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/.
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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/
CATCH officials say that 350 southwest Idaho families and more than 1,400 adults are experiencing homelessness and on the nonprofit's housing waitlist.
Boise nonprofit launches BEAT the COLD campaign to help families experiencing homelessness • Idaho Capital Sun
Boise's CATCH organization says hand harmers, sleeping bags, thermal underwear, winter hats, warm socks and water are desperately needed.
idahocapitalsun.com
November 26, 2025 at 9:38 PM
CATCH officials say that 350 southwest Idaho families and more than 1,400 adults are experiencing homelessness and on the nonprofit's housing waitlist.
Trump posted that both guardsmen were “critically wounded” and taken to two separate hospitals.
BREAKING: Two National Guard members shot, 'critically wounded' in Washington, D.C., Trump says • Idaho Capital Sun
President Donald Trump was briefed Wednesday afternoon on the shooting of two National Guard members in downtown Washington, D.C.
idahocapitalsun.com
November 26, 2025 at 8:54 PM
Trump posted that both guardsmen were “critically wounded” and taken to two separate hospitals.
Idahoans are invited to celebrate the lighting of Idaho’s Capitol Christmas tree next week.
Idaho Capitol’s Christmas tree will be lit next week • Idaho Capital Sun
Idahoans are invited to celebrate the lighting of Idaho’s Capitol Christmas tree next week at a ceremony with remarks from the governor.
idahocapitalsun.com
November 26, 2025 at 5:07 PM
Idahoans are invited to celebrate the lighting of Idaho’s Capitol Christmas tree next week.
COMMENTARY | Endowment lands, described by the Land Board as their ‘sacred trust,’ are constitutionally mandated to maximize revenue for schools, writes guest columnist James Lea.
Who benefits from the state's school endowment fund? Idaho students or the forest products industry? • Idaho Capital Sun
Endowment lands, described by Idaho's Land Board as a 'sacred trust,' are constitutionally mandated to maximize revenue for schools, writes James Lea.
idahocapitalsun.com
November 26, 2025 at 4:29 PM
COMMENTARY | Endowment lands, described by the Land Board as their ‘sacred trust,’ are constitutionally mandated to maximize revenue for schools, writes guest columnist James Lea.
Idaho, following national trends, is facing an aging population as birthrates decline and the baby boomer generation gets older.
Report: Idaho’s aging rural population faces housing and other barriers to employment • Idaho Capital Sun
The Idaho Department of Labor released the 2025 Profile of Rural report examining population, migration, crime, and other characteristics.
idahocapitalsun.com
November 26, 2025 at 4:07 PM
Idaho, following national trends, is facing an aging population as birthrates decline and the baby boomer generation gets older.
Since August, more than two dozen Idahoans have reported they’ve become ill after drinking raw milk, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare says.
More Idahoans are getting sick after drinking raw milk, state says • Idaho Capital Sun
Since August, more than two dozen Idahoans reported illnesses after drinking raw milk, Idaho Department of Health and Welfare says.
idahocapitalsun.com
November 25, 2025 at 11:13 PM
Since August, more than two dozen Idahoans have reported they’ve become ill after drinking raw milk, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare says.
Reposted by Idaho Capital Sun
Award news! Howl, the story of 30 yrs of wolf reintroduction from me & Clark Corbin won best podcast in the Røde Mics Creator of the Year Awards! It's the wild, surprising & sometimes violent story of wolves in the West. @idahocapitalsun.com @boisestatepublicradio.org www.npr.org/podcast/fis-...
Howl
In 1995 wolves had been eradicated from the Western U.S. That’s when the Federal Government undertook its most ambitious, controversial wildlife project yet: bring wolves back to the Rocky Mountains. ...
www.npr.org
November 25, 2025 at 7:43 PM
Award news! Howl, the story of 30 yrs of wolf reintroduction from me & Clark Corbin won best podcast in the Røde Mics Creator of the Year Awards! It's the wild, surprising & sometimes violent story of wolves in the West. @idahocapitalsun.com @boisestatepublicradio.org www.npr.org/podcast/fis-...
About 70% of Latinos in the U.S. disapprove of President Donald Trump’s record, with 65% disapproving of his handling of immigration and 61% saying his policies have worsened the economy, a new report by the Pew Research Center found.
Trump shedding support among Latino voters, survey finds • Idaho Capital Sun
A majority of U.S. Latinos increasingly disapprove of the immigration and economic policies of the second Trump administration.
idahocapitalsun.com
November 25, 2025 at 10:12 PM
About 70% of Latinos in the U.S. disapprove of President Donald Trump’s record, with 65% disapproving of his handling of immigration and 61% saying his policies have worsened the economy, a new report by the Pew Research Center found.
