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/.
Pinned
Zoinks! Happy Halloween from the Idaho Cap Sun crew and our trusty newshound Scooby-Doo (Bear!) Where are we? Out here solving state political mysteries and bringing accountability reporting to the 208! Check us out: idahocapitalsun.com/subscribe/ and support our work: idahocapitalsun.com/donate/
Brigham City, a 20,000-people municipality an hour north of Salt Lake City, may become a pioneer in Utah’s efforts to become a nuclear force. And, if everything goes according to plan, the state’s first small modular reactor may start operations in the area in a little more than a decade.
Nuclear ‘energy ecosystem’ and, eventually, Utah’s first reactor will live in Brigham City • Idaho Capital Sun
Brigham City may become a nuclear energy hub amid Utah's quest to become a major leader in nuclear technology.
idahocapitalsun.com
November 19, 2025 at 12:20 AM
Brigham City, a 20,000-people municipality an hour north of Salt Lake City, may become a pioneer in Utah’s efforts to become a nuclear force. And, if everything goes according to plan, the state’s first small modular reactor may start operations in the area in a little more than a decade.
Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird and attorneys general from 24 additional states, including Idaho, are urging the U.S. Supreme Court to issue a stay on California emissions reporting laws.
Idaho joins Iowa attorney general in brief against California climate reporting laws • Idaho Capital Sun
Attorneys general from 25 states are urging the U.S. Supreme Court to issue a stay on California emissions reporting laws.
idahocapitalsun.com
November 18, 2025 at 10:51 PM
Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird and attorneys general from 24 additional states, including Idaho, are urging the U.S. Supreme Court to issue a stay on California emissions reporting laws.
The lawmakers in the lower chamber voted 427-1 to compel the Department of Justice to release materials related to the government’s investigation of the financier who harmed over 1,000 victims, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
US House overwhelmingly votes to force release of Epstein files • Idaho Capital Sun
The U.S. House is expected to pass legislation to force the release of files from the case against convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
idahocapitalsun.com
November 18, 2025 at 8:08 PM
The lawmakers in the lower chamber voted 427-1 to compel the Department of Justice to release materials related to the government’s investigation of the financier who harmed over 1,000 victims, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The move was celebrated by farm groups that oppose a broad interpretation of the law, while environmental groups said the rule change would end protections for millions of acres of wetlands and small streams.
EPA proposes narrowed rules for Clean Water Act jurisdiction • Idaho Capital Sun
The EPA proposed new rules to define the waters of the United States, or WOTUS, that are protected under the Clean Water Act.
idahocapitalsun.com
November 18, 2025 at 7:17 PM
The move was celebrated by farm groups that oppose a broad interpretation of the law, while environmental groups said the rule change would end protections for millions of acres of wetlands and small streams.
More than 30 senators signed the Nov. 13 letter to heads of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Department of Labor to ask that they release the additional H-2B visas, which allow qualifying employers to hire temporary, non-agricultural workers from other countries. #idleg #idpol
Idaho U.S. Sens. Risch, Crapo join request for more guest visas to support seasonal workforce • Idaho Capital Sun
Idaho Republican U.S. Sens. Jim Risch and Mike Crapo joined a bi-partisan group of U.S. senators to ask for more H-2B seasonal worker visas.
idahocapitalsun.com
November 18, 2025 at 5:47 PM
Kootenai Health and Regence BlueShield of Idaho are “at an impasse” to renegotiate the provider care contract, state officials recently said.
North Idaho hospital could end contract with major health insurer that covers state employees • Idaho Capital Sun
If a deal isn't met by Jan. 1, Kootenai Health in Coeur d'Alene could become out of network for Regence BlueShield of Idaho.
idahocapitalsun.com
November 18, 2025 at 3:25 PM
Kootenai Health and Regence BlueShield of Idaho are “at an impasse” to renegotiate the provider care contract, state officials recently said.
In the 24-page order, the judge delivered a scathing account of the government’s mishandling, and possibly illegal access to, evidence presented to grand jurors, including a potential Fourth Amendment violation.
Judge cites ‘profound investigative missteps’ in court case against James Comey • Idaho Capital Sun
WASHINGTON — Former Federal Bureau of Investigation Director James Comey has been granted access to all grand jury materials in his case after a federal judge found “profound investigative missteps” t...
idahocapitalsun.com
November 18, 2025 at 12:51 AM
In the 24-page order, the judge delivered a scathing account of the government’s mishandling, and possibly illegal access to, evidence presented to grand jurors, including a potential Fourth Amendment violation.
