Author: KIFI

News Release

The following is a news release from Idaho State University:

POCATELLO, Idaho — Experience an evening honoring Indigenous Resilience as Dr. S. Matthew DeSpain presents traditional Far West fur trade history at Frazier Hall on January 28 from 6 to 8 p.m.

Throughout the event, DeSpain will reconceive traditional Far West fur trade history and emphasize how the mountain men and rendezvous are still heavily rooted in American expansionism, discovery, and exceptionalism. Therefore, encounter and centrality of Native peoples become the better means in rediscovering and rebalancing the history of the Far West fur trade.

While Jedediah Smith is a key figure in this popular story of exceptionalism and the “opening of the West”. Smith’s “discoveries” resulted from numerous encounters with Indigenous peoples who informed and guided Smith with Indigenous cartographic knowledge through various Indigenous geopolitical worlds.

DeSpain is a professor of history and director of Native American Studies at Rose State College in Oklahoma. Originally from Orem, Utah he attended Brigham Young University then completed his graduate work at the University of Oklahoma. He served the Chickasaw Nation in their Culture and History Division and taught at OU in both history and NAS before landing at Rose State. Teaching and research interests span the Native American history, history of the West, the imagined West, stereotypes and Indian mascots, federal Indian policy, masculinity in the West, and the Far West fur trade. When not pursuing history and Indigenous studies you can find him fly fishing, playing bagpipes, or seeking out the next best extreme rollercoaster.

This event is made possible by the Mary and Melvin Jackson endowment. A reception with light refreshments will follow the presentation and film in the lobby of Frazier Hall.

The IMNH has served Idaho since 1934. To learn more please visit isu.edu/imnh or call (208) 282-3168.

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Seth Ratliff

BLACKFOOT, Idaho (KIFI) — The City of Blackfoot is calling on the public for help after an intentional act of vandalism that left local homeowners facing costly repairs and hazardous sewage backups over the weekend.

According to a post on the City of Blackfoot Facebook page, an unknown individual, or individuals, intentionally destroyed a sewer manhole lid and filled the opening with sand. The incident took place between Friday, Jan. 24, and Monday, Jan. 26, on Hill View Drive, just off E. Walker Street.

The resulting blockage didn’t just damage city infrastructure; City officials say it caused immediate sewage drainage issues and backups inside nearby homes. The post describes the fallout as a significant “hardship” for Blackfoot residents who are now dealing with the financial aftermath.

The Investigation

In the wake of the act of vandalism, the Blackfoot Police Department is currently canvassing the neighborhood and asking residents to check their Ring doorbell cameras or security footage for any suspicious activity during the weekend in question. City officials are asking anyone who may have seen suspicious activity in the area or has more information on what happend to come forward.

“Even small details can make a big difference,” states the post.

In a direct message to the vandal or vandals responsible, the City did not mince words, labeling the act as “sabotage” and highlighting the severe legal stakes involved.

“To the individual or individuals responsible for this recent act of sabotage (this can be considered an act of Domestic Terrorism and prosecuted under Federal law), we encourage you to reach out to City Hall so we can discuss any concerns you may have about the City operations directly,” states the post. “Constructive conversations help us improve our community, while vandalism only harms the very neighborhoods we all care about.”

If you have information regarding this incident or captured suspicious footage on Hill View Drive, please contact the Blackfoot Police Department. For more information, click HERE.

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News Team

SODA SPRINGS, Idaho (KIFI) — Congressman Mike Simpson (R-ID) announced Tuesday that he has secured over $9 million in federal funding to overhaul the stretch of US-30 through the heart of Soda Springs.

The investment, part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2026, was approved by the U.S. House of Representatives in a bipartisan 341-88 vote. The project aims to modernize aging infrastructure and bolster the local economy.

Simpson says the project is a long-time priority for Idaho and will help keep Soda Springs’ economy strong.

“This project will provide essential infrastructure improvements, enhancing public safety,” said Rep. Simpson.  “Additionally, it will attract more visitors, which will help keep Soda Springs’ economy thriving. Since this has been a concern, I am proud to advocate for this project that will bring necessary improvements and benefit the people of Soda Springs and throughout the state.”

