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
New to state politics or need a refresher? Here’s our Idaho legislative session 101 guidebook. • Idaho Capital Sun
The workings in the Idaho Capitol may seem confusing or removed from everyday life, but decisions made there have a real impact on Idahoans.
idahocapitalsun.com
Our @idahocapitalsun.com reporter Laura Guido has created the most comprehensive guide I think I've ever seen on to how to follow the Idaho Legislature, and it has tools to help you be more engaged with lawmakers and the legislative process. I hope you'll check it out! #idleg #idpol
This is actually what our founders meant by the ol' "Don't tread on me." business.
🚨HOLY CRAP. An ICE whistleblower just revealed a secret memo authorizing ICE officers to break into homes without a judicial warrant, which DHS's own legal training materials say is unconstitutional!
ICE then hid the memo from the public, passing it along by word of mouth and private conversation.
ICE then hid the memo from the public, passing it along by word of mouth and private conversation.
January 21, 2026 at 11:07 PM
This is actually what our founders meant by the ol' "Don't tread on me." business.
We've updated this story after the Idaho Senate and Idaho House minority leaders released statements regarding our reporting.
“This memo doesn’t build trust; it reads like a gag order,” Idaho Senate Minority Leader Melissa Wintrow said. #idleg #idpol
“This memo doesn’t build trust; it reads like a gag order,” Idaho Senate Minority Leader Melissa Wintrow said. #idleg #idpol
Today, an Idaho Capital Sun story detailed a policy directing state agencies to work with the governor's office before answering questions from lawmakers and reporters.
Then, a bill came to protect state staff who talk to legislators — and Democrats decried the governor's policy. #idleg #idpol
Then, a bill came to protect state staff who talk to legislators — and Democrats decried the governor's policy. #idleg #idpol
Idaho governor tells state agencies to coordinate responses on legislators', journalists' questions • Idaho Capital Sun
Ahead of the 2026 legislative session, Idaho Gov. Brad Little’s office told state government agencies how to reply to requests for information.
idahocapitalsun.com
January 21, 2026 at 11:01 PM
Reposted by Christina Lords
Facing a tough budget year, the Idaho governor did not recommend providing a pay increase for state employees, who will also see higher health insurance costs. #idleg #idpol
Idaho state employees likely not to see raise amid increasing health care costs • Idaho Capital Sun
Leaders of the Idaho committee that makes state employee pay recommendations said they aren’t sure whether the committee will meet this year.
idahocapitalsun.com
January 14, 2026 at 7:43 PM
Reposted by Christina Lords
As part of the governor’s recommendation for $22 million in extra Medicaid cuts, he says the state could remove dental coverage for adults, and home and community-based services, which are meant to help people with developmental disabilities live outside of institutional settings. #idleg #idpol
To cut Medicaid budget, governor says Idaho could remove disability, dental services • Idaho Capital Sun
To balance the state’s budget, Idaho Gov. Brad Little’s plan says the state could cut Medicaid services for dental care and disabilities.
idahocapitalsun.com
January 14, 2026 at 3:33 PM
Our @idahocapitalsun.com reporter Laura Guido has created the most comprehensive guide I think I've ever seen on to how to follow the Idaho Legislature, and it has tools to help you be more engaged with lawmakers and the legislative process. I hope you'll check it out! #idleg #idpol
New to state politics or need a refresher? Here’s our Idaho legislative session 101 guidebook. • Idaho Capital Sun
The workings in the Idaho Capitol may seem confusing or removed from everyday life, but decisions made there have a real impact on Idahoans.
idahocapitalsun.com
January 13, 2026 at 4:28 PM
Our @idahocapitalsun.com reporter Laura Guido has created the most comprehensive guide I think I've ever seen on to how to follow the Idaho Legislature, and it has tools to help you be more engaged with lawmakers and the legislative process. I hope you'll check it out! #idleg #idpol
As I was parking at the Idaho Capitol to head in for my 13th(!) legislative session, "For Whom the Bell Tolls" came on over the radio. Apropos of nothing, I'm sure. #timemarcheson #idleg
January 12, 2026 at 5:40 PM
As I was parking at the Idaho Capitol to head in for my 13th(!) legislative session, "For Whom the Bell Tolls" came on over the radio. Apropos of nothing, I'm sure. #timemarcheson #idleg
We are two sign-ups shy of hitting 5,000 subscriptions to our FREE(! 😍) emailed newsletter. As the Idaho Legislature kicks into high gear with its first day and the governor's State of the State Address on Monday, now would be a great time to add us to your inbox!
idahocapitalsun.com/subscribe/
idahocapitalsun.com/subscribe/
Subscribe • Idaho Capital Sun
idahocapitalsun.com
January 9, 2026 at 6:47 PM
We are two sign-ups shy of hitting 5,000 subscriptions to our FREE(! 😍) emailed newsletter. As the Idaho Legislature kicks into high gear with its first day and the governor's State of the State Address on Monday, now would be a great time to add us to your inbox!
idahocapitalsun.com/subscribe/
idahocapitalsun.com/subscribe/
Reposted by Christina Lords
A Justice Department attorney hinted the agency could sue Idaho — like it has sued 23 other states — if election officials don’t turn over the full records that the Trump administration demanded. #idpol
US Justice Department wants Idaho’s identifiable voter roll, public records show • Idaho Capital Sun
As the Trump administration sues states for not sharing their identifiable voter rolls, the US Justice Department is pressing Idaho for data.
