New season of ‘The Bachelorette’ starring Taylor Frankie Paul has been canceled

CNN

Originally Published: 19 MAR 26 16:59 ET

By Lisa Respers France, CNN

(CNN) — ABC says it has scrapped the upcoming season of “The Bachelorette” after a video of newest star Taylor Frankie Paul throwing objects and yelling at her former boyfriend Dakota Mortensen was made public Thursday morning.

The footage, from 2023, first published by TMZ, came in the wake of the news that Paul is the subject of a separate, ongoing domestic violence investigation in her home state of Utah. The Draper Police Department confirmed the investigation to CNN.

CNN has not independently verified the video’s authenticity.

A Disney Entertainment Television spokesperson said in a statement to CNN: “In light of the newly released video just surfaced today, we have made the decision to not move forward with the new season of ‘The Bachelorette’ at this time, and our focus is on supporting the family.”

Season 22 of “The Bachelorette” had been slated to debut Sunday.

CNN has reached out to representatives for Paul and Mortensen.

A representative for Paul, who also appears on Hulu reality series “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” had released a statement to Variety following the video’s release saying it “conveniently omits context.”

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

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Bengal Giving Day 2026 raises over $826,000

News Release

The following is a news release from Idaho State University:

POCATELLO, Idaho — Idaho State University’s Bengal Giving Day 2026 brought the campus and alumni community together in a powerful show of support, raising $826,842 through 1,182 gifts from 835 donors.

Held March 10–11, this year’s event coincided with ISU’s 125th anniversary, making it an especially meaningful time to reflect on the generations of support that have shaped the institution since 1901.

At the heart of Bengal Giving Day is gratitude.

Idaho State extends its deepest thanks to its faculty and staff, whose dedication, mentorship, and daily commitment to students are the foundation of the University’s success. From classrooms and labs to clinics and performance halls, their work shapes lives and strengthens ISU in ways that go far beyond a single day.

The University also recognizes its students, whose energy, participation, and enthusiasm brought Bengal Giving Day to life across campus. Whether through events, social media, or simply showing their Bengal pride, students played a vital role in creating a sense of excitement and connection, and are the reason we do all that we do at ISU.

And to the 835 donors who made gifts, thank you. Your generosity directly supports scholarships, programs, and opportunities that empower ISU students to succeed. Every gift is a meaningful investment in the future of ISU and the communities it serves.

As Idaho State looks ahead to its next 125 years, the success of Bengal Giving Day serves as a reminder that it is the strength of its community, more than anything, that drives its impact.

To view results, supported funds, and the final leaderboard, visit HERE.

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Senate approves higher education budget cuts, sending them to Governor Little

Ryan Suppe

By: Ryan Suppe and Sean Dolan

Originally posted on IdahoEdNews.org on March 19, 2026

BOISE, Idaho — Senators Thursday passed 5% budget cuts to colleges and universities next fiscal year, after a debate that revolved around whether the state should fund higher education at all. 

House Bill 876 is the fiscal year 2027  “maintenance” budget for the Idaho State Board of Education and includes funding for two- and four-year colleges and universities. The budget rolls over base spending from the current fiscal year. 

It also takes out 3% — Gov. Brad Little’s proposal — along with an additional 2% cut proposed by legislators. Higher education stands to take a disproportionate hit from budget cuts affecting most state agencies this year. 

Sen. Janie Ward-Engelking, D-Boise, said the “maintenance” budget doesn’t keep the lights on for higher education institutions. She detailed cuts and restructuring already underway on campuses across the state. 

Idaho State University is laying off dozens of employees and merging colleges. Boise State University will combine two colleges and close a third. The University of Idaho is pausing its engineering program buildout, said Ward-Engelking, the longest-serving member of the Legislature’s budget-writing committee. 

“It’s going to impact our children and grandchildren for years to come,” she said. “This ship will not be turned around easily and will have long term economic consequences.”

Sen. Janie Ward-Engelking at a JFAC meeting Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026. (Sean Dolan/EdNews)

But hardline conservatives say funding higher education isn’t the state’s responsibility.  

Sen. Glenneda Zuiderveld, who supported the higher education cuts, argued that colleges and universities should be funded by tuition and donations — except for U of I, the only higher education institution called out in the Idaho Constitution, she said. 

“For decades now, we actually have been going against our oath of office, according to our Idaho state constitution,” said Zuiderveld, R-Twin Falls. 

Sen. Dave Lent, chairman of the Senate Education Committee, countered that the Idaho Constitution was written when “higher education was not even close to what it is today.” In 1889, most people didn’t travel more than 50 miles from home, he said, and electricity was scarce.

“If you want to be successful in today’s world, you have to have an education, and I think that’s our responsibility,” said Lent, R-Idaho Falls. 

The Senate voted 23-12 to approve the cuts, with half a dozen Republicans joining the Senate’s six Democrats in opposition. 

HB 876 now goes to the governor’s desk.

