Matthew Sanders
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)
The Missouri Hemp Trade Association held a news conference ahead of delivering handwritten letters to the governor’s office opposing hemp regulations.
Watch it in the video player.
KIVI Staff
By: Don Nelson
Originally Posted: 5:39 PM, Apr 13, 2026
BOISE, Idaho — The 2026 legislative session has come to an end, with Idaho lawmakers returning to their homes across the state.
Senior Reporter Don Nelson spoke with Republican Idaho House Speaker Mike Moyle and Democrat Senate Minority Leader Melissa Wintrow to hear their assessments of lawmakers’ efforts over the last couple of months.
Their assessments paint very different pictures.
Nelson asked Moyle and Wintrow to describe the work of the 2026 session in one sentence. Moyle answered, “Yeah, most of it got done, the overwhelmingly majority of it.”
However, Wintrow disagreed, saying that she would give the session a grade of “F plus”.
Much of the legislature’s focus in 2026 centered on budget cuts to state agencies and their impacts.
The House Speaker said this year’s session helped to establish tax relief for Idahoans and budget efficiency.
RELATED | Idaho enacts major spending cuts as governor signs $193M budget reduction bill
“The budgets are basically as flat as they can be,” Moyle said, “We did take care of prisons and all the places that we were short of money, so no it worked out good.”
Wintrow was not impressed with the Speaker’s assessment and responded, “The Speaker talked about how we filled holes, well, the Legislature created the holes, and I don’t think they’re plugged very well, they’re leaking already.”
Senator Wintrow points to the 11 million dollars cut from Fish and Game’s budget.
Wintrow criticizes the decision, calling it “ludicrous”, particularly after Governor Brad Little signed a bill establishing hunting as the official state sport.
“Might be the official sport, but we’re not going to let the sportsmen have their money so they can actually go out, and hunt and fish,” Wintrow said.
Speaker Moyle said tough decisions had to be made.
“We trimmed back for those things where there was money that needed to be trimmed back to keep things in line,” Moyle said.
Wintrow was quick to point out that her constituents are tired of the Republican majority trying to legislate morality.
“They’re fed up, you know, shaking their fists at the bathroom and toilet seat, they want real results.”
RELATED | ‘It shouldn’t be a crime’: Transgender Idahoan speaks out after ‘Bathroom Bill’ becomes law
Idaho News 6 will continue to follow the new laws and their impacts on local neighborhoods.
This story was initially reported by a journalist and has been, in part, converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
Silas Moreau
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Members of Team Tempest from Bend’s Odyssey Martial Arts spent Sunday (4/12) volunteering at Think Wild Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation Center from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m.
Team Tempest are working towards their black belt in Tong Soo Do karate. Part of their journey towards a black belt involves a community service project.
The various projects the team worked on included picnic table construction, installation of pavers for a small mammal enclosure, replacing handicap parking, as well as moving gravel & rocks.
“We would love for the city of Bend and beyond to know what an amazing place Odyssey Martial Arts is and how important it is for the kids to take part in this fulfilling community project,” said Julie Furnas, the mother of a black belt candidate on Team Tempest.
Seth Ratliff
BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — The head of Idaho’s highest court has announced his retirement, signaling the end of a legal career that spanned four decades and reshaped the state’s judicial landscape.
Chief Justice G. Richard Bevan will officially step down on October 30, capping off nearly 23 years within the judicial branch. In a letter to Governor Brad Little, Bevan described his service as “one of the great honors” of his professional life.
A Twin Falls native and Brigham Young University graduate, Bevan spent 16 years in private practice before serving as the Twin Falls County prosecutor. He transitioned to the bench in 2003, following an appointment as a district judge. While in this role, he presided over two treatment courts and served for eight years as the administrative district judge, overseeing the operations of courts across south-central Idaho.
Bevan was appointed to the Idaho Supreme Court in 2017 and was elevated to Chief Justice by his peers four years later.
Leading Through Transformation
According to the Idaho Judicial Branch, Bevan’s tenure has been marked by continued improvements in court technology, prioritizing judicial security in response to rising modern threats, and navigating the court system through the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Chief Justice Bevan will leave a legacy defined by his deep, abiding commitment to the rule of law and his innate sense of fairness,” said Justice Robyn Brody, vice chief of the Court. “He has dedicated his career to serving our community with integrity, ensuring that every person is treated with respect and dignity in the courtroom.”
What Happens Next?
Under state law, Governor Little will appoint a justice to succeed Chief Justice Bevan from a list of applicants provided by the Idaho Judicial Council. The new justice will serve the remainder of Bevan’s term, which ends in January 2031.
While the appointee will hold the seat for several years, the position will eventually be put to a nonpartisan public vote during the May 2030 election cycle. The justices of the Supreme Court will choose the next chief justice from among themselves as provided for by Idaho’s Constitution.
News Release
The following is a news release from the City of Pocatello:
POCATELLO, Idaho — The City of Pocatello will begin construction on the Portneuf River Bridge on West Benton Street mid-April.
