By Christina Lords | Editor-in-Chief
The 2026 legislative session marked the most new bills enacted into laws in the last five years, according to the legislative Sine Die report.
GOVERNMENT + POLITICS
These new state laws are set to go into effect in Idaho on July 1
By Laura Guido
The Idaho Legislature this year passed 350 new laws, the majority of which are set to go in effect July 1.
The new laws cover wide-ranging topics, such as execution methods, housing policies, foster child protections, large truck speed limits, and more.
Fireworks explode over Boise’s Ann Morrison Park during the city’s annual July 4 celebrations. (Photo courtesy of the city of Boise)
LIVING
Idaho cities prepare for ‘once in a lifetime’ America 250 events
By Valentin Termite
“Moments like this, where nationally we can come together and be so proud of our country’s history and also acknowledge its complexity,” Idaho State Historian HannaLore Hein said. “I think more than anything it is an opportunity to broaden the group of people who see history as valuable, essential, and relevant to the present.”
A passage from the Declaration of Independence is seen on display at the National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C. on May 8, 2018. (Photo by Andrew DeMillo/Arkansas Advocate)
COMMENTARY
Do the unheard-of thing: As America celebrates 250, our light is kept burning by those who act
By Jess Westhoff and Christina Bruce-Bennion
Most of what holds our country together was never signed into being. It was built by hand, year after year, by people willing to do what no one else had stepped up to do, write guest columnists Jess Westhoff and Christina Bruce-Bennion.
MORE REGIONAL AND NATIONAL NEWS FROM US
25 Democratic-led states sue Trump administration over Medicaid work requirements | Anna Claire Vollers
Federal health agency cancels most of its teen pregnancy prevention grants | Kelcie Moseley-Morris
Former Oklahoma trooper nominated by Trump to head up ICE | Ariana Figueroa
ICYMI
Shining a light on other Idaho politics reporting
Note: Some links may lead to stories behind a news organization's paywall
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