Idaho Politics Archives

Federal Judge blocks the execution of Idaho’s new immigration enforcement law

April 30, 2025 1:42 PM Seth Ratliff

Tuesday, a federal judge granted a preliminary injunction in IORC v. Labrador, has blocked the enforcement of Idaho’s new immigration enforcement…

Gov. Little approves bill restricting illegal aliens from accessing public services

April 4, 2025 12:17 PM Seth Ratliff

Wednesday, Governor Brad Little signed into law a bill intended to prevent illegal immigrants living in Idaho from accessing certain state…

Senator Mike Crapo pays eastern Idaho a visit

March 24, 2025 6:28 PM Doug Long

In an exclusive interview with Senator Mike Crapo, Doug Long asks about recent Republican town hall meetings, the Trump tariffs,…

Florida Governor visits Idaho Statehouse to push for balanced budget amendment

March 24, 2025 11:56 AM Curtis Jackson

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.…

Senate approves controversial childcare bill, amended bill heading back to the House

March 14, 2025 4:05 PM Seth Ratliff

House Bill 234 aims to reduce state regulations for childcare facilities. The most controversial change would allow these centers to establish their…

Idaho House approves adding seats with University of Utah medical education program

March 13, 2025 5:38 PM Curtis Jackson

The Idaho House has passed a bill that will add more seats to train medical doctors.…

Idaho Governor signs $253 million income tax cut

March 5, 2025 11:56 AM Seth Ratliff

The Idaho Senate passed a projected $253 million tax cut, in addition to exemptions for military pensions and the removal of capital gains on…

School choice tax credit bill passes Idaho legislature

February 19, 2025 3:09 PM Curtis Jackson

The Senate has passed a bill to create a $50 million parental choice tax credit, which is now headed to the Governor’s…

Idaho bill would eliminate daylight-saving time

February 7, 2025 1:26 PM Curtis Jackson

A new bill in the Idaho House of Representatives is trying to eliminate daylight-saving time.…

Idaho GOP asks Bingham Republicans to pay attorney fees after losing court case

February 4, 2025 12:53 PM Seth Ratliff

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…

Idaho Rep. Russ Fulcher brings state and feds together to prevent wildfires

February 4, 2025 12:04 PM Stephanie Lucas

Idaho Congressman Russ Fulcher brought federal and state officials together on January 31, 2025, to curtail the 2025 wildfire season after what he…

Idaho’s Senator Jim Risch says people should stay calm over federal funding freeze

January 28, 2025 4:30 PM Curtis Jackson

Idaho Sen. Jim Risch said “Everybody take a deep breath. Stay calm” over the federal funding freeze.…

Controversial proposal to challenge same-sex marriage moves to Idaho House floor

January 22, 2025 4:23 PM Seth Ratliff

A proposal to challenge same-sex marriage at the Supreme Court level is now moving to the Idaho House…

President’s Executive Order halts Lava Ridge Wind Project

January 21, 2025 9:18 AM Curtis Jackson

President Donald Trump signed an executive action Monday to stop the Lava Ridge Wind Farm project in the Magic…

Bannock County returns forensic lab funds

January 15, 2025 1:41 PM Sam Ross

Bannock County has returned nearly $1 million of state funding originally secured to construct the now-defunct East Idaho Forensic Pathology…

GOP-led House votes to ban transgender athletes from women’s sports

January 14, 2025 1:05 PM CNN Newsource

By Clare Foran and Haley Talbot, CNN (CNN) — The House voted on Tuesday to pass a GOP-led bill that would ban transgender athletes from…

Idaho bill raises the bar on getting initiatives, referendums onto ballot

January 10, 2025 4:11 PM Curtis Jackson

Lawmakers are once again attempting to make it more difficult to pass a citizen-backed ballot initiative or…

Idaho House starts 2025 session with proposal to challenge same-sex marriage

January 8, 2025 11:12 AM Seth Ratliff

An Idaho House committee is considering asking the Supreme Court to overturn a ruling legalizing same-sex marriage…

Idaho GOP censures Madison County Precinct Committee Officer

January 6, 2025 6:38 PM Stephanie Lucas

The Idaho Republican Party has censured a Madison County Precinct Committee Officer (PCO) for his support of Prop One or “Idahoans for Open…

