Author: KIFI

Seth Ratliff

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) – The state of Idaho is attempting to ban the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program from covering the purchase of candy and soda.

Governor Brad Little has signed House Bill 109 into law, under which the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare will seek a waiver from the federal government to ban candy and soda from being purchased using food stamps, or SNAP benefits.

While similar legislation has failed in the past, the bill’s cosponsor, Senator Ben Toews, R-Coeur d’Alene,   told lawmakers 20 other states are considering similar legislation in a movement called “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA), promoted by the U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

“Idaho welcomes the MAHA movement. It is all about looking for creative ways to improve nutrition and increase exercise, the two main factors that influence overall health,” Governor Little wrote in a statement to the press. “Secretary Kennedy said it so well: we need to take better care of ourselves and each other. He said it is an act of patriotism, and the future of our nation depends on it. Idaho couldn’t agree more.”

In a prepared statement to the press, the U.S. Health Secretary applauded Governor Little’s approval of the bill.

“I urge all governors to follow Idaho’s lead and submit innovative SNAP waivers to the USDA to reverse the childhood chronic disease epidemic and Make America Healthy Again,” wrote U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.

A “simple issue” or “missing the mark?”

The amended bill passed the Idaho Senate in a 25-10 vote and the Idaho House 48-20.

Opponents of the bill argued that the legislation would create difficulties for Idaho businesses and may even cause grocery stores to stop accepting SNAP benefits.

Other opponents argued that the bill’s definition of candy was too broad and may impact other foods.

The bill’s text defines candy as “a preparation of sugar, honey, or other natural or artificial sweeteners combined with chocolate, fruits, nuts, or other ingredients or flavorings in the form of confections, bars, drops, or pieces.”

“I do recognize the complexities of defining candy and soda, but at the same time, this issue is not complex at all. It is actually quite simple: assistance from the government should go toward healthy foods, not foods that cause so many health problems,” Governor Little wrote in a prepared statement.

Senator Melissa Wintrow, D-Boise, argued that the bill misses the mark in both health and combating the obesity epidemic.

“If we really wanted to address obesity, we would be providing more cash incentives for low-income folks so they could actually purchase foods that cost more, that are healthy,” said Sen. Wintrow. “This is just one more way to control poor people, (and) show our disdain for their lack of good decision making.”

Sam Ross

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI)– Spring means mating season for many of Idaho’s native animals, and the Idaho Department of Fish and Game wants to remind people to leave baby animals alone if you stumble across them in the wild.

According to Jennifer Jackson, communications manager for Fish and Game’s Southeast Region, Idaho’s wild birds and big game will soon start to find places to make their nests and have their young, and moving into baby season in May and June, it is especially important people remember to let baby animals lie.

“In order for us to continue with an abundant wildlife population, if you want to see wildlife grow, it’s important to let mothers do their job of raising their young and continuing to grow their herds or their flocks,” said Jackson. “When you bring an animal to us, you put that animal in danger.”

Jackson said every year, Fish and Game gets visits from well-meaning outdoorspeople who bring wild chicks or fawns to the department office, thinking the animals were abandoned. In reality, wild baby animals are often left alone for hours at a time while their parents search for food or draw potential predators away from their babies’ hiding places.

The best thing people can do for baby animals is leave them alone and trust their parents are nearby. Fish and Game prioritizes returning baby animals to their parents when they’re brought in to the office, but it is not always possible to find where they came from, and some babies may need to be taken elsewhere for care.

For more information, or if you have questions or concerns about an animal’s safety, you can contact the Idaho Department of Fish and Game Southeast Regional Office by calling (208) 232-4703 or visiting their website.

Maggie Moore

Idaho Falls, Idaho (KIFI) – With high prices at the grocery store, it’s hard to find Easter baskets that don’t break the bank. Here is a comparison of two affordable options, Walmart and Dollar Tree.

For baskets, Walmart takes the cake. Their baskets are only $1.24 for a bigger basket than Dollar Tree, which costs $1.25.

You’ll have to take your pick for candy. I was able to find the same Reese’s peanut butter eggs at both stores, but the size and price varied drastically. Walmart had a 9.1 oz bag for $4.48, while Dollar Tree had a 2.68 oz bag for $1.25.

Dollar Tree had much cheaper chocolate bunnies, but Walmart gets a point for more variety of chocolate animals. Dollar tree had a Russell Stover solid chocolate rabbit for $1.25, while Walmart’s Easter buddies chocolate rabbit came out to $1.36. But, Walmart also had filled chocolate rabbits, Reese’s chocolate rabbits.

