Kyle Pfannenstiel
@pfannyyy.bsky.social
Idaho health and politics reporter for @idahocapitalsun.com, part of @statesnewsroom.com.
Fawn-in-steel. U of I alum. Likes 🥃 & ☕️. Always mustachioed. He/him.
idahocapitalsun.com/author/kpfann/
Fawn-in-steel. U of I alum. Likes 🥃 & ☕️. Always mustachioed. He/him.
idahocapitalsun.com/author/kpfann/
Want to learn more about how cuts to Idaho Medicaid will affect health care access in the state? I joined @boisestatepublicradio.org's Idaho Matters to break it down.
Idaho Matters Reporter Roundtable: November 14, 2025
It’s Friday, which means it's time for our Reporter Roundtable when Idaho Matters gets you up to date on all the news that made headlines this past week.
www.boisestatepublicradio.org
November 14, 2025 at 8:40 PM
Want to learn more about how cuts to Idaho Medicaid will affect health care access in the state? I joined @boisestatepublicradio.org's Idaho Matters to break it down.
Reposted by Kyle Pfannenstiel
The U.S. House approved a spending package Wednesday evening that will reopen the government and end the longest shutdown in the nation’s history, once President Donald Trump signs the legislation into law.
Government to reopen after 43 days: US House sends bill to Trump ending record shutdown • Idaho Capital Sun
The U.S. House plans to approve a stopgap spending bill that will end the record-breaking 43-day government shutdown once Trump signs it.
idahocapitalsun.com
November 13, 2025 at 2:52 AM
The U.S. House approved a spending package Wednesday evening that will reopen the government and end the longest shutdown in the nation’s history, once President Donald Trump signs the legislation into law.
Reposted by Kyle Pfannenstiel
The U.S. House plans to approve a stopgap spending bill Wednesday evening that will end the record-breaking 43-day government shutdown once President Donald Trump signs the legislation.
US House expected to clear bill reopening the government after record-shattering shutdown • Idaho Capital Sun
The U.S. House plans to approve a stopgap spending bill that will end the record-breaking 43-day government shutdown once Trump signs it.
idahocapitalsun.com
November 12, 2025 at 10:28 PM
The U.S. House plans to approve a stopgap spending bill Wednesday evening that will end the record-breaking 43-day government shutdown once President Donald Trump signs the legislation.
Reposted by Kyle Pfannenstiel
Before a new library branch opened, Inkom had only been served by a bookmobile.
Community, grants support opening of new libraries in small Idaho towns • Idaho Capital Sun
New libraries recently opened or will open soon in the small Idaho towns of Kendrick, Inkom and Fernwood through public and private efforts.
idahocapitalsun.com
November 12, 2025 at 4:59 PM
Before a new library branch opened, Inkom had only been served by a bookmobile.
Reposted by Kyle Pfannenstiel
The clinics by Eastern Idaho Public Health are for people who are uninsured or underinsured.
Here’s how to get your free flu shot in eastern Idaho this month • Idaho Capital Sun
The free flu shot clinics by Eastern Idaho Public Health are for people who are uninsured or underinsured.
idahocapitalsun.com
November 12, 2025 at 9:43 PM
The clinics by Eastern Idaho Public Health are for people who are uninsured or underinsured.
Reposted by Kyle Pfannenstiel
Founded by brothers Charles and David Koch, Americans for Prosperity, describes itself as a grassroots advocacy organization that supports pro-growth policies, free markets, limited government, freedom and individual liberty.
Conservative policy group Americans for Prosperity opens Idaho chapter • Idaho Capital Sun
Americans For Prosperity, which was founded in 2004 by brothers Charles and David Koch, is opening an Idaho chapter.
idahocapitalsun.com
November 12, 2025 at 3:58 PM
Founded by brothers Charles and David Koch, Americans for Prosperity, describes itself as a grassroots advocacy organization that supports pro-growth policies, free markets, limited government, freedom and individual liberty.
Reposted by Kyle Pfannenstiel
State officials and medical groups said the federal infusion of money is welcome, but isn’t enough to offset billions in Medicaid losses.
