December 2020

Some motorsport teams remain addicted to tobacco company sponsorship deals, despite tobacco causing 8 million deaths each year

December 11, 2020 2:12 AM CNN

Elite sports organizations have long been addicted to tobacco company sponsorships, almost since the inception of professional competition. Baseball’s National League, which would much later go on to form part of Major League Baseball, is widely considered the world’s oldest sports league. Not long after its founding in 1876, player trading cards could be found

Late free throws give Idaho Falls win over Skyline

December 10, 2020 11:33 PM Dylan Carder

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI/KIDK) – Jaxon Sorenson hit a pair of free throws with four seconds left to pull out the 54-53 win over Skyline Thursday night. Sorenson finished with 12 points. Dylan Seeley led the Tigers with 21. Raleigh Shippen had 26 for Skyline. Idaho Falls (2-1) travels to Blackfoot on Saturday. Skyline’s (0-4)

Rigby couple honored for creating ‘COVID Concert Series’ Facebook page

December 10, 2020 10:27 PM Bre Clark

RIGBY, Idaho (KIFI/KIDK) – A local couple who’s active in the local music scene has found a way to keep musical performances live. Diana and Todd Thompson are the organizers of the COVID Concert Series Facebook Page. “We noticed that people really needed music in this time of COVID.” Diana said “I think that’s kind

Thursday high school basketball scores – Dec. 10

December 10, 2020 10:21 PM News Team

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho, (KIFI/KIDK), Boys and girls high school scores

Preston takes down Blackfoot on the road

December 10, 2020 9:07 PM Adrian Luevano

BLACKFOOT, Idaho (KIFI/KIDK) – Preston pulled out a 60-50 win on Thursday night to stay unbeaten. Gabe Hammons scored 22 points for the Indians. Carter Layton led the Broncos with 15 points. Preston hosts 3A’s Sugar-Salem next Thursday in a battle of defending state champions. Blackfoot looks to get back on track on Saturday against

Thursday's drive-by caroling and food drive event at Holy Spirit Catholic School in Pocatello, ID

Holy Spirit Catholic School hosts drive-by caroling and food drive event

December 10, 2020 8:13 PM Cole Sams

Holy Spirit Catholic School hosted a drive-by caroling and food drive event. The event was held in front of St. Anthony Chapel next door to the school.

Sign outside Trading Post in Fort Hall, Idaho

Fort Hall Business Council approves mask mandate

December 10, 2020 7:07 PM Cole Sams

The Fort Hall Business Council has approved a face mask mandate for the Fort Hall Reservation. It is effective immediately.

Gov. Little joins with Idaho GOP in supporting Texas lawsuit on election integrity

December 10, 2020 5:34 PM News Team

Governor Brad Little announced Thursday he proudly stands with the Idaho Republican Party in supporting Texas in its efforts to ensure American’s elections meet the highest standards and expectations of the U.S. Constitution.

Wyoming won’t join states backing Texas election lawsuit

December 10, 2020 5:30 PM Associated Press

Wyoming will not join Republican-led states in asking the U.S. Supreme Court to hear a lawsuit filed by Texas questioning election procedures in states where Democrat Joe Biden won in November, Gov. Mark Gordon said Thursday.

Slight chance of snow Friday, more snow showers Saturday

December 10, 2020 5:24 PM Michael Coats

An active weather pattern moves into the region starting Friday and well into this weekend. There will be a slight chance of snow for Friday, with most of the snow favoring locations close to the Wyoming border. Scattered snow showers on Saturday and Sunday, could deliver 1-2″ of new snowfall to the Snake River Plain.

1,825 new Idaho COVID-19 cases, 33 new deaths

December 10, 2020 5:23 PM News Team

Idaho officials reported 1,825 new COVID-19 cases and 33 new deaths on Thursday.

COVID-19 UPDATES: 301 new COVID-19 cases, 4 new deaths in the area

December 10, 2020 4:27 PM News Team

Local health officials reported 301 new COVID-19 cases and 4 new deaths Thursday.

