license in 2012. It's a real-time clue as to where Idahoans are going. We put that information on a map... Continue reading →
We’ve noticed how many people are coming to this post. Would some of you like to help us with our future reporting? We’d like to talk to people in Idaho who receive settlement checks. If you receive one and you’re open to telling us about your experience, please send us an email.
Idahoans who lost their homes to foreclosure in 2009 or 2010 and had loans through any of these mortgage servicers soon could receive some measure of compensation. Payment checks will be in the mail Friday, the result of a $9.3 billion settlement between banks and federal banking regulators.
There is no information available about how many foreclosed homeowners will receive compensation in each state, says a Treasury Department spokesman. The New York Times‘ Dealbook blog offers this summary of who will receive the first round of cash relief:Â Continue Reading →
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