Today is the last day to apply – CEI’s Dental Hygiene Program

KIFI on April 6, 2026

Kaelyn Blessinger

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho — The College of Eastern Idaho is launching a new Dental Hygiene program with applications closing today, April 6th.

The program was developed in response to a growing shortage of dental hygienists across the region, with many local dental offices reporting open positions and increasing demand for qualified professionals.

This two-year program will admit 10 students each fall semester, giving them the opportunity to train locally and work towards a career in dental health care and strengthen the region’s healthcare workforce.

The program has been granted Initial Accreditation by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) and will welcome its first cohort of students in August 2026.

You can find more information and the application HERE.

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Woman accused of crashing into trailer, fence, tree charged with assault

KMIZ on April 6, 2026

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A woman who was accused of repeatedly crashing her 2004 Honda Pilot on Friday night was charged on Monday with a misdemeanor and three felonies in Boone County.

Cassandra Albright was charged with misdemeanor driving while intoxicated, two counts of first-degree assault and a count of leaving the scene of an accident. Police wrote in a press release that she is from Kingdom City, but court information says she is from Columbia. She is currently at University Hospital and is in fair condition. A no-bond warrant was ordered.

The probable cause statement says Albright drunkenly crashed the vehicle into a residence on Stevendave Drive that contained several children and two adults before crashing into a fence and a tree.

The statement says Albright was upset that one of the victims did not allow her to drive her child and tried to stop her from driving in general because she was drunk. Albright then punched the victim in their face before getting into the driver’s seat and crashing the vehicle, the statement says.

Multiple people, including youth, told law enforcement about seeing the crashes, the statement says. After crashing into the home, she allegedly drove westbound on Stevendave Drive and crashed into the fence, the statement says.

Police wrote that they found Albright lying on her back outside the vehicle.

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Sky’s the Limit: Portneuf invites Idaho youth to name new rescue helicopter

KIFI on April 6, 2026

Seth Ratliff

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — The Porneuf Medical Center is asking Idaho’s youth for help naming its new air medical rescue helicopter.

From now until 11:59 pm MST on April 21, 2026, the Pocatello-based hospital is accepting names from youth 17 years old and younger throughout the region. The contest finalists and winner will be announced on May 6th, 2026.

For more information or to enter, click HERE.

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New US-30 wildlife crossings near Montpelier breaks ground this month

KIFI on April 6, 2026

Seth Ratliff

MONTPELIER, Idaho (KIFI) — Construction is about to get started on three new wildlife underpasses along US-30 near Montpelier.

According to Idaho Fish and Game, the project will add two culverts, one bridge, and six miles of fencing along a key stretch of highway between mileposts 442 and 448, also known as Rocky Point.

The 20-mile stretch of road is a notorious spot for mule deer collisions. In fact, according to data collected by Idaho Fish and Game and ITD, about 70% of deer deaths happen right here.

The project is expected to finish up this fall. Once it’s done, IDFG and ITD say the underpasses will make the highway safer for drivers while protecting deer and other wildlife.

“This project is equally important to both ITD and Idaho Fish and Game and has received broad support from the Bear Lake County community because of the benefits to both human and wildlife safety,” said Regional Wildlife Manager Zach Lockyer with Idaho Fish and Game. “Hunters and other wildlife enthusiasts value this mule deer resource, and protecting it has added benefits to both the economy and quality of life in this part of southeast Idaho.”

The 12 million dollar project is part of a $125 million federal program supporting wildlife crossings nationwide. ITD District 5 Environmental Planner Alissa Salmore says it’s a big win people have been asking for for decades.

We are excited to get this project fully-funded and built,” Salmore said. “Local citizens and our Montpelier shed crew have been asking for a solution here for decades. It will be good to finally deliver this project, both for people and for wildlife.”

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The waiting game: Teachers’ union bill now sits on Little’s desk

KIFI on April 6, 2026

Kevin Richert

By: Kevin Richert

Originally posted on IdahoEdNews.org on April 6, 2026

BOISE, Idaho — Gov. Brad Little has more than a week to act on an anti-teachers’ union bill that raced through the Legislature in three days.

Lawmakers sent the heavily rewritten House Bill 516 to Little’s desk Thursday, the 81st and final day of the 2026 session. Because the Legislature has adjourned for the year, Little has additional time to mull over HB 516.

Post-adjournment, governors have 10 days to act on legislation, Sundays excluded. That means Little has until April 14 to sign or veto HB 516, or allow it to become law without his signature.

Little has not vetoed a single bill this year.

