Christina Lords
@christinalords.bsky.social
Lover of cheeseburgers, Diet Coke and all cuddly/fuzzy/go woof things. Editor-in-chief of IdahoCapitalSun.com. UI alumna. Excel advocate.
Pinned
Reporting the story would require pulling Clark Corbin out of the Idaho Capital Sun’s small nonprofit newsroom for weeks of field reporting, undertaking a 1,000-mile road trip across the West and all the time, travel and expense that came with that. Here's how we pulled off our series Howl!
Road trips, bear spray and a full moon(ing): How we made the Howl podcast and story series • Idaho Capital Sun
Clark Corbin and Heath Druzin traveled to some of the most remote spots in the Lower 48 to report on wolves in Idaho and Yellowstone for Howl.
idahocapitalsun.com
Come for the story of Howl, stay for the hilarious story of howling at a full, ahem, moon. 🍑
The report was issued just as the state of Idaho is grappling with 3% budget holdbacks, revenue shortfalls and a projected state budget deficit of $58.3 million for the current fiscal year 2026, the @idahocapitalsun.com has previously reported.
The new report also shows that wealthy Idahoans in the top 1% of earners – those with an annual income of $738,300 and above – benefited the most from the income tax cuts. #idleg #idpol
New report shows 5 years of Idaho income tax cuts have reduced state revenue by $4 billion • Idaho Capital Sun
A new report shows the Idaho Legislature reduced state revenue by a combined $4 billion through five income tax cuts passed since 2021.
idahocapitalsun.com
November 24, 2025 at 4:47 PM
The report was issued just as the state of Idaho is grappling with 3% budget holdbacks, revenue shortfalls and a projected state budget deficit of $58.3 million for the current fiscal year 2026, the @idahocapitalsun.com has previously reported.
Through Assertive Community Treatment, doctors and nurses visit patients at home to help them stay on medication. By cutting the program, the state is shifting costs to jails and psychiatric hospitals, which are more expensive, said Tom Tueller, clinical director for Tueller Counseling Service.
The private company that runs Idaho Medicaid’s mental health benefits is planning to cut critical services for people with severe mental illness. Mental health providers worry the cuts could spur more violent critical incidents as people lose accessible treatment.
Idaho Medicaid contractor to cut critical services for people with severe mental illness • Idaho Capital Sun
The cuts by Magellan, which runs Idaho Medicaid mental health benefits, stem from the Idaho's attempts to avoid a projected budget shortfall.
idahocapitalsun.com
November 21, 2025 at 4:16 PM
Through Assertive Community Treatment, doctors and nurses visit patients at home to help them stay on medication. By cutting the program, the state is shifting costs to jails and psychiatric hospitals, which are more expensive, said Tom Tueller, clinical director for Tueller Counseling Service.
Was searching through the USDA's Flickr account for a photo we could use for a story and just stumbled upon the most Idaho photo that ever Idahoed. You're welcome. Photo credit: USDA Photo by Lance Cheung. #sethike
November 20, 2025 at 11:06 PM
Was searching through the USDA's Flickr account for a photo we could use for a story and just stumbled upon the most Idaho photo that ever Idahoed. You're welcome. Photo credit: USDA Photo by Lance Cheung. #sethike
Check these workshops out! First one is about campaign finance and lobbying, second is about Transparent Idaho and Townhall Idaho (two great tools for state financial records and tracking public meetings), third is about Idaho's Public Records Act, and the fourth is about Idaho's open meeting laws!
REMINDER: Idahoans for Openness in Government is hosting four (FREE!) public workshops to help you understand open government and transparency tools in the state. The first one on campaign finance is THIS WEDNESDAY. You can attend in person or stream online! Register here: openidaho.org
IDOG — Idahoans for Openness in Government
IDOG Idahoans for Openness in Government
openidaho.org
November 18, 2025 at 12:01 AM
Check these workshops out! First one is about campaign finance and lobbying, second is about Transparent Idaho and Townhall Idaho (two great tools for state financial records and tracking public meetings), third is about Idaho's Public Records Act, and the fourth is about Idaho's open meeting laws!
