Public education and public dollars: Maintaining Idaho’s schools in an era of cuts
“We want that public schools budget to maintain current funding levels,” Idaho Superintendent of Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield said.…
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Bill to void local LGBTQ protections sparks fight over local control in Idaho
A bill moving through the Idaho Legislature would wipe out local LGBTQ anti-discrimination protections in cities across the state. While supporters…
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House Committee Advances Bill to Track Student Immigration Status
The House Education Committee Wednesday introduced a bill that would direct the state to publicize data on the immigration status of students…
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Across-the-board cuts or ‘a chainsaw to the budget?’: Idaho budget committee implements one and two percent cuts
On Friday, the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee (JFAC), Idaho’s budget-setting committee, ordered one percent cuts for Fiscal Year 2026 and…
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National Guard officer behind religious discrimination lawsuit challenges Sen. Jim Guthrie
An Idaho Army National Guard officer who claims he faced religious discrimination for his opposition to a Pocatello drag queen story hour announced…
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Statehouse roundup, 2.10.26: Launch fund transfers will cut student aid, director says
A $10 million transfer from the Idaho Launch fund would cut into student aid this year, the program’s director said Tuesday.
“We would have to…
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Idaho lawmakers move to curb local control over short-term rentals
Idaho legislators introduced two pivotal bills last week aimed at stripping local governments of their power to regulate short-term rentals (STRs).…
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‘Convention of States’ debate broils in Boise
Idaho is closely debating whether to join a coalition of states calling for a balanced budget amendment on the national…
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Gas Feuds: Utah-Idaho conflict simmering over proposed gasoline export tax
“I think that Utah will find some sanity and pull back,” Idaho Speaker of the House Mike Moyle said. “But we’ll see because if they don’t, we in…
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Idaho lawmakers propose sweeping expansion of bathroom restrictions based on biological sex
Idaho lawmakers introduced two bills on Friday aimed at expanding existing restrictions on bathroom and locker room access based on biological…
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JFAC approves spending cuts, placing higher ed on the chopping block
The Legislature’s budget committee Friday endorsed $46.3 million of additional spending cuts for the next two years, which could come largely from…
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Supreme Court upholds private education tax credit
The Idaho Supreme Court upheld the state’s private education tax credit Thursday.
The five-member court unanimously agreed that challengers…
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Idaho House passes bill to nullify local LGBTQ+ protections
The Idaho House of Representatives approved legislation Thursday that would strip 13 cities of their ability to enforce local anti-discrimination…
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Idaho House advances One Big Beautiful Bill tax cuts
The Idaho House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly Tuesday to conform to the federal tax cuts in the One Big Beautiful…
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Program cuts, staff cuts, furloughs: Education leaders say budget cuts would cause fallout
Another round of budget cuts would force immediate staff cuts and furloughs across Idaho campuses, college and university officials said Friday.
The…
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Critchfield rejects budget committee’s request to plan for cuts
One day after legislative budget-writers asked state superintendent Debbie Critchfield to plan for cuts to public schools, the first-term Republican…
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Idaho Pastor responds to allegations of Christian nationalism
“I’m fond of telling people, ‘If there is no God above the state, the state becomes God,” said Christ Church Senior Pastor Doug Wilson. “And I…
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Sen. Ruchti to host three-part 2026 Legislative Town Hall series
Looking to bridge the gap between the Statehouse and the community, State Senator James Ruchti (D-Pocatello) has announced three town halls for…
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Legislative budget-writers tell agencies to prepare for additional cuts
State agency budget cuts could deepen to 5% for the current fiscal year and next fiscal year.
