Author: KIFI

David Pace

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) – The Idaho Legislature has closed for the session, declaring Sine Die Thursday at 6:30 P.M.

The end of the session was marked with with a flurry of maneuvering on last-minute legislation – including hotly contested immigration bills.

An attempt to pass legislation requiring Idaho law enforcement agencies to sign agreements with ICE or publicly state their reasons for not doing so, died today in the Idaho Senate.

Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle expressed frustration with the Legislature’s handling of the state budget.

“The Idaho Legislature has done a horrible job of managing the fiscal house, and we have fiscally mismanaged state revenues,” ” said State Sen. James Ruchti, (D) Pocatello. “We’ve cut our income tax revenue by $4 billion over the last five years, and that is resulting in deep, deep cuts to public education, health and welfare programs, roads and bridges and every other aspect of Idaho government to include our universities.”

Rep. Stephanie Mickelsen was disappointed the Legislature posted a significant budget surplus, after so many programs were cut.

“At the end of the day, they ended up with $150 million on the bottom line, which I think was a mistake in many respects,” Mickelsen said. “We have Idaho Digital Learning Alliance, which most students across the state or every single school district across the state benefited from. They had online classes. … It ended up being a 55 percent cut for Idaho Digital Learning Alliance. I’m disappointed that we didn’t invest in some of the infrastructure we needed for roads and bridges and for small rural communities that need water infrastructure, water and sewer infrastructure.”

But Governor Brad Little struck a more optimistic tone for the overall accomplishments of the second session of the 68th Legislature.

“For months, the Idaho Legislature and I worked closely to balance the budget and rightsize spending in line with taxpayers’ means,” he said in a statement. “We stayed focused on what matters most to Idaho’s future — protecting public schools and investments in water and transportation, supporting public safety, and continuing implementation of President Trump’s Talent Strategy through LAUNCH.”

Social issues were also front and center – with the Legislature banning cities from displaying the gay rights flag and requiring transgender individuals to use restrooms corresponding with their biological sex.

On Thursday, Governor Brad Little also signed an additional bill making the head of Idaho State Parks and Recreation a political appointee, which may impact Harriman State Park.

Almost 1,000 pieces of legislation have come before the House in the past two years, Mickelsen said.

“That is way up from where it was five or six years ago – like significantly,” she said. “… I don’t think it serves the best interest of Idaho citizens or the Idaho taxpayers, because you’re then not looking at really good legislation. We had some very poor legislation that came across the floor in the last three days – honestly.”

In the end, the session ended after 81 days of deliberation, compromise, controversy and accomplishments.

“Some of the budget decisions were not easy, but I am pleased the Legislature stuck to my ENDURING IDAHO plan — a forward-looking, responsible budget that keeps our state on a strong trajectory,” Little said. “Idaho’s economy remains the strongest in the nation, and our actions this session position us to continue that record of success. I appreciate my legislative partners for their hard work and commitment to the people of Idaho.”

Lt. Gov. Scott Bedke lowers the gavel, declaring the second session of the 68th Idaho Legislature over.

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Seth Ratliff

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — A third attempt to mandate formal partnerships between Idaho law enforcement and federal immigration authorities has died in the Senate Chambers.

On Thursday, April 2, Senator Mark Harris (R-Soda Springs) asked the chamber to reject amendments to Senate Bill 1247. Harris, the bill’s sponsor before it was amended in the House, argued the changes match the language of Senate Bill 1441, violating a Senate rule that prevents bill amendments from including the text from other pending legislation, as reported by the Idaho Capital Sun.

The move effectively killed a controversial effort to revive a failed piece of legislation.

Radiator Capping Explained

The legislation became the center of a hostile debate Wednesday night when Representatives Jordan Redman (R-Coeur d’Alene) and Dale Hawkins (R-Fernwood) introduced amendments to completely rewrite SB 1247, as reported by the Idaho Capital Sun.

RELATED: Idaho House lawmakers do ‘hostile’ takeover of E-Verify bill to mandate 287(g) agreements

The tactic, known as “radiator capping,” essentially treats a bill like a car, where the entire engine is replaced aside from the “radiator cap,”; Or in this case, the bill number. This tactic is often used to bypass the standard committee process and public hearings to force through polarizing legislation.

Reviving a Failed Mandate

The rejected amendments attempted to resurrect House Bill 659, which died in a Senate committee earlier this year. The proposal would have required every Idaho law enforcement agency to enter into 287(g) agreements with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Under these agreements, local officers would be required to participate in:

Jail Enforcement: Screening inmates for immigration status.

