Idaho Capital Sun
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Accountability reporting for the 208’s political landscape. We aim to tell untold stories and provide data, context and analysis on the issues that matter most at IdahoCapitalSun.com. Sign up for our free newsletter: https://idahocapitalsun.com/subscribe/.
A child in Madison County contracted measles after traveling out of state to an area with an active outbreak, eastern Idaho health officials said Tuesday.
Measles reported in eastern Idaho unvaccinated child, marking state’s first case in 2026 • Idaho Capital Sun
A child in Madison County contracted measles after traveling to an area with an active outbreak, eastern Idaho health officials said.
idahocapitalsun.com
January 7, 2026 at 12:13 AM
A child in Madison County contracted measles after traveling out of state to an area with an active outbreak, eastern Idaho health officials said Tuesday.
COMMENTARY | Kansas lawmakers depleted their reserves and struggled to fund schools. Idaho has this situation on its own horizon, writes guest columnist Dan Schmidt. #idpol #idleg
As Idaho Legislature readies to reconvene, one former state senator asks: Are we in Kansas? • Idaho Capital Sun
The Idaho Legislature and our governor have noted the influx of disenfranchised Californians moving into our state. They have heard the boom of the economic growth. And they have asked, as Dorothy did...
idahocapitalsun.com
January 6, 2026 at 11:41 PM
Idaho’s funds haven’t yet been doled out, but the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare is shoring up oversight efforts now, an agency spokesperson said. #idleg #idpol
Idaho lawmakers ask state to freeze child care grants program • Idaho Capital Sun
After Trump administration restricts federal child care grants over Minnesota allegations, two Idaho lawmakers ask for Idaho to freeze funds.
idahocapitalsun.com
January 6, 2026 at 6:26 PM
Nationwide, the number of freestanding birth centers doubled between 2012 and 2022, but more recently the pressures have taken a toll: About two dozen centers have closed since 2023, bringing the total number down to about 395, according to the most recent data.
Freestanding birth centers are closing as maternity care gaps grow • Idaho Capital Sun
Hospitals across the country are closing labor and delivery units, leaving many communities without nearby maternity care. Freestanding birth centers could help fill those gaps. But state regulations,...
idahocapitalsun.com
January 6, 2026 at 3:21 PM
Nationwide, the number of freestanding birth centers doubled between 2012 and 2022, but more recently the pressures have taken a toll: About two dozen centers have closed since 2023, bringing the total number down to about 395, according to the most recent data.
The appointment is important because Tanner must immediately begin addressing state revenue shortfalls and projected budget deficits as soon as the new legislative session begins next week. #idleg #idpol
Rep. Josh Tanner named co-chair of Idaho Legislature’s budget committee • Idaho Capital Sun
Idaho state Rep. Josh Tanner emphasized that Idaho must find a way to balance its state budget in the face of revenue shortfalls.
idahocapitalsun.com
January 5, 2026 at 11:52 PM
COMMENTARY | Our state’s endowment lands exist to provide permanent, long-term support for public institutions, writes guest columnist Dustin Miller.
Myth vs. fact: Managing Idaho’s endowment forests at Priest Lake • Idaho Capital Sun
Our state's endowment lands exist to provide permanent, long-term support for Idaho's public institutions, writes IDL Director Dustin Miller.
idahocapitalsun.com
January 5, 2026 at 6:50 PM
COMMENTARY | Our state’s endowment lands exist to provide permanent, long-term support for public institutions, writes guest columnist Dustin Miller.
Within Idaho’s initiative to “make rural America healthy again,” are projects to implement national standards and screening to try and prevent chronic health conditions, improve mental health and substance abuse treatment and address shortages in maternal and child health services. #idleg #idpol
Idaho to receive $930 million in federal funds to improve rural health care access • Idaho Capital Sun
Idaho will receive nearly $930 million over the next five years to improve rural health care access and affordability.
idahocapitalsun.com
January 5, 2026 at 4:17 PM
"These actions have the potential to provide a path toward peace and stability in Venezuela and across our hemisphere," said U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee chairman Jim Risch, R-Idaho.
Trump says US 'will run’ Venezuela during transition after capture of President Maduro • Idaho Capital Sun
All four members of Idaho's congressional delegation have released statements in support of the Trump administration's strikes in Venezuela.
idahocapitalsun.com
January 3, 2026 at 8:24 PM
"These actions have the potential to provide a path toward peace and stability in Venezuela and across our hemisphere," said U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee chairman Jim Risch, R-Idaho.
“States will be required to provide documentation, such as written justification, receipts, or photographic evidence, demonstrating that funds are supporting legitimate child care providers,” Emily Hilliard, a spokesperson for HHS, said in a statement.
