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First Wave of Layoffs Ensue at LA Semiconductor Facility in Pocatello">First Wave of Layoffs Ensue at LA Semiconductor Facility in Pocatello

First Wave of Layoffs Ensue at LA Semiconductor Facility in Pocatello">

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – After years of financial and legal issues, LA Semiconductor LLC is letting go a total of 342 employees over the next several weeks. The first wave of layoffs occured April 10 with the second set for May 1.

The semiconductor industry is responsible for over 12,000 jobs statewide, with Idaho ranking among the top ten states for semiconductor workforce. The company’s financial trouble has been documented since 2024, when they fell behind in major equipment lease payments. Semiconductor components agencies, including global chipmaker Onsemi, filed a lawsuit on this alleged breach of contract. The company was placed into a recievership in December 2024.

Court records show Onsemi has provided funding to keep the facility running. The company is still looking for a buyer amidst these substantial layoffs.

Pocatello Mayor Mark Dahlquist commented on the situation, stating “I continue to remain cautiously optimistic that a buyer will eventually be secured. The situation is the result of a contract dispute between two semiconductor companies, not a reflection of the city or our efforts.”

The mayor also explained the city has been actively working to resolve many consequential issues. “We’ve been actively working through the Idaho Department of Commerce on the seller’s behalf to explore potential tax incentives,” he said. “We still believe in the long-term viability of this facility. The city of Pocatello stands by to assist in any way.”

According to Idaho Commerce, Idaho’s semiconductor industry, including LA Semiconductor LLC, accounts for 4 percent of the national industry employment. Local News 8 spoke with Brandon Duong, an economist at the Pocatello Idaho Department of Labor, who told us they know very little about the effect of the layoffs at this time.

“They had their planned layoffs, they were sending out their WARN notice,” Duong said. “That’s something that we publish publically on our website. As far as local impact goes, if the layoffs continue, we’ll just see how it pans out in our quarterly and annual data.”

WARN stands for Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notice, a mandatory 60-day notification of termination for employees. The State of Idaho WARN Notices show LA Semiconductor LLC sent notices to their employees on February 9 of this year, with the first effective release date set for April 10.

The 342 employees affected tops the number of laid-off workers at Intermountain Packing, a company in Idaho Falls who let go 150 employees on April 3 of this year.

Local News 8 has reached out to employees affected by the layoffs and await comment. We have also contacted LA Semiconductor LLC for direct comment and await their response. This is a developing story and we will continue updating our audience as more information becomes available.

Students Perform Easter Play at Holy Spirit Catholic School">Students Perform Easter Play at Holy Spirit Catholic School

Students Perform Easter Play at Holy Spirit Catholic School">

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – At the heart of Pocatello is a school bringing children and families together with a history of celebrating Jesus for 71 years. In honor of the Easter holiday, students at the Holy Spirit Catholic School performed a reenactment play of the Easter story on April 10.

In the Holy Spirit community, Easter isn’t just one day to celebrate. It’s a weeks long appreciation, including the annual play.

“We’ve been doing it for the school, this is the 71st anniversary,” said Margie Gabiola, principal at Holy Spirit Catholic School. “This is a very big tradition for our school family and for our alumni.”

Since Gabiola became principal three years ago, she has changed the play to include students of all grade levels from kindergarten to fifth grade.

“Every year there’s just some little thing that we will change just because of either the students that we want to showcase a little bit more or there’s more of a certain class and we want to provide them with a bigger part,” Gabiola said. “So the main story is always the same, but there’s elements like songs that are different sometimes.

Local News 8 spoke with the little boy cast as Jesus in the play who told us the part means the world to him.

“If He didn’t die on the cross for us, we would not get to have these amazing lives,” said Caleb, third grade performer. “If He didn’t rise again, we wouldn’t know that He’s the Messiah.”

Leadership at the school say the curriculum incorporates a lot of the fine arts, with music classes running twice a week for all grade levels. They also tell us the play is only possible because of the teachers and staff who help the students rehearse for around six weeks prior to the performance.

“To be able to continue to celebrate [Easter],” Gabiola said, “It’s a really big deal for us to keep celebrating it in our community.”

Caleb said he had a lot of fun working on the play with his classmates and attending rehearsals Wednesdays and Fridays. The experience is unforgettable for the young students.

“I’m Jesus,” Caleb said, when asked about his favorite part of playing Jesus in today’s performance. “I’m the one who died on the cross for us. It’s just an amazing feeling.”

