U.S. Senate Race: Idaho veteran Todd Achilles is challenging Sen. Jim Risch, pitching himself as an independent focused on fixing Congress’s dysfunction and debt. Power & Growth: Avista says it has a framework agreement with a “large load” customer seeking up to 125 MW starting in 2029 and potentially 500 MW by 2032—raising big questions about data-center-scale demand and who pays for upgrades. Mining & Markets: Sunshine Silver Mining & Refining priced a $270 million IPO to restart an Idaho mine, listing on the NYSE as SSMR and aiming to restart production in 2028. Local Business & Community: Habitat for Humanity kicked off its 25th annual Blitz Build in Spokane Valley, starting 23 affordable homes with heavy volunteer and sponsor involvement. Healthcare Policy: A “conscience protection” roundup highlights how Idaho’s Medical Ethics Defense Act fits a growing national trend of opt-out rules for healthcare employers. Idaho Economy & Safety: Idaho State Police investigated a Twin Falls crash involving a sedan and hay-stacker truck that sent two people to hospitals. Social Security Watch: New analysis warns trust-fund exhaustion could mean average benefit cuts of more than $500 per month for many states by 2032.