idahocapitalsun.com
January 9, 2026 at 6:37 PM
A Justice Department attorney hinted the agency could sue Idaho — like it has sued 23 other states — if election officials don’t turn over the full records that the Trump administration demanded. #idpol
I am an IDOG board member, so I'm a lil biased, but these trainings are incredibly helpful for accessing government information. AND THEY'RE FREEEEEE! Come join us :)
Idahoans for Openness in Government is hosting an in-person and livestreamed training on the Idaho Public Records Act on Friday, Jan. 16, in the Idaho State Capitol in downtown Boise. #idpol
Want to learn how to access Idaho government records? There’s a workshop next week. • Idaho Capital Sun
Idahoans for Openness in Government is hosting an in-person and livestreamed training on the Idaho Public Records Act on Jan. 16.
idahocapitalsun.com
January 8, 2026 at 8:17 PM
I am an IDOG board member, so I'm a lil biased, but these trainings are incredibly helpful for accessing government information. AND THEY'RE FREEEEEE! Come join us :)
Reposted by Christina Lords
In an email to staff Friday, the Attorney General’s Office announced it would cut paid parental leave down from eight weeks to two weeks starting July 1. #idpol
Idaho Attorney General’s Office to cut parental leave to two weeks, ending extended leave • Idaho Capital Sun
Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador’s office will significantly reduce paid time off for new parents starting this summer.
idahocapitalsun.com
January 7, 2026 at 11:55 PM
In an email to staff Friday, the Attorney General’s Office announced it would cut paid parental leave down from eight weeks to two weeks starting July 1. #idpol
Budget documents project the state will end the current fiscal year 2026 with a budget deficit of $40 million, the Idaho Capital Sun previously reported.
However the deficit is projected to increase by 10 times or more in the next year, according to state budget documents and officials.
However the deficit is projected to increase by 10 times or more in the next year, according to state budget documents and officials.
Horman’s resignation means Republican leaders in the Idaho House of Representatives will appoint a new budget co-chair just as the state is navigating projected budget shortfalls for 2026 and 2027 and bracing for additional new budget cuts to avoid a projected budget deficit. #idleg #idpol
State Rep. Wendy Horman, co-chair of budget committee, to resign from Idaho Legislature • Idaho Capital Sun
Rep. Wendy Horman will resign from the Idaho Legislature effective Jan. 5 – one week before the 2026 legislative session begins on Jan. 12.
idahocapitalsun.com
December 19, 2025 at 3:35 PM
Budget documents project the state will end the current fiscal year 2026 with a budget deficit of $40 million, the Idaho Capital Sun previously reported.
However the deficit is projected to increase by 10 times or more in the next year, according to state budget documents and officials.
However the deficit is projected to increase by 10 times or more in the next year, according to state budget documents and officials.
After some number crunching this morning, we surpassed the @idahocapitalsun.com's end-of-year fundraising goal of $12K — we're at $14,868.09 (and counting!) as of today!!
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU to those of you who donated so we can continue reporting into the '26 #idleg legislative session!
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU to those of you who donated so we can continue reporting into the '26 #idleg legislative session!
December 16, 2025 at 10:32 PM
After some number crunching this morning, we surpassed the @idahocapitalsun.com's end-of-year fundraising goal of $12K — we're at $14,868.09 (and counting!) as of today!!
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU to those of you who donated so we can continue reporting into the '26 #idleg legislative session!
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU to those of you who donated so we can continue reporting into the '26 #idleg legislative session!
Reposted by Christina Lords
Idaho sheriffs are warning elected officials that new state Medicaid cuts to critical mental health services for people with severe mental illness could pose a public safety risk.
Idaho sheriffs worry Medicaid mental health cuts pose ‘significant public-safety concern’ • Idaho Capital Sun
The Idaho Sheriffs' Association warned elected officials of public safety risks from cuts to Medicaid mental illness services.
idahocapitalsun.com
December 3, 2025 at 4:02 PM
Idaho sheriffs are warning elected officials that new state Medicaid cuts to critical mental health services for people with severe mental illness could pose a public safety risk.
Gooood mornin'! During #GivingTuesday, we hope you'll consider the @idahocapitalsun.com as a worthy nonprofit to support.
So far, we've raised more than $4,500 — $4,837.28 to be exact 🥳— of our $12,000 end-of-the-year goal. If you value Idaho news, here's how to help! idahocapitalsun.com/donate/
So far, we've raised more than $4,500 — $4,837.28 to be exact 🥳— of our $12,000 end-of-the-year goal. If you value Idaho news, here's how to help! idahocapitalsun.com/donate/
Donate • Idaho Capital Sun
idahocapitalsun.com
December 2, 2025 at 3:44 PM
Gooood mornin'! During #GivingTuesday, we hope you'll consider the @idahocapitalsun.com as a worthy nonprofit to support.
So far, we've raised more than $4,500 — $4,837.28 to be exact 🥳— of our $12,000 end-of-the-year goal. If you value Idaho news, here's how to help! idahocapitalsun.com/donate/
So far, we've raised more than $4,500 — $4,837.28 to be exact 🥳— of our $12,000 end-of-the-year goal. If you value Idaho news, here's how to help! idahocapitalsun.com/donate/
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.)