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IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – The USS Idaho Submarine was officially commissioned into the United States Navy this morning in Connecticut, marking a historic moment for both Idaho and the country.

The USS Idaho is the U.S. Navy’s newest Virginia-class submarine. As of 11 a.m. on April 25, the submarine is in active Navy service. The commissioning ceremony was held at the Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Connecticut.

Today’s service was the last of five major events which lead to the submarine’s entrance into the U.S. Navy’s military strategy.

The beginning of construction on the USS Idaho was back in August 2020. The vessel was christened in March 2024, followed by a rigorous curriculum of sea trials. These ensure the performance of the submarine and deem its readiness for naval combat. The USS Idaho passed all the required tests and was accepted by the U.S. Navy in December 2025.

Idaho’s Governor Brad Little was in Connecticut for the commissioning today and commented on the significance of this national achievement.

“To the crew of the USS Idaho, today you become more than sailors, you become ambassadors,” Little said. “Ambassadors for Idaho. Idaho is a state with character and enduring values. Our people are resilient, independent, and deeply committed to one another. In Idaho, hard work isn’t just expected, it’s a way of life.”

Idaho Falls, Idaho (KIFI)— Skyline High School remains shuttered on Friday as the Idaho Falls School District 91 awaits final safety certification following a cooling system failure that released foul odors and raised health concerns. As of Friday night, the school district said a decision regarding school on Monday has not yet been made.

District 91 Awaits Safety Sign-Off

The closure has forced D91 to reschedule or relocate school events, including tonight’s United Prom, which has been moved to Eagle Rock Middle School.

According to D91 Superintendent Karla LaOrange, this morning, an industrial hygienist conducted a preliminary walkthrough of the building, which determined that air quality readings were within recommended levels while the air systems were disabled. During the closure, they replaced all air filters and turned on general ventilation; however, the air conditioning system remains completely disabled.

Superintendent LaOrange emphasized that the building will remain off-limits to students and stall until D91 receives a written certification that the building is safe.

“The safety and well-being of our students and staff is our top priority, and we are continuing to closely follow the recommendations of the hygienist as we move forward. We are grateful for their expertise and the work of the D91 Maintenance team,” said LaOrange.

Before the school’s water tank was drained and dried, samples of stagnant cooling water were collected for testing. The district expects those results by the end of next week. In the meantime, the administration is calculating lost instructional hours and working with staff to determine if the academic calendar must be adjusted.

AMERICAN FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – Former City Treasurer of American Falls, Deana England, has been arrested for grand theft with a total of $278,057.98 lost in city money.

England was originally hired by the City of American Falls as City Clerk in May 2019. She was later appointed to City Treasurer in February of last year. England was in charge of collecting utility payments for water, sewage, and garbage at City Hall.

According to court documents, she was terminated from her position on November 17, 2025. Earlier that month, city officials were informed of potential discrepancies involving payments at a multi-unit apartment complex.

Court documents say the investigation found payments were made in full with adjustments for vacancies at the complex. While deposits reflected the total number of checks, there were portions of money missing.

The investigation determined England was responsible for making identical monthly adjustments since July 5, 2023. The total documented loss identified was over 275 thousand dollars.

England entered the vacancy adjustments, generating the memos and adjusting the deposit records. The pattern of each monthly transaction showed consistent cash shortages. During an interview with a power county peace officer, England allegedly admitted to falsifying the vacancies. Court documents reveal she claimed to have used the money for her personal medical expenses and never paid it back.

At this time, Power County officials say no other city employee assisted her in committing grand theft.

England’s arrangement has been scheduled for May 8th, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.

A criminal charge is an accusation. All defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.