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/.
The federal government will provide $12 billion to U.S. farmers who have been hurt by “unfair market disruption,” President Donald Trump said.
Trump to send $12 billion in one-time payments to farmers to offset ag losses • Idaho Capital Sun
The federal government will provide $12 billion to U.S. farmers who have been hurt by “unfair market disruption,” President Donald Trump said at a White House roundtable event Monday. Trump said repea...
idahocapitalsun.com
December 8, 2025 at 11:42 PM
The federal government will provide $12 billion to U.S. farmers who have been hurt by “unfair market disruption,” President Donald Trump said.
A popular program allowing Medicare patients to get hospital care at home would be extended until 2030 under a bill passed in the U.S. House of Representatives and awaiting consideration by the Senate.
Hospital-at-home program extended by US House, awaits Senate consideration • Idaho Capital Sun
A popular program allowing Medicare patients to get hospital care at home would be extended until 2030 under a bill passed by the U.S. House.
idahocapitalsun.com
December 8, 2025 at 9:54 PM
A popular program allowing Medicare patients to get hospital care at home would be extended until 2030 under a bill passed in the U.S. House of Representatives and awaiting consideration by the Senate.
COMMENTARY | What this plan will most likely do is decrease the already short supply of nurses, teachers, therapists, and other much needed workers, writes guest columnist Rebecca Tallent.
Reclassifying professional jobs as non-professional is bad business for Idaho • Idaho Capital Sun
What this plan will most likely do is decrease the already short supply of nurses, teachers, therapists, and other much needed workers, writes Rebecca Tallent.
idahocapitalsun.com
December 8, 2025 at 7:42 PM
COMMENTARY | What this plan will most likely do is decrease the already short supply of nurses, teachers, therapists, and other much needed workers, writes guest columnist Rebecca Tallent.
An annual report from the National Employment Law Project, a nonprofit advocating for workers’ rights, found that 88 jurisdictions will raise their minimum wages by the end of 2026.
Dozens of cities, states hiking minimum wages in 2026 amid federal inaction • Idaho Capital Sun
The minimum wage for workers will increase in 19 states and 49 cities and counties across the U.S. in 2026.
idahocapitalsun.com
December 8, 2025 at 5:50 PM
An annual report from the National Employment Law Project, a nonprofit advocating for workers’ rights, found that 88 jurisdictions will raise their minimum wages by the end of 2026.
Unless Congress extends tax credits that deeply subsidize health insurance costs, Idahoans’ average premiums are expected to double on the exchange next year, possibly prompting thousands to cancel their policies.
As Congress stalls on health insurance subsidies, Idahoans have a week to enroll on exchange • Idaho Capital Sun
With a week left of open enrollment for Your Health Idaho, health insurance premiums could double unless Congress extends subsidies.
idahocapitalsun.com
December 8, 2025 at 3:42 PM
Unless Congress extends tax credits that deeply subsidize health insurance costs, Idahoans’ average premiums are expected to double on the exchange next year, possibly prompting thousands to cancel their policies.
Idaho is planning to work with the U.S. Forest Service to significantly boost logging and timber sales from National Forest trees in the Gem State.
Idaho partners with US Forest Service with goal to double timber sales • Idaho Capital Sun
Idaho is planning to work with the U.S. Forest Service to significantly boost logging and timber sales from National Forest trees.
idahocapitalsun.com
December 6, 2025 at 12:32 AM
Idaho is planning to work with the U.S. Forest Service to significantly boost logging and timber sales from National Forest trees in the Gem State.
The case deals with the Constitution’s 14th Amendment, which grants citizenship to almost everyone born in the United States.
Trump order ending birthright citizenship to be argued at US Supreme Court • Idaho Capital Sun
The U.S. Supreme Court said it will hear a case to decide if President Donald Trump’s order to end birthright citizenship is constitutional.
idahocapitalsun.com
December 5, 2025 at 10:17 PM
The case deals with the Constitution’s 14th Amendment, which grants citizenship to almost everyone born in the United States.
The nomination has reignited a fight over the management of public lands which was highlighted during negotiations over Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” due to proposed amendments to sell off federal land.
BLM nominee draws criticism from conservation groups over support for selling public land • Idaho Capital Sun
Trump's nominee to lead the Bureau of Land Management has supported selling public lands, sparking concerns from conservation groups.
idahocapitalsun.com
December 5, 2025 at 8:34 PM
The nomination has reignited a fight over the management of public lands which was highlighted during negotiations over Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” due to proposed amendments to sell off federal land.
The Trump administration announced new restrictions for immigrants, reducing the work authorization periods from five years to 18 months.
