James Dawson
ReporterExpertise: Political reporting, audio editing, podcast smithing
Education: University of Idaho
Highlights
- Won my elementary school’s geography bee, failing miserably at state
- Once caught 10 rainbow trout in one hour fly fishing on the Lochsa
- Idaho Press Club board member
Experience
I cover Idaho state government and a little bit of everything else for Boise State Public Radio. Originally from Idaho’s territorial capitol north of the Time Zone Bridge, I’ve covered politics and state legislatures across the country since 2010. You’ll hear my work during Morning Edition, Idaho Matters and All Things Considered (and maybe read my newsletter, Legislative Round-up, during the session).
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Idaho’s mental health courts face an uncertain future according to the state’s chief justice. -
Members of the House and Senate health and welfare committees have a lot on their plates this session as they’re being tasked with finding $22 million in cuts to help balance Idaho’s budget. -
A soon-to-be released audit of Idaho’s universities found a handful of instances where they were out of compliance with a law trying to oust diversity, equity and inclusion policies from state government. -
Idaho tax collections are on the upswing after a bountiful return last month, but at least one key lawmaker wants to forge ahead with more budget cuts. -
Stick with us as we lift the veil and guide you through the inner workings of the Idaho legislature. -
Expect another year of government cuts and no raises for state employees under Gov. Brad Little’s proposed spending plan for the upcoming fiscal year. -
In an effort to better answer the questions from Idahoans across the state, Boise State Public Radio hosted an "Ask Me Anything," or AMA, on R/Idaho about the 2026 legislative session. Here's what you wanted to know. -
Here are some of the most common asked about terms related to the Idaho legislature arranged in alphabetical order because we’re nice like that. -
Gov. Brad Little said he wants the state to fully conform to federal tax changes made this past summer, which would add more than $435 million to Idaho’s projected deficit. -
Rep. Josh Tanner (R-Eagle), Idaho’s assistant house majority leader, will take the reins as the co-chair of the state legislative budget committee for the upcoming session.