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Local schools brace themselves for new mandatory moment of silence law

Par Kermani

AMMON, Idaho (KIFI) — Idaho public schools may soon start the day with a mandatory minute of quiet.House Bill 623 (HB 623), which requires a daily 60-second moment of silence, has passed both the Idaho House and Senate and is now headed to the governor’s desk for final signature.

If signed into law, the legislation, sponsored by Rep. Bruce Skaug, would take effect for the upcoming school year. The bill outlines that the time can be used for students and teachers to “reflect, pray, or meditate” at the start of the school day, allowing them a moment to ground themselves before instruction begins.

Idaho Falls School District 91 told Local News 8 in a statement that they’ve been following the session to ensure compliance with state law. Chief of Communications Maren Archibald says that should the Governor sign the bill, D91 is prepared to implement House Bill 623 at the start of the new school year in August.

“Students learn best when their school environment has consistent routines. Our teachers already utilize classroom routines to help support their students, and a daily moment of silence is another example of a practice that builds routine,” said Archibald. “Our first priority is supporting teachers and students while remaining in compliance with state law.”

Critics of the bill have expressed concern that the quiet time could be used for organized prayer in a school setting, which they say violates the concept of separation of church and state. Supporters, however, emphasize that the bill’s language is non-specific, giving students total autonomy in how they utilize the quiet minute.

Powell noted that the logistics—such as precisely when the minute will occur and how it will be announced—are still being finalized, but the focus will remain on minimizing disruption to instruction while adhering to the new legal requirements.

The Governor has five days, excluding Sundays, to sign the bill into law, allow it to become law without his signature, or veto it. If approved, Idaho will join several other states that currently mandate or allow a moment of silence in public school classrooms.

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Shape the future of Pocatello’s University area: Open House April 1

News Release

The following is a news release from the City of Pocatello:

POCATELLO, Idaho — The City of Pocatello invites community members to participate in an upcoming open house and online survey as part of the development of a 10-year plan for neighborhoods within the University area.

The open house will be held Wednesday, April 1, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at the Senior Activity Center, 427 N. 6th Ave., Pocatello, Idaho. The meeting will provide an opportunity for residents, property owners, and stakeholders to share feedback and help shape the future of the area.

Area, or neighborhood, plans were identified in the City’s Comprehensive Plan. The University Area Plan will establish a shared vision for these neighborhoods and guide future decisions related to development, affordable housing, transportation options, public amenities, and other priorities for growth.

As part of this planning effort, the public is also encouraged to participate in an online survey, available at: arcg.is/eaqmL1

The City’s 2040 Comprehensive Plan can be viewed online at: storymaps.arcgis.com

For more information on this project, contact Jim Anglesey at 208-234-6514 or janglesey@pocatello.gov.

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It looks green, but it’s actually a tinderbox: Fire safety and open burns

Jeff Roper

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — After recent escaped open burn fires in Teton County, Wyoming, and eastern Bonneville County last week, it’s becoming more evident that property owners are using the nice weather as a chance to clear property. 

While property owners often view nice weather as the prime time to clear their property, local experts say the current conditions are deceptively dangerous.

Fire officials note that the region is currently in the window “before the green-up,” a time when vegetation is dry, dead, and highly flammable. Without the moisture of new spring growth, fires can quickly turn from controlled piles to “racing” wildfires in seconds.

“They’re burning quite often and intensely this time of year because we’re still in the dormant brown phase,” warned Fire Warden Kelly Hoffer, Idaho Department of Lands. “They need to know that weather is a big factor in prescribed burning.”

If you do plan an open burn, fire officials have provided the following guidelines to keep you and your community safe:

Notify Dispatch: Always call your local non-emergency dispatch line before burning. This prevents unnecessary 9-1-1 calls and ensures crews aren’t taken from real emergencies.

On-Site Suppression: You must have immediate access to water – a working hose, a large water source, and hand tools like shovels to manage the perimeter.

The ‘Cold Trail’ Rule: Never leave a burn unattended, even if it appears out.

Check the Forecast: Avoid burning on windy, hot, or exceptionally dry days.

For more information on your regional forecast, click HERE.

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Ada County Coroner identifies cause of death for Nampa Mayor

Seth Ratliff

UPDATED:

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — The Ada County Coroner has released the cause of death for Nampa Mayor Hogaboam.

According to our partners at KBOI in Boise, Mayor Hoganboam died of a cardiac tamponade, a buildup of fluid in the sac surrounding the heart.

Governor Brad Little has ordered that U.S. and State of Idaho flags be flown at half-staff immediately to honor the life and legacy of Nampa Mayor Hogaboam.

The order applies to the State Capitol and all state buildings in Canyon County, remaining in effect until sunrise on Monday, March 23.

“We are heartbroken over the sudden passing of Nampa Mayor Rick Hogaboam. Rick served with a genuine heart for public service and an unwavering commitment to the people of Nampa,” said Gov. Little. “He cared deeply about his community and worked every day to make it stronger and better for those he served.”

