Category: kifi-local-news

David Pace

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – Women connected with women across a variety of backgrounds at an annual awards banquet recognizing exceptional ladies in the region.

The Alturas Institute, a non-profit organization promoting democracy and women’s rights, held its “Conversations with Exceptional Women” ceremony Thursday at the Downtown Event Center in Idaho Falls.

The event’s theme “Everything, Everywhere, All at Once,” recognizes the myriad responsibilities and hats women manage on a daily basis.

Previous Idaho Falls Mayor Rebecca Casper received the John and Abigail Adams Award recognizing her service to the city across three terms in office for 12 years.

“You can do anything you want if you are motivated enough and you take the time to educate yourself and get there and do something,” Casper said.

Other women honored at the event include:

Randy’L Teton, the model for Sacajawea on the 2000 U.S. one dollar coin and author of the graphic novel “It’s Her Story: Sacajawea.”

“I am the official model for the Sacajawea golden dollar coin that was released in 2000, and ever since then, it’s been a big responsibility to represent not only my family and my tribe, but all of Native American women and women of color,” Teton said. “We’re from the same tribe. She is from Salmon, Idaho, and it’s important just being able to share her story and keep her legacy alive.”

Kris Millgate, an Emmy-winning outdoor journalist, previewed and spoke about her upcoming film “Sage Wisdom West,” which premieres at 7 P.M. on April 2 at the Colonial Theater.

Karole Honas, a former Local News 8 anchor with about four decades of broadcast experience, emphasized the importance of engagement with a wide variety of media sources to cut through bias prevalent in much of today’s media environment.

Dr. Heather Pugmire, an OB/GYN from Blackfoot, addressed women’s health. She has delivered more than 1,500 babies in 13 years.

Lisa Morton, a certified pilates instructor trainer and Idaho’s sole Certified Merrithew Instructor Trainer was also recognized. She is a former Dallas Cowboys cheerleader.

Alturus Institute Board of Directors Chairwoman/political scientist Dr. Caroline Heldman and film producer Christine Kunewa Walker were also honored but were unable to attend.

“My message to other women is continue to be brave, continue to dream big,” Teton said.

Click here to follow the original article.

Curtis Jackson

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — As March Madness tips off on the court, Bannock County is launching a bracket of its own.

The Mosquito Abatement District has a new high‑tech recruit—a pesticide drone—and they need help naming it.

By reaching marshy areas trucks can’t access, the drone stops mosquitoes at the source, helping prevent illnesses like West Nile virus.

“We wanted a fun way to introduce the public to this new technology,” Dana Evans, Mosquito Abatement Supervisor, said.

Residents can submit name ideas now, with a bracket‑style vote starting March 24 on social media.

Contest Details

The naming contest is open to all Bannock County residents. A review panel will select the top submissions to face off in a “bracket-style” tournament on Bannock County’s Facebook and Instagram. The bracket tournament begins Tuesday, March 24. The final championship round will be held on Monday, April 6, with the winner announced the following day.

Entry Rules

One entry per person

All entries must be received by Sunday, March 22, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.

All names must be family-friendly. Offensive language and political statements will be disqualified.

Names should be 25 characters or fewer.

Be Creative! We encourage names that relate to Idaho, Bannock County, mosquito control, or aviation.

To submit a name idea, use our provided submission form or visit the Bannock County Facebook or Instagram pages.

Click here to follow the original article.

Dylan Carder

POCATELLO, Idaho — A local dessert business that gained national attention on ABC’s Shark Tank is continuing its rapid growth, with a new location opening in eastern Idaho where its story first began.

Crispy Cones is opening a brand-new store in Pocatello, offering the community a taste of its signature pastry cones filled with soft serve ice cream. Ahead of the grand opening, the company hosted a VIP preview night, giving a select group of guests an early look at the new shop.

The expansion marks another milestone for the company, which started as a simple tent operation in Rexburg in 2018. After appearing on Shark Tank, the business quickly gained traction and has since grown into a national franchise operating in 15 states.

The Pocatello store becomes the third Crispy Cones location in Idaho, joining existing locations in Rexburg and Idaho Falls.

Local franchise owners say the decision to bring the business to Pocatello is personal.

“It all started because my husband wanted to open a business, and he spent a lot of time as an LDS missionary here in Pocatello,” franchise owner Karla Corral said. “The idea came about when we watched the Shark Tank episode, and we decided to open a Crispy Cones here because of the history the brand has in this area.”

The growth isn’t slowing down anytime soon. Additional locations, including one in Boise, are already in the planning stages, though Corral acknowledges expansion takes significant effort.

“We just finished Idaho Falls last year, and this year we’re doing this one,” the owner said. “Others are in the works, but we may take a little time because it’s been a lot of work.”

The company founder Jeremy Carlson credits the brand’s success to passionate local franchise groups that help bring Crispy Cones to communities across the country.

“The only way we could get to this point is to find the best franchise groups—people who really love the brand and push it forward in their local community,” Carlson said.

Even as the company expands nationwide, Carlson says Idaho remains at the heart of the brand.

“We are the biggest national dessert franchise headquartered in Idaho,” the founder said. “It’s so cool to see the brand grow—not just in places like California and Florida—but right here at home.”

The Pocatello location officially opens Friday, March 20 at noon. To celebrate, customers can receive a free cone with a signature spread by following Crispy Cones on Instagram.

Click here to follow the original article.

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.

Click here to follow the original article.

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.

Click here to follow the original article.

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.

Click here to follow the original article.

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.

Click here to follow the original article.

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.

Click here to follow the original article.

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.

Click here to follow the original article.

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.

Click here to follow the original article.