Walmart also takes a point for Peeps. They sell a 10-pack for $1.47 while Dollar Tree sells a 5-pack for $1.25. Both had a variety of flavors and colors as well.

Other basket fillers were interchangeable. Walmart had more options for stuffed animals for less money. I got a stuffed rabbit for $2.97 at Walmart. Dollar Tree had a lot less Easter related stuffed animals. I found a stuffed rabbit for $5 at Dollar Tree, although I will note it is scented.

Dollar Tree had more activities and games to put in baskets. I found an Easter painting set for $1.25, while the closest thing I could find at Walmart was a set of coloring pages for $3.

I ended up spending $21.76 for a full basket from Walmart, and $10.96 at Dollar Tree.

So what’s the verdict? Walmart is probably a better option if you need to make more than one basket. They have more variety, bigger bags of candy, and prices that are competitive with Dollar Tree. But, Dollar Tree does give Walmart a run for their money, especially if you’re only making a couple of baskets or baskets for younger children that don’t eat as much candy.

Linda Larsen

UPDATE:

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – On Tuesday, family, friends, and the Pocatello community said a final goodbye to Victor Perez, the disabled teen who died Saturday after being shot by Pocatello Police officers earlier this month.

Nearly 100 people, several wearing shirts reading “Justice for Victor,” attended the funeral services for the 17-year-old. Victor’s mother told the mourners that when her son was born, they knew he would be a special gift and a joy who would need attention and love.

“His legacy is gonna be…it was all the public services,” said Perez. “Everybody need(s) to know and need(s) to learn how to work, not just with the autism (autistic) kids. (But they) need to learn how to work… (with) others mental issues.”

The Victor Project

The shooting, which was captured on video by watchful neighbors, has created uproar and online controversy in the Pocatello community and beyond. Multiple protest groups have responded to the incident, many calling for a larger investigation into Pocatello PD and accusing the responding officers of “excessive use of force” and “police brutality.”

A new group organized in response to the shooting, dubbed the Victor Project, has organized an additional protest on Friday, April 19, at 3 PM at the Idaho State Capitol. The Victor Project’s mission statement says their goal is to be a catalyst for change in law enforcement practices.

“We strive to achieve this by advocating for enhanced and standardized de-escalation training for all law enforcement officers,” writes the group. “Through community engagement, legal advocacy, and collaborative partnerships, we aim to foster a culture of understanding, respect, and accountability within police forces, ensuring the safety and well-being of all members of our community. We are committed to creating a future where interactions between law enforcement and individuals, especially those with mental health challenges, are handled with compassion, expertise, and a focus on preserving life.”

For more information, click HERE.

The investigation into the April 5th shooting

The shooting is currently under investigation by the Idaho Critical Incident Taskforce, and the four responding officers have been placed on administrative leave.

The Idaho Attorney General’s Office has also agreed to review their investigative findings regarding the officer-involved shooting at the request of Bannock County Prosecuting Attorney Ian Johnson.

“As with all such matters, the Office of the Attorney General will conduct a thorough and impartial review once the Eastern Idaho Critical Incident Taskforce completes its investigation,” said Attorney General Labrador. “Given the seriousness of the matter and the ongoing investigation, our office will not be making further public comment at this time.”

For more information, click HERE.

According to Pocatello Mayor Brian Blad, the city will be releasing the body camera footage of the four responding officers. For Mayor Blad’s full address, click HERE.

Local News 8 will continue to follow and update this story as the investigation develops.

ORIGINAL:

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – The family of Victor Perez, the disabled teen shot by Pocatello Police officers, has announced that his funeral services will be held on Tuesday, April 15.

Services will begin at 3 PM at the Cornelson Funeral Home at 431 N 15th Ave. Pocatello, Idaho 83201. Victor’s family says the funeral is open for all to attend.

The news comes after Victor’s family chose to take the 17-year-old off life support, following the heartbreaking news that he was brain dead.

For more information, click HERE.

Noah Farley

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — With the temperatures warming up, many people are anxious to get out on the water. The Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office says it typically sees one or two water incidents a week once we get closer to the summer months.

Even if the water is warm one day, the temperatures can change very quickly. It can be dangerous to be in the water even on a cool day.

“If you were to find yourself in the water, your ability to swim and your physical abilities to self-rescue are going to diminish very, very rapidly, and you’re going to get the symptoms of hypothermia,” said Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office PIO, Bryan Lovell.

Whether you’re doing water sports or you’re just hanging out on a boat, always wear a life jacket. It’s also a good habit to let others know where you will be when you go out on the water, since cell coverage can be spotty. 

More information on water safety can be found here.