By Christina Lords | Editor-in-Chief
“It used to make headlines when people weren’t willing to debate, because the expectation was that candidates would participate.” - Idaho Press Club President and Idaho Reports host Melissa Davlin
From left to right: Coeur d’Alene attorney Arthur “Art” Macomber, former Idaho Congressman Raúl Labrador and incumbent Idaho Attorney General Lawrence Wasden debate on Idaho Public Television on April 19, 2022. (Photo by Aaron Kunz/Idaho Public Television)
ELECTION 2026
Where are the debates? Idaho incumbents largely forgo debates and forums this year.
By Laura Guido
There’s a growing national trend of candidates from both major parties declining debates. Of the 35 U.S. Senate seats up for election this year, 21 of them, including Idaho’s, had no debate between the major candidates, ABC News reported. Similarly, of the 36 governors up for election, 21 of those races had no debate scheduled between two major-party candidates.
Crews work on historic renovation projects at Minidoka National Historic Site near Jerome on Oct. 21, 2026. (Photo by Clark Corbin/Idaho Capital Sun)
GOVERNMENT + POLITICS
Restoration projects underway at Idaho’s Minidoka National Historic Site
By Clark Corbin
More than $5 million worth restoration projects and forthcoming interpretive exhibits are being designed to preserve the history and lessons from southern Idaho’s Minidoka National Historic Site.
Instructor Jeff Karnes teaches plumbing construction techniques at St. Philip’s College in San Antonio, Texas, in September 2026. A shortage of skilled workers is one reason housing construction is down. (Photo courtesy of St. Philip’s College)
GROWTH + AFFORDIBILITY
New home completions are stuck at 2020 levels
By Tim Henderson
Single-family home completions fell in every region, especially in the Northeast (-17%) and South (-15%).
Builders of single-family homes are stymied by rising mortgage rates, costs for energy and materials, and worsening labor supply, according to an October survey by the National Association of Home Builders.
MORE IDAHO NEWS FROM US
MORE REGIONAL AND NATIONAL 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
Boise State Public Radio: Idaho Health and Welfare director to step down by end of 2026
New York Times Magazine: When Idaho banned abortion, OB-GYNs fled. The doctors who stayed are cracking.
Moscow-Pullman Daily News: Auditor candidates want Latah County to be more efficient
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