Author: KIFI

Par Kermani

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — As spring projects ramp up across eastern Idaho, the East Idaho Home and Garden Show is giving homeowners a chance to get a head start — but a freeze warning could impact early planting.

The event is underway at the Mountain America Center, bringing together nearly 200 vendors offering everything from landscaping and gardening advice to home improvement services.

Vendors say the show is designed to help residents plan ahead as temperatures begin to warm.

“We’ve got trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals—everything you need to make your yard look great, and it’s really a good way for people to come out, see what does well in this area, and get ideas before they start planting,” said Kennedy Haslam with Sunnyside Gardens.

However, a freeze warning remains in effect across eastern Idaho through Friday and into Saturday, creating potential challenges for early planting.

Garden experts say timing is critical this time of year, especially for more delicate plants.

“The average last frost date is around May 22nd, so if you’re buying plants right now, you really want to babysit them until then, and if temperatures drop, you can use things like frost cloths or even blankets to help protect those more sensitive plants,” said Cassidy Barnes with Sunnyside Gardens.

The East Idaho Home and Garden Show continues Friday from noon to 7 p.m., with free admission for senior citizens and military veterans from noon to 2 p.m.

The event resumes Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with teachers and first responders admitted free from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Organizers say the show offers a chance for residents to connect with local experts and prepare for the spring season despite changing weather conditions.

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Par Kermani

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — A supplemental levy aimed at keeping key programs in place will be on the ballot for Bonneville Joint School District 93 voters in May. 

The proposed measure would provide $9.6 million per year for two years. If passed, it would replace the district’s existing levy while adding the necessary funding to bridge a growing budget gap.

District 93 Superintendent Scott Woolstenhulme warned that the district has reached a financial breaking point. For the past two years, the district has stayed afloat by relying on savings to maintain programs—but that funding is running out.

“We’ve been using our fund balance—basically our savings account—to support programs that have lost state funding to support,” Woolstenhulme explained.

Superintendent Woolstenhulme cited two reasons for the loss of funding: declining enrollment and budget reductions to offset that enrollment.

If approved, the levy would help fund programs like Full-Day Kindergarten, Gifted and Talented Education, and elementary P.E. and Music. District leadership confirmed that if the levy fails, these programs will likely be phased out over the next few years, as the district will no longer have the “savings” required to subsidize them.

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Par Kermani

Idaho Falls, Idaho (KIFI) — Spring projects are top of mind for many across eastern Idaho—and one event this weekend is helping homeowners get a head start.

The East Idaho Home and Garden Show is currently underway at the Mountain America Center, bringing together nearly 200 regional vendors as a hub. From heavy-duty landscaping and home renovations to delicate gardening and interior design, experts say the event is a “one-stop shop” for spring inspiration.

For those looking to add a pop of color to for their patio or yard, Kennadee Haslem and Kassidy Barnes from Sunnyside Gardens gave Local News 8 a tour of their display focused on vibrant textures and local favorites.

“A really hot seller right now is our Prairie Fire Crabapple tree,” said Barnes. “It has that really pretty pink color, and you can see them blooming all over town. The Spring Snow Crabapples are also very popular.”

While the expo floor feels like a springtime oasis, the reality outside remains unpredictable. With a freeze warning in effect for the region tonight, experts are urging gardeners to hold off before digging into the soil.

“We always tell people that the average last date of frost is May 22nd,” Haslem explained. “Around Mother’s Day or Memorial Day—that’s the safe spot. If you are buying plants now, you have to ‘babysit’ them until then.”

The East Idaho Home and Garden Show continues through the weekend. For more information, click HERE.

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News Release

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

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — The City of Idaho Falls is inviting residents and community partners to provide input that will help guide the development of its Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) 2026–2030 Consolidated Plan through two public surveys now available online.

The surveys are part of the federally required five-year planning process for CDBG program, as well as an Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing. Administered through the City’s Community Development Services Department. These efforts help the City assess community needs and identify barriers to housing access. Community members and service providers and organizations are encouraged to complete the surveys.

This outreach is one component of a broader engagement effort that also includes stakeholder interviews, focus groups, and coordination with local partners.

This survey process is a routine requirement conducted every five years and does not represent a specific policy proposal or predetermined outcome. Feedback gathered will help inform future planning and decision-making and ensure community priorities are reflected in long-term planning.

Both surveys will remain available for approximately two weeks to allow for broad community participation. They close on May 3, 2026.

Residents can access the surveys at the following links:

Community Development (CDBG) Survey: www.surveymonkey.com/share/0fc18076-d4e5-4eb7-a13f-c42a6dba5460

Fair Housing Survey: www.surveymonkey.com/share/379d1568-287d-4663-8838-132e48240da1

The city encourages all residents to participate and share their perspectives to help shape future planning efforts.