Warrant Service: Executing federal administrative warrants.

Task Force Operations: Actively searching for and taking action against undocumented immigrants in the community.

Law Enforcement and Political Pressure

HB 659 was extremely unpopular with Idaho law enforcement. The Idaho Sheriff’s Association has repeatedly argued that resources are already stretched thin and the legislation forces local agencies to join “any future program or successor” created by the federal government. While several Idaho counties have already opted into these programs voluntarily, the ISA stresses that many have chosen not to opt into the program due to the financial and manpower costs involved.

RELATED: Idaho law enforcement continues vocal opposition as ICE legislation heads to State Senate

The push to bring back and pass the bill follows reports of intense pressure from Washington, D.C. On March 17, Stephen Miller, a top immigration advisor for the Trump administration, reportedly contacted Governor Brad Little and legislative leaders to urge action.

RELATED: Idaho Sheriffs slam D.C. pressure to resurrect failed immigration enforcement bill

Local News 8 has reached out to the Governor’s Office to confirm these reports, but has not received word back. However, opponents of the effort have criticized their fellow lawmakers for allegedly caving to pressure from Washington.

Letter distributed by Idaho Senate President Pro Tempore Kelly Anthon (R), Rupert.

‘Frankly, I’m ashamed that our governor and Idaho Legislature leaders are allowing themselves to be influenced by the federal government like that,” Sen. James Ruchti told Local News 8. “We are an independent state, and under the 10th Amendment, we should act as such.”

However, in a letter obtained by Local News 8, White House advisor Alex Meyer also threw his weight behind another effort to bring back the unpopular legislation, Senate Bill 1441. The letter states that the 287(g) program “dramatically expands U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reach” to keep communities safe.

“The bill establishes full participation in the 287(g) program, empowering state and local law enforcement to enforce some aspects of U.S. federal immigration law,” Meyer wrote.

With SB 1441 sent to the “14th Order,” where it could be amended before moving on to a third reading, and SB 1247 dead in the Chamber, the effort to mandate the partnership with ICE may be stalled for the remainder of the session.

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Kaelyn Blessinger

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho – Light the World Giving Machine presented checks to 8 nonprofits this afternoon in Ammon.

These machines, sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, work as vending machines in reverse, allowing people to donate various items in a simple purchase; Such as meals, clothing, hygiene supplies, school materials, and livestock.

Over 48 days (from November 15th to January 1st), more than 95,000 people visited the machines, and 494,000 items were donated in Idaho Falls.

The total donations raised in Idaho Falls: $1,312,826!

Care USA- $211,156

Right to Play- $233,970

Community Food Basket – $137,700

Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Center – $198,810

Idaho Falls Rescue Mission- $147,075

Friends in Service Here – $40,890

Eastern Idaho Community Action Partnership – 202,225

The Village – $141,000

The total amount for donations across Southeast Idaho was $2,898,639.00!

So many lives could potentially be changed due to the generosity of everyone in Southeast Idaho and these organizations are very grateful for all of the support.

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Par Kermani

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Concerns about student hunger and unpaid lunch balances are raising questions for families in eastern Idaho, but school officials say no child in District 91 is turned away from a meal.

District leaders say every student is served a full meal, regardless of their account balance, pushing back on concerns circulating online about students being denied food or given alternative meals.

“We never turn our child away,” said Vanna Merrill, assistant child nutrition supervisor for District 91. “No matter if they owe money or whatever, we always feed the child.”

Merrill said meals must meet strict federal nutrition guidelines, meaning all students receive the same planned menu rather than a substitute option.

Even as unpaid balances accumulate, the district continues to provide meals. Merrill said District 91 currently carries about $38,000 in negative lunch balances.

At the end of the school year, those costs are covered by the district’s general fund, which supports operations across the district.

Inside school kitchens, staff say their priority is making sure students have access to food every day.

Terri Thieme, kitchen manager at Eagle Rock Middle School says some students are aware of their account balances and may hesitate to get lunch, but staff encourage them to continue coming through the line.

“There’s a good group of kids that come up and ask how much is on their balance and are worried that they shouldn’t get lunch,” Thieme said. “We always encourage they come through.”

District officials say families can apply for free or reduced-price meals at any time during the school year. Eligibility is based on household income, with some students qualifying for fully covered meals and others paying a reduced cost.

