Davis retires + State gun question will be on ballot + Achilles won't caucus with either party

By Christina Lords | Editor-in-Chief

“I am unable to overstate the privilege it has been to work with the dedicated and remarkable women and men of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.” - U.S. Attorney Bart Davis

U.S. Attorney for the District of Idaho Bart Davis in his Boise office. (Photo by Laura Guido/Idaho Capital Sun)

COURTS + POLICING

Idaho US Attorney Bart Davis announces retirement from Justice Department

By Clark Corbin

Idaho’s top-ranking federal law enforcement official, U.S. Attorney Bart Davis, announced his retirement Wednesday following a long, influential legal and political career in Idaho.

Voters cast their ballots during the May 19, 2026, primary election at The Waterfront in Idaho Falls. (Photo by Pat Sutphin for the Idaho Capital Sun)

ELECTION 2026

Idaho voters can help pick the state’s official gun in 2026 general election

By Kyle Pfannenstiel

If Idaho declared a state gun, the recognition would grow the list of officially declared state symbols, like the state flower, the syringa; the state gem, the star garnet; or the state amphibian, the Idaho giant salamander. Ten other states have declared state guns, according to the National Rifle Association, a prominent gun lobbying group.

Independent U.S. Senate candidate Todd Achilles, left, and Independent Leadership Council co-founder Adam Brandon speak about Achilles’ commitment to not caucus with either major party, to only serve two terms, hold public town halls and participate in debates if elected. (Photo by Laura Guido/Idaho Capital Sun)

ELECTION 2026

Independent US Senate candidate Todd Achilles says he won’t caucus with either political party

By Laura Guido

Achilles also committed to serve a maximum of two terms, hold town halls in each of Idaho’s 44 counties every two years, and to engage in public debates.

Today, as an OB-GYN, I’m not allowed to offer that same level of care to my patients. Since 2022, I have had to send patients out of state – resulting in delays of care, additional surgeries, blood transfusions, infections, and navigating care with strangers outside of their communities, writes guest columnist Melissa Arnold. (Photo by Getty Images)

COMMENTARY

Without enough women’s healthcare providers, we all feel the consequences of Idaho’s laws

By Melissa Arnold

Better and safer access to healthcare for the women in our state is crucial, writes guest columnist Melissa Arnold.

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

Trump auto-enrolls 10s of millions in child investment accounts | Ashley Murray
Documents show DHS probed nonprofits, obtained millions of records in hunt for noncitizen voters | Jonathan Shorman

ICYMI

Shining a light on other Idaho politics reporting

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

Coeur d’Alene Press: City Council prayer stays
Idaho EdNews: State superintendent candidates agree to debate next week
Idaho Press: HUD sends Boise $9 million to house people ‘exiting homelessness’
Local News 8: ‘When the river runs short:’ Legislator dives into water woes and solutions at CEI
Post Register: State AG Labrador discusses nuclear energy and more at Idaho Falls event

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