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Seth Ratliff

UPDATED: 3:43 p.m.

BUTTE COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) — In a potential breakthrough for Butte County agriculture, the Surface Water Coalition (SWC), along with the Idaho Ground Water Appropriators, filed a joint request Friday afternoon asking the state to hit the “pause” button on an ongoing water curtailment order that has paralyzed local farms.

The move comes less than 24 hours after IDWR Director Matt Weaver denied a motion to pause the curtailment, effectively forcing farmers to shut off their spouts mid-season, despite many having already planted crops. The push for a joint stay in curtailment marks a dramatic reversal for the SWC, which told Local News 8 in an email Thursday its members appreciate “IDWR and Director Weaver’s commitment to following Idaho’s Constitution and for putting the law and future of Idaho water first.”

RELATED: IDWR denies stay on water curtailment, pumps to remain off in Big and Little Lost Basins

Farmers From Both Sides Working Together

The request, filed at 2:00 p.m. on April 17, asks the Idaho Department of Water Resources (IDWR) for a temporary stay on enforcement. If granted, it would allow groundwater irrigators in the Big Lost and Little Lost basins to resume pumping while “good-faith” negotiations continue.

The joint filing petitions the IDWR to keep the water flowing through at least May 4, 2026, providing a window for a technical review to determine if three new districts can be added to the 2024 Stipulated Mitigation Plan without harming existing members.

“It is never our desire for any water to be shut off,” said Alan Hansten, chairman of the Surface Water Coalition. “Our members recognize the challenges facing farmers in Butte County. That is why SWC has taken this step in good faith to ask IDWR to keep water flowing while the parties and IDWR complete the necessary technical review of the First Addendum to the 2024 Mitigation Plan.”

In a press release, representatives from the Idaho Ground Water Appropriators say they’re “deeply grateful” that farmers from both sides moved quickly to find a solution that supports the livelihoods of farmers across the area.

“We have taken the right steps to join a mitigation plan and avoid curtailment, so we were disappointed when that relief did not come yesterday,” said Little Lost River Ground Water District Chairman Kirk Nickerson. “We know that kind of cooperation takes sacrifice, and we are thankful for the support shown by this community of water users.”

IGWA President and Idaho Lawmaker Stephanie Mickelsen echoed that sentiment.

“This shows once again that even when water users do not agree on every issue, farmers can still come together, act in good faith, and find solutions quickly when it matters most,” said Mickelsen. “That willingness to act quickly, solve problems, and protect Idaho agriculture is exactly what makes the partnership between groundwater and surface water users so important.”

The Legal Gridlock

The ongoing curtailment stems from Idaho’s “prior appropriation” doctrine—”first in time, first in right” law.

Due to an ongoing drought, Director Weaver projected a shortfall of 181,600 acre-feet for senior surface water users this season, which triggered a water call from Idaho’s Surface water users. The law dictates that senior water rights holders (those with older claims) must get their full allocation of water first, before junior groundwater users can pump.

While IDWR previously ruled that three districts in the Lost River basins missed a November 2025 deadline to join a mitigation plan, the Idaho Ground Water Appropriators (IGWA) maintains that farmers did everything right.

Under Senate Bill 1341, junior groundwater users in the Big and Little Lost basins were required to join an approved mitigation plan to avoid curtailment.

Because these three districts failed to join an approved mitigation plan by the November 2025 deadline, they were subject to IDWR curtailment orders to protect senior rights. However, the Idaho Ground Water Appropriators (IGWA) maintains that farmers did everything right.

RELATED: IGWA Farmers Claim “Good Faith” Efforts

“Right now, there are farmers in Butte County who planted crops in good faith and still can’t turn on a pump,” said IGWA Executive Director Lara Herway in a news release Thursday. “That’s not a water law problem—IGWA and our members acted in good faith.”

What’s Next?

If the IDWR accepts the request, it would provide immediate relief to Butte County agriculture while the parties work toward a solution.

The SWC maintains that adhering to the Idaho Constitution, protecting senior rights, and the long-term success of the 2024 Mitigation Plan remain their top priority. However, Chairman Hansten noted that this joint request reflects a commitment to collaboration and supporting all Idaho agriculture during a “critical growing season.”

“We appreciate the willingness of all parties to engage in a thorough review process for decisions that will impact Idaho water for years to come,” Hansten said. “We are committed to reaching a solution that complies with Idaho law, is fair, consistent, and grounded in sound data, and that simultaneously supports all water users and protects our most valuable resource.”