U.S. work authorizations for legal immigrants slashed from 5 years to 18 months • Idaho Capital Sun
The Trump administration announced new restrictions for immigrants, reducing the work authorization periods from five years to 18 months.
idahocapitalsun.com
December 5, 2025 at 6:41 PM
The Trump administration announced new restrictions for immigrants, reducing the work authorization periods from five years to 18 months.
Idaho’s U.S. Sen. Mike Crapo, a Republican, has co-led efforts to renew the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act.
For third time in a year, senators urge House leaders to renew rural schools funding • Idaho Capital Sun
The funding, which lapsed in 2024, provided tens of millions each year to schools and communities in Oregon.
idahocapitalsun.com
December 5, 2025 at 5:55 PM
Idaho’s U.S. Sen. Mike Crapo, a Republican, has co-led efforts to renew the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act.
To put refugees’ legal status back on the table goes against what the resettlement program was designed to do, writes guest columnist Holly Beech.
Refugees belong here. They make our Idaho communities stronger. • Idaho Capital Sun
To put refugees’ legal status back on the table goes against what the resettlement program was designed to do, writes Holly Beech.
idahocapitalsun.com
December 5, 2025 at 5:07 PM
To put refugees’ legal status back on the table goes against what the resettlement program was designed to do, writes guest columnist Holly Beech.
Hayes joined the Idaho Conservation League as a program director almost 25 years ago and worked on numerous conservation and environmental initiatives before being named executive director in 2018.
Idaho Conservation League director accepts new position • Idaho Capital Sun
Hayes led the Idaho Conservation League's launch of new wildlife and water programs and oversaw an increase in revenue.
idahocapitalsun.com
December 5, 2025 at 4:18 PM
Hayes joined the Idaho Conservation League as a program director almost 25 years ago and worked on numerous conservation and environmental initiatives before being named executive director in 2018.
Idaho is seeing more money, and more out-of-state money in lobbying than it likely ever has.
New data visualization shows out-of-state lobbying money flowing into Idaho • Idaho Capital Sun
Idaho Secretary of State Phil McGrane said that more than $2.5 million was spent on lobbying in Idaho in 2025.
idahocapitalsun.com
December 5, 2025 at 12:13 AM
Idaho is seeing more money, and more out-of-state money in lobbying than it likely ever has.
Thanks to tax cuts from the “one, big, beautiful” law, Utah won’t collect about half a billion dollars of income tax revenue in coming years — about $300 million in 2026 and $200 million in 2027.
Under Trump tax cuts, Utah won’t collect $500 million in income taxes in 2026, 2027 • Idaho Capital Sun
Thanks to Trump tax cuts, Utah won't collect about $500 million in income tax revenue in 2026 and 2027, impacting the state's budget.
idahocapitalsun.com
December 4, 2025 at 9:25 PM
Thanks to tax cuts from the “one, big, beautiful” law, Utah won’t collect about half a billion dollars of income tax revenue in coming years — about $300 million in 2026 and $200 million in 2027.
Congress has an especially brief time frame to find a short-term resolution on the expiring tax credits, which would lead the cost of ACA marketplace plans to rise by hundreds or thousands of dollars.
Health subsidies would continue for 3 years under Dem bill to be voted on in US Senate • Idaho Capital Sun
The U.S. Senate will vote next week on Democrats' bill to extend enhanced tax credits for insurance on the Affordable Care Act marketplace.
idahocapitalsun.com
December 4, 2025 at 8:07 PM
Congress has an especially brief time frame to find a short-term resolution on the expiring tax credits, which would lead the cost of ACA marketplace plans to rise by hundreds or thousands of dollars.
Nearly 60% of enrollees surveyed could not cover the costs of a $300 annual increase in their premiums, a new survey found.
Most ACA marketplace users can’t afford potential increases, poll shows • Idaho Capital Sun
Americans who purchase their health insurance through the Affordable Care Act marketplace are bracing for a steep rise in costs next year.
idahocapitalsun.com
December 4, 2025 at 6:52 PM
Nearly 60% of enrollees surveyed could not cover the costs of a $300 annual increase in their premiums, a new survey found.
The construction industry needs more foreign worker visas like those already being provided for agriculture to prevent more delays in building everything from homes to highways, business owners say.
More industries want Trump’s help hiring immigrant labor after farms get a break • Idaho Capital Sun
As food prices remain high, the Trump administration has made it easier for farmers to hire foreign guest workers and to pay them less.
idahocapitalsun.com
December 4, 2025 at 6:20 PM
The construction industry needs more foreign worker visas like those already being provided for agriculture to prevent more delays in building everything from homes to highways, business owners say.
COMMENTARY | The strategy of the act authorizes more forest management tools and accelerates projects, lowering the frequency of deadly forest fires, writes guest columnist Madi Clark.