Key Takeaways: Governor Little’s State of the State address

January 6, 2025 11:28 AM Seth Ratliff

Governor Brad Little is set to kick of the first day of the 2025 Legislative session with the annual State of the State address. Little will begin…

Governor outlines his priorities for the upcoming legislature

January 3, 2025 2:39 PM Curtis Jackson

Idaho Governor Brad Little addressed the news media Friday morning about his priorities for the 2025…

Bingham County Republicans elect chairman once again

December 31, 2024 9:19 AM Curtis Jackson

The Bingham County Republicans met Monday night to re-elect new…

Federal court divided over Idaho’s abortion ban and emergency care fight

December 10, 2024 10:00 AM CNN Newsource

By Tierney Sneed, CNN (CNN) — The Biden administration’s challenge to Idaho’s strict abortion ban divided a federal appeals court that…

Shanta Sanchez named new coroner for Bonneville County

December 10, 2024 7:25 AM Maggie Moore

Shante Sanchez will be sworn in as Bonneville County Coroner on December 30th, replacing Rick Taylor.…

Idaho party leaders respond to pardon for Hunter Biden

December 3, 2024 6:17 PM Stephanie Lucas

Leaders of Idaho’s Democratic and Republican parties are responding to President Biden’s recent pardon of his son,…

Idaho’s ‘abortion trafficking’ law mostly can be enforced as lawsuit proceeds, court rules

December 2, 2024 9:36 PM Associated Press

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — A federal appeals court on Monday ruled that most of Idaho’s first-in-the-nation law that makes it illegal to help minors…

State senator, watchdog groups allege Bannock County misused state money

November 27, 2024 2:09 PM Sam Ross

A Twin Falls senator, along with two watchdog groups, alleges Bannock County misappropriated funds to be used for a Forensic Pathology…

Idaho’s Senators introduce bill to define male and female

November 26, 2024 6:59 PM Curtis Jackson

Idaho Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch, along with two other Republican senators, are introducing the Defining Male and Female Act of…

Idaho Secretary of State’s Office holds post-election audit draw

November 15, 2024 12:59 PM Noah Farley

The audit is done to make sure the election tabulation is accurate for even-year primary and general…

Gov. Little’s trade mission to Taiwan and Japan strengthens trade opportunities for Idaho

November 14, 2024 3:31 PM News Team

Governor Brad Little returned this past weekend from a productive seven-day trade mission to Taiwan and…

Bryan Smith weighs in on his very accurate election prediction

November 6, 2024 4:14 PM Tucker Robertson

Idaho Republican National Committeeman Bryan Smith discusses his shockingly accurate election…

Idahoans weigh in on the outcome of Prop 1

November 6, 2024 11:49 AM Seth Ratliff

A large majority of voters said no to Proposition 1. As of Wednesday afternoon, only 30 percent of voters said yes to the measure with 70 percent…

AP Race Call: Republican Mike Simpson wins reelection to U.S. House in Idaho’s 2nd Congressional District

November 5, 2024 10:46 PM Associated Press

Republican Rep. Mike Simpson won a 14th term to a U.S. House seat representing Idaho’s 2nd Congressional…

Donald Trump declared winner of the Gem State

November 5, 2024 9:15 PM Tucker Robertson

Donald J. Trump was declared winner for the Presidential race in…

Ranked-choice voting scares Idaho voters as Prop 1 fails

November 5, 2024 11:06 PM Tucker Robertson

IDAHO (KIFI) – Most Idaho voters did not want to change how primaries are conducted in Idaho and create ranked-choice voting. As of 11:00 p.m.…

Polls open in Idaho and Wyoming

November 5, 2024 9:15 AM Curtis Jackson

Polls in Idaho are open until 8 p.m. In Wyoming, polls close at 7…

Bannock County political party volunteers making final push before election

October 23, 2024 4:24 PM Sam Ross

The Bannock County GOP and Bannock County Democrats are stepping up volunteer efforts to secure votes before the polls open in two…

Locals party with the IFFD at the annual Fire Prevention Block Party

October 3, 2024 4:05 PM Ariel Jensen

The Idaho Falls Fire Department invites the entire community to the annual Fire Prevention Block Party on Thursday, Oct.…

