Our region boasts three states in the top 10 for having the most competitive tax structure, according to the Tax Foundation. The latest numbers show that Wyoming is the most taxpayer-friendly state, Montana is 6th, and Idaho is 9th. While this is impressive, Washington coming in near last at 45th is cause for concern.   The Tax Foundation's  State Competitiveness Index  reveals which states are taxpayer-friendly for both individuals and businesses. States are ranked based on

Note: This is a joint op-ed with Liya Palagashvili  of the Mercatus Center at George Mason University . Across Idaho, more than 160,000 people earn income—whether as a primary or supplemental source—through self-employment, contract work, or small business ownership. They include truckers, delivery drivers, freelance creatives, childcare providers, and self-employed farmers and tradespeople who remain central to Idaho’s economy. Together, they generate over $9 billion annuall

The trades, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning), face a growing concern surrounding what could most accurately be labeled a retirement crisis. Some estimates say that for every five journeyman who retire from the trades , only two apprentices from a younger generation will replace them.  Licensure raises the price of entry into the trades’ labor market, artificially limiting the number of people who can enter it. Given the ever-importan

When politicians start promising cheaper milk and lettuce, it’s time to check your wallet—and your common sense.

This article was originally published by the Washington Policy Center . It is reposted with permission. Washington state’s ban on thin...

The most expensive county in Wyoming to build a house thinks everyone should pay more to build a house. Does that make sense? In Teton...

You can cash that check now. On August 7, 2025, President Trump delivered a federal solution to remove the regulations that result in...

Grocery competition doesn’t just come from the store down the street anymore—it comes from Amazon dropping food on your doorstep, Walmart offering rock-bottom prices, and Costco selling everything in bulk. Albertsons and Kroger needed each other to stand a chance.

Changes are coming to Idaho’s current budget with Governor Little acting swiftly to focus on government efficiencies in response to...

Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL) recently released its 2025 Freedom Index Rankings  for states. SEL is a global leader in power...

Note: This is a guest op-ed by the Tax Foundation. In most respects, Idaho and Montana have been enthusiastic in their pursuit of tax...

The clear message is Americans are voting with their feet.  

Ever-expanding bureaucracy has become the accepted norm of the United States government. The administrative state’s expansive...

Idaho was among 17 states that successfully sought a repeal of California’s harmful electric truck mandates, called the “Advanced Clean...

Idaho’s housing policy is getting a much-needed renovation, and some of the first demo days occurred during the session. With the...

The 2025 Legislative Session is officially over in Montana. Lawmakers in the Treasure State focused on several priorities during their...

Montana is proving itself once again to be an entrepreneur-friendly state by being named the best state in the country for business...

If you’re a homeowner trying to navigate short-term rental laws in the Pacific Northwest, your experience will vary wildly depending on...

We all have our favorite president. For me, it’s Ronald Reagan. My admiration of the Gipper began as a young child. You can imagine the...

A recently adopted bill in Idaho has the potential to increase much needed housing supply. Senate Bill 1164 is a supply-focused ...