Reward offered in Jewelry store robbery investigation

December 10, 2020 4:24 PM News Team

The Idaho Falls Police Department is continuing to investigate the robbery of Don’s Jewelry which occurred on December 10.

Northern lights a ‘big miss,’ US space forecaster says

December 10, 2020 3:45 PM Associated Press

An initially promising U.S. forecast for the northern lights has gone bust.

UI slates virtual commencement Saturday

December 10, 2020 3:39 PM News Team

The University of Idaho will award 592 degrees to more than 577 students during virtual commencement ceremonies Saturday, including 15 from the Idaho Falls campus.

Wyoming Game and Fish feeding grounds discussion continues

December 10, 2020 3:08 PM News Team

Wyoming Game and Fish Director Brian Nesvik told the Legislature’s Travel, Recreation, Wildlife, and Cultural Resources Committee this week the department has now completed four virtual meetings focused on elk feed grounds management.

State board urges school compliance with health order

December 10, 2020 2:48 PM News Team

Idaho school districts and charter schools are urged to comply with Governor Brad Little’s Stage 2 health order issued last month and reminded administrators of their liabilities.

AG explains position on Texas election suit

December 10, 2020 2:32 PM News Team

Idaho Attorney General Lawrence Wasden has issued a statement, defending his decision not to get involved in a controversial lawsuit aimed at “overturning” the November 3 General Election.

Live Christmas nativity comes to Idaho Falls

December 10, 2020 2:30 PM Chelsea Briar

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is putting on a live nativity scene at the temple grounds Thursday at 6 p.m.

Man arrested for bomb threat in Spokane charged with arson

December 10, 2020 2:22 PM Associated Press

Police on Thursday identified the man who threatened to blow up the office of the Spokane County Democrats as a 45-year-old man from Grand Coulee, Washington, who authorities say was upset at the whole government system.

Rep. Rob Bishop in hospital after suffering “mild” stroke

December 10, 2020 11:24 AM Associated Press

Republican U.S. Rep. Rob Bishop says he has been hospitalized after suffering a “mild” stroke earlier this week.

COVID-19 is now the leading cause of death in Idaho

December 10, 2020 10:44 AM News Team

The Department of Health and Welfare has announced COVID-19 is the leading cause of death in Idaho for November, based on preliminary data collected from death certificates.

Memorial trees honor COVID-19 deaths in Southeast Idaho

December 10, 2020 10:40 AM News Team

Southeastern Idaho Public Health’s Memorial Garden has become a place to honor loved ones that have been lost to COVID-19.

Local hospitals still pinched by COVID-19

December 10, 2020 10:08 AM News Team

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI/KIDK)-The Eastern Idaho Public Health Board learned Thursday, that the spread of COVID-19 differed considerably throughout the region over the past week. The district saw a record 312 new cases on Wednesday alone. Teton Valley Health in Driggs and Steele Memorial in Salmon both reported no COVID-19 cases as of Thursday morning.

Wyoming governor asked to join lawsuit against Biden victory

December 10, 2020 9:52 AM Associated Press

A group of 32 Wyoming lawmakers and newly elected lawmakers have signed a letter to Republican Gov. Mark Gordon asking him to join other Republican-led states in asking the U.S. Supreme Court to hear attacking election procedures where Democrat Joe Biden won in the November election.

District 91 high schools to move to 4-day schedule

December 10, 2020 9:45 AM News Team

The Idaho Falls School Board has voted to move the district’s high schools back to the “Blue Stage” with a four-day-a-week schedule after the Christmas break.

Yellowstone’s winter season starts Tuesday

December 10, 2020 9:38 AM News Team

Yellowstone National Park will open to the public for travel by snowcoach and snowmobile at 8 a.m. Tuesday, December 15.

Let it Snow!

