Idaho
Idaho’s infant, mother death rate is rising, new report finds
This article was first published by the Idaho Capital Sun. Children and mothers are dying in Idaho at an increasing rate, according to a new report released Tuesday. And reforming Medicaid coverage in the state could make a difference, it suggested. All key health indicators have worsened since last year, when Idaho Kids Covered released […]
Alliance Defending Freedom asks U.S. Supreme Court to intervene in Idaho abortion case
Attorneys for two national law firms have asked the U.S. Supreme Court to intervene in a federal case in Idaho regarding whether emergency room physicians can continue to be shielded from prosecution under the state’s abortion ban. If the court were to grant the motion, ER doctors in Idaho would again be subject to criminal […]
After lawsuits, reports found Idaho’s public defense system was failing, a new office offers hope
This article was first published by the Idaho Capital Sun. After reports of overworked public defenders and years of lawsuits against the state claiming inadequate public defense for those in the criminal justice system, Idaho’s new state agency for public defense is in its early stages of formation to help. On Sept. 20, Idaho Gov. […]
Federal judge orders temporary restraining order on Idaho’s ‘abortion trafficking’ law
This article was first published by the Idaho Capital Sun. A U.S. District Court decided Wednesday that it would temporarily block enforcement of Idaho’s “abortion trafficking” law, which took effect in May after Idaho legislators voted on its passage during the 2023 legislative session. In the latest decision of Matsumoto v. Labrador, U.S. Magistrate Judge […]
Idaho has obtained lethal injection chemicals. But state law protects where they came from.
After being unable to do so for years, Idaho officials have obtained chemicals necessary to carry out an execution by lethal injection. However, state laws recently passed by the Idaho Legislature protect the identities of anybody who sells, supplies, transports, dispenses, compounds, synthesizes, procures or prescribes the chemicals or substances for use in an execution. […]
Federal funds boost tribal-led revival efforts for salmon in upper Columbia River Basin
This article was first published by the Idaho Capital Sun. In June of 1940, Native American tribes from across the Northwest gathered at Kettle Falls in northeast Washington to mourn the loss of their historic fishing grounds. Known as the “Ceremony of Tears,” the gathering drew thousands of tribal citizens from the Colville Reservation in […]
Almost three-fourths of fires Idaho state officials tracked in 2023 were human caused
This article was first published by the Idaho Capital Sun. The sharp increase in human-caused fires in Idaho continued throughout the summer and into the fall, with Idaho Department of Lands officials investigating 206 fires caused by people so far this year, state officials said Tuesday. The 206 human-caused fires reported by the Idaho Department […]
Idaho bathroom law for transgender students set to go into effect, despite court efforts
This article was first published by the Idaho Capital Sun. An Idaho law meant to prevent transgender students from using school facilities that correspond with their gender identity will go into effect despite months of legal efforts to prevent its enforcement. On Thursday, federal Judge David Nye denied a request for a preliminary injunction for […]
Idaho law on foreign land purchases created confusion for tribes
This article was first published by the Idaho Capital Sun. An Idaho law passed earlier this year designed to block foreign governments from purchasing agricultural land, water rights, mining claims and mineral claims has reportedly caused confusion as to whether Native American tribes are affected. Blake Youde, a lobbyist representing the Shoshone-Bannock Tribe, told the Idaho Council […]
Women with serious pregnancy complications sue over state abortion bans
Women and physicians in Idaho and Tennessee have sued their home states after they say they were denied abortion care despite being diagnosed with serious, life-threatening medical conditions while pregnant. The lawsuits are led by the Center for Reproductive Rights, an advocacy organization based in Washington, D.C., which also helped a patient in Oklahoma file […]
An eastern Oregon effort to join Idaho reflects the growing American divide
This article was originally published by States Newsroom’s Stateline. ENTERPRISE, Ore. — This small ranching town, surrounded by towering tree-topped mountains and a valley of rolling grass fields, sits tucked into the northeast corner of the state — both out of the way and right in the middle of a contentious debate. At a meeting […]
Idaho Sen. Jim Risch introduces bill to fully delist grizzly bears in lower 48
U.S. Sen. Jim Risch has introduced a bill in the U.S. Senate that would fully delist grizzly bears in the lower 48 from Endangered Species Act protections. Risch, R-Idaho, introduced S. 2571, the Grizzly Bear Review and Resource Act, on July 27, shortly before Congress went on its summer recess. U.S. Sens. Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, […]