West
Idaho Board of Education bans DEI offices and initiatives in all public universities
The Idaho Board of Education approved efforts to ban diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in public universities on Wednesday.
After months of debating, the board unanimously agreed on a resolution that Idaho institutions cannot “require specific structures or activities related to DEI.”
In summary, institutions “shall establish and maintain equality of opportunity for all students regardless of personal identity characteristics,” “ensure that no central offices, policies, procedures, or initiatives are dedicated to DEI ideology” and “ensure that no employee or student is required to declare gender identity or preferred pronouns.”
The board defined DEI ideology as “any approach that prioritizes ‘personal identity characteristics’ (race, color, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, or gender identity) over individual merit.”
The Idaho Board of Education unanimously approved the resolution to scale back on programs that discriminate based on race. (iStock)
FLORIDA PERMANENTLY BANS FUNDING FOR DEI IN STATE SCHOOLS
In addition to banning mandatory gender identification, the board also prohibited diversity statements in hiring practices or any decisions regarding employment or education based on “personal identity characteristics.”
The board also approved a resolution that mandated protections for free speech and expression on campuses.
“Institutions shall maintain political neutrality, protect speakers’ rights to free expression, protect the safety of those participating in constitutionally protected speech, introduce campus communities to diverse viewpoints, and establish programs designed to educate students and faculty about the institutions’ role as the marketplace of ideas,” it read.
The board acknowledged that the resolution would not prohibit universities from promoting non-discriminatory activities, offering scholarships or allowing student clubs based on “political or social issues.”
All changes are expected to be implemented by June 30, 2025.
In a press release given to Fox News Digital, the board reiterated its support for the resolution and optimism for the universities moving forward.
Public universities will be required to uphold freedom of expression on campuses. (Derek Shook for Fox News Digital)
“I believe our actions as a Board today are a strong signal to all Idaho students that our institutions are prepared to meet whatever needs they have when they walk through the door. I am looking forward to seeing our universities implement these resolutions while we continue working on the issue as a Board,” Board President Dr. Linda Clark said.
“I am proud of our institutions for stepping up and making meaningful changes to their institutions through these resolutions,” Joshua Whitworth, Director of the Office of the State Board of Education said. “By working closely with our institutions and the Governor’s Office, the Board has made a commitment that every student has the support that they need to succeed.”
The resolution was originally adopted in April 2023 and focused primarily on prohibiting diversity statements in hiring. The following year, the resolution was amended to codify the language and later included prohibiting diversity statements in admissions.
IOWA BOARD OF REGENTS APPROVES RECOMMENDATIONS TO SCALE BACK DEI INITIATIVES AT STATE UNIVERSITIES
In November, the Board introduced drafts of the new resolution and received feedback from both university leaders and students. Since that time, several universities have already begun scaling back on DEI initiatives.
Boise State University closed its Gender Equity and Student Equity centers in November. (Sarah A. Miller/Idaho Statesman/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
On Tuesday, ahead of the resolution, Boise State University announced in an email that the Student Equity Center and the Gender Equity Center had been closed during Thanksgiving break.
“We all have heard the conversations taking place this year across the nation related to diversity, equity and inclusion and higher education,” BSU administrators said in the email. “The Idaho State Board of Education has developed resolutions for Idaho universities, and we have provided feedback. We remain steadfast in our commitment to serving all students while seeking to be responsive to our governing board’s expectations.”
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MISSOULA, Mont. — Montana organizations are getting a financial boost to help communities mark America’s 250th anniversary in 2026.
The Montana 250th Commission announced the recipients of its Event Sponsorship Program, awarding $100,000 to 40 organizations across the state.
The funding is intended to support community celebrations recognizing the Semiquincentennial.
The commission said the sponsorships will fund events, activities and programs that honor the anniversary while engaging communities throughout Montana.
“From parades and fairs to concerts and historical reenactments, these events will bring Montanans together to celebrate our shared heritage and the freedoms we cherish,” said Commission Chair Chris Averill. “We’re thrilled to support community organizations across the state as they create memorable experiences that connect Montana’s story to America’s 250-year journey, on July 4th and beyond.”
“The Commission is grateful to the Legislature for the funding, and to Governor Gianforte for signing HB 2 into law,” said Averill. “We continue to ensure that taxpayer dollars are spent wisely on activities that recognize the tremendous history of America, Montana, and our Tribal Nations; that bring Montanans together in celebration of America’s founding; and that educate Montana students and the general public on U.S., Montana, and Tribal history and government and our shared civic responsibility.”