The district also offers additional programs to support students, including a fresh fruit and vegetable program at several elementary schools and a free summer meal program open to anyone under 18.

Community members can also donate to help offset unpaid meal balances through the district’s website or by contacting the child nutrition office.

School officials say their goal is to ensure every student has consistent access to meals, regardless of financial circumstances.

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KIVI Staff

Originally Published: 02 APR 26 12:59 ET

By Allie Triepke

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    NAMPA, Idaho (KIVI) — “It shouldn’t be a crime to use the restroom.”

This concern from a Nampa resident, who identifies as a transgender woman, is now a reality after Gov. Brad Little signed House Bill 752 into law.

The woman, who asked to remain anonymous for fear of backlash, said she is a born-and-raised Idahoan who transitioned to become female-presenting about 10 years ago. She said she has not had issues using women’s restrooms since she transitioned.

“[To] risk going to jail for using a restroom— that’s like a law of the past,” she said.

The new law requires people in Idaho to use public bathrooms and locker rooms that align with their biological sex rather than their gender identity.

It makes it a misdemeanor offense to knowingly enter a bathroom designated for the opposite biological sex. A second offense could result in a felony charge punishable by up to five years in prison.

Supporters of the bill say it is intended to protect privacy, safety, and dignity in sex-separated spaces.

“House Bill 752 provides a clear proactive tool to secure sex-separated private spaces in our state, while accommodating common sense realities,” said Ben Toews, the bill’s sponsor.

Opponents, including transgender advocates, say the law creates confusion and raises concerns about how it will be enforced.

The Nampa resident said she now worries the law could force her to use men’s restrooms, potentially putting her in unsafe situations. She described a recent incident at a restaurant where she and another woman attempted to use a stall in a men’s restroom because of a long line for the women’s restroom.

“Security came in and grabbed us both by the arm, and was like, ‘You guys cannot be in here.’ Totally understandable, we shouldn’t be in there. [But] it’s kind of ironic because that’s where lawmakers want me,” she said.

She said the situation escalated after others in the restroom realized she was transgender.

“Two different men tried getting me to go into a stall with them and ‘have fun,’ and I’m just like, no,” she said.

The woman said she plans to follow the law but remains concerned about safety. “If it occurs where I have to keep using the men’s restroom, who knows how far things can go,” she said.

Local law enforcement agencies would investigate alleged violations, but would not actively patrol for them.

The law includes exemptions for individuals in “dire need” of a restroom, as well as for custodial staff and law enforcement.

The ACLU of Idaho has criticized the legislation, saying it “puts all Idahoans in danger” and raises constitutional concerns.

The law is set to take effect on July 1.

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: 02 APR 26 14:32 ET

By Averie Klonowski

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    SALT LAKE CITY (KSTU) — A Utah family is among the plaintiffs in a lawsuit challenging an executive order from President Donald Trump on birthright citizenship as the Supreme Court weighs the case.

One of the plaintiffs, a woman from Taiwan residing in Utah, is identified by the pseudonym “Susan” in the lawsuit documents. She gave birth to a child in Utah last April.

According to the lawsuit, “Susan” is a Taiwanese citizen who has been living in the United States for 12 years on a student visa and is currently applying for permanent residence through a work visa. While Susan’s other three children are U.S. citizens, neither she nor her husband is.

The documents state she is concerned her youngest child could be subject to immigration enforcement if birthright citizenship is not upheld.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Utah released a statement on the case.

“For more than a century, the U.S. Supreme Court has affirmed the 14th Amendment guarantee that children born in the United States are citizens,” said Ellie Menlove, Director of Policy for the ACLU of Utah. “This case was brought, in part, by a Utah plaintiff, to defend the core American promise of birthright citizenship. We await the Supreme Court’s decision while applauding the bravery of the plaintiffs and resolve of attorneys defending this essential right.”

During arguments Wednesday in front of the Supreme Court, several justices, including both liberals and some conservatives, questioned the interpretation of the 14th Amendment offered by Solicitor General D. John Sauer, who claimed undocumented migrants are not automatically entitled to citizenship.

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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KIVI Staff

Photo by: KIVI

By: KIVI Staff Posted 5:14 PM, Apr 01, 2026

BOISE, Idaho — A group of roughly 30 protesters formed in and around Governor Brad Little’s office at the Idaho Statehouse on Wednesday afternoon, to protest against the passage of House Bill 752, also known as the ‘bathroom bill,’ along with several other pieces of legislation the group says target the transgender community.

