Idaho Capital Sun

Idaho Capital Sun Accountability reporting for the 208’s political landscape.

Our mission is relentless investigative journalism that sheds light on how decisions in Boise and beyond are made and how they affect everyday Idahoans.

Here is our quick rundown of the major happenings during the fifth week of the Idaho Legislature’s 2025 session.
02/08/2025

Here is our quick rundown of the major happenings during the fifth week of the Idaho Legislature’s 2025 session.

In an effort to help Idahoans follow major bills, resolutions and memorials through the legislative process, the Idaho Capital Sun will produce a “legislative notebook” at the end of each week to gather information in one place that concerns major happenings in the Legislature and other news rel...

Lawmakers advanced to the Senate floor a proposed amendment to the Idaho Constitution to raise the threshold of signatur...
02/08/2025

Lawmakers advanced to the Senate floor a proposed amendment to the Idaho Constitution to raise the threshold of signatures needed for initiatives to appear on the ballot.

But in a House committee, lawmakers rejected a bill that would’ve let the Idaho governor veto successful ballot initiatives.

Idaho lawmakers advanced a constitutional amendment to require more signatures for ballot initiatives, and rejected a governor veto bill.

Raising voter approval rates would make passing citizen initiatives nearly impossible in the Gem State, writes guest col...
02/07/2025

Raising voter approval rates would make passing citizen initiatives nearly impossible in the Gem State, writes guest columnist Ed Easterling.

Raising voter approval rates would make passing ballot initiatives and referendums nearly impossible in Idaho, writes Ed Easterling.

Objections to Vought centered around his goal to give the president more authority over federal spending decisions, whic...
02/07/2025

Objections to Vought centered around his goal to give the president more authority over federal spending decisions, which Democrats said is a violation of the separation of powers in the Constitution.

The U.S. Senate confirmed Russ Vought as director of the Office of Management and Budget, giving support to an architect of Project 2025.

After weeks of debate and negotiations, the Idaho Legislature’s budget committee approved pay increases for about 25,000...
02/06/2025

After weeks of debate and negotiations, the Idaho Legislature’s budget committee approved pay increases for about 25,000 state employees Thursday.

Idaho state agencies could distribute raises of no less than $1.05 per hour and no more than $1.55 per hour – based on merit

If passed into law, Idaho could become the only state to have death by firing squad as the primary death penalty method.
02/06/2025

If passed into law, Idaho could become the only state to have death by firing squad as the primary death penalty method.

If passed into law, the bill could make Idaho the only state to have death by firing squad as the primary death penalty method.

COMMENTARY | Development near the Island Park area would permanently destroy wildlife habitat and recreation opportuniti...
02/06/2025

COMMENTARY | Development near the Island Park area would permanently destroy wildlife habitat and recreation opportunities, writes guest columnist Ken Watts.

Commercial development in Idaho's Island Park area would permanently destroy wildlife habitat and recreation opportunities, writes Ken Watts.

Aaron von Ehlinger was convicted of ra**ng a former legislative intern by an Ada County jury in August 2022.
02/06/2025

Aaron von Ehlinger was convicted of ra**ng a former legislative intern by an Ada County jury in August 2022.

The Idaho Supreme Court on Thursday affirmed former legislator Aaron von Ehlinger's r**e conviction from 2022.

A new bill introduced in the Idaho Legislature seeks to protect sources who provide journalists with confidential inform...
02/06/2025

A new bill introduced in the Idaho Legislature seeks to protect sources who provide journalists with confidential information.

Idaho Press Club President Melissa Davlin said the new shield bill protects news organizations and confidential sources alike.

“The purpose of this legislation is to give our state and local law enforcement agencies the ability to work with the Tr...
02/05/2025

“The purpose of this legislation is to give our state and local law enforcement agencies the ability to work with the Trump administration and the federal agents in order to curtail this issue,” bill sponsor Rep. Jaron Crane, R-Nampa, told the committee.

House Bill 86, which is meant to regulate unauthorized immigration in Idaho, is headed to the floor of the Idaho House of Representatives.

