Category: kifi-local-news

Par Kermani

WASHINGTON, D.C. (KIFI) — Gov. Brad Little joined First Lady Melania Trump at the White House on Thursday to support a new initiative she launched “Fostering The Future Accounts”.

The program would allow states to establish savings and investment accounts for children in foster care.

“Idaho is proud to support this initiative. Every young person deserves the tools to succeed, achieve independence, and pursue the American Dream.” said Governor Little in a statement.

According to the Office of the First Lady, the accounts are designed to give foster youth access to long-term savings opportunities similar to those available to other children.

First Lady Melania Trump announced the initiative alongside Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and a bipartisan group of governors.

The program follows new federal guidance allowing state, territorial and tribal child welfare agencies to open and manage investment accounts on behalf of children in foster care.

Trump said the accounts are intended to help foster youth build assets and financial independence before reaching adulthood.

“Fostering the Future Accounts give foster children the same chance for asset ownership and long-term wealth building as every other American child,” Trump said in a statement.

The initiative is part of the First Lady’s broader Fostering the Future effort, which focuses on improving outcomes for children and families involved in the foster care system.

In addition to Idaho, governors from 22 other states have pledged support for the program.

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Curtis Jackson

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – Two teens were rescued Thursday night after their inflatable kayak deflated on the Snake River.

Bonneville County Sheriff Dispatchers received a call around 8 p.m. reporting that the two were separated from a larger group while floating the Snake River. The group started in the Burns Creek area .

The teens were located just after dark, stranded on a cliff just off the water near the Fullmer boat access. They had gotten caught in some trees that ripped their kayak, putting them in the water.

Both teens were wearing life jackets. Deputies said, aside from being extremely cold and wet, they were not injured.

The Sheriff’s office reminds people that conditions on the Snake River can be extremely hazardous as water levels are high and fast. They do not recommend floating or boating the Snake River, if you haven’t had experience or taken the time to check the water conditions and prepare for emergencies.

To learn more about water safety in Idaho, visit the Idaho State Parks and Recreation website at www.parksandrecreation.idaho.gov.

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News Team

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — If you couldn’t access Facebook this morning, you are not alone. People across the nation are reporting outages with Downdetector.com documenting 123,864 reports of Facebook issues as of 7:47 a.m.

As of 8:21 a.m. Facebook appears to be working once again. Meta confirmed earlier today that they were aware of the outage and were working on the issue, though there is no word yet on the cause.

This is a developing story. Local News 8 will provide an update as more information becomes available.

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Danielle Mullenix

ISLAND PARK, Idaho (KIFI) – Idahoans and tourists will have a chance to cast a line without purchasing a fishing license this weekend as Idaho Fish and Game celebrates its annual Free Fishing Day on Saturday, June 13.

The event, held each year on the second Saturday in June, allows residents and visitors to fish in Idaho waters without a fishing license for one day only. While licenses are waived, all other fishing regulations, including creel limits, tackle restrictions, and season rules, remain in effect.

Idaho Fish and Game officials say the annual tradition is designed to introduce more people to one of Idaho’s most popular outdoor activities while encouraging families to spend time together outdoors.

“Free Fishing Day is just a great way to get the public engaged in fishing,” said Jennifer Jackson, communications manager for Idaho Fish and Game’s Southeast Region. “It’s a great opportunity to get them outside and enjoying the outdoors and enjoying that sport of fishing.”

Fish and Game employees and volunteers will be stationed at events across the state to help beginners learn the basics of fishing. Many locations will offer loaner rods, reels, and tackle while supplies last, helping eliminate barriers for first-time anglers.

According to Idaho Fish and Game, hatcheries stocked approximately 243,000 catchable rainbow trout across the state in the month leading up to Free Fishing Day, providing anglers with increased opportunities for success.

In eastern Idaho, Fish and Game will host community events at:

Trail Creek Pond in Victor from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Ryder Park Pond in Idaho Falls from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Bannock Reservoir – Wellness Complex in Pocatello from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Grace Fish Hatchery in Grace from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Kids Creek Pond in Salmon from 9 a.m. to noon.

Sawtooth Fish Hatchery in Stanley from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Blue Mountain Pond in Challis from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Volunteers will be available to teach casting techniques, basic fishing skills, and answer questions from newcomers.

For those interested in getting started, local fly-fishing guide Spence Martin with Big Sky Anglers says fishing can be an affordable hobby for families.

“You can get a spinning rod for 35 bucks, grab a couple lures for five to ten bucks apiece,” Martin said. “It’s a really good way to get into it. It’s free fishing day — get out there and have fun, enjoy it, learn something new, and explore some new areas.”

Idaho Fish and Game notes that children ages 13 and younger do not need a fishing license year-round, making fishing one of the state’s most affordable outdoor recreation opportunities. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or someone who has never held a fishing rod before, officials say Free Fishing Day offers an opportunity to discover Idaho’s lakes, rivers, and ponds while spending quality time with family and friends.