Over the next three weeks, technical experts from all sides will evaluate data and the terms of a “First Addendum” to the 2024 plan to ensure that adding these new districts won’t negatively impact the users already enrolled in the plan.

According to IDWR, all parties are scheduled to reconvene on May 4, 2026, for a follow-up status conference to go over the findings of the technical review and determine the next steps for the 2024 Mitigation Plan.

Director Weaver is expected to issue a decision as early as tonight, April 17th. Local News 8 is in contact with representatives from both parties and will provide an update once IDWR issues a decision.

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KIVI Staff

By: Riley Shoemaker

Originally Posted 4:00 AM, Apr 17, 2026

BURLEY, Idaho — A woman from Burley says the job she once loved became hostile after she returned from maternity leave, and she is now sharing her story exclusively with Idaho News 6 as new data shows a rise in workplace discrimination claims across the state.

Hannah Jones says she has worked as a deputy at the Mini-Cassia County Criminal Justice Center for over three years and enjoyed the job before returning from leave.

“It was humiliating and it seemed really discrediting,” Jones said.

Jones said she initially had a positive experience at work.

“I love my job. I have gotten to meet a ton of really cool people,” she said.

She said that quickly changed after she returned from maternity leave, when she began hearing comments about breastfeeding.

“I came back and it was only almost immediate that I started getting some pretty embarrassing comments about me breastfeeding and me having to go to the bathroom to go pump,” Jones said.

Jones said supervisors made repeated comments in front of others.

“They would make comments about how I was a cow and … they would actually make mooing noises at me as I was walking through the hallways and stuff as well in front of inmates and other agencies,” she said.

She also described a more explicit comment from a supervisor.

“One of my male supervisors claimed that he thought I should have responded to a fight with my ‘titties’ out,’” Jones said.

Jones said when she reported the behavior, she felt it was not taken seriously and that she later experienced retaliation.

“I just felt like it wasn’t taken seriously at all,” she said.

She said she filed complaints with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Idaho Human Rights Commission, which she says found in her favor.

Jones has since filed a lawsuit alleging sexual harassment and gender discrimination, detailing the same claims she shared with Idaho News 6.

“I started experiencing what I believe to be retaliation … and that’s the point that it kind of got to be too much,” she said.

Her case reflects a broader trend, according to the Idaho Human Rights Commission.

“In the last year, we’ve seen a doubling of the reports of discrimination,” said Ben Earwicker, administrator for the Idaho Human Rights Commission.

Earwicker said the increase includes cases involving pregnancy and motherhood.

“So postpartum is protected, breastfeeding … reasonable accommodations for those, including private spaces to breastfeed, including time off as needed,” he said.

He said retaliation is also a common claim.

“Retaliation is a much easier claim to prove because usually there’s temporal proximity where the initial reporting of discrimination occurs followed almost immediately by some kind of retaliatory action,” Earwicker said.

Jones said the experience has changed how she views her career and worries it could discourage other women from entering law enforcement.

“I feel my heart break for women that are coming into the force, knowing that that’s probably going to happen to them too,” she said.

Jones’ lawsuit is ongoing. The legal firm representing the Cassia County Sheriff’s Office did not respond to a request for comment.

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Seth Ratliff

REXBURG, Idaho (KIFI) — A Rexburg man is facing nearly three decades in prison after he allegedly attacked his healthcare worker after setting fire to his home before locking himself inside on Wednesday afternoon.

Sebastian Louw, 19, was rescued by police through a bedroom window before being charged with felony arson and battery against a healthcare worker. If convicted on both counts, Louw faces up to 28 years in prison and a $100,000 fine.

According to court documents, the fire began around 1:22 p.m. when Louw allegedly told his certified healthcare worker that “bad s*** was going to happen.” The documents allege Louw then piled a notebook, blanket, DVD player, Tupperware, and two fire alarms onto a gas kitchen stove and lit the pile on fire.

When the healthcare worker attempted to turn off the stove, the affidavit of probable cause states that Louw shoved her and threw a large glass bowl at her. As she fled the home, Louw reportedly threw a trash can at her before locking himself inside the smoke-filled trailer.

Rexburg Police officers arrived to find the house filled with smoke, and Louw was trying to get out through his bedroom window. In a Facebook post, RPD confirmed its officers were able to force their way “through a window and helped the person (Louw)” evacuate the building.

Louw reportedly told officers he started the fire so the “plastic fumes would help kill him,” according to court docs.

While Louw and the healthcare worker were the only people inside at the time of the fire, police say the residence is typically occupied by Louw, two roommates, and other staff members. In the aftermath, the fire had mostly damaged the kitchen area, but smoke damage was reported throughout the entire trailer.

Louw made his initial court appearance on April 16. During the hearing, his bond was set at $25,000.