REMINDER: Idahoans for Openness in Government is hosting four (FREE!) public workshops to help you understand open government and transparency tools in the state. The first one on campaign finance is THIS WEDNESDAY. You can attend in person or stream online! Register here: openidaho.org
IDOG — Idahoans for Openness in Government
IDOG Idahoans for Openness in Government
openidaho.org
November 17, 2025 at 11:48 PM
REMINDER: Idahoans for Openness in Government is hosting four (FREE!) public workshops to help you understand open government and transparency tools in the state. The first one on campaign finance is THIS WEDNESDAY. You can attend in person or stream online! Register here: openidaho.org
The FAA’s safety team recommended ending the restrictions after seeing only one staffing trigger affect travel Sunday, according to an agency press release. There were 81 staffing triggers on Nov. 8, a few days before the end of the longest shutdown in U.S. history.
Trump administration’s FAA chief clears normal operations in the skies post-shutdown • Idaho Capital Sun
The Federal Aviation Administration early Monday lifted an order that airlines cut domestic flights to 40 major U.S. airports.
idahocapitalsun.com
November 17, 2025 at 11:30 PM
The FAA’s safety team recommended ending the restrictions after seeing only one staffing trigger affect travel Sunday, according to an agency press release. There were 81 staffing triggers on Nov. 8, a few days before the end of the longest shutdown in U.S. history.
Several new state regulations, including new rules allowing for the killing of up to 558 wolves during the current hunting season, could put the species at risk of “severe population depletion,” conservation groups argued.
District Court in Montana hears arguments over wolf hunting regulations • Idaho Capital Sun
Attorneys for state say wolves risk “severe population depletion" as 62 wolves have been killed during the current hunting season.
idahocapitalsun.com
November 17, 2025 at 9:58 PM
Several new state regulations, including new rules allowing for the killing of up to 558 wolves during the current hunting season, could put the species at risk of “severe population depletion,” conservation groups argued.
COMMENTARY | Idaho should focus on maintaining and even strengthening the peer workforce as a cost-effective method for supporting recovery, writes guest columnist Beth Markley. #idleg #idpol
Don’t balance Idaho’s state budget on the backs of its most vulnerable residents • Idaho Capital Sun
Idaho faces tough budget choices in the coming months. Cutting mental health peer support should not be part of the answer. As directed by the state, Magellan, the contractor managing Medicaid behavio...
idahocapitalsun.com
November 17, 2025 at 6:03 PM
“The event serves as an opportunity for residents of Idaho’s First Congressional District to ask questions, share input, and receive a congressional update from Congressman Fulcher,” a press release said. #idpol
Idaho Congressman Russ Fulcher to hold telephone town hall Nov. 18 • Idaho Capital Sun
Idahoans with questions for U.S. Rep. Russ Fulcher, R-Idaho, may have the chance to ask them at a telephone town hall on Nov. 18.
idahocapitalsun.com
November 17, 2025 at 4:49 PM
“The event serves as an opportunity for residents of Idaho’s First Congressional District to ask questions, share input, and receive a congressional update from Congressman Fulcher,” a press release said. #idpol
The Idaho Transportation Board has directed staff to award a contract to address hazardous materials at the Idaho Transportation Department’s flood-damaged former Boise headquarters and begin designing a remodel of the building. #idpol #idleg
ITD moving forward with hazardous materials abatement, remodel plans for flooded former Boise HQ • Idaho Capital Sun
Once hazardous materials are addressed, Idaho state officials estimate it may take two years to renovate the building on State Street.
idahocapitalsun.com
November 17, 2025 at 3:49 PM
U.S. Sen. Jim Risch, who serves as chairman of the U.S Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said Idaho’s entire congressional delegation’s staff was meeting Friday morning with the Department of Defense to “find out exactly what happened” with the training program announcement. #idpol #idleg
Idaho legislators briefed on Mountain Home Air Force Base Qatari training agreement • Idaho Capital Sun
A U.S. Air Force colonel told Idaho legislators a training program for Qatari Air Force personnel could last 10 years and involve 300 people.
idahocapitalsun.com
November 14, 2025 at 11:46 PM
The move by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service comes as members of Congress are considering multiple bills that would delist the species from the Endangered Species Act nationwide.
Feds change course, won’t issue national wolf recovery plan • Idaho Capital Sun
Congress considering several bills that would remove all wolves from the Endangered Species Act
idahocapitalsun.com
November 14, 2025 at 5:34 PM
The move by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service comes as members of Congress are considering multiple bills that would delist the species from the Endangered Species Act nationwide.
The nonprofit Idaho Center for Fiscal Policy released a report Nov. 6 estimating that conforming to the personal and corporate tax changes in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act could reduce Idaho revenue by an additional $284.4 million. #idleg #idpol
Idaho’s projected state budget deficit increases to $58.3 million • Idaho Capital Sun
“We will set a balanced budget,” Idaho Falls Rep. Wendy Horman said. "The constitution requires it. I am personally committed to it."
idahocapitalsun.com
November 14, 2025 at 3:38 PM
More than 130,000 Idahoans use the program that helps low-income Americans pay for groceries. The average monthly benefit is $178 per household member.
idahocapitalsun.com
November 14, 2025 at 12:24 AM
More than 130,000 Idahoans use the program that helps low-income Americans pay for groceries. The average monthly benefit is $178 per household member.
