By Christina Lords | Editor-in-Chief
“At these levels, everyone should be taking precautions to limit smoke exposure.” - Idaho Department of Environmental Quality Smoke Management Supervisor Tami Aslett
The National Weather Service in Boise provides smoke forecast resources, including smoke maps, to the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality. (Map courtesy of the National Weather Service)
ENVIRONMENT
Unhealthy air from wildfires could linger in Boise. Here are trusted air quality tools in Idaho.
By Clark Corbin
In response to the air quality, the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality issued air quality advisories for 35 of Idaho’s 44 counties, including Ada, Canyon, Boise and Blaine counties.
From left, incumbent Republican U.S. Sen. Jim Risch, Democrat David Roth, and independent Todd Achilles.
ELECTION 2026
Idaho Democrat David Roth ends campaign for US Senate seat held by Risch
By Laura Guido
Idaho Democrat David Roth announced Tuesday he is ending his campaign for U.S. Senate.
The candidate had faced pressure from some prominent Democrats to drop out and rally behind independent candidate Todd Achilles. However, Roth had previously told the Idaho Capital Sun he had no intention of supporting Achilles.
U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright (right) and U.S. Rep. Mike Simpson, R-Idaho, visited Idaho National Laboratory on Dec. 8, 2025, to tour the Advanced Test Reactor and several facilities at the Materials and Fuels Complex to highlight the Trump administration’s nuclear energy expansion goals. (Photo courtesy of U.S. Rep. Mike Simpson)
ENERGY
Idaho selected as potential host site for new DOE Nuclear Lifestyle Innovation Campus
By Clark Corbin
Idaho is one of five states selected by the U.S. Department of Energy as a potential host site for new Nuclear Lifestyle Innovation Campuses, federal officials announced Tuesday.
An employee at Cubby’s Childcare Center in Bridgeport, West Virginia, plays with two infants in July. A bipartisan group of state lawmakers say it’s time to rethink the nation’s fragile childcare system. (Photo by Amelia Ferrell Knisely/West Virginia Watch)
GOVERNMENT + POLITICS
State lawmakers of both parties say it’s time to rethink America’s fragile childcare system
By Kevin Hardy
Lawmakers underscored the persisting challenge with childcare that costs families too much and pays providers too little. That has led to vast access gaps in many parts of the country as demand for childcare far outstrips supply.
“Every state is experiencing a childcare crisis,” said Jenna Bannon, associate director in the Children and Families Program of the National Conference of State Legislatures.
MORE REGIONAL AND NATIONAL NEWS FROM US
Washington says goodbye to South Carolina US Sen. Lindsey Graham | Ashley Murray
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: Anti-abortion group raises more than $1 million to fight Idaho initiative
Coeur d’Alene Press: Coeur d’Alene projects budget deficit
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