
By Christina Lords | Editor-in-Chief
“Idaho’s economy continues to perform well, and we have confidence we will close out this fiscal year with a balanced budget. Idaho’s fiscal discipline and continued economic growth put the state in a good financial position moving into our next fiscal year.” - Idaho Division of Financial Management Administrator Lori Wolff

The rotunda at the Idaho State Capitol building in Boise as seen on March 23, 2021. (Photo by Otto Kitsinger for Idaho Capital Sun)
GOVERNMENT + POLITICS
Idaho revenues fall short of forecast in May as end of fiscal year looms
By Clark Corbin
State revenue collections for the month of May came in at $367.1 million, which is $21.1 million, or 5.4%, below the revenue forecast set by the Idaho Division of Financial Management, according to the monthly General Fund Budget Monitor report published Friday by the Idaho Legislative Services Office.
The good news is that even with May’s revenue collections missing the forecast, the state is still projected to end the current fiscal year 2026 with a positive ending cash balance of $72.4 million.

On June 12, 2026, the University of Idaho celebrated the centennial anniversary of the Parma Research and Extension Center. (Photo by Valentin Termite/Idaho Capital Sun)
AGRICULTURE
University of Idaho research center celebrates 100 years of agricultural development
By Valentin Termite
“(The center) allows our producers access to cutting edge science, and we’re all competing in world, if not regional, markets where production efficiencies are paramount,” Idaho Lt. Gov. Scott Bedke said.

A pivoting irrigation system waters a crop of barley on a farm located near Arco, Idaho, during a late summer day. (Photo by Johnathan Cohen/Getty Images)
ENVIRONMENT
Idaho Surface Water Coalition says severely needed water supply ‘simply is not there’
By Clark Corbin
With farmers entering an important part of the irrigation season, members of the Idaho Surface Water Coalition say they are reducing water deliveries and usage due to a historically low snowpack, a depleted aquifer and drought emergency.
The water that farmers and communities need “simply is not there,” the Idaho Surface Water Coalition said in an announcement Thursday that details how members of

Fourteen state attorneys general, including Idaho AG Raúl Labrador, are asking the EPA to classify the abortion medication mifepristone as a water contaminant. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
GOVERNMENT + POLITICS
Republican attorneys general urge EPA to classify mifepristone as water contaminant
By Nada Hassanein
In a letter last Friday, the state officials argued that mifepristone is “a growing threat to the country’s waterways.” The letter was signed by the attorneys general of Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Nebraska, Louisiana, Oklahoma, South Carolina and Texas.
MORE NATIONAL NEWS FROM US
ICYMI: OUR TOP STORIES OF THE WEEK
Federal trial starts for Idaho doctor seeking medical exemptions to abortion ban | Kyle Pfannenstiel
Medicare phone scam targets Idaho seniors, attorney general warns | Valentin Termite
ICYMI
Shining a light on other Idaho politics reporting
Note: Some links may lead to stories behind a news organization's paywall
Boise State Public Radio: Trump is taking aim at forest and wildfire research just as the West is poised to burn
Idaho EdNews: State Board plans to name Boise State finalist Tuesday
Idaho State Journal: 'Toxic Avenger': Carta ‘Idaho Lorax’ Sierra dies at 74
Thanks for reading The Sunrise. Did you know our daily morning newsletter is also free? Sign up here. And if you enjoyed today’s edition, please forward to a friend. Increasing our readership helps us cover more news.