Author: KIFI

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WASHINGTON, D.C. (KIFI) — In a 6–3 decision, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled in favor of Idaho’s and West Virginia’s laws allowing schools to maintain women’s and girls’ sports teams for biological females and determine eligibility based on biological sex.

Writing for the majority, Justice Brett Kavanaugh stated that neither Title IX nor the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment prevents schools from maintaining distinct teams for biological females, nor do they require legally mandated exceptions for transgender athletes.

The Court concludes that “separate sports teams for biological males and biological females are reasonable given the inherent physical differences between the sexes,” Kavanaugh wrote. “…In virtually all competitive sports, forcing female athletes to compete against males can undermine competitive fairness. …Allowing only biological females to play on women’s and girls’ teams can reduce the risk of physical injury and ensure fair competition.”

However, in her dissenting opinion, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson wrote, “The majority is wrong to suggest that the term ‘sex’ in Title IX “cannot plausibly be interpreted to refer to anything other than biological sex. Title IX makes room for individuals to live in the gender they choose; it cares not just about sex assigned at birth but also about individuals’ ability to match (or not) their gender presentation to their gender identity.”

The ruling hung its interpretation of Title IX on the historical context of the civil rights statute. The majority opinion stated that the term “sex” cannot plausibly be interpreted to refer to anything other than biological sex, adding that the ordinary meaning of the word at the time of enactment was not gender identity, particularly in the sports context.

The battle begins in Idaho

The lawsuit was filed after The Fairness in Women’s Sports Act passed the Idaho Legislature in 2000, requiring only biological women to participate in women’s and girls’ sports.

The law was sponsored by State Rep. Barbara Ehardt, (R)-Idaho Falls, a former collegiate basketball player and Division I coach.

Challenged by Lindsey Hecox, a transgender athlete who played soccer and tried out for Division I track and cross-country, the case Little v. Hecox advanced this year to the U.S. Supreme Court, where it was combined with a similar lawsuit, West Virginia v. B.P.J.

In an exclusive interview with Local News 8, following the ruling, Ehardt said, “Title IX was upheld on a 9-0 vote. I think that’s important to note. It was a 6-3 dissent on basically how equal protections may be worked. But essentially this is going to allow the states and the 27 states who’ve decided to protect opportunities for girls and women to continue to do that – Idaho, of course, leading the way.”

The American Civil Liberties Union challenged her assertion.

“The decision we got today is a very disappointing result for transgender girls, who just want the same opportunities to participate in school sports that cisgender girls have at the same time. It’s a narrow, disappointing result,” said ACLU LGBTQ & HIV Projects Senior Counsel Joshua Block. “The folks that passed these laws in West Virginia and Idaho and other states across the country, pass these laws with the goal of pushing transgender girls and transgender people in general out of public life.”

Idaho leadership applauds High Court decision

Following the ruling, Idaho Governor Brad Little applauded the high court’s decision, calling it “a historic moment for common sense.”

“Idaho was the very first state to ban men from participating in women’s sports with the passage of the Fairness in Women’s Sports Act,” said Little. “We are leading the nation in supporting generations of women and men who fought hard to uphold Title IX protections and keep girls and women safe.”

Governor Little went on to thank the Idaho Legislature and Representative Barbara Ehardt, who originally introduced Idaho’s Fairness in Women’s Sports Act in 2020. He praised Ehardt “for her leadership on this issue of great importance to female athletes across Idaho and the nation.”

Lieutenant Governor Scott Bedke echoed the governor’s sentiments, calling the decision a “resounding victory for fairness in women’s sports and for every young woman in Idaho.”

“The Fairness in Women’s Sports Act is about protecting the integrity of women’s athletics and ensuring that decades of progress under Title IX aren’t quietly undone,” said Bedke. “The Supreme Court has now made clear that states have not just the right, but the responsibility, to defend that principle. I’m proud that Idaho led the nation on this issue and I want to thank my former colleagues in the Legislature for their courage in passing this law while I was Speaker in 2020. Idaho will keep standing for women and girls in athletics.”