Gen Z’s mental health more vulnerable to election stress

October 2, 2024 3:24 PM Sam Ross

A survey done by wellness company Freedomology found that the upcoming election is affecting some generations’ mental health differently than…

Forum to talk about pros and cons of open primaries and ranked-choice voting in Idaho

September 30, 2024 3:56 PM Seth Ratliff

The forum on Proposition 1 starts at 7pm at the Shilo Inn, 780 Lindsay Blvd., Idaho Falls, Idaho.…

Bonneville County Republican Party to host forum on ranked choice voting/open primaries

September 29, 2024 4:51 PM Tucker Robertson

Bonneville County Republican Party to host a public forum that will be held at the Snake River Events Center at the Shilo Inn, 780 Lindsay Blvd.,…

Bannock County Democrats gather to watch presidential debate

September 11, 2024 9:22 AM Sam Ross

Bannock County Democrats gathered at the Pocatello Elks Lodge to cheer on democratic candidate…

Newstalk 107.9 FM hosts dinner for bus group that missed inside of Trump rally venue

September 11, 2024 1:47 AM Todd Kunz

Before the presidential debate Tuesday evening, Newstalk 107.9 FM hosted a special dinner for a special…

Newstalk 107.9 FM hosts presidential debate watch party

September 11, 2024 1:35 AM Todd Kunz

107.9 FM holds presidential debate watch party at the Shilo Inn in Idaho Falls Tuesday…

Idaho Democrats send 27 delegates to the national convention

August 21, 2024 9:26 AM Stephanie Lucas

Idaho party chair Rep. Lauren Necochea spoke to Local News 8 from the convention on Tuesday.…

Idaho Supreme Court rules Open Primaries Initiative can remain on November ballot

August 14, 2024 11:48 AM Stephanie Lucas

The open primaries initiative will be on the ballot in November after a ruling from the Idaho Supreme Court. The court ruled against the challenges…

Idaho Lt. Governor speaks about water curtailment during Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce luncheon

August 13, 2024 10:35 PM Stephanie Lucas

Water curtailment was the main topic at an Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce luncheon…

Former U.S. Senator Steve Symms passed away

August 9, 2024 3:17 PM Curtis Jackson

Former U.S. Senator Steve Symms Idaho passed away Thursday, August 8, 2024 at the age of…

Register early to avoid lines on Election Day

July 31, 2024 7:28 PM Linda Larsen

To avoid long lines at the polls, local election workers say to make sure you are registered before election…

Idaho Attorney General files lawsuit against Open Primary initiative

July 25, 2024 5:52 PM News Team

Idaho Attorney General Raul Labrador is challenging the open primary…

Idaho Democratic Party Delegate to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris

July 23, 2024 2:02 PM News Team

All of Idaho Democrat delegates will support Vice President Kamala Harris as the party’s presidential…

State GOP expresses concern over Biden’s endorsement of Kamala Harris

July 22, 2024 2:11 PM Seth Ratliff

The Idaho republican party is weighing in on President Joe Biden’s decision to bow out from this November’s race for the white house.

The…

Political scientist David Adler shares thoughts on President Biden’s decision

July 21, 2024 6:00 PM News Team

Political scientist and writer David Adler shares his thoughts on President Biden’s historic decision.…

Local people react to President Biden’s decision to drop out of race

July 21, 2024 5:46 PM Seth Ratliff

Local News 8 went to the Idaho Falls Greenbelt to gauge the reaction to President Joe Biden’s withdrawal as the Democratic nominee for…

Idaho Democrats responds to President Bidens decision

July 21, 2024 4:59 PM News Team

The Idaho Democratic Party released the following statement following President Joe Biden’s decision to withdraw from the presidential race.…

Idaho Open Primaries initiative to appear on November’s ballot

July 10, 2024 4:07 PM Curtis Jackson

Voters will decide whether to open primaries to all voters or just to party members.…

Governor’s new Executive Order tightens voter registration rules for non-citizens

July 9, 2024 11:56 AM Curtis Jackson

Idaho Governor Brad Little signed an executive order on July 9 called the “Only Citizens Will Vote…

Election Results certified by Board of Canvassers

June 5, 2024 11:08 AM Braydon Wilson

The Idaho Secretary of State and the Board of Canvassers will ratify the results of last month’s primary elections in Idaho Falls on Wednesday, June…