December 10, 2020 8:21 AM Jeff Roper

Yesterday’s cold front brought the temperatures down for us with cold air and highs today from 33-35 in the valley. Partly sunny with increasing clouds later and lows in the mid-teens. Friday we see a shift with a couple of systems bringing fair shower chances to Wyoming state line and eastern highlands. Then we’ll have

Wednesday high school basketball scores – Dec. 9

December 9, 2020 10:17 PM News Team

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI/KIDK), Boys and girls high school scores

Major sponsor visits Salmon gym

December 9, 2020 9:49 PM Andrew Howe

The principal sponsor of the new high school gym in Salmon, is keeping a close eye on the project as it meets major milestones.

Rigby hands Thunder Ridge their first loss

December 9, 2020 9:29 PM Adrian Luevano

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI/KIDK) – Rigby’s sixth-straight win handed Thunder Ridge their first loss of the season. The Trojans defeated the Titans, 51-44 on Wednesday night. Brooke Donnelly and Hadley Good each had 10 points for the Trojans. Lauren Davenport scored 13 points for the Titans. Rigby looks for their seventh-straight win on Friday as

Athlete of the Week: Tylie Jones, Rigby girls basketball

December 9, 2020 9:21 PM Adrian Luevano

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI/KIDK) – Our Sermon Service and Electric athlete of the week helped her team win five-straight games. Adrian Luevano introduces us to Rigby girls basketball guard, Tylie Jones.

First kid in SIPH District diagnosed with MIS-C, sent to Primary Children’s

December 9, 2020 6:33 PM Emma Iannacone

A 12-year-old boy from Montpelier tested positive for the coronavirus on Oct. 26. A month later, after returning to school feeling fine, his organs started to inflame.

Idaho Anne Frank Memorial defaced with swastika stickers

December 9, 2020 5:45 PM Associated Press

Boise police are investigating after the Idaho Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial was defaced by swastika stickers earlier this week.

Cooler temps with cloud cover Thursday, Chance of snow this weekend

December 9, 2020 5:41 PM Michael Coats

We’re losing our strong ridge of high pressure. A weak cold front is making its way through the region tonight. We’ll see highs into the mid 30’s for Thursday afternoon, with mostly cloudy skies. A series of systems move through the region, with a chance of snow showers Friday.Highs into the lower 30’s, with winds

Record 2,298 new Idaho COVID-19 cases, 29 new deaths

December 9, 2020 5:29 PM News Team

Idaho officials reported a record 2,298 new COVID-19 cases and 29 new deaths on Wednesday.

COVID-19 UPDATES: 574 new COVID-19 cases in the area

December 9, 2020 4:13 PM News Team

Local health officials reported 574 new COVID-19 cases in the area Wednesday. See the health district breakdown below.

Pay It Forward: Clandestine Kringle

December 9, 2020 3:49 PM Todd Kunz

Donate or adopt a family for Christmas and Clandestine Kringle will take care of the delivery.

Thousands face loss of unemployment benefits

December 9, 2020 3:47 PM News Team

16,000 to 17,000 Idahoans could lose unemployment benefits when two federal programs end December 26.

1 hospitalized after crash on I-84

December 9, 2020 3:14 PM News Team

A 37-year-old from Pocatello was transported to Portneuf Regional Medical Center by air ambulance Wednesday after a two-vehicle crash westbound Interstate 84 at milepost 236, in Cassia County.

Ammon Walmart closes for sanitizing

December 9, 2020 2:23 PM News Team

Walmart closed its Supercenter location at 1201 S. 25th East at 2 p.m. Wednesday to allow a third party cleaning crew time to clean and sanitize the building.

2 hurt in US 20 crash

December 9, 2020 1:49 PM News Team

Two people were hospitalized after a truck v. semi crash on US 20 near Lindsay Boulevard in Idaho Falls.

“Give hope by using your lunch money to feed a family”

December 9, 2020 1:16 PM Chelsea Briar

The Commerce decided to keep the “Out of the Box” lunches event alive by giving back to hungry and struggling neighbors who are also feeling the effects of the pandemic through transforming “Out of the Box” lunches into a fundraising event.

