Author: KIFI

Hadley Bodell

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – Idaho State University is facing a difficult time as statewide budget cuts to higher education have forced the administration to make decisions which will get them back in the black. President Robert Wagner commented today on all things ISU- from the budget deficit to the subsequent layoffs.

“The balanced budget we celebrated on July 1st lasted about two and a half months,” Wagner said. “By the end of the summer, the governor’s office had announced the immediate 3% holdback for all state agenices, including higher ed.”

This budget holdback hit ISU leadership particularly hard. After spending their first couple of years in office working to get the university out of their debt, President Wagner’s administration found themselves right back where they started.

Leaders of the university met to discuss where the budget could be adjusted following the statewide cut.

“We spent nearly three months engaging with our institutional community at an unprecedented level,” said Wagner. “We held town hall meetings, our colleges and departments met, offices met, all in an effort to solicit feedback, information, and ideas to go towards our fantastic people.”

Wagner said these meetings and online forums left the university with hundreds of ideas. He said the engagement from the institutional community has been incredibly rewarding and satisfying, especially when the restructuring of the university is something the administration didn’t want in the first place.

“It’s something we didn’t ask for,” Wagner said. “It’s something that honestly, I wish we didn’t have to experience because we worked so hard to get to that balanced budget point.”

In creating the new plans, the focus was on the institutional values Idaho State University has held for so long. these include transparency, inclusivity, and integrity. Their top priority has been the people.

“We took the first two weeks to talk to our people, to talk to the offices, divisions and colleges that would be the most impacted,” said Wagner. “Most importantly, to talk to people. Our plans involve a reduction of positions and people on this campus and we needed the time to talk to them individually.”

Employees had meetings with HR and the university Provost where they were notified of their job status. Laid-off employees told Local News 8 these meetings were respectful and empathetic. The university has expressed their deep concern for those who have lost their positions and has made every effort to limit the impact on personnel.

“It was very important we let them know now,” the President stated. “They have about a four and a half month runway where they can look at other opportunities and our human resource office is prepared to help them with that.”

In the wake of the legislation, Idaho State University is also undergoing a major restructuring. The College of Arts and Letters is combining with the College of Education. The administration says these restructuring efforts will allow for more student interdiciplinary studies and operational efficencies.

President Wagner reassures students in every program that their path to graduation is not impacted. “They’ll see the benefits programmatically. The programs are not going away,” he stated.

The university sees this restructuring as an opportunity for students to have greater collaboration between the faculty and staff. On paper, the programs and colleges within ISU will look different, but the programs themselves remain to be what President Wagner calls “flourishing.”

President Wagner also told us this kind of change is necessary as time progresses. “We’re going to do different. 2026 is different than 1901, we need to be a different institution, just like at one point we were an institute, then an academy, and a Southern branch.”

By adapting with the times and always having the students best interest and experience in mind, the administration will spend the next several months implementing these changes and following the plan of the President’s Bold Path Forward.

“We’re going to adapt and evolve and we’ll change as an institution,” said Wagner. “Our faculty, our students are engaged and doing incredible things, they’re getting awards. We’re adding programs and building them in the health sciences. Our creative arts programs are flourishing and really serve the needs of our community. Our roots are strong and we will be successful.”

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Idaho Ed News

RIGBY, Idaho (IdahoEdNews) —Jefferson County students will have to find new ways to spend their Fridays next school year.

Trustees unanimously approved moving to a four-day school week at the board’s regular meeting Wednesday.

Jefferson County enrolls 6,554 students, making it the second-largest Idaho district to adopt a four-day school week behind Nampa, which made the move in 2024.

The decision tentatively changes Jefferson County’s school start and end times across the board:

8:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. for elementary school

8 a.m. to 3:55 p.m. for Middle and High school

Leaders could still adjust these times by up to five minutes to accommodate busing, superintendent Chad Martin told trustees.

Wednesday’s decision follows the results of parent and staff surveys.

Of 1,507 parents surveyed, about 18% of said moving to a four-day week would negatively affect their family’s routine. The rest said it either wouldn’t affect them or would be positive.

Of 250 teachers surveyed, 68% support of the move.

Fridays are already early-release in the East Idaho district.

“I feel like a lot of our students are already doing four-day school weeks,” said trustee Debbie Bagley.

The change lengthens class time Monday through Thursday, allowing teachers to hold student interventions, Martin explained.

Teachers will come to school monthly on the second and fourth Fridays for professional learning, collaboration, and to share insights and experiences to improve instruction.

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Fox13

Originally Published: 13 FEB 26 11:13 ET

By Julia Sandor

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    SYRACUSE, Utah (KSTU) — Dance can be a form of expression. For one Syracuse teen, Hannah Moore, she wants to take her passion for dance overseas.