States hope to use rural health money to keep doctors, combat chronic disease • Idaho Capital Sun
States are seeking money to bolster emergency services, address chronic diseases, and recruit and train more doctors and nurses.
idahocapitalsun.com
November 11, 2025 at 9:40 PM
State officials and medical groups said the federal infusion of money is welcome, but isn’t enough to offset billions in Medicaid losses.
Reposted by Kyle Pfannenstiel
Through Wednesday, the public can participate in an online survey to help guide the future of freight and passenger rail systems in Idaho, the Idaho Transportation Department announced.
Idaho Transportation Department seeks public comment on train plan • Idaho Capital Sun
The Idaho Transportation Department is asking for the public to comment on the statewide rail plan until Nov. 12.
idahocapitalsun.com
November 11, 2025 at 4:10 PM
Through Wednesday, the public can participate in an online survey to help guide the future of freight and passenger rail systems in Idaho, the Idaho Transportation Department announced.
Reposted by Kyle Pfannenstiel
The 60-40 vote sends the updated funding package back to the House, where lawmakers in that chamber are expected sometime during the next few days to clear the legislation for President Donald Trump’s signature.
US Senate in bipartisan vote passes bill to end record-breaking shutdown, House up next • Idaho Capital Sun
The U.S. Senate was on track to approve a stopgap spending bill Monday that could end the longest government shutdown in American history.
idahocapitalsun.com
November 11, 2025 at 3:07 AM
The 60-40 vote sends the updated funding package back to the House, where lawmakers in that chamber are expected sometime during the next few days to clear the legislation for President Donald Trump’s signature.
While the Trump administration withholds some food assistance benefits amid court challenges, Idaho is paying reduced SNAP benefits.
And here's a timeline of how we got here, starting with the federal government shutdown.
And here's a timeline of how we got here, starting with the federal government shutdown.
Idaho begins distributing partial SNAP benefits, awaits further federal guidance • Idaho Capital Sun
Idaho has begun distributing partial SNAP payments for low-income residents, while awaiting for federal guidance amid court orders.
idahocapitalsun.com
November 10, 2025 at 11:15 PM
While the Trump administration withholds some food assistance benefits amid court challenges, Idaho is paying reduced SNAP benefits.
And here's a timeline of how we got here, starting with the federal government shutdown.
And here's a timeline of how we got here, starting with the federal government shutdown.
Reposted by Kyle Pfannenstiel
Idaho has begun distributing partial payments of federal food assistance for low-income residents, while awaiting for federal guidance to be able to distribute full benefits.
Idaho begins distributing partial SNAP benefits, awaits further federal guidance • Idaho Capital Sun
Idaho has begun distributing partial SNAP payments for low-income residents, while awaiting for federal guidance amid court orders.
idahocapitalsun.com
November 10, 2025 at 11:12 PM
Idaho has begun distributing partial payments of federal food assistance for low-income residents, while awaiting for federal guidance to be able to distribute full benefits.
A slew of cuts are coming to Idaho Medicaid. Advocates say everyone will feel their impact on the health care system — including people on private insurance.
Here's how. #idleg #idpol
Here's how. #idleg #idpol
‘This perfect storm:’ How Idaho Medicaid cuts could affect everyone’s health care access • Idaho Capital Sun
Cuts are coming to Idaho Medicaid: doctor pay cuts, reforms in state law, the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” and potentially expiring health insurance subsidies.
idahocapitalsun.com
November 10, 2025 at 4:05 PM
Reposted by Kyle Pfannenstiel
I don't live anywhere near Idaho but I'll read anything @pfannyyy.bsky.social writes. This is a great look at how state and federal policies converge in a one-two-three-four punch to a state's entire health care system.
Hospital, nursing home and Medicaid advocates say the cuts will create a ripple effect that strains the state’s health care system — predicting more people will become uninsured, providers may close, and private insurance rates will rise as hospitals offset the costs of caring for uninsured people.
