‘An Open Door’: City Councilman-Elect Brandon Lee Shares Vision for Idaho Falls
Idaho Falls small business owner and real estate developer Brandon Lee secured a seat on the Idaho Falls City Council Tuesday, promising “a listening…
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New Pocatello Mayor and City Council to be sworn in on January 8th
The City of Pocatello has announced that Mayor-Elect Mark Dahlquist and the new City Council Members will take their oaths of office on Thursday,…
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Mark Dahlquist elected Mayor of Pocatello
Voters have chosen Mark Dahlquist as the next mayor of Pocatello on Tuesday night.
Dahlquist won with 7,238 votes, or 62%, over Greg Cates 4,424…
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Lisa Burtenshaw elected as Idaho Falls Mayor; Brandon Lee elected to City Council
IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – Lisa Burtenshaws won the runoff election for Idaho Falls mayor. The unofficial results show Burtenshaw received 6,435…
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Pocatello, Idaho Falls Runoff Elections Wrap Up Tonight at 8 PM
The 2025 election wraps up tonight, Tuesday, December 2, 2025, as polls are now open for critical runoff elections in both Idaho Falls and Pocatello.…
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Down to the Wire: Pocatello Mayor Run-off Election is Tuesday
After months of anticipation, Tuesday is the run-off election for the mayor’s race in Pocatello. The November general election determined that the…
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D91 pledges to “maintain safe environment & reduce distractions” as schools host run-off election
Idaho Falls School District 91 students will head to class tomorrow, coinciding with the crucial Idaho Falls Mayoral Run-Off election. The decision…
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Recount confirms Elmore County winners after initial election count misses 373 votes
“In order for our elections to work, voters must have confidence that their votes will count,” said Secretary of State McGrane. “Today we…
Continue Reading Pocatello Mayoral Run-Off Debate
The Dec. 2nd Pocatello Mayoral Run-Off election is rapidly approaching. Tonight, November 19, Local News 8 is bringing you the Pocatello Mayoral…
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300 Ballots Untallied: Elmore County orders full hand count
Elmore County election officials have ordered a countywide hand count of all November election ballots after an audit confirmed that approximately…
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Simpson backs effort to codify Trump’s reintroduced Presidential Fitness Test for American students
Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson announced he is cosponsoring a bill to permanently establish the Presidential Fitness Test in national schools, as the…
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One vote separates candidates in Salmon City Council Race; Recount set for Thursday
SALMON, Idaho (KIFI) – Lemhi County election clerks will conduct a recount in a race where only one vote separated the winner. According to the…
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Idaho State Rep. Lance Clow resigns, citing health concerns
A lengthy career in Idaho politics is coming to an early close. Long-time Twin Falls Republican lawmaker Lance Clow announced Thursday that he will…
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Federal Judge dismisses “absurd” and “outlandish” Satanic Temple challenge to Idaho Abortion Law with prejudice
Attorney General Raúl Labrador applauded the decision, hailing it as a significant legal victory for the state.
“Idaho’s pro-life laws protect both…
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Pocatello native Terri Pickens launches 2026 governor bid on Democrat ticket
Terri Pickens, a Pocatello native and founder of Pickens Law, P.A., formally announced her campaign for Idaho Governor as a Democrat in 2026. Pickens…
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Bonneville County moves up early voting start for December Runoff
Bonneville County residents are set to head back to the polls sooner than expected as the upcoming runoff elections take shape. On Monday, the…
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Local Elections at Crossroads: Idaho GOP plans push to end nonpartisan municipal elections
Roughly three-quarters of American cities hold non-partisan city council and mayoral elections, or, where candidates do not provide a political party…
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Tight timeline and mail-in ballots? Local News 8 gets answers for Bonneville Runoff Elections
“It does make a pretty tight timeline. But we are planning on sending out absentee ballots, likely between the 12th and the 14th. It doesn’t give…
Continue Reading “Ready for Change”: Pocatello Mayoral candidates reflect on election and city’s future
Following the local elections, Pocatello is guaranteed a new mayor by December 2, 2025. Mark Dahlquist had 40% of the votes, and Greg Cates had…
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Runoff rules in Eastern Idaho: Why some cities need a second election
East Idaho cities are no strangers to run-off elections, and there is a reason for that.