Hoping to become a hub for private nuclear development, the state of Idaho is asking representatives from the nuclear energy industry to provide input on the factors that influence locations they choose to invest in.
State of Idaho seeks to become ‘preferred destination’ for nuclear energy investment • Idaho Capital Sun
State officials hope to make Idaho the preferred destination for companies seeking to invest in nuclear energy.
idahocapitalsun.com
November 13, 2025 at 11:21 PM
Hoping to become a hub for private nuclear development, the state of Idaho is asking representatives from the nuclear energy industry to provide input on the factors that influence locations they choose to invest in.
The judge dismissed the lawsuit with prejudice, meaning it cannot be brought back or amended, agreeing with earlier rulings that the Satanic Temple lacked standing to challenge the law and that the arguments “lack merit and could not be saved by any amendment.”
Federal judge quashes Satanic Temple’s lawsuit against Idaho abortion laws • Idaho Capital Sun
A federal judge permanently ended the Satanic Temple’s challenge to Idaho’s abortion laws, saying the group lacked standing.
idahocapitalsun.com
November 13, 2025 at 10:23 PM
The judge dismissed the lawsuit with prejudice, meaning it cannot be brought back or amended, agreeing with earlier rulings that the Satanic Temple lacked standing to challenge the law and that the arguments “lack merit and could not be saved by any amendment.”
The U.S. House approved a spending package Wednesday evening that will reopen the government and end the longest shutdown in the nation’s history, once President Donald Trump signs the legislation into law.
Government to reopen after 43 days: US House sends bill to Trump ending record shutdown • Idaho Capital Sun
The U.S. House plans to approve a stopgap spending bill that will end the record-breaking 43-day government shutdown once Trump signs it.
idahocapitalsun.com
November 13, 2025 at 2:52 AM
The U.S. House approved a spending package Wednesday evening that will reopen the government and end the longest shutdown in the nation’s history, once President Donald Trump signs the legislation into law.
The U.S. House plans to approve a stopgap spending bill Wednesday evening that will end the record-breaking 43-day government shutdown once President Donald Trump signs the legislation.
US House expected to clear bill reopening the government after record-shattering shutdown • Idaho Capital Sun
The U.S. House plans to approve a stopgap spending bill that will end the record-breaking 43-day government shutdown once Trump signs it.
idahocapitalsun.com
November 12, 2025 at 10:28 PM
The U.S. House plans to approve a stopgap spending bill Wednesday evening that will end the record-breaking 43-day government shutdown once President Donald Trump signs the legislation.
The clinics by Eastern Idaho Public Health are for people who are uninsured or underinsured.
Here’s how to get your free flu shot in eastern Idaho this month • Idaho Capital Sun
The free flu shot clinics by Eastern Idaho Public Health are for people who are uninsured or underinsured.
idahocapitalsun.com
November 12, 2025 at 9:43 PM
The clinics by Eastern Idaho Public Health are for people who are uninsured or underinsured.
Utah’s only waterbody infested with quagga mussels is Lake Powell, officials say. But contamination was found in other waterbodies coming from infested reservoirs outside the state.
Utah decontaminates more boats from quagga mussels and other invasive species in 2025 • Idaho Capital Sun
Utah decontaminated 6,509 watercrafts from quagga mussels and other aquatic invasive species during the 2025 boating season.
idahocapitalsun.com
November 12, 2025 at 8:54 PM
Utah’s only waterbody infested with quagga mussels is Lake Powell, officials say. But contamination was found in other waterbodies coming from infested reservoirs outside the state.
In a 2011 correspondence with the now-convicted sex offender Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein wrote that Trump “spent hours at my house” with a victim.
US House Dems say newly released Epstein emails show Trump knew about abuse • Idaho Capital Sun
U.S. House Democrats released emails they say show President Donald Trump knew about Jeffrey Epstein's abuse of underaged girls.
idahocapitalsun.com
November 12, 2025 at 6:45 PM
In a 2011 correspondence with the now-convicted sex offender Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein wrote that Trump “spent hours at my house” with a victim.
Before a new library branch opened, Inkom had only been served by a bookmobile.
Community, grants support opening of new libraries in small Idaho towns • Idaho Capital Sun
New libraries recently opened or will open soon in the small Idaho towns of Kendrick, Inkom and Fernwood through public and private efforts.
idahocapitalsun.com
November 12, 2025 at 4:59 PM
Before a new library branch opened, Inkom had only been served by a bookmobile.