The state of Idaho has a crisis on its hands. There is a distinct lack of doctors in the state, and with many of those who currently work within Idaho’s medical centers being over the age of 60, this is not an issue that is likely to resolve itself.

Halter wants to stand up for the students, upping the Bengal spirit and “Best Bengal” energy. For Funk, she wants the students to look back on their college experience and be proud, working to make an impact however she can in her last year.

Students accustomed to passing the Diversity Resource Center, formerly situated in Rendezvous Room 129, may have noticed that the office is now empty. This is the result of a series of higher-education resolutions recently passed by the Idaho State Board of Education, which primarily focused on altering state policy regarding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) centers in public Idaho higher-education institutions.

Campus has seen a lot of changes recently – from the repair and reopening of the pool, a total overhaul of the Student Union parking lot, the replacement of a series of utility tunnels around lower campus, and now a new boiler system for the Idaho State University Steam Plant. 

During the fall semester of 2024, ISU campus saw extensive construction, including projects on parking lots, sidewalks, and building renovations, funded by the State of Idaho’s deferred maintenance budget. Key updates include the renovation of Leonard Hall (due in 2025), the relocation of Gravely Hall’s testing center, and the early reopening of the Reeds Gym pool. Additional projects, like Bartz Way paving and GO1 lot construction, are nearing completion.

The Gamery, a new board game café in Pocatello, is owned by Dana Bezdeka and her daughters, Sierra and Casey. Inspired by board game cafés in New Zealand, the family wanted to create a cozy, game-focused space for socializing. The café offers a large collection of games, snacks, and mocktails, and hosts events like puzzle competitions and Dungeons & Dragons sessions. With flexible passes and a welcoming atmosphere, The Gamery provides a fun, safe place for people to gather and enjoy games.

The “Joy to the World” concert was a festive event held by the Idaho State-Civic Symphony and various choirs at the Stephen’s Performing Arts Center, attracting thousands. The performance included global music pieces, a Christmas sing-along, and featured the ISU Children’s Chorus for the first time since 2014, captivating audiences with holiday spirit.

Idaho State University announced a significant increase in first-time undergraduate enrollment, reaching 1,802 students, a 2.4% rise from last year. Overall enrollment rose to 13,078, marking a 3.5% increase. President Wagner and Enrollment Management’s Corey Zink emphasized ongoing recruitment efforts and a commitment to growth amid economic challenges.