The measure, which Little signed into law on Tuesday, makes it a crime to enter a bathroom that doesn’t align with an individual’s biological sex. Many opponents have spoken up, claiming that the bill targets transgender individuals, while supporters say it’s meant to ensure public safety.

The new law outlines that someone who commits multiple violations can be subject to a felony charge and up to 5 years in prison, making it one of the strictest regulations in the country.

Maxine Durand, a Democratic gubernatorial candidate for Idaho, says she saw the protest on social media and immediately drove to the Statehouse to take part.

“The bills that Governor Brad Little keeps deciding to sign are draconian, they’re evil, they are meant to punish transgender people and erase us from public life,” Durand said. “We’re here to say enough is enough.”

Durand added that protesters were hoping to have a conversation with Little and encourage him to veto House Bill 822, which would prohibit healthcare providers, educational institutions, and childcare providers from “facilitating a minor’s medical sex transition or ‘social transition’ in any capacity without informing a child’s parent or guardian.

Idaho News 6 reporter Riley Shoemaker was at the statehouse on Wednesday afternoon and says she has seen nine protesters being detained and zip-tied. Shoemaker said that those detained were escorted out of the statehouse by Idaho State Police.

Less than an hour after the arrests, a GoFundMe has been set up to cover “bail, bond and legal fees” for those detained, which has since surpassed its goal of $20,000.

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Danielle Mullenix

Idaho Falls, ID (KIFI) – What makes a monster and what makes a man? A powerful story of acceptance, courage, and compassion is coming to life on stage this weekend in eastern Idaho.

The Sounds Choir is set to perform a concert-style production of The Hunchback of Notre Dame at 7 p.m. on Thursday and again on April 3 at the Thunder Ridge Performing Arts Center.

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The musical is inspired by Victor Hugo’s classic novel and incorporates music from the Walt Disney Company’s 1996 animated adaptation. Fans of Wicked might recognize the show’s lyricist, Stephen Schwartz, as he teams up with Disney Legend Alan Menken to bring this story to life through a sweeping score. The production blends dramatic storytelling with a rich choral sound, highlighting the emotional depth of the well-known tale. The Sounds Choir will feature a 39-piece orchestra and a 70-person choir.

Choir director Niesah Drain and actor April Jensen express that the music is one of the most transformative elements of the show. The orchestra, composed entirely of talented local musicians, weaves a tapestry of rich sounds. The main characters, alongside the powerful choir, deliver vocals filled with passion and emotion. Each song in this production invites the audience to experience a moment of pure magic.

“If you are a devotee of the Disney movie, you’re going to love it,” said Drain. “You’re going to recall a bunch of the songs. There are new songs, but you will probably recognize the music you’re hearing, even if you’ve never heard it before, if you watched the movie, because all those themes just flow together so well.”

“This production is super spectacular because we’re kind of doing a mix between a concert and a full production,” Jensen, who is playing Esmeralda in the production, said. “We are doing all the lines and all the songs for the whole show, but kind of in a pared-down, really cool concert style.”

Audiences can expect a moving performance that showcases the vocal talent of local singers, along with themes that remain relevant today—belonging, empathy, and seeing beyond outward appearances. Director Drain is grateful to showcase the talent of Eastern Idaho residents.

“All of our soloists are amazing. The guy who’s playing Quasimodo is the choir teacher at Hillcrest, actually,” recalls Drain. “I think there are some really beautiful songs about community and acceptance – and that message to me really hits hard. I hope people walk away with the desire to spread empathy to those around them.”

For those in Idaho Falls looking for a night of live entertainment, this production offers a chance to experience a timeless story brought to life by the community. Don’t miss your chance to experience the magic of Disney live and witness the talent stirring with the Eastern Idaho community.

Tickets for the performances are available online through The Sounds Choir website.For those interested in purchasing tickets, the link is here.

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Idaho Capital Sun

by Laura Guido, Idaho Capital Sun Originally Published: April 1, 2026

BOISE, Idaho (Idaho Capital Sun) — Idaho House lawmakers, who said negotiations stalled on one immigration issue, opted to do a late-session “hostile” take-over of another bill in another attempt to mandate all local law enforcement agencies enter formal agreements with federal immigration authorities.

During an evening floor session, Reps. Jordan Redman, R-Coeur d’Alene, and Dale Hawkins, R-Fernwood, brought an amendment that essentially re-wrote an existing bill. The process is known as “radiator capping,” or completely rebuilding the “engine” of a bill except the radiator cap. 

during the House Education Committee on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, at the State Capitol Building in Boise. Photo by Pat Sutphin for the Idaho Capitol Sun.