Fix Our Forests Act may be enough to fix our public lands management backlog • Idaho Capital Sun
The Fix Our Forests Act act authorizes more forest management tools and accelerates projects, lowering the frequency of forest fires, writes Madi Clark.
idahocapitalsun.com
December 4, 2025 at 5:33 PM
COMMENTARY | The strategy of the act authorizes more forest management tools and accelerates projects, lowering the frequency of deadly forest fires, writes guest columnist Madi Clark.
Lt. Gov. Scott Bedke began the day-long conference by critiquing the Legislature’s actions during the 2025 session, including passing a number of large spending bills before adopting a projected revenue number. #idleg #idpol
How Idaho conforms to ‘big, beautiful’ bill amid budget woes will be central to 2026 Legislature • Idaho Capital Sun
Idaho’s budget deficit could be exacerbated if lawmakers chose to conform with the tax changes under the federal “Big Beautiful Bill Act."
idahocapitalsun.com
December 4, 2025 at 1:57 AM
Idaho Gov. Brad Little appointed a Twin Falls County commissioner to the Legislature to fill a vacancy left by a former Republican lawmaker. #idleg #idpol
Idaho governor appoints former Twin Falls mayor to Legislature • Idaho Capital Sun
Idaho Gov. Brad Little on Wednesday appointed Twin Falls County commissioner Don Hall to the Legislature to fill a vacancy.
idahocapitalsun.com
December 4, 2025 at 1:14 AM
The decision clears a legal hurdle for an Idaho Medicaid contractor, Magellan of Idaho, to proceed with its plan to cut specialized mobile teams that treat patients with severe mental illness who have struggled in routine settings.
Idaho judge rules state can cut mental health service that many warn risks public safety • Idaho Capital Sun
The cut to a critical Idaho Medicaid mental health service for people with severe mental illness took effect Monday, Magellan says.
idahocapitalsun.com
December 4, 2025 at 12:18 AM
The decision clears a legal hurdle for an Idaho Medicaid contractor, Magellan of Idaho, to proceed with its plan to cut specialized mobile teams that treat patients with severe mental illness who have struggled in routine settings.
The bipartisan momentum among a select group of senators will need to build significantly in the days ahead if an extension of the subsidies is going to speedily garner the 60 votes needed to advance in the Senate and then move through the GOP-controlled House.
US Senate panel seeks speedy bipartisan deal on health insurance subsidies • Idaho Capital Sun
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Senate committee that oversees health care started coalescing around an approach to lower costs for Americans during a Wednesday hearing, though several hurdles lay ahead. Republ...
idahocapitalsun.com
December 3, 2025 at 10:09 PM
The bipartisan momentum among a select group of senators will need to build significantly in the days ahead if an extension of the subsidies is going to speedily garner the 60 votes needed to advance in the Senate and then move through the GOP-controlled House.
COMMENTARY | This area provides a critical wildlife corridor connecting the greater Yellowstone ecosystem to the Northern Continental Divide and Bitterroot ecosystems, writes guest columnist Mike Garrity.
Conservation groups file lawsuit to protect grizzlies, lynx, and sage grouse on Continental Divide • Idaho Capital Sun
The Alliance for the Wild Rockies, Native Ecosystems Council, and Council on Wildlife and Fish filed a federal lawsuit to protect habitat for three rare wildlife species — grizzly bears, lynx, and sag...
idahocapitalsun.com
December 3, 2025 at 8:25 PM
COMMENTARY | This area provides a critical wildlife corridor connecting the greater Yellowstone ecosystem to the Northern Continental Divide and Bitterroot ecosystems, writes guest columnist Mike Garrity.
The Center for Biological Diversity informed the U.S. Wildlife Service that it intends to file a lawsuit alleging the agency violated the Endangered Species Act by not preparing a national gray wolf recovery plan.
Conservation group to sue feds over lack of national wolf recovery plan • Idaho Capital Sun
Conservation groups are gearing up to take the federal government to court to preserve the protected status of gray wolves across the country.
idahocapitalsun.com
December 3, 2025 at 7:19 PM
The Center for Biological Diversity informed the U.S. Wildlife Service that it intends to file a lawsuit alleging the agency violated the Endangered Species Act by not preparing a national gray wolf recovery plan.
Reposted by Idaho Capital Sun
Idaho sheriffs are warning elected officials that new state Medicaid cuts to critical mental health services for people with severe mental illness could pose a public safety risk.
Idaho sheriffs worry Medicaid mental health cuts pose ‘significant public-safety concern’ • Idaho Capital Sun
The Idaho Sheriffs' Association warned elected officials of public safety risks from cuts to Medicaid mental illness services.
idahocapitalsun.com
December 3, 2025 at 4:02 PM
Idaho sheriffs are warning elected officials that new state Medicaid cuts to critical mental health services for people with severe mental illness could pose a public safety risk.