HB 516 was one of the last bills addressed by this year’s Legislature; the House passed it Thursday afternoon. It passed both houses only after an extensive overhaul.

The House originally passed HB 516 as a bill limiting LGBTQ+ instruction in the classroom. The Senate last week stripped HB 516 down to its bill number, replacing the old wording  with language prohibiting taxpayer support of teachers’ unions. This total rewrite is known by the Statehouse metaphor of “radiator capping” — as in, taking a single part from one car, and attaching it to a second vehicle.

As now written, HB 516 forbids school districts from using public payroll systems to collect union dues, increasing teacher salaries to cover union dues, or giving teachers paid time off for union activities. The bill also includes civil penalties — of up to $1,500 for a first offense and $2,500 for a repeat violation.

As Little’s HB 516 deadline nears, he will undoubtedly face heavy lobbying.

The Freedom Foundation, a Washington state-based group that has pushed for Idaho union restrictions for years, is urging Little to sign the amended bill. Supporters also include two conservative groups that are fixtures at the Statehouse — the Idaho Family Policy Center and the Idaho Freedom Foundation, which is unaffiliated with the Washington-based Freedom Foundation.

The state’s largest teachers’ union, the Idaho Education Association, is urging members to call Little to push for a veto. The grassroots group Reclaim Idaho is also rallying its members against HB 516.

Idaho EdNews asked Little’s office for a tally of phone calls for and against HB 516, but received no response Monday.

If Little vetoes HB 516, it wouldn’t be without precedent.

In March, Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon vetoed a similar union bill, also promoted by Washington’s Freedom Foundation.

“I am frustrated with the increasing trend of out-of-state interests foisting out-of-state solutions on Wyoming,” wrote Gordon, who is, like Little, a Republican. “With alarming regularity, these think-tanks-for-hire use our legislative process to enact solutions to problems we do not have.”

Little will likely get the last word on HB 516.

Because the Legislature adjourned for the year — instead of going into a short recess — lawmakers would be unable to reconvene and override a veto. But the rewritten HB 516 fell short of two-thirds support in both the House and the Senate, suggesting a veto would survive a legislative challenge anyway.

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Columbia City Council approves Downtown Ambassador Program

KMIZ on April 6, 2026

Olivia Hayes

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Columbia City Council unanimously approved moving forward with a proposed Downtown Ambassador Program.

The program will cost $504,390.03 per year and will be split three ways between the City of Columbia, the University of Missouri and the Downtown Community Improvement District. Each party will pay $168,130.01, according to meeting documents.

The city began having meetings regarding downtown safety, including bringing up the ambassador program, after a Stephens College student was shot and killed downtown in September 2025, according to previous reporting.

The uniformed and unarmed ambassadors employed by Block by Block will help law enforcement to patrol the downtown area and serve as additional eyes and ears for public safety concerns, meeting documents say. The Downtown CID will serve as the primary program administrator, managing day-to-day operations and providing quarterly reports to the city and MU. The group will be seen walking and riding bicycles downtown.

Ambassadors will also help to conduct outreach with homeless individuals to connect them with appropriate service providers, give after-hours safety escorts for downtown employees or visitors when requested, provide documentation of incidents or concerns to law enforcement, and document things like graffiti, trash, or other concerns.

The idea was first introduced to city officials on a staff retreat to Columbia, South Carolina. Other cities apart of the Block by Block Ambassador program include: Gainesville, Florida; Iowa City, Iowa; Fort Worth, Texas; Little Rock, Arkansas; Louisville, Kentucky; Columbus, Ohio; Austin, Texas; and Pasadena, California.

The city believes the program will increase a visible presence in the downtown district, improve coordination between the City, CID, and MU, provide a structured documentation of quality-of-life concerns and fixes in the area and allow sworn officers to remain focused on higher-priority enforcement needs.

Downtown CID Executive Director Nickie Davis said earlier this year that the ambassadors would have to go through training. She also said they’ll work to ensure all street lights downtown are working properly and that all streets are lit. Davis also previously said the District was also considering getting businesses “No Trespassing” and “No Concealed Weapons” signs

The contract will run through March 31, 2027, with the option of four renewal periods through 3031.

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TCSAR urges caution as Spring transitions lead to to back-to-back emergency calls

KIFI on April 6, 2026

Seth Ratliff

JACKSON, Wyo. (KIFI) — After a weekend of back-to-back emergency missions, Teton County Search and Rescue is reminding outdoor enthusiasts of the danger that comes with springtime adventures in the Tetons.