State lawmakers on the committee sent Senate Bill 1023, by Sen. Dan Foreman, R-Moscow, for amendments after business ass...
02/05/2025

State lawmakers on the committee sent Senate Bill 1023, by Sen. Dan Foreman, R-Moscow, for amendments after business association representatives expressed concern over the bill’s wide-ranging definition for medical interventions.

The Idaho Senate State Affairs Committee sent a bill for amendments that would expand a ban on medical mandates by businesses and government.

The new building significantly expands space for early voting, election training, and secure ballot processing, ensuring...
02/05/2025

The new building significantly expands space for early voting, election training, and secure ballot processing, ensuring a more efficient and accessible elections process, according to the county.

The public is encouraged to attend the grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Canyon County Elections Building in Caldwell.

While the State Department of Ag's program to eliminate the mussels is well-resourced and efforts have reduced mussel po...
02/05/2025

While the State Department of Ag's program to eliminate the mussels is well-resourced and efforts have reduced mussel populations in the river, director Chanel Tewalt said the state must better communicate and enforce its strict watercraft inspection requirements to people visiting Idaho with boats.

Invasive quagga mussels were first discovered in Idaho in September 2023 in the middle Snake River near Twin Falls.

Sen. Ali Rabe, D-Boise, said the resolution is modeled after a 2023 Montana working group that came up with bipartisan p...
02/05/2025

Sen. Ali Rabe, D-Boise, said the resolution is modeled after a 2023 Montana working group that came up with bipartisan proposals to address housing affordability and remove regulatory barriers to building new housing.

Idaho's new resolution is modeled after a Montana working group that came up with bipartisan proposals to address housing affordability.

House Majority Leader Jason Monks, R-Meridian, told legislators Tuesday that in 2023, the state issued 10,701 seller’s p...
02/04/2025

House Majority Leader Jason Monks, R-Meridian, told legislators Tuesday that in 2023, the state issued 10,701 seller’s permits for Idahoans who sold less than $5,000 worth of items, generating about $1 million in revenue to the state.

In 2023, Idaho issued 10,701 seller's permits for Idahoans who sold less than $5,000 worth of items, generating about $1 million in revenue.

Groups that represent millions of government and retired workers are suing Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent for allowing...
02/04/2025

Groups that represent millions of government and retired workers are suing Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent for allowing a “massive and unprecedented” intrusion into Americans’ personal data, beginning when the new secretary handed over the department’s payment system to billionaire Elon Musk.

WASHINGTON — Two large unions and an alliance that together represent millions of government and retired workers are suing Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent for allowing a “massive and unprecedented” intrusion into Americans’ personal data, beginning last week when the newly confirmed secreta...

The lawsuit alleges Idaho’s law violates the constitutional rights of publishers, authors, parents, librarians, educator...
02/04/2025

The lawsuit alleges Idaho’s law violates the constitutional rights of publishers, authors, parents, librarians, educators and students, “by forcing public schools and libraries to undertake drastic measures to restrict minors’ access to books, or face injunction and/or monetary penalty.”

National book publishers, authors, the Donnelly Public Library, parents and students sued officials to block Idaho's library materials law.

The bill would require Health and Welfare to implement work requirements for able-bodied Idahoans; cap Medicaid expansio...
02/04/2025

The bill would require Health and Welfare to implement work requirements for able-bodied Idahoans; cap Medicaid expansion enrollment at 50,000 people, or less than all disabled and senior Idahoans on Medicaid; and ban Idahoans on expansion from being eligible for Medicaid benefits after three years.

House Bill 138 would require the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare to implement work requirements for able-bodied Idahoans enrolled in Medicaid.

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Videos

Metro Minute: Mollie McCarty - Idaho Transportation Department (Episode 7)
Metro Minute: Mollie McCarty - Idaho Transportation Department (Episode 7)

Mollie McCarty, Chief External Affairs Officer at Idaho Transportation Department joins Boise Metro Chamber's Community and Government Affairs Manager, Tori Thomas to bring us "up to speed" ;) on the latest developments with ITD. Tune in right here at 1 p.m. MST this Thursday (1/30/25) to catch this exciting episode of Metro Minute (sponsored by Hawley Troxell)!

