Idaho Archives

Idaho Senate calls it quits, but House says not so fast

March 20, 2020 9:26 AM Associated Press

The Idaho Senate called an end to the 2020 legislative session on Thursday, but the House isn’t quite ready to be done and only adjourned until Friday morning.

Pocatello Police procedural changes in response to COVID-19

March 19, 2020 4:45 PM News Team

Social distancing can be challenging if you’re a first responder.

Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Center looks to help those in need

March 19, 2020 9:11 PM Adrian Luevano

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI/KIDK) – With more people staying at home due to COVID-19, the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Center in Idaho Falls continue its advocacy for a safer community. “We provide crisis intervention,” Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Center Director Teena McBride said. “We provide shelter for people who are imminent danger. Initially,

Community spread of COVID-19 detected in south central Idaho, associated with already-confirmed case

March 19, 2020 2:33 PM News Team

South Central Public Health District (SCPHD) and the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (DHW) have confirmed a case of novel coronavirus with no out-of-state travel and no identified contact with another person with confirmed COVID-19.

Idaho could have 9-plus patients for every bed in outbreak

March 19, 2020 4:11 PM Associated Press

An Associated Press analysis of data from the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid shows Idaho has about 2,280 hospital beds statewide, and fewer than half of them are empty and available to take new patients on any given day.

Rexburg businesses are being impacted by the lack of students

March 19, 2020 5:50 PM Jilliana Colina

Classes at the private university have switched to online during the coronavirus crisis and on Wednesday the university announced they will be held online next semester as well.

Bill banning texting while driving heads to Idaho governor

March 19, 2020 12:36 PM Associated Press

Legislation banning texting while driving but allowing hands-free uses such as talking or using the navigation function of an electronic mobile device headed to the governor on Thursday.

USPS to fill 80 positions in Idaho and Utah

March 19, 2020 12:35 PM News Team

The United States Postal Service is looking to fill 80 positions in Utah and Idaho immediately.

Idaho lieutenant governor leaves Statehouse to return home

March 19, 2020 11:42 AM Associated Press

Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin has left the Statehouse and returned to Idaho Falls, leaving Senate President Pro-Tem Brent Hill to preside over the Senate and finish out the legislative session.

Bill limiting Idaho whistleblower lawsuits heads to governor

March 19, 2020 9:32 AM Associated Press

Whistleblower lawsuits against Idaho would be limited to $370,000 in non-economic damages under legislation is heading to the governor.

Truckers experiencing a hard road due to COVID-19

March 18, 2020 10:33 PM News Team

It’s been a long road for truckers over the past few weeks.

District 91 board plans for meal pick-up, and tables bond

March 18, 2020 10:01 PM Adrian Luevano

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI/KIDK) – Idaho Falls School District 91 announced its plans to set-up a meal pick-up program for kids. More details will be announced soon by D-91 if a wavier is approved by the state. D-91 also decided to table its school bond due to all the uncertainty right now due to COVID-19.

Flights diverted to Pocatello amid Utah’s earthquake

March 18, 2020 6:35 PM News Team

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI/KIDK) – Three passenger planes, carrying more than 40 passengers, arrived here Wednesday morning after the earthquake hit in parts of northern Utah. The damage was widespread, cracking buildings in downtown Salt Lake City and damaging parts of the airport. Fortunately, the Pocatello Regional Airport was prepared. “We’ve been able to take them

Bill to compensate wrongly convicted heads to Idaho governor

March 18, 2020 6:30 PM Associated Press

Legislation that would compensate the wrongly convicted headed to the governor’s desk on Wednesday.

Idaho board gets $400,000 to kill problem wolves

March 18, 2020 6:06 PM Associated Press

Legislation sending just under $400,000 to a state board to use to kill problem wolves in Idaho headed to the governor’s desk on Wednesday.

Idaho adopts stricter guidelines to limit coronavirus spread

March 18, 2020 10:37 AM Associated Press

Idaho on Wednesday adopted stricter guidelines for social interaction to slow the spread of the new coronavirus.

Bill outlawing abortion if Roe is reversed goes to governor

March 18, 2020 5:28 PM Associated Press

Legislation making abortion a crime in Idaho should the U.S. Supreme Court overturn the Roe v. Wade decision legalizing the procedure is headed to the governor’s desk on Wednesday.

Local restaurants adapting to coronavirus changes

March 18, 2020 5:05 PM Emma Iannacone

Local restaurants are making tough decisions to maintain safety and keep business running.

Idaho wants to hear from small businesses impacted by COVID-19

March 18, 2020 4:14 PM News Team

Governor Brad Little announced the State of Idaho is seeking responses from small, non-farm businesses across Idaho whose operations and ability to conduct business have been disrupted by the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

Senator Risch talks about stimulus package helping Idaho

March 17, 2020 7:14 PM Todd Kunz

U.S. Senator Jim Risch of Idaho responds to the Trump Administration’s request for a stimulus package to battle the economic impact from the coronavirus pandemic.

A small fire prompts evacuation from Ammon Walmart

March 17, 2020 7:42 PM Todd Kunz

A small fire in the deli Tuesday night prompted store managers to evacuate Walmart.

Earthquake cancels flights to Salt Lake Airport

March 18, 2020 4:56 PM Jilliana Colina

Along with the canceled departures, 4 flights that were headed to Salt Lake diverted into Idaho Falls, around 150 passengers found themself back at the ticket counter looking for a way out.

Idaho transgender women sports ban bill heads to governor

March 18, 2020 12:20 PM Associated Press

An Idaho bill banning transgender women from competing in women’s sports despite warnings that such a law is unconstitutional headed to the governor’s desk on Wednesday.

Petition drive for Idaho ballot initiative called off

March 18, 2020 2:47 PM Associated Press

A petition drive for a ballot initiative to bring in $170 million for K-12 education by raising Idaho’s corporate tax rate and increasing taxes on those making $250,000 per year or more was called off Wednesday due to the coronavirus.

Affirmative action ban heads to Idaho governor’s desk

March 18, 2020 9:42 AM Associated Press

Legislation banning affirmative action for state agencies, state contracting and public education headed to the Idaho governor’s desk on Wednesday.

Little OKs bill targeting predatory medical debt collectors

March 18, 2020 9:41 AM Associated Press

Idaho Gov. Brad Little on Tuesday signed into law a bill creating transparency in medical bills sent to former patients and to rein in predatