Federal trial starts for Idaho doctor seeking medical exemptions to abortion ban + What the primary election results mean for immigration bills in the Legislature

By Christina Lords | Editor-in-Chief

The James A. McClure Federal Building in Boise is the largest of Idaho’s federal courthouses. (Otto Kitsinger for Idaho Capital Sun)

ABORTION POLICY

Federal trial starts for Idaho doctor seeking medical exemptions to abortion ban

By Kyle Pfannenstiel

Since Idaho’s abortion bans took effect almost four years ago, an Idaho doctor says he’s had to send patients out of state for medically necessary abortions for a range of pregnancy complications under which he used to be able to provide abortions.

Dr. Stacy Seyb, who treats high-risk pregnancies as a maternal fetal medicine specialist, answered questions under oath on the first trial day of his federal lawsuit seeking medical exceptions to Idaho’s near-total abortion ban. The lawsuit is one of several that have challenged Idaho’s abortion ban.

An Immigration and Customs Enforcement ICE officer’s badge and weapon are seen in Washington, D.C., on August 30, 2025. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

IMMIGRATION

Immigration enforcement was a top issue for candidates in Idaho’s May primary election

By Laura Guido

The state’s role in immigration enforcement was a dividing issue among many Republican primary opponents in several legislative races for Idaho’s May 19 primary election.

And after a slate of bills dealing with immigration enforcement stalled during the 2026 legislative session, some results might be key for future proposals.

The exterior of the Idaho Supreme Court building in Boise as seen on Jan. 14, 2026. (Photo by Pat Sutphin for the Idaho Capital Sun)

COURTS + POLICING

Idaho Supreme Court to hear cases in Rexburg, Twin Falls this week

By Clark Corbin

The Idaho Supreme Court is traveling this week to hear cases in Rexburg and Twin Falls, Idaho Judicial Branch officials announced Monday.

Although the Idaho Supreme Court is based in the capital city of Boise, the Idaho Constitution requires the court to travel to hear cases in other parts of the state.

MORE REGIONAL AND NATIONAL NEWS FROM US

Groups sue to stop logging in Flathead National Forest | Jordan Hansen
DoD tweaks organized religion list after complaints of Latter-day Saints snub | Ashley Murray
Trump administration $100,000 visa fee for highly skilled foreign workers struck down | Ariana Figueroa
High-potency cannabis fuels state debates over psychosis and addiction risks | Amanda Watford

ICYMI

Shining a light on other Idaho politics reporting

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

Idaho EdNews: ‘A painful reality’: School closures follow shrinking enrollment across the country
Idaho News 6: Nampa City Council votes to appoint Darl Bruner as the new Mayor
Idaho Press: City of Caldwell denies chief of police’s claims, prepared to defend in court
Idaho State Journal: Police: US 9th Circuit judge faces battery charge after parking lot confrontation turns physical in Idaho Falls
KTVB: Conservation groups file appeal against Stibnite Gold Project in central Idaho
Local News 8: Idaho has the highest state grocery tax in the country: why?

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