The Idaho Supreme Court has unanimously upheld House Bill 93, a law establishing a parental choice tax credit for educational expenses. In its ruling, the court rejected a legal challenge brought by the Idaho Education Association and other petitioners who sought to block the program.
In a 22-page decision, the justices determined that the petitioners lacked the legal standing necessary to bring the lawsuit. The court stated the challengers’ claims of injury were “speculative and hypothetical” and therefore insufficient. According to Chris Cargill of the Mountain States Policy Center, a proponent of the bill, the court affirmed the principle that the state constitution provides a “floor, not a ceiling” for education, meaning the legislature can create programs beyond the basic public school system.
The court also criticized the petitioners for the timing of their legal challenge. While the bill was signed in February, the lawsuit was filed months later, just before families could begin applying for the credit. The ruling noted that petitioners cannot “manufacture” a need for immediate judicial relief by postponing their request. In an unusual step, the court also awarded legal fees to the state, requiring the teachers’ union and other plaintiffs to pay the taxpayers’ costs for defending the law in court.
The program allows families to receive tax credits for expenses such as private school tuition or homeschool materials. According to recent figures, 5,000 families have already applied for the credit, representing 9,300 students across Idaho.
This episode features an insightful discussion with US Senator Jim Risch, who dives deep into the contentious DHS budget, highlighting its entanglement with immigration policy. He squarely places blame on the Biden administration for an influx of unauthorized individuals, whom he refers to as criminals by virtue of their illegal entry. Senator Risch also passionately defends the SAVE Act, advocating for voter ID requirements as a common-sense measure against fraud, and, along with the hosts, critiques Democrats for opposing it, suggesting their motivations are purely electoral. The conversation then shifts to Iran, where the Senator offers a more relaxed perspective on current uprisings, citing the regime’s economic fragility and a young, Western-leaning populace as potential drivers of change, while also advocating for his “No Tax Dollars for Terrorists” act.
Later, hosts Neal and Julie unpack several Idaho-specific issues, including a lawsuit filed by a teacher over a classroom poster (which they believe is largely unfounded), the promising initial success of Idaho’s parental choice tax credit program, and growing concerns about potential fraud in federal childcare grants, drawing parallels to issues seen in other states. They also share lighter moments, mocking the Olympics for “woke” name changes and highlighting a humorous fundraiser involving exes’ names and cat litter boxes. Overall, the episode blends national political commentary with local Idaho concerns, all while maintaining a candid, opinionated, yet professional tone.
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### Highlight List:
* **DHS Budget & Immigration Divide:** Senator Risch and the hosts emphasize the deep political divide over immigration, with Risch accusing the Biden administration of enabling illegal entry and Democrats of opposing voter ID for electoral gain. * **Iran’s Economic Weakness:** Senator Risch provides a nuanced view on Iran, suggesting its current protests are more impactful due to the country’s economic struggles and a youthful, Western-leaning population, downplaying military threats. * **Idaho’s Parental Choice Tax Credit:** The new program sees strong demand, especially for children with disabilities, sparking optimism for micro-schools and innovation in education, while the hosts critique those prioritizing institutions over child welfare. * **Concerns over Federal Grant Accountability:** A legislative hearing raises questions about the oversight of federal childcare grants in Idaho, prompting the hosts to express worry about potential fraud and misuse of funds, reminiscent of issues in other states.
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IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — The Greater Idaho Falls Police Foundation honored regional law enforcement officers Thursday during an appreciation luncheon at Melaleuca Headquarters. The event highlighted law enforcement excellence across various jurisdictions.
Award Recipients
Leader in Law Enforcement Award: Chief Bryce Johnson Law Enforcement Officer of the Year: Sergeant Brian Lovell Idaho State Police (ISP) MVP: Sergeant Amanda Ward. Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office MVP: Deputy Reily Foster. Idaho Falls Police Department MVP: Officer Dustin Cook.
The Greater Idaho Falls Police Foundation luncheon served as more than an awards ceremony; it highlighted the support the foundation provides to local law enforcement.
It has equipped Idaho State Police (ISP) troopers with essential specialized gear, including cold-weather search gloves and cooling vests, and bolstered the “Ten Counties of Christmas” initiative.
An achievement showcased was the launch of the Sheriff’s Office therapy K-9 program. Strider, a certified therapy dog working at Thunder Ridge High School, was present at the event.
The $30-per-person event generates proceeds that will continue to fund crucial training for regional officers, such as hand-to-hand combat and crisis intervention programs.
DRIGGS, Idaho (KIFI) — The Teton County community is rallying around a local couple and their granddaughter after an early morning fire destroyed their home last week.
Donations at Driggs Elementary School have overwhelmed boxes and overflowed a car trunk with kitchen and bathroom essentials, clothing and brand new items.
“We just really care for the student who lost her home in the fire. Her grandmother also used to work here, so we have connection to her. And we know that they’re just a dear family and our heart just goes out to them. And that’s really big trial. And we wanted to support them in whatever way we could,” Driggs Elementary School librarian Patricia Jacoby said.
One of the homeowners, Tony Shupe, says he is still in shock but believes the outpouring support has been overwhelming.
“It’s kind of crazy. The overwhelming feels like the head spinning from the fire and all that. And then now all the donations are starting to come in, and part of this is going, okay, well, where do we put this stuff?” Shupe said, “We never expected this much love from the community and just some of them were just random people that just heard about this story.”
Garage Fire Destroys Nearby Home
The fire broke out last Friday, January 30th, when a nearby garage burst into flames, quickly spreading to the nearby home. While the homeowners, only identified as Jen and Tony, were able to evacuate safely along with their granddaughter, the fire left the house in ruins.
Quick intervention by local firefighters prevented the flames from claiming a second nearby home. However, the initial residence and nearly all the family’s belongings were destroyed.
The Driggs Elementary School community is coming together to support Tony and Jen’s family, that is now starting over. In a Facebook post on the school community page, neighbors outlined a list of items for donation:
Men’s Wear
Pants (40×32), Tops (XL/2XL), Shoes (10.5)
Women’s Wear
Pants (XL), Tops (XL), Shoes (7)
Youth Boy
Pants (32×32), Tops (M/L), Shoes (10.5)
3rd Grade Girl
Pants (Kids XL/Women’s M), Tops (Women’s M), Shoes (5)
Essentials
Hygiene toiletries, kitchen items, beds, linens, and furniture
Items can be dropped off directly at the Driggs Elementary School or Tetonia Elementary School building.
“Thank you, DES community, for always showing up with such generosity and care,” said Jacoby in the post.
GoFundMe
In addition to the donation drive, a GoFundMe organized by neighbor Kelli Grove is raising funds for temporary housing and immediate living expenses.
“Our hearts are heavy as we share the story of a loving grandmother (Jen) and grandfather (Tony) who have lost everything in a sudden house fire,” wrote organizer Kelli Grove. “Their home was not just a house—it was a safe haven where they have been raising and caring for their young granddaughter, providing her with stability, love, and a sense of family.”
“These grandparents have always put family first, stepping up to care for their granddaughter with unwavering love and dedication. Now, they need our help.”
As of noon on February 2, the fundraiser has reached over $2,900 toward its initial $5,000 goal. For more information, click HERE.
