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.
‘Covenant of the Salmon People’ film shows Nez Perce Tribe’s environmental recovery goals
By: Mia Maldonado - August 29, 2023
While Western states rich in hydroelectricity such as Idaho and Washington enjoy lower energy prices in comparison to other states, those prices do not come without a cost — according to Native American tribes and environmental advocates. The Nez Perce Tribe, or Nimiipuu, and environmental groups are spreading awareness about the cultural and environmental costs […]
U.S. Sen. Jim Risch campaign fined for violating finance law, FEC settlement shows
By: Mia Maldonado - August 28, 2023
The Jim Risch for U.S. Senate Committee is facing a civil penalty after failing to return excessive contributions on time during his 2020 campaign, according to a negotiated settlement between the campaign and the Federal Election Commission. According to the settlement, Risch’s committee campaign received $58,000 in excessive contributions from individuals during the 2020 election. […]
ACLU of Idaho complaint alleges Nampa schools have ‘discriminatory’ dress code policies
By: Mia Maldonado - August 23, 2023
Para leer esta historia en español, haga clic aquí. The American Civil Liberties Union of Idaho has filed a complaint with the U.S. Department of Justice on behalf of Latino students alleging that the Nampa School District enforces discriminatory dress code and discipline policies, according to an ACLU press release issued Wednesday. In the complaint, the […]
Idaho Avista customers could see an increase in rates. Here’s how to get involved in decision.
By: Mia Maldonado - August 22, 2023
North Idaho residents have until Sept. 12 to submit feedback to the Idaho Public Utilities Commission about Avista’s application to change its annual power cost adjustment. Avista, a Washington-based company that provides electrical services in North Idaho, is seeking to increase its annual power cost adjustment — a number used to reflect revenue and cost […]
A county of contrast: Food nonprofit spearheads equitable hunger solutions in rural Idaho
By: Mia Maldonado - August 21, 2023
Para leer esta historia en español, haga clic aquí. BELLEVUE, Idaho — Judy Foster, a retired, long-time Hailey resident, regularly spends her Thursdays at the Hunger Coalition in Bellevue where she can enjoy a free community meal and meet other locals. “Every time I come, I meet new people and new friends,” she said. “At 80, […]
Idaho Attorney General warns federal student loan borrowers about scams as repayment approaches
By: Mia Maldonado - August 17, 2023
With federal student loans set to resume in October, Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador is warning Idahoans about potential scams targeting borrowers. In a press release Wednesday, the Attorney General’s Office said some of the most common scam methods include: Scammer claiming to arrange smaller monthly payments for a fee Scammer claiming to negotiate loan […]
Boise Bicycle Project, Ukrainian Welcome Center bring free bike repair services to Nampa
By: Mia Maldonado - August 11, 2023
Two Treasure Valley nonprofits are partnering to offer free bike repair services to locals this month. In a partnership with the Boise Bicycle Project, the Ukrainian Welcome Center is hosting bike repair services at its location in Nampa to improve transportation access and promote the personal and environmental benefits of bicycling. The Ukrainian Welcome Center […]
U.S. District Court temporarily blocks enforcement of Idaho transgender bathroom law
By: Mia Maldonado - August 10, 2023
The U.S. District Court decided Thursday that it would temporarily block enforcement of an Idaho law meant to prevent transgender students from using school restrooms that correspond with their gender identity. Senate Bill 1100, which took effect July 1, would have required public schools to maintain two separate multi-occupancy restrooms, showers, changing facilities and overnight […]
North Idaho volunteer group works to keep Lake Pend Oreille healthy
By: Mia Maldonado - August 10, 2023
Known as the Water Quality Monitoring Program, the program runs for five months between May and September, according to a blog post from the league.
Planning for the future, Idaho Power to host public meeting about energy needs
By: Mia Maldonado - August 10, 2023
Idaho Power customers are invited to attend a virtual meeting Aug. 15 to learn about the utility company’s plan to provide additional electricity over the next 20 years. Known as the Integrated Resource Plan, Idaho Power updates the plan every two years to discuss resources that will meet the company’s future energy needs while balancing […]
North Idaho water users could see rate increase soon. Here’s how to find out more.
By: Mia Maldonado - August 8, 2023
The Idaho Public Utilities Commission is hosting a virtual workshop Aug. 15 to share information about a possible increase in rates for Kootenai Heights Water System. The Bonner County utility submitted an application to the utilities commission in March to increase its residential flat rate for its customers from $38.50 per month to $57.65 per […]
Idaho’s water supply is declining. Officials discuss challenges at state summit.
By: Mia Maldonado - August 7, 2023
Water experts and public officials across the state presented challenges, success stories and solutions regarding Idaho’s water supply at the Governor’s Water Summit on Monday at the Idaho Capitol in Boise. Officials recognized that water levels in Idaho are in decline, and some of the main challenges they discussed at the summit include population growth, […]