Author: KIFI

Noah Farley

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — Idaho Superintendent of Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield is proposing a new budget to optimize and modernize the way schools are funded.

The new budget would be distributed based on the unique characteristics of students in each district, instead of gathered averages. The budget will focus to especially help kids who are in special education, are economically disadvantaged, at-risk, or gifted and talented.

Critchfield says this new model will allow a budget that “aligns with student needs rather than one built on averages or what a neighboring district or charter looks like.”

“We don’t need to blow up the entire funding mechanism,” Critchfield said. “But we can make some very impactful and strategic updates and improvements with some of these changes.”

The following is a release from the Idaho Department of Education.

01.30.25 Critchfield – Let’s Make Idaho’s School Funding Formula Work for All CommunitiesDownload

Ariel Jensen

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) –  In light of Tuesday’s [Jan. 28] house explosion, people might be wondering about safely operating propane tanks in their homes.

Most people living in residential areas use natural gas in their homes, however, a lot of houses in rural locations use propane. 

Idaho State Fire Marshal Knute Sandahl is reminding homeowners how to protect the gas lines in their houses.

“One of them is to have the propane piping below ground, which would protect it from any physical damage,” said Sandahl.

The second method would require a little work.

“Build a small roof, if you will, or some type of structure that would protect the regulator and the piping from any type of slope snow slide,” said Sandahl.

The fire service is seeing new homes are being built with the propane service on the gable end of the home, which prevents any issues with snow slides.

However with the older homes, very often it’s on the slope side of the houses.

“So what we want to do is protect them. We have had a couple of instances where snow slides have caused fractures of the pipe coming into the house and it fills up the lowest part because propane is heavier than air and it’ll fill up in there. And once it finds an ignition source, it could result in a fuel explosion,” said Sandahl.

Tucker Robertson

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – The Transportation Security Administration said on Facebook that an inert mortar was found in one Idaho Falls Regional Airport passenger’s checked bag. 

The Idaho Falls Regional Airport was evacuated on January 11. Officials said it was evacuated because of a suspicious device, but they didn’t say what.

On Friday, Idaho Falls Public Information Officer Eric Grossarth confirmed that the mortar was the device that prompted the evacuation.

If you plan to fly, just remember explosives are not good flight companions and are prohibited, inert or otherwise.

Sam Ross

CHUBBUCK, Idaho (KIFI)– The Portneuf District Library will host an early Valentine’s Day Party with crafts and cookies on Monday, February 3.

Every year, the library hosts a Valentine’s Day event, but Portneuf District Library director Cresta Craner said this is the first year they have hosted a party on this scale.

“Having this space available and then having activities that people can do, provide that resource for the community. It’s a fun thing that everybody can participate in,” said Craner.

The party will give guests the opportunity to decorate and enjoy Valentine’s Day cookies and make Valentine’s cards that will be delivered to local seniors.

The Portneuf District Library’s Valentine’s Day party will run from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at their building on ​5210 Stuart Ave. in Chubbuck.

Curtis Jackson

The following is a news release from the City of Pocatello.

POCATELLO, Idaho (City of Pocatello)—The 1st Avenue Storm Sewer project will begin mid-February. 

The construction work includes installing a new storm sewer system along 1st Avenue from East Clark Street to East Whitman Street. The purpose of the project is to mitigate flooding issues around the Center Street Underpass. 

The project was made possible through funding the City received under the American Rescue Plan Act. During the first phase of construction, South 1st Avenue will be closed from East Center Street to East Whitman Street for approximately six weeks. Phase two will follow on North 1stAvenue and is projected to be completed in ten weeks.

Thank you for your patience while crews update the storm sewer. If you have any questions or comments, please contact the Engineering Department at 208-234-6513.

News Team

The following is a press release from the Wyoming Department of Transportation.

Wyoming (WYDOT) – The Wyoming Department of Transportation has scheduled a closure of US 191/189 through Hoback Canyon for Sunday, February 2, 2025 at 5:00 a.m. for avalanche mitigation. Additional closures may be necessary depending on weather conditions. Reduced visibility, winter driving conditions, and increasing avalanche hazard may force an earlier closure. 

Dial 511 or go to www.wyoroad.info for updated weather and road conditions. Sign up for automated email and text alerts with 511 notify at www.wyoroad.info. 

Noah Farley

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho — Downtown Idaho Falls became the scene of protest Saturday afternoon as people in southeast Idaho gathered to voice their concerns about current U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) policy.

Hundreds of demonstrators gathered at Broadway Bridge with homemade signs, each with a message denouncing ICE enforcement taking place across the county. Several drivers on the road honked and cheered in support of the protest.

“I think right now there’s a lot of blame and negative [talk] on immigrants,” said protester Jennifer Vidales. “People fail to realize that we’re people. We’re out here, we’re family members, we go to school, we’re neighbors. I think that’s really important to what our message today is.”

The protest’s organizers worked with the City of Idaho Falls and the police department so everyone would be safe. Protesters were instructed to avoid violence, especially if people of opposing views tried to anger them.

“We want to take a stand against systemic racism and unjust immigration policies,” said Shantelle Duran, one of the protest’s organizers. “We invite the community to stand with us and show support for our neighbors who are likely to be targeted under increased ICE raids and detentions.”

Protesters say this demonstration is only the first step.

“We’re going to keep fighting. I’m going to keep fighting,” said Vidales. “I’ve always cared for immigrant rights. I’m an immigrant advocate and I will continue to use my voice as much as I can for those who can’t.”

CNN Newsource

By Jessica MacAulay, Ben Payne

Click here for updates on this story

    PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania (KYW) — Emergency crews are responding to an explosion in Northeast Philadelphia after a small medical jet crashed in the area of Roosevelt Boulevard and Cottman Avenue, Philadephia police confirmed to CBS News Philadelphia.

The plane was going from Philadelphia to Springfield, Missouri, leaving the Northeast Philadelphia Airport when tragedy struck.

Two people were aboard the plane, according to police. It’s unclear at this time if they were ejected or able to escape. There are several injuries reported on the ground, police added.

Multiple rowhomes on fire

Multiple homes are on fire in the area of Cottman Avenue and Roosevelt Boulevard following the crash, fire officials said.

Police sources told CBS News Philadelphia’s Chief Investigative Reporter Joe Holden that parts of the plane hit cars in the area. Some businesses near the Roosevelt Mall are on fire, sources said.

The area, where the crash happened, especially near Cottman and Roosevelt Boulevard is a densely residential neighborhood and packed with rows of rowhomes.

Neighbors in the Northeast Philadelphia area have called CBS Philadelphia reporting their homes shook when the plane went down.

It’s unclear at this time what led to the crash or where the plane was coming from and heading toward. The status of those who were injured was also not immediately available.

This is a developing story. Refresh for updates.

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