The play concluded with a singing of the song “Alleluia, Love is Alive” by the entire cast. Parents, grandparents and siblings gathered in the chapel gave a standing ovation for the student performers. The tight-knit community of Holy Spirit will welcome everyone again in May for their Exhibition of Excellence, where students will showcase all kinds of art projects.

“We’re more than just a school,” Gabiola said. “Once you become part of Holy Spirit, you’re in a family. Who do you go for to for soccer? Who is your dentist? And so you just have this tight network and you know everybody. When you walk into the school, you should just feel this amazing warmth because everybody just cares about you.”

EXCLUSIVE: Mark Fitzpatrick on Gubernatorial run">EXCLUSIVE: Mark Fitzpatrick on Gubernatorial run

EXCLUSIVE: Mark Fitzpatrick on Gubernatorial run">

Mark Fitzpatrick, the owner of the Old State Saloon in Eagle, recently discussed his campaign for Idaho governor in an interview on Newstalk 107.9 with hosts Neal Larson and Julie Mason. Fitzpatrick, who has gained national attention for various political demonstrations at his restaurant, positioned himself as a “strong Republican” running on a platform of transparency, populism, and strict adherence to the state’s Republican party platform.

During the interview, Fitzpatrick addressed his history of public stances, including a “heterosexual awesomeness” celebration and a promotion offering free beer for information leading to deportations. Despite initial criticism, Fitzpatrick stated that his business has thrived by appealing to a conservative base that he believes represents the majority of Idahoans. He cited a perceived lack of transparency and a desire for “truth” in the governor’s office as primary motivations for his entry into the race.

Fitzpatrick’s policy priorities include a significant overhaul of immigration enforcement. Rather than increasing law enforcement budgets, he proposed state laws that would prosecute employers who hire undocumented workers. He argued that removing the incentive for employment would lead to a voluntary reduction in the undocumented population. On education, Fitzpatrick, who homeschooled his six children, advocated for parental rights over union influence, stating that parents should hold the primary responsibility for their children’s upbringing.

To increase government transparency, Fitzpatrick proposed bypassing mainstream media through live-streamed public Q&A sessions and a personal podcast. He also challenged incumbent Governor Brad Little to a public debate, creating a “Debate for Vets” crowdfunding initiative. Fitzpatrick claimed he has raised over $25,000, which he intends to donate to Idaho veterans if the governor accepts the challenge. If the governor declines, Fitzpatrick stated the funds would be used to inform voters of the refusal to engage. Fitzpatrick’s campaign has already received endorsements from several Republican county committees and Owyhee County Sheriff Larry Kendrick.

EXCLUSIVE: ISU AD Pauline Thiros on NIL, Transfer Portal">EXCLUSIVE: ISU AD Pauline Thiros on NIL, Transfer Portal

EXCLUSIVE: ISU AD Pauline Thiros on NIL, Transfer Portal">

Idaho State University Athletic Director Pauline Thiros highlighted the growing complexities of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) and the transfer portal during a recent interview on Newstalk 107.9. Speaking with hosts Neal Larson and Julie Mason, Thiros discussed the “unprecedented” impact these changes have had on mid-major programs, particularly those within the Big Sky Conference.

Thiros noted that while she supports the principle of revenue sharing for student-athletes, the massive financial investments made by “Power Four” schools have created a challenging environment for schools like Idaho State. A primary frustration for administrators and fans alike is “roster churn,” a trend where successful players often transfer to larger programs after achieving conference honors or MVP status. Thiros expressed support for potential federal intervention or executive orders that could help limit this turnover and stabilize rosters.

The athletic director also raised concerns regarding the academic future of athletes who transfer frequently. According to Thiros, while the NCAA requires progress toward a degree, constant movement often results in the loss of transferable credits. This trend frequently forces students into general or interdisciplinary studies rather than the specialized fields they initially pursued, which she suggested could disadvantage them in their professional lives after sports.

Regarding the current state of NIL, Thiros argued that the system has drifted from its original intent. She stated that NIL should ideally function like a professional job where students build a personal brand and provide value to businesses. Instead, she observed that many “collectives” are now focusing on “pay for play” models, where athletes receive significant distributions without equivalent community engagement or brand-building labor.

Despite these national challenges, Thiros emphasized that Idaho State University is finding success by focusing on local talent and infrastructure. Nearly 40% of the university’s student-athletes are Idaho natives, and the department is moving forward with significant facility renovations, including a new sports performance complex and updates to the ICCU Dome. Thiros confirmed the program is entering the “revenue sharing era” with a focus on sustainable, responsible contracts that prioritize the long-term success of the athletes.

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