Author: KIFI

Kaelyn Blessinger

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — If your days have been filled with coughing, sneezing, scratching, and sniffling, you may have the weather to blame.

Allergists tell us the frequent shifting of temperatures, the constant blowing winds, and the spreading of pollen have been forcing our bodies to work harder to adapt, causing stress to our systems. And with more irritants in the air, we could be in for a rough allergy season.

“Extreme temperatures, I mean, cold, dry air is a known airway irritant,” Dr. David Petty, of Idaho Allergy and Asthma Clinic, stated, “And so when we have that spill, like decent weather now or get into freezing cold Idaho weather again. That’s something that can be a big trigger.”

Our unusually dry winter has more dust and pollen in the air, leading to more allergens as well.

Dr. Petty has some solutions for those suffering from their allergies, “I mean, nobody likes to wear masks, but, hey, if you’re out, if you have to be outside and it’s a crazy windy day or a really cold day having a little scarf or warming up your air, to filter it or warm it up with those can be really helpful in those two conditions.”

He also recommended an air purifier, over-the-counter allergy medications, and staying indoors to help prevent reactions. If none of those are working, you may want to consider visiting a Pulmonary doctor.

“If you’re trying stuff at home and if it’s not working, come see us,” Dr. Petty said, “We’re happy to help.”

Petty says this weather season has brought out the worst reactions in our systems, but find what works for you to feel your best during these sneezy times.

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Seth Ratliff

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — Classes will resume as scheduled at Hawthorne Middle School in Pocatello tomorrow, April 24, following a one-day closure due to an unexpected plumbing issue.

Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25 confirms that the issue that prompted Thursday’s closure has been addressed, and the school is ready to welcome learners and staff back to campus.

“All classes and activities will proceed as scheduled. We appreciate the community’s understanding as we work to ensure a safe and comfortable environment for all,” stated D25 staff in an update.

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Maile Sipraseuth

RUPERT, Idaho (KIFI) — A longtime Idaho company is closing one of its processing plants in the Magic Valley. Idahoan Foods confirms it will shut down its facility in Rupert.

The food processing company, known for instant mashed and potato products, notified the state that the closure will impact 61 employees, according to documents from the Idaho Department of Labor.

The reason for their closure has not been released.

Local News 8 reached out to Idahoan for comment, and Idahoan President and CEO Dale Clemiss issued the following statement in response:

“Idahoan Foods has made the decision to permanently close its Rupert, Idaho, facility. The company has notified affected employees and is following all applicable notice requirements. Operations at the Rupert facility are expected to continue through the end of June 2026. Idahoan Foods is committed to supporting its employees through this transition and will continue to operate safely and reliably across all facilities.”

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News Team

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25 is inviting the community out to a special Fine Arts Exhibition celebrating the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States.

Friday, May 1st, 2026, District 25 will host “America Through the Eyes of Our Learners,” featuring more than 200 original works of art and live performances. According to D25, the event invites the community to explore national history and ideals through the eyes of local students.

“This event is about more than art—it’s about giving our learners a voice,” said Courtney Fisher, Director of Communications, Community Relations, and the Education Foundation. “Through their work, our learners are sharing their perspectives, their creativity, and what America means to them during this once-in-a-generation milestone. We’re proud to showcase that with our community.”

The special event will take place during the Historic Downtown Pocatello First Friday Art Walk from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Gate City Coffee (320 W. Center Street).

The event also features more than $2,000 in prizes, sponsored by the School District 25 Education Foundation, to recognize student achievement and creativity. Visitors are encouraged to participate by voting for the People’s Choice Awards during the gallery walk to help select the winning entries.

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News Release

The following is a news release from the City of Idaho Falls Public Works Department:

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho — Beginning Monday, April 27, crews will begin a roadway improvement project at the intersection of St. Clair Road and John Adams Parkway.

The project will include replacement of the existing valley gutter on the south side of John Adams, which has settled over time and created a significant dip for southbound traffic on St. Clair. In addition, crews will upgrade pedestrian ramps to current standards and regrade St. Clair Road to improve the transition into the intersection, creating a smoother and safer ride for the traveling public.

Work will begin with removal of the existing valley gutter and pedestrian ramps, followed by regrading of St. Clair and installation of new concrete infrastructure. Once the new concrete has cured, the roadway will be repaved and reopened to traffic.

Construction is anticipated to be completed by Thursday, May 7.