The funding will be used to fix the damaged base and surface pavement of US-30, fill in thin spots, and add a center lane to address safety concerns with an eastbound left turn into the Caribou County Sheriff’s Office. The project will also replace old and failing water pipe connectors during construction that are located within the roadway section.

The reconstruction is a key part of Idaho’s 2025–2031 State Transportation Improvement Plan.

“ITD is grateful for Congressman Simpson’s assistance in securing funding for this important project in the heart of Soda Springs. This is a great example of coordinating transportation improvements that benefit the city, county, and the state in a single project,” said Zak Johnson, ITD District 5 Planning and Scoping Engineer.

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Maile Sipraseuth

DRIGGS, Idaho (KIFI) — In memory of the late Kali Randall, Teton County’s Family Safety Network has officially named its new emergency shelter in Driggs, Idaho, ‘Kalico Cottage,’ the nonprofit announced Tuesday. The naming honors the Greenville, Wis. native—along with her son Zeke and unborn daughter Freya, whose lives were lost to domestic violence in 2023—and the mission of Kalico Forest, the nonprofit founded in her name to protect women and children.

RELATED: Kali and Zeke Best – A mountain of memories from lives cut short

“We are profoundly honored and deeply moved by Family Safety Network’s decision to name its new emergency shelter cottage Kalico Cottage,” said the Randall family. “The idea of Kalico Cottage becoming a real, breathing sanctuary in the valley Kali, Zeke, and Freya loved so much brought tears and hope in the same breath. This captures the overwhelming emotion we feel; tears for the irreplaceable loss that still aches daily, two years after their lives were taken and a fierce, unwavering hope that this cottage will stand as a grounded haven where survivors find the safety, dignity, and fresh beginnings Kali always embodied.”

Kalico Forest is also making strides to work with domestic abuse shelters in Northeast Wisconsin, where Randall is from, such as Harbor House, where they have donated Freya’s Bloom Boxes. 

For more information about Kalico Forest, click HERE.

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Seth Ratliff

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — Looking to bridge the gap between the Statehouse and the community, State Senator James Ruchti (D-Pocatello) has announced three town halls for District 29 residents and surrounding community members during the 2026 legislative session. Ruchti says these forums are designed as a nonpartisan space for Idahoans to discuss the future of Medicaid, ask questions about policy priorities, and share concerns directly with leadership.

“Our democracy works best when the people are heard,” said State Senator Ruchti. “These events give folks the chance to speak directly with their elected representative, and for me to better understand how the decisions we’re making in Boise are affecting everyday Idahoans.”

Event Schedule & Areas of Focus

The first of these town halls will take place on Saturday, February 7, 2026, from 4:00 – 6:00 PM, at the Pocatello City Hall. According to the event description, this town hall is part of a “broader effort to hear directly from constituents about the challenges and gaps in Idaho’s healthcare system, especially regarding Medicaid access and eligibility.”

The second and third events will take place on Saturday, February 28, 2026, and Saturday, March 21, 2026. Both events will run from 3:00 – 5:00 PM at the Pocatello City Hall. Ruchti says these nonpartisan town hall events will cover a broad range of topics, including education, the state budget, and current legislation.

All of our events are open to everyone regardless of party affiliation and are intended to foster respectful, bipartisan discussion.

“We may not all agree on every issue, but we can agree that listening to one another – and beinghonest about our challenges – is the first step toward good policy,” State Senator Ruchti added. “Ihope to see you there.”

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News Release

MAMMOTH HOT SPRINGS, WY – Starting this year, Yellowstone National Park will extend the fishing season on three rivers in the park. The following waterways, located in the west side of the park, will open May 1 for fishing access, weeks in advance of the standard fishing season:

Firehole River (see map): The Firehole River and all associated tributaries downstream to the confluence with the Gibbon River at Madison Junction.

Gibbon River (see map): The Gibbon River and all associated tributaries from the bridge on the Grand Loop Road at the Norris Campground entrance downstream to the confluence with the Firehole River at Madison Junction.

Madison River (see map): The Madison River and all associated tributaries from the Montana-Wyoming state line upstream to the confluence with the Gibbon and Firehole rivers at Madison Junction.

