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Reposted by Kyle Pfannenstiel

Idaho Capital Sun @idahocapitalsun.com · 1d

Now in its third year, the effort to rid Idaho’s Snake River of invasive quagga mussels is a near 24/7 operation taking place both on the water and in nearby community college laboratories.

An inside look at Idaho’s $3M fight against invasive quagga mussels • Idaho Capital Sun

Crews are injecting a section of the Snake River near Twin Falls with a copper chemical intended to kill invasive quagga mussels.

idahocapitalsun.com

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Reposted by Kyle Pfannenstiel

Idaho Capital Sun @idahocapitalsun.com · 1d

Premiums for plans on the individual market, where people buy insurance for themselves, are set to rise by 10%. And premiums for plans that employers commonly purchase, through the small group market, are set to rise by 11%.

Idaho health insurance premiums set to rise by 10-11% next year • Idaho Capital Sun

The Idaho Department of Insurance published final premium rates for 2026 health insurance plans, which are set to increase by 10-11%.

idahocapitalsun.com

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Reposted by Kyle Pfannenstiel

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

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Kyle Pfannenstiel @pfannyyy.bsky.social · 2d

If Congress doesn’t extend tax credits that subsidize health insurance, premiums in Idaho will surge and tens of thousands of people will cancel health plans.

Here’s what the fight that shutdown the government means in Idaho.

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

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Reposted by Kyle Pfannenstiel

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

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Kyle Pfannenstiel @pfannyyy.bsky.social · 5d

This is my first real radio story! Listen on Boise State Public Radio, or on our site here.

‘We aren’t going anywhere:’ Idaho’s last Planned Parenthood plans to stay open despite federal cuts • Idaho Capital Sun

Despite federal cuts from the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," Idaho's last Planned Parenthood clinic is here to stay, its health workers say.

idahocapitalsun.com

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Kyle Pfannenstiel @pfannyyy.bsky.social · 5d

She came in to Planned Parenthood early to get her IUD replaced. It was one of the last times Medicaid would pay for it.

From a visit to Idaho's last clinic, before new cuts took effect. Audio story in collaboration with @boisestatepublicradio.org.

‘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

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Reposted by Kyle Pfannenstiel

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

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Reposted by Kyle Pfannenstiel

Idaho Capital Sun @idahocapitalsun.com · 7d

“Currently, the National Forests and Grasslands will remain open to visitors and wildland firefighting and disaster response will continue,” a U.S. Department of Agriculture spokesperson who did not give their name said in a written message to the Sun. "This may change due to length of the shutdown.

Forests, national parks to stay open during government shutdown, but services may be limited • Idaho Capital Sun

For now, national forests in Idaho and national parks remain open to visitors, officials said, but services and website updates may be limited

idahocapitalsun.com

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Reposted by Kyle Pfannenstiel

Idaho Capital Sun @idahocapitalsun.com · 7d

There are around 14,387 civilian federal workers in Idaho, with the highest number in the southwestern region of the state, according to the Idaho Department of Labor.

The federal government has partially shut down. What does that mean for Idaho? • Idaho Capital Sun

There are around 14,387 civilian federal workers in Idaho, with the highest number in the southwestern region of the state.

idahocapitalsun.com

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Reposted by Kyle Pfannenstiel

Sofia Resnick @sofiaresnick.bsky.social · 6d

Meanwhile, Idaho's last Planned Parenthood clinic plans to stay open despite federal cuts, via @pfannyyy.bsky.social: www.newsfromthestates.com/article/we-a...

‘We aren’t going anywhere:’ Idaho’s last Planned Parenthood plans to stay open despite federal cuts

MERIDIAN — By one early afternoon in late August, Dr. Colleen McNicholas had already inserted an IUD, seen a patient to provide gender-affirming care and helped a patient access HIV prevention medicat...

www.newsfromthestates.com

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Kyle Pfannenstiel @pfannyyy.bsky.social · 7d

Even with new cuts from the “big, beautiful bill,” Idaho’s last Planned Parenthood clinic is here to stay. Clinic leaders say it’s been a lifeline, and that Idaho couldn’t easily replace it. #idpol

‘We aren’t going anywhere:’ Idaho’s last Planned Parenthood plans to stay open despite federal cuts • Idaho Capital Sun

Despite federal cuts from the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," Idaho's last Planned Parenthood clinic is here to stay, its health workers say.

idahocapitalsun.com

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Reposted by Kyle Pfannenstiel

Idaho Capital Sun @idahocapitalsun.com · 8d

Since Medicaid expansion went into effect in 2020, there have been multiple unsuccessful attempts in the Legislature to repeal it. #idleg #idpol

Idaho task force dives deeper into considering repeal, cuts to Medicaid expansion • Idaho Capital Sun

The Idaho Legislature's DOGE Task Force looked into cutting or repealing Medicaid expansion in an effort to reduce costs.

idahocapitalsun.com

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Kyle Pfannenstiel @pfannyyy.bsky.social · 9d

Getting a COVID vaccine is different this year.

