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Idaho Falls

Credit card scammers targeting elderly women arrested in drug-fueled Ammon traffic stop

A small group of alleged scammers is in custody after a traffic stop led to the arrests of five men and one woman accused of preying on multiple victims in parking lots across the state and the local area. The Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office says the group successfully stole the credit card information of multiple victims and executed unauthorized money transfers under the guise of collecting charitable donations.

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Paranormal Investigators probe decommissioned Idaho Falls plane for post-mortem passengers

In the lead-up to Halloween, a team of Paranormal Investigators took a closer look into the strange activity surrounding an old plane at the Idaho Falls airport that’s long been out of service.

For nearly 20 years, Pocatello Paranormal Research (PPR) has established itself as Idaho’s most experienced crew for all things cryptid and creepy. According to the group’s website, the team is known for tackling strange happenings from coast to coast, but their latest case has them looking for residual turbulence in the static air of a grounded jet.

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Bus drivers, police alarmed by ‘shocking’ surge in drivers ignoring school bus stop signs

A sharp rise in drivers ignoring school bus stop signs in Bonneville County has bus drivers and deputies on edge, warning that one careless mistake could cost a child’s life.

In just nine weeks of the school year, Bonneville bus driver Jenny Sharp has already recorded as many stop arm violations as she saw all of last year, a surge local law enforcement calls for concern.

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Museum of Idaho receives a 50k donation and presents “Mummies of the World” exhibit

The Museum of Idaho is excited to announce a generous $50,000 donation from Oklo, an advanced nuclear technology company developing its first commercial Aurora powerhouse in Idaho at Idaho National Laboratory. This partnership marks a major contribution to the region’s cultural and educational fabric, reinforcing Oklo’s deep commitment to the Idaho Falls community.

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Idaho students can still ‘Name that plow’ in ITD contest

There’s still time for Idaho students to help name one of the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD’s) snowplows.

“It is the time of year to start looking out for plows, looking out for slick roads, winter driving yet again. And we are happy to see students getting interested and hope that we can have fewer and fewer plow strikes all winter long, especially in our area and all across Idaho,” said Sky Buffat, PIO for the Idaho Transportation Department.

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Local resturant and charities step up to help federal workers and Idaho familes during shutdown

With federal workers facing furloughs and food assistance programs halted for November, the southeast Idaho community is stepping up to help families in need.

One local restaurant is helping with free meals during this time of hardship. Himalayan Flavor in Idaho Falls, Pocatello, and Logan, Utah, is offering assistance to those affected by the government shutdown by providing one free meal per day. All you need is an ID for verification.

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No SNAP benefits for November means local food banks bracing for surge in demand

The United States Department of Agriculture recently announced that, due to the government shutdown, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP benefits (also known as food stamps) will not be issued for November.

The cut in funding means Americans who rely on the system to buy food will have to find alternative means to get the food they need. It also means that unless the government shutdown is ended and funding is restored, food banks around the state are preparing for a large surge in demand over the next few days and weeks.

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Idaho Falls Shelter: Pet surrenders aren’t just a -post-holiday problem—The need for help is year-round

According to most reports, animal shelters fill up more during the winter months, most often after Christmas. But for the Idaho Falls animal shelter, they see influxes of animals coming into their shelter throughout the year.

“We do see an influx in dogs and cats after Christmas, when people realize a pet wasn’t a good fit or they just weren’t prepared,” explains Officer Danielle Harker of the Idaho Falls Animal Control. “But we also generally see an increase in the summer months when it gets a little bit warmer, and people are leaving their dogs outside more often; they tend to escape and get out.”

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Stay safe this Halloween: Your checklist for a spook-tacular night

With Halloween on the horizon, people of all ages are being reminded to stay safe during the spookiest night of the year. Here are some essential tips for parents of trick-or-treaters, drivers, homeowners, and pet owners.

First, if you go trick-or-treating, wait to eat the candy until after you get home. The American Red Cross directs parents to go through the candy and throw away anything that looks unusual or is unwrapped.

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Debate Drama: Idaho Falls Mayoral hopeful responds to controversial religious question at candidate forum

Idaho Falls Mayoral candidate Jeff Alldridge is publicly addressing what he calls “wild rumors” following a controversial moment at a recent mayoral forum.

