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/
Reposted by Kyle Pfannenstiel
NEWS: The cuts were so severe that at least one department head asked to leave The Post rather than be included in the planning.
Peter Finn, The Post's international editor, requested that he be laid off once he learned about the scope of the cuts to his section.
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/04/b...
Peter Finn, The Post's international editor, requested that he be laid off once he learned about the scope of the cuts to his section.
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/04/b...
Washington Post Begins Sweeping Layoffs
www.nytimes.com
February 4, 2026 at 3:11 PM
NEWS: The cuts were so severe that at least one department head asked to leave The Post rather than be included in the planning.
Peter Finn, The Post's international editor, requested that he be laid off once he learned about the scope of the cuts to his section.
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/04/b...
Peter Finn, The Post's international editor, requested that he be laid off once he learned about the scope of the cuts to his section.
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/04/b...
Reposted by Kyle Pfannenstiel
Glad to see change is coming after @audreydutton.bsky.social's great work on failures of Idaho's coroner system.
Idaho Seeks to Improve Its Troubled Coroner System and Lagging Child Autopsy Rates
An advisory panel is developing a bill to mandate autopsies in some circumstances, including unexplained child deaths. The state would help fund autopsies for coroners who get national certification, ...
www.propublica.org
February 4, 2026 at 3:27 PM
Glad to see change is coming after @audreydutton.bsky.social's great work on failures of Idaho's coroner system.
Reposted by Kyle Pfannenstiel
Whether you’re wondering when the state will finally fix that pothole or if tips will be taxed despite new federal policies, what happens at the Oregon Capitol has impacts on all Oregonians. Here's a guide to understanding how the Oregon Legislature works. oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2026/02/03/u...
Understanding the Oregon Legislature: How laws get passed — and how to participate • Oregon Capital Chronicle
The Oregon Legislature convened in Salem for a month-long legislative session, during which elected officials will pass state laws.
oregoncapitalchronicle.com
February 3, 2026 at 9:28 PM
Whether you’re wondering when the state will finally fix that pothole or if tips will be taxed despite new federal policies, what happens at the Oregon Capitol has impacts on all Oregonians. Here's a guide to understanding how the Oregon Legislature works. oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2026/02/03/u...
The Idaho Legislature is considering calling for a never-before-used method of amending the U.S. Constitution.
Idaho Republican Party Chairwoman Dorothy Moon warned that a constitutional convention is "uncontrollable." #idleg #idpol
Idaho Republican Party Chairwoman Dorothy Moon warned that a constitutional convention is "uncontrollable." #idleg #idpol
Idaho House to consider calling for convention to amend U.S. Constitution • Idaho Capital Sun
The latest proposal in Idaho, House Concurrent Resolution 25, calls for an amendment to the U.S. Constitution to balance the federal budget.
idahocapitalsun.com
February 3, 2026 at 11:13 PM
Reposted by Kyle Pfannenstiel
“The Idaho Legislature respectfully but firmly opposes any proposal by a neighboring state to impose an export tax on transportation fuels that would disproportionately burden Idahoans,” says a joint memorial draft sponsored by Idaho House Speaker Mike Moyle. #idleg #idpol
Utah is proposing a gas tax restructure — Idahoans and petroleum industry aren’t having it • Idaho Capital Sun
The news on a proposal to change Utah's gas tax structure has fueled tensions with the Idaho Legislature and the petroleum industry.
idahocapitalsun.com
February 3, 2026 at 5:12 PM
A dozen Idaho cities have local ordinances banning discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. The Idaho Legislature might end those protections. #idleg #idpol
Idaho bill to ban local protections against LGBTQ+ discrimination heads to House • Idaho Capital Sun
Rep. Bruce Skaug, a Nampa Republican, is sponsoring the bill, which was written by the Idaho Family Policy Center.
idahocapitalsun.com
February 3, 2026 at 12:28 AM
Reposted by Kyle Pfannenstiel
An Idaho House of Representatives committee voted Monday to advance a bill that adopts nearly all of the tax cuts in the federal “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” amid concerns over its hit to the state budget. #idleg #idpol
Idaho committee advances bill to conform to federal 'Big, Beautiful' tax changes • Idaho Capital Sun
An Idaho committee voted to advance a bill to adopt nearly all of the tax cuts in the federal “Big Beautiful Bill," amid budget concerns.
idahocapitalsun.com
February 2, 2026 at 10:26 PM
Reposted by Kyle Pfannenstiel
Assistant Senate Majority Leader Mark Harris, R-Soda Springs, introduced a bill to create a new law mandating the use of E-Verify, a federal program meant to check whether an individual is authorized to work in the U.S. #idleg #idpol
Idaho bill would require state, local government and public contractors to use E-Verify • Idaho Capital Sun
Under a new bill, Idaho government entities and some of their private contractors would have to use E-Verify to check work authorization.
idahocapitalsun.com
February 1, 2026 at 6:35 PM
Reposted by Kyle Pfannenstiel
Really good rundown by my colleague @shaanthx.bsky.social on how Oregon lawmakers are considering different approaches to limit ICE agents from wearing masks.