Attorney General Raúl Labrador, who requested that the U.S. Supreme Court review the case after taking office in January 2023, similarly welcomed the Supreme Court’s validation.

“Today’s decision is a victory for common sense, fairness, and the countless girls and women who dedicate themselves to athletics,” said Attorney General Labrador. “Idaho led the nation by becoming the first state to protect women’s sports, and I’ve never wavered in defending that law. The Supreme Court has now confirmed that states can preserve fair competition and protect the opportunities that generations of women fought to secure. Every parent can rest assured that our law protects their daughters competing in Idaho.”

Idaho’s transgender community reacts

Proponents for Idaho’s transgender community reacted to the ruling on social media.

“The Supreme Court acknowledged that transgender youth deserve dignity and respect. We believe dignity cannot exist alongside policies that exclude young people because of who they are,” Transgender Idaho wrote in a statement. “School sports are about far more than competition—they foster confidence, teamwork, leadership, and belonging. Excluding transgender youth from these opportunities does not protect children; it isolates them.”

They disputed the Supreme Court’s majority view that transgender females have an inherent advantage over biological women in sports.

“Research continues to show that athletic performance is complex and influenced by many factors. Transgender women who undergo gender-affirming hormone therapy experience significant reductions in testosterone, muscle mass, and strength, and there is no broad scientific consensus that all transgender women have an inherent advantage across every sport or level of competition,” the group stated. “It is also telling that these laws overwhelmingly target transgender women while largely ignoring transgender men. This reflects longstanding stereotypes about gender and reinforces harmful misconceptions about transgender women, despite evidence showing they are far more likely to experience harassment and violence than to pose a threat to others.”

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Max Gershon

RIGBY, Idaho (KIFI) — A summer trip that started with an unexpected Instagram message turned into the experience of a lifetime for Rigby graduate Lauren Burnside.

The former Rigby High School basketball standout helped Team USA win a gold medal at an international tournament in Spain, representing not only the United States but also her hometown.

Burnside said she almost didn’t believe the opportunity was real when she first received the invitation.

“At first I was kind of like, ‘Is this even real?’ I had to look into it,” Burnside said. “But I love to travel, and being able to combine basketball and travel together… I just thought it was such a cool opportunity.”

The opportunity had come once before. Last year, Burnside had to turn it down because it conflicted with her local basketball season. When she received another invitation this spring, she decided she couldn’t pass it up.

As the only player from Idaho in the tournament, Burnside said wearing the USA jersey carried extra meaning.

“It was cool because I wasn’t just representing the U.S., I was also representing Idaho and my small town of Rigby,” she said. “I think that made it really personal to me.”

She also noticed the attention her PhD Hoops USA Team received throughout the tournament.

“It was interesting. People have kind of a love-hate relationship with the U.S. We’d play some teams and after the game they’d ask for pictures with us just because we were from the U.S. Even walking around in our USA jerseys people would look at us. It was really interesting to see how people reacted to where we were from.”

The experience wasn’t without challenges. Burnside said adjusting to Spain’s summer heat was one of the biggest obstacles.

“The second I stepped foot into our practice gym… the heat wave hit me,” she said. “I was like, this is definitely not what we’re used to. It was definitely a big adjustment.”

After dominating the early rounds of the tournament, Team USA found itself trailing by 15 points in the championship game. But Burnside said the team never lost confidence.

“We were down by like 15… after halftime we kind of switched gears,” she said. “The gym was so loud, and most of the teams were cheering against us. I think it was motivation because we were like, ‘We can’t let that happen.'”

Her squad completed the comeback to capture the gold medal.

“I think the medal and the trophy are just a physical emblem of what we accomplished,” Burnside said.

While the championship was the highlight of the trip, Burnside says the friendships and life lessons she gained may be even more valuable.

“The thing that we all connect through is basketball,” she said. “I made friendships that I’ll probably keep my whole life, and I think that really helped settle me going into college.”

