Sauter
February 6, 2026
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February 24, 2026 1:09 a.m.
PHD issues kratom warning
Idaho legislators proposed bill to establish safety guidelines
Approximately 24 million people in the United States have used kratom (Mitragyna speciosa), according to the Idaho Kratom Consumer Protection and Safety Act Bill introduced on Feb. 13.
February 6, 2026 1:07 a.m.
Anti-discrimination bill gains support
Passes House; would ban cities from enacting protections for sexuality, gender identity
In a carryover from arguments voiced at the public hearing on the bill, supporters said the issue was about protecting religious freedom in the state. “This is to be able to preserve the ability to obey your conscious,” Clint Hostetler, R-Twin Falls, said, adding that non-discrimination ordinances have “been used to attack people of faith.” Rather than use the power of government to direct businesses to serve a specific clientele, Hostetler said individuals should use their dollars elsewhere.