Idaho

The highest-ranked states were mostly west of the Mississippi River, driven by expanding economies and population growth.

The vacant field north of Moscow's Pape Machinery will be occupied by a new police station come 2021.

The agreement represents the culmination of decades-long negotiations between Idaho, Oregon, and Idaho Power.

Voters rejected the largest three school bonds in Tuesday's election — Cassia County, Minidoka County and Filer — but approved smaller ballot measures across the Magic Valley.

Moscow residents will vote May 21 on a 10-year, $9.64 million general obligation bond to fund the construction of a police station and remodeling of city buildings.

Proceeds from the bulk of the bond sales will be used to reimburse the hospital for various capital projects.

Voters in three states approved Medicaid expansion, highlighting dozens of ballot measures around the country that will impact budgets and credit.

Added debt drove one-notch downgrade but long-term benefits seen.

Second District Judge Gregory FitzMaurice on Wednesday dismissed the city of Lewiston’s request to issue bonds to rebuild its wastewater treatment plant, ruling that the city didn’t meet the legal requirement to post notice of a court hearing at a “prominent” location at city hall.

Issuance was down 27% in the region from the first half of 2017, and almost 30% in California, its largest market.