During construction, St. Clair Road will be closed to through traffic at John Adams Parkway. A signed detour route will be in place to guide motorists around the closure using nearby parallel streets. Drivers traveling northbound on St. Clair will be required to turn prior to the closure and follow posted detour signs to reconnect with John Adams Parkway.

Traffic on John Adams Parkway will remain open. Access to nearby properties will be maintained as much as possible, though temporary disruptions may occur as work progresses.

This project is part of the City of Idaho Falls’ ongoing efforts to improve roadway safety and infrastructure throughout the community. The city appreciates the public’s patience during construction.

Motorists should watch for crews and equipment, follow posted traffic signs, and reduce speeds in the work zone.

For more information about the project, contact the City of Idaho Falls Street Division at (208) 612-8490.

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Bailee Shaw

REXBURG, Idaho (KIFI) — As digital threats evolve, local law enforcement and community volunteers are joining forces to ensure parents aren’t left behind.

On Saturday, April 25, the Upper Valley SAFE Initiative will host a specialized workshop at Madison Junior High from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. to teach parents how to keep kids safe with modern technology. Founded by Dean and Kristin Coleman, SAFE (Safety, Awareness, Freedom, and Education) is a volunteer-led organization dedicated to helping families understand what’s really happening online—and what to watch for.

The workshop will feature representatives from the Rexburg Police Department and the Madison County Sheriff’s Office. Officers will share insights from local cases to illustrate the tactics used by online predators—tactics that officials say would surprise even tech-savvy parents.

Through a Facebook post with the Upper Valley SAFE initiative, Chief Josh Rhodes warned that the true risk is often hidden in plain sight: Direct Messaging (DM).

“Every social media platform has direct messaging, and that is where youth are being targeted,” Chief Rhodes explained. “(They’re) people who are posing as teenagers and fun and outgoing. And those those people are able to connect and they start communicating and direct messaging with the teenagers… As parents, we may overlook and think that they’re just communicating with other teenagers, when in reality there’s a lot of cases where they’re not.”

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News Team

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — UPDATE: Kenyon Sadiq was selected 16th overall by the New York Jets.

Original Post:

The energy in Idaho Falls is electric this Thursday as the community prepares for Thursday night’s NFL Draft. The attention of the community is on Kenyon Sadiq, the former Skyline High School standout, who is projected to be a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

A versatile athlete, Sadiq started at Marsh Valley before cementing his high school career as a Skyline Grizzly. Following his Junior year playing for the Oregon Ducks, Sadiq has become one of this year’s most coveted tight end prospects with a record of 560 yards receiving and 8 touchdowns in the 2025 season.

File 2022: Courtesy Kenyon Sadiq/Oregon Ducks

To honor his journey from the Grizzly gridiron to the professional stage, his alma mater is turning tonight’s draft into a community celebration.

The Skyline Grizzlies Alumni Association is hosting a free NFL Draft watch party for all Skyline graduates tonight. Due to maintenance issues at Skyline, the watch party has been moved to the nearby Eagle Rock Middle School.

“We have an opportunity to see Kenyon do the impossible, or what most can’t,” wrote Skyline Athletic Director Wadsworth on the Alumni Association’s Facebook page. “That is being drafted in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Come join the fun!”

Tonight’s celebration will include food, music, trivia, raffles, and draft prediction games for fans. If you’re a Skyline Alumni, click HERE for more information.

While the event is currently on schedule, organizers are monitoring the situation closely. Should any last-minute changes occur, updates will be posted immediately on the Alumni Association Facebook Page.

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Emma Epperly

By: Emma Epperly

Originally posted on IdahoEdNews.org on April 22, 2026

IDAHO — Idaho spends the least in the country per student in K-12 public schools, according to newly released data from the National Center for Educational Statistics.

The Gem State spent $11,167 per pupil during the 2024 fiscal year, the most recent data available from NCES.

That makes Idaho last in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Nationwide, schools spent on average $17,499 per child.

The closest state to Idaho is Utah, which spent $11,299. After that, the per-pupil expenditure jumps up by about $1,000.

In 2022 and 2023, Idaho ranked second-to-last, behind Utah, in per-pupil spending. In 2021, Idaho ranked last. Idaho has occupied a similar bottom-of-the-pile spot for more than a decade.

