FROM THE DESK OF THE GOVERNOR: September 25, 2026

From the Desk of the Governor
September 25, 2026

Lava Hot Springs hosts Capital for a Day

Capital for a Day is about getting out of Boise and listening directly to Idahoans in their communities.

Bringing state government to Lava Hot Springs this month gave us the opportunity to hear from local families, business owners, farmers, community leaders, and elected officials about what is happening in their part of Idaho — what is working, what challenges they are facing, and where the state can be a better partner.

We learn the most when we get out from behind a desk and listen, and that is exactly what Capital for a Day is about: being present, hearing directly from Idahoans, and taking those conversations back to Boise!

Governor Little at the Capital for a Day event in Lava Hot Springs

Governor Little listening to residents at the Capital for a Day event in Lava Hot Springs

State of Idaho sees 77% drop in quagga mussel detections on Snake River

Quagga mussels detected on the Snake River

Idaho had the foresight years ago to start investing in the resources needed to detect and eradicate invasive species, and that investment is paying off!

The Idaho State Department of Agriculture announced last week a 77% drop in quagga mussel detections on the Snake River following another successful treatment.

I want to thank my partners in the Idaho Legislature for making this happen. One of our greatest success stories as a state has been the coordinated, rapid response to quagga mussels.

This news also highlights the importance of priorities. Idaho is one of the best run states in the nation because we manage government responsibly and make strategic investments where they matter – such as our invasive species program, water infrastructure, and other important areas.

Site of the planned Idaho State University NuCube Advanced Research and Test Reactor

The Idaho State University–NuCube Advanced Research and Test Reactor project will build on Idaho’s long history of nuclear leadership while preparing the next generation of nuclear engineers and workers!

Selected by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Launchpad USA program, the project will establish a functional microreactor at ISU’s Business and Research Park, serving as a hub for student education, applied research, workforce development and reactor operations.

I was proud to help highlight the project as an example of Idaho’s ability to build energy, technology, components and the skilled workforce needed for the nation’s growing nuclear industry.

The partnership builds on ISU’s 60-year history operating a research reactor and its role as the state’s only university with an undergraduate nuclear engineering program, while bringing together ISU, NuCube, INL and other state partners to advance nuclear innovation and Idaho’s energy future.