Idaho Capital Sun
@idahocapitalsun.com
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/.
Idaho Gov. Brad Little has appointed Erin Bingham to the seat vacated by former Joint Finance-Appropriations co-chairwoman Wendy Horman. #idleg #idpol
Idaho governor fills vacancy in House of Representatives after Rep. Horman's resignation • Idaho Capital Sun
Idaho Gov. Brad Little has appointed Erin Bingham to the seat vacated by former Joint Finance-Appropriations co-chairwoman Wendy Horman.
idahocapitalsun.com
January 10, 2026 at 1:13 AM
A federal judge on Thursday lifted a years-long ban on Idaho’s law that prevents transgender people from amending their gender on their birth certificate.
Federal judge rules Idaho can prevent transgender people from changing sex on birth certificate • Idaho Capital Sun
A federal judge lifted a years-long ban on Idaho’s law that prevents transgender people from amending their gender on their birth certificate.
idahocapitalsun.com
January 9, 2026 at 11:49 PM
A federal judge on Thursday lifted a years-long ban on Idaho’s law that prevents transgender people from amending their gender on their birth certificate.
COMMENTARY | This would be a critical step to committing state resources to supporting struggling first-responder units, write guest columnists John Osborn, Marie Osborn and Paul Anderson. #idleg #idpol
The Legislature needs to declare EMS an 'essential service' for Idahoans • Idaho Capital Sun
This would be a critical step to committing state resources to supporting struggling first-responder units, write guest columnists John Osborn, Marie Osborn and Paul Anderson.
idahocapitalsun.com
January 9, 2026 at 9:46 PM
The justices are taking up both cases in one day. First will be Little v. Hecox, which contests a 2020 Idaho law that categorically bans trans athletes from competing on women’s and girls’ sports teams.
Landmark transgender athletes cases from Idaho, W.V. to be heard by US Supreme Court on Tuesday • Idaho Capital Sun
A pair of blockbuster cases to be heard by the U.S. Supreme Court could carry far-reaching implications for transgender rights.
idahocapitalsun.com
January 9, 2026 at 8:02 PM
The justices are taking up both cases in one day. First will be Little v. Hecox, which contests a 2020 Idaho law that categorically bans trans athletes from competing on women’s and girls’ sports teams.
Reposted by Idaho Capital Sun
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January 9, 2026 at 6:47 PM
We are two sign-ups shy of hitting 5,000 subscriptions to our FREE(! 😍) emailed newsletter. As the Idaho Legislature kicks into high gear with its first day and the governor's State of the State Address on Monday, now would be a great time to add us to your inbox!
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A Justice Department attorney hinted the agency could sue Idaho — like it has sued 23 other states — if election officials don’t turn over the full records that the Trump administration demanded. #idpol
US Justice Department wants Idaho’s identifiable voter roll, public records show • Idaho Capital Sun
As the Trump administration sues states for not sharing their identifiable voter rolls, the US Justice Department is pressing Idaho for data.
idahocapitalsun.com
January 9, 2026 at 6:37 PM
A Justice Department attorney hinted the agency could sue Idaho — like it has sued 23 other states — if election officials don’t turn over the full records that the Trump administration demanded. #idpol
Less than a week before the Idaho Legislature convenes, lawmakers still don't know how much revenue the state will lose by conforming to the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act. #idleg #idpol
Idaho leaders cite wide range of estimates on how ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ will decrease state revenue • Idaho Capital Sun
Idaho lawmakers cite estimated revenue cuts from conforming to tax changes in the 'Big Beautiful Bill' that vary by hundreds of millions.
idahocapitalsun.com
January 9, 2026 at 4:19 PM
Gov. Brad Little said he will propose a balanced state budget, and he has committed to President Donald Trump that Idaho will conform with the tax changes from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. #idleg #idpol
Idaho legislators hope to set revenue projection early to tackle budget, revenue shortfalls • Idaho Capital Sun
Balancing and setting the state budget is likely to be one of the top issues during the 2026 Idaho legislative session.
