Simpson supports H-2A overhaul + Stegner launches run for governor + Column: Higher ed cuts hurt Idaho

By Christina Lords | Editor-in-Chief

“This is a tough challenge … any time you mention the word H-2A or immigration, anything like that, it creates controversy out there. This is something that’s needed, not just for agriculture but for the American people.” - Idaho Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Simpson

An employee walks behind cattle on an Idaho dairy farm in an undated photo. (Photo courtesy of Idaho Dairymen’s Association)

IMMIGRATION

Idaho U.S. Rep. Simpson supports overhaul of H-2A migrant farm worker program

By Laura Guido

Idaho Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Simpson recently signed on to a renewed attempt to overhaul the visa program for agricultural migrant workers.

The proposed legislation includes a change long-sought by Idaho’s dairy industry leaders — it would allow year-round agriculture producers to access workers, instead of just for seasonal labor.

Former Idaho Supreme Court Justice John Stegner is running for governor as an independent candidate. (Photo courtesy of John Stegner)

ELECTION 2026

Independent John Stegner launches campaign for Idaho governor

By Clark Corbin

Stegner will begin his campaign with a public virtual Zoom meeting with voters at 6:30 p.m. Mountain time Thursday.

A student walks across Idaho State University’s campus in Pocatello. (Photo courtesy of Idaho State University)

COMMENTARY

Higher education cuts revert Idaho’s intuitions back to the backwater places found in our literature

By Edward Dorey

Budget cuts threaten to hurt the quality of our education as higher enrollment with fewer professors places undue pressure on educators, writes guest columnist Edward Dorey.

MORE REGIONAL AND NATIONAL NEWS FROM US

Utah revokes Springville license of teen treatment center criticized by Paris Hilton | Alixel Cabrera
Glacier employees vote to unionize along with employees from 11 other National Park Service units | Micah Drew
With control of US Senate in play, national Dems rush to dump Maine’s Platner | Jacob Fischler

ICYMI

Shining a light on other Idaho politics reporting

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

BoiseDev: Billionaires, buyouts, and backlash: Annual Allen and Co. conference starts in Sun Valley
Idaho EdNews: Idaho Launch navigates budget cuts — and begins to collect data on student outcomes
Idaho Press: Boise Airport gets $74 million in FAA grants for ongoing improvements
Idaho State Journal: Community invited to Pocatello town hall meeting set for July 20
InvestigateWest: Idaho labor economist ran anonymous accounts promoting pro-Russian, far-right views

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