Candidates for governor take questions — without Little + Water bills spike + Column: Hold legislators accountable on Medicaid promises

By Christina Lords | Editor-in-Chief

Idaho gubernatorial candidates Terri Pickens, center, and John Stegner, right, participate in a candidate forum Oct. 6, 2026, at South Junior High in Boise. (Photo by Clark Corbin/Idaho Capital Sun)

ELECTION 2026

Pickens, Stegner pledge policy changes in Idaho gubernatorial candidate forum

By Clark Corbin

Democrat Terri Pickens and independent John Stegner pledged during a gubernatorial candidate forum Tuesday night to undo many of incumbent Gov. Brad Little’s policies if they are elected Nov. 3.

Little, a Republican, did not attend the gubernatorial candidate forum, though he was invited.

Household water bills are increasing faster than inflation and income, according to a new analysis by the nonprofit Food and Water Watch. (Photo by Sarah Ladd/Kentucky Lantern)

GROWTH + AFFORDABILITY

Americans’ water bills are growing faster than groceries, overall inflation

By Kevin Hardy

The environmental advocacy nonprofit Food and Water Watch analyzed water bill data among the nation’s 500 largest community water providers. Those systems serve a collective 155 million people — nearly half the nation’s population.

Between 2015 and 2025, water bills increased by 62% on average across those water providers.

Hundreds of Idahoans gathered in the rotunda of the Idaho Capitol on Jan. 12, 2026, to protest proposed cuts to the state’s Medicaid program. (Photo by Christina Lords/Idaho Capital Sun)

COMMENTARY

Legislators said eligible Idahoans won’t lose care over work requirements. Let’s hold them to that.

By Randy Johnson

Administrative red tape should not become another obstacle between a cancer patient and the care they need, writes guest columnist Randy Johnson.

MORE FROM US

2026 general election voter guide: The candidates, the ballot measures, and the tools you need to cast your vote. | Idaho Capital Sun staff

MORE REGIONAL AND NATIONAL NEWS FROM US

Nonprofit recruits volunteers to help track wildlife impacted by Oregon’s roads | Mia Maldonado
Researchers say they’re getting closer to answers on Great Salt Lake dust | Annie Knox
With election pressure mounting, states move to suspend fuel taxes | Alex Brown
Democrats could win majority of governor’s offices for first time in 16 years | Kevin Hardy

ICYMI

Shining a light on other Idaho politics reporting

Note: Some links may lead to stories behind a news organization's paywall

Bonner County Daily Bee: Marina expansion appeal continued to review late public comment
Idaho EdNews: Idaho House Speaker Mike Moyle PAC supports Republican incumbents
Idaho Press: City of Boise wants Ridge to Rivers Trail System feedback
Lewiston Tribune: Lewiston City Council hears presentation on license plate readers
Local News 8: Prop 1 and U.S. Senate candidate Todd Achilles featured at Rexburg voter forum
Post Register: Ballot measures focus of 'Constitutional Conversations' in Idaho Falls on Wednesday

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