Post-election audit selection of Idaho counties, precincts

May 29, 2024 2:38 PM News Team

The Idaho Secretary of State’s Office has conducted the post-election audit draw for the May 21 Idaho Primary…

Biden selected as nominee in Idaho Democratic caucuses

May 24, 2024 9:30 AM Associated Press

Idaho Democrats have selected Joe Biden as their nominee for the White House, giving the president more delegates after he already clinched his…

Biden is poised to pick up more delegates in Idaho’s Democratic caucuses

May 23, 2024 11:46 AM Associated Press

Idaho Democrats are caucusing across the state to select their nominee for the White House, giving President Joe Biden more delegates after he…

Election outcome – The balance of power in the state GOP

May 22, 2024 5:23 PM Seth Ratliff

This election cycle, in-fighting among Republicans has reached a fever pitch, as candidates attack each other over who is more conservative or too…

Idaho Democratic Party Presidential Caucus set Thursday

May 22, 2024 2:26 PM News Team

The early election cycle is not over just yet in…

Mike Simpson wins Republican nomination for US House in Idaho’s 2nd Congressional District

May 21, 2024 10:17 PM News Team, Associated Press

Mike Simpson wins Republican nomination for U.S. House in Idaho’s 2nd Congressional…

Secretary of State explains 2024 primary election technical issues

May 21, 2024 11:28 PM Todd Kunz

Secretary of State Phil McGrane said there may have been a delay in pulling some of the results, but now all the results are…

A tale of 2 counties this primary election day

May 21, 2024 7:53 PM Braydon Wilson

It’s a tale of two counties this primary election day; one with brisk voter turnout, and one with a slower voter pace.…

Caught on camera – alleged “sign snatcher” arrested

May 21, 2024 6:05 PM Seth Ratliff

“Sign snatchers” are a common complaint to local law enforcement every election cycle.…

Primary elections are Tuesday, elections officials are encouraging voters to cast their vote

May 20, 2024 5:46 PM Braydon Wilson

Preparations for Tuesday’s elections started early.…

Republican Infighting reaches a fever pitch – Idaho GOP Primary a battle over ideology

May 20, 2024 6:36 PM Seth Ratliff

Tomorrow republican voters head to the polls in what’s been dubbed “the battle for the soul of Idaho’s GOP”. Primary elections decide what…

Sheriff’s race in Jefferson County heats up

May 19, 2024 11:00 AM Braydon Wilson

To protect and serve, that is the goal of each and every member of law enforcement.…

Early voting ends May 17, absentee ballots must be returned by May 21

May 17, 2024 10:47 AM Cole Sams

Election Day polling locations are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on May 21.…

What is a Precinct Committee Officer? We find out

May 15, 2024 5:33 PM Seth Ratliff

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – This election cycle, one obscure community-based position is getting more attention than ever before. You’ve probably…

Bannock County Commissioner candidates for District 3 answer questions for Local News 8

May 14, 2024 5:14 PM Emma Valentine

Local News 8 sat down to talk to the candidates running for Bannock County commissioner. Ken Bullock and John Crowder are running for the Republican…

2 Republican candidates vying to be next Bannock County Commissioner of District 1

May 13, 2024 5:21 PM Cole Sams

Two candidates are running to be the Republican candidates for the first district in Bannock…

Absentee ballot request deadline for primary election is Friday

May 9, 2024 6:16 PM News Team

The deadline to apply for an absentee ballot for the May 21 Primary Election is Friday, May…

Super Thursday Candidate Forum May 9

May 9, 2024 3:23 PM News Team

The Greater Idaho Falls Chamber wants to help us get to know our local candidates running for officer later this month with a Super Thursday…

Primary election early voting begins May 6

May 6, 2024 9:40 AM News Team

Early voting for the May 21, 2024 primary election will be available from Monday, May 6 to Friday, May 17 in every county that is conducting early…

Deadline Wednesday for Open Primaries signatures

May 1, 2024 12:27 PM Zach Glancy

Wednesday is the deadline day for sponsors of the initiative for Open Primaries in…

Online voter registration deadline for May primary election nears

April 25, 2024 9:26 AM News Team

Friday, April 26 is the deadline to pre-register to vote using the online voter registration system ahead of the May 21 primary election.…