“Saturday was a great reminder of the threats that come with springtime adventures in the Tetons: incidents can happen on skis, snowmobiles, bikes, boats, and rock walls. As such, TCSAR volunteers are ready to respond to it all thanks to their rigorous training and ‘rescue-ready’ equipment,” said TCSAR in a Facebook post. “Please continue to use caution wherever you choose to adventure, be it in avalanche terrain or just beyond the trail.”

The weekend began at 12:20 p.m. Saturday, with an emergency alert to rescue a skier who’d been caught in an avalanche. According to TCSAR, a 27-year-old local woman had been skiing near the White Hump area when she was caught and carried away by a significant slide above a cliff band. Her partners rushed to find her and provided first aid as they waited for emergency teams to arrive.

A TCSAR helicopter and a backup ground team on snowmobiles quickly worked to airlift the woman out of the backcountry and to an awaiting ambulance.

Around 4 hours later, TCSAR received another call for a local 55-year-old man who’d been badly cut during a rockfall while climbing at Hoback Shield south of Jackson. Tip Top Search & Rescue contacted TCSAR for support. The rescue crews were able to safely move the man down to the road, where he was able to drive himself to the hospital for further treatment.

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Former West Middle School teacher charged with more counts of child porn possession

KMIZ on April 6, 2026

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A former West Middle School teacher who was charged with statutory sodomy and a slew of other child sex crimes is now charged in another case.

Zachary Hutchinson, of Columbia, was arrested on Friday and charges appeared on Monday in his new case. He is now charged with three counts of child porn possession. He is being held in the Boone County Jail without bond. A hearing in his new case has not been scheduled, but one for his original case was set for Monday morning.

His was charged in his first case from January with three counts of second-degree statutory sodomy, one count of child enticement, sexually exploiting a minor, misdemeanor giving porn to a minor, second-degree promoting child porn and 10 counts of child porn possession.

He was originally put on house arrest after he bonded out of jail on Feb. 4.

The probable cause statement in his new case say police put in a search warrant request of Hutchinson’s Discord account, which is an app used for messaging. Police received information from Discord on April 3, which appeared to show seven videos and 16 pictures of child porn, the statement says.

The probable cause statement in his original case says Hutchinson encouraged the victim to go into his vehicle to perform sexual acts. The victim’s mother allegedly found nude photographs of Hutchinson on the victim’s phone and additional messages appeared to show Hutchinson making plans to meet with the youth.

Text messages described in court documents took place over the course of several days and showed explicit conversations and details of illicit photos between Hutchinson and the victim.

Authorities have repeatedly said that the victim in that case did not meet Hutchinson “as a result of his employment, nor did any known contact occur on school property.”

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New Oregon airport federal funds include $3.45 million for Redmond terminal expansion, $300K for Prineville Airport

KTVZ on April 6, 2026

Barney Lerten

WASHINGTON (KTVZ – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley as well as U.S. Reps. Val Hoyle, Andrea Salinas, Janelle Bynum and Maxine Dexter today announced Monday that more than 25 Oregon airports will receive a combined federal investment of more than $27 million to make their infrastructure safer and better.

“Oregonians rely on federal investments like these to support small businesses, emergency responses, and safe travel in communities across our state,” Wyden said. “I’ll keep battling for continued federal support for all airports in Oregon to keep our state’s residents and products moving smoothly and securely from point A to point B.”

“Our regional airports are vital hubs for Oregonians, supporting local businesses and providing essential lifelines during natural disasters,” Merkley said. “Investing in critical airport improvements such as terminals, runways, and more strengthens infrastructure across our state. I’ll keep fighting to secure critical federal funds for improving the efficiency and reliability of Oregon’s airports, benefitting the folks who rely on them for business, travel, and so much more.”

“These investments across Oregon will help improve safety, modernize equipment and make these airports work better for everyone,” said Rep. Hoyle. “Reliability is essential for the economic growth of our coastal community. This funding is a win for the region.”

“Ensuring our airports have the resources and funding they need is vital to the safety of everyone at the airport,” said Rep. Salinas. “This federal grant funding will help make them safer, more reliable, and better equipped to continue serving our local community for years to come.”

“Federal investments like this are vital to keeping Oregon’s communities connected and our economy moving,” said Rep. Bynum. “This funding will expand travel access, boost local businesses, and strengthen our region’s ability to compete and grow. I will continue fighting to ensure our airports have the resources to thrive and better serve Oregonians.”

