Author

Mia Maldonado joined the Idaho Capital Sun after working as a breaking news reporter at the Idaho Statesman covering stories related to crime, education, growth and politics. She previously interned at the Idaho Capital Sun through the Voces Internship of Idaho, an equity-driven program for young Latinos to work in Idaho news. Born and raised in Coeur d'Alene, Mia moved to the Treasure Valley for college where she graduated from the College of Idaho with a bachelor's degree in Spanish and international political economy.
Idaho Immunization Coalition to host free, bilingual flu vaccine clinic in Boise
By: Mia Maldonado - September 29, 2023
Community members are invited to attend a free drive-thru vaccine clinic Saturday at the Consulate of Mexico’s parking lot in Boise, according to a press release. The Idaho Immunization Coalition is hosting the event through a partnership with Idaho State University, St. Luke’s and the Consulate of Mexico. Vaccines are available to anyone six months […]
University of Idaho brings Policy Pub event to Boise to discuss invasive species
By: Mia Maldonado - September 29, 2023
Boise community members are invited to attend the University of Idaho’s Policy Pub event Oct. 4 to discuss the challenges of invasive species in Idaho. Located at Pengilly’s in downtown Boise, the free event begins at 5 p.m. and is open to the public. The event is organized by the university’s James A. and Louise […]
Invasive mussels in Snake River pose ‘serious challenges’ to Idaho infrastructure, ecosystem
By: Mia Maldonado - September 27, 2023
One week after implementing its rapid response plan after confirming the presence of invasive mussels, the Idaho State Department of Agriculture continues to urge recreation users to stay off the water in the Snake River near Twin Falls. On Sept. 18, the department said it found multiple samples of quagga mussels in the Centennial Waterfront […]
Despite criticism, Idaho Power looks to raise general rate for first time since 2011
By: Mia Maldonado - September 21, 2023
For the first time in over a decade, Idaho’s largest electricity provider is looking to increase its general rate – a proposal that has led to criticism from customers and environmentalists. In March, the utility company filed a general rate case with the Idaho Public Utilities Commission to increase its rate by $111 million, or […]
Idaho Department of Agriculture confirms invasive mussel species in Snake River near Twin Falls
By: Mia Maldonado - September 19, 2023
The Idaho Department of Agriculture is asking the public to stay out of the water in the Centennial Waterfront Park area in Twin Falls as it has confirmed the presence of quagga mussel larvae in the Snake River. In a press release issued Tuesday, the department said multiple samples of quagga mussel at larval life […]
Chicano culture is not gang culture, ACLU of Idaho claims. Here’s what experts say.
By: Mia Maldonado - September 18, 2023
Para leer esta historia en español, haga clic aquí. Latinos are Idaho’s largest minority group, making up nearly 14% of the state population, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. And a large share of that population includes the Chicano community. Unlike the term Latino, Chicano is a specific term many people with Mexican descent born in […]
Idaho Falls water company looks to increase rates. Here’s how to give input on decision.
By: Mia Maldonado - September 14, 2023
The Idaho Public Utilities Commission is holding a customer hearing on Oct. 23 to hear testimony about an application from Falls Water to increase its rates. Falls Water, a water utility company based out of Bonneville County, serves approximately 6,500 residential and commercial customers. According to the proposal, Falls Water is looking to increase its […]
Judge hears arguments over preliminary injunction in Idaho transgender bathroom law
By: Mia Maldonado - September 13, 2023
Federal Judge David Nye on Wednesday heard arguments for and against a preliminary injunction for Senate Bill 1100, an Idaho law meant to prevent transgender students from using school facilities that correspond with their gender identity. The hearing was held at the James A. McClure Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse in downtown Boise. The hearing […]
Need to get rid of pesticides? Idaho Department of Agriculture to offer free disposal sites
By: Mia Maldonado - September 12, 2023
Idaho homeowners, farmers and professional applicators can dispose of their pesticides at several locations across the state this month, according to an Idaho Department of Agriculture press release. The Idaho Department of Agriculture’s pesticide disposal program announced it will offer free and safe disposal of unusable or unwanted pesticides from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. […]
September is Idaho Preferred Month. Here’s what that means for local farmers, consumers.
By: Mia Maldonado - September 9, 2023
Last week marked the beginning of “Idaho Preferred Month,” a month-long initiative to promote food and agricultural products made in Idaho. Each year, the governor declares the month of September Idaho Preferred Month because it is the peak harvest season. This month, farmers, stores and Idaho Preferred, a state program, partnered to promote local products […]
Idaho utilities commission approves increase in Avista gas, electric services
By: Mia Maldonado - September 8, 2023
North Idaho residents will see an increase in their electric and natural gas service from Avista starting this month. On Sept. 5, the Idaho Public Utilities Commission announced its approval of a proposal to increase base revenues collected for natural gas service by about 2.7 % this month, and 0.01% in September next year. The […]
Wassmuth Center to host play reading to honor gay man who died in Idaho hate crime
By: Mia Maldonado - September 8, 2023
On Saturday, the Wassmuth Center for Human Rights is inviting the Treasure Valley community to a reading of “Walking Steven Home,” a play by Gregory Hinton in memory of Steven Nelson, a gay man who was killed in Caldwell in a hate crime. In April 2016, Nelson, 49, died after responding to an online ad […]