Idaho Capital Sun
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Accountability reporting for the 208’s political landscape. We aim to tell untold stories and provide data, context and analysis on the issues that matter most at IdahoCapitalSun.com. Sign up for our free newsletter: https://idahocapitalsun.com/subscribe/.
Residents can open the savings accounts, formally called Achieving a Better Life Experience, or ABLE, accounts through a new website launched Thursday, the Idaho State Treasurer’s Office announced. #idleg #idpol
Idahoans with disabilities can now save money through ABLE accounts without losing public assistance • Idaho Capital Sun
Idahoans can now open ABLE savings accounts through a new website, the Idaho State Treasurer's Office announced.
idahocapitalsun.com
January 16, 2026 at 6:56 PM
Rather than take action on the revenue committee’s recommendation, without any public explanation, JFAC leaders started Friday’s meeting about 20 minutes late, pulled back their agenda for the day and removed the agenda item for the Economic Outlook and Revenue Assessment Committee’s report. #idleg
Idaho Legislature’s budget committee delays acting on revenue projection – again • Idaho Capital Sun
In 2025, Idaho legislators waited to set the revenue projection until after passing tax cuts and some major budgets.
idahocapitalsun.com
January 16, 2026 at 4:29 PM
Rather than take action on the revenue committee’s recommendation, without any public explanation, JFAC leaders started Friday’s meeting about 20 minutes late, pulled back their agenda for the day and removed the agenda item for the Economic Outlook and Revenue Assessment Committee’s report. #idleg
Manwaring called for legislators to support and expand the state’s medical education program and seats, arguing that future medical professionals who train in Idaho will be more likely to practice in Idaho.
“We can’t go backwards,” Manwaring told the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee. #idleg
“We can’t go backwards,” Manwaring told the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee. #idleg
Idaho needs 1,400 more medical professionals just to catch up to national average • Idaho Capital Sun
An Idaho legislator said future medical professionals who train in Idaho will be more likely to stay and practice medicine in Idaho.
idahocapitalsun.com
January 16, 2026 at 3:20 PM
Manwaring called for legislators to support and expand the state’s medical education program and seats, arguing that future medical professionals who train in Idaho will be more likely to practice in Idaho.
“We can’t go backwards,” Manwaring told the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee. #idleg
“We can’t go backwards,” Manwaring told the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee. #idleg
The committee’s approved prediction was $137 million more than the governor’s projected revenue included in his budget proposal. #idleg #idpol
Idaho legislative committee recommends state revenue projection assuming continued growth • Idaho Capital Sun
An Idaho legislative committee narrowly voted to recommend a revenue projection of $5.8 billion for the next fiscal year.
idahocapitalsun.com
January 16, 2026 at 1:15 AM
Trump threatened to send the military into Minnesota to stop protests, following another shooting by immigration agents that injured one person, seven days after an agent fatally shot a woman in Minneapolis.
Trump threatens to use Insurrection Act and deploy military in Minnesota • Idaho Capital Sun
President Donald Trump threatened to send the U.S. military into Minnesota to stop protests of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE.
idahocapitalsun.com
January 15, 2026 at 8:08 PM
Trump threatened to send the military into Minnesota to stop protests, following another shooting by immigration agents that injured one person, seven days after an agent fatally shot a woman in Minneapolis.
The groups host an event each year the third Saturday in January as part of national Women’s Marches.
Idaho Women’s March to be held Jan. 17 in Boise • Idaho Capital Sun
The annual Idaho Women’s March is scheduled to be held 12:30 to 3 p.m., Jan. 17 on the state Capitol steps in Boise.
idahocapitalsun.com
January 15, 2026 at 3:00 PM
The groups host an event each year the third Saturday in January as part of national Women’s Marches.
Risch said he spoke to USS Idaho Cmdr. C.J. Guillerault in December, and made the naming request to “acknowledge Kempthorne’s significant contributions to this project as well as a lifetime of support to the U.S. military.” #idpol
Room aboard new Navy submarine USS Idaho to be named for Dirk Kempthorne • Idaho Capital Sun
A room in the U.S. Navy’s USS Idaho submarine will be named for former Idaho Governor and U.S. Secretary of the Interior, Dirk Kempthorne.
idahocapitalsun.com
January 14, 2026 at 10:20 PM
Risch said he spoke to USS Idaho Cmdr. C.J. Guillerault in December, and made the naming request to “acknowledge Kempthorne’s significant contributions to this project as well as a lifetime of support to the U.S. military.” #idpol
COMMENTARY | Fulcher bemoaning the lack of federal management ignores the role he and the rest Idaho’s delegation played in creating any such crisis, writes guest columnist Craig Gehrke. #idpol
The worst fate for Idaho's public lands? Private ownership. The second-worst fate? State management. • Idaho Capital Sun
Fulcher bemoaning the lack of federal management ignores the role he and the rest Idaho’s delegation played in creating any such crisis, writes Craig Gehrke.