“The Hood River airport is an important gateway for communities across the Columbia Gorge—supporting emergency response, local businesses, and regional connectivity. This is an important investment, and I am determined to do all I can to keep needed federal dollars coming to my district and supporting the success of our communities,” said Rep. Dexter.

The awards from the federal Department of Transportation for the Oregon airports are as follows:

$6.24 million combined to Mahlon Sweet Field in Eugene to rebuild 21,177 square feet of terminal Concourse A, including interiors and restroom rehabilitation, construction including HVAC and mechanical; expand terminal Concourse A by 9,893 square feet, including HVAC and mechanical systems, including interiors and restroom rehabilitation.

$3.45 million to Roberts Field in Redmond to expand the terminal by 131,283 square feet

$3.18 million combined to Mulino State Airport to reseal 3,340 linear feet of hangar taxilane pavement; reseal 9,645 square yards of tiedown apron pavement and joints; reseal 3,425 linear feet of runway pavement and joints, expand an existing non-exclusive use hangar for aircraft storage by 10,500 square feet

$2.67 million to the Grants Pass Airport for new guidance signs., new lighting on taxiway edge lighting, extends paved runway by 13,294 feet, install runway end identifier lights system and precision approach path indicator system, extend taxiway by 870 feet in length

$2 million to Rogue Valley International Airport in Medford to rebuild 8,000 square yards of apron pavement; rehabilitate 30,000 square yards of apron pavement; update the pavement management plan and pavement survey and study

$947,435 combined to Brookings Airport to rebuild runway lighting, install a new airport rotating beacon, rebuild the precision approach path indicator system, rebuild the runway end identifier lights system, acquire and install new wind cone navigational aids to provide pilots, rebuild the runway end identifier lights system

$850,000 to Albany Municipal Airport to reseal 3,004 feet of runway, rebuild runway end identifier lights system

$800,254 combined to Joseph State Airport to acquire and install a new automated weather observing system, reseal 5,210 feet of runway pavement and joints; reseal 6,990 feet of taxiway pavement and joints

$760,000 to Southwest Oregon Regional Airport in North Bend to build runway safety area

$687,235 combined to Condon State Pauling Field to update the existing airport layout plan, reseal 1,030 feet of taxiway pavement; reseal 5,000 square yards of agriculture aircraft apron/pavement; reseal 830 feet of taxilane pavement

$600,000 to Corvallis Municipal Airport to reseal 7,200 linear feet of taxiway pavement

$534,000 to Ashland Municipal Airport to reseal 3,331 linear feet of taxilane pavement and joints; rehabilitate 131 linear feet of taxilane pavement; reseal 3,791 linear feet of runway pavement and joints

$500,000 to the Oregon Department of Aviation to update the regional airport system plan, the pavement management plan and pavement study

$490,224 combined to Chiloquin State Airport to reseal 4,190 square yards of apron pavement and joints, reseal 3,910 feet of runway pavement and joints

$465,789 combined to Roseburg Regional Airport to rehabilitate 27,555 square yards of apron pavement; rehabilitate 5,003 feet of paved runway $439,810 to Lebanon State Airport to reseal 2,140 feet of taxiway pavement and joints; reseal 2,750 feet of runway pavement and joints

$389,504 to Burns Municipal Airport to build a new 1,600-square-foot snow removal equipment building

$360,000 to Astoria Regional Airport to extend taxiways by 1,350 feet in length to reduce delays$326,774 to Gold Beach Municipal Airport to reseal 3,200 feet of taxiway pavement; reseal 3,200 feet of runway pavement

$300,000 to Ontario Municipal Airport to build a new helipad

$300,000 to Baker City Municipal Airport to rebuild 500 feet of airport access road

$300,000 to Crook County for the Prineville Airport to rehabilitate 5,404 linear feet of paved runway

$285,000 to Crater Lake/Klamath Regional Airport in Klamath Falls to rehabilitate 9,888 square yards of apron pavement

$220,000 to Ken Jernstedt Airfield in Hood River to reseal 175 feet of taxiway pavement, rehabilitate a tiedown apron and reseal 1,200 feet of apron taxilane

$171,760 to Grant County Regional Airport in John Day to build a new fuel farm by adding a 15,000-gallon AvGas fuel tank and a 15,000-gallon Jet A fuel tank and self-service pumps and associated 444-square-yard fuel apron pavement for a new fuel type

$150,000 to Hermiston Municipal Airport to rebuild the precision approach path indicator system

$124,678 to McNary Field in Salem to update the airport master plan study

$109,000 to Christmas Valley Airport to installs runway end identifier lights system at both ends; rebuild 5,200 linear feet of paved runway