Leaders of the Legislature’s Joint…
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‘Oh rats!’: Confronting a rodent infestation in western Idaho
“It’s very alarming when you can walk outside somebody’s house and see rats crawling inside…
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Idaho Democrats mark Roe v. Wade anniversary with call for end to near-total abortion ban
On the anniversary of the landmark Roe v. Wade decision, Idaho Democratic legislators marked the date with a call to restore abortion access,…
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‘It’s just not affordable:’ Idaho Democratic Party Chair outlines major concerns for the Legislature
“Idaho Democrats are very concerned about what we’re seeing happen with the budget and the expressed priorities,” said Idaho Democratic Party…
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Grocery tax repeal debate: Vital funding or a burden on residents
A voter initiative to repeal the grocery tax in Idaho is stirring discussion in the…
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Idaho’s ‘Fairness in Women’s Sports’ case heard by U.S. Supreme Court
“Justice Roberts then basically said that if we don’t define sex, then how shall we know if we’re discriminating?” said Rep. Barbara Ehardt,…
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Takeaways from Supreme Court arguments on transgender athletes
CNN By John Fritze, Devan Cole, CNN (CNN) — The Supreme Court’s conservative majority indicated Tuesday it is likely to side with two states…
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‘It’s unchartered territory’: Local legislators respond to Governor’s State of the State address
“Our budgets are tight. I can tell you that no one’s getting a raise at the state of Idaho – teachers or state workers,” said Rep. Rod…
Continue Reading Gov. Little unveils ‘ENDURING IDAHO’ plan, calls for ‘right-sized’ budget amid “demanding restraint”
The 2026 Idaho legislative session kicks off today, starting with Governor Brad Little’s State of the State address, outlining his initiatives and…
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Rep. Fulcher applauds “incredibly impressive” military operation in Venezuela, highlights legislative priorities, rural healthcare
IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — A week after the U.S. military successfully ousted Nicolás Maduro, Congressman Russ Fulcher had high praise for the…
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Governor Little appoints Erin Bingham to fill vacant Idaho House Seat in District 32
“I am deeply honored and grateful to be selected by Governor Little to represent my Idaho Falls community at home and in the Idaho Legislature,”…
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Supreme Court to hear arguments next week on Idaho’s “Fairness in Women’s Sports” Act
“Finally, after five and a half years, my legislation that was passed in 2020 – first of its kind – the “Fairness in Women’s Sports” is…
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Legislative District 32 Selects Nominees to Fill Representative Horman’s Seat
The Bonneville County Republican Central Committee selected three finalists Tuesday night to fill a vacancy in Idaho House Legislative District 32…
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New Year, New Laws
Idaho will be ringing in the new year with eight new laws on the books on January…
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Former Idaho Lawmaker Todd Achilles challenges Jim Risch for U.S. Senate Seat
Former Democratic legislator Todd Achilles has officially entered the 2026 race for the U.S. Senate as an Independent. Achilles, who recently…
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A ‘self-inflicted’ crisis: Sheriffs and providers warn lawmakers about dangerous mental health cuts
Law enforcement and mental health specialists are sounding the alarm after state cuts are eliminating services for individuals with serious mental…
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Labrador and 7 state AGs push back against Trump administration’s efforts to reschedule marijuana
Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador is leading a coalition of state prosecutors in voicing sharp opposition to the Trump Administration’s recent…
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Rep. Wendy Horman accepts role in Trump Administration as Director of the Office of Child Care
Representative Wendy Horman (R-Idaho Falls) announced that she has accepted a position to serve as the Director of the Office of Child Care in the…
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Table-to-table lunch, your direct line to local legislators
Idahoans in Pocatello have the opportunity to meet and discuss current issues with their local representative during a special Table-to-Table…
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Millions of dollars to pour into rural Idaho with Secure Rural Schools Act
Millions of dollars for schools, roads and bridges are headed to rural Idaho counties after the Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act passed…
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Lawmakers hit on hot topics at Legislative Preview
A closer look at the priorities and the controversies taking shape ahead of Idaho’s upcoming legislative…
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‘An Open Door’: City Councilman-Elect Brandon Lee Shares Vision for Idaho Falls
Idaho Falls small business owner and real estate developer Brandon Lee secured a seat on the Idaho Falls City Council Tuesday, promising “a listening…
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New Pocatello Mayor and City Council to be sworn in on January 8th
The City of Pocatello has announced that Mayor-Elect Mark Dahlquist and the new City Council Members will take their oaths of office on Thursday,…
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Mark Dahlquist elected Mayor of Pocatello
Voters have chosen Mark Dahlquist as the next mayor of Pocatello on Tuesday night.
