As kids across the Gem State trade their textbooks for sunshine and fresh air, the Idaho Department of Education is reminding families that the federal Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) is available for children ages 1 to 18.

Idaho State Police revealed the driver of the pickup involved in the US 20 crash near Henrys Lake, which killed seven people, was impaired by alcohol.

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed a lawsuit against the City of Troy, Idaho, alleging that the city violated the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA) by denying a conditional use permit (CUP) to a small evangelical church. The lawsuit, filed Tuesday in the U.S. District Court for the District of Idaho, claims the city’s decision was influenced by bias against the church’s beliefs.

The Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is preparing to implement several statutory and rule changes passed during the 2025 Legislative Session. These changes will affect everything from license plates to instruction permits, system security, and even how next of kin is recorded on driver records. Some changes take effect this summer, while others are slated for early 2026.

The federal government has ended nearly $50 million in grants to the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare following President Trump’s directive to eliminate “wasteful spending.”

In a statement to Local News 8, Idaho Department of Health and Welfare spokesperson AJ McWhorter explained that the grants were all part of pandemic-related funding.

“Ongoing programs are not affected by the ending of these grants, and DHW is executing its exit strategies to minimize any disruptions for the one-time pandemic grants,” said McWhorter.

The National Park Service (NPS) invites members of the public to participate in three special “walks on the Moon” that will be held in May and June at Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve in southern Idaho.

“Spring is a great time of year to visit Craters of the Moon, with mild temperatures, fewer visitors, and beautiful scenery as remaining snow contrasts with lava and wildflowers bloom,” said Michael Irving, chief of interpretation & education at Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve.

Idaho’s Attorney General, Raúl Labrador, is issuing a serious warning for parents of young children about a dangerous online sextortion scheme. According to the AG’s office, a criminal network known as “764” is targeting kids through popular apps like Discord, Telegram, and even Roblox.

Labrador says the group is actively targeting children in Idaho.

On Friday, Governor Brad Little and the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare submitted a formal request to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for approval to restrict the purchase of junk food using Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, commonly known as food stamps.

The move comes after Gov. Little signed House Bill 109 into law in April. According to the USDA, approximately 20% of SNAP purchases overall are spent on sugary beverages and snacks.

The new field house will let the school’s students and the community play sports year-round. Since Idaho’s colder months can last a long time, playing and practicing sports can be limited each year.

“It is so important that we recognize our fallen officers and their families for their sacrifice so the rest of us can live in safety and peace,” said Little in a written statement. “Day in and day out, our law enforcement officers walk from their homes and head to work knowing full well the dangerous situations they could encounter in a typical work day. Their willingness to confront those dangers in their service to our communities and our state deserves our gratitude.”

After three years of success with more than 115 voluntary conservation projects installed statewide by 47 of Idaho’s conservation districts, the Idaho Legislature approved an additional $1 million for the Water Quality Program for Agriculture (WQPA) grant program in fiscal 2026.

Yesterday, five trees in Pioneer Cemetery were blown over by a micro burst. The fall caused damage to the earth and tombstones.

“Today, I lost one of my dearest friends and Idaho lost a true champion. Carl Crabtree was more than a colleague—he was a cowboy at heart, a fierce advocate for education and a man whose integrity shaped everything he touched. Carl’s passion for serving Idaho’s students and families never wavered, even in the face of his personal battle with cancer. From his work championing early literacy and dyslexia resources to his tireless efforts supporting educators, Carl’s legacy will live on in the lives he changed,” said Superintendent of Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield.

“As a result of extensive investigative work by many law enforcement agencies from various jurisdictions, a dangerous illegal immigrant fugitive wanted for Assault on a Federal Officer and Eluding Police in north Idaho was safely apprehended in Colorado,” said United States Marshal for the District of Idaho Brent Bunn. “We appreciate the great working relationship we have with all our law enforcement partners, working together to keep our communities safe.” 

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — In honor of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service, Governor Brad Little is directing all state and national flags to be lowered to half staff on May 4, 2025. Every year, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation sponsors the official national tribute to all firefighters who died in the line of duty

Throughout April, ISP has been involved in various activities and initiatives to raise awareness during Sexual Assault Awareness Month. These efforts will come to a head on Wednesday, as the ISP joins individuals and organizations nationwide in participating in Denim Day.

“Sexual violence affects every community, every demographic, and every corner of our state,” said Colonel Bill Gardiner, Director of the Idaho State Police. “As Idaho’s statewide law enforcement agency, we are committed not only to responding to these crimes with professionalism and compassion, but to thoroughly investigating and enforcing the laws designed to stop this violence.”