Tuesday, September 1, 2026 · Off-Session

Idaho Politics

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Legislature

Idaho Courts Roll Out New Public Records Search Kiosks Across All 44 Counties

Idaho’s Judicial Branch on Tuesday launched a new court records search interface at county courthouses statewide, giving the public a more accessible way to look up case information and hearing details without needing a party name or case number to get started. Statewide Rollout All 44 county courthouses in Idaho now have at least one […]

By Idaho Politics Staff · August 4, 2026
Governor

Democrat and Independent Challengers Vow Statewide Push as Idaho Governor’s Race Takes Shape

A Democratic attorney and a former Idaho Supreme Court justice are both mounting active campaigns for governor this fall, setting up a multicandidate challenge to Republican incumbent Brad Little as he pursues a third term. Democrat Terri Pickens and independent John Stegner have each pledged to campaign across all 44 Idaho counties before the general […]

By Idaho Politics Staff · August 4, 2026
Legislature

Idaho AG Labrador Commends Armed Citizen Who Stepped In During Twin Falls Shooting

Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador publicly praised an armed bystander who intervened during a shooting in Twin Falls, offering remarks that underscored his support for citizens exercising their right to carry firearms. The incident, which drew statewide attention, prompted Labrador to highlight the role the armed civilian played in responding to the threat. His comments […]

By Idaho Politics Staff · August 4, 2026
Legislature

Kuna City Council Sets August Hearing on Proposed $204 Million Budget for FY2027

The Kuna City Council will hold a public hearing next month to take up its proposed fiscal year 2026-2027 budget, which calls for total spending across all funds of more than $204 million — a significant jump from the current year’s combined figure of roughly $154 million. Hearing Details The hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, […]

By Idaho Politics Staff · August 1, 2026
Congress

Democrat Exits Idaho Senate Race, Clearing Path for Independent Todd Achilles Against Risch

David Roth’s decision to abandon his Democratic bid for Idaho’s U.S. Senate seat has reshaped the race, potentially consolidating anti-incumbent support behind independent Todd Achilles as he mounts a long-shot challenge to Republican Sen. Jim Risch. Roth Steps Aside Roth announced Tuesday he was ending his campaign, framing the move as a strategic choice rather […]

By Idaho Politics Staff · August 1, 2026
Legislature

Trump Administration Eyes Idaho for One-Third of Nation’s High-Level Nuclear Waste Under New Federal Plan

The U.S. Department of Energy this week unveiled a proposal that would place a major share of the country’s high-level nuclear waste in Idaho, reviving a decades-old debate over the state’s role as a storage hub for radioactive material. The plan, formally called the Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus, targets three states willing to host consolidated […]

By Idaho Politics Staff · August 1, 2026
Legislature

Idaho Controller Designates August as Transparency Month Following Sharp Drop in National Rankings

Idaho State Controller Brandon Woolf announced Friday that August will be observed as Idaho Transparency Month, launching a series of public outreach efforts even as the state’s standing in a national financial transparency ranking has slipped significantly. Outreach Plans and Tools The Office of State Controller intends to host stakeholder discussions throughout August, distribute government […]

By Idaho Politics Staff · August 1, 2026
Legislature

Idaho DEQ Opens Comment Period on Teton River Hydroelectric Project Water Quality Review

The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality is inviting public input on a draft water quality certification for the Felt Hydroelectric Project, a hydropower facility situated on the Teton River roughly nine miles northwest of Tetonia in eastern Idaho. What’s Being Reviewed The certification process stems from a federal relicensing proceeding before the Federal Energy Regulatory […]

By Idaho Politics Staff · July 31, 2026
Governor

Gov. Little Signs Wildfire Disaster Emergency, Activates National Guard Amid Statewide Burning

Idaho Governor Brad Little signed a disaster emergency declaration Wednesday, mobilizing state resources and directing the Idaho National Guard to assist with wildfire suppression as blazes continue to spread across the state. As of July 29, approximately 530 fires had ignited statewide, burning a combined 138,812 acres across all wildland fire jurisdictions. The declaration signals […]

By Idaho Politics Staff · July 31, 2026
Legislature

Idaho Narrows 36 Applicants to 25 Communities in Federal Opportunity Zone Push

Idaho’s Economic Advisory Council has forwarded 25 community recommendations to Gov. Brad Little for potential designation under the federal Opportunity Zone program, a tax incentive initiative that encourages private investment in housing and economic development projects. Little will make the final call on which areas to submit before the state’s September 28 deadline to file […]

By Idaho Politics Staff · July 30, 2026