Wyoming official quits after calling COVID-19 communist plot

December 9, 2020 1:14 PM Associated Press

A Wyoming Department of Health official who falsely described the coronavirus and development of vaccines against it as a communist plot has resigned, a department spokeswoman said Wednesday.

Ruptured gas line forces evacuations

December 9, 2020 12:34 PM News Team

Six homes have been evacuated due to a main gas line accident in Idaho Falls.

University of Wyoming bans sports ticket sales until 2021

December 9, 2020 12:12 PM Associated Press

The University of Wyoming has banned new ticket sales to home sporting events until at least 2021 as new statewide public health orders imposed by Republican Gov. Mark Gordon went into effect Wednesday.

2020 Chubbuck Christmas Lighting Contest winners announced

December 9, 2020 12:08 PM News Team

The City of Chubbuck has announced the Christmas Lighting Contest winners.

Idaho remains in Stage 2

December 9, 2020 11:16 AM News Team

Governor Brad Little announced Thursday Idaho will remain under the Stage 2 statewide public health order.

Idaho remains in red zone with highest test positivity rate in the country

December 9, 2020 10:34 AM News Team

The latest White House Coronavirus Task Force report obtained by ABC News shows Idaho continues to be in the red zone for test positivity, indicating a rate at or above 10.1%, with the highest rate in the country for the second week in a row.

Snowy weekend

December 9, 2020 10:00 AM Jeff Roper

Idaho health board meeting halted after ‘intense protests’

December 9, 2020 9:42 AM Associated Press

Idaho public health officials abruptly ended a meeting Tuesday after the Boise mayor and chief of police said intense protests outside the health department building — as well as outside some health officials’ homes — were threatening public safety.

Thunder Ridge edges Hillcrest

December 8, 2020 11:24 PM Dylan Carder

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI/KIDK) – Thunder Ridge just got past District 93 rival Hillcrest 55-54 Tuesday. Thunder Ridge (2-0) visits Rigby to start conference play on Thursday. Hillcrest (1-1) will host Madison.

Tuesday high school basketball scores – Dec. 8

December 8, 2020 10:15 PM News Team

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI/KIDK), Boys and girls high school scores

Chad Daybell’s lawyer argues case should be moved to Boise

December 8, 2020 8:45 PM News Team

Chad Daybell’s lawyer, John Prior, formally requested a change of venue Thursday.

A look inside the Portneuf Medical Center’s Covid-19 unit

December 8, 2020 8:39 PM Emma Iannacone

As Covid-19 hospitalizations in Idaho tick up and up, the Portneuf Medical Center staff are feeling the effects.

Record 2,012 new Idaho COVID-19 cases, 19 new deaths

December 8, 2020 5:25 PM News Team

Idaho officials reported a record 2,012 new COVID-19 cases and 19 new deaths on Tuesday.

Light Winds, Above Average Temperatures Wednesday, Chance of Snow Friday

December 8, 2020 4:00 PM Michael Coats

High pressure will begin to shrink as we move into Wednesday, as a weak front moves through the Northwest. We’ll see light winds with highs above average and passing clouds. An active pattern will move into the region late Thursday, with scattered snow showers into Friday and this weekend. Wednesday, mostly sunny with winds around

COVID-19 UPDATES: 468 new COVID-19 cases in the area

December 8, 2020 3:58 PM News Team

Local health officials reported 468 new COVID-19 cases in the area Tuesday.

Utah magazine editor fatally swept out to sea in California

December 8, 2020 3:06 PM Associated Press

The editor of Salt Lake magazine has died after she was swept into the ocean in Northern California.

Governor outlines COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan

December 8, 2020 2:59 PM News Team

Governor Brad Little is setting his plan for distributing the expected shots.

Idaho residents mostly slowed travel Thanksgiving Day

December 8, 2020 12:12 PM Associated Press

Transportation officials in Idaho have reported that highway and interstate traffic volumes on Thanksgiving Day were down in most of the state except eastern Idaho.