Two powerful Oregon Democrats are cautioning against lawsuits the state could run into as lawmakers attempt to regulate the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown, pitting them against activists eager to fight in court to prevent federal agents from covering their faces. buff.ly/7ILZ7vV
Should Oregon water down a bill to ban officers from wearing masks? Democrats are divided • Oregon Capital Chronicle
Even a floated approach allowing agents to wear their masks with identification on top could face challenges, some legal experts say.
oregoncapitalchronicle.com
January 30, 2026 at 10:05 PM
Really good rundown by my colleague @shaanthx.bsky.social on how Oregon lawmakers are considering different approaches to limit ICE agents from wearing masks.
Reposted by Kyle Pfannenstiel
I know it's late on a Friday night, but there's some important info in this story to check out before you go into full weekend mode.
In addition to furloughing staff by 19 hours during every two-week per pay period for the rest of this fiscal year, additional cuts would also force ISP to reduce positions for security at the Capitol and – if 2% cuts are implemented in FY 2027 – eliminate the ISP SWAT team, documents show. #idleg
Additional new budget cuts would force state to furlough Idaho prison guards, state police • Idaho Capital Sun
“Reduced staffing will compromise safety, disrupt essential services and increase legal and fiscal risks for the state," officials wrote.
idahocapitalsun.com
January 31, 2026 at 1:46 AM
I know it's late on a Friday night, but there's some important info in this story to check out before you go into full weekend mode.
Idaho Division of Financial Management Administrator Lori Wolff said additional new, across-the-board cuts would hurt state employees and Idahoans who depend on government programs and services. #idleg #idpol
Additional new budget cuts would force state to furlough Idaho prison guards, state police • Idaho Capital Sun
“Reduced staffing will compromise safety, disrupt essential services and increase legal and fiscal risks for the state," officials wrote.
idahocapitalsun.com
January 31, 2026 at 1:54 AM
Reposted by Kyle Pfannenstiel
In addition to furloughing staff by 19 hours during every two-week per pay period for the rest of this fiscal year, additional cuts would also force ISP to reduce positions for security at the Capitol and – if 2% cuts are implemented in FY 2027 – eliminate the ISP SWAT team, documents show. #idleg
Additional new budget cuts would force state to furlough Idaho prison guards, state police • Idaho Capital Sun
“Reduced staffing will compromise safety, disrupt essential services and increase legal and fiscal risks for the state," officials wrote.
idahocapitalsun.com
January 31, 2026 at 1:02 AM
In addition to furloughing staff by 19 hours during every two-week per pay period for the rest of this fiscal year, additional cuts would also force ISP to reduce positions for security at the Capitol and – if 2% cuts are implemented in FY 2027 – eliminate the ISP SWAT team, documents show. #idleg
"The battle for Minneapolis and the killings of two American citizens by federal agents have freshly exposed the dangerous degree to which the nation’s social fabric has frayed, the latest smudging of an already thin line between politics and violence in America."
America at a Boiling Point: Deaths, Threats, Protests and a Town Hall Attack
www.nytimes.com
January 31, 2026 at 12:26 AM
"The battle for Minneapolis and the killings of two American citizens by federal agents have freshly exposed the dangerous degree to which the nation’s social fabric has frayed, the latest smudging of an already thin line between politics and violence in America."
Reposted by Kyle Pfannenstiel
🚨 CPJ strongly condemns the arrests of journalists Don Lemon and Georgia Fort for their reporting on a protest in Minnesota, arrests which mark a serious escalation of attacks on the press in the United States.
Read more: cpj.org/2026/01/cpj-...
Read more: cpj.org/2026/01/cpj-...
January 30, 2026 at 4:50 PM
🚨 CPJ strongly condemns the arrests of journalists Don Lemon and Georgia Fort for their reporting on a protest in Minnesota, arrests which mark a serious escalation of attacks on the press in the United States.
Read more: cpj.org/2026/01/cpj-...
Read more: cpj.org/2026/01/cpj-...
Reposted by Kyle Pfannenstiel
“You can balance the budget without coming in mid-year and making cuts to public ed,” Critchfield said.
www.idahoednews.org/legislature/...
www.idahoednews.org/legislature/...
Critchfield rejects budget committee’s request to plan for cuts
The Republican superintendent said she already “fulfilled the assignment” by making cuts to the K-12 budget ahead of the legislative session.
www.idahoednews.org
January 30, 2026 at 3:28 AM
“You can balance the budget without coming in mid-year and making cuts to public ed,” Critchfield said.
www.idahoednews.org/legislature/...
www.idahoednews.org/legislature/...