Event Sponsorship Recipients:
- Cascade County Historical Society (Great Falls) – Cottonwood Festival – $5,000
- Belt Performing Arts Center (Belt) – The Belt Performing Arts Center Presents Oh, That Dreadful Tea! A Musical about the Boston Tea Party: A Community Celebration for the 250th Anniversary of the United States – $5,000
- Livingston Area Chamber (Livingston) – Historic Livingston Roundup Parade – $5,000
- Blaine County (Chinook) – Blaine County Fair – Veterans and Elders Tribute Exhibit – $5,000
- Helena Symphony (Helena) – Helena Symphony Season 72 Opening Night ~ America 250 – $5,000
- Flathead County Fairgrounds (Kalispell) – Honoring Veterans at Rodeo – $5,000
- Town of Denton (Denton) – Pies, Parades & Pyrotechnics – $5,000
- American Legion Auxiliary Border Unit 73 (Kevin) – North Toole County 250 Celebration Mural Project – $5,000
- Town of Plentywood (Plentywood) – Various July 4 community programs and activities for America 250 — $5,000
- Friends of the Historical Museum at Fort Missoula (Missoula) – 1776 Speaker Series AND 4th at the Fort on 4th of July – $4,000
- Special Olympics Montana (Great Falls) – Special Olympics Montana’s Celebration of America’s 250th Anniversary! – $4,375
- Department of Montana Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4042 (Bigfork) – Celebration of Independence 1776-2026 – 250 Years of Military Service and Freedom – $3,608.93
- The Judith Mountain Players (Lewistown) – The History of the Declaration of Independence – $3,500
- Southeast Montana Area Revitalization Team (Baker) – Fallon County’s Fourth of July Celebrations – $3,500
- Townsend American Legion Post 42 (Townsend) – American Legion Semiquincentennial Flag/Banner and Independence Day Event – $3,000
- Fergus County Fairgrounds (Lewistown) – Central Montana Fair – $3,109.07
- Miracle of America Museum (Polson) – From Minutemen to Desert Sands, 250 Years of Heroes – $2,950
- Montana Veterans Memorial Association (Great Falls) – Memorial Day Ceremony – $2,500
- Powder River Historical Society (Broadus) – Battle of Powder River Commemoration – $2,500
- Augusta Area Historical Society (Augusta) – South Fork Roundup of Cowboy Poetry and Music – $2,400
- Museums Association of Montana (Great Falls) – Montana’s Museums: Revolutionary New Beginnings Conference – $2,300
- Quality of Life Corporation (Colstrip) – Colstrip Days – $2,000
- Mission Valley Choral Society (Polson) – Mission Valley Choral Society’s Spring Concert Weekend – Theme: “Let Freedom Sing” – $1,500
- Mineral County Fair (Superior) – Mineral County Fair – $1,500
- Virginia City Preservation Alliance (Virginia City) – Forgotten Heroes – $1,500
- Town of Plains (Plains) – Fire Hydrant Painting – $1,300
- Old Glory Landmark Committee (Helena) – Children’s Activities – $1,000
- City of Boulder (Boulder) – Fourth of July Celebration in Veterans’ Park – $1,000
- Crazy Peak Cattle Women Inc. (Big Timber) – Big Timber 250 Celebration – $1,000
- Shields Valley Schools (Wilsall) – Red, White, & BBQ: Celebrate the 250th Independence Day in Shields Valley – $1,000
- Western Legacy Center, Incorporated (Whitehall) – 250 Year Birthday Celebration – $1,000
- City of Three Forks (Three Forks) – Community Cookout and Flag Giveaway – $1,000
- The Extreme History Project (Bozeman) – A Commonplace for Independence: Making Meaning at America’s 250th – $800
- Lewis & Clark Lodge Post No 3831 Veterans of Foreign Wars (Pony) – VFW Community Picnic – $750
- Kalispell Lions Club (Kalispell) – Distribute Miniature US Flags to Kalispell Area First Graders “Flags for First Graders” – $700
- Butte Silver Bow Quilt Guild (Butte) – Butte Silver Bow Quilt Guild Biennial Quilt Show “Quilting through Time 1776-2026” – $700
- Wheatland County (Harlowton) – “Happy Birthday, America!” 4th of July Parade – $507
A Las Vegas casino abruptly pulled the plug on a prediction market conference over fears the event could draw scrutiny from Nevada gambling regulators, according to a report.
Predict 2026 had been slated for the Aria on the Strip before the MGM-operated resort canceled the booking just days after signing the agreement.
‘The [Aria] is issuing this notice in light of Nevada’s current regulatory and enforcement position regarding prediction markets,’ a lawyer for the resort wrote in a termination letter cited by Barron’s.
The dispute highlights escalating tensions between state gambling regulators and prediction market firms such as Kalshi and Polymarket, which let people bet on the outcomes of all kinds of events.
Nevada regulators have taken an especially aggressive stance toward the fast-growing sector, arguing that some sports-event contracts resemble unlicensed wagering that bypasses state gaming rules and taxes.
Last October, the Nevada Gaming Control Board warned casino license holders that maintaining ties to prediction market operators could factor into whether they remain eligible for gaming licenses.
“If a Nevada licensee chooses to offer Sports and Other Event Contracts in Nevada or decides to partner with other entities offering Sports and Other Event Contracts in the state, the Board will consider these developments as it evaluates the suitability of the entity to maintain a Nevada gaming license,” regulators said in the guidance cited by Barron’s.
While Predict 2026 was not sponsored by any prediction market company, Aria’s legal notice indicated that regulators had become increasingly sensitive even to indirect promotion of the industry.
The Aria, which opened in 2009 and is operated by MGM Resorts after being sold to Blackstone in 2021, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The showdown highlights the widening divide between traditional casino operators and the new entrants into the prediction market space.
Legacy gaming giants such as MGM Resorts and Caesars Entertainment have largely stayed away from prediction markets even as companies including DraftKings have launched competing platforms to challenge businesses like Kalshi.
Prediction market operators insist that their event contracts are federally regulated financial instruments overseen by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, allowing them to operate nationwide for users over 18.
Some state gaming regulators, however, have argued that sports-related contracts closely resemble sports betting and should fall under state gambling laws.
Nevada officials have already taken direct legal action against Kalshi.
The Nevada Gaming Commission sued the company over its sports event contracts, and the platform was briefly barred from operating in the state earlier this year, according to Barron’s.
The Post has sought comment from Polymarket, Aria and the Nevada Gaming Control Board.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Police arrested two young men on murder charges after a deadly shooting outside the Frontier Restaurant near the University of New Mexico.
Police said 19-year-old Junior Lewis and 20-year-old Evan Rogers are in custody and both face murder charges.
Police said both men are set to face a judge Saturday.
Investigators said they found both suspects inside Rogers’ dorm room at UNM.
The shooting happened in the early morning hours Thursday just south of Central between Cornell and Stanford.
Police said the man who was shot died at the scene.
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