For the first time in a decade, the Idaho House of Representatives has a new speaker, and the rest of the lawmakers have their new committee assignments. Kevin Richert of Idaho Education News and Betsy Russell of the Idaho Press break down what that means for Idahoans. Plus, a new chapter in the decades-long effort to clean up historic mining waste in the Bunker Hill Superfund site.

This week, the Idaho Legislature convened in Boise for an organizational session at the state capitol in preparation for the 2023 session. Associate producer Logan Finney spoke with several newly elected members about their experiences transitioning from candidate to legislator, what they learned this week at orientation, and what they expect to see during the session in January.

It’s no surprise that if you’re in rural Idaho and get hurt, it may take a while for first responders to get you to a hospital. But some EMS directors say Idaho’s policies on funding emergency medical services are making it even more difficult for them to help Idahoans. This week, we explore funding for emergency medical services in rural Idaho, and what policy changes might help those communities. Then, Kevin Richert of Idaho Education News and Kaye Thornbrugh of the Coeur d’Alene Press discuss the recent heated trustee elections at the College of Western Idaho and North Idaho College and what the races’ outcomes mean for Idaho’s students. We’ll also discuss the horrific events at the University of Idaho, and what role a university has when students are victims of crimes that happen off campus.

This week, producer Ruth Brown is joined by Director Lee Flinn of the Idaho Crisis & Suicide Hotline to discuss the state's transition from the existing suicide hotline to the new nationwide crisis number 9-8-8. They discuss the resources available for Idahoans who call the new behavioral health crisis line, the increased call volume seen since the launch of the new number, and the next steps for suicide and mental health crisis prevention in Idaho. Visit www.call988idaho.com for resources and more information about the hotline.

This week, Betty Richardson, Ken Burgess, and Jaclyn Kettler of Boise State University join Melissa Davlin to break down congressional, statewide and legislative election results. Our panelists look at Tuesday’s election outcome and what those results say about the political climate in Idaho. We’ll also hear from winning statewide candidates about their visions for the state in the next few years.

U.S. Sen. Mike Crapo addresses supporters at the Idaho Republican Party election night celebration Nov. 8, 2022 in downtown Boise.

Idaho Gov. Brad Little addresses supporters at the Idaho Republican Party election night celebration Nov. 8, 2022 in downtown Boise.

Tuesday, November 8th, follow Idaho Reports online for live coverage of the general election. 

The Idaho Reports team will be on the ground throughout the day bringing you updates online. Plus, statewide and legislative results after the polls close, and political analysis of what it means for our state.

The race for Idaho governor is a bit different this year, with incumbent Gov. Brad Little refusing to debate while facing challenges from both the left and right. This week, gubernatorial candidates Stephen Heidt and Ammon Bundy sit down to share their visions for Idaho. We also bring you up to speed on the fighters supporting and opposing the constitutional amendment on Tuesday’s ballot.

Ammon Bundy is an independent candidate running for Idaho Governor. His opponent, incumbent Gov. Brad Little, declined an invitation from Idaho Public Television to participate in The Idaho Debates. Bundy spoke with Idaho Reports on Nov. 2.