By Christina Lords | Editor-in-Chief
The Idaho State Capitol Building in Boise shines in the sunlight on Jan. 7, 2025. (Pat Sutphin for the Idaho Capital Sun)
ELECTION 2026
Idaho legislators approve language for ballot measures on marijuana, English as official language
By Clark Corbin
Members of the Idaho Legislature’s Legislative Council on Thursday approved the language that will be used to describe two proposed amendments to the Idaho Constitution that will go before voters during the November general election.
The Legislative Council is a powerful group of Republican and Democratic leaders of the Idaho Legislature that is responsible for overseeing the management responsibilities of the Legislature.
Congressman Russ Fulcher, R-Idaho (Photo courtesy of Russ Fulcher’s official website)
GOVERNMENT + POLITICS
Idaho Congressman Fulcher talks Iran War, public land management in phone town hall
By Laura Guido
Idaho Republican U.S. Rep. Russ Fulcher on Wednesday fielded questions about the war with Iran and his support of transferring management of public lands.
Fulcher, asked about his previous support for exploring the potential transfer of federal public land management to state and local control, said he only supports more local involvement not “transferring title.” Nearly two-thirds of Idaho’s landmass is federal public lands.
Pocatello can be seen in the background from Idaho State University’s Red Hill. (Photo by Christina Lords/Idaho Capital Sun)
COMMENTARY
Idaho State University’s contract for our state: We’re investing in, preparing next generation
By Robert Wagner
With hard work and commitment, we are building the future of Idaho together, writes guest columnist Robert Wagner.
A memorial honoring San Carlos Apache teen Emily Pike can be seen at the intersection of Mesa Drive and McKellips Road in Mesa, Ariz., the location where she was last seen in January 2025. Arizona and several other states have enacted child protection measures after high-profile deaths. (Photo by Shondiin Silversmith/Arizona Mirror)
HEALTH
High-profile child deaths spark push for welfare agency transparency
By Robbie Sequeira
Idaho is among several states that have enacted or considered laws this year to increase reporting and oversight of child neglect and abuse.
Some of the new laws came after high-profile deaths or abuse cases, with lawmakers citing warning signs such as repeated visits from child services or complaints about unsafe family dynamics. The issue often draws support — even unanimously — across party lines.
MORE NATIONAL NEWS FROM US
US Senate launches marathon session to pass nearly $70B for ICE, Border Patrol | Jennifer Shutt and Ariana Figueroa
First-time homebuyers face hurdles despite gradual improvement | Tim Henderson
Trump picks acting AG Blanche to stay on full time | Ashley Murray
MORE REGIONAL NEWS FROM US
ICYMI
Shining a light on other Idaho politics reporting
Note: Some links may lead to stories behind a news organization's paywall
Idaho EdNews: Pocatello considers 4-day week, then hits pause
Sandpoint Reader: Bonner GOP unseats Clark Fork committeeman citing residency challenge
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