Idaho

Oregon secessionists make provocative pitch to lawmakers in Salem billboards: ‘We choose Idaho’

Published

1 year ago

January 24, 2025

Oregon secessionists make provocative pitch to lawmakers in Salem billboards: ‘We choose Idaho’

A series of billboards went up alongside Interstate 5 heading into Salem on Monday — but they aren’t meant for most of the people who will see them.

They’re for the eyes of state senators and representatives heading into the capital. Instead of slogans for products, they bear a very specific political message, stating: “RELEASE EASTERN OREGON” and “WE CHOOSE IDAHO.”

The billboards’ origin: the Greater Idaho movement, which seeks to move the state lines to put Oregon’s rural eastern counties into Idaho.

Supporters of the grassroots campaign want to escape policies embraced by the Democratic majority in the Oregon Legislature that they say don’t align with their values. They’d rather be residents of conservative Idaho – but without having to leave their homes and established lives.

In general, they’d like less regulation and lower taxes, even if that means fewer government services. The ultimate goal is more freedom. They believe the state’s politicians – including liberal ones from Oregon’s big cities – should understand their frustrations.

“We wanted to be able to talk directly to legislators,” Matt McCaw, Greater Idaho’s executive director, said of the billboards.

Voters in 13 Oregon counties – including all of the ones abutting Idaho – have passed measures in the past few years directing county leaders to study moving the state boundary. Greater Idaho’s leaders say the change would “make both states better” – or at least make more residents of each state happier with the political status quo.

Despite the success of these initiatives, the possibility that Idaho actually could poach any of Oregon’s counties is slim. The change would have to be approved by the two states’ legislatures, then the U.S. Congress.

Gov. Tina Kotek and Oregon’s other Democratic leaders have ignored the effort to move the state lines. The Greater Idaho website includes a graphic showing the number of days – now at 196 – “with no response from Gov. Kotek.”

But Greater Idaho advocates maintain hope.

The new billboards went up a day before Oregon’s legislative session began on Tuesday. Sen. Daniel Bonham, R-The Dalles, has already introduced a bill that invites the Idaho Legislature to engage in border talks with Oregon. Supporters also plan to introduce a bill in the Oregon House that calls for a feasibility task force, McCaw told The Oregonian/OregonLive.

Greater Idaho advocates recognize that their best bet could be to get President Donald Trump to use the bully pulpit to push forward their objective. They sent a letter to Trump last month asking him to back their plan.

“Our appeal was that the people of eastern Oregon have voted, and they have a right to self-determination,” McCall said of the letter to Trump. “They’re being held captive at this point in a state that they no longer wish to be part of.”

He added that Trump could help “bring [Gov. Kotek] to the table” and raise awareness of the effort to change the state’s boundaries.

So far, they haven’t received a response from the president. But they hope a Truth Social post about Greater Idaho could come at any time and change everything.

— Tatum Todd is a breaking news reporter who covers public safety, crime and community news. Reach them at ttodd@oregonian.com or 503-221-4313.

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Idaho

Gas prices expected to exceed $3 as the Iran conflict prompts supply shortages

Published

6 hours ago

March 2, 2026

Press Room

Gas prices expected to exceed as the Iran conflict prompts supply shortages

BOISE, Idaho — AAA is warning Idaho gas consumers that pump prices will likely rise as the conflict in Iran disrupts oil and gas supply chains worldwide.

The ongoing turmoil in the Middle East will likely push the price for a gallon of regular gasoline past the $3 mark over the coming days.

“On one hand, the crude oil market had time to account for some financial risk in the Middle East as forces mobilized, but a supply shortage somewhere affects the global picture,” says AAA Idaho public affairs director Matthew Conde. “If tankers can’t move products through the region, there could be ripple effects.”

On Monday, March 2, the average price for a gallon of regular gasoline is $2.97, reports AAA, which is 12 cents more expensive than it was a month ago but 20 cents less than this time last year.

State / Price: 1 gallon of regular gasoline

Washington / $4.37
Oregon / $3.92
Nevada / $3.70
Idaho / $2.97
Colorado / $2.89
Montana / $2.82
Utah / $2.74
Wyoming / $2.73

In terms of the most expensive fuel in the nation, Idaho currently ranks #14. However, buying a gallon of regular gas in neighboring states such as Oregon and Washington could cost a whole dollar more. In contrast, gas prices in Utah, Montana, and Wyoming are anywhere between 15 to 24 cents cheaper than fuel in the Gem State.

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Idaho

Idaho Lottery results: See winning numbers for Pick 3, Pick 4 on March 1, 2026

Published

18 hours ago

March 2, 2026

Press Room

The results are in for the Idaho Lottery’s draw games on Sunday, March 1, 2026.

Here’s a look at winning numbers for each game on March 1.

Winning Pick 3 numbers from March 1 drawing

Day: 7-2-3

Night: 2-7-6

Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 4 numbers from March 1 drawing

Day: 4-7-9-3

Night: 8-7-7-3

Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Idaho Cash numbers from March 1 drawing

03-06-07-33-41

Check Idaho Cash payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from March 1 drawing

10-11-12-35-56, Bonus: 04

Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

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.
Millionaire for Life: 9:15 p.m. MT daily.

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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Idaho

Idaho politicians respond to Trump authorizing U.S military force in Iran

Published

2 days ago

February 28, 2026

Press Room

Idaho politicians respond to Trump authorizing U.S military force in Iran

On Saturday, the United States and Israel launched major strikes in Tehran, with President Trump calling for an Iranian regime change.

RELATED | Trump announces ‘major combat operations’ in Iran, reportedly killing hundreds

President Trump authorized the U.S military operation without congressional approval, a decision that Democrats in Congress are arguing is unconstitutional.

RELATED | Trump’s Iran attack raises legal concerns among Democrats in Congress

Idaho Democratic Party Chair Lauren Necochea says Democrats are “demanding answers and accountability on behalf of the American people, who are being dragged toward another open-ended war they do not support.”

Necochea says her greatest concern lies with American troops, contractors and civilians who she says “did not choose this conflict.”

“Idaho has thousands of active-duty servicemembers, National Guard members, and military families who live with the consequences when leaders make reckless choices,” she says.

However, not all lawmakers share Necochea’s sentiments.

Idaho Republican representative Mike Simpson commends President Trump’s “decisive action” in Iran.

Idaho News 6

“Iran was given every opportunity to resolve this peacefully through negotiations but chose not to,” Simpson said in a post to Facebook. “I commend President Trump for taking decisive action against a regime responsible for decades of terror. May God protect our men and women in uniform on this vital mission.”

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