The City of Pocatello was awarded funding through the Leading Idaho Local Bridge (LILB) Grant, administered by the Local Highway Technical Assistance Council, to replace the Portneuf River Bridge on West Benton Street.
This project will replace the existing steel girder bridge with a new single-span concrete girder structure designed to improve safety and increase long-term reliability. The new bridge will be supported by a deep foundation system using driven piles.
In addition to the bridge replacement, work will include reconstruction of roadway and pedestrian approaches, as well as the relocation of select utilities. All construction will be completed in accordance with the 2023 Idaho Standard Specifications for Highway Construction.
The LILB Grant fully funds the project, requiring no local match from the City of Pocatello.
The LILB Program is funded by the Idaho Legislature through Senate Bill 1359 and supports the repair or replacement of bridges greater than 20 feet in length that are in poor condition or have load restrictions, in accordance with Federal Highway Administration guidance.
Please be advised that a temporary road closure will be necessary to facilitate the completion of the bridge replacement. We encourage all travelers to exercise caution and consider utilizing alternate routes in the area.
Construction is anticipated to be finished by the end of September, weather and other unforeseen conditions permitting.
Nichole Gomez
El Paso, TX (KVIA-TV)- Sol Summit Music & Cultura Festival is set for Saturday, May 2, and Sunday, May 3, 2026, at San Jacinto Plaza in downtown El Paso. This two-day event brings people together to celebrate music, art, and community, with a special spotlight on the Borderlands. The festival will include performances from global artists, national touring acts, and local talent, all highlighting the region’s rich culture and creative energy. https://solsummitmusic.com/
Matthew Draxton
(Update: adding comments from superintendent Dr. Hoff)
PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — After months of discussion and community engagement, the Crook County School District has officially named Dr. Joel Hoff its permanent superintendent.
Hoff has served as interim superintendent for the past year. Surveys and listening sessions showed overwhelming support for his leadership, with nearly 97% of respondents backing his permanent appointment. Many pointed to noticeable improvements across the district.
“When I hear those positive numbers, I know it’s not just me…that’s more of a reflection of our staff,” Hoff said. “Our bus drivers, our teachers are making that awesome experience for our students everyday. It’s more of a reflection of our community’s belief in our staff, not just anything I’m doing individually.”
Hoff stepped into the interim role at a time he said the district needed to refocus on its priorities.
“Our district was focused on everything but our students,” he said. “So my biggest task was to just recenter the district. Our saying is ‘students first’. Every decision we make, everything we do, students are at the center and figuring out what’s best for students in every situation.”
A longtime Prineville resident, and former teacher and administrator within the district, Hoff said his local connection has shaped his leadership.
Now, with a contract in place, district goals will shift from short-term stability to long-term success.
“We’re just looking at more long-term plans of how can we set up this district so that we’re looking forward and not just looking in that temporary way,” Hoff said.
That includes expanding pathways for students — whether that’s college, the trades, or the military — and continuing what district officials call progress in the right direction.
“We look at every individual student and we come up with a plan that fits, that’s kind of tailored to their needs,” Hoff said. “It’s looking at every single kid and what they need to be successful here.”
Hoff said his focus now is keeping students at the center while strengthening support for staff and families.
Earlier Story — BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Crook County School District Board of Directors approved a three-year contract on Monday, April 13, officially appointing Dr. Joel Hoff as the district’s permanent superintendent. This decision follows a comprehensive stakeholder engagement process that showed strong community support for Dr. Hoff.
The stakeholder engagement process included a survey and listening sessions with families, staff and community members. A significant 97% of respondents indicated they were in favor of Dr. Hoff serving as superintendent, signaling a clear consensus for stability and continued positive momentum within the district.
Survey participants highlighted several of Dr. Hoff’s key strengths, including his deep commitment to Crook County schools and community, student-centered and data-informed decision making, his ability to build trusting relationships, effective communication skills, and an approachable leadership style.
A consistent theme throughout the listening sessions indicated that stakeholders feel the district is experiencing positive momentum and expressed a strong desire to see that progress continue under Dr. Hoff’s leadership. The board’s decision reflects a shared commitment to sustaining this momentum while advancing educational excellence.
Scott Cooper, board vice chair for the Crook County School District Board of Directors, noted the improved atmosphere in the district. “The climate in the District is much improved and significantly calmer than it was just a year ago,” Cooper said. “The positives continue to mount. That is largely attributable to Dr. Hoff’s leadership. The board actively went out to the community and asked about retaining Dr. Hoff versus running an open search. The consensus was clear that what the District really needs right now is stability and the board heeded that advice by keeping a high performer in his seat. We look forward to more good things.”
Dr. Hoff previously served one year as interim superintendent. Before that role, he spent five years as assistant superintendent, gaining extensive experience and becoming well versed in all aspects of district leadership.
During his time as interim superintendent, Dr. Hoff worked to establish a clear set of vision and values for the district, strengthen instructional leadership and implement systems designed to improve student outcomes.
