STATE POLITICS & POLICY Medicaid & Rural HealthcareAs Idaho’s 2026 legislative session begins, healthcare is shaping up to be a major budget issue. About 7,600 Magic Valley residents rely on Medicaid expansion, and advocates warn thousands could lose coverage if it’s rolled back. A community forum called “Behind the Exam Room Door” will explore how…

STATE BUDGET & GOVERNMENT Facing a tight budget, Governor Brad Little is not recommending pay raises for Idaho’s 25-thousand state employees this year — even as their health insurance costs are set to rise. State workers are expected to see about a seven-percent increase in out-of-pocket health and dental costs, while lawmakers say raises may…

STATE & LOCAL NEWS LAWMAKERS SEEK REVIEW OF SCHOOL BOARD COMMENTS Four Twin Falls state lawmakers have asked the Idaho Attorney General to review comments made by Twin Falls School District board chair Eric Smallwood at a staff meeting earlier this month. Smallwood encouraged employees to vote in the May primary and support pro-education candidates.…