The Madison River from the Montana-Wyoming state line downstream to the park boundary near the West Entrance in West Yellowstone, Montana, is open to fishing year-round (see map).

The fishing season on these sections of the Firehole, Gibbon, and Madison rivers will end Oct. 31, the same date as the standard fishing season in the park. Temporary, partial, or full fishing closures typically occur later in the fishing season on these three waterways due to warm water temperatures and low river flows. The earlier opening date of May 1 will align fishing access with more optimal angling and water conditions. No adverse impacts to the fisheries are anticipated with this extension. Water temperature and flow data for park waterways is available at Water Data for the Nation.

Most other fishing areas in the park will continue to be available during the standard fishing season, which is from the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through Oct. 31 each year. Learn more about fishing in Yellowstone, including information about fishing areas, regulations, and permits.

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Ryan Suppe

Originally posted on IdahoEdNews.org on January 26, 2026

By: Ryan Suppe

BOISE, Idaho (IdahoEdNews) — State agency budget cuts could deepen to 5% for the current fiscal year and next fiscal year.

Leaders of the Legislature’s Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee (JFAC) told agency directors Monday to make plans for additional across-the-board spending cuts at 1% and 2%, according to a memo obtained by Idaho Education News. 

These would be in addition to the 3% cuts that Gov. Brad Little made through an executive order last year. 

Sen. C. Scott Grow and Rep. Josh Tanner — JFAC’s Republican co-chairs from Eagle — are “evaluating options to balance the statewide budget,” and “one of those options is to further reduce budgets,” the memo said. Keith Bybee, chief budget analyst for the Legislative Services Office, delivered the message on behalf of the co-chairs. 

Like Little’s directive last year, the additional statewide cuts would apply to fiscal year 2026, which ends June 30, and fiscal year 2027, which starts July 1. The potential reductions would also exempt K-12 public schools, but not higher education.

Sen. Scott Grow and Rep. Josh Tanner at a JFAC meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026. (Sean Dolan/EdNews)

A 5% cut would save the state $147.2 million in FY 2026, about $31 million more than the ongoing reductions recommended by the Republican governor, according to a spreadsheet attached to Monday’s memo. Click here to read it.

During his State of the State address Jan. 12, Little proposed a hodgepodge of one-time and ongoing cuts and fund transfers to address slowing tax revenue this fiscal year and a looming shortfall next fiscal year. But he didn’t recommend increasing his 3% across-the-board cuts to agency budgets.

Tanner, the newly appointed co-chair of the budget-setting committee, criticized the governor’s proposed budget for not making enough ongoing cuts and for relying on narrow margins on the bottom lines of two annual budgets that lawmakers must balance this legislative session. Little recommended ending balances of about $32 million in FY 2026 and $25 million for FY 2027. 

Tanner told EdNews Monday that additional cuts would allow for larger carryover balances. They would also make room for the cost of conforming to federal tax changes in President Donald Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act. 

On Friday, Idaho lawmakers introduced a bill that pegs the cost of conformity at $155 million, a mid-range estimate from the Idaho State Tax Commission. While the governor used the same estimate, he recommended implementing the tax changes in FY 2027, and the new bill would enact them immediately, cutting into state revenue this fiscal year. 

“There’s still a lot of unknowns,” Tanner said by phone. 

A spokesperson for Little did not immediately respond to a request for comment Monday.

Gov. Brad Little delivers the 2026 State of the State address. (Sean Dolan/EdNews)

Grow and Tanner set a Friday deadline for the budget reduction plans. They told agency directors to: 

“Identify how budget reductions will affect the current workforce and whether additional reductions will necessitate formal reductions in force, furloughs, or both.

Identity when affected programs were added to the budget.

Identify if an essential service is affected.

Identify efficiencies.”

Tanner confirmed that K-12 would be exempt. But colleges and universities, along with other education-related state agencies, would not be immune.

The memo shows that colleges and universities would altogether face up to $9 million in additional annual cuts — on top of the $13.5 million reduction from Little’s executive order. 

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David Pace

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – Christian nationalism was the topic of discussion at a public forum hosted by the Idaho Falls City Club Tuesday evening in Idaho Falls.

