By Christina Lords | Editor-in-Chief
“By banning health-preserving abortion, Idaho attempts to deny this fundamental right on the basis that the threat of harm comes from a fetus, which depends on the woman for survival. But a pregnant woman’s health is not a state resource to be allocated at the legislature's whim. The Fourteenth Amendment exists precisely to prevent subjugation like this.” - U.S. District Court of Idaho Judge B. Lynn Winmill, in an 81-page decision that blocks officials from enforcing Idaho's criminal laws that prohibit providing abortions in narrow cases to protect the mother’s health
A federal judge in Idaho blocked the state’s attorney general and Ada County prosecutor from enforcing Idaho's abortion ban in cases where women face severe health risks or there's a high risk she may harm herself. (Photo by Getty Images)
COURTS + POLICING
Idaho judge ruling allows abortion if it protects mother’s health, prevents self-harm
By Laura Guido
Pregnant women may receive abortions in many cases if there are serious risks to their health or if there is a high risk of self-harm, a federal judge has ruled.
The decision, released Thursday, marks a major change to Idaho abortion ban’s exemptions. The judge determined U.S. constitutional protections under the Due Process and Equal Protection clauses of the 14th Amendment "establish a narrow but fundamental right to abortion when a pregnancy threatens the woman’s life or health.”
Idaho Democratic state Rep. Brooke Green, her toddler and baby at the Boise River in Boise, Idaho, on Aug. 6, 2026. Opposition to the two ways that Green had her children, IVF and surrogacy, is rising. (Photo by Otto Kitsinger for Stateline)
GOVERNMENT + POLITICS
More GOP party platforms include anti-IVF language. Is surrogacy next?
By Kelcie Moseley-Morris
In the past two years, Republicans in Idaho and four other states have added specific anti-IVF language to their state party platforms, and some anti-abortion groups, including Students for Life of America and Live Action, have become increasingly outspoken in their opposition to both IVF and surrogacy.
Idaho Supreme Court Justice Robyn Brody will become chief justice on Oct. 1, 2026. (Photo courtesy of Idaho Judicial Branch)
COURTS + POLICING
Justice Robyn Brody to become chief justice of Idaho Supreme Court
By Clark Corbin
“Idaho is a special place; the dedication and professionalism of our independent courts have helped make it so,” Brody said in a statement issued Thursday. “I am honored to serve our state in this way, and I am grateful for the trust of my fellow justices.”
Quanta Services crews building the Boardman to Hemingway transmission line repositioned their equipment to help crews fight wildfires along the Oregon-Idaho border. (Photo courtesy of Quanta Services)
ENVIRONMENT
Crews building transmission line use equipment to help fight wildfires near Oregon-Idaho order
By Clark Corbin
Working in partnership with Idaho Power, the crews and companies cleared land and cut access roads for firefighters and used aircraft to move equipment into the field.
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ICYMI
Shining a light on other Idaho politics reporting
Note: Some links may lead to stories behind a news organization's paywall
Local News 8: CEI celebrates opening of new Future Tech Building
Moscow-Pullman Daily News: Idaho State Police facing recruitment shortage in panhandle
Sandpoint Reader: School district refutes accusations by LPOHS Coalition
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