Dr. Hoff shared his commitment to the district’s future. “I look forward to keeping our district’s focus where it belongs—on our students—while continuing to support our incredible staff and strengthening the systems that help every learner succeed,” Hoff said. “I’m also committed to deepening our partnerships with families and the Crook County community to continue building an exceptional school system together.”
As superintendent, Dr. Hoff will continue working alongside staff, families and community partners to strengthen instructional systems, support educators and ensure every student has the opportunity to learn, grow and graduate prepared for their future.
Moses Femino
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A major water main break in Yuma is continuing to impact a busy stretch of roadway as city crews work to complete repairs and restore normal conditions.
Crews have been working since early Saturday morning along Avenue B between 20th Street and 24th Street, where the break caused significant flooding across the roadway and led to the formation of a large sinkhole.
According to the Yuma Fire Department, emergency responders were first called to the area near West 24th Street and South Avenue B around 3 a.m. Saturday after reports of a vehicle submerged in floodwaters.
When crews arrived, they found widespread flooding between 22nd Street and 24th Street, along with two vehicles stuck near 23rd Street.
One person was found on top of their car. YFD used a pike pole to check the stability of the ground around the individual and to determine a path to get them to a safe zone.
They then assisted the person to safety with a ladder. They were assessed and no injuries were reported.
The line that broke was eventually shut off, but water initially had trouble draining from the area, worsening conditions and contributing to the sinkhole.
The City of Yuma Utilities Department says the break involved a six-inch asbestos cement water line installed in the early 1980s. Over time, that type of material can become more brittle and prone to failure.
Repair efforts are currently in progress. About 20 workers, including city crews and support contractors, are on-site working to fix the damage.
“It’s rather extensive, the hole that developed so we expect it to be done by the end of the week for sure,” Jeremy McCall, City of Yuma Director of Utilities, said.
Crews are also taking extra precautions due to nearby infrastructure, including a 24-inch water line that plays a critical role in the city’s water system.
“We’re making sure we’re doing it right and putting it back the way it should be,” McCall said.
The incident has also created traffic disruptions as Avenue B is a key route for many local drivers.
“My goodness, it has been chaotic around here,” Luisa Diaz, a Yuma local, said. “Especially because B is actually a main street that actually connects to go to the south of the border as well as take 16th to the mall. So it has impacted, like maybe the businesses as well. So we just kind of have to work around it.”
City officials are urging residents to be patient and avoid the area if possible while work continues. Repairs are expected to be completed by the end of the week.
Lauren Duffel
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – As the war in Iran continues, gas prices continue to rise, with Yuma locals noticing a jump at the pump over the last month.
“It’s pretty high right now. Everything is expensive right now. It’s better for me to be walking, but we need a car for the temperature here,” said Julio Cobian, a Yuma local.
Saving money on fuel is possible with ensuring locals’ vehicles is properly serviced, along with using cruise control as necessary, sign up for fuel rewards and limit air conditioning usage.
“Put more air in your tires, like Obama said, and plan your trips wisely,” said Peter Slaus, another Yuma local.
According to GasBuddy, the best time to buy gas in Arizona is on Monday and the worst time to buy gas is on Thursdays.
According to AAA data, Arizona has one of the top five most expensive gas prices in the nation compared to every other state.
Yuma’s current gas price average for regular gas is $4.57 per gallon. That’s almost an entire dollar higher compared to last month.
Slaus says it could be worse adding, “It’s pretty high in California. It’s not so bad here. I like that.”
Compared to other cities’ gas prices, locals in Yuma aren’t paying too much at the pump, but it does add up quickly.
According to GasBuddy, the best stations to fill up your tank and save money is Arco Am/Pm starting at $4.25 per gallon, Sam’s Club starting at $4.29, and Circle K starting at $4.39.
Keeping simple fuel saving tips in mind can help you reduce the cost at the pump over time.
Matthew Draxton
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The annual Early Learning Conference of the Oregon Association for the Education of Young Children, Central Oregon chapter, will take place April 24-25. Central Oregon Community College, on its Bend campus, will host and coordinate the event. The conference is expected to draw more than 500 educators from across the region.
The professional development gathering will focus on early literacy and its connection to children’s broader social and emotional learning needs. Amy Howell, conference coordinator and a Central Oregon Community College professor and program director of early childhood education, highlighted the event’s significance.
“This is an annual event that we look forward to every year,” Howell said. “This year’s conference is a collaboration of many regional partners in early learning, including the Early Learning Hub, NeighborImpact-Child Care Resources and Mountain Star.”
The conference began in 1992 and has since evolved into a premier symposium for early childhood educators in Central Oregon.
The conference theme is “Hearts and Minds: Building Strong Foundations with Literacy and Social-Emotional Learning.” The event is designed for early learning educators, students, learning specialists, administrators and program directors.
Session topics for attendees include “Connection before Correction,” “Math is Everywhere,” “Sustaining the Heart of the Educator” and “Building Blocks of Skilled Reading.” Costs for the conference vary for members and non-members of the association. One-day attendance starts at $80, with discounted rates available for students. Scholarships are also offered.