‘This perfect storm:’ How Idaho Medicaid cuts could affect everyone’s health care access • Idaho Capital Sun
Cuts are coming to Idaho Medicaid: doctor pay cuts, reforms in state law, the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” and potentially expiring health insurance subsidies.
idahocapitalsun.com
November 5, 2025 at 1:33 AM
I don't live anywhere near Idaho but I'll read anything @pfannyyy.bsky.social writes. This is a great look at how state and federal policies converge in a one-two-three-four punch to a state's entire health care system.
Reposted by Kyle Pfannenstiel
Hospital, nursing home and Medicaid advocates say the cuts will create a ripple effect that strains the state’s health care system — predicting more people will become uninsured, providers may close, and private insurance rates will rise as hospitals offset the costs of caring for uninsured people.
‘This perfect storm:’ How Idaho Medicaid cuts could affect everyone’s health care access • Idaho Capital Sun
Cuts are coming to Idaho Medicaid: doctor pay cuts, reforms in state law, the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” and potentially expiring health insurance subsidies.
idahocapitalsun.com
November 4, 2025 at 4:21 PM
Hospital, nursing home and Medicaid advocates say the cuts will create a ripple effect that strains the state’s health care system — predicting more people will become uninsured, providers may close, and private insurance rates will rise as hospitals offset the costs of caring for uninsured people.
Reposted by Kyle Pfannenstiel
Zoinks! Happy Halloween from the Idaho Cap Sun crew and our trusty newshound Scooby-Doo (Bear!) Where are we? Out here solving state political mysteries and bringing accountability reporting to the 208! Check us out: idahocapitalsun.com/subscribe/ and support our work: idahocapitalsun.com/donate/
October 31, 2025 at 5:25 PM
Zoinks! Happy Halloween from the Idaho Cap Sun crew and our trusty newshound Scooby-Doo (Bear!) Where are we? Out here solving state political mysteries and bringing accountability reporting to the 208! Check us out: idahocapitalsun.com/subscribe/ and support our work: idahocapitalsun.com/donate/
Reposted by Kyle Pfannenstiel
A federal judge ruled Friday that the USDA's plan to pause a food assistance program for 42 million people was illegal — but gave the Trump administration until Monday to respond to her finding before she decides on a motion to force the benefits be paid despite the ongoing government shutdown.
Trump administration blocked from cutting off SNAP benefits as two judges issue orders • Idaho Capital Sun
A federal judge ruled the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s plan to pause a food assistance program for 42 million people was illegal.
idahocapitalsun.com
October 31, 2025 at 7:50 PM
A federal judge ruled Friday that the USDA's plan to pause a food assistance program for 42 million people was illegal — but gave the Trump administration until Monday to respond to her finding before she decides on a motion to force the benefits be paid despite the ongoing government shutdown.
Reposted by Kyle Pfannenstiel
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
October 31, 2025 at 11:13 PM
After a judge dismissed a whistleblower lawsuit against Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador’s office, the fired attorney appealed to the Idaho Supreme Court.
Whistleblower lawsuit against Idaho Attorney General’s Office appealed to state Supreme Court • Idaho Capital Sun
Daphne Huang, who represented the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, appealed her lawsuit's dismissal to the Idaho Supreme Court.
idahocapitalsun.com
October 31, 2025 at 7:21 PM
After a judge dismissed a whistleblower lawsuit against Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador’s office, the fired attorney appealed to the Idaho Supreme Court.
Reposted by Kyle Pfannenstiel
The federal program covers about $50 million to $60 million in special education costs per year. But Idaho still faces a $100 million special education shortfall, state superintendent Debbie Critchfield says. #idaho #idleg www.idahoednews.org/state-policy...
How Medicaid affects — and doesn’t affect — the special education equation
The federal program covers about $50 million to $60 million in special education costs per year. But Idaho still faces a $100 million special education shortfall, state superintendent Debbie Critch…
www.idahoednews.org
October 30, 2025 at 9:44 PM
The federal program covers about $50 million to $60 million in special education costs per year. But Idaho still faces a $100 million special education shortfall, state superintendent Debbie Critchfield says. #idaho #idleg www.idahoednews.org/state-policy...