Alldridge, the sole mayoral hopeful in the race who is not a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was asked a pointed religious question. The incident has since sparked online rumors about his thoughts on “others’ beliefs…and intentions as Mayor” and debate surrounding religious bias in local politics.

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National discount retailer Burlington Stores opens in Idaho Falls and donates $5000 to elementary school teachers

To celebrate the Grand Opening of their new store location and highlight their ongoing commitment to education, the retailer will donate $5,000 to a nearby high-needs school through its long-standing partnership with the national nonprofit AdoptAClassroom. The funds will be used to provide students with the classroom materials they need to learn and succeed. The presentation of the donation to the local school community will take place at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. 

“Our goal is to continue to offer area residents tremendous value on brand-name merchandise for the entire family and home,” said Michael O’Sullivan, CEO, Burlington Stores. “We’re continuing to expand our footprint across the country and are excited to be opening a new store in Idaho Falls. We look forward to giving local customers the chance to discover big savings on a wide range of products.” 

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Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office releases new bodycam/drone video in Shelley officer-involved shooting

The Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office has released new video footage, compiled from body camera and drone perspectives, detailing the events of the August 19th shooting death of 35-year-old Talon Sessions.

The newly compiled footage features portions of the 911 calls received by Bingham County Dispatch, in addition to the on-the-ground body camera and aerial drone video. According to Sgt. Bryan Lovell of the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office, the video is intended to supplement and provide additional context to the prosecutor’s earlier review of the incident.

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Idaho Falls Regional Airport adds another seasonal nonstop flight to Chicago starting May 2026

An exciting new service is coming soon to the Idaho Falls Regional Airport. The airport is adding another nonstop seasonal flight from Idaho Falls to Chicago O’Hare International Airport. The flight will be operated by United Airlines.

“This adds even more travel options and convenience for our passengers heading east and beyond,” the airport posted to social media.

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“Idaho Catholics urge Congress to pass bill protecting foreign-born religious workers”

The Catholic community in Idaho is advocating for Congress to pass a bipartisan bill aimed at protecting foreign-born religious workers from deportation. Currently, the Diocese of Boise hosts 79 active priests, 22% of whom are foreign-born and originate from 15 different countries.

Since January 2025, two priests in Idaho have been forced to leave the U.S. due to expired R-1 visas, and the Diocese of Boise is projected to lose its first parish priest in November 2025. An additional 14 priests are at risk of deportation, with estimates suggesting that over 25% of the clergy in Idaho may face this issue by 2026.

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CEI’s Dr. Jill Kirkham wins Innovative Educator Award

ollege of Eastern Idaho’s Dr. Jill Kirkham is getting statewide recognition for her work in the classroom.

Earlier this week, Dr. Kirkham received the Innovative Educator Award in the Social and Behavioral Ways of Knowing category at the 2025 Idaho General Education Summit. This is the second year in a row that a CEI instructor has earned the award.

“We are so excited to be able to celebrate Dr. Kirkham’s contributions to CEI, especially her innovation that inspires her students to think deeply, at the state level,” said Dr. Dana Cotton, Chair for the Associate of Arts Degree.

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Advanced nuclear technology company gifts Museum of Idaho $50K for educational programs

“After the groundbreaking for the very first Aurora powerhouse, the team celebrated by giving back to the community: a $50,000 donation to the Museum of Idaho to reflect our commitment and gratitude to Idaho Falls and its cultural institutions,” remarked Bonita Chester, Head of Communications and Media at Oklo. “We’re not just here to build essential infrastructure and deploy advanced nuclear technology. Our mission is to both enrich and improve the communities in which we operate. We couldn’t be more excited to be the newest members of the Idaho Falls community.”

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Government shutdown may hold up November SNAP benefits for 125,000 Idahoans

As a result of the ongoing government shutdown, Idaho SNAP recipients could not receive benefits that were slated to be paid in November.

Local News 8 has learned that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) sent a letter to the states regarding the impact of the shutdown on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, commonly known as food stamps. While the letter has not been officially released to the public, Local News 8 has confirmed that copies leaked on social media are authentic.

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Idaho Falls leaf collection starts October 27th

The City of Idaho Falls Street and Sanitation Divisions will begin the annual leaf collection program on Monday, Oct. 27, with collection continuing through Friday, Nov. 21.