idahocapitalsun.com
January 14, 2026 at 9:01 PM
COMMENTARY | Fulcher bemoaning the lack of federal management ignores the role he and the rest Idaho’s delegation played in creating any such crisis, writes guest columnist Craig Gehrke. #idpol
Facing a tough budget year, the Idaho governor did not recommend providing a pay increase for state employees, who will also see higher health insurance costs. #idleg #idpol
Idaho state employees likely not to see raise amid increasing health care costs • Idaho Capital Sun
Leaders of the Idaho committee that makes state employee pay recommendations said they aren’t sure whether the committee will meet this year.
idahocapitalsun.com
January 14, 2026 at 7:43 PM
As part of the governor’s recommendation for $22 million in extra Medicaid cuts, he says the state could remove dental coverage for adults, and home and community-based services, which are meant to help people with developmental disabilities live outside of institutional settings. #idleg #idpol
To cut Medicaid budget, governor says Idaho could remove disability, dental services • Idaho Capital Sun
To balance the state’s budget, Idaho Gov. Brad Little’s plan says the state could cut Medicaid services for dental care and disabilities.
idahocapitalsun.com
January 14, 2026 at 3:33 PM
The U.S. Supreme Court’s conservative majority appeared likely to keep in place laws in Idaho and West Virginia banning transgender athletes from participating on women’s and girls’ sports teams.
US Supreme Court appears poised to affirm trans athlete bans in Idaho, West Virginia • Idaho Capital Sun
The U.S. Supreme Court weighed whether Idaho and West Virginia laws banning transgender athletes from women’s and girls’ sports teams are constitutional.
idahocapitalsun.com
January 13, 2026 at 11:02 PM
The U.S. Supreme Court’s conservative majority appeared likely to keep in place laws in Idaho and West Virginia banning transgender athletes from participating on women’s and girls’ sports teams.
Reposted by Idaho Capital Sun
Our @idahocapitalsun.com reporter Laura Guido has created the most comprehensive guide I think I've ever seen on to how to follow the Idaho Legislature, and it has tools to help you be more engaged with lawmakers and the legislative process. I hope you'll check it out! #idleg #idpol
New to state politics or need a refresher? Here’s our Idaho legislative session 101 guidebook. • Idaho Capital Sun
The workings in the Idaho Capitol may seem confusing or removed from everyday life, but decisions made there have a real impact on Idahoans.
idahocapitalsun.com
January 13, 2026 at 4:28 PM
Our @idahocapitalsun.com reporter Laura Guido has created the most comprehensive guide I think I've ever seen on to how to follow the Idaho Legislature, and it has tools to help you be more engaged with lawmakers and the legislative process. I hope you'll check it out! #idleg #idpol
State Rep. Doug Pickett was elected assistant majority leader of the Idaho House of Representatives on Sunday, one of several committee changes Idaho legislators made in connection with the opening of the 2026 legislative session. #idleg #idpol
Idaho Republicans name new member of legislative leadership team • Idaho Capital Sun
Idaho state Rep. Doug Pickett succeeds former House Assistant Majority Leader Josh Tanner, who became co-chair of the budget committee.
idahocapitalsun.com
January 13, 2026 at 3:19 PM
Republican legislative leaders in the House say the projected budget deficits faced by the state are a good opportunity to trim the fat on state budgets, while Democrats point to large income tax cuts approved over the last few years that have created a “self-inflicted budget crisis.” #idleg #idpol
Idaho Republican, Democratic party leaders’ view of state budget in stark contrast • Idaho Capital Sun
As Idaho lawmakers convened Monday, Republican and Democratic party leaders were in stark contrast regarding the state budget situation.
idahocapitalsun.com
January 13, 2026 at 12:36 AM
Idaho Gov. Brad Little is calling for $45 million in cuts to Idaho Medicaid from the state’s general fund. Those cuts are split between extending 4% cuts to doctor pay rates and a list of options for cuts the governor says he is giving the Legislature. #idleg #idpol
Idaho Gov. Brad Little wants more Medicaid cuts, but not to repeal expansion • Idaho Capital Sun
As Gov. Brad Little kick started the 2026 Idaho legislative session, he called for $45 million in Medicaid cuts — not to repeal expansion.
idahocapitalsun.com
January 12, 2026 at 11:44 PM
During the approximately 30-minute address, Little also called for conforming with the federal tax changes championed by President Donald Trump. #idleg #idpol
Idaho Gov. Brad Little submits plan to balance state budget without repealing Medicaid expansion • Idaho Capital Sun
To avoid a state budget deficit, Idaho Gov. Brad Little recommended reducing funding transportation, Medicaid services and water projects.
idahocapitalsun.com
January 12, 2026 at 8:37 PM
For those with perhaps a hazy memory of watching Schoolhouse Rock’s I’m Just a Bill, it may be intimidating to jump in to follow or get involved.