If he is found guilty on both counts, Louw faces over two decades in prison:

Arson Charge: Carries a potential sentence of up to 25 years.

Battery Charge: Carries a potential sentence of up to 3 years.

His preliminary hearing is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on April 22 before Judge David Hunt.

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News Team

PROVO, Utah (KIFI) — Defense attorneys for Tyler Robinson, the man accused of killing Charlie Kirk, appeared before a Utah judge Friday, arguing for a total ban on courtroom cameras. The defense argues that the ongoing live broadcast of prosecution proceedings violates his right to a fair trial, according to CNN.

Following the all-day hearing, Judge Tony Graf said he would set an additional hearing where he would decide whether to allow the press to continue livestreaming the hearings leading up to Robinson’s trial. Judge Graf will also determine whether or not to postpone a three-day preliminary hearing scheduled for next month.

The hearing has now ended. Watch the recording of the afternoon proceedings below:

Watch the recording of this morning’s proceedings below:

ORIGINAL:

Defense attorneys for Tyler Robinson, the man accused of killing Charlie Kirk, appeared before a Utah judge Friday, arguing for a total ban on courtroom cameras. The defense argues that the ongoing live broadcast of prosecution proceedings violates his right to a fair trial, according to CNN.

“The predominant purpose being served by the live stream coverage has not been the educational reporting of the court proceedings, but rather advertising profit, sensationalism, political agendas, and, most prominently, the vilification of Mr. Robinson,” his attorneys wrote in their motion to bar cameras in the courtroom.

On the other side, media organizations, state prosecutors, and Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, are pushing the court to keep the cameras rolling. “They argue the best way to guard against the misinformation and conspiracy theories that concern Robinson’s defense team is to make the process transparent,” according to CNN.

Robinson has been charged with aggravated murder in the September shooting of the conservative activist on the Utah Valley University campus in Orem.

While prosecutors have stated they intend to seek the death penalty, Robinson’s defense has not yet entered a plea.

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Fox13

Originally Published: 17 APR 26 11:20 ET

By Jeremy Tombs

Click here for updates on this story

    OREM, Utah (KSTU) — Graduation will look a little different for students at Utah Valley University at the end of the month, after the school chose to forgo having a featured commencement speaker.

Author and educator Sharon McMahon, who’s commonly referred to as America’s Government Teacher, was the original choice, but was dropped without a replacement after comments she made about Charlie Kirk, who was gunned down during an on-campus rally last year.

The controversy shows that the events of September 10 still shake UVU as the academic year now nears its end.

“…I had to get more involved, which is why I joined College Republicans,” said Sage Lloyd, president of the organization.

The shooting is part of what pushed Lloyd to become more civically engaged.

“I realized that I needed to have a voice to impact change on campus,” she said.

Lloyd is one of many conservatives who have been vocal in denouncing McMahon’s selection as commencement speaker. A spokesperson for McMahon told the Salt Lake Tribune she had unequivocally condemned Kirk’s assassination.

“I’m also really upset that it happened where it did. It’s this university that I’ve spoken at multiple times, and the community there is really so lovely,” McMahon had said previously.

But other comments she made about Kirk were what upset Lloyd.

“…and the murder that was horrific and should never have happened… does not magically erase what was said or done,” Lloyd read from her phone, quoting McMahon. “She should have just left it at should never have happened.”

And after weeks of criticism from campus to Utah’s Capitol Hill, the university decided to cancel McMahon’s appearance. In a statement, the university pointed to increased safety concerns as being part of its decision.

It now leaves more than 13,000 graduates, the largest graduating class in school history, without a featured commencement speaker.

With graduation just two weeks away, Lloyd feels for her senior class.

“I think it’s a little disappointing they’re not going to have anyone speak just because we didn’t like their choice in speaker,” she said.

Those in opposition to McMahon are ultimately grateful that the university heard their voices and made the decision.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

The-CNN-Wire™ & © 2026 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved.

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Seth Ratliff

OVID,Idaho (KIFI) — Idaho state police is investigating a deadly head-on crash in Bear Lake County.

The crash took place Thursday evening, just before 5 p.m., on Highway 89 near mile marker 21. ISP Troopers say a 2019 GMC Savana, driven by a 72-year-old male from Montpelier, was traveling northbound on US89. At the same time, a 2022 GMC Yukon, driven by a male juvenile from Ovid, was traveling southbound on 89.

The vehicles collided head-on. While ISP says both drivers were wearing their seatbelts, the 72-year-old driver of the Savana died at the scene. The juvenile driver of the Yukon was rushed to the hospital.

The highway was shut down in both directions for about three hours while crews investigated and worked to clear the scene.

The crash is still under investigation.

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