By Christina Lords | Editor-in-Chief
“I said from the very beginning that it would end up at the Supreme Court, and when it did, I was privileged enough to sit in that courtroom and listen. I expected my legislation, and thus Title IX, to be upheld as it should be.” - Idaho state Rep. Barbara Ehardt, who sponsored Idaho’s state law that bans transgender athletes from competing on women’s and girls’ sports teams
The U.S. Supreme Court as seen on Oct. 29, 2024. (Photo by Jane Norman/States Newsroom)
COURTS + POLICING
US Supreme Court upholds transgender athlete bans in Idaho, West Virginia
By Jacob Fischler and Shauneen Miranda
The nation’s highest court found, 6-3, that the bans in Idaho and West Virginia do not violate the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment — a key question in both cases before the court.
Songwriter Josh Ritter is set to headline Idaho's America 250 free concert on July 4, 2026. (Photo by Moonloop Photography LLC/ Brilliant Corners Artist Management)
LIVING
‘Still an evolving experiment’: Josh Ritter reflects on Idaho ties, hints at July 4 performance
By Valentine Termite
At 19, Joshua Ritter, born in Moscow to parents Robert and Sue, left the state to pursue his education and music career in Ohio. More than 30 years, 13 albums and two novels later, Ritter is back in Idaho to headline America’s 250-year celebration.
The folk singer/songwriter, announced as a headliner by the America250 in Idaho Advisory Council in May, now prepares for an occasion he told the Idaho Capital Sun in an interview will be personal and impactful. Above all, he said the event creates an opportunity to bring people together in “fraught times.”
Michael Boren of Idaho testifies during his confirmation hearing at the Russell Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill on June 3, 2025, in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)
COURTS + POLICING
Idaho judge dismisses defamation suit brought by Michael Boren over ‘neglect’ of case
By Laura Guido
A Custer County judge dismissed a defamation lawsuit brought by U.S. Department of Agriculture Under Secretary and Idaho businessman Michael Boren against critics of Boren’s private airstrip near Stanley.
MORE REGIONAL FROM US
Bison injures Yellowstone National Park tourist | Daily Montanan staff
Oregon’s minimum wage rises 50 cents per hour this week | Alex Baumhardt
MORE NATIONAL NEWS FROM US
US Supreme Court upholds birthright citizenship, rejecting Trump order | Ariana Figueroa
Sheehy, Padilla look to secure hazard pay for prescribed burns | Jordan Hansen
ICYMI
Shining a light on other Idaho politics reporting
Note: Some links may lead to stories behind a news organization's paywall
Coeur d’Alene Press: City, residents debate how to muffle downtown noise
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