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Christina Lords

@christinalords.bsky.social

930 followers 340 following 180 posts

Lover of cheeseburgers, Diet Coke and all cuddly/fuzzy/go woof things. Editor-in-chief of IdahoCapitalSun.com. UI alumna. Excel advocate.

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Christina Lords @christinalords.bsky.social · Jul 9

Come for the story of Howl, stay for the hilarious story of howling at a full, ahem, moon. 🍑

Idaho Capital Sun @idahocapitalsun.com · Jul 9

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

Christina Lords @christinalords.bsky.social · 2d

Idaho Capital Sun @idahocapitalsun.com · 2d

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

Christina Lords @christinalords.bsky.social · 5d

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!

Boise State Public Radio @boisestatepublicradio.org · 5d

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

‘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

Christina Lords @christinalords.bsky.social · 12d

Gavel in Jan. 12 and gavel out March 27 are the goal dates for the 2026 #idleg session. Let the countdown begin.

Idaho Capital Sun @idahocapitalsun.com · 12d

“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

Reposted by Christina Lords

Idaho Capital Sun @idahocapitalsun.com · 13d

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

Reposted by Christina Lords

Idaho Capital Sun @idahocapitalsun.com · 16d

To review what’s on your ballot, to view voter registration information and to find your polling place, head to VoteIdaho.gov. #idpol

League of Women Voters of Idaho to host candidate forums for Caldwell, Boise and West Ada races • Idaho Capital Sun

The League of Women Voters of Idaho will host candidate forums for upcoming elections in Caldwell, Boise and the West Ada School District.

idahocapitalsun.com

Reposted by Christina Lords

Idaho Capital Sun @idahocapitalsun.com · 20d

Usually, the Idaho Attorney General’s Office legally represents state government agencies.

But in 2024, the Legislature and Gov. Brad Little approved a law to carve out the Idaho Department of Lands as an exception, directing the agency to have its own attorney that is independent of the AG. #idleg

In court, Idaho attorney general fights Land Board policy to stop using him as its attorney • Idaho Capital Sun

After the Idaho Land Board stopped using Attorney General Raúl Labrador's office as attorneys, Labrador is fighting the policy in court.

idahocapitalsun.com

Reposted by Christina Lords

Idaho Capital Sun @idahocapitalsun.com · 21d

The Idaho State Board of Examiners voted unanimously Tuesday to give the Idaho State Department of Agriculture the authority to pay unexpected and unbudgeted expenses to fight quagga mussels after the invasive mussels were again detected in the Snake River near Twin Falls.

Following detection, Idaho approves budget authority to fight quagga mussels in Snake River • Idaho Capital Sun

Any additional expenses to fight quagga mussels would be added to Idaho's budget at a time when revenue is falling short of projections.

idahocapitalsun.com

Reposted by Christina Lords

Idaho Capital Sun @idahocapitalsun.com · 22d

Now two months into the 2026 fiscal year, Idaho state revenues continue to lag behind state forecasts, but the state is no longer projecting to end the year with a budget deficit, according to a monthly budget report released last week by the Idaho Legislative Services Office. #idleg #idpol

Idaho state revenues continue to lag behind budget projections • Idaho Capital Sun

State revenue has come in $22.6 million, or 2.8%, below the revised forecast issued by the Idaho Division of Financial Management.

idahocapitalsun.com

Reposted by Christina Lords

Idaho Capital Sun @idahocapitalsun.com · 28d

The public can submit input to shape Idaho’s application to the program online through a survey until Sept. 30.

Idaho wants to apply to a rural health fund created by the ‘Big Beautiful Bill.’ You can weigh in. • Idaho Capital Sun

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare wants the public’s help as the state applies to the Rural Health Transformation Fund.

idahocapitalsun.com

Christina Lords @christinalords.bsky.social · 28d

a puppy hanging on a railing with the words hang in there champ written above it

ALT: a puppy hanging on a railing with the words hang in there champ written above it

media.tenor.com

Reposted by Christina Lords

Idaho Capital Sun @idahocapitalsun.com · Sep 8

COMMENTARY | Today, the aviation industry needs new talent more than ever, writes guest columnist Sarina Larson.

Opening the Idaho skies: Girls in Aviation Day highlights need for more women in aviation careers • Idaho Capital Sun

Girls in Aviation Day, held in Boise, Idaho, highlights the need for more women in aviation industry careers, writes Sarina Larson.

idahocapitalsun.com

Christina Lords @christinalords.bsky.social · Sep 7

The anniversary of Super J.J.'s death is coming up on Sept. 22, and what a wonderful way to honor him and his legacy by helping these folks reach their goal:
givebutter.com/jjhsf2025?em...

2025 JJ Saldaña Heat and Smoke Relief Fund

By Idaho Organization of Resource Councils

Reposted by Christina Lords

Idaho Capital Sun @idahocapitalsun.com · Sep 5

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare is accepting public comments on recent pay rate cuts for health care providers who treat Medicaid patients.

Here’s how to weigh in on Idaho’s cuts to Medicaid's doctor pay rates • Idaho Capital Sun

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare is accepting public comment on recent pay cuts for providers who treat Medicaid patients.

idahocapitalsun.com

Christina Lords @christinalords.bsky.social · Sep 5

Refugees in the U.S. will also have their access to health care through Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program removed by Oct. 1, 2026. Refugees will also lose eligibility for private health care through the Affordable Care Act on Jan. 1, 2027, and through Medicare Jan. 27, 2027.

