By Christina Lords | Editor-in-Chief
“I’m speaking to roomfuls of Republicans who are just tired of the Idaho GOP, and they’re ready for something new. And I think they’re really excited about what we’re talking about in this campaign. There’s a lot of angry Republicans in Idaho right now.” - Todd Achilles, independent candidate for U.S. Senate
“I am always ranked as one of the most conservative U.S. senators, sometimes the most conservative U.S. senator. And that's because I consistently deliver a conservative vote, and as a result of that, they send me back to office every time because I do what I say I'm going to do. And man, have they got a clear choice to make this time.” – U.S. Sen. Jim Risch, Republican candidate for U.S. Senate
Independent candidate Todd Achilles, left, and incumbent Republican U.S. Sen. Jim Risch. (photos courtesy of the candidates)
ELECTION 2026
Risch v. Achilles may be Idaho’s most active US Senate race in years. Here’s where they stand.
By Laura Guido
Idaho Republican U.S. Sen. Jim Risch, 83, has been in his position for nearly 20 years. In reliably red Idaho, he has won his previous general election contests by comfortable margins.
His independent challenger, former Boise Democratic state legislator Todd Achilles, 58, has raised nearly $700,000 this year and is arguing that he presents the alternative for people who aren’t happy with either party.
Firefighters work under an orange sky at the Rowe Creek Complex Fire in Oregon in late July. (Photo by Brett Deedon/Oregon State Fire Marshal)
ENVIRONMENT
Wildfire veterans fear federal tactics, extreme fires could put crews at risk
By Alex Brown
Leading up to this year’s fire season, federal officials with the U.S. Forest Service and the Interior Department directed their wildfire crews to use a “full suppression” strategy and attack wildfires urgently. Following a hot, dry winter that left much of the West parched, federal land managers said it was imperative to contain fires quickly before they get out of control.
But following several dangerous incidents, including the deaths of four federal firefighters in Colorado in June, some longtime wildland fire leaders are questioning that strategy. Many see it as a return to the Forest Service’s decades-old “10 a.m.” policy, which sought to suppress all fires by the morning after they were reported.
The state’s population boom has increased competition for Idaho’s available homes, and that competition — coupled with rising costs — has made Idaho the second-least affordable housing market in the country, according to the National Association of REALTORS. (Photo by Otto Kitsinger for the Idaho Capital Sun)
COMMENTARY
From Idaho pockets to progress: Introducing Gem State’s Housing Network Call
By Hollie Conde
If you’re already working to solve the state’s housing affordability crisis, or you’re ready to start, this is where you can join in, writes guest columnist Hollie Conde.
MORE IDAHO NEWS FROM US
Idaho Judicial Branch launches court records search tool | Abigail Gerstein
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
Bingham News Chronicle: Blackfoot joins Idaho Falls in outlawing sale of kratom
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