After Minnesota fraud allegations, HHS orders states to justify child care spending • Idaho Capital Sun
States must now provide justification that federal child care funds are spent on legitimate providers, the Trump administration said.
idahocapitalsun.com
January 2, 2026 at 8:20 PM
“States will be required to provide documentation, such as written justification, receipts, or photographic evidence, demonstrating that funds are supporting legitimate child care providers,” Emily Hilliard, a spokesperson for HHS, said in a statement.
President Donald Trump announced Wednesday that he will back off his plans to use National Guard troops in the Democratic-led cities of Chicago, Los Angeles and Portland, Oregon.
Trump gives up on National Guard deployment in 3 cities • Idaho Capital Sun
Trump will back off his plans to use National Guard troops in the Democratic-led cities of Chicago, Los Angeles and Portland, Oregon.
idahocapitalsun.com
January 2, 2026 at 7:12 PM
President Donald Trump announced Wednesday that he will back off his plans to use National Guard troops in the Democratic-led cities of Chicago, Los Angeles and Portland, Oregon.
The Idaho Legislature approved restrictions on candy and soda purchases through the program, and Congress approved an expansion of work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents on the program through the sweeping tax and spending package, called the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.” #idleg
Changes to Idaho SNAP food program coming in 2026 • Idaho Capital Sun
Federal and state SNAP changes to candy and soda purchases and work requirements are expected to start affecting Idahoans in 2026.
idahocapitalsun.com
January 2, 2026 at 6:04 PM
The Idaho Legislature approved restrictions on candy and soda purchases through the program, and Congress approved an expansion of work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents on the program through the sweeping tax and spending package, called the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.” #idleg
In a settlement agreement, the NIH and a group of Democratic attorneys general who’d challenged the new criteria for grant funding said the NIH would consider grant applications made up to Sept. 29, 2025, without judging the efforts related to diversity, equity and inclusion, or DEI, or vaccines.
Trump administration agrees to drop anti-DEI criteria for stalled health research grants • Idaho Capital Sun
The Trump administration will review frozen grants to universities without using its standards that discouraged DEI initiatives and vaccine research.
idahocapitalsun.com
December 31, 2025 at 9:07 PM
In a settlement agreement, the NIH and a group of Democratic attorneys general who’d challenged the new criteria for grant funding said the NIH would consider grant applications made up to Sept. 29, 2025, without judging the efforts related to diversity, equity and inclusion, or DEI, or vaccines.
A federal judge in California found the Trump administration unlawfully terminated temporary protections for more than 60,000 nationals from Honduras, Nepal and Nicaragua.
Judge slams Noem over termination of temporary legal status for 60,000 immigrants • Idaho Capital Sun
A federal judge found the Trump administration unlawfully terminated temporary protections for nationals from Honduras, Nepal and Nicaragua.
idahocapitalsun.com
December 31, 2025 at 8:08 PM
A federal judge in California found the Trump administration unlawfully terminated temporary protections for more than 60,000 nationals from Honduras, Nepal and Nicaragua.
The unified GOP government enacted a major tax cuts and domestic spending law in July, but hit a roadblock in late September when the federal government shut down for a record-breaking six weeks.
Here’s a look back at some of the biggest news stories from Washington, D.C.
Here’s a look back at some of the biggest news stories from Washington, D.C.
Deportations, tariffs, court clashes, record shutdown mark a historic year in Washington, D.C. • Idaho Capital Sun
In 2025, President Donald Trump came back into office emboldened by an election victory and empowered by Republican majorities in Congress.
idahocapitalsun.com
December 31, 2025 at 3:28 PM
The unified GOP government enacted a major tax cuts and domestic spending law in July, but hit a roadblock in late September when the federal government shut down for a record-breaking six weeks.
Here’s a look back at some of the biggest news stories from Washington, D.C.
Here’s a look back at some of the biggest news stories from Washington, D.C.
The America250 in Idaho Advisory Council voted on Dec. 19 to authorize spending up to $28,500 to restore the replica Liberty Bell in conjunction with next year’s America250 celebration.
Idaho’s replica Liberty Bell to be restored for America250 celebration • Idaho Capital Sun
Idaho’s bell is a replica of the original Liberty Bell that rang outside of Independence Hall in Philadelphia.
idahocapitalsun.com
December 29, 2025 at 7:37 PM
The America250 in Idaho Advisory Council voted on Dec. 19 to authorize spending up to $28,500 to restore the replica Liberty Bell in conjunction with next year’s America250 celebration.
The Center for Biological Diversity announced that in response to its lawsuit the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers ordered a stop to all construction work on the Idaho Club marina and housing development.
Conservation groups file lawsuit challenging commercial marina in Idaho • Idaho Capital Sun
Conservation groups argue that federal agencies did not take into account the impact the Idaho Club project would have on bull trout.
idahocapitalsun.com
December 26, 2025 at 11:32 PM
The Center for Biological Diversity announced that in response to its lawsuit the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers ordered a stop to all construction work on the Idaho Club marina and housing development.
The U.S. Department of Justice has instructed the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to stop providing any abortion care or abortion counseling, even in cases of rape or incest.
Trump administration officially ends veteran abortion access • Idaho Capital Sun
Over half of women veterans live in states that already had an abortion ban or were likely to ban abortion, 2023 estimates show.
idahocapitalsun.com
December 24, 2025 at 10:04 PM
The U.S. Department of Justice has instructed the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to stop providing any abortion care or abortion counseling, even in cases of rape or incest.
COMMENTARY | If Medicaid expansion is cut, there are no options for Idahoans who lose their health insurance coverage, writes guest columnist Hillarie Matlock.
Medicaid expansion cuts in Idaho threaten access to health care for everyone • Idaho Capital Sun
If Medicaid expansion is cut, there are no options for Idahoans who lose health insurance coverage, writes guest columnist Hillarie Matlock.
idahocapitalsun.com
December 24, 2025 at 5:45 PM
COMMENTARY | If Medicaid expansion is cut, there are no options for Idahoans who lose their health insurance coverage, writes guest columnist Hillarie Matlock.
“Wildfires are always a concern,” said Ryan Lawrence, district manager of the Latah Soil and Water Conservation District. “The Clearwater Complex fires were really a wake-up call. Our summers are getting hotter and drier. You always wonder, where will the next fire be?”
Fuels-reduction project aims to make N. Idaho park more resilient to wildfires • Idaho Capital Sun
A fuels reduction project in Virgil Phillips Farm Park, near Moscow, should make the North Idaho park more resilient to wildfires.
idahocapitalsun.com
December 24, 2025 at 4:50 PM
“Wildfires are always a concern,” said Ryan Lawrence, district manager of the Latah Soil and Water Conservation District. “The Clearwater Complex fires were really a wake-up call. Our summers are getting hotter and drier. You always wonder, where will the next fire be?”
Wages could be garnished as early as 30 days after borrowers receive notice.
Trump administration to garnish wages for defaulted student loans • Idaho Capital Sun
President Donald Trump’s administration will start garnishing the wages of student loan borrowers in default beginning early next year.
idahocapitalsun.com
December 23, 2025 at 11:47 PM
Wages could be garnished as early as 30 days after borrowers receive notice.
President Donald Trump for now has not met the requirements to send National Guard troops to Chicago, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled Tuesday.
US Supreme Court in defeat for Trump blocks deployment of National Guard in Chicago • Idaho Capital Sun
President Donald Trump for now has not met the requirements to send National Guard troops to Chicago, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled.
idahocapitalsun.com
December 23, 2025 at 11:46 PM
President Donald Trump for now has not met the requirements to send National Guard troops to Chicago, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled Tuesday.
The latest trove includes an email from a prosecutor claiming Trump flew on Epstein’s private jet more times than previously reported.
Trump appears in several files of latest Epstein release • Idaho Capital Sun
The U.S. Department of Justice released thousands more files related to the sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, with several referencing Trump.
idahocapitalsun.com
December 23, 2025 at 9:45 PM
The latest trove includes an email from a prosecutor claiming Trump flew on Epstein’s private jet more times than previously reported.
Idaho has been at the center of a debate over whether states with bans are required to perform an abortion under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act.
Ballot questions on abortion in Missouri, Idaho likely to spur more legal fights • Idaho Capital Sun
Idaho is one of several states that could have ballot initiatives to restore abortion access after legal bans.
idahocapitalsun.com
December 23, 2025 at 7:21 PM
Idaho has been at the center of a debate over whether states with bans are required to perform an abortion under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act.
The decision upheld a lower state court’s decision to dismiss the lawsuit by Beacon, resolving a years-long legal dispute over a managed care contract.
Idaho Supreme Court dismisses lawsuit over Medicaid mental health contract • Idaho Capital Sun
The Idaho Supreme Court has dismissed a lawsuit from a bidder for an Idaho Medicaid contract to run mental health services.
idahocapitalsun.com
December 23, 2025 at 6:05 PM
The decision upheld a lower state court’s decision to dismiss the lawsuit by Beacon, resolving a years-long legal dispute over a managed care contract.
COMMENTARY | Idaho is widely known as a mental health care desert. We believe that can change, writes guest columnist Roger Quarles.
We're backing the partnerships that strengthen mental health care for Idaho’s kids • Idaho Capital Sun
Idaho is widely known as a mental health care desert, especially for kids. We believe that can change, writes guest columnist Roger Quarles.
idahocapitalsun.com
December 23, 2025 at 5:08 PM
COMMENTARY | Idaho is widely known as a mental health care desert. We believe that can change, writes guest columnist Roger Quarles.