Boise Metro Chamber's Metro Minute Featuring Meridian Mayor Robert Simison
Boise Metro Chamber's Metro Minute Featuring Meridian Mayor Robert Simison

Join us on November 20, at 1:30 p.m. for the next episode of the Boise Metro Chamber's "Metro Minute." A virtual series offering updates from our local, state and federal partners addressing issues impacting Idaho businesses and communities. Host Tori Thomas will speak with Meridian Mayor, Robert Simison, for an engaging discussion on how the City of Meridian is navigating growth and change. From managing growth and housing affordability to expanding public services and transportation infrastructure, they'll explore the strategies shaping Meridian’s future. The mayor will also share insights on regional collaboration with Boise and their vision for the city over the next decade. This event is presented by Hawley Troxell Thank you to our media partners: Idaho Capital Sun, Idaho Ed News, Idaho Press and Idaho Statesman

The Metro Minute: Cybersecurity in Idaho: Protecting Business & Community
The Metro Minute: Cybersecurity in Idaho: Protecting Business & Community

Join us for the next episode of The Metro Minute with Tori Thomas and guest Alberto Gonzalez, Chief Information Officer and Administrator of the Governor's Office of Information Technical Services to discuss the vital work being done to safeguard our state’s digital landscape. We'll explore Idaho's cybersecurity initiatives, focusing on the protections in place to defend against emerging threats, and the collaborative efforts to educate and equip businesses with the tools they need. Tune in live November 12, at 1 p.m.. Special thank you to our presenting sponsor Hawley Troxell and episode sponsor CompuNet, Inc. Thank you to our supportive media partners Idaho Capital Sun, IDAHO ED NEWS, Idaho Statesman and Idaho Press

The Metro Minute: Election Insights with Secretary of State
The Metro Minute: Election Insights with Secretary of State

Join us for the next episode of The Metro Minute with Tori Thomas and guest Secretary of State Phil McGrane for an engaging discussion as they explore the election process in our state. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain firsthand insights into how our state ensures every vote. Tune in live October 16, at noon. Special thank you to our presenting sponsor Hawley Troxell Thank you to our supportive media partners Idaho Capital Sun, IDAHO ED NEWS and Idaho Press

Higher Ed Series: College of Western Idaho
Higher Ed Series: College of Western Idaho

Join us for the third and final episode of The Boise Metro Chamber's Virtual Higher Ed Series for 2024, exploring relevant issues impacting higher education in Idaho. President of College of Western Idaho, Gordon Jones sits down with Kevin Richert of Idaho Education News to discuss CWI's new campus projects, new academic offerings and enrollment growth. Tune in LIVE to the Boise Metro Chamber Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, LinkedIn page, Idaho Ed News, Idaho Statesman, Idaho Capital Sun, or Idaho Press social accounts to watch this important discussion. Episodes will be added to Spotify the following week. The Higher Ed Series is made possible by the generous support of Sparklight Internet

The Metro Minute: Boise Chamber's Advocacy Priorities
The Metro Minute: Boise Chamber's Advocacy Priorities

Join us for the next episode of The Metro Minute with Tori Thomas and guest Bre Brush, Mayor's Transportation Advisor for the City of Boise, where they will discuss key projects shaping Boise’s transportation landscape. With the city's rapid growth and evolving needs, this conversation will explore current infrastructure developments, upcoming goals, and the intersection of transportation with critical issues like affordable housing and environmental sustainability. Tune in live September 23, at 12:20 p.m. Special thank you to our presenting sponsor Hawley Troxell Thank you to our supportive media partners Idaho Capital Sun, Idaho Education News and Idaho Press

The Metro Minute: Agency Authority in Idaho
The Metro Minute: Agency Authority in Idaho