Reposted by Christina Lords
U.S. Sen. Jim Risch, who serves as chairman of the U.S Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said Idaho’s entire congressional delegation’s staff was meeting Friday morning with the Department of Defense to “find out exactly what happened” with the training program announcement. #idpol #idleg
Idaho legislators briefed on Mountain Home Air Force Base Qatari training agreement • Idaho Capital Sun
A U.S. Air Force colonel told Idaho legislators a training program for Qatari Air Force personnel could last 10 years and involve 300 people.
idahocapitalsun.com
November 14, 2025 at 11:46 PM
Reposted by Christina Lords
The nonprofit Idaho Center for Fiscal Policy released a report Nov. 6 estimating that conforming to the personal and corporate tax changes in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act could reduce Idaho revenue by an additional $284.4 million. #idleg #idpol
Idaho’s projected state budget deficit increases to $58.3 million • Idaho Capital Sun
“We will set a balanced budget,” Idaho Falls Rep. Wendy Horman said. "The constitution requires it. I am personally committed to it."
idahocapitalsun.com
November 14, 2025 at 3:38 PM
The ideas also include:
-Merging the Department of Finance and into the Department of Insurance.
-Resizing the Department of Commerce and moving to an Idaho emphasis.
-Moving wildfire responsibilities away from the Department of Lands and giving them to the Office of Emergency Management. #idleg
-Merging the Department of Finance and into the Department of Insurance.
-Resizing the Department of Commerce and moving to an Idaho emphasis.
-Moving wildfire responsibilities away from the Department of Lands and giving them to the Office of Emergency Management. #idleg
Under “Legislature ideas,” the list included, among other proposals:
-Eliminating the Idaho Board of Tax Appeals.
-Merging or eliminating the Idaho Commission on Libraries.
-Merging or eliminating the Idaho Commission on Hispanic Affairs.
-Merging or eliminating the Idaho Commission on the Arts.
-Eliminating the Idaho Board of Tax Appeals.
-Merging or eliminating the Idaho Commission on Libraries.
-Merging or eliminating the Idaho Commission on Hispanic Affairs.
-Merging or eliminating the Idaho Commission on the Arts.
Idaho DOGE Task Force shares potential list of state programs, agencies to combine or eliminate • Idaho Capital Sun
The Idaho Commission on Hispanic Affairs, Idaho Commission on the Arts and Idaho Commission on Libraries targeted for elimination or merger.
idahocapitalsun.com
November 7, 2025 at 12:35 AM
The ideas also include:
-Merging the Department of Finance and into the Department of Insurance.
-Resizing the Department of Commerce and moving to an Idaho emphasis.
-Moving wildfire responsibilities away from the Department of Lands and giving them to the Office of Emergency Management. #idleg
-Merging the Department of Finance and into the Department of Insurance.
-Resizing the Department of Commerce and moving to an Idaho emphasis.
-Moving wildfire responsibilities away from the Department of Lands and giving them to the Office of Emergency Management. #idleg
Though thousands of Idahoans relied on the health care provided through Title X for over 50 years, the state made no public announcements as the decision took effect in April, leading to the closure of 28 out of 43 — about 65% — Title X-funded family planning clinics in public health districts.
The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare quietly declined the entirety of its annual $1.5 million federal Title X funding, leaving patients statewide without free and low-cost contraception and reproductive health care services from a key family planning program.
While some states fight to restore Title X family planning funding, Idaho chooses to forfeit it • Idaho Capital Sun
The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare quietly declined its annual $1.5 million federal Title X funding, leaving patients statewide without free and low-cost contraception and reproductive health ...
idahocapitalsun.com
November 4, 2025 at 6:44 PM
Though thousands of Idahoans relied on the health care provided through Title X for over 50 years, the state made no public announcements as the decision took effect in April, leading to the closure of 28 out of 43 — about 65% — Title X-funded family planning clinics in public health districts.
ICYMI
The Boise-based group Natural Medicine Alliance of Idaho, which was created this year, announced it is beginning to collect signatures attempting to qualify the Idaho Medical Cannabis Act to go before voters in the 2026 general election. #idleg #idpol
Medical cannabis advocates cleared to begin collecting signatures for new Idaho ballot initiative • Idaho Capital Sun
The new medical cannabis initiative sets up the potential to have two, dueling cannabis questions on Idaho voters’ ballots in November 2026.
idahocapitalsun.com
November 2, 2025 at 4:56 PM
ICYMI
Was talking w/ our staff about how we should really celebrate the @idahocapitalsun.com's 5th birthday in March. Are y'all down for a cake/event/open house/meetup with us? (I try to stay humble, but I also LOVE birthdays. 😇 And this milestone sure feels like one to acknowledge and celebrate.)
