Supreme Court accepts re-drafted abortion ballot language + After budget cuts, Idaho plans to maintain low government spending

By Christina Lords | Editor-in-Chief

“By omitting the felony prohibition while highlighting exceptions, Respondents continue to present an incomplete and misleading picture of the law that a ‘no’ vote would preserve.” - Attorneys with Holland & Hart and Haws Law, LLC, in court filings

A Bonneville County resident casts his vote during the May 21, 2024, primary election at The Waterfront Event Center in Idaho Falls, Idaho. (Photo by Pat Sutphin for the Idaho Capital Sun)

COURTS + POLICING

Idaho Supreme Court approves state officials’ re-drafted abortion ballot initiative language

By Laura Guido

The 4-1 opinion came after the court previously ruled on Friday that drafted statements by Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador and Secretary of State Phil McGrane did not comply with a state law requiring a clear and concise statement of the effects of “yes” and “no” votes.

The exterior of the Idaho Statehouse as seen on Jan. 14, 2026, in Boise. (Photo by Pat Sutphin for the Idaho Capital Sun)

GOVERNMENT + POLITICS

After budget cuts, Idaho plans to maintain low government spending, state official says

By Kyle Pfannenstiel

On the heels of a 2026 Idaho legislative session marked by budget cuts after years of state tax cuts, the requests outline the state’s strategy of continuing to operate state agencies and public programs with less funding, according to the governor’s budget chief, Lori Wolff.

A 2023 aerial shot of the Materials and Fuel Complex at the Idaho National Laboratory’s desert site. The complex contains several specialized labs where INL researches nuclear fuels. (Photo courtesy of the Idaho National Laboratory)

COMMENTARY

Let Idahoans decide if they want state to become dumping ground for nation’s radioactive waste

By Rod Gramer

There is a twist to this story which has received no attention here in Idaho: how much Trump personally stands to gain financially, writes guest columnist Rod Gramer.

MORE REGIONAL AND NATIONAL NEWS FROM US

Trump’s trade war with Canada escalates as new tariffs launch | Ashley Murray
Trump doesn’t have the power to limit mail-in voting, lawmakers tell US Supreme Court | Jacob Fischler

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: Conservation deal protects Lake Creek, 700 acres of forest
East Idaho News: Former Island Park city clerk charged for alleged embezzlement of over $219,000
Idaho EdNews: Teachers’ medical claims will go unpaid if districts refuse to pay benefit trust
Idaho News 6: Jerome approves $2.2M contract to rebuild pothole-riddled Yakima Avenue with concrete

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