With the prospect of run-offs in our current local…
Continue Reading Mayor Blad ousted as candidates Greg Cates & Mark Dahlquist head to runoff election
Pocatello is headed for a high-stakes mayoral runoff on December 2, 2025, guaranteeing that the city will have a new leader in 2026. The final tally…
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Rexburg Police Station Bond fails to reach supermajority
A bond that would have been used to cover the cost of construction for a new Rexburg police station facility failed to reach the 66.67% of approval…
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Scott Stufflebeam secures Blackfoot Mayoral Victory; Shoyo takes D55 Trustee post by a whisper
The official results are finalized for the Bingham County 2025 municipal elections, confirming a tight victory for Scott D. Stufflebeam, who narrowly…
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Idaho Falls Election Results: Burtenshaw and Alldridge head to runoff in Mayoral Election
As the final tallies are processed from Idaho Falls’ municipal election, the results show two City Council seats have been secured, while the highly…
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Gov. Little returns from “productive” D.C. trip, Idaho Democrats denounce “cruel” withholding of SNAP benefits
Governor Little summed up his visit as “productive and patriotic,” saying he covered “a lot of ground” in his discussions with the President and his…
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The passing of a public servant: Former Idaho U.S. Congressman Richard Stallings passes away at 85
“Richard reminded us that politics at its best is about people, not power. It is about understanding our neighbors’ struggles and standing up for…
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“Stupid Schumer Shutdown”: Rep. Simpson blasts shutdown’s impact on National Parks
On the 22nd day of the government shutdown, Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson joined House Republican leadership Wednesday to address the ongoing…
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Idaho legislator answers questions about transgender athlete case going to Supreme Court
The ruling on the case could set precedent for other states concerning transgender athletes in Women’s sports, and Idaho Attorney General Raul…
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‘It’s a Need, Not a Luxury’: South Fremont High seeks long-awaited auditorium
“This is something that we need to happen for our students. Some people think it’s just going to be more luxurious and more comfortable for us, but…
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Idaho Falls City Council Candidates Address Youth Involvement in Local Politics
Idaho Falls City Council candidates Jordan Bardsley, Mosy Moran, Teresa Dominick, Christopher Brunt, and Brad Whipple, participated in a public forum…
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Local WIC offices told to operate as normal despite federal funding risk
National WIC program funding concerns not impacting local WIC offices, yet.…
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Candidates for mayor in Idaho Falls answer questions on local issues
Lisa Burtenshaw, Christian Ashcraft, and Jeffrey Aldridge fielded questions from residents, focusing on the challenges of rapid growth, housing…
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Republicans select three names to replace District 35A State Representative
Precinct Committee Officers from Legislative District 35 will host a public meeting on Saturday, September 20, at Inkom City Hall to nominate three…
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Three more charged in Fremont County voter fraud case, Island Park Mayor denies city involvement in investigation
The voter fraud investigation in Fremont County has expanded. Local News 8 has now confirmed through court records that authorities have charged…
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Voters to decide on new performing arts addition for South Fremont High School
Voters in Fremont County will decide in November if a new performing arts addition can be constructed at South Fremont High School.…
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Idaho Falls City Council candidate shares thoughts and ideas
“Make sure that the growth that’s happening is done in a safe way for the community so that things are still affordable and we’re still keeping the…
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Local News 8 talks with Idaho Falls city office candidates
“I want to try to restore faith and trust with the city government and the people,” Alldridge said. “And try to do policies that match what the…
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What you need to know to run for Mayor or city council member
Candidates looking to run for city races can file their Declaration of Candidacy on August 18. The deadline to file is August 29, 2025. Election day…
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Idaho Senators introduce bill to increase penalties for crime against First Responders
U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), and Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.) introduced the Graham Hoffman Act, which will make it a federal…
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Senator Jim Risch addresses proposal to sell off public lands at Idaho GOP summer meeting
Delegates from all over the state voiced opinions on any changes they think need to happen within the Idaho Republican Party.…
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Idaho’s youth gender-affirming care ban now fully enforceable after lawsuit dismissed
Idaho’s law banning gender-affirming care for minors, the Vulnerable Child Protection Act, is now fully enforceable following the dismissal of the…
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“Imagine Excellence” in public education: Idaho Public Education Coalition holds meeting on how to meet student’s needs
The meeting was geared toward brainstorming ideas for the future, with questions about not just how to meet current metrics, but if the current…
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Idaho Democrats launch “All In for Idaho” initiative ahead of 2026 elections
“For too long, Republican politicians have taken this state for granted, and the result is a set of laws that are completely out of touch with…
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Federal waivers in Indiana, Iowa could boost Idaho’s chances for SNAP purchase restrictions