Dahlquist won with 7,238 votes, or 62%, over Greg Cates 4,424…
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Lisa Burtenshaw elected as Idaho Falls Mayor; Brandon Lee elected to City Council
IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – Lisa Burtenshaws won the runoff election for Idaho Falls mayor. The unofficial results show Burtenshaw received 6,435…
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Pocatello, Idaho Falls Runoff Elections Wrap Up Tonight at 8 PM
The 2025 election wraps up tonight, Tuesday, December 2, 2025, as polls are now open for critical runoff elections in both Idaho Falls and Pocatello.…
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Down to the Wire: Pocatello Mayor Run-off Election is Tuesday
After months of anticipation, Tuesday is the run-off election for the mayor’s race in Pocatello. The November general election determined that the…
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D91 pledges to “maintain safe environment & reduce distractions” as schools host run-off election
Idaho Falls School District 91 students will head to class tomorrow, coinciding with the crucial Idaho Falls Mayoral Run-Off election. The decision…
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Recount confirms Elmore County winners after initial election count misses 373 votes
“In order for our elections to work, voters must have confidence that their votes will count,” said Secretary of State McGrane. “Today we…
Continue Reading Pocatello Mayoral Run-Off Debate
The Dec. 2nd Pocatello Mayoral Run-Off election is rapidly approaching. Tonight, November 19, Local News 8 is bringing you the Pocatello Mayoral…
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300 Ballots Untallied: Elmore County orders full hand count
Elmore County election officials have ordered a countywide hand count of all November election ballots after an audit confirmed that approximately…
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Simpson backs effort to codify Trump’s reintroduced Presidential Fitness Test for American students
Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson announced he is cosponsoring a bill to permanently establish the Presidential Fitness Test in national schools, as the…
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One vote separates candidates in Salmon City Council Race; Recount set for Thursday
SALMON, Idaho (KIFI) – Lemhi County election clerks will conduct a recount in a race where only one vote separated the winner. According to the…
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Idaho State Rep. Lance Clow resigns, citing health concerns
A lengthy career in Idaho politics is coming to an early close. Long-time Twin Falls Republican lawmaker Lance Clow announced Thursday that he will…
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Federal Judge dismisses “absurd” and “outlandish” Satanic Temple challenge to Idaho Abortion Law with prejudice
Attorney General Raúl Labrador applauded the decision, hailing it as a significant legal victory for the state.
“Idaho’s pro-life laws protect both…
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Pocatello native Terri Pickens launches 2026 governor bid on Democrat ticket
Terri Pickens, a Pocatello native and founder of Pickens Law, P.A., formally announced her campaign for Idaho Governor as a Democrat in 2026. Pickens…
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Bonneville County moves up early voting start for December Runoff
Bonneville County residents are set to head back to the polls sooner than expected as the upcoming runoff elections take shape. On Monday, the…
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Local Elections at Crossroads: Idaho GOP plans push to end nonpartisan municipal elections
Roughly three-quarters of American cities hold non-partisan city council and mayoral elections, or, where candidates do not provide a political party…
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Tight timeline and mail-in ballots? Local News 8 gets answers for Bonneville Runoff Elections
“It does make a pretty tight timeline. But we are planning on sending out absentee ballots, likely between the 12th and the 14th. It doesn’t give…
Continue Reading “Ready for Change”: Pocatello Mayoral candidates reflect on election and city’s future
Following the local elections, Pocatello is guaranteed a new mayor by December 2, 2025. Mark Dahlquist had 40% of the votes, and Greg Cates had…
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Runoff rules in Eastern Idaho: Why some cities need a second election
East Idaho cities are no strangers to run-off elections, and there is a reason for that.
