Latest News and Updates from East Idaho Region | Weather, Business, Tourism

The Latest News in East Idaho

East Idaho is home to stunning natural landscapes, small rural communities, and a low cost of living. While it may seem remote, there is always something happening in this region. Stay up-to-date on all the latest news and happenings in east Idaho with this comprehensive report.

Weather

East Idaho experiences all four seasons. Summers are warm with temperatures reaching into the 80s and 90s Fahrenheit. Winters are cold with plenty of snowfall in the mountains. Spring and fall see pleasant weather in the 60s and 70s.

While the weather is usually quite nice, east Idaho also sees its fair share of severe storms. Thunderstorms are common in the summer months. These storms can produce lightning, hail, high winds, and even tornadoes on rare occasions. Winters often bring blizzards that dump feet of snow on the area.

Business

Several major companies have operations in east Idaho. ON Semiconductor is a massive semiconductor manufacturer with facilities in Pocatello. Idahoan Foods, famous for its instant mashed potatoes, is headquartered in Lewisville. Melaleuca, which produces vitamins and other wellness products, has its corporate headquarters in Idaho Falls.

In addition to these large corporations, east Idaho has a thriving small business community. Local restaurants, shops, farms, and service providers help drive the economy. Recent years have seen more technology startups launch in the region as well.

Tourism

East Idaho is a tourist destination thanks to its wealth of outdoor recreation opportunities. Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks are located just south of the region. Visitors flock to east Idaho towns and cities like Idaho Falls, Rexburg, and Driggs as home bases for exploring the parks.

Within east Idaho itself, popular attractions include the Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve, Island Park, and the Teton Range. Activities like hiking, fishing, skiing, camping, and water sports draw adventure seekers. The area also has a growing agritourism industry with wineries, farms, and ranches that welcome guests.

Government

When it comes to government and politics, east Idaho leans conservative. The region is strongly Republican with most local, state, and national elected officials coming from the GOP. In the 2020 presidential election, Donald Trump carried many of the counties in east Idaho by large double-digit margins.

Key political issues include gun rights, reducing regulations and taxes, increasing school choice options, restricting abortion access, and expanding natural resource extraction. There are pockets of more liberal voters in cities and college towns, leading to occasional Democratic wins at the local level.

Education

East Idaho is home to several public school districts and charter schools that serve K-12 students. The largest districts are in Idaho Falls and Pocatello. Higher education options include Idaho State University in Pocatello, Brigham Young University-Idaho in Rexburg, College of Eastern Idaho in Idaho Falls, and Eastern Idaho Technical College in Idaho Falls.

Schools in the region generally perform well academically compared to statewide averages. However, limited funding remains an issue, especially in more rural districts. Teacher shortages, outdated facilities, crowded classrooms, and access to advanced courses are top concerns.

Arts and Culture

The arts thrive in east Idaho thanks to a vibrant creative community. Idaho Falls has a thriving arts district called the Art Museum Triangle that is home to galleries, public art displays, festivals, classes, and events. Pocatello put on its first-ever Pride Festival in 2022. Rexburg hosts the annual Targhee Music Festival every summer.

Museums are highlights in many east Idaho towns. The Museum of Idaho in Idaho Falls covers regional geology, history, and wildlife. The Bannock County Historical Museum in Pocatello explores Native American artifacts and Oregon Trail history. Rexburg is home to the Romance Theater, an iconic 1930s cinema that still operates today.

This covers the major news topics in east Idaho from weather and business to tourism, politics, education, and arts/culture. While it may seem remote and isolated, there is a lot happening in this scenic and tight-knit region of Idaho. Stay tuned for more updates on the latest news from east Idaho.

FAQs

What are the main industries in East Idaho?

Major employers include ON Semiconductor, Idahoan Foods, and Melaleuca. Small businesses, agriculture, tourism, and technology startups also contribute to the economy.

What natural attractions draw tourists to East Idaho?

Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, Craters of the Moon National Monument, Island Park, and the Teton Range are top destinations for outdoor recreation.

What colleges and universities are located in East Idaho?

Idaho State University, Brigham Young University-Idaho, College of Eastern Idaho, and Eastern Idaho Technical College offer higher education in the region.

What is the political landscape like in East Idaho?

East Idaho leans strongly conservative and votes overwhelmingly Republican in most elections.

Where can I experience arts and culture in East Idaho?

Idaho Falls, Pocatello, and Rexburg have thriving arts scenes. Museums and historic theaters also showcase regional culture.