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IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — The United States government is bracing for a potential shutdown as a critical funding deadline looms at the end of tomorrow, with Congress deadlocked over a new spending bill. Negotiations in the Senate, where a successful bill requires 60 votes, have stalled, as Democrats refuse to support the current Republican proposal without major compromises.

Idaho Congressman Russ Fulcher identified the major sticking points to Local News 8, saying Democrats are pushing for changes vehemently opposed by Republicans. According to Fulcher, the Democrats are trying to undo several ‘hard-fought Republican victories’ in the form of the Big Beautiful Bill.

“They want to infuse our taxpayer-funded health care for illegals, taxpayer funding for certain media channels, NPR is the most visible of that,” said Fulcher. “And they want to remove any work requirements for healthy working-age people to get Medicaid. Now, those are the main things that they want to change. And that’s the sticking point. I don’t see the Republicans backing down on any of those.”

Countering the Republican claims, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer outlined the Democratic priority in a press conference earlier today. Schumer said the main issue they want is an extension of the Affordable Care Act insurance tax credits to prevent insurance premiums from spiking for Americans on ACA plans.

Fulcher says at the moment, he doesn’t see either party budging from their key points. 

“I don’t think the Republicans are going to back off of their position,” Fulcher told Local News 8. “…This is an attempt, I think, by the Democrat position to renegotiate the Big Beautiful Bill.”

In the event funding expires, a partial government shutdown will begin. While agencies deemed essential, such as national security and critical infrastructure, will continue to operate, many non-essential federal services will immediately cease. Crucially, members of the House and Senate will continue to receive pay during the shutdown.

The full interview with Representative Fulcher has been included above.

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Many people in eastern Idaho are remembering President Nelson after his passing, including Jay Hildebrandt. Despite the sad news, Hildebrandt was in good spirits when he heard that President Nelson had passed away.

RELATED: Global faith leader and medical trailblazer Russell M. Nelson dies at age 101

“I was sad when I heard President Nelson died,” Hildebrandt said. “But I’d have to admit, I wasn’t devastated because I knew that he had fought a good fight. He had completed the mission that he was sent here to do, and that he was going to a wonderful place.”

Hildebrandt covered the news conference in Salt Lake City in 2018 when President Nelson was announced as the new president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 

“I remember seeing him in that news conference,” Hildebrandt said, “and he just radiated a spirit of love and confidence. And I just knew that the church would be in good hands.”

Hildebrandt says President Nelson made a great impact on a lot of people’s lives, and many of the things President Nelson said have stuck with him for years.

“And they were just simple things, just two or three words. Things like, ‘Let God prevail.’ I thought, if I let God prevail in my life, I’ll be a better person,” said Hildebrandt.

Like Hildebrandt, many people are sad to see President Nelson go, but they are thankful for highlights from his time as president of the church, like announcing construction plans for over 200 temples, having more gospel learning centered at home, and emphasizing using the church’s full name.

Hildebrandt looks forward to the next chapter for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Arco, Idaho (KIFI) — The Butte County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) is investigating an altercation involving a group of high school students and an allegedly involved gun.

Investigators have determined the incident originated at a local high school on Thursday, September 25, and escalated after school hours at a city park, according to a BCSO press release.

During the park altercation, one young man presented a gun. Fortunately, the other individuals involved were able to secure the firearm from the individual. Authorities have confirmed that no one was injured in the incident, and the gun was never fired. Following the confrontation, all parties went their separate ways.

Law enforcement was notified later that evening when a report was made.

The Sheriff’s Office is now actively investigating the incident and is coordinating closely with the Bingham County School District. The primary goal is to “ensure the safety and security of all students,” per the release.

In response, the School District has requested an increased police presence at Butte County Schools.

Due to the individuals involved being minors, their names have not been released at this time. However, the Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that once their investigation is complete, appropriate charges will be filed by the Butte County Prosecutor’s Office.