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A controversial Idaho wind farm was OK’d last month: Now it’s on hold

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A controversial Idaho wind farm was OK’d last month: Now it’s on hold


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President Donald Trump signed dozens of executive orders shortly after his inauguration, including one that rolled back the recent approval of a controversial wind farm in south-central Idaho.

Trump signed a temporary order that prompted an immediate review of federal wind leasing and permitting regulations, and specifically halted any activity on the Lava Ridge Wind Project north of Twin Falls. The order said the project, which the Bureau of Land Management approved in December after more than three years of discussion and analysis, “is allegedly contrary to the public interest and suffers from legal deficiencies.”

The order directed the new Interior secretary to review the final BLM analysis and conduct any additional review or environmental impact studies as needed. Trump’s pick for that post, former North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, has not yet been confirmed.

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The Lava Ridge project, which proposed building as many as 230 wind turbines up to 660 feet tall to provide clean energy, was proposed by Magic Valley Energy. The company said the project could power half a million homes and create jobs for Idaho residents. Magic Valley Energy has also proposed a wind farm on federal land southwest of Twin Falls. That project, Salmon Falls, is still in early stages.

The Idaho Statesman reached out to Magic Valley Energy for comment on the executive order.

The project was criticized by multiple groups and politicians. Perhaps the most outspoken was the Friends of Minidoka, a nonprofit focused on the preservation of the Minidoka National Historic Site, which was an internment camp for imprisoned Japanese Americans during World War II.

The group said the wind turbines—which would be visible from the historic site northeast of Twin Falls—disturbed the historic view-shed and made it impossible for visitors to understand the true isolation of the camp. In a statement Tuesday, Friends of Minidoka Executive Director Robyn Achilles told the Statesman the group is “pleased” that the project is on hold.

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“The proposed Lava Ridge wind development should be stopped and the area outside of Minidoka should be protected from future energy development that harms the viewshed of the park,” Achilles said.

Lava Ridge also drew criticism from local politicians in Twin Falls and Jerome, as well as ranchers with existing grazing leases on the proposed wind farm site. Idaho’s congressional delegation, all Republicans, were also outspoken critics.

In a statement, Idaho Sen. Jim Risch’s office said the longtime lawmaker co-wrote the executive order with the Trump administration.

“I made a promise to Idahoans that I would not rest until the Lava Ridge Wind Project was terminated. On day one, President Donald Trump took action to keep that promise,” Risch said in a news release.

Sen. Mike Crapo, as well as Reps. Mike Simpson and Russ Fulcher, also applauded the executive order.

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“The Lava Ridge Wind Project is unwelcome and has zero place in our state,” Simpson said in a statement.

Not all Idahoans opposed the project. The Idaho Conservation League, a longtime environmental advocacy group, backed the project last year after the BLM opted for a scaled-down version of the wind farm amid complaints. Adrian Gallo, the group’s climate program manager, said in a report that Lava Ridge “is not perfect, but it is necessary.”

2025 The Idaho Statesman. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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A controversial Idaho wind farm was OK’d last month: Now it’s on hold (2025, January 22)
retrieved 22 January 2025
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Idaho

How often does Boise get a ‘White Christmas’?

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How often does Boise get a ‘White Christmas’?


BOISE, Idaho — While some have resigned themselves to a rainy forecast this week across the Treasure Valley, some optimistic Idahoans are still holding out hope for the unlikely— the City of Boise blanketed in snow on Christmas morning.

While those wishes may (or may not) be answered this year, it’s worth noting that a White Christmas in Boise is not as common as some may think.

RELATED | Snow Day – What does it take to get a day off school in Boise?

The National Weather Service in Boise just took a look back at the last 70 years to see how often the valley has been blessed with snowfall on Dec. 25.

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Based on that data, the City of Boise averages a 25% chance of a White Christmas each year. The last time Boise had a White Christmas was in 2022.

The last time there was over 3 inches of snow on the ground on Christmas was 2017.