With the prospect of run-offs in our current local…
Continue Reading Mayor Blad ousted as candidates Greg Cates & Mark Dahlquist head to runoff election
Pocatello is headed for a high-stakes mayoral runoff on December 2, 2025, guaranteeing that the city will have a new leader in 2026. The final tally…
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Rexburg Police Station Bond fails to reach supermajority
A bond that would have been used to cover the cost of construction for a new Rexburg police station facility failed to reach the 66.67% of approval…
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Scott Stufflebeam secures Blackfoot Mayoral Victory; Shoyo takes D55 Trustee post by a whisper
The official results are finalized for the Bingham County 2025 municipal elections, confirming a tight victory for Scott D. Stufflebeam, who narrowly…
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Idaho Falls Election Results: Burtenshaw and Alldridge head to runoff in Mayoral Election
As the final tallies are processed from Idaho Falls’ municipal election, the results show two City Council seats have been secured, while the highly…
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Gov. Little returns from “productive” D.C. trip, Idaho Democrats denounce “cruel” withholding of SNAP benefits
Governor Little summed up his visit as “productive and patriotic,” saying he covered “a lot of ground” in his discussions with the President and his…
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The passing of a public servant: Former Idaho U.S. Congressman Richard Stallings passes away at 85
“Richard reminded us that politics at its best is about people, not power. It is about understanding our neighbors’ struggles and standing up for…
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“Stupid Schumer Shutdown”: Rep. Simpson blasts shutdown’s impact on National Parks
On the 22nd day of the government shutdown, Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson joined House Republican leadership Wednesday to address the ongoing…
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Idaho legislator answers questions about transgender athlete case going to Supreme Court
The ruling on the case could set precedent for other states concerning transgender athletes in Women’s sports, and Idaho Attorney General Raul…
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‘It’s a Need, Not a Luxury’: South Fremont High seeks long-awaited auditorium
“This is something that we need to happen for our students. Some people think it’s just going to be more luxurious and more comfortable for us, but…
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Idaho Falls City Council Candidates Address Youth Involvement in Local Politics
Idaho Falls City Council candidates Jordan Bardsley, Mosy Moran, Teresa Dominick, Christopher Brunt, and Brad Whipple, participated in a public forum…
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Local WIC offices told to operate as normal despite federal funding risk
National WIC program funding concerns not impacting local WIC offices, yet.…
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Candidates for mayor in Idaho Falls answer questions on local issues
Lisa Burtenshaw, Christian Ashcraft, and Jeffrey Aldridge fielded questions from residents, focusing on the challenges of rapid growth, housing…
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Republicans select three names to replace District 35A State Representative
Precinct Committee Officers from Legislative District 35 will host a public meeting on Saturday, September 20, at Inkom City Hall to nominate three…
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Three more charged in Fremont County voter fraud case, Island Park Mayor denies city involvement in investigation
The voter fraud investigation in Fremont County has expanded. Local News 8 has now confirmed through court records that authorities have charged…
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Voters to decide on new performing arts addition for South Fremont High School
Voters in Fremont County will decide in November if a new performing arts addition can be constructed at South Fremont High School.…
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Idaho Falls City Council candidate shares thoughts and ideas
“Make sure that the growth that’s happening is done in a safe way for the community so that things are still affordable and we’re still keeping the…
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Local News 8 talks with Idaho Falls city office candidates
“I want to try to restore faith and trust with the city government and the people,” Alldridge said. “And try to do policies that match what the…
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What you need to know to run for Mayor or city council member
Candidates looking to run for city races can file their Declaration of Candidacy on August 18. The deadline to file is August 29, 2025. Election day…
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Idaho Senators introduce bill to increase penalties for crime against First Responders
U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), and Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.) introduced the Graham Hoffman Act, which will make it a federal…
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Senator Jim Risch addresses proposal to sell off public lands at Idaho GOP summer meeting