In this case, the engine was Senate Bill 1247, which as originally written would’ve created requirements that state and local governments and large government contractors use the work-authorization program E-Verify to ensure their workers are in the country legally. 

However, Redman and Hawkins’ amendment brought Wednesday evening removed all of SB 1247’s existing language and replaced it with the contents of House Bill 659, which would require all local and county law enforcement to enter what are called 287(g) agreements with federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement. A Senate committee in mid March rejected that bill after hearing testimony from law enforcement who opposed it. 

House members voted to approve the amendments and replace the bill in what became a combative process. The House will later take up the amended bill in a new vote, and it would have to go to the Senate for consideration of concurrence with the amendments. 

Redman and Hawkins said that negotiations on bills to require E-Verify stalled, so they decided to try again on the 287(g) issue. 

State Reps. Jordan Redman, R-Coeur d’Alene, (left) and James Petzke, R-Meridian, chat with one another on the Idaho House of Representatives floor on March 16, 2026, at the Idaho Capitol Building in Boise. (Photo by Pat Sutphin for the Idaho Capital Sun)

“Because we could get nowhere on that, we thought it was best that we take a bill that we know has passed this House, and we know that the people on this floor are in agreement with and send it back over the Senate to do business,” Hawkins said. 

House Minority Leader Ilana Rubel, a Boise Democrat, called the process “extremely inappropriate” and noted the law enforcement had deep concerns about House Bill 659. 

Idaho House Minority Leader Ilana Rubel, D-Boise, addresses reporters at a press conference on Jan. 12, 2026, at the State Capitol Building in Boise. (Photo by Pat Sutphin for the Idaho Capital Sun)

“This is just not the way to do business on something of the significance that is of this much deep concern to our law enforcement community and business community at large,” Rubel said. 

Rexburg Republican Rep. Britt Raybould said that the bill sponsors on the original bill were not consulted, making it a “hostile amendment.” 

The voice vote on the amendment was too close to call. House Assistant Majority Leader Doug Pickett, R-Oakley, who presides over the amending procedure, was in doubt. 

House Assistant Minority Leader Rep. Steve Berch, a Boise Democrat, said there wasn’t enough time for members to stand — which is how votes are counted for amendments on the floor.

“I would just correct that right now. Instead of creating a really hostile situation,” Berch said. 

Eventually, the amendments were adopted in a narrow vote. 

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Idaho Capital Sun is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Idaho Capital Sun maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Christina Lords for questions: info@idahocapitalsun.com.

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Seth Ratliff

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) – A new legal battle is brewing between the federal government and the state of Idaho. On Wednesday, the U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division announced a federal lawsuit against the Gem State, claiming Idaho didn’t hand over full voter registration lists when asked.

Idaho is allegedly among 30 states and the District of Columbia that failed to turn over voter records.

The lawsuit hinges on the Civil Rights Act of 1960. In a DOJ news release Federal prosecutors argued that this legislation grants the U.S. Attorney General broad authority to inspect and analyze election records to ensure compliance with federal law.

“The Justice Department will continue to fulfill its oversight role dutifully, neutrally, and transparently wherever Americans vote in federal elections,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Many state election officials, however, are choosing to fight us in court rather than show their work. We will continue to verify that all States are carrying out critical election integrity legal duties.”

While the federal government points to the Civil Rights Act, the U.S. Constitution states that it’s the state’s role, not the federal government’s, to conduct and oversee elections. 

Voter records can include sensitive information like driver’s license numbers and partial social security numbers.

In a statement to Idaho News 6 in Boise, the Idaho Secretary of State’s office expressed confidence in their efforts to ensure secure and accessible elections.

“This includes our extensive voter roll maintenance efforts leading into the 2024 Presidential Election with Governor Little’s Only Citizens Can Vote Act. We have worked closely with the Department of Homeland Security to review all registered voters in Idaho to guarantee that only citizens vote in our elections. As previously reported, out of over 1 million registered voters, this work led to the identification of 11 non-citizens who have been investigated and referred to the Department of Justice for prosecution. Idahoans have confidence in how we run our elections. The county clerks and I are committed to ensuring that confidence continues into this year’s mid-term elections. We encourage Idahoans to visit VoteIdaho.gov to learn more about our efforts on security, to update their registration, and find their voting information. With everything going on, it is a great reminder of the importance of voting.”

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