Takeaways from the Supreme Court’s oral arguments over emergency abortions

April 24, 2024 12:37 PM CNN

In a Supreme Court hearing on the Biden administration’s challenge to aspects of Idaho’s strict abortion ban, US Solicitor General Elizabeth…

Idaho Legislators discuss recent legislative session with Idaho Falls Chamber members

April 16, 2024 6:15 PM Braydon Wilson

Business leaders in Idaho Falls had a chance to break bread with 8 of our local legislators. They were also able to have a discussion surrounding the…

Supreme Court allows Idaho to enforce its ban on gender-affirming care for transgender youth

April 15, 2024 3:54 PM Associated Press

The Supreme Court is allowing Idaho to enforce its ban on gender-affirming care for transgender youth while lawsuits over the law proceed, reversing…

School grants, student pronouns and library books among the big bills of Idaho legislative session

April 11, 2024 3:18 PM Associated Press

Idaho lawmakers spent much of an unexpectedly long and sometimes contentious legislative session focusing on bills targeting LGBTQ+ residents by…

Idaho Supreme Court affirms new voter registration and ID laws

April 11, 2024 3:20 PM News Team

The Idaho Supreme Court upheld the ruling of the Fourth Judicial District Court to dismiss the lawsuit challenging Idaho’s new voter registration…

Little signs ‘harmful materials’ library bill into law

April 10, 2024 2:30 PM News Team

Starting this summer, public libraries in Idaho could be sued by someone who feels a book that is harmful to minors is in the children’s or young…

Absentee ballots mailed for May Idaho Primary Election

April 5, 2024 11:44 AM News Team

County Elections offices throughout the state of Idaho have begun mailing absentee ballots for the May 21 primary election.…

Bill requiring Idaho libraries to move ‘harmful materials’ heads to Gov. Little

April 4, 2024 7:43 AM Ashley Chilcutt, Conner Nuckols

A bill allowing a legal claim against a library in Idaho is now heading to Governor Brad Little’s desk for his…

Idaho lawmakers pass bills targeting LGBTQ+ citizens. Protesters toss paper hearts in protest

April 3, 2024 5:58 PM Associated Press

Idaho lawmakers have passed a series of bills targeting LGBTQ+ residents this year, including two this week that prevent public employees from being…

Using public funds or facilities for gender-affirming care banned by GOP-led Idaho Legislature

March 22, 2024 3:01 PM Associated Press

Lawmakers in Idaho have passed a bill to ban the use of any public funds for gender-affirming care, including for state employees using work health…

School funding bill goes to governor’s desk

March 21, 2024 4:19 PM News Team

The Idaho Senate passed House Bill 521…

Gov. Little signs law banning AI-generated ‘revenge porn’

March 20, 2024 12:51 PM News Team

Idaho Governor Brad Little has signed a bill that prohibits AI generated porn to look like a real…

Gov. Little to sign next-of-kin bill

March 18, 2024 4:36 PM Linda Larsen

A bill to provide a next-of-kin notification database is now headed to Governor Brad Little for a…

Idaho considers a ban on using public funds or facilities for gender-affirming care

March 18, 2024 9:41 AM Associated Press

Idaho lawmakers are expected to vote on a bill that would ban the use of any public funds for gender-affirming care, including for state employees…

Free ID for voting now more accessible to Idahoans

March 18, 2024 9:34 AM News Team

The legislation eliminates a restriction for Idahoans who have possessed a current driver’s license in the prior six months from obtaining the free…

Court of Appeals judge to be sworn in March 29

March 16, 2024 12:00 PM News Team

Idaho Court of Appeals Judge Michael Tribe will take his public oath of office during an investiture ceremony set for March…

Idaho’s Congressional reps explain votes, procedure behind “Tik Tok Bill” H.R. 7521

March 14, 2024 5:46 PM Stephanie Lucas

Idaho’s congressmen are explaining their votes on, as well as the mechanics of, H.R. 7521, widely referred to as a “Tik Tok…

Rigby Chamber of Commerce to hold open primary initiative event

March 13, 2024 11:50 AM Seth Ratliff

Seeing this momentum, the Rigby Chamber of Commerce told Local News 8 they’ve invited Hyrum Erickson, a Republican Precinct Committeeman from Rexburg…