”This federal investment in the Grants Pass Airport is a major win for our community and for the long‑term economic vitality of Josephine County,” said Grants Pass City Manager Aaron Cubic. “Replacing aging lighting, signage, and critical electrical systems will significantly enhance airfield safety and reliability, ensuring that our airport can continue to serve residents, businesses, and emergency response operations without interruption. “

Modern, dependable airport infrastructure is foundational to economic growth. These improvements strengthen our ability to attract business activity, support tourism, and maintain vital air access for firefighting, medical transport, and regional aviation services. We are grateful for the strong support from our federal partners, and this award underscores the importance of continued investment in rural transportation assets that keep communities like ours connected and competitive.”

“Capital improvements and major maintenance at the Albany Airport are made possible with this type of support,’’ said City Manager Peter Troedsson. “Without these grants we would not be able to operate the Airport. We’re grateful for the FAA’s funding in extending the service life of the Albany Airport runway and replacing this vital part of the airport’s lighting system.”

“The City of Condon is extremely grateful for the support the FAA is providing to Condon State Airport-Pauling Field,” said Gibb Wilkins, Public Works Superintendent/Interim City Administrator. “By updating the airport layout and resealing critical pavement, this grant is ensuring that Condon State Airport-Pauling Field remains safe, efficient, and able to serve the community well into the future.”

“We are grateful to the Federal Aviation Administration for granting these funds to install needed safety enhancements that will help the City of Ashland serve our airport users over the next decade,” said Ashland Mayor Tonya Graham.

“The role of the Burns Municipal Airport in terms of public safety is often overlooked,” said Harney County Commissioner Rob Frank. “It is an integral component of our wildfire response and emergency response for the entire region, and this investment in infrastructure is critical.”

“The main access road to the Baker City Municipal Airport is in very poor condition and has failed,” said Barry Murphy¸ City Manager for Baker City. “The project will reconstruct the road while ensuring it has the ability to accommodate larger tractor-trailer trucks that now supply most of the aviation fuel. All vehicles entering airport property use this road, so rehabilitating and enhancing the road will have a significant benefit to users of the airport and our community.”

“This funding will allow us to construct a new fuel farm and is a significant step forward in strengthening our airport’s capabilities. By expanding our fueling options and improving accessibility, we are better positioned to serve a wider range of aircraft, support local and regional aviation needs, and enhance safety and efficiency for pilots and operators,” said Haley Walker, airport manager for Grant County Regional Airport. “Investments like this not only improve day-to-day operations but also contribute to the long-term economic vitality of our community. We appreciate the continued support that makes projects like this possible and look forward to the positive impact it will have on Grant County and the surrounding region.”

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New Athletic Building Rises Up at Santa Barbara City College

KEYT on April 6, 2026

John Palminteri

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – A Monday morning groundbreaking event kicked off the transformation of Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) with the start of a new four-story Physical Education building.

It will replace the 1960s-era P.E. building that was recently demolished next to the football stadium.

The project is a 77,000-square-foot facility with an estimated cost of $105 million.

It will be completed with $71- million from the voter-approved Measure P bond and $34 million in state grants. It went through the review and backing of the Community College District. There will be a community oversight committee to review how the funding is spent.

At a groundbreaking ceremony, SBCC Board of Trustees President Jonathan Abboud said, in addition to uses for the college it will be “a convention center that Santa Barbara has never really had. That means commencements, community events, conferences and economic development that strengthens our entire district that Santa Barbara City College can be the home of. “

The uses will be far reaching according to Santa Barbara City College President Erika Endrijonas, “we have a whole bunch of PE and athletics classes open to the community and the community is going to be able to come here and they are already coming here they are just going to get more of an opportunity to be in a beautiful building.”

The campus says the building will have these benefits:

Sustainability Focus: Targeting net-zero energy usage, aligning with SBCC’s commitment to environmental stewardship.

Flexible Use: Will serve Physical Education, Kinesiology, Athletics, and Health Education programs, in addition to all campus programs, with adaptable instructional spaces.

Equity & Access: Offers improved accessibility and inclusive design to better support all students, including those in SBCC’s growing allied health and athletics pathways.

Student Support Spaces: Includes areas for academic counseling, wellness services, and community events.

Outdoor Integration: Seamlessly connects with SBCC’s athletic fields, track, and ocean views—enhancing the student experience both inside and out.

“It is a teaching a facility. It is an athletics facility. It is so many things and it is really beautiful. We are really lucky,” said Endrijonas.

Completion is expected in late Spring of 2028.

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