Wyoming Game and Fish Department to build employee homes

December 8, 2020 11:28 AM Associated Press

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department has said it is considering adding up to 16 residences to help its staff afford housing in Jackson Hole.

Gov. Little holds town hall Tuesday

December 8, 2020 10:42 AM News Team

You can participate in an hour long statewide telephone town hall with Governor Brad Little Tuesday at noon (MDT).

Idaho health departments behind on contact tracing

December 8, 2020 9:48 AM News Team

Public health officials in Idaho have reported delays in contact tracing, and have not been able to accurately report the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state as residents refuse to cooperate among a surge of infections.

Teachers of the Year call for responsible COVID-19 policy

December 8, 2020 9:04 AM News Team

“Teachers of the Year” have penned an open letter to Idaho communities, school districts, and state leadership.

Pocatello Police seek assault suspect

December 8, 2020 8:26 AM News Team

Pocatello Police are looking for a man involved in the stabbing of another Pocatello man Saturday.

Snow forecasted for this week

December 8, 2020 8:07 AM Jeff Roper

We’ll have clouds building by tomorrow ahead of a cold front which will take temperatures to normal seasonal averages (32) into Thursday, but today and tomorrow we’ll peak around 38-42 at 2-3pm. We expect changes with more moisture by this week’s end and increase shower chances Sunday and Monday with 50% chance of snow. Lows

Survey shows people narrowly prefer Phantoms to Bison for new PHS mascot

December 7, 2020 5:46 PM Emma Iannacone

The least favorite option is the Pocatello Thunder with a thunder mascot.

United Way of Southeastern Idaho kicks off Brown Bag Challenge

December 7, 2020 5:29 PM Cole Sams

On Monday, the United Way of Southeastern Idaho began their week-long Brown Bag Challenge. United Way is looking for a donation of $20.

1,383 new Idaho COVID-19 cases, 20 new deaths

December 7, 2020 5:24 PM News Team

Idaho officials reported 1,383 new COVID-19 cases and 20 new deaths on Monday.

Sunny with high pressure staying in place until Thursday

December 7, 2020 4:36 PM Michael Coats

High pressure remains locked into place with an inversion across the region. A weak system passes through Montana this Wednesday with a chance of showers near the Montana Idaho and Wyoming state lines. We’ll start into an active weather pattern, starting this weekend, with passing snow showers into next week. Overnight, look for clear skies

Idaho Falls Fire Department pushes new vehicle into service

December 7, 2020 4:25 PM News Team

Idaho Falls station 4 Firefighters pushed a new engine into service Monday.

COVID-19 UPDATES: 287 new COVID-19 cases in the area, 9 new deaths

December 7, 2020 4:18 PM News Team

5:12 p.m. Eastern Idaho Public Health confirmed six deaths due to COVID-19.

Shelley police investigate drive-by shooting

December 7, 2020 3:55 PM Bre Clark

The Shelley Police Department is looking for a suspect connected with a drive by shooting early Monday morning in the 500 block of South Park Avenue.

ISU schedules virtual commencement

December 7, 2020 3:27 PM News Team

Idaho State University has scheduled a virtual commencement ceremony for December 12, at 2 p.m.

Wyoming Governor orders statewide facemask requirements

December 7, 2020 3:03 PM News Team

Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon is taking a new approach to COVID-19 he hopes will protect the public and keep businesses and schools open, including a statewide face mask requirement.

ID of man who found Rocky Mountains treasure chest revealed

December 7, 2020 2:07 PM Associated Press

A grandson of Forrest Fenn has confirmed that a medical school student from Michigan found an over $1 million treasure chest that the retired art and antiquities dealer stashed in the wilds of Wyoming over a decade ago.

Idaho revenues outshine predictions

December 7, 2020 2:00 PM News Team

Idaho tax collections in November were 16.5% higher than original projections.

