Category: kifi-local-news

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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News Release

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

POCATELLO, Idaho — The City of Pocatello Sanitation Services collection trucks will operate as normal on Presidents’ Day, Monday, February 16.

Residents with a Monday collection day for garbage and recycling are asked to place their autocarts at the curb by 7 a.m. for pickup.

Officials would like to remind residents that the Bannock County Landfill will be closed in observance of the holiday. For more information on the Sanitation Services, visit Pocatello.gov/sanitation or call 208-234-6192.

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Seth Ratliff

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — One of the most storied rivalries in Idaho college football is officially back on. On Thursday morning, Governor Brad Little signed Executive Order 2006-02, officially reinstating the Idaho Governor’s Trophy after a two-decade hiatus.

While the pen hit the paper today, fans will need to pack their patience: the Idaho Vandals and Boise State Broncos aren’t scheduled to meet on the gridiron until Sept. 6, 2031, at Boise’s Albertsons Stadium.

A Tradition Reclaimed

The Governor’s Trophy was originally established in 2001, but the roots of this in-state showdown trace back to 1971. The 2031 game will mark the 41st installment of the rivalry and the first time the two programs have faced off since November 12, 2010.

“Today, we celebrate not just a game, but a tradition that unites our state, honors our history, and showcases the very best of Idaho,” Governor Little said during the signing. “Conference realignment and shifting schedules have put many historic rivalries across the country on pause. I am excited to be reinstating this great tradition and recommissioning the Idaho Governor’s Trophy.”

Boise State currently holds the upper hand in the all-time series. The matchup will mark the second consecutive season that Boise State will play against an in-state opponent. The Broncos are set to host Idaho State on Sept. 7, 2030.

“To host the Vandals in Boise and on The Blue, which is one of the most iconic places in the state of Idaho, is a great opportunity for not only both schools, but the entire state,” said Jeramiah Dickey, Boise State Director of Athletics. “I’m grateful to the Idaho athletics administration for working together on renewing the series and keeping the resources and support around this game within the state. It will also be great to showcase both universities and the longtime matchup on a national level when this game on the ‘Front Porch of Idaho’ becomes the talk of college football.”

University of Idaho Athletic Director Terry Gawlik credited the collaboration between both administrations, including U of I President Scott Green and BSU Interim President Jeremiah Shinn, for making the deal a reality.

“We know how much this game means for both fan bases and the entire Gem State,” Gawlik said.

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Kevin Richert

Originally posted on IdahoEdNews.org on February 12, 2026

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) —

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — Idaho’s version of the One Big Beautiful Bill is now law.

Gov. Brad Little Wednesday signed a bill to adopt most of the tax cuts in President Donald Trump’s omnibus policy law — and make the tax cuts retroactive to 2025.

Supporters of House Bill 559 pushed for an immediate rollout of the tax cuts. They argued that this would allow working Idahoans to take full advantage of the cuts, which will be in effect for only four years. They also pressed to pass the bill immediately to allow families and businesses to begin filing their tax returns.

But HB 559 puts added pressure on a tight state budget. The immediate tax cuts could reduce state revenues by a projected $155 million for the budget year ending June 30. Legislative leaders are banking on robust revenues to cover the tax cuts while maintaining a balanced budget.

Little had proposed delaying the tax cuts until July 1, saying it was unclear how the changes would affect this year’s budget. But HB 559 passed both houses nearly along party lines, with veto-proof two-thirds majorities.

Gov. Brad Little delivers the 2026 State of the State address. (Sean Dolan/EdNews)

Presidential search secrecy bill heads to governor

Gov. Brad Little will get the last word on a fast-track bill to place most of the higher ed presidential search process under wraps.

The House quickly passed a bill that would allow search committees to interview candidates in private — then release the name of only one finalist. The State Board of Education would then have to wait 10 business days before making a hire.

Current law allows a closed-door vetting process. However, the State Board must release a list of five finalists. Historically, those finalists have then come to campus for open meetings with students and staff.

State Board officials have said the current law has impeded the Boise State University president’s search, which began in March and has been on hold since October. They say would-be finalists have balked at being identified publicly because it would put their current jobs at risk.

The House passed Senate Bill 1225 on a 67-1 vote, with only Rep. John Gannon, D-Boise, in opposition. The Senate passed the bill unanimously on Feb. 2.

If SB 1225 becomes law, the State Board would apply the new guidelines to the stalled Boise State search.

Bill banning sexual orientation, gender identity instruction heads to House.

A bill to ban public school instruction on sexual orientation and human sexuality is heading to the full House.

House Bill 516 would remove a provision in state law that allows sexual orientation and gender identity instruction that’s “age-appropriate or developmentally appropriate for students in accordance with state standards.”

“These two subjects we’re dealing with right here are not the business of educators in the public school system,” said sponsoring Rep. Dale Hawkins. “They are the business of parents.”