Idaho refugees to lose access to food, health benefits under ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ • Idaho Capital Sun

As part of the "Big Beautiful Bill," many Idaho refugees and asylum seekers lost access to food assistance and will lose access to Medicaid.

idahocapitalsun.com

Christina Lords @christinalords.bsky.social · Aug 29

This is an important one to read, in my opinion. More than 1,500 Idahoans between the ages of 5 and 17 contacted the hotline between when the parental consent law went into effect on July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025, according to data provided by the Idaho Crisis and Suicide Hotline.

Idaho Capital Sun @idahocapitalsun.com · Aug 29

Sometimes, a parent or guardian can get on the phone, according to Idaho 988 Director Lee Flinn, “but in most situations, the minor hangs up because they tell us they feel like they can’t do that.” #idleg #idpol

Idaho’s parental consent law impedes 988 suicide crisis hotline access for some youth • Idaho Capital Sun

A law requiring parental consent for most medical treatment provided to minors is affecting work at the Idaho 988 Crisis and Suicide Hotline.

idahocapitalsun.com

Christina Lords @christinalords.bsky.social · Aug 28

My advice? Set the Mandalorian theme music as your alarm. It'll instantly put some pep in your step to get out there and face the Empire.

Reposted by Christina Lords

Idaho Capital Sun @idahocapitalsun.com · Aug 27

If approved as requested, the average residential customer’s bill would increase by about $21.66 each month, or about $260 per year.

Idaho Public Utilities Commission to accept public comment on Idaho Power’s proposed rate increase • Idaho Capital Sun

Public hearings to accept Idaho Power customers' testimony on the record will be conducted Oct. 27 in Twin Falls and Nov. 20 in Boise.

idahocapitalsun.com

Christina Lords @christinalords.bsky.social · Aug 26

State officials have not yet officially calculated the costs of adopting the mega law's tax changes and may not know the full impact of those costs until the Idaho Legislature runs a tax conformity bill during the 2026 legislative session that begins in January.

Idaho Capital Sun @idahocapitalsun.com · Aug 26

One outside estimate indicates federal tax conformity could cost the state of Idaho another $167 million that is not calculated into the projected $80 million budget deficit. #idleg #idpol

Idaho’s projected budget deficit does not include impact of ‘One Big Beautiful Bill Act’ • Idaho Capital Sun

One estimate indicates federal tax changes could cost Idaho $167 million that is not factored into the projected $80 million budget deficit.

idahocapitalsun.com

Reposted by Christina Lords

Idaho Capital Sun @idahocapitalsun.com · Aug 25

“Children in foster care deserve the ability to have the same opportunities and privileges afforded to every other child in our state, including receiving funds that they are federally entitled to for their own benefit, not the state’s,” Idaho Health and Welfare Director Alex Adams wrote.

Idaho foster youth didn’t receive Social Security money they’re entitled to. That will soon change. • Idaho Capital Sun

Many foster children across the U.S. with a disability or whose parents died should have been entitled to Social Security benefits, but they never saw those funds — Idaho was no different, until recen...

idahocapitalsun.com

Reposted by Christina Lords

Idaho Capital Sun @idahocapitalsun.com · Aug 22

Idaho has significantly reformed its public defense system since 2022. Now, the state Supreme Court will weigh whether the changes are enough to show the state is meeting its constitutional obligation to provide adequate representation or if it’s too soon to decide. #idleg #idpol

Idaho Supreme Court weighs arguments in state public defense system case • Idaho Capital Sun

The Idaho Supreme Court heard arguments Friday on whether Idaho's new public defense system meets constitutional requirements.

idahocapitalsun.com

Reposted by Christina Lords

McKenzie Romero @mckenzieromero.bsky.social · Aug 22

Are you obsessed with Utah news? Do you want to contribute to journalism that's fair, fearless and free? And would you like some great benefits? @utahnewsdispatch.com
and @statesnewsroom.com are hiring a reporter! #journalismjobs

Reporter, Utah News Dispatch • States Newsroom

Join the Utah News Dispatch and give readers hard-hitting government coverage that connects state policy to the people who live it.

statesnewsroom.com

Christina Lords @christinalords.bsky.social · Aug 22

Def one of my all time top faves for motivation music!

Don't you know?
Don't you know, things can change?
Things'll go your way!
If you hoooooold on for one more day

Christina Lords @christinalords.bsky.social · Aug 22

And the pressure in that one will be spending reductions, and any kind of spending reform in Washington is an intense battle, so look for that and keep saying nice things about me when we start cutting more.”

Christina Lords @christinalords.bsky.social · Aug 22

The rest of that quote: “The politics of that one are going to be much, much more difficult because we don’t have the (Tax Cuts and Jobs Act) engine driving it.

Christina Lords @christinalords.bsky.social · Aug 22

Crapo underscored that while the massive law addressed many of President Donald Trump’s main priorities, it did not satisfy all of them. He said the ultra conservative Freedom Caucus also wanted to see larger spending reductions.

“So we are going to do another reconciliation bill,” Crapo said.

Sen. Crapo lauds ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ and support of group founded by Koch brothers at private event • Idaho Capital Sun

Idaho Sen. Mike Crapo spoke at a Boise event held by Americans For Prosperity highlighting the tax policy in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

idahocapitalsun.com