NPR podcaster and Boise State Public Radio contributor Heath Druzin has covered Christian nationalist movements in his “Extremely American” podcast since 2021.

Watch the whole forum below:

Druzin focused on Christ Church, led by pastor Doug Wilson in Moscow, Idaho, which he said meets the definition of a Christian nationalist church.

“When I’m talking about Christian nationalists, I’m talking about people who want a theocracy in America,” Druzin said. “They want the government to be explicitly run by Christian principles in the way that they interpret the Bible. In almost every case – the folks I talk to – it means that Christians and only Christians run the country. So, I’m not talking about Christianity. I’m talking about a movement, a specific movement. I’m talking about a movement that wants theocracy.”

Christ Church has risen to prominence, as U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth attends an affiliated church that is part of the Communion of Reformed Evangelical Churches. According to Druzin, Hegseth has stated Wilson’s books have influenced him.

Druzin said Christian nationalists believe that non-Christians, as they define them (including Catholics, Jews and Latter-day Saints), should not be able to run for public office and that women should not be allowed to vote in elections.

“My biggest concerns honestly, are, you know, seeing a Christian nationalist movement kind of take hold. you know, in the sense that, like, foregoing the separation of church and state that I believe our, our Constitution, our founding fathers built this country, this nation on,” said Patrik Roderer, who attended the event. ”Seeing that potentially erode into a theocracy is definitely something that I’m concerned about.”

National Public Radio’s ‘Extremely American’ podcaster Heath Druzin talks about Christian nationalism at the Downtown Event Center Tuesday in Idaho Falls.

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Par Kermani

SAINT ANTHONY, Idaho (KIFI) — For the Crain family, a casual afternoon spent scrolling through Instagram led to a journey of healing on one of America’s most iconic game show stages.

The Crains, well known in their community for local businesses ranging from a straw maze to a heating company, are staples of Saint Anthony. They never dreamed of making it on national television.

“I just filled out the paperwork,” said Kierra Barnard, who submitted the application after seeing an advertisement online. “I submitted the paperwork, forgot about it, and three weeks later, I get the email that we’re interested in you”.

Behind the excitement, a dark cloud cast a shadow of grief. A few years earlier, one of the Crain children, Garrett, tragically took his own life.

Family Feud provided a bonding moment for the family to help heal the wounds of their major loss. Barnard recalled watching Family Feud with Garrett and her other brothers at their grandmother’s house during their childhood. She even mentioned the loss in her audition, telling producers that Garrett was the one “you’d want to watch” on the show because of his humor.

“So I put it in our audition writing that my brother passed away last year. You wish you could have put him on your show. He would have been hilarious,” said Barnard.

For Misty Crain, Garrett’s mother, the experience provided a necessary reprieve from the “tremendous heartbreak” the family had endured.

“I thought, what a beautiful opportunity and blessing, that we got to do that because it was fun to laugh, to be together. Have a bonding moment.” Crain said, “It was just a wonderful experience where we all got to be together and just have some uplifting memories”.

The family brought a distinct “small-town vibe” to the set, which led to several comedic exchanges with host Steve Harvey.

“Steve Harvey kept saying, Saint Anthony, Iowa,” Kiara Crain laughed, noting they had to correct him repeatedly.

The family also joked about their local status. When Harvey asked what made someone a “big deal” in Idaho, Kiara replied that it’s when people recognize you at the local Walmart.

While the family could not reveal the results of their competition before the air date, they emphasized that the outcome was secondary to the experience.

The Crain family will host a public watch party for their upcoming appearance on “Family Feud” at 7:30 PM Thursday at FatCats in Rexburg.

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Abi Martin

BOISE, Idaho — (KIFI) A small plane crash has claimed the life of a man from the television news community.

Roland Steadham,  the chief meteorologist for CBS2 in Boise is one of two victims after a plane crashed into the Payette river.

According to authorities, the plane hit a power line, and tumbled into an icy part of the river. Both occupants of the plane died due to injuries sustained in the crash.

Steadham had a career in meteorology spanning 35 years, including work in Florida, Utah, and Idaho. He was 67 years old, and is survived by his wife and six daughters.

The other victim of the crash has not yet been identified.

The Gem County Sheriff’s Office is investigating. We will update this story as more information comes out.

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