City residents are encouraged to rake their leaves—free of branches, sticks, and other debris—into the street along the curb at least one week before their scheduled collection date. Street Division crews will make one curbside collection to remove and haul away loose leaves. In some neighborhoods, crews may arrive a few days early to remove large piles using heavy equipment before beginning final cleanup with street sweepers.

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Authorities warn of rising Bitcoin scams in Eastern Idaho

Authorities are warning residents to be cautious as Bitcoin-related scams become more common in the area. Victims are reportedly being tricked into sending money to fake investment sites or scare tactics, often losing thousands of dollars with little chance of getting it back.

“Criminals are calling Idaho seniors pretending to be from a legitimate business or government agency, then directing them to deposit thousands of dollars into cryptocurrency machines at gas stations to supposedly fix computer problems or pay fake fines,” said Attorney General Labrador. “If anyone demands you put cash into a cryptocurrency ATM for any reason, it’s more than likely a scam and you should report it immediately. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.”

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Traffic stop leads to sizable drug, contraband arrest in Bonneville County

A routine traffic stop in Bonneville County quickly escalated into the arrest of a Jefferson County man on multiple felony drug charges, last Friday.

Rigoberto Avila Mendoza, 19, was taken into custody after a Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) deputy pulled him over just before midnight on Friday, October 17, near the intersection of 15th E. and Iona Rd.

The incident began when Mendoza allegedly ran a stop sign. As deputies approached the vehicle to speak with the teenage driver, they reportedly detected the smell of marijuana. A check also revealed that Mendoza’s driver’s license was suspended.

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Local soup spot warms hearts with award-winning flavors

A street soup is being recognized for its award-winning flavors. Last month, they won best in gold for catering, best sandwiches & soups, and silver for their cookies in Greater Idaho Falls.

“It makes us really proud. We work really hard back here, too,” said Chef Libby Hercher. “We try to make everything fresh. We try to do our best. We put out the best product for everybody. We don’t cut corners around here; Everything is handmade. We work hard for it, so we put it out because we love doing it.”

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Teton Auto Group’s Mario Hernandez nominated for prestigious TIME Dealer of the Year Award

Idaho Falls business leader Mario Hernandez, dealer principal of Teton Toyota and founder of Teton Auto Group, has been nominated for the 2026 TIME Dealer of the Year Award, one of the automobile industry’s most prestigious and highly coveted honors.

“When a customer notices not just the service, but the way our people treat others—and wants to model it in their own business—that’s when you know the culture is working,” Hernandez said. “What we’re doing goes beyond selling cars. We’re shaping how people feel about this industry.”

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Your Health Idaho’s Open Enrollment begins: Insurance premiums set to double for 117,000 as tax credits near expiration

Today, Idaho became the first state in the nation to open Enrollment for 2026 health insurance, but the period is marked by uncertainty due to the potential expiration of Biden-era health insurance tax credits. If Congress does not act before the end of the year, an estimated 117,000 Idahoans who use marketplace plans could see their insurance premiums more than doubled, according to independent researchers.

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EconoLodge standoff suspect postpones plea agreement

Flores is accused of shooting at Idaho Falls police officers during a standoff at the EconoLodge Motel on Broadway Avenue in Idaho Falls in April 2024. No officers were hit during the incident. They did return fire, injuring Flores.

He was expected to change his plea to guilty today; however. Flores has asked for more time to discuss the details of the plea agreement with his attorney. A status hearing has been scheduled for November 18.

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Idaho Falls Standoff Update: Convicted Felon triggers SWAT standoff after pointing replica gun at Police

The Idaho Falls Police Department has released new details regarding a tense, hours-long standoff that unfolded last night, October 13, at an apartment complex near the intersection of Lomax Street and Wabash Avenue.

Police took 56-year-old Wendy Burke of Idaho Falls into custody following the incident. Burke was arrested on two outstanding warrants out of Bingham County—one felony and one misdemeanor—as well as additional charges including Assault on Certain Personnel, Resisting and Obstructing Officers, and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.

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Five people recovering after crash near Lowe’s in Idaho Falls

Five people are recovering tonight after a crash early Tuesday morning in front of Lowe’s on 17th Street in Idaho Falls.