For a complete list of Free Fishing Day events across Idaho, visit Idaho Fish and Game’s Free Fishing Day page here.

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David Pace

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – Each year, Idaho invests $2.5 billion in public education. Yet the attendance-based funding formula that allocates those dollars is 32 years old, and the education landscape has evolved dramatically.

Idaho Superintendent of Public Education Debbie Critchfield and Idaho’s Senate Education Committee Chairman Dave Lent met with education stakeholders Thursday at the College of Eastern Idaho to discuss options for modernizing the public school funding formula.

“When we talk about modernizing the funding formula, what we’re trying to do is catch up as our society and culture has evolved,” State Senator Dave Lent (R-Idaho Falls) said. “We were just talking before this about all the different ways we educate folks now – all of those options. We have to be able to accommodate that and have a funding formula then that matches up and allows us to thrive.”

The Idaho Legislature passed Senate Concurrent Resolution 121 this year requesting modernization of the public school funding formula and asking “the Idaho State Superintendent of Public Instruction to present draft legislation to the Legislature that revises” how schools are funded.

“Our current funding distribution isn’t getting the job done,” said Idaho Superintendent of Public Education Debbie Critchfield. “How do we know that? Well, I know that because I hear constantly from communities that they’re tired of being asked for supplemental levies or other types of levies or school bonds.”

According to the memorial, previous “educational delivery models and student needs differ substantially from those of today, including traditional brick-and-mortar schools, rural and remote districts, small and large districts, public charter schools, virtual education programs, and blended learning models.”

Multiple school administrators and parents emphasized the need for enrollment-based funding.

Today’s attendance-based formula doesn’t account for schools’ fixed costs when students are absent and imposes significant paperwork requirements, teachers shared.

“Base funding should follow the students. Extra funding should follow the need. That’s my belief there,” said parent Jacob Petersen. “Rural and small schools, especially because I’m here on the east side of the state… – I’d would love for those students here to be considered and factored in.” 

Marcy Curr, a former Pocatello speech and debate teacher with 18 years of experience, also emphasized the unique challenges rural schools face providing for infrastructure and programs on a more limited tax base.

“Over 50 percent of the high schools in the state are rural,” Curr said. “They are not in Boise. [Consider] the way that these funding formulas impact places like Soda Springs, Grace, Marsh Valley, American Falls, Pingree.”

These schools in smaller communities face dramatically different pressures than urban schools.

“My parents live up in Swan Valley. What that looks like there is so profoundly different than what it looks like in Boise,” Curr said. “The issues that the teachers face, the training that the teachers need, and even to an extent, the priorities that the kids have. We need to take those things into account when we’re looking at the formula.”

Listening sessions are being held in Idaho Falls, Boise and Coeur d’Alene.

Additional comment will be accepted at a Virtual Funding Formula Modernization listening Session on June 25 from 6 to 8 PM at https://idahosde.zoom.us/j/96901934245#success.

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Hadley Bodell

BLACKFOOT, Idaho (KIFI) – The second-largest event of the year at the Eastern Idaho State Fairgrounds is officially underway–the Blackfoot Dog Shows. The Pocatello Kennel Club and Eagle Rock Kennel Club collaborate to bring the competitions to life.

A dog flies over the pond in the dock diving competition, Thursday, June 11

The shows began on June 11 at 7 a.m. and will go through Sunday, June 14. Entered dogs can compete in a variety of events, including Conformation, which resembles the Westminster national dog show seen on TV each year.

Jay Ferguson, Pocatello Kennel Club’s Show Chair, said they also compete in obedience trials, rally trials, dock diving, and “fast cat” racing. He said the Pocatello Kennel Club has been a part of the Blackfoot Dog Shows for decades, bringing professional dogs and their handlers to the region.

A dog flies over a hurdle jump in the obstacle course, Thursday, June 11

“Many of these handlers go all around the country to the biggest shows and even in Canada,” Ferguson said. “It’s crazy how you can have some of the biggest people in the dog world come to a show in Blackfoot, Idaho.”

Alongside nationally ranked dogs, local dog owners from Pocatello and Blackfoot compete their dogs in various categories. Winners of competitions get ribbons, cash prizes, and even gift cards and merchandise from attending vendors. The large dog show brings out all breeds of dogs–big and small.

High-flying competitor in dock diving, Thursday, June 11

“For Conformation, you specifically have to be an AKC full bred or purebred registered dog, but the other events like agility, they can be mixed breed,” Ferguson explained. “For fast cat, you can be mixed breed and those go on Friday and Saturday.”

Dogs entering in Conformation, agility, obedience and rally had to be pre-registered. But for the fast cat, a 100-yard dash event, dog owners can come day of to enter. Dog diving is also open to mixed breeds registering day of.

A dog high-jumps over a hurdle on the obstacle course, Thursday, June 11

“If you come to the dog show, you’ll see dogs you didn’t know existed,” Ferguson said. “You just see so many different varities of dogs that you never got to see and how other people interact with them.”

