Risch says campaign rumors are false + Prediction markets spend millions to influence government + Trump walks away from disability rights enforcement

By Christina Lords | Editor-in-Chief

“This rumor is completely false. Jim Risch is leading in the polls. He is running an aggressive campaign. He will be victorious on November 3.” - U.S. Sen. Jim Risch’s campaign manager Marc Kilmer

Bonneville County residents cast their votes during the May 21, 2024, primary election at The Waterfront Event Center in Idaho Falls, Idaho. (Photo by Pat Sutphin for the Idaho Capital Sun)

ELECTION 2026

Risch campaign says rumors of using 1917 Idaho law to avoid Senate election are ‘completely false’

By Laura Guido

As the Nov. 3 general election nears, rumors have cropped up that a never-used, 1917 Idaho state law could be used to circumvent the race for U.S. Senate.

The campaign for incumbent Republican U.S. Sen. Jim Risch strongly denied these rumors.

Online prediction markets such as Kalshi and Polymarket are attracting scrutiny from state lawmakers, who argue the platforms are undermining state gambling regulations. (Photo by Alyssa Chen/Minnesota Reformer)

ELECTION 2026

Prediction markets spend millions to influence state, federal governments

By Kevin Hardy

Kalshi, Polymarket and the Coalition for Prediction Markets have spent at least $3 million this year on lobbying and campaign contributions across the federal and state levels, according to a new report from the government watchdog group OpenSecrets.

Disability rights advocates rally at the Missouri State Capitol to protest the state’s participation in a lawsuit that began as an effort to block protections for transgender people but ended in a rollback of protections for people with disabilities. Missouri eventually withdrew from the suit, but five Republican-led states did not. (Photo by Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)

GOVERNMENT + POLITICS

After states sue, Trump administration walks away from disability rights enforcement

By Anna Claire Vollers

A court battle that began when conservative-led states sued to block protections for transgender people has ended in a rollback of protections for people with disabilities — a result disability advocates have feared for months.

At the end of August, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services joined the handful of conservative-led states suing it, and asked a court to strike language from a federal disability-rights regulation that directed states to prioritize serving disabled people in their communities rather than in nursing homes or institutions.

Last week the judge did so, ending the case, Texas v. Kennedy, by removing all mentions of community integration from the regulation that implements a piece of landmark federal disability law known as Section 504.

MORE REGIONAL AND NATIONAL NEWS FROM US

Hiring slows in September with job growth of 29K | Tim Henderson

ICYMI: OUR TOP STORIES OF THE WEEK

Idaho US Senate candidates weigh in on tariffs, Iran War, federal spending and more | Laura Guido
In warning letter, VP Vance says Dems are ‘prepared to pour millions’ into Idaho to flip Risch seat | Laura Guido
Grand jury indicted ex-Idaho health official on felony misuse of funds. Prosecutor dropped the case. | Kyle Pfannenstiel
Idaho Republicans hold fundraising lead over Democrats in every statewide general election race | Clark Corbin
Boise Democrat tops list of Idaho legislative candidates who have raised the most for 2026 campaign | Clark Corbin
Idaho treasurer candidates have differing state investment mindsets | Laura Guido
Former Republican Idaho attorneys general endorse Democrat in attempt to unseat Raúl Labrador | Kyle Pfannenstiel
Federal judge upholds Idaho law that bans vaccine, medical treatment requirements in daycares | Kyle Pfannenstiel
State legislators make the case for a Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus in Idaho | Clark Corbin
Some Idaho officials say proposed nuclear waste shipments could threaten Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer | Clark Corbin
Data centers proposed on federal land in eastern Oregon, Idaho and other Western states | Alex Baumhardt

ICYMI

Shining a light on other Idaho politics reporting

Note: Some links may lead to stories behind a news organization's paywall

Associated Press: MLB won’t consider game at Grand Teton National Park, says was only conducting initial due diligence
Idaho EdNews: Two PACs with East and West coast money spend in Idaho legislative races
Idaho Press: Nampa’s deep cuts to public transit funding take effect
Shoshone News-Press: Election complaints filed against two Shoshone County candidates
Valley Lookout: ‘We need more information’: Valley County to consider impact fees

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