Schools budget focuses on 1 priority + Frustrations, remorse and pain surface on 25th anniversary of Sept. 11 attacks

By Christina Lords | Editor-in-Chief

Idaho State Superintendent of Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield, a Republican running for another term in November, speaks to an attendee after a candidate forum on Aug. 4, 2026, in Boise. (Photo by Sean Dolan/EdNews)

EDUCATION

‘I didn’t want to compete with myself:’ Idaho Superintendent Critchfield says budget request focuses on 1 priority

By Kevin Richert

Debbie Critchfield wants $20 million to help school districts and charters keep pace with inflation, and support at-risk students.

Even if the 2027 Legislature signs on, the $20 million would get carved up quickly. But the state superintendent said she prefers to enter the next session with a workable request, and not one that is immediately dismissed as “ridiculous.”

GOVERNMENT + POLTICS

Frustrations, remorse and pain surface on 25th anniversary of Sept. 11 attacks

By Ashley Murray, Shalina Chatlani, Shauneen Miranada and Ariana Figueroa

Powerful U.S. officials past and present faced families, survivors and first responders Friday at ceremonies to honor the 25th anniversary of the day 2,977 Americans died in terrorist attacks in Virginia, New York and Pennsylvania.

At the Pentagon, Condoleezza Rice, who was serving at the time under President George W. Bush as national security advisor, told the crowd she wanted to share something “deeply personal.”

“Those of us in authority on that day did not see the nature of the danger in time to prevent the attack of 9/11. We did what we knew to do, but by definition, it was not enough. … I will always carry deep personal remorse for the pain that you, the families of the fallen, still feel, and for the trauma that our country endured,” she said.

Speakers at all three Sept. 11 milestone anniversary events recounted stories of courage and loss as people found themselves in an unimaginable circumstance.

MORE REGIONAL AND NATIONAL NEWS FROM US

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ICYMI: OUR TOP STORIES OF THE WEEK

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After budget cuts, Idaho plans to maintain low government spending, state official says | Kyle Pfannenstiel
Idaho election officials worry about mail-in ballot changes proposed by Trump administration | Kyle Pfannenstiel
As state officials pursue route change for Idaho Centennial Trail, here’s how to give your feedback | Clark Corbin
Searching for work in Idaho? Employers to attend Boise job fair Tuesday. | Kyle Pfannenstiel
States sue feds over endangered species rollbacks | Alex Brown

ICYMI

Shining a light on other Idaho politics reporting

Note: Some links may lead to stories behind a news organization's paywall

BoiseDev: ‘I can think of no worse place’: Meridian City Council denies new hospital
Boise State Pubic Radio: Overdose deaths in Idaho in decline for second year in a row
CBS 2 News: Idaho data: drug offenses up 25% since 2005 as alcohol offenses drop 59%
Coeur d’Alene Press: NIC, LC State sign co-admission agreement
Idaho EdNews: EdNews, College of Idaho to host state superintendent debate

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