The state of Idaho may need to come up with an additional $600 million to $1 billion for the upcoming fiscal year 2027 state budget, Idaho’s top budget official and a legislative lobbyist said. #idleg #idpol
Idaho may need to find $600 million to $1 billion for next year’s state budget • Idaho Capital Sun
In order to address a projected budget deficit, Idaho legislators may order additional budget cuts or dip into state savings accounts.
idahocapitalsun.com
November 25, 2025 at 8:42 PM
Idahoans United for Women and Families announced last week that the group has collected more than 50,000 signatures so far — out of the nearly 71,000 signatures needed. #idleg #idpol
Ballot initiative to end Idaho’s abortion ban has more than 50,000 signatures, group says • Idaho Capital Sun
Idahoans United for Women and Families announced it has collected more than 50,000 signatures so far out of the nearly 71,000 needed.
idahocapitalsun.com
November 25, 2025 at 2:50 PM
COMMENTARY | More than 20 mental health providers, and as many as six free counseling sessions, are available to help, writes guest columnist Chuck Malloy.
Mental Health Coalition of Teton Valley brings support to Idaho's 'paradise' • Idaho Capital Sun
More than 20 mental health providers, and as many as six free counseling sessions, are available to help, writes Chuck Malloy.
idahocapitalsun.com
November 25, 2025 at 2:49 PM
COMMENTARY | More than 20 mental health providers, and as many as six free counseling sessions, are available to help, writes guest columnist Chuck Malloy.
“There’s going to be some significant decisions that the Legislature is going to make this year, but I would project that generally, the state will continue with their upward trajectory,” Little said. #idleg #idpol
Gov. Little: Idaho Legislature to make ‘significant’ budget decisions in 2026 legislative session • Idaho Capital Sun
Facing a budget deficit, Idaho lawmakers will "significant" decisions to make in 2026, Gov. Brad Little said in an AARP town hall.
idahocapitalsun.com
November 25, 2025 at 12:38 AM
The dispute between the Trump administration and the Associated Press erupted earlier this year after the wire service refused to use the term Gulf of America, designated by Trump, for the body of water the AP continued to call the Gulf of Mexico.
Press access to Oval Office argued in case involving Trump and wire service • Idaho Capital Sun
A three-judge federal appeals panel grilled lawyers in a case that could overhaul press access to the Oval Office and Air Force One.
idahocapitalsun.com
November 24, 2025 at 11:37 PM
The dispute between the Trump administration and the Associated Press erupted earlier this year after the wire service refused to use the term Gulf of America, designated by Trump, for the body of water the AP continued to call the Gulf of Mexico.
“This is critical care — without their medication, these patients pose a serious threat of harm to themselves or others,” attorneys for the clinics wrote.
Idaho mental health clinics sue state over Medicaid contractor’s cuts • Idaho Capital Sun
Clinics sue to stop plans by an Idaho Medicaid contractor, Magellan, to cut a critical service for people with severe mental illness
idahocapitalsun.com
November 24, 2025 at 11:30 PM
“This is critical care — without their medication, these patients pose a serious threat of harm to themselves or others,” attorneys for the clinics wrote.
One issue of particular importance to Western states is the proliferation of data centers used to drive the artificial intelligence industry, and the unprecedented energy demands that have come with them.
Western governors meet with Trump officials on water, energy, Medicaid cuts • Idaho Capital Sun
The WGA featured three panel sessions on issues impacting Western states: data center energy demands, the upcoming reauthorization of the farm bill and the growing need for broadband internet in rural...
idahocapitalsun.com
November 24, 2025 at 6:04 PM
One issue of particular importance to Western states is the proliferation of data centers used to drive the artificial intelligence industry, and the unprecedented energy demands that have come with them.
The new report also shows that wealthy Idahoans in the top 1% of earners – those with an annual income of $738,300 and above – benefited the most from the income tax cuts. #idleg #idpol
New report shows 5 years of Idaho income tax cuts have reduced state revenue by $4 billion • Idaho Capital Sun
A new report shows the Idaho Legislature reduced state revenue by a combined $4 billion through five income tax cuts passed since 2021.
idahocapitalsun.com
November 24, 2025 at 4:31 PM
According to a joint “Who Owns America” report, nearly 9% of residential parcels in 500 U.S. counties are owned by a corporation. The concentrations exceed 20% in some cities, including St. Louis, Missouri; Harrisonburg, Virginia; and Franklin, Ohio.
Corporate investment in residential housing may be another hurdle for first-time buyers • Idaho Capital Sun
As corporate ownership of residential property rises, researchers warn the trend has complicated the housing market for first-time buyers.
idahocapitalsun.com
November 24, 2025 at 3:52 PM
According to a joint “Who Owns America” report, nearly 9% of residential parcels in 500 U.S. counties are owned by a corporation. The concentrations exceed 20% in some cities, including St. Louis, Missouri; Harrisonburg, Virginia; and Franklin, Ohio.
