ADA COUNTY, Idaho — Two Idaho tribes came together to bless the land for a future casino, south of Boise, on Thursday.

For Chairman Brian Mason of the Shoshone-Paiute tribe, being the last to the dance was unacceptable. The Sho-Pai tried for a long time to build their first and only resort and casino, and now, through a partnership with the Coeur d’Alene tribe, the long wait could be over.

Hear what this new casino means for the Shoshone-Paiute tribe:

Shoshone-Paiute Tribes Land Blessing of a proposed Resort and Casino

“ They gave us the gift of gaming,” Mason said. I asked Brian Mason this. “The joint venture that we’re getting into, we would automatically be 60 percent owners.”

Today, hundreds of tribal members and local dignitaries came to the land south of Boise for a special blessing — to bless this land where the Sho-Pai and Coeur d’Alene tribes reached an agreement to build the casino.

Ceremonial Chief Reggie Sope said we must, as neighbors, bless this land and watch over it. “We ask that all of us, not only as a tribe but as people of Idaho, take care of it,” Sope said. “This is our state, our home, at least take care of it the best that we can.”

Watch the Sho-Pai tribe come together to bless the land:

Shoshone-Paiute Tribes Land Blessing of a proposed Casino site

The Coeur d’Alene tribe was once where the Sho-Pai tribe was 30 years ago — no source of revenue and no jobs.

Chairman Chief Allan explains what happened after the two met last year in Boise. “We went back to Council and the people, and everyone said ‘hey, this is something we can get behind and we can really help somebody and give back.’ It’s not a handout, it’s a partnership, I call it more like a family.”

Now, the Sho-Pai are working to submit a land acquisition application — a crucial step in getting permission to build outside of the reservation.

BOISE, Idaho — Dozens of demonstrators gathered on the steps of the Idaho State Capitol Wednesday evening, chanting and holding signs calling for an end to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions.

The Boise protest was one of many that took place across the country in response to mass ICE arrests, the deployment of the National Guard in cities like Los Angeles, and growing unrest surrounding federal immigration enforcement.

Organizers promoted the event online as an “emergency protest,” urging participants to stand in solidarity with immigrant communities and against what they described as a national crackdown.

“What brought me out today was just seeing and hearing about all of the horrible things going on in Los Angeles right now, on top of everything that we already know that’s been happening in this country,” one attendee said.

The protest drew a wide range of participants, including those with direct connections to immigrant communities.

WATCH: CNN reporter detained on live TV during LA immigration protests

“There are people here because they or their families are immigrants who are facing the fear that this campaign of terror is really intending to inflict,” said Morrighan Nyx, one of the event organizers. “The community really came out to show that even here in Boise, Idaho, the people are not going to sit back and let our communities be terrorized.”

Another demonstrator described the tone of the rally as both empowering and unifying. “I think it was really inspiring. Honestly, it was positive, but also strong. I feel like a lot of strength and unity happened, for sure.”

The protest remained peaceful. Organizers say they plan to gather again at the Capitol on Saturday.

WASHINGTON DC – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins, joined by Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr., signed three new food choice waivers to Make America Healthy Again. The signed waivers will amend the statutory definition of food for purchase for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programs (SNAP) in Arkansas, Idaho, and Utah, each commencing in 2026.

“The Trump Administration is unified in improving the health of our nation. America’s governors have proudly answered the call to innovate by improving nutrition programs, ensuring better choices while respecting the generosity of the American taxpayer. Each waiver submitted by the states and signed is yet another step closer to fulfilling President Trump’s promise to Make America Healthy Again,” said Secretary Rollins.

“Thank you to the governors of Indiana, Arkansas, Idaho, Utah, Iowa, and Nebraska for their bold leadership and unwavering commitment to Make America Healthy Again,” said Secretary Kennedy. “I call on every governor in the nation to submit a SNAP waiver to eliminate sugary drinks—taxpayer dollars should never bankroll products that fuel the chronic disease epidemic.”

Secretary Rollins and Secretary Kennedy were joined at the event by Governor of Arkansas Sarah Huckabee Sanders and Governor of Indiana Mike Braun.

“This approval sends a clear message: President Trump and his administration are tackling America’s chronic disease epidemic and Arkansas stands with him in that fight,” said Governor Sanders. “I am incredibly grateful for Secretary Rollins’ quick approval of our waiver. Arkansas leads the nation in getting unhealthy, ultra-processed foods off food stamps and helping our most vulnerable citizens lead healthier lives.”

“Indiana is proud to be a leader in the Make America Healthy Again initiative, and I’m proud to join Secretary Rollins, Secretary Kennedy, Congressman Baird, and my fellow Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders today to discuss returning SNAP to its proper purpose of nutrition, and how my Make Indiana Healthy Again agenda supports Indiana agriculture and empowers Hoosiers to live longer, healthier lives,” said Governor Braun.

Prior to these waivers, SNAP recipients could buy anything except alcohol, tobacco, hot and prepared foods, and personal care products. This historic action expands the list of products excluded from SNAP purchases in Arkansas, Idaho, and Utah. Arkansas’ waiver excludes soda, low and no-calorie soda, fruit and vegetable drinks with less than 50% natural juice, other unhealthy drinks, and candy, and it will take effect July 1, 2026. The waiver for Idaho excludes soda and candy, and it will take effect January 1, 2026. The waiver for Utah excludes soft drinks, and it will take effect January 1, 2026. Secretary Rollins has previously signed waivers for Nebraska, Iowa, and Indiana.

“Idaho proudly welcomes the MAHA movement because it is all about looking for new ways to improve nutrition, increase exercise, and take better care of ourselves and one another, especially our children. We are excited to partner with the Trump administration in bringing common sense to the government’s food assistance program with the approval of our SNAP waiver,” said Governor Brad Little.

At the direction of President Trump, Secretary Rollins is ensuring programs work harder to encourage healthy eating and improved lifestyle habits while protecting taxpayer dollars. On Secretary Rollins’ first full day in office, she sent a letter to the nation’s governors (PDF, 88.8 KB), outlining her vision for the Department and inviting them to participate in a new “Laboratories of Innovation” initiative to create bold solutions to long-ignored challenges. Secretary Rollins and Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. wrote an opinion piece in USA Today outlining their plan to Make America Healthy Again, including through SNAP waivers like the ones signed today.