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Idaho Falls Regional Airport long-term parking now full amid holiday travel rush – Local News 8

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Idaho Falls Regional Airport long-term parking now full amid holiday travel rush – Local News 8


IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Due to increased holiday travel, the Long-Term Parking Lot at Idaho Falls Regional is now full and temporarily closed. Airport officials issued an alert via social media, sharing photos of the packed lot and notifying passengers that while the Economy Lot on International Way remains an option, its availability is also becoming limited.

Addressing potential confusion for travelers on the ground, IDA explained that once the airport determines that safe access or traffic flow can no longer be maintained, the lot must be closed.

“You may notice open spaces in some areas — however, parking availability is managed based on operational and safety thresholds, not visual vacancy alone,” states the post. “When traffic flow or safe access can no longer be maintained, a lot may temporarily close even if some spaces remain.”

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Airport leadership expressed their gratitude for the public’s patience during this peak holiday travel season, emphasizing that these restrictions are in place to ensure the safety of both passengers and their vehicles.

The airport is encouraging travelers to get a ride or use the Greater Idaho Falls Transit to avoid parking trouble. They’re also reminding flyers to arrive early and check flight status with their airline

To watch for updates on parking conditions, click HERE.

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Idaho Lottery results: See winning numbers for Powerball, Pick 3 on Dec. 22, 2025

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Looking to win big? The Idaho Lottery offers several games if you think it’s your lucky day.

Lottery players in Idaho can chose from popular national games like the Powerball and Mega Millions, which are available in the vast majority of states. Other games include Lotto America, Lucky For Life, 5 Star Draw, Idaho Cash, Pick 3 and Pick 4.

Big lottery wins around the U.S. include a lucky lottery ticketholder in California who won a $1.27 billion Mega Millions jackpot in December 2024. See more big winners here. And if you do end up cashing a jackpot, here’s what experts say to do first.

Here’s a look at Monday, Dec. 22, 2025 results for each game:

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Winning Powerball numbers from Dec. 22 drawing

03-18-36-41-54, Powerball: 07, Power Play: 2

Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 3 numbers from Dec. 22 drawing

Day: 9-7-4

Night: 0-1-4

Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

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Winning Pick 4 numbers from Dec. 22 drawing

Day: 6-6-2-7

Night: 5-0-6-0

Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lucky For Life numbers from Dec. 22 drawing

09-16-23-34-46, Lucky Ball: 07

Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here.

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Winning Lotto America numbers from Dec. 22 drawing

01-09-18-19-44, Star Ball: 02, ASB: 05

Check Lotto America payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Idaho Cash numbers from Dec. 22 drawing

06-09-19-25-45

Check Idaho Cash payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

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When are the Idaho Lottery drawings held ?

  • Powerball: 8:59 p.m. MT Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
  • Mega Millions: 9 p.m. MT on Tuesday and Friday.
  • Pick 3: 1:59 p.m. (Day) and 7:59 p.m. (Night) MT daily.
  • Pick 4: 1:59 p.m. (Day) and 7:59 p.m. (Night) MT daily.
  • Lucky For Life: 8:35 p.m. MT Monday and Thursday.
  • Lotto America: 9 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
  • 5 Star Draw: 8 p.m. MT on Tuesday and Friday.
  • Idaho Cash: 8 p.m. MT daily.

Winning lottery numbers are sponsored by Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network.

Where can you buy lottery tickets?

Tickets can be purchased in person at gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets.

You can also order tickets online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, in these U.S. states and territories: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Washington D.C., and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app allows you to pick your lottery game and numbers, place your order, see your ticket and collect your winnings all using your phone or home computer.

Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 18+ (19+ in NE, 21+ in AZ). Physically present where Jackpocket operates. Jackpocket is not affiliated with any State Lottery. Eligibility Restrictions apply. Void where prohibited. Terms: jackpocket.com/tos.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a USA Today editor. You can send feedback using this form.

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