The Homedale food pantry, located on Colorado Avenue, was closed in early November, amid spiking demand at Idaho food banks because of a pause on federal food assistance during the federal government shutdown.
Homedale food pantry, social service provider closes amid federal funding uncertainty • Idaho Capital Sun
An Idaho nonprofit, amid a grant shortfall and volatility with federal money, recently closed its Homedale food pantry.
idahocapitalsun.com
November 24, 2025 at 2:44 PM
The Homedale food pantry, located on Colorado Avenue, was closed in early November, amid spiking demand at Idaho food banks because of a pause on federal food assistance during the federal government shutdown.
Greene said in her speech that her goal was to hold the Republican party accountable and put “America first.”
“I look forward to seeing many of you again sometime in the future,” she said and signed off with a smile.
“I look forward to seeing many of you again sometime in the future,” she said and signed off with a smile.
Georgia Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene says she will resign in January • Idaho Capital Sun
U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene from Georgia, a Republican, announced her plans to resign from Congress in an unexpected video message.
idahocapitalsun.com
November 23, 2025 at 4:49 PM
Greene said in her speech that her goal was to hold the Republican party accountable and put “America first.”
“I look forward to seeing many of you again sometime in the future,” she said and signed off with a smile.
“I look forward to seeing many of you again sometime in the future,” she said and signed off with a smile.
Idahoans may weigh in on the state’s transition to managing Medicaid through a private, third-party company.
Idaho seeking input on shift of Medicaid to managed care organizations • Idaho Capital Sun
Idahoans may weigh in on the state’s transition to managing Medicaid through a private, third-party managed care organization.
idahocapitalsun.com
November 21, 2025 at 11:07 PM
Idahoans may weigh in on the state’s transition to managing Medicaid through a private, third-party company.
To ease labor shortages on farms and ranches, the Trump administration made changes to the federal H-2A visa program, which allows employers to hire foreign workers for temporary agricultural jobs when there aren’t enough U.S.-born workers available.
Trump allows more foreign ag workers, eases off ICE raids on farms • Idaho Capital Sun
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in recent months appears to be refraining from conducting agricultural workplace raids.
idahocapitalsun.com
November 21, 2025 at 8:34 PM
To ease labor shortages on farms and ranches, the Trump administration made changes to the federal H-2A visa program, which allows employers to hire foreign workers for temporary agricultural jobs when there aren’t enough U.S.-born workers available.
COMMENTARY | About 98.2% of Idaho is designated as a Primary Care Health Professional Shortage Area, affecting 57.8% of the state’s population, writes guest columnist Toni Lawson.
Our rural hospitals are bracing for state, federal health care cuts. Let's support and protect them. • Idaho Capital Sun
98.2% of Idaho is designated as a Primary Care Health Professional Shortage Area, affecting 57.8% of the state’s population, writesToni Lawson.
idahocapitalsun.com
November 21, 2025 at 6:06 PM
COMMENTARY | About 98.2% of Idaho is designated as a Primary Care Health Professional Shortage Area, affecting 57.8% of the state’s population, writes guest columnist Toni Lawson.
Most of the proposals were unanimously approved by task force members, except for the vote to propose elimination of the Idaho Honey Commission. #idleg #idpol
Idaho DOGE Task Force advances proposal to merge or eliminate 6 state entities • Idaho Capital Sun
Idaho's DOGE Task Force moved forward proposals to eliminate or merge six state entities with estimated savings of just over $300,000 a year.
idahocapitalsun.com
November 21, 2025 at 5:02 PM
The private company that runs Idaho Medicaid’s mental health benefits is planning to cut critical services for people with severe mental illness. Mental health providers worry the cuts could spur more violent critical incidents as people lose accessible treatment.
Idaho Medicaid contractor to cut critical services for people with severe mental illness • Idaho Capital Sun
The cuts by Magellan, which runs Idaho Medicaid mental health benefits, stem from the Idaho's attempts to avoid a projected budget shortfall.
idahocapitalsun.com
November 21, 2025 at 3:58 PM
The private company that runs Idaho Medicaid’s mental health benefits is planning to cut critical services for people with severe mental illness. Mental health providers worry the cuts could spur more violent critical incidents as people lose accessible treatment.
Officials with the Idaho State Department of Agriculture are strongly recommending cancelling upcoming horse events and temporarily pausing all equine transports following the outbreak of a neurological disease in other states that has been linked to competition events in Texas and Oklahoma.
Horse virus outbreak in other states prompts warning from Idaho state officials • Idaho Capital Sun
Idaho does not have any confirmed cases of the disease at this time, but state officials warned the virus is very contagious among horses.
idahocapitalsun.com
November 20, 2025 at 11:12 PM
Officials with the Idaho State Department of Agriculture are strongly recommending cancelling upcoming horse events and temporarily pausing all equine transports following the outbreak of a neurological disease in other states that has been linked to competition events in Texas and Oklahoma.