“President Trump has given our nation a once-in-a-generation opportunity to change the health trajectory for our entire country,” said Secretary…
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Bond to build new Shelley High School fails
Voters in the Shelley School District said no to building a new high school.…
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Idaho voters head to polls May 20th
Idahoans are heading to the polls tomorrow for the May 20th election, with polls open from 8 AM to 8 PM. Several key local measures are on the…
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Federal Judge blocks the execution of Idaho’s new immigration enforcement law
Tuesday, a federal judge granted a preliminary injunction in IORC v. Labrador, has blocked the enforcement of Idaho’s new immigration enforcement…
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Gov. Little approves bill restricting illegal aliens from accessing public services
Wednesday, Governor Brad Little signed into law a bill intended to prevent illegal immigrants living in Idaho from accessing certain state…
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Senator Mike Crapo pays eastern Idaho a visit
In an exclusive interview with Senator Mike Crapo, Doug Long asks about recent Republican town hall meetings, the Trump tariffs,…
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Florida Governor visits Idaho Statehouse to push for balanced budget amendment
Governor Ron DeSantis joined Governor Brad Little at the Idaho Statehouse on Monday to push for support for a balanced budget amendment to the U.S.…
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Senate approves controversial childcare bill, amended bill heading back to the House
House Bill 234 aims to reduce state regulations for childcare facilities. The most controversial change would allow these centers to establish their…
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Idaho House approves adding seats with University of Utah medical education program
The Idaho House has passed a bill that will add more seats to train medical doctors.…
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Idaho Governor signs $253 million income tax cut
The Idaho Senate passed a projected $253 million tax cut, in addition to exemptions for military pensions and the removal of capital gains on…
Continue Reading School choice tax credit bill passes Idaho legislature
The Senate has passed a bill to create a $50 million parental choice tax credit, which is now headed to the Governor’s…
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Idaho bill would eliminate daylight-saving time
A new bill in the Idaho House of Representatives is trying to eliminate daylight-saving time.…
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Idaho GOP asks Bingham Republicans to pay attorney fees after losing court case
The legal battle for Bingham County Republicans might come with some hefty costs. Attorney for the Idaho GOP, Bryan Smith, has filed a memorandum for…
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Idaho Rep. Russ Fulcher brings state and feds together to prevent wildfires
Idaho Congressman Russ Fulcher brought federal and state officials together on January 31, 2025, to curtail the 2025 wildfire season after what he…
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Idaho’s Senator Jim Risch says people should stay calm over federal funding freeze
Idaho Sen. Jim Risch said “Everybody take a deep breath. Stay calm” over the federal funding freeze.…
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Controversial proposal to challenge same-sex marriage moves to Idaho House floor
A proposal to challenge same-sex marriage at the Supreme Court level is now moving to the Idaho House…
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President’s Executive Order halts Lava Ridge Wind Project
President Donald Trump signed an executive action Monday to stop the Lava Ridge Wind Farm project in the Magic…
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Bannock County returns forensic lab funds
Bannock County has returned nearly $1 million of state funding originally secured to construct the now-defunct East Idaho Forensic Pathology…
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GOP-led House votes to ban transgender athletes from women’s sports
By Clare Foran and Haley Talbot, CNN (CNN) — The House voted on Tuesday to pass a GOP-led bill that would ban transgender athletes from…
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Idaho bill raises the bar on getting initiatives, referendums onto ballot
Lawmakers are once again attempting to make it more difficult to pass a citizen-backed ballot initiative or…
Continue Reading Idaho House starts 2025 session with proposal to challenge same-sex marriage
An Idaho House committee is considering asking the Supreme Court to overturn a ruling legalizing same-sex marriage…
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Idaho GOP censures Madison County Precinct Committee Officer
The Idaho Republican Party has censured a Madison County Precinct Committee Officer (PCO) for his support of Prop One or “Idahoans for Open…
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Key Takeaways: Governor Little’s State of the State address
Governor Brad Little is set to kick of the first day of the 2025 Legislative session with the annual State of the State address. Little will begin…
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Governor outlines his priorities for the upcoming legislature
Idaho Governor Brad Little addressed the news media Friday morning about his priorities for the 2025…
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Bingham County Republicans elect chairman once again
The Bingham County Republicans met Monday night to re-elect new…
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Federal court divided over Idaho’s abortion ban and emergency care fight
By Tierney Sneed, CNN (CNN) — The Biden administration’s challenge to Idaho’s strict abortion ban divided a federal appeals court that…
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Shanta Sanchez named new coroner for Bonneville County
Shante Sanchez will be sworn in as Bonneville County Coroner on December 30th, replacing Rick Taylor.…
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Idaho party leaders respond to pardon for Hunter Biden
Leaders of Idaho’s Democratic and Republican parties are responding to President Biden’s recent pardon of his son,…
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Idaho’s ‘abortion trafficking’ law mostly can be enforced as lawsuit proceeds, court rules