Burnside will now begin the next chapter of her basketball career this fall as a freshman at Central Washington University, bringing with her international experience and a gold medal earned on the world stage.

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David Pace

MERIDIAN and IDAHO FALLS (KIFI) – The Idaho GOP is pushing for the elimination of all property taxes in the state.

Delegates at the State GOP Convention adopted the plank by approximately an 80 percent margin on June 19 in Meridian. 

“It’s now an official part of the Republican platform. The Idaho GOP calls for the elimination of property taxes,” said Brian Almon, a delegate at the convention and Legislative District 14 chairman.

Article I, Section II, Subsection C of the newly-adopted Idaho GOP platform states, “We believe Idaho’s tax structure should be predictable, fair and balanced. Property tax is an inherently unjust tax that converts privately owned property into government collateral and threatens homeownership. We support the elimination of property taxes in Idaho and their replacement with revenue sources that do not place a lien on a citizen’s home.”

The plank was proposed by Scott Herndon, a previously-elected State Senator from north Idaho who recently won a GOP primary to advance to November’s ballot.

The measure supports eliminating property taxes for both private residences and businesses.

Supporters and skeptics caution that the lost revenue would need to be made up with higher sales or income taxes to continue providing essential services.

Idaho schools rely on property taxes for more than $400 million in annual revenue, according to the Idaho State Tax Commission as reported by IdahoEdNews.

Each year, the City of Idaho Falls receives $35 to $40 million from property taxes, about 10 percent of the city budget.

“If they just want to get rid of themselves or property taxes and move on and not have any of those taxes, it would be devastating,” said Idaho Falls City Councilman John Radford. “We wouldn’t be able to have our police force. We wouldn’t be able to have our ambulances, and our parks and rec department would all be gone. Our general fund is how we get things, those essential services paid for and property taxes fund those things.”

Almon agreed the change would require major changes to Idaho’s taxing structure.

“The critics of eliminating property taxes worry that it would blow holes and budgets for cities and counties and schools,” Almon said. “… Property taxes are unique in that they’re local taxes. They’re the taxes that support your schools, counties, cities, fire departments, police departments, cemetery districts, library districts, etc. How those can be then shifted to the state level without losing the ability of citizens to weigh in on their local taxing districts’ budgets? I’m looking forward to seeing that debate.”

State Rep. Barbara Ehardt, (R)-Idaho Falls, sponsored legislation this year that would eliminate some property taxes, but not those on businesses or secondary residences. 

“My proposal is eliminating property tax for primary place of residence only,” Ehardt said. “It would cost the state the equivalent of $932 million. I just want to offset that. We could raise the sales tax from 6% to 7.75% to make up that difference.”

The bill has not advanced out of the House Ways and Means Committee. 

Bonneville County GOP Central Committee Chairman Michael Colson said the plank’s adoption will spark important discussions.

“This is something that helps start the conversation on an issue that is important to Idahoans that own their homes and are afraid of losing their homes,” he said.

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Par Kermani

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — Idaho Fish and Game is reminding East Idaho residents to use caution around wildlife after confirming distemper in raccoons in the Pocatello and Chubbuck area and sharing guidance for safely handling bat encounters around homes.

Over the past three weeks, Fish and Game personnel in southeast Idaho have responded to numerous reports of raccoons appearing sick, lethargic or injured. Officials say some of the animals were also seen lingering in plain view during daylight hours, behavior that is not typical for raccoons.

Fish and Game has since confirmed distemper in the local raccoon population.

Wildlife officials are urging residents not to approach or handle sick raccoons.

The agency is also reminding residents what to do if they encounter a bat in or around their home.

Bats are common throughout Idaho, particularly near rivers, ponds, reservoirs, forests and agricultural areas. While most encounters are harmless, Fish and Game says residents should never handle a bat with bare hands.

If a bat is found inside a home and there has been no direct contact with people or pets, officials recommend wearing heavy gloves and using a container and piece of cardboard to safely capture and release the animal outdoors.