For those new to the process, the following is designed to be a comprehensive guide to the Idaho Legislature. #idleg #idpol
For those new to the process, the following is designed to be a comprehensive guide to the Idaho Legislature. #idleg #idpol
New to state politics or need a refresher? Here’s our Idaho legislative session 101 guidebook. • Idaho Capital Sun
The workings in the Idaho Capitol may seem confusing or removed from everyday life, but decisions made there have a real impact on Idahoans.
idahocapitalsun.com
January 12, 2026 at 5:37 PM
There are multiple ways to watch the speech and stay engaged with state government during the 2026 legislative session. #idleg #idpol
Here's how to watch Idaho’s 2026 State of the State address today • Idaho Capital Sun
Idaho Gov. Brad Little will deliver the 2026 State of the State address at 1 p.m. Mountain time at the Idaho State Capitol in Boise.
idahocapitalsun.com
January 12, 2026 at 4:36 PM
This year seems different — since the state is facing multimillion projected budget shortfalls after years of tax cuts, Idaho’s DOGE committee recommended repeal, and even Idaho House Speaker Mike Moyle is open to the idea. #idleg #idpol
‘It’s Groundhogs Day:’ Idaho Legislature to explore repealing Medicaid expansion — again • Idaho Capital Sun
As Idaho faces multimillion projected budget shortfalls, some Republican state lawmakers are thinking about repealing Medicaid expansion.
idahocapitalsun.com
January 12, 2026 at 2:56 PM
Idaho Gov. Brad Little has appointed Erin Bingham to the seat vacated by former Joint Finance-Appropriations co-chairwoman Wendy Horman. #idleg #idpol
Idaho governor fills vacancy in House of Representatives after Rep. Horman's resignation • Idaho Capital Sun
Idaho Gov. Brad Little has appointed Erin Bingham to the seat vacated by former Joint Finance-Appropriations co-chairwoman Wendy Horman.
idahocapitalsun.com
January 10, 2026 at 1:13 AM
A federal judge on Thursday lifted a years-long ban on Idaho’s law that prevents transgender people from amending their gender on their birth certificate.
Federal judge rules Idaho can prevent transgender people from changing sex on birth certificate • Idaho Capital Sun
A federal judge lifted a years-long ban on Idaho’s law that prevents transgender people from amending their gender on their birth certificate.
idahocapitalsun.com
January 9, 2026 at 11:49 PM
A federal judge on Thursday lifted a years-long ban on Idaho’s law that prevents transgender people from amending their gender on their birth certificate.
COMMENTARY | This would be a critical step to committing state resources to supporting struggling first-responder units, write guest columnists John Osborn, Marie Osborn and Paul Anderson. #idleg #idpol
The Legislature needs to declare EMS an 'essential service' for Idahoans • Idaho Capital Sun
This would be a critical step to committing state resources to supporting struggling first-responder units, write guest columnists John Osborn, Marie Osborn and Paul Anderson.
idahocapitalsun.com
January 9, 2026 at 9:46 PM
The justices are taking up both cases in one day. First will be Little v. Hecox, which contests a 2020 Idaho law that categorically bans trans athletes from competing on women’s and girls’ sports teams.
Landmark transgender athletes cases from Idaho, W.V. to be heard by US Supreme Court on Tuesday • Idaho Capital Sun
A pair of blockbuster cases to be heard by the U.S. Supreme Court could carry far-reaching implications for transgender rights.
idahocapitalsun.com
January 9, 2026 at 8:02 PM
The justices are taking up both cases in one day. First will be Little v. Hecox, which contests a 2020 Idaho law that categorically bans trans athletes from competing on women’s and girls’ sports teams.
Reposted by Idaho Capital Sun
We are two sign-ups shy of hitting 5,000 subscriptions to our FREE(! 😍) emailed newsletter. As the Idaho Legislature kicks into high gear with its first day and the governor's State of the State Address on Monday, now would be a great time to add us to your inbox!
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Subscribe • Idaho Capital Sun
idahocapitalsun.com
January 9, 2026 at 6:47 PM
We are two sign-ups shy of hitting 5,000 subscriptions to our FREE(! 😍) emailed newsletter. As the Idaho Legislature kicks into high gear with its first day and the governor's State of the State Address on Monday, now would be a great time to add us to your inbox!
idahocapitalsun.com/subscribe/
idahocapitalsun.com/subscribe/
A Justice Department attorney hinted the agency could sue Idaho — like it has sued 23 other states — if election officials don’t turn over the full records that the Trump administration demanded. #idpol
US Justice Department wants Idaho’s identifiable voter roll, public records show • Idaho Capital Sun
As the Trump administration sues states for not sharing their identifiable voter rolls, the US Justice Department is pressing Idaho for data.
idahocapitalsun.com
January 9, 2026 at 6:37 PM
A Justice Department attorney hinted the agency could sue Idaho — like it has sued 23 other states — if election officials don’t turn over the full records that the Trump administration demanded. #idpol