According to the Idaho Falls Police Department, the crash happened around 8:13 a.m. and involved a grey Ford Expedition traveling west in the inside lane. The SUV was carrying an adult and four children.

At the same time, a white truck was also heading west in the outside lane. Witnesses say the truck suddenly swerved across traffic to attempt a U-turn in order to assist a motorist with a broken-down vehicle.

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Standoff ends peacefully: Idaho Falls woman in custody after SWAT response

Idaho Falls Police Department (IFPD) is on scene for an active situation near the corner of Lomax Street and Wabash Avenue. Residents in several nearby homes have been evacuated.

Both streets are currently blocked – Lomax Street from N Freeman to Fanning, and Wabash from Gladstone to 1st Street- for the safety of the public and to give officers the space to work. Residents in nearby homes who have not been evacuated are being directed to shelter in place unless told otherwise by officers on scene. IFPD is directing all other members of the Idaho Falls Community to avoid the area.

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The Art Museum of Eastern Idaho Launches “Foster the Arts” Program

“Foster families play such a vital role in our community,” said Amy Thompson, Development Director at TAM and former foster parent. Thompson’s family provided foster care for six years, ultimately adopting one of their children through the foster system.

“They are helping children heal, grow, and find their footing again—and we believe art can be an important part of that process. We’re honored to create a space where families can connect, create, and find joy together through art.”

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“It’s hard to say goodbye”: Idaho Falls water tower tribute block party

“For nearly nine decades, the water tower has served our community and stood as a familiar part of Idaho Falls’ skyline,” said Mayor Rebecca Casper. “While it’s hard to say goodbye to something so familiar, building a new tower was an important step to protect public safety and prepare for the city’s future. This celebration is a chance to honor our history while embracing what’s ahead.”

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Runaway teen located safe

The Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office is urgently appealing to the public for help in locating a missing and endangered runaway juvenile, Breklyn Stoltz. The 15-year-old left his home yesterday morning and has since sent messages indicating he is not coming home and may harm himself.

BCSO confirmed that Breklyn Stoltz was last seen yesterday morning, Thursday, October 9th, near his home on Cordell St. He was reportedly heading toward school but never arrived. Breklyn then contacted his home this morning and made statements to his family suggesting self-harm.

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Two men charged after major drug and weapons bust in Shelley

Two Shelley men are facing serious felony drug trafficking and weapons charges following a massive drug bust on Wednesday that yielded thousands of fentanyl pills, other drugs, and over 30 firearms. The operation, led by the Bingham County Joint Investigations Division, is considered a major victory in “disrupting drug trafficking and protecting the safety and well-being of our community,” says Shelley Police.

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Great harvest, tight wallets: Why Idaho farmers are still struggling

ccording to a USDA report released last month, the total value of agricultural production in Idaho in 2024 was $12.6 billion, a 3% increase from the previous year. Sean Ellis of the Idaho Farm Bureau Federation says while 2025 looks to be a good year for yield as well, expenses are not going down.

Intermediate farm production expenses in Idaho totaled $7.2 billion in 2024, according to the USDA report, a significant 6% jump from 2023.

“The problem is the commodity prices are so low that even with the great yields, it’s still a struggle,” says Alan Clark, owner and manager of Clark Farms. “You know, you’re just barely able to make payments and things like that.”

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Bonneville County Deputies nab local man following early morning truck theft, foot chase

A Bonneville County man is facing multiple felony and misdemeanor charges after he allegedly stole a pickup truck and a boat, then led deputies on a brief chase on foot early Tuesday morning near Iona.

According to the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO), the incident began around 6 a.m. when deputies were dispatched to a residence on Helios Lane near Iona. BCSO says a man, later identified as 29-year-old Dylan Lutz, allegedly entered the home but fled on foot after being confronted by a resident. Lutz abandoned his vehicle, which law enforcement later discovered.

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“More people, less food” Demand soars amid donation drop, government shutdown concern

The Idaho Falls Community Food Basket is grappling with a seasonal spike in food insecurity, compounded by the ongoing government shutdown, while simultaneously facing historic lows in donations.

The Food Basket has seen donations drop by a staggering 400,000 pounds over the past year. This means directors are now forced to feed significantly more families with significantly fewer resources.

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