Gen Z voters consider abortion initiatives + Idaho Liberty Bell to be rededicated + Data center investments draw concern

By Christina Lords | Editor-in-Chief

“It’s not like everybody’s going out and getting abortions 24/7, but everybody is trying to find a home,” - Cade Syvock, Boise State University senior and president of BSU’s chapter of the conservative group Turning Point USA.

A volunteer helps a young person fill out a form on National Voter Registration Day in 2025. For some young voters, abortion remains a defining issue, but for many others it ranks behind more immediate economic concerns. (Photo courtesy of Alliance for Youth Action)

ELECTION 2026

2 states, 2 abortion ballot measures, and the effort to win over Gen Z voters

By Kelcie Moseley-Morris and Anna Spoerre

In Idaho and Missouri, where voters will decide the future of abortion access on Nov. 3, campaigns are trying to reach a generation dealing with rising living costs and skepticism toward politics. For some young voters, abortion remains a defining issue. But for many others, it ranks behind more immediate economic concerns.

Idaho’s Liberty Bell replica is displayed outside the Idaho State Capitol in Boise as part of the America 250 celebrations on July 4, 2026. (Photo by Abigail Gerstein/Idaho Capital Sun)

GOVERNMENT + POLITICS

Idaho’s refurbished Liberty Bell replica to be rededicated Nov. 23

By Clark Corbin

Idaho’s newly refurbished replica of the Liberty Bell will be rededicated Nov. 23 during ceremonies at the Idaho State Capitol in Boise, Idaho State Historical Society Executive Director Janet Gallimore said Thursday.

Work continues on the new QTS data center in Eagle Mountain, Utah, on April 17, 2026. Today’s data center buildout has become the largest industrial boom since the railroad era of the 19th century, with $10 trillion in investment and almost twice the economic impact. (Photo by Spenser Heaps for Utah News Dispatch)

GROWTH + AFFORDABILITY

Data centers are now the largest financial bet in US history

By Tim Henderson

The sheer size of investment in data centers is drawing concern as it surpasses all other historical booms and crowds out other more job-creating ventures.

MORE REGIONAL AND NATIONAL NEWS FROM US

Immigrants from Ukraine, Sudan could soon lose protected status | Ariana Figueroa
Judge reopens lawsuits challenging cuts of Bears Ears, Grand-Staircase | Annie Knox

ICYMI: OUR TOP STORIES OF THE WEEK

PACs for and against Prop 1 raise more than $2.5 million in the last two weeks | Laura Guido
In race for Idaho attorney general, a Democrat is trying to unseat a long-time Republican official | Kyle Pfannenstiel
Senior adviser from Idaho Gov. Little’s campaign reportedly advised pro-Russian government | Clark Corbin
Idaho’s top officials keep getting these common election questions. Here’s the answers to your FAQs. | Laura Guido
Idaho state controller’s race: Former state evaluator challenges GOP incumbent in general election | Clark Corbin
Powered by spikes in energy prices, inflation surges to 3.7% | Tim Henderson
More than 80% wildfires on Idaho state land caused by humans this year | Clark Corbin
Idaho’s invasive quagga mussel population is ‘very small,’ state director says | Clark Corbin
Voting rights groups say Idaho laws from 2023 create hurdles to register and vote | Clark Corbin
Ada County voters can hear from county commission, highway district candidates in upcoming forums | Christina Lords
Idaho lawmakers tee up bill to reform prior authorization, and more health insurance issues | Kyle Pfannenstiel

ICYMI

Shining a light on other Idaho politics reporting

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

BoiseDev: With growth coming, water, power, and other resources a big question in Boise-Mountain Home corridor
Coeur d’Alene Press: Spirit Lake Fire Protection District seeking permanent levy
Idaho EdNews: Moscow’s unusual school levy draws support, skepticism
Idaho Press: Vallivue School District seeks renewal of 10-year plant facilities levy
Local News 8: Your Health Idaho open enrollment begins

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