October 27, 2025 at 11:19 PM
Was talking w/ our staff about how we should really celebrate the @idahocapitalsun.com's 5th birthday in March. Are y'all down for a cake/event/open house/meetup with us? (I try to stay humble, but I also LOVE birthdays. 😇 And this milestone sure feels like one to acknowledge and celebrate.)
Saying they were given no advance notice of the announcement, Idaho’s governor and members of Congress have requested a briefing from Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth regarding his recent announcement about training Qatari Air Force personnel at Idaho’s Mountain Home Air Force Base. #idleg #idpol
Idaho’s governor and members of Congress request federal briefing on Qatari training announcement • Idaho Capital Sun
Idaho officials say they have questions about security protocols, costs and long-term plans for training Qatari personnel in Mountain Home.
idahocapitalsun.com
October 20, 2025 at 10:33 PM
Without those credits, 25,000 Idahoans are likely to cancel their insurance policies as average premiums are expected to double, the Idaho Capital Sun previously reported.
About 87% of the roughly 116,000 Idahoans who have insurance through the state exchange get the enhanced tax credits that are at the center of the federal government shutdown debate, according to a report by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
Idaho’s health insurance exchange is first to start open enrollment, as premiums set to rise • Idaho Capital Sun
Idaho starts open enrollment for health insurance as premiums expected to soar if Congress lets enhanced tax credits expire.
idahocapitalsun.com
October 17, 2025 at 2:39 PM
Without those credits, 25,000 Idahoans are likely to cancel their insurance policies as average premiums are expected to double, the Idaho Capital Sun previously reported.
Reposted by Christina Lords
Over on Twitter, DHS just questioned @nicolefoy.bsky.social's vital @propublica.org reporting on American citizens arrested by immigration agents, calling her story "fake news." But—whoops!—they conveniently forgot the link. Here it is. Check the receipts. www.propublica.org/article/immi...
October 16, 2025 at 10:27 PM
Over on Twitter, DHS just questioned @nicolefoy.bsky.social's vital @propublica.org reporting on American citizens arrested by immigration agents, calling her story "fake news." But—whoops!—they conveniently forgot the link. Here it is. Check the receipts. www.propublica.org/article/immi...
Hague wrote that “Brass at (Mountain Home Air Force Base) was also unaware.” A spokesperson for the Mountain Home base could not immediately be reached for comment.
A text message from Risch’s Chief of Staff Ryan White to Little’s Chief of Staff Zach Hauge included a post about the announcement and said, “this was news to us,” to which Hague responded, “same,” according to public records obtained by the Idaho Capital Sun.
Records show Idaho Gov. Little, Sen. Risch weren't aware Qatar facility announcement was coming • Idaho Capital Sun
Idaho Gov. Little and Sen. Risch were surprised when Pete Hegseth announced a deal with Qatar for a training facility at an Idaho base.
idahocapitalsun.com
October 16, 2025 at 10:56 PM
Hague wrote that “Brass at (Mountain Home Air Force Base) was also unaware.” A spokesperson for the Mountain Home base could not immediately be reached for comment.
Reposted by Christina Lords
Other factors include isolation from the COVID-19 pandemic, and federal and state policies that emphasize more on prevention and reunification with biological parents, several foster child advocates said.
October 16, 2025 at 2:42 PM
Other factors include isolation from the COVID-19 pandemic, and federal and state policies that emphasize more on prevention and reunification with biological parents, several foster child advocates said.
Reposted by Christina Lords
From 2015 to 2023, the average number of foster care entries initiated by law enforcement was around 948 per year, according to data from Health and Welfare. In fiscal year 2024, there were 633 entries by police. In fiscal year 2025, which ended June 30, the number was 263.
October 16, 2025 at 2:42 PM
From 2015 to 2023, the average number of foster care entries initiated by law enforcement was around 948 per year, according to data from Health and Welfare. In fiscal year 2024, there were 633 entries by police. In fiscal year 2025, which ended June 30, the number was 263.
Some really important work today from our @idahocapitalsun.com reporter Laura Guido. I hope you'll take some time to read this one.
Some cases involve much more severe abuse and neglect than in past years.
Advocates point to several factors contributing to this. One includes a 2024 Idaho court decision that appeared to prompt a steep decline in child removals and entry into foster care by law enforcement.
Advocates point to several factors contributing to this. One includes a 2024 Idaho court decision that appeared to prompt a steep decline in child removals and entry into foster care by law enforcement.