BOISE, Idaho (AP) — A federal appeals court on Monday ruled that most of Idaho’s first-in-the-nation law that makes it illegal to help minors…
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State senator, watchdog groups allege Bannock County misused state money
A Twin Falls senator, along with two watchdog groups, alleges Bannock County misappropriated funds to be used for a Forensic Pathology…
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Idaho’s Senators introduce bill to define male and female
Idaho Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch, along with two other Republican senators, are introducing the Defining Male and Female Act of…
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Idaho Secretary of State’s Office holds post-election audit draw
The audit is done to make sure the election tabulation is accurate for even-year primary and general…
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Gov. Little’s trade mission to Taiwan and Japan strengthens trade opportunities for Idaho
Governor Brad Little returned this past weekend from a productive seven-day trade mission to Taiwan and…
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Bryan Smith weighs in on his very accurate election prediction
Idaho Republican National Committeeman Bryan Smith discusses his shockingly accurate election…
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Idahoans weigh in on the outcome of Prop 1
A large majority of voters said no to Proposition 1. As of Wednesday afternoon, only 30 percent of voters said yes to the measure with 70 percent…
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AP Race Call: Republican Mike Simpson wins reelection to U.S. House in Idaho’s 2nd Congressional District
Republican Rep. Mike Simpson won a 14th term to a U.S. House seat representing Idaho’s 2nd Congressional…
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Donald Trump declared winner of the Gem State
Donald J. Trump was declared winner for the Presidential race in…
Continue Reading Ranked-choice voting scares Idaho voters as Prop 1 fails
IDAHO (KIFI) – Most Idaho voters did not want to change how primaries are conducted in Idaho and create ranked-choice voting. As of 11:00 p.m.…
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Polls open in Idaho and Wyoming
Polls in Idaho are open until 8 p.m. In Wyoming, polls close at 7…
Continue Reading Bannock County political party volunteers making final push before election
The Bannock County GOP and Bannock County Democrats are stepping up volunteer efforts to secure votes before the polls open in two…
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Locals party with the IFFD at the annual Fire Prevention Block Party
The Idaho Falls Fire Department invites the entire community to the annual Fire Prevention Block Party on Thursday, Oct.…
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Gen Z’s mental health more vulnerable to election stress
A survey done by wellness company Freedomology found that the upcoming election is affecting some generations’ mental health differently than…
Continue Reading Forum to talk about pros and cons of open primaries and ranked-choice voting in Idaho
The forum on Proposition 1 starts at 7pm at the Shilo Inn, 780 Lindsay Blvd., Idaho Falls, Idaho.…
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Bonneville County Republican Party to host forum on ranked choice voting/open primaries
Bonneville County Republican Party to host a public forum that will be held at the Snake River Events Center at the Shilo Inn, 780 Lindsay Blvd.,…
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Bannock County Democrats gather to watch presidential debate
Bannock County Democrats gathered at the Pocatello Elks Lodge to cheer on democratic candidate…
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Newstalk 107.9 FM hosts dinner for bus group that missed inside of Trump rally venue
Before the presidential debate Tuesday evening, Newstalk 107.9 FM hosted a special dinner for a special…
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Newstalk 107.9 FM hosts presidential debate watch party
107.9 FM holds presidential debate watch party at the Shilo Inn in Idaho Falls Tuesday…
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Idaho Democrats send 27 delegates to the national convention
Idaho party chair Rep. Lauren Necochea spoke to Local News 8 from the convention on Tuesday.…
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Idaho Supreme Court rules Open Primaries Initiative can remain on November ballot
The open primaries initiative will be on the ballot in November after a ruling from the Idaho Supreme Court. The court ruled against the challenges…
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Idaho Lt. Governor speaks about water curtailment during Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce luncheon
Water curtailment was the main topic at an Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce luncheon…
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Former U.S. Senator Steve Symms passed away
Former U.S. Senator Steve Symms Idaho passed away Thursday, August 8, 2024 at the age of…
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Register early to avoid lines on Election Day
To avoid long lines at the polls, local election workers say to make sure you are registered before election…
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Idaho Attorney General files lawsuit against Open Primary initiative
Idaho Attorney General Raul Labrador is challenging the open primary…
Continue Reading Idaho Democratic Party Delegate to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris
All of Idaho Democrat delegates will support Vice President Kamala Harris as the party’s presidential…
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State GOP expresses concern over Biden’s endorsement of Kamala Harris
The Idaho republican party is weighing in on President Joe Biden’s decision to bow out from this November’s race for the white house.
The…
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Political scientist David Adler shares thoughts on President Biden’s decision
Political scientist and writer David Adler shares his thoughts on President Biden’s historic decision.…
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Local people react to President Biden’s decision to drop out of race
Local News 8 went to the Idaho Falls Greenbelt to gauge the reaction to President Joe Biden’s withdrawal as the Democratic nominee for…
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