The Idaho Legislature is again considering calling for a never-before-used method of amending the U.S. Constitution to call for a federal balanced budget. #idleg #idpol
Idaho Legislature will mull call to amend U.S. Constitution through convention of the states • Idaho Capital Sun
The Idaho Legislature is considering calling for a never-before-used method of amending the U.S. Constitution to call for a balanced budget.
idahocapitalsun.com
January 30, 2026 at 3:38 PM
An Idaho Republican lawmaker tweaked his bill that aims to punish the city of Boise for flying the LGBTQ+ pride flag. #idleg #idpol
Idaho House introduces tweaks bill to fine Boise for flying LGBTQ+ pride flag • Idaho Capital Sun
An Idaho Republican lawmaker tweaked his bill that aims to punish the city of Boise for flying the LGBTQ+ pride flag.
idahocapitalsun.com
January 30, 2026 at 3:38 PM
Reposted by Kyle Pfannenstiel
The state of Idaho is cutting tuition assistance benefits available to Idaho National Guard soldiers and airmen by more than 25% due to state budget cuts implemented in response to revenue shortfalls, officials said Thursday. #idleg #idpol
Idaho is cutting tuition assistance benefits for National Guard members due to state budget cuts • Idaho Capital Sun
Idaho plans to reduce funding for tuition assistance for National Guard soldiers and airmen by more than $185,000 due to state budget cuts.
idahocapitalsun.com
January 29, 2026 at 11:22 PM
Reposted by Kyle Pfannenstiel
After they were originally protected from new state budget cuts, leaders of Idaho’s public school system and Medicaid program are being asked by state legislators to submit plans to cut their budgets by up to 2%, a new state budget memo shows. #idleg #idpol
Idaho public schools, Medicaid program now told to plan for new state budget cuts • Idaho Capital Sun
A 2% budget cut would represent a $55 million cut for Idaho's K-12 public school system, and a $19.9 million cut for Medicaid.
idahocapitalsun.com
January 29, 2026 at 10:09 PM
Reposted by Kyle Pfannenstiel
Measles has arrived in the Boise area. Five cases just reported in Canyon County, according to the state's weekly data. public.tableau.com/app/profile/...
public.tableau.com
January 29, 2026 at 8:49 PM
Measles has arrived in the Boise area. Five cases just reported in Canyon County, according to the state's weekly data. public.tableau.com/app/profile/...
Reposted by Kyle Pfannenstiel
Sen. Brian Lenney, R-Nampa, proposed the bill to repeal the part of state law that allows for a signed affidavit to be used to prove identity as an alternative to photo identification in order to vote. #idleg #idpol
Idaho senator proposes bill eliminating voter affidavit as acceptable ID at polls • Idaho Capital Sun
An Idaho senator is bringing back a proposal to eliminate the option to use a signed affidavit to prove identity at the election polls.
idahocapitalsun.com
January 28, 2026 at 7:41 PM
Under a new bill introduced Wednesday, the Idaho Legislature would ban local policies in more than a dozen cities that prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. #idleg #idpol
New Idaho bill would ban cities from banning LGBTQ+ discrimination • Idaho Capital Sun
The Idaho Legislature could ban local policies that prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.
idahocapitalsun.com
January 29, 2026 at 12:26 AM
A state lawmaker wants to honor North Idaho firefighters killed and injured after a sniper allegedly ambushed them after starting a brush fire last summer. #idleg #idpol
State lawmaker wants to honor North Idaho firefighters killed in ambush • Idaho Capital Sun
Rep. Joe Alfieri, a Republican from Coeur d’Alene, proposed a resolution to honor North Idaho firefighters killed and injured in ambush.
idahocapitalsun.com
January 29, 2026 at 12:05 AM
Reposted by Kyle Pfannenstiel
TONIGHT: A preliminary DHS review contradicts the Trump admin's initial narrative of the shooting of Alex Pretti. The review makes no mention of Pretti attacking officers or threatening them with a weapon, or that he was the one initially disturbing them.
www.npr.org/2026/01/27/g...
www.npr.org/2026/01/27/g...
Internal review contradicts White House narrative of Pretti's death
The preliminary assessment from Customs and Border Protection makes no mention of Alex Pretti attacking officers or threatening them with a weapon — as the administration first described the incident.
www.npr.org
January 28, 2026 at 1:20 AM
TONIGHT: A preliminary DHS review contradicts the Trump admin's initial narrative of the shooting of Alex Pretti. The review makes no mention of Pretti attacking officers or threatening them with a weapon, or that he was the one initially disturbing them.
www.npr.org/2026/01/27/g...
www.npr.org/2026/01/27/g...
Reposted by Kyle Pfannenstiel
The law was approved by the Idaho Legislature and signed by Gov. Brad Little in 2025 and created new state-level immigration crimes of “illegal entry” and “illegal re-entry.” #idpol #idleg
Federal judge rejects Idaho’s ask to dismiss lawsuit challenging state immigration law • Idaho Capital Sun
A federal judge in Idaho on Friday largely rejected the state’s attempts to dismiss a lawsuit challenging a 2025 state immigration law.
idahocapitalsun.com
January 27, 2026 at 5:32 PM