Many people are familiar with tap, or hip hop, but Moore is a Professional Clogger.

“Clogging is a very American style dance. Clogging has kind of changed over the years, but the dances that we focus on are more traditional style clogging,” Moore said.

For the Moore family it’s a tradition that goes back generations.

“My mom did clogging when she was younger since she was eight. One of her friends started a studio a while back, and my sister joined and I thought it was cool,” Moore said. “So I joined a year after, when I was four, and I’ve been doing it ever since.”

Moore is trading in her competition trophies and banners to head to Portugal and the Basque Country to represent the United States on tour.

“We go and represent the country and that style of dance.” Moore said. “It’s nice to be able to talk to people in other countries. Especially with things going on, they don’t have a very good view, so it’s nice to show them who we are and what we’re about.”

She just so happens to be following the beat of her own sister, who also performed overseas in France.

“Each country had their own type of dance that they did. In all the festivals, there were different kinds…” Sarah Hall said. “I’m so happy for her. It is like a bittersweet thing to see that she can do the same thing I did. And that type of view of dance, in the non-competitive side of it. Just performing and doing what you love.”

While Moore’s trip isn’t until the summer, she said she still needs help with expenses like travel, lodging, costumes, and program fees. She started a GoFundMe to help with those expenses.

“To me, clogging is just like this little sport. Not many people know about it, and it’s just my little thing,” Moore said. “But the fact that it’s got me to the point where I can travel outside the country and represent people. I’m also a teacher for our studio, so it’s nice to show the little girls what you can do with clogging.”

With a brush, drag, and step, Moore’s hoping to take a new stage and leave a lasting impression on dancers across the world.

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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Fox13

Originally Published: 13 FEB 26 11:20 ET

By John Franchi

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    HOLLADAY, Utah (KSTU) — A couple celebrating 65 years of marriage may have the answer to the timeless question: What’s the secret to a successful marriage?

Gordan and Joann Westover were married in 1961. This week, they took part in a “newlywed” style game at The Ridge Cottonwood retirement community to see just how well they know each other after decades together.

The questions weren’t easy, and sometimes the answers weren’t perfect. But Gordan and Joann Westover sure seem to have a perfect marriage. “We were never angry when we went to bed. I don’t think we had fights like some people do,” Joann Westover said. “I really liked him from the beginning.”

Some 65 years together and counting, Gordan still remembers the day they met at a college in California. “The person sitting between us asked, ‘Are you married. She wants to know,” Gordan recalled. “So I went home and told my mother, ‘The girls over there are quite forward.'”

The rest, as they say, is history.

These soulmates have every reason to celebrate not just Valentine’s Day, but every day. “She is such a support, and we have adventures with each other that are really wonderful,” Gordan Westover said.

“I know that he loves me and he tries to please me. If I ask him to do something, he is always willing,” Joann Westover said.

They are a couple that stands the test of time.

When asked for advice to young couples, Gordan’s response was simple: “Hang in there and continue to love each other.”

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. KSTU editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

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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David Pace

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) – Idaho lawmakers from both parties are sounding off about the budget at the Idaho Statehouse.

In a press conference Thursday afternoon, Democratic leaders warned that Idaho has a revenue problem, not a spending problem.

“Over the last five years, the Idaho Legislature cut income tax revenue by like $4 billion. Last year alone, it cut taxes by $450 million,” said Idaho’s Assistant Senate Minority Leader James Ruchti, D-Pocatello.

GOP Rep. Rod Furniss, R-Rigby, who serves on the state’s budget-setting Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee agreed that this year’s cost-cutting measures have led to a tight situation.

“Last year, we lowered the tax rate. We increased the grocery tax credit. And then we didn’t know that the Big Beautiful Bill was going to come, and that was another $155 million hit to our budget,” Furniss said. “With that, we’ve had some increases in expenses. So we’ve had to be really careful.”

Those revenue reductions lead to difficult decisions as elected officials continue to cut back on state agencies and programs – with an additional one and two percent cut passed by the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee on Friday.

“Each year moving forward, we have 1.1 billion fewer dollars to spend on our public schools, our universities, our roads, our courts, our law enforcement and our prisons,” Ruchti said.

In a press release, Democrats also recommended “reexamining expensive giveaways, pursuing targeted tax conformity reforms, reinstating a child tax credit, bolstering the Idaho Child Care Program and reindexing the homeowner’s exemption.

But Furniss reiterated Idaho’s state constitution’s mandate to not spend more than it takes in.

“Idaho does not print money like the federal government. We have to balance our books every single year,” he said.

Citing Ronald Reagan’s economic philosophy, Furniss stated. “If you reduce taxes, the revenue will increase. You give the money back to the people, you’ll see a better day, and you’ll actually see more taxes in the future. I believe that to be the case, and our projections show that over time.”