The House Education Committee voted to advance the bill — but not without spirited debate. Opponents argued that the bill conflicts with a parental rights law Republicans passed last year.

Rep. Dale Hawkins at a Jan. 27 House Education Committee hearing. (Sean Dolan/EdNews)

House Bill 239 required that parents opt in to public school instruction on human sexuality, including discussions of sexual orientation and gender identity. Rep. Barbara Ehardt, an Idaho Falls Republican who sponsored the opt-in bill, House Bill 239, said it’s not in conflict with the latest proposal. 

But Jeff Carlson — a trustee at Future Public School, a charter in Garden City — disagreed. Carlson, who’s filling in at the Legislature for Rep. Chris Mathias, D-Boise, said the new bill would prohibit public school instruction that parents may have consented to. 

“Does the state want me to follow this new law that says I should do what the state says versus what a parent may say?” Carlson asked. 

Hawkins was indifferent toward the concerns. The Fernwood Republican has described HB 516 as a “cleanup” bill that removes a provision that was unintentionally left in the law when it was enacted in 2025. 

Rep. Jack Nelsen, R-Jerome, asked Hawkins whether he could address a letter from the American Civil Liberties Union that raised the possibility of a court challenge to banning classroom discussions of sexual orientation and gender identity. 

“I have no desire to do so,” Hawkins responded. 

Amy Dundon, ACLU of Idaho’s legislative strategist, wrote to the committee that the bill could face a challenge if, in practice, it prohibits classroom discussion of homosexuality while heterosexuality “remains permissible.” 

“Here, HB 516 could constitute outright viewpoint discrimination, making the bill legally fragile,” Dundon wrote. 

In response to another question, from Rep. Soñia Galaviz, D-Boise, Hawkins appeared to suggest that discussions of heterosexuality are not implicated by the bill. When Galaviz noted that sexual orientation or gender identity “includes straight folks,” Hawkins responded, “I’m not sure where that’s supposed to be going.” 

“Regular biology is not affected by this,” he said. “These are strict strikeouts of two subjects that are taught for a certain intention, and I think, everybody on the committee knows what those are.”

Digital curriculum funding bill will be reworked

A bill that would dish out state funding for digital curriculum on an as-needed basis — rather than first come, first served — will have to be reworked before it returns to the House Education Committee. 

The panel voted Thursday to hold the bill until next week, after Republicans raised concerns that “as-needed” criteria wasn’t spelled out in the bill. “Who is defining that, and why can’t we be more specific?” said Rep. Douglas Pickett, R-Oakley. 

Rep. Jerald Raymond’s bill would direct the Idaho Department of Education to establish “competitive, needs-based criteria” that governs which public school districts are prioritized when state funding for digital curriculum is limited. Raymond, R-Menan, previously compared the current process to “The Hunger Games.”

State superintendent Debbie Critchfield said the department is already working on criteria. She listed a few characteristics that would give districts priority — including digital initiatives linked to math, literacy and career readiness. 

The committee was unconvinced. House Bill 599 will return to the committee Feb. 19. 

Also Thursday, the House Education Committee introduced a bill would add foster children to the list of applicants that charter schools can prioritize in enrollment waitlists. Rep. David Leavitt, R-Twin Falls, is the sponsor.

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Fox13

Originally Published: 12 FEB 26 14:06 ET

By Julia Sandor

Click here for updates on this story

    ST. GEORGE, Utah (KSTU) — A standout wide receiver at Brigham Young University is being charged with rape for an alleged incident that occurred last year.

The Washington County Attorney’s Office announced that it filed a first-degree felony rape charge against 21-year-old Parker Trent Kingston on Tuesday. He was arrested and is being held in the Washington County Jail without bail.

A BYU Athletics spokesperson confirmed that they became aware of Kingston’s arrest on Wednesday.

“The university takes any allegation very seriously, and will cooperate with law enforcement,” their statement read.

The county attorney’s office said a 20-year-old woman reported a sexual assault to police at St. George Regional Hospital in February of 2025.

Court documents obtained by FOX 13 News show that the victim talked to investigators on June 3, 2025. At that time, the victim told police that on Feb. 23, Kingston had come over to her residence.

The victim told detectives that in their online communication leading up to the incident, she told Kingston several times that she did not want to have sex. When Kingston arrived at the home, the pair watched a movie and began to engage in some sexual activity but not intercourse.

Investigators say the victim claimed that Kingston fell asleep during the movie and she left the room to get ready for bed. However, when she returned 15 minutes later, Kingston allegedly tried to begin sexual activities again, and the victim told him several times to stop.

Police allege that Kingston didn’t listen to the victim and raped her.

The St. George Police Department investigated the allegation, collected evidence and interviews, and then the county attorney screened the case and filed charges.

Kingston is a redshirt junior, according to BYU Athletics’ website, and is from Layton and attended Roy High School.

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