SBA veterans center + Payette Lake land exchange + World Refugee Day

By Christina Lords | Editor-in-Chief

“Our nation’s service members represent the best of America. It is vital we ensure they have full access to the SBA resources designed to translate their military service into entrepreneurship.” -Idaho U.S. Sen. Jim Risch

U.S. Sen. Jim Risch speaks at a lying in state service for former Idaho Gov. Dirk Kempthorne at the Idaho State Capitol on May 15, 2026. (Photo by Kyle Pfannenstiel/Idaho Capital Sun)

GOVERNMENT + POLITICS

U.S. Small Business Administration 'actively working’ to create veterans resource center in Idaho

By Laura Guido

At the request of U.S. Sen. Jim Risch, the federal Small Business Administration is looking at establishing a new, Idaho-based office dedicated to supporting veterans, military members and their spouses.

Payette Lake in McCall is a popular place for Idahoans to swim, paddleboard, fish and go boating. (Photo by Christina Lords/Idaho Capital Sun)

ENVIRONMENT

Public meetings scheduled for potential land exchange near Idaho’s Payette Lake

By Clark Corbin

The proposed exchange involves up to 15,700 acres of state endowment land located around Payette Lake, a popular recreation and tourist destination in McCall.

Starbelly Dancers perform during a World Refugee Day celebration on June 19, 2025. (Photo by A.J. Jeske/Idaho Office for Refugees)

IMMIGRATION

Communities across Idaho will share stories of resilience to celebrate World Refugee Day

By Valentin Termite

Inaugurated 25 years ago, World Refugee Day helps bring attention to local refugee communities and their experiences resettling, Idaho Office for Refugees Communication Manager Holly Beech said in an interview with the Idaho Capital Sun..

MORE REGIONAL AND NATIONAL NEWS FROM US

Oregon governor declares state of emergency over wildfire threat | Alex Baumhardt
As Trump’s immigration dragnet grows, so do complaints of detention center conditions | Ariana Figueroa
US Education Department offers two-year trim on student loan interest rates | Shauneen Miranda

ICYMI

Shining a light on other Idaho politics reporting

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

KTVB: The journey of Idaho’s first Latino judge
Boise State Public Radio: In Idaho’s remote landscapes, AI powered cameras keep watch for wildfires
Idaho Press: 'Freedom Walk' planned in wake of Post Falls vote to remove Juneteenth as city holiday
Coeur d’Alene Press: Evacuation orders lifted as Gold Run Fire holds at 235 acres

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