Vendors will be on site all weekend with merchandise and treats for the furry friends. Awards will be given out to dogs competing in Conformation like “Best in Show” and “Best of Breed.”

Gates are open at the Eastern Idaho State Fairgrounds from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. through Sunday, June 14.

More Photos

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Par Kermani

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Gamers, collectors and cosplay enthusiasts will gather in Idaho Falls this weekend as Retro X4 returns for two days of pop culture, nostalgia and family-friendly fun.

The event will take place June 12 and 13 at 640 Elva St.

Organizers say attendees can expect a mix of vintage and modern collectibles, including video games, toys, comic books, trading cards and other pop culture memorabilia.

One of the highlights of the event is the cosplay contest, where participants can show off their costumes and compete for prizes.

Retro X4 will also feature an Artist Alley showcasing local artists, authors and crafters selling their work.

In addition to shopping and cosplay, visitors will have the opportunity to meet celebrity guests from television, movies, anime and comic books.

Food vendors will also be on site throughout the event.

Organizers say the event is designed to celebrate pop culture across generations, bringing together longtime collectors and younger fans discovering classic games, toys and characters for the first time.

More information, including tickets and event schedules, is available at ifretrox.com.

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Dylan Carder

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI)- A local realtor and contractor is facing multiple felony grand theft charges. Spencer Allred of Idaho Falls is accused of wrongfully taking $6,000 in cash from several individuals and businesses between Dec. 1, 2021 and May 30, 2023. A grand jury indictment against Allred was filed on May 5, 2026.

Allred pleaded not guilty to all six counts during his arraignment on May 20, 2026, in Bonneville County. The possible punishment for each count includes up to 14 years in prison, a $5,000 fine and restitution. If convicted, he faces up to 84 years behind bars and a $30,000 fine.

Allred is identified as a real estate agent with Keller Williams Realty East Idaho. He was also listed as an agent for LSA Development, LLC, which dissolved on Dec. 31, 2024. Allred was a defendant in previous court cases against LSA Development, LLC. Local News 8 has contacted one of the alleged victims and is expected to hear back from them soon.

A pre-trial conference is scheduled for July 29, 2026, in Bonneville County. The jury trial is set to begin on Aug. 31, 2026.

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David Pace

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – Superintendent Debbie Critchfield and Senator Dave Lent (R-Idaho Falls) invite the public, teachers and education stakeholders to participate in a listening session tonight from 6 to 8 PM at College of Eastern Idaho. 

The Idaho Legislature passed Senate Concurrent Resolution 121 this year requesting modernization of the public school funding formula and asking “the Idaho State Superintendent of Public Instruction to present draft legislation to the Legislature that revises” how schools are funded.

“The Legislature finds that it is in the best interest of the state to align the public school funding formula with Idaho’s vision for education and to modernize the public school funding formula to ensure it meets constitutional obligations and the evolving needs of students, staff, and communities,” the resolution states.

The formula distributes more than $2.5 billion each year to school districts and public charter schools.

Today’s education environment has evolved significantly since the formula was last updated in 1994.

According to the resolution, “Educational delivery models and student needs [then] differ[ed] substantially from those of today, including traditional brick-and-mortar schools, rural and remote districts, small and large districts, public charter schools, virtual education programs, and blended learning models.”

Lawmakers also hope to deliver more effective support and resources for students with special needs.

Listening sessions are being held in Idaho Falls, Boise and Coeur d’Alene.

Additional comment will be accepted at a Virtual Funding Formula Modernization listening Session on June 25 from 6 to 8 PM at https://idahosde.zoom.us/j/96901934245#success.

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Par Kermani

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — “Many roots, One Rainbow” is the theme for Idaho Falls Pride this year, while it begins preparing for celebrations with a number of events set for later in the month.

“Whether you define yourself by a label, many labels, or none at all — you belong.” said Pride organizers in a statement on the official Idaho Falls Pride website. “Pride is not about fitting into a single box; it’s about breaking them open and living freely, authentically, and boldly.”

Organizers say the events are intended to bring people together while celebrating diversity and fostering a sense of belonging in the community.

A drag show will take place on June 26 followed by the annual Pride Parade will take place June 27, beginning at 10 a.m. Participants will gather at the Unitarian Universalist Church parking lot before traveling around the Greenbelt and returning to the festival area.

The Idaho Falls Pride Festival will follow at the Greenbelt Bandshell area from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Organizers expect between 2,000 and 3,000 people to attend throughout the day. The free event will feature live music, performances, vendors, community organizations and activities for families.

Idaho Falls Pride leaders say safety remains a priority. The organization has partnered with local agencies and regional organizations to develop safety plans for all Pride events. Security officers, volunteers and a first aid station will be available during the festival.

Attendees are also encouraged to follow the organization’s code of conduct, which emphasizes respect, inclusion and non-engagement with protesters.

Organizers are still seeking volunteers and sponsors to help support this year’s events.

Additional information, including volunteer opportunities and ticket information, is available through Idaho Falls Pride.

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