Idaho gas prices down 64 cents from a year ago

December 7, 2020 12:33 PM News Team

According to AAA, Idaho’s average gas price is currently 64 cents cheaper than a year ago. That’s the third-largest decrease in the country.

One man dead in mobile home fire

December 7, 2020 11:54 AM News Team

One person was killed in a mobile home fire at a mobile home park in the 2300 block of East Iona Road at around 1:24 p.m. Sunday.

Nationstar mortgage agreement announced

December 7, 2020 10:41 AM News Team

The Idaho Attorney General’s Office, 50 other attorneys general, and a variety of other federal and state agencies have reached an $86.3 million settlement with Nationstar Mortgage.

Eagle Rock Gallery hosts Christmas party

December 7, 2020 9:41 AM Ariel Schroeder

A local business is offering the community a chance to celebrate the beauty of the holidays with a Christmas party gallery viewing.

Christmas tree sales on the rise

December 7, 2020 9:37 AM Ariel Schroeder

Getting a real Christmas tree seems to be on a lot of people’s wish list, as a local tree farmer tells us there’s been a spike in sales this year.

Flags at half-staff to remember Pearl Harbor

December 7, 2020 9:25 AM News Team

By proclamation of Governor Brad Little, Idaho and American flags are being flown at half-staff today in honor of National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.

Stephen Michaud and family perform during Sunday's Christmas Angels Concert

14th Annual Christmas Angels Concert held virtually this year

December 7, 2020 8:05 AM Cole Sams

Stephen Michaud and his family hosted their 14th Annual Christmas Angels Concert to help provide Christmas for families in need. Due to COVID-19, the decision was made to host the event remotely this year.

Sunny Monday

December 7, 2020 7:53 AM Jeff Roper

We will see changes in the forecast by Wed/Thursday with a cold front bring shower chances and cloudiness and dropping temperatures. Until then, expect great sunny afternoons, light winds from the north, and highs around 40 for the SRP. Around freezing and dry for the mountains. Lows remain bitter cold 7-10 with morning wind chills

805 new Idaho COVID-19 cases, 3 new deaths

December 6, 2020 6:32 PM News Team

Idaho officials reported 805 new COVID-19 cases and 3 new deaths on Sunday.

Mobile Home fire kills one man

December 6, 2020 6:08 PM Ariel Schroeder

UPDATE: The Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office reports Jarius H. Hansen, 61, was found dead inside the mobile home.

Falcon Food Pantry helping hungry CEI students in need

December 6, 2020 6:04 PM Chelsea Briar

The College of Eastern Idaho now has a Falcon Food Pantry on campus to assist students who may be struggling with food insecurity.

Elliot Page’s announcement offers a learning opportunity for all of us

December 6, 2020 4:30 PM Chelsea Briar

Elliot Page wrote a letter on Instagram announcing he is transgender with he/they pronouns.

501st Legion from Star Wars collect donations for Salvation Army

Salvation Army celebrates “I’ll Fight Day” at Pine Ridge Mall

December 6, 2020 10:32 AM Cole Sams

The organization celebrated “I’ll Fight Day” outside of the Pine Ridge Mall in Chubbuck. Lieutenant Ernie Evans says today is like a holiday for the organization and was inspired by remarks from Salvation Army founder William Booth.

Madison blows past Skyline

December 5, 2020 11:46 PM Adrian Luevano

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI/KIDK) – Madison picked up their first win of the season with a 56-24 beat down of Skyline. Logan Crane had 10 points for the Bobcats. Madison looks to avenge their lone loss in their matchup with Hillcrest on Thursday. Skyline hosts Rigby on Tuesday.

Highland wins Black and Blue matchup against Pocatello

December 5, 2020 11:39 PM Adrian Luevano

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI/KIDK) – After falling down 10 points in the first quarter, Highland came back to beat Pocatello, 45-35 on Saturday night. Saydree Bell led the Rams with 12 points. Highland hosts Madison on Wednesday. Pocatello is on the road on Thursday against Canyon Ridge.