Both Furniss and Democratic lawmakers proposed dipping into Idaho’s rainy day fund to provide money for essential services facing cuts – including firefighting.

“We just need to get through a hard time that we’re having now,” Furniss said. “I know that a lot of people are concerned about it, but we’ll get through it. Idaho will be better for it.”

Idaho Democrats disagreed strongly with that fiscal outlook.

“Who is going to pay the price for that bad fiscal policy?” Ruchti said. “You will – your school district, your kid’s classroom, your neighbor who’s going to lose their health insurance.”

We’ll have more on Idaho’s budget reckoning in the weeks ahead.

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Devin Bodkin

Originally posted on IdahoEdNews.org on February 12, 2026

by: Devin Bodkin

POCATELLO, Idaho — Idaho State University is reshaping itself with sweeping changes in the face of current and looming state budget cuts.

That includes merging colleges, restructuring programs, “modest” student fee hikes and a range of other changes starting July 1 to try and save and generate millions by year’s end. The university released a complete budget restructuring plan Wednesday. ISU President Robert Wagner overviewed the changes in an accompanying video. 

The overhaul, which follows news of 44 position cuts at the university, reflects campus feedback, Wagner announced.

Details are still emerging, and EdNews will interview Wagner Friday to try and garner more clarity. Still, the latest update brings the university’s roadmap into clearer focus — and underscores what’s at stake for the 125-year-old institution: cutting costs without cutting its core mission. 

“This is a difficult moment in our university’s history,” Wagner said in the nearly 20-minute video. “It is appropriate to recognize that openly and honestly.” 

What’s changing — and why now 

The university’s scramble to adjust its budget follows state cuts that started with a 3% holdback for state agencies — including colleges and universities — last year. 

Robert Wagner

To add to the unease, more proposed cuts are moving through the Statehouse at a rapid pace this legislative session — and higher ed remains on the chopping block.

With those cuts in view, ISU’s adjustments span the gamut: 

Colleges are merging. 

It’s a major reorganization in the university’s academic affairs: 

The College of Arts and Letters will combine with the College of Education to become the College of Humanities, Education, and Social Sciences. 

The College of Health will become the College of Nursing and Rehabilitative Sciences. 

The College of Science and Engineering will consolidate departments.

Arts programs will merge into a new School of Arts

Wagner and other leaders are banking on added revenue from performances through the new arts school. Projected savings include some $1.8 million from the College of Humanities, Education, and Social Sciences merger.

Other cost savings stem from restructuring and eliminating positions at the university’s library, graduate school and Bengal Success Center.

Position reductions are in place. 

The university posted details — including projected dollar amounts — tied to previously announced position cuts.

The breakdown lists 44 positions within administrative, staff and faculty roles. Projected savings are $8.3 million

Here’s a closer look:

About 40% of these positions were vacant or planned retirements at the time of the announcement, the univAbout 40% of these positions were vacant or planned retirements at the time of the announcement, the university says.

Tuition and fee increases are on the table.

The University says it will set tuition and fees according to State Board of Education processes ahead of fee hearings set for March 2026.

The board will set fiscal year 2027 tuition rates in April of next year. ISU will share any changes in tuition following board approval, the university’s budget restructuring plan reads.

Meanwhile, some “modest” fee hikes will go into effect. But these are “market-aligned,” Wagner said, without mentioning a dollar amount. Rather, this new pricing will match the university’s “sister institutions.” 

A range of other changes are coming.

These include:

A heavier reliance on local auxiliary revenue and philanthropy for the athletics budget

A six-center “Innovation Hub” to help buoy an entrepreneurial push, including a new unit to manage health clinics and the Idaho Accelerator Center

Closure of ISU’s Research Data Center

Shifting computing efforts to the state-owned Collaborative Computing Center in Idaho Falls, which the Idaho National Laboratory leases. 

Click here for the entire budgeting plan.

Uncertainty still looms 

Wagner and his university’s budget plan peg financial impacts from the moves at $8.3 million in savings and revenue by 2026. 

But, he added in his video recording, this is the first phase. More cuts could come, and final impacts will depend on lawmakers. 

The prospect of more cuts from the Legislature this session fueled a recent request from state budget writers for ISU and other institutions to lay out scenarios in the event of further belt-tightening. University leaders told lawmakers a second batch in addition to the 3% holdbacks that hit last year would mean mandatory furloughs this fiscal year, affecting employees who make more than $60,000 annually. 

The plan released Wednesday acknowledges that possibility.

Staff reductions and restructuring would also apply if further cuts happen, university leaders told lawmakers, further impacting student services and in-demand workforce programs. 

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Seth Ratliff

SALT LAKE, Utah (KIFI) — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced today the calling and ordination of Elder Clark G. Gilbert to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. At 55, the former Oakland, California native becomes the newest member of the faith’s second-highest presiding body.