But even in Idaho, there’s a huge range in the amount spent per child. For example, in Avery, one of the state’s smallest K-8 school districts, about $91,030 was spent per student in 2025, the most in the state. Three Creek, Prairie and Pleasant Valley Elementary school districts — also small — round out the top four.

Some large districts spend more than the state average. Boise spent $14,639 per student in fiscal year 2025. The state’s largest district West Ada spent $8,875, so well under the state average.

The lowest per student spending in the state is often from hybrid or virtual schools. Idaho Home Learning spent $6,408 last year. The statewide average for 2025 was $13,020.

Find out what your district or charter spends. See the most recent state data.

Learn more about what per-pupil expenditure data means.

While Idaho’s statewide average has gone up since 2024, it’s likely that Idaho will continue to fall at the bottom nationally, if the last decade of data is any indicator.

Here’s the data for Idaho’s neighboring states:

Wyoming $20,542

Washington $18,639

Oregon $18,052

Nevada $14,247

Montana $14,202

Utah 11,299

Idaho $11,167

Ed News Data Analyst Randy Schrader contributed to this story.

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Danielle Mullenix

Idaho Falls, ID (KIFI) – A friendly competition is turning into a life-saving mission across Idaho. Air Idaho Rescue, Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center (EIRMC), and the American Red Cross are teaming up to host the “Battle of the Badges” Blood Drive Challenge, encouraging Idahoans to donate blood and support local first responders.

The statewide competition invites donors to give blood at any American Red Cross location through Wednesday, April 29th. Each donation earns points for a selected team, adding a competitive twist to an effort to address a nationwide blood shortage.

Participants can choose between two teams:

Team A Positive: representing Air Idaho’s rotor-wing crews, EMS, and area fire departments

Team O Positive: representing Air Idaho’s fixed-wing crews and local law enforcement

Each unit of blood donated can help save up to three lives, according to organizers. Certain donations—such as Power Red, O-negative blood types, first-time donors, and donations made on the final day of the competition—can earn double points.

Organizers say the need for blood is constant, especially for emergency responders like Air Idaho Rescue. Their aircraft operate as flying intensive care units, equipped with life-saving tools and even blood supplies that can be administered mid-flight to patients experiencing severe blood loss.

“Everyone is invited to help combat the nationwide blood shortage by donating,” said Air Methods Account Executive Jill Egan. “Every donation is worth one point in our competition. When people donate, they can choose to join Team A+ so their point goes to the Air Idaho rotor wing, EMS, and firefighter team, or Team O+ so their point goes to the Air Idaho fixed-wing and law enforcement team. Double points are given for power red and O-negative blood, rookie donors, and donations made on April 29, which is the last day of the competition.”

The competition will wrap up April 29 with an awards ceremony announcing the winning team—but organizers emphasize the real goal goes far beyond bragging rights.

They’re encouraging everyone who can donate to step up, pick a team, and help save lives.

To participate, donors can register through the American Red Cross website and schedule an appointment at a donation center near them.

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David Pace

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – It’s National Library Week, and the Idaho Falls Public Library is celebrating with a plethora of activities!

“I like that you can pick the books out,” said one young library fan Eliza Hancock, who loves reading Fancy Nancy books.

The library is visited by half a million individuals annually and boasts a collection of more than 350,000 books.

“We think it’s a great library. We bring our kids all the time,” said book-reading Dad Jameson Rammell. “We like the fish. Don’t you like the fish? And then they have a great kids section. So we spend a lot of time there – tons of books, tons of free programs for the community.”

Thursday, for World Book Day, librarians will host Storytime and Book Babies in the morning at 10:30 and 11:30 A.M.

On Saturday, at an “Authorpalooza” event, everyone is invited to come meet local book authors at noon and 2 P.M., with a Meet and Greet from 3 to 5 P.M. in the afternoon.

“I am a big believer in libraries,” said frequent book worm Felicia Barker. “People should always come to the library. I mean, there’s so many good resources if you know how to read. You can learn anything you want – absolutely anything!”

The library appeals to people of all ages – offering a myriad of weekly programs for kids, teens, and adults.

“Part of our focus is to help young children become literate,” said Idaho Falls Public Library Director Robert Wright. “We focus on children’s programing because if we can get children excited about reading before they go to school, they do better in school.”

To young Henry Hancock, the library is a treasure trove of Dragon Masters books.

“My favorite part is I like Dragon books,” he said. “I like one of those ones over there.”

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