RELATED: Nampa Mayor Rick Hogaboam dies from medical emergency during town hall meeting

Hogaboam had only recently begun his tenure, having been sworn in as Nampa’s Mayor on January 5, 2026. Governor Little extended his condolences to those closest to the Mayor, noting that the entire state joins Nampa in its grief.

“During this difficult time, our thoughts and prayers are with his family, city staff, and the entire Nampa community as they grieve this tremendous loss,” Governor Little said.

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Student faces disciplinary action after igniting bathroom fire at Hobbs Middle School

Seth Ratliff

SHELLEY, Idaho (KIFI) — A Hobbs Middle School student is facing disciplinary action after allegedly using stolen science lab equipment to start a fire in a boys’ restroom on Monday afternoon. While the fire was quickly extinguished with no injuries, the incident led to a full evacuation of the building and an investigation into several students who were involved.

The Shelley Police Department and the Shelley-Firth Fire District rushed to the school just after 2 PM on March 16. Although property damage was described as minimal, the district’s maintenance department and a restoration company were brought in immediately to ensure the environment safe for students to return to class.

After the fire was extinguished, an investigation determined that a single student had set the trash can on fire using items stolen from the school science class. Authorities also identified several other students involved and documented their respective roles in the incident.

Due to state and federal privacy laws regarding minors, the Shelley Police Department and Shelley School District #60 have not released the names of the students or the specific disciplinary measures taken. Both organizations issued a statement emphasizing their commitment to the safety of the staff and student body.

“The Shelley Police Department and Shelley School District #60 take incidents of this nature seriously and remain committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of students, staff, and the community,” stated the Department on Facebook.

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Arrests made after site of proposed ICE detention facility vandalized in Salt Lake City

Fox13

Originally Published: 19 MAR 26 12:51 ET

By Michael Martin

Click here for updates on this story

    SALT LAKE CITY (KSTU) — Three people have been arrested, including two listed as juveniles, after the site of the proposed ICE detention center in Salt Lake City was vandalized.

The vandalism at the warehouse located west of Salt Lake City International Airport included graffiti with a swastika that had a line going through it, and the words, “Kill all Nazis.” Several windows at the facility were also smashed, and what appeared to be paint was on the door.

The incident occurred during a large protest held at the warehouse Wednesday in which hundreds gathered to express their anger over the planned detention facility after ICE purchased the building last week. Multiple state and city leaders, including Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall and Republican Sen. John Curtis, have denounced the proposal for various reasons.

Chase Fredrickson, 18, was arrested early Thursday and faces charges of Property Damage and Riot. According to court documents, Fredrickson was allegedly captured on video throwing rocks at the exterior of the ICE warehouse during the protest.

“The throwing of the rocks caused the glass to shatter and break,” the arrest report said.

The identities of the two juveniles were not released. The court documents do not connect Frederickson or anyone else to the graffiti painted outside the building.

Federal agents on the scene told the arresting officer with the Salt Lake City Police Department that the damage was estimated to be $3,000.

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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Judge Steven Boyce announces re-election campaign

Seth Ratliff

REXBURG, Idaho (KIFI) — Judge Steven Boyce has officially announced his re-election campaign for Idaho’s Seventh Judicial District, setting the stage for the region’s first contested judicial election in over a decade. The announcement comes only days after Bonneville County Prosecutor Randy Neal announced his decision to challenge him for the Judge’s seat.

In a news release, Judge Boyce outlined his goals to focus on continuing to strengthen the administration of justice, supporting problem‑solving courts, and ensuring that the Seventh Judicial District remains a model of fairness and professionalism

“I am honored and humbled to have been entrusted with my role in Idaho’s judiciary, and continue to be completely committed to ensuring justice for my community here in Southeast Idaho,” Judge Boyce said. “I look forward to continuing that work.”

A graduate of Brigham Young University and the University of Idaho College of Law, Boyce’s legal career spans several decades of both public and private practice. He served 7 years in the Bonneville County Prosecutor’s Office, including a tenure as Chief Deputy, before spending more than ten years as a solo practitioner in Idaho Falls.

His private sector career continued with the firms of Smith & Banks and Hawley Troxell, where he specialized in real estate litigation. Boyce also spent fourteen consecutive years as a Criminal Justice Act attorney in federal cases.

Judge Boyce’s recent judicial tenure has been defined by his role presiding over two of the longest and most high-profile criminal cases in Idaho’s history, the murder cases of Chad and Lori Daybell.

This significant trial experience led the Idaho Supreme Court to honor him with the prestigious 2024 George C. Granata Award, according to the release. In granting the award, the Court noted that jurors from those complex trials felt that Boyce’s conduct on the bench “restored their faith in the rule of law.”

In 2025, Boyce was unanimously elected by his peers to serve as the Administrative District Judge for the Seventh Judicial District. He currently chairs the Seventh Judicial District Magistrate Commission and presides over two juvenile drug courts, roles that reflect his ongoing focus on accountability, rehabilitation, and community safety.

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