Elder Gilbert was formally called to the apostleship on Wednesday, February 11, 2026. His ordination took place today, February 12, overseen by President Dallin H. Oaks and the First Presidency, the highest presiding body of the faith, alongside the remaining members of the Quorum of the Twelve.

Following his ordination, Elder Gilbert emphasized a message of spiritual optimism and focus.

“This is an amazing time to point people to the Savior Jesus Christ,” Elder Gilbert said on Thursday. “When we do that, we can find joy and comfort and peace in Him. As President [Russell M.] Nelson once said, it’s much harder to find happiness where it doesn’t exist. And we’re so grateful that I have this calling now to witness that Jesus is the Christ. If people all across the world will look to Him, He will make their lives better, more meaningful, more joyful. And it happens in and through our Savior Jesus Christ.”

For more information, click HERE. 

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Par Kermani

AMMON, Idaho (KIFI) — Lookout Credit Union is donating $125,000 to the City of Ammon to fund a new playground in McCowin Park.

The investment aims to modernize the city’s recreational infrastructure and provide enhanced play spaces for local families.

The planned upgrades include a new play structure, inclusive elements designed for children of all abilities, safety surfacing, and swings.

“This is a meaningful investment in Ammon families,” Mayor Brian Powell said. “Parks are where our community gathers, where kids play, and where memories are made.”

Powell said the city is grateful for the credit union’s decision to “step forward in a big way” to improve the park, which is a central hub for the city’s residents.

The project is currently scheduled for installation in summer 2026.

Lookout Credit Union representatives characterized the donation as part of a broader commitment to regional well-being.

BJ Fillingame, Vice President of Marketing at Lookout Credit Union said “We’re proud to partner with the City of Ammon on a project that supports families, encourages healthy play, and strengthens the neighborhoods we serve.”

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Seth Ratliff

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — The Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) confirmed Thursday afternoon that a beef herd in Cassia County has tested positive for anthrax. State officials are currently working alongside local producers and veterinarians to contain the spread and minimize human exposure.

While the infection is dangerous and carries a rare potential risk for humans, Dr. Scott Leibsle, Idaho State Veterinarian, noted that the response is already underway.

“Control measures include proper carcass disposal and vaccination of susceptible animals in the area. Anthrax vaccine is approved for multiple livestock species and is highly effective,” said Dr. Scott Leibsle, Idaho State Veterinarian.

According to ISDA, anthrax is caused by Bacillus anthracis, a naturally occurring bacterium common in many U.S. states. Outbreaks often occur after periods of drought followed by heavy rainfall.

Livestock and wildlife typically ingest or inhale spores from contaminated soil, water, or vegetation. ISDA directs beef producers to watch for sudden death, weakness, staggering, fever, difficulty breathing, and bloody diarrhea.

The ISDA is coordinating closely with the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (DHW). While humans can be infected through direct contact with diseased animals or contaminated products, ISDA stresses that there are no confirmed human cases in Idaho at this time.

“The risk to the general public from this event is very low,” said Dr. Christine Hahn, medical director in the Department of Health and Welfare’s Division of Public Health. “We are working with the local health department to notify anyone who had direct contact with the infected cattle and offer antibiotics for their protection.”

Officials also confirmed that the food supply remains safe. None of the infected cattle entered the supply chain, and there is no risk to consumers.

Owners who suspect anthrax in their herds should avoid touching the animals and contact their veterinarian or the State Veterinarian’s office immediately at (208) 332-8540 or ID-DVM@isda.idaho.gov. 

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News Release

The following is a news release from Idaho Falls School District 91:

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho — Idaho Falls School District 91 is pleased to announce Dallan Parker as the principal of Idaho Falls High School.

Parker served as IFHS Interim Principal this year, providing steady leadership and a clear vision for excellence. Under his direction, IFHS successfully completed the accreditation process and was recognized for an exemplary accreditation review. Through strong partnerships with parents, staff, and students, Parker helped lead IFHS towards its recognition as the number one high school in the area, an accomplishment that reflects the strength of the entire Tiger community.

“Dallan’s passion for student success, belief in high expectations, and commitment to partnership make him an outstanding choice to lead Idaho Falls High School,” said Superintendent Karla LaOrange. “I am excited for the future of IFHS and confident that great things will continue under his leadership.”

Parker brings experience and a deep personal connection to IFHS. After earning his bachelor’s degree in English Education, Parker began his career at IFHS teaching English and coaching basketball and football. His school pride and commitment to students have been evident from the very beginning.

Beyond his professional leadership, Parker is deeply rooted in the Idaho Falls community. His wife, Corin, works at INL, and together they are raising three children: a daughter in 7th grade and two sons in 3rd and 1st grade. In his free time, he enjoys golfing and four-wheeling with his family.

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