Delegates from all over the state voiced opinions on any changes they think need to happen within the Idaho Republican Party.…
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Idaho’s youth gender-affirming care ban now fully enforceable after lawsuit dismissed
Idaho’s law banning gender-affirming care for minors, the Vulnerable Child Protection Act, is now fully enforceable following the dismissal of the…
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“Imagine Excellence” in public education: Idaho Public Education Coalition holds meeting on how to meet student’s needs
The meeting was geared toward brainstorming ideas for the future, with questions about not just how to meet current metrics, but if the current…
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Idaho Democrats launch “All In for Idaho” initiative ahead of 2026 elections
“For too long, Republican politicians have taken this state for granted, and the result is a set of laws that are completely out of touch with…
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Federal waivers in Indiana, Iowa could boost Idaho’s chances for SNAP purchase restrictions
“President Trump has given our nation a once-in-a-generation opportunity to change the health trajectory for our entire country,” said Secretary…
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Bond to build new Shelley High School fails
Voters in the Shelley School District said no to building a new high school.…
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Idaho voters head to polls May 20th
Idahoans are heading to the polls tomorrow for the May 20th election, with polls open from 8 AM to 8 PM. Several key local measures are on the…
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Federal Judge blocks the execution of Idaho’s new immigration enforcement law
Tuesday, a federal judge granted a preliminary injunction in IORC v. Labrador, has blocked the enforcement of Idaho’s new immigration enforcement…
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Gov. Little approves bill restricting illegal aliens from accessing public services
Wednesday, Governor Brad Little signed into law a bill intended to prevent illegal immigrants living in Idaho from accessing certain state…
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Senator Mike Crapo pays eastern Idaho a visit
In an exclusive interview with Senator Mike Crapo, Doug Long asks about recent Republican town hall meetings, the Trump tariffs,…
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Florida Governor visits Idaho Statehouse to push for balanced budget amendment
Governor Ron DeSantis joined Governor Brad Little at the Idaho Statehouse on Monday to push for support for a balanced budget amendment to the U.S.…
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Senate approves controversial childcare bill, amended bill heading back to the House
House Bill 234 aims to reduce state regulations for childcare facilities. The most controversial change would allow these centers to establish their…
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Idaho House approves adding seats with University of Utah medical education program
The Idaho House has passed a bill that will add more seats to train medical doctors.…
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Idaho Governor signs $253 million income tax cut
The Idaho Senate passed a projected $253 million tax cut, in addition to exemptions for military pensions and the removal of capital gains on…
Continue Reading School choice tax credit bill passes Idaho legislature
The Senate has passed a bill to create a $50 million parental choice tax credit, which is now headed to the Governor’s…
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Idaho bill would eliminate daylight-saving time
A new bill in the Idaho House of Representatives is trying to eliminate daylight-saving time.…
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Idaho GOP asks Bingham Republicans to pay attorney fees after losing court case
The legal battle for Bingham County Republicans might come with some hefty costs. Attorney for the Idaho GOP, Bryan Smith, has filed a memorandum for…
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Idaho Rep. Russ Fulcher brings state and feds together to prevent wildfires
Idaho Congressman Russ Fulcher brought federal and state officials together on January 31, 2025, to curtail the 2025 wildfire season after what he…
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Idaho’s Senator Jim Risch says people should stay calm over federal funding freeze
Idaho Sen. Jim Risch said “Everybody take a deep breath. Stay calm” over the federal funding freeze.…
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Controversial proposal to challenge same-sex marriage moves to Idaho House floor
A proposal to challenge same-sex marriage at the Supreme Court level is now moving to the Idaho House…
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President’s Executive Order halts Lava Ridge Wind Project
President Donald Trump signed an executive action Monday to stop the Lava Ridge Wind Farm project in the Magic…
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Bannock County returns forensic lab funds
Bannock County has returned nearly $1 million of state funding originally secured to construct the now-defunct East Idaho Forensic Pathology…
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