By Christina Lords | Editor-in-Chief
“Modernizing our grid will show that we can continue to increase economic competition, ensure energy security, and mitigate environmental hazards.” - Utah Republican Gov. Spencer Cox
Govs. Brad Little of Idaho, Mark Gordon of Wyoming, Michelle Lujan Grisham of New Mexico, Spencer Cox of Utah, Josh Green of Hawaii, Jared Polis of Colorado and Joe Lombardo of Nevada stand together during a news conference in Park City, Utah on June 30, 2026. (Photo by Alixel Cabrera/Utah News Dispatch)
GOVERNMENT + POLITICS
Western governors establish multi-state task force to update the region’s transmission lines
By Alixel Cabrera
A bipartisan group of 11 Western governors signed a letter endorsing the establishment of a multi-state task force to develop a study and action plan to update the region’s energy grid.
The effort was announced Tuesday in Park City during the last days of Utah Republican Gov. Spencer Cox’s tenure as chair of the Western Governors Association in which he pushed an “energy superabundance” agenda.
David Hahn, the sole finalist in Boise State University’s president search, speaks early at a State Board of Education meeting on June 16, 2026, at Boise State. (Photo by Kaeden Lincoln/EdNews)
EDUCATION
‘I can’t wait to get going:’ David Hahn hired as Boise State University president
By Kevin Richert
As expected, the State Board hired David Hahn as Boise State’s eighth president in a unanimous voice vote Wednesday afternoon.
Hahn’s hire came 15 days — and 10 working days — after the State Board named the University of Arizona College of Engineering dean the sole finalist for the job. Hahn is the only person who has been publicly linked to the vacancy at the state’s largest university.
Hundreds gathered outside the U.S. Supreme Court on Oct. 15, 2025, to protest Louisiana v. Callais, a case that fundamentally changed the Voting Rights Act. (Photo by Ashley Murray/States Newsroom)
COMMENTARY
Voting rights were a Republican thing, but with SAVE Act, they’re now in the GOP’s rearview mirror
By Jim Jones
Our elected officials should stand up and speak out for Idaho voters and constitutional government. If they can’t find the courage to do so, they should step aside, writes guest columnist Jim Jones.
MORE REGIONAL AND NATIONAL NEWS FROM US
Work zone speed camera fines in Washington rise to $125 on July 1 | Jake Goldstein-Street
States gird for new Medicaid ‘medically frail’ rule | Shalina Chatlani
ICYMI
Shining a light on other Idaho politics reporting
Note: Some links may lead to stories behind a news organization's paywall
East Idaho News: Pocatello City Council to hear AI data center appeal
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