By Christina Lords | Editor-in-Chief
“We get a lot of comments from people saying that they would like to see broader passenger rail come back. Even though we haven’t specifically asked about that, people are still telling us, so I know it has a lot of public support.” — Community Planning Association of Southwest Idaho Communication Team Lead Amy Luft
The Boise Train Depot, as captured on July 14, 2026. (Photo by Valentin Termite/Idaho Capital Sun)
TRANSPORTATION
As Boise pushes for new passenger rail study, could the state catch on?
By Valentin Termite
Idahoans used to the hustle and bustle of cars, long intercity highways and crowded 5 p.m. traffic may one day see alternatives to their commute, as the City of Boise received a grant June 28 to search for financing opportunities on an intercity passenger rail route.
The more than $500,000 grant, dispensed by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Innovative Finance and Asset Concession Program, gives the city funds to contract with financial advisers that could devise a revitalizing funding plan for passenger rail.
Idaho Gov. Brad Little, surrounded by friends and family, speaks to supporters at a May 19, 2026, primary election party at the Grove Hotel in Boise. (Photo by Kyle Pfannenstiel/Idaho Capital Sun)
GOVERNMENT + HOUSING
Idaho committee keeps governor housing stipend flat. But what about building a mansion?
By Kyle Pfannenstiel
One of just five states without an official residence for the governor, Idaho has for more than two decades paid governors a housing stipend.
The Governor’s Housing Committee, a panel of four state lawmakers and one state official that sets the stipend each year, voted Thursday to hold it flat at $4,551 each month, which is roughly $54,600 a year.
Corpus Commons is a home base where our staff builds genuine relationships with our guests over time, connecting them to resources that fit their unique situation. But it’s getting harder to build these relationships as three pressures converge into a perfect storm, writes guest columnist Jessica Abbott.
COMMENTARY
A perfect storm for Boise’s unsheltered neighbors — and how you can help
By Jessica Abbott
Criminalizing someone’s existence doesn’t address why they’re unsheltered; it only widens the gap between them and help, writes guest columnist Jessica Abbott.
MORE REGIONAL AND NATIONAL NEWS FROM US
US House panel approves $95B GOP-only budget blueprint | Jennifer Shutt
ICYMI
Shining a light on other Idaho politics reporting
Note: Some links may lead to stories behind a news organization's paywall
Boise State Public Radio: A new handbook offers guidance for those with loved ones on the fireline
Sandpoint Reader: School board unanimously votes to relocate alternative high school
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