Idaho's retirement pension payments for former government employees haven't kept up with rising costs of living. Now, retirees are calling for the state to fix PERSI benefits.
Retirees call for Idaho to restore pension’s cost-of-living adjustments • Idaho Capital Sun
Between 2019 and 2024, inflation outpaced raises to Idaho's PERSI retirement benefits, former Boise Police Chief Mike Masterson said.
idahocapitalsun.com
October 30, 2025 at 10:19 PM
Idaho's retirement pension payments for former government employees haven't kept up with rising costs of living. Now, retirees are calling for the state to fix PERSI benefits.
Reposted by Kyle Pfannenstiel
Speakers discussed efforts to create a state crime for concealing, harboring and shielding people who are in the U.S. illegally; tracking and reporting immigration status and nationality of public school students; and tracking and sharing the immigration status of those arrested by law enforcement.
Idaho lawmakers to partner with national conservative think tank to bring more immigration bills • Idaho Capital Sun
Members of the Heritage Foundation plan to work with Idaho lawmakers again in 2026 to further crack down on immigration in the state.
idahocapitalsun.com
October 30, 2025 at 4:42 PM
Speakers discussed efforts to create a state crime for concealing, harboring and shielding people who are in the U.S. illegally; tracking and reporting immigration status and nationality of public school students; and tracking and sharing the immigration status of those arrested by law enforcement.
Reposted by Kyle Pfannenstiel
To comply with Idaho Gov. Brad Little’s directive to permanently extend 3% budget cuts, state agencies are planning to cut $88.7 million next fiscal year.
As part of those extended cuts for fiscal year 2027, Idaho plans to extend 4% Medicaid provider pay rate cuts for another year. #idleg #idpol
As part of those extended cuts for fiscal year 2027, Idaho plans to extend 4% Medicaid provider pay rate cuts for another year. #idleg #idpol
As Idaho permanently extends governor’s budget cuts, Medicaid will keep provider pay cuts • Idaho Capital Sun
Idaho state government agencies are planning to cut $88.7 million in fiscal year 2027 to permanently extend Gov. Brad Little's budget cuts.
idahocapitalsun.com
October 30, 2025 at 2:59 PM
Idaho Medicaid plans to extend cuts to doctor pay rates for another year. That's after Gov. Brad Little permanently extended budget cuts. #idleg #idpol
As Idaho permanently extends governor’s budget cuts, Medicaid will keep provider pay cuts • Idaho Capital Sun
Idaho state government agencies are planning to cut $88.7 million in fiscal year 2027 to permanently extend Gov. Brad Little's budget cuts.
idahocapitalsun.com
October 30, 2025 at 3:06 PM
Reposted by Kyle Pfannenstiel
On Nov. 4, every Boise voter will get to weigh in on whether to continue the decades-long legacy of preserving open space in the city through a third levy. City officials estimate the average homeowner would pay an extra $40 annually for the levy.
Boise asks voters to back $11 million open space levy
On Nov. 4, every Boise voter will get to weigh in on whether to continue the decades-long legacy of preserving open space in the city through a third levy.
www.boisestatepublicradio.org
October 29, 2025 at 7:13 PM
On Nov. 4, every Boise voter will get to weigh in on whether to continue the decades-long legacy of preserving open space in the city through a third levy. City officials estimate the average homeowner would pay an extra $40 annually for the levy.
Reposted by Kyle Pfannenstiel
The new law went into effect July 1 and requires investor-owned utility companies such as Idaho Power, Rocky Mountain Power, Avista Utilities and Atlanta Power to adopt and submit wildfire mitigation plans to the Idaho Public Utilities Commission for approval every year. #idleg #idpol
Idaho develops process for utility companies to submit wildfire mitigation plans • Idaho Capital Sun
Under the new Idaho law, plans must include prevention actions the electric utility will carry out to reduce the risk of wildfire.
idahocapitalsun.com
October 29, 2025 at 4:45 PM