Anyone who has been bitten or scratched by a bat, or who finds a bat in a room with a sleeping person or child, should contact a healthcare provider or local public health district. In some cases, the bat may need to be captured and tested for rabies.

Fish and Game says bats found outdoors hanging from trees, walls, shrubs or other surfaces are typically resting during the day and should be left alone.

Residents who discover bats living in attics, garages or outbuildings are encouraged to contact their local Fish and Game office for guidance on safely removing them.

Officials say the common message for both situations is to avoid direct contact with wildlife and keep pets vaccinated.

Anyone with questions about sick raccoons, bats or other wildlife concerns can contact the Idaho Fish and Game Southeast Region office at 208-232-4703.

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Kaelyn Blessinger

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – Idaho ranks in the top 10 states with the most fatal falls for the elderly. With nearly 23 percent of Idaho seniors living alone, being proactive in preventing falls can make the difference between a minor bump and a debilitating injury.

According to the CDC, 14 million older adults in the U.S. report falling each year. Installing devices such as grab bars in bathrooms and showers could help prevent accidents.

“They also have grab bars for recliners and chairs,” Anna Bisharat, the head nurse at The Gables Assisted Living of Idaho Falls, stated. “They can be installed in the chair to help them push off. And they have ones that you can also attach to the side of beds, and that’ll help them get in and out of bed and can still keep their personal items close to them.”

Grab bars are a great way to still have independence while providing support. They don’t just contribute to preventing environmental falls, but health-related falls as well.

“Even blood pressure, we’ve noticed it will be high then drop, and then it will cause them to fall more,” Jennifer Packer, the administrator at The Gables Assisted Living of Idaho Falls, said. “If they’re becoming dizzy, get [them] something that can monitor their vitals [and] take their blood pressures daily. If they can, get a blood pressure cuff and look online for normal and out-of-range parameters that they can follow.”

Falling is a part of life and can’t always be prevented, but providing safety alerts and tools can help keep them from being fatal.

Getting involved in elderly care

You do not need to become a nurse or caretaker to care for the elderly; you can become a volunteer.

Meals on Wheels America does daily meal deliveries Monday through Friday where volunteers frequently check-in on the elderly who receive these services. When a patient has fallen or is injured, the volunteers remain with them until help can arrive. Whether it’s an ambulance or emergency contact, the volunteers will ensure they are safe.

They have saved numerous lives with wellness checks and constant visits. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer to deliver meals and check on elderly patients, you can find the volunteer form here.

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Curtis Jackson

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI)—A Pocatello man is being held on aggravated battery charges for stabbing a man in the neck in the early morning of June 24, 2026.

According to court documents, Pocatello Police were called to a home shortly after 3 a.m. When officers arrived, Dylan Michael Myler was sitting on the porch and was arrested.

Inside the home, police found a man with stab wounds on the left side of his neck, one of his fingers was cut, and wounds on his left arm.

Officers wrote that blood was found on the bedroom floor and pills were scattered on the floor.  The victim told police the pills were Myler’s, who has schizophrenia.

The victim said he was trying to give Myler the pills after he was acting strange.   That is when Myler jumped out of bed with a knife, stabbing him in the neck.

Myler told police he was listening to music in his bed when the man entered his room and stood there creepily. That’s when he said, “I grabbed my pocketknife and stabbed him in the neck.”

When police asked why he stabbed the man, he said, “I wanted to kill him.”

Myler is being held at the Bannock County Jail.  His next court hearing is scheduled for July 8.

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Par Kermani

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — Zoo Idaho will reopen Tuesday after closing for a day while authorities investigated a bomb threat reported over the weekend.

The zoo was evacuated Sunday, June 28, as a precaution after the threat was reported. Zoo Idaho remained closed Monday while the investigation continued.