But most people who want one should still be able to get one, and their insurance will likely cover it, said Idaho's state epidemiologist Dr. Christine Hahn.

New COVID, flu vaccines are out. Here’s how Idahoans can get them. • Idaho Capital Sun

In Idaho, COVID is spreading more and new vaccines are available. But the Trump administration changed eligibility and recommendations.

idahocapitalsun.com

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Reposted by Kyle Pfannenstiel

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

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Reposted by Kyle Pfannenstiel

Idaho Capital Sun @idahocapitalsun.com · 15d

Under Congress’s reauthorization of the program through the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act, or RECA, all of Utah and Idaho are considered affected areas. That means people who have certain cancers and lived in Idaho for 12 months between 1951 to 1962 are likely eligible for compensation.

Health clinic to host Idaho Falls public meeting to help downwinders apply for compensation • Idaho Capital Sun

In Idaho Falls, a public meeting will discuss a reinstated federal program that compensates people affected by nuclear weapons testing.

idahocapitalsun.com

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Reposted by Kyle Pfannenstiel

Idaho Capital Sun @idahocapitalsun.com · 14d

Officials from Idaho and Taiwan signed a $1.2 billion wheat trade deal Wednesday at the Idaho State Capitol in Boise, representing a three-year commitment on behalf of partners in Taiwan to purchase U.S. wheat exports. #idpol

Idaho, Taiwan Flour Mills Association sign $1.2B wheat trade agreement • Idaho Capital Sun

Officials said Taiwan and its trade partners in Idaho and the United States have had strong relationships for more than 40 years.

idahocapitalsun.com

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Reposted by Kyle Pfannenstiel

Idaho Capital Sun @idahocapitalsun.com · 14d

More than 50 submissions suggested the committee dissolve itself. #idleg #idpol

Idaho’s DOGE committee's public comments largely focus on education and health care • Idaho Capital Sun

Idaho's "DOGE" committee is sifting through nearly 500 public comments on how to improve state government efficiency.

idahocapitalsun.com

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Kyle Pfannenstiel @pfannyyy.bsky.social · 16d

Idaho communities rely heavily on federal funds to finance replace wells, water lines and other water infrastructure work. Trump proposed nearly eliminating a key funding source. #idpol

Idaho’s water systems need $1 billion of work, U of I study finds. Trump proposed deep federal cuts. • Idaho Capital Sun

Federal funding cuts could hamper Idaho's ability to maintain infrastructure for drinking water and wastewater.

idahocapitalsun.com

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Reposted by Kyle Pfannenstiel

Idaho Capital Sun @idahocapitalsun.com · 20d

The directive makes the budget holdbacks that Gov. Brad Little ordered for the current fiscal year permanent. #idleg #idpol

Idaho state agencies told 3% budget cuts will continue into 2027 and beyond • Idaho Capital Sun

The budget holdbacks are occurring after the Idaho Legislature and Gov. Brad Little reduced state revenue by more than $450 million.

idahocapitalsun.com

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Reposted by Kyle Pfannenstiel

Idaho Capital Sun @idahocapitalsun.com · 20d

Environmental organizations in Idaho are looking for volunteers who want to help protect America’s public lands by cleaning up the Sawtooth National Recreation Area this month.

Volunteers sought for public lands cleanup in Idaho’s Sawtooth National Recreation Area • Idaho Capital Sun

Environmental organizations in Idaho are looking for volunteers who want to help clean up the Sawtooth National Recreation Area this month.

idahocapitalsun.com

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Reposted by Kyle Pfannenstiel

Idaho Capital Sun @idahocapitalsun.com · 21d

A coalition of public school advocates announced Wednesday that it’s filing a lawsuit seeking to block House Bill 93, Idaho’s first private school choice program. From our friends at @idahoednews.bsky.social: #idleg #idpol

Advocacy coalition plans to file lawsuit to block Idaho's new private school tax credit • Idaho Capital Sun

A coalition of public school advocates said it's filing a lawsuit to block House Bill 93, Idaho's first private school choice program.

idahocapitalsun.com

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Reposted by Kyle Pfannenstiel

Idaho Capital Sun @idahocapitalsun.com · 21d

A federal appeals court will consider whether Idaho’s recent voting laws unconstitutionally target voters based on age. #idpol #idleg

Federal appeals court hears challenge to Idaho voter ID laws • Idaho Capital Sun

A federal appeals court will consider whether Idaho’s recent voting laws unconstitutionally target voters based on age.

idahocapitalsun.com

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Kyle Pfannenstiel @pfannyyy.bsky.social · 20d

In an unrelated federal lawsuit, Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador is clashing with the Land Board after it stopped using him as its attorney.

The fight over the AG's power on the Land Board goes back years, even before Labrador got elected. #idpol

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

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Reposted by Kyle Pfannenstiel

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

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