The Boise Metro Chamber's "Metro Minute" is a virtual series offering updates from our local, state and federal partners addressing issues impacting Idaho businesses. This series is hosted by Tori Thomas, Community and Government Affairs Manager for the Boise Metro Chamber. Lori Wolff, Administrator, and Josh Scholer, Deputy General Counsel for the Division of Financial Management join us on Episode 2 to discuss how the legal principle of Chevron Deference shapes federal agency decisions and what it means for businesses in Idaho. We'll break down its impact on key industries and discuss potential changes on the horizon. Tune in LIVE to the Boise Metro Chamber Facebook, YouTube, Twitter or LinkedIn pages to watch this important discussion. Episodes will be added to Spotify the following week. The Metro Minute Series is made possible by the generous support of Hawley Troxell. This will also be streamed live on our media partners' pages; Idaho Capital Sun, Idaho Ed. News, Idaho Press.

Higher Ed Series: Boise School District
Higher Ed Series: Boise School District

The Boise Metro Chamber's Virtual Higher Ed Series explores relevant issues impacting higher education in Idaho. Superintendent Lisa Roberts join us for Episode 2 to discuss her new role in the Boise School District. Moderated by Kevin Richert of Idaho EdNews. Tune in LIVE to the Boise Metro Chamber Facebook, YouTube, Twitter or LinkedIn pages to watch this important discussion. Episodes will be added to Spotify the following week. The Higher Ed Series is made possible by the generous support of Sparklight.

Higher Ed Series: Idaho State University
Higher Ed Series: Idaho State University

Join us for the first Virtual Higher Ed Series as we explore relevant issues impacting higher education in Idaho. Dr. Robert Wagner, President of Idaho State University joins us on Episode 1 to offer an update on the university. Moderated by Kevin Richert of Idaho EdNews. The Higher Ed Series is made possible by the generous support of Sparklight

The Metro Minute: Boise Chamber's Advocacy Priorities
The Metro Minute: Boise Chamber's Advocacy Priorities

The Boise Metro Chamber's "Metro Minute" is a virtual series offering updates from our local, state and federal partners addressing issues impacting Idaho businesses. This series is hosted by Tori Thomas, Coummunity and Government Affairs Manager for the Boise Metro Chamber. Tom Mortell, Managing Partner at Hawley Troxell and Chair of the Boise Chamber's Policy Committee, joins us on Episode 1 to discuss the Chamber's Advocacy Priorities and our involvement with state issues. Tune in LIVE to the Boise Metro Chamber Facebook, YouTube, Twitter or LinkedIn pages to watch this important discussion. Episodes will be added to Spotify the following week. The Metro Minute Series is made possible by the generous support of Hawley Troxell.

Legislative Update Episode 6: Trends and Triumphs of the 2024 Session
Legislative Update Episode 6: Trends and Triumphs of the 2024 Session

Representative Soñia Galaviz, District 16, Idaho Legislature, will join host Tori Thomas for the sixth episode of the Boise Metro Chamber's Legislative Update. They will discuss Trends and Triumphs of the 2024 Session. The virtual series aims to connects members with lawmakers and current issues during the legislative session via discussions of the complexities and challenges surrounding this year’s critical matters in the state of Idaho. Tune in LIVE to the Boise Metro Chamber Facebook, YouTube, Twitter or LinkedIn pages to watch this important discussion which is made possible by the generous support of Optum Idaho.

Legislative Update Episode 5: Tax Policy Edition
Legislative Update Episode 5: Tax Policy Edition

Questions about Idaho and Tax Policy? Tune in this Tuesday at noon and ask them in the comments! Sen. Geoff Schroeder will discuss Tax Policy in this 5th episode of the Legislative Update. Hosted by Tori Thomas, Boise Metro Chamber's Community & Government Affairs Manager, the virtual series connects members with lawmakers and current issues during the legislative session through discussion of the complexities and challenges surrounding this year’s critical matters in the state of Idaho. The Legislative Update Series is made possible by the generous support of Optum Idaho.

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