Related: Bomb threat prompts evacuation at Zoo Idaho

“The safety of our residents and visitors will always come first,” Mayor Mark Dahlquist said. “I’m grateful to the Zoo Idaho staff, the Pocatello Police Department, and the FBI. Thank you to our community for your patience and understanding as they worked through this investigation. We look forward to welcoming everyone back to Zoo Idaho on Tuesday.”

The Pocatello Police Department, with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, continues to investigate the incident.

Anyone with information related to the bomb threat is asked to contact the Pocatello Police Department at 208-234-6100.

Zoo Idaho is expected to resume regular business hours Tuesday, June 30.

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Par Kermani

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Alan Reed, owner and operator of Reed’s Dairy, has been named the grand marshal of the 2026 Idaho Falls Independence Day Parade.

“For generations, the Reed family has been synonymous with hard work, quality, and community service in eastern Idaho,” The Greater Idaho Falls Chamber said in a statement.

Reed’s Dairy was founded in 1955 and has grown into one of eastern Idaho’s best-known local businesses. The company is known for its dairy products and ice cream, as well as its support of schools, youth programs, charitable organizations and community events.

“Alan Reed represents the very best of Idaho Falls,” said Paul Baker, CEO of the Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce. “His dedication to family, business excellence, and community service has positively impacted countless lives throughout our region.”

As grand marshal, Reed will lead the annual Independence Day Parade on July 4.

The parade is part of Idaho Falls’ America250 celebration and is one of the city’s longest-running Fourth of July traditions. It brings together community organizations, businesses and residents to celebrate the nation’s independence.

The parade will begin with staging on John Adams Parkway and Fourth Street.

For more information, contact the Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce at (208) 523-1010.

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Par Kermani

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — Idaho’s Attorney General is warning consumers about a scam targeting people applying for permits and development projects in the Treasure Valley.

According to the Attorney General’s Office, scammers are obtaining public information submitted to local planning and development departments and using it to send fraudulent emails and invoices demanding payment.

Officials say the scam has affected planning departments in Boise, Meridian, Nampa and Caldwell.

“Idaho’s growth has made families a target,” Attorney General Raúl Labrador said in a statement. “Scammers are pulling public permit records and sending fake invoices designed to look official and counting on people to panic and pay first, ask questions later.”

The emails often contain official logos, employee names, contractor information, project details and addresses, making them appear legitimate. The messages typically claim a project will be delayed or canceled if payment is not made immediately.

Authorities say payments are often requested through wire transfers, gift cards or cryptocurrency ATMs which are common warning signs of fraud.

“As scams continue to evolve, we encourage our customers to please reach out to us to confirm any requests for funds,” said Rodney Ashby, planning and zoning director for the City of Nampa.

Boise officials say the city will never request payment by wire transfer for planning application or permitting fees.

“Phishing scams continue to be a concern, and we want to be clear that the city will never request payment by wire transfer for planning application or permitting fees,” said Maureen Brewer, director of Boise’s Planning and Development Services.

Consumers are encouraged to contact their local planning department directly before sending money if they receive a suspicious payment request.

Anyone who believes they have been targeted by the scam can report it or file a consumer complaint at ReportScamsIdaho.com.

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Par Kermani

MADISON COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) — The Madison County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal shooting that left a 49-year-old woman dead Sunday evening.

Deputies were dispatched around 5:30 p.m. to a residence at 4021 N. 5725 E. in Madison County following a report of a shooting.

According to the sheriff’s office, deputies found Lesa Perrenoud, 49, unconscious inside the home. Deputies and emergency medical personnel immediately began lifesaving efforts.

Perrenoud was flown by air ambulance to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center in Idaho Falls, where she later died from her injuries.

The Madison County Sheriff’s Office said investigators are actively working to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

Authorities have not released additional details as detectives continue gathering evidence and conducting interviews.

Investigators say there is no ongoing threat to the public.

The sheriff’s office extended its condolences to Perrenoud’s family and loved ones.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the Madison County Sheriff’s Office at 208-372-5000.

Additional information will be released as it becomes available

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