The Connector: Idaho Daily News

At the Idaho Statehouse there's an effort to strip cities from having anti-discrimination laws; plus there's a new bill that would elimitate the state's voter affidavit forms; we'll tell you the latest about the controversy swirling around the Blaine County Coroner's office; and we have an update on the effort to get reproductive right initiatives on state ballots across the region.

The disenrollment rate in Idaho's health insurance marketplace has been more than four times higher than a year ago; even more budget cuts are being ordered for state departments and agencies; there's a new effort to limit the terms of members of Congress; and we'll preview our region's commitment to Team USA at the upcoming Winter Olympics.

A new measure has surfaced at the Idaho Capitol that targets the Pride flag that flies in front of Boise City Hall; we'll tell you about an effort to get rid of vehicle registration stickers on Idaho license plates; and Betty the Washerwoman is poised to get a very big honor from City of Boise officials.

On the streets of Idaho's capital Sunday, Boiseans joined protests across the U.S. condemning the killing of Alex Pretti; at the Statehouse, some new legislation, at first glance, doesn't appear to be all that new; plus, we'll tell you about an upcoming event in Boise aiming to combat dehumanization resulting in violent outcomes.

We're checking in with the weather service because we needed to confirm the forecast that we've all been waiting for: why was Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis at the Idaho Capitol on Thursday? And, in the shadow of fears about ICE,  we'll tell you about a new Tribal ID system.

Boise Police say they're done investigating the New Year's Eve fireworks show when an 5-year-old child was badly hurt; we'll examine the growing popularity of subscription healthcare; and we'll tell you about an effort to stop out-of-state entities from snatching up large numbers of lottery tickets.

It looks like proposed health and welfare cuts are rather likely at the Statehouse this session; we'll tell you why a U.S. Cabinet Secretary was in Boise; plus we'll let you know about some new airport technology that will be scanning us differently... our luggage too.

How is it that the public isn't allowed to testify before the legislature's budget writing committee?  There's plenty of change at city halls around the region with so many new city lawmakers being sworn in.  And there are plenty of changes in one city... including when lawmakers will meet; and with this winter being so warm and dry there's a boatload of worry about this summer's water supply.

After years of debate, planning and renovation, they have cut the ribbon on Intefaith Sanctuary's new home for those without a home; the legislature's revenue assessment committee is being pretty optimistic about the coming year; and we have a story about government overreach when it comes to pygmy goats.

You really should hear the findings of an audit concerning DEI and Idaho public universities; Idaho Senator Jim Risch says more of his colleagues should be praising the President's actions in Venezuela; and we'll tell why so many Idhao parents got up so very early this morning.

There was a bit of good news at the Statehouse Tuesday regarding revenues, but they're still arguing over budget cuts; U.S. Supreme Court justices ackknowledge the difficult of the case challenging Idhao's law which bans trans athletes from participating in sports that align with thei gender identity; and there's a pretty big surprise regarding leadership in the community of McCall.

What was in the State of the State address? And why are Idaho doctors particularly concerned about this year's legislative session? Plus, the U.S. Supreme Court today hears oral arguments on Idaho's law that bans transgender athletes from participating on sports teams that align with their gender identity.

The 2026 edition of the Idaho Legislature gavels in today. What's their No. 1 priority? We have an update on the effort to put abortion access on a statewide ballot; and we'll tell you a growing number of ambulances are carrying something called "whole blood."

In the shadow of a fatal shooting involving an ICE agent, there was demonstration on the steps of the Idaho Capitol Thursday evening; we have a preview from both sides of the political aisle on next week's beginning of the Idaho legislative session; and can the Boise State men's basketball team redeem themselves after their coach called them "soft" and "selfish?"

Idaho has relatively cheap prices at the pumps, so how come some of our neighbors pay so much more for gas; after waiting for months, we finally have some new jobs numbers ofr Idaho; and we'll tell you about a crazy thing one Mountain West resort is doing to save its ski season.

We've got details on that new strain of the flu that is putting much of Idaho at high risk of getting sick this winer: we'll tell you about what turned out to be a highly emotional planning and zoning commission meeting at Boise City Hall; and we'll tell you what's to become of the Boise Factory Outlet Mall.

What with the new year, there are a number of comings and goings at the Idaho Capitol and City Halls across the region; we have an update on that horrific New Year's Eve fireworks blast; and we'll ask "How do you make formal policy regarding road closures during blizzards and wildfires?"

We'll tell you how organizers of the Idaho Potato Drop had come under previous scrutiny (in years past) regarding fireworks; we'll hear from officials from the Idaho Sled Dog Challenge about a different kind of challenge - a lack of snow; and we've get details on how and why your utility rates are going up.

Scores of elected officials in Western States say they're worried about changes in federal policy thare putting their communities at risk from wildfire; Idaho is all set to drop that giant potato on New Year's Eve... plus a giant sugar beet and a giant gem (not a real one).

At the strike of midnight on New Year's Day this week, a number of new Idaho laws will go into effect: the folks at the Idaho Lottery have increased a number of prizes for today's drawing of their Big Million Dollar Raffle; and some Idaho skiers are scorching some of the most famous slopes on the planet.