Idaho foster child advocates concerned abuse is worsening amid policy and law changes • Idaho Capital Sun
Policy changes, the pandemic and a court decision have left Idaho foster care child advocates concerned that child abuse is worsening.
idahocapitalsun.com
October 16, 2025 at 2:44 PM
Some really important work today from our @idahocapitalsun.com reporter Laura Guido. I hope you'll take some time to read this one.
The budget picture has changed considerably since legislators adjourned the 2025 legislative session April 4, when they projected ending fiscal year 2026 with a positive ending balance of $439.8 million.
No decisions have been made, but state officials are discussing the possibility of additional cuts and deeper cuts, said Lori Wolff, administrator of the Idaho Division of Financial Management. #idleg #idpol
Idaho projected to end fiscal year with unconstitutional $56.6M state budget deficit • Idaho Capital Sun
The Idaho Constitution prohibits the state from running a budget deficit where expenses exceed available revenue.
idahocapitalsun.com
October 10, 2025 at 10:41 PM
The budget picture has changed considerably since legislators adjourned the 2025 legislative session April 4, when they projected ending fiscal year 2026 with a positive ending balance of $439.8 million.
“It’s people who are working. But they’re working for employers who are manipulating the system to increase their profits, and pushing those costs onto the state of Idaho,” said former Idaho lawmaker Todd Achilles, who requested the report from the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare.
Where do people on Idaho Medicaid expansion work? A lot of big companies. • Idaho Capital Sun
Hundreds of Idaho employees for major companies, colleges and governments are on Medicaid expansion, new state report shows.
idahocapitalsun.com
October 10, 2025 at 3:37 PM
“It’s people who are working. But they’re working for employers who are manipulating the system to increase their profits, and pushing those costs onto the state of Idaho,” said former Idaho lawmaker Todd Achilles, who requested the report from the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare.
Unless Congress extends them, the enhanced premium tax credits that let people buy cheaper health insurance on exchanges will expire at the end of this year. Without those credits, 25,000 Idahoans are likely to cancel their insurance policies — as average premiums are expected to double.
The federal government shut down after a health care clash. In Idaho, the stakes are high. • Idaho Capital Sun
If enhanced premium tax credits end, 25,000 Idahoans are likely to cancel health insurance policies as their costs rise.
idahocapitalsun.com
October 6, 2025 at 3:23 PM
Really proud of the way this turned out and of @pfannyyy.bsky.social for telling this story in multiple formats and flexing storytelling skills I didn't know he had. Thanks for working with us on this one, @boisestatepublicradio.org!
If Idaho’s only Planned Parenthood clinic closed, other health centers in Idaho would see a 23% increase in patients seeking contraceptives, according to research by the Guttmacher Institute that found that federally qualified health centers can’t easily replace PP.
via @idahocapitalsun.com
via @idahocapitalsun.com
‘We aren’t going anywhere:’ Idaho’s last Planned Parenthood plans to stay open despite federal cuts
Meridian clinic is a ‘lifeline,’ providing routine reproductive health care that the state doesn’t have the infrastructure to take over, organization leaders say
www.boisestatepublicradio.org
October 3, 2025 at 2:41 PM
Really proud of the way this turned out and of @pfannyyy.bsky.social for telling this story in multiple formats and flexing storytelling skills I didn't know he had. Thanks for working with us on this one, @boisestatepublicradio.org!
Gavel in Jan. 12 and gavel out March 27 are the goal dates for the 2026 #idleg session. Let the countdown begin.
“Generally, when we have years like this where the budgets are tight we’ll get things done faster because we don’t fight amongst ourselves as much,” House Speaker Mike Moyle said. “There’s nothing to fight over." #idleg #idpol
Idaho legislators are eyeing state budget cuts and tax cuts in 2026 • Idaho Capital Sun
The 2026 Idaho legislative session begins Jan. 12, and Republican legislative leaders hope to adjourn for the year on March 27.
idahocapitalsun.com
September 26, 2025 at 9:13 PM
Gavel in Jan. 12 and gavel out March 27 are the goal dates for the 2026 #idleg session. Let the countdown begin.
Reposted by Christina Lords
The findings included reported financial misstatements of hundreds of millions of dollars for some agencies, duplicated payments, and a lack of processes to verify accuracy of statements between the State Controller’s Office, Idaho State Treasure’s Office, and the bank. #idleg #idpol
Idaho statewide audit finds significant errors in financial reporting driven by Luma system • Idaho Capital Sun
Idaho's overhaul of its accounting software in 2023 led to a number of errors on financial statements, a legislative audit found.
idahocapitalsun.com
September 25, 2025 at 5:12 PM