idahocapitalsun.com
January 9, 2026 at 12:18 AM
COMMENTARY | Kidwell steadfastly championed consumer protection, victims’ rights and scrupulous observance of the law, writes guest columnist Jim Jones. #idleg #idpol
Former Idaho legislator, AG Wayne Kidwell devoted many years to serving his state and nation • Idaho Capital Sun
The Gem State lost an accomplished public figure this year with the Nov. 7 death of Wayne Kidwell at age 87. He was born in Council, Idaho, on June 15, 1938, and raised in Boise, where he supported hi...
idahocapitalsun.com
January 8, 2026 at 8:22 PM
Idahoans for Openness in Government is hosting an in-person and livestreamed training on the Idaho Public Records Act on Friday, Jan. 16, in the Idaho State Capitol in downtown Boise. #idpol
Want to learn how to access Idaho government records? There’s a workshop next week. • Idaho Capital Sun
Idahoans for Openness in Government is hosting an in-person and livestreamed training on the Idaho Public Records Act on Jan. 16.
idahocapitalsun.com
January 8, 2026 at 6:33 PM
Idahoans for Openness in Government is hosting an in-person and livestreamed training on the Idaho Public Records Act on Friday, Jan. 16, in the Idaho State Capitol in downtown Boise. #idpol
To pay for balancing the budget, Idaho House Speaker Mike Moyle said legislators will consider repealing Medicaid expansion, which more than 60% of Idaho voters approved at the polls in November 2018. #idleg #idpol
The 2026 Idaho legislative session begins Monday. Legislators say more state budget cuts are coming. • Idaho Capital Sun
Conforming with federal tax cuts and a projected state budget deficit will be top issues facing Idaho legislators during the 2026 session.
idahocapitalsun.com
January 8, 2026 at 2:59 PM
In an email to staff Friday, the Attorney General’s Office announced it would cut paid parental leave down from eight weeks to two weeks starting July 1. #idpol
Idaho Attorney General’s Office to cut parental leave to two weeks, ending extended leave • Idaho Capital Sun
Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador’s office will significantly reduce paid time off for new parents starting this summer.
idahocapitalsun.com
January 7, 2026 at 11:55 PM
In an email to staff Friday, the Attorney General’s Office announced it would cut paid parental leave down from eight weeks to two weeks starting July 1. #idpol
An ICE officer at the front of the vehicle fired three shots and the SUV traveled a short distance before crashing into a parked car.
ICE officer fatally shoots driver through car window in Minneapolis • Idaho Capital Sun
The driver then slowly backs up and appears to be leaving, when another officer fires three shots.
idahocapitalsun.com
January 7, 2026 at 8:15 PM
An ICE officer at the front of the vehicle fired three shots and the SUV traveled a short distance before crashing into a parked car.
COMMENTARY | This is a bipartisan attempt to bring down the costs of prescription medications for patients in the Medicare and Medicaid programs, writes guest columnist Roger Stark. #idpol
Idaho's U.S. senator has the right prescription to bring down pharmaceutical costs • Idaho Capital Sun
This is a bipartisan attempt to bring down the costs of prescription medications for patients on Medicare and Medicaid, writes Roger Stark.
idahocapitalsun.com
January 7, 2026 at 4:52 PM
COMMENTARY | This is a bipartisan attempt to bring down the costs of prescription medications for patients in the Medicare and Medicaid programs, writes guest columnist Roger Stark. #idpol
More than 900 families, businesses and nonprofit organizations teamed up to acquire and conserve what supporters are calling one of the most significant pieces of private property in central Idaho’s Wood River Valley.
Community unites to protect central Idaho’s Hailey Hot Springs Ranch • Idaho Capital Sun
Officials with the Wood River Land Trust said they will begin working on a master plan for the property and anticipate seeking public comment.
idahocapitalsun.com
January 7, 2026 at 2:52 PM
More than 900 families, businesses and nonprofit organizations teamed up to acquire and conserve what supporters are calling one of the most significant pieces of private property in central Idaho’s Wood River Valley.
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.