Idaho
Cases of HIV Are ‘Surging’ in Idaho; Here’s What You Need to Know
Local health authorities in Idaho, particularly those in Eastern and Southeastern Idaho, are reaching out to the public about an increase in HIV cases. The increase which is being called more of a ‘surge’, by local health officials, is cause for concern in Idaho and is serving as a stark reminder to be in touch — and proactive — with your health.
Numbers of cases are outpacing not only last year–but the last FIVE years.
In the first three months of 2026, there have been seven new cases and diagnosis of HIV. That is how many the area has seen in a year over the past five years.
Contracting these diseases is no joke–and safety is key. Idahoans are urged to practice safe sex not just amid the uptick–but all of the time. Officials also encourage frequent testing as needed, following sexual activity with new partners.
Reaching out to the public is the Eastern Idaho Public Health Department, which serves Bonneville, Clark, Custer, Fremont, Jefferson, Lemhi, Madison, and Teton Counties.
According to the World Health Organization–there are signs and symptoms of HIV, but they vary depending on the stage of infection.
HIV spreads more easily after a person is infected. In the first few weeks after being infected there is a chance that some may not experience symptoms at all. Others may have an flu-like illness including:
- fever
- headache
- rash
- sore throat.
As the immune system is progressively weakened, other signs and symptoms include:
- swollen lymph nodes
- weight loss
- fever
- diarrhea
- cough.
And finally, if one is to go without treatment, those living with HIV infection can also develop severe illnesses:
- tuberculosis (TB)
- cryptococcal meningitis
- severe bacterial infections
- cancers such as lymphomas and Kaposi’s sarcoma.
Not to scare anyone–but these infections are serious.
Learn more, HERE.
Four Idaho Hospitals Achieve Impressive ‘A’ Patient Safety Ranking for Fall 2025
Leapfrog just updated their patient safety ratings for Idaho’s 14 hospitals for Fall 2025. These four facilities are this year’s top performers.
Gallery Credit: Michelle Heart
Newsweek’s Top 7 Hospitals in Idaho for 2025
Gallery Credit: Michelle Heart
Idaho
No Kings movement brings statewide protests to Idaho this weekend
IDAHO — ‘No Kings 3’ protests will take place throughout Idaho on March 28, including in Boise and Twin Falls.
According to the Idaho 50501 Facebook page, there will be speakers & musicians playing at protests across the Treasure Valley.
Protests will take place in Boise, Caldwell, Nampa, Mountain Home, Twin Falls, and other Idaho cities.
NoKings.org
On March 28, Neighborhood Reporters Allie Triepke & Lorien Nettleton will bring coverage of the Boise & Twin Falls protests on Idaho News 6 at 10.
Idaho
Idaho Senate introduces new bill to give local municipalities authority to control rat populations
BOISE, Idaho — A new bill in the Idaho Senate aims to let local municipalities take action to control rat populations. This, after a previous bill to combat rat infestations across Idaho, died in the House.
Rats have been spreading throughout the Treasure Valley in recent years, but previous attempts at legislation to deal with the problem have failed.
WATCH: Senior Reporter Roland Beres provides an update on the new rat bill
New bill would allow local governments to combat rats
Residents in Eagle and Boise have been tracking an alarming rise in rat populations recently.
Rep. John Gannon (D – District 17) introduced new legislation today that would essentially permit local governments to act in order to control rat populations if they want to, without creating a mandate.
Gannon said some cities complained that they did not have the authority to do the job themselves.
The bill was introduced with a dose of humor.
“I’m going to support this. It’s very late in the session, but I think this might just squeak through,” said Sen. Ben Adams (R – District 12). “Well. Unless it encounters a trap along the way.”
ALSO READ | ‘I’ve never seen something that big’: Boise neighbors finding rats in their backyards
This story was initially reported by a journalist and has been, in part, converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
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Idaho
Penny Lee Brown Obituary March 25, 2026 – Eckersell Funeral Home
Penny Lee Brown, age 72, of Idaho Falls, formerly of Ririe, passed away Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center in Idaho Falls.
Penny was born October 18, 1953, in Fort St. John, British Columbia, Canada, a daughter to William and Luella Cooper Artemenko. She attended schools in Fort St. John, British Columbia, Canada. She earned her Certified Nursing Assistant Certificate from Eastern Idaho Technical College.
She married Donal A. Brown in Fort St. John, British Columbia. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Idaho Falls Temple. She was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
She enjoyed attending her children’s sporting events, puzzles, collecting cat memorabilia, crafting, baking, and caring for others.
She is survived by her husband Donal A. Brown, children: Jared Brown (Krystal) of Boise, Marcus Brown (Misty) of Weippe, Idaho, Scott Brown of Idaho Falls, Douglas Brown of Idaho Falls, Jamie Brown of Williston, North Dakota, Steven Brown (Claire) of Idaho Falls. A brother Kenneth Artemenko (Nancy) of White Horse, YK, four grandchildren and one great grandchild.
She was preceded in death by her Father William Artemenko and her mother Luela Cooper and a brother Levern Artemenko.
Funeral services will be held Monday March 30, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Perry Ward Chapel 285 2nd West, Ririe, Idaho. The family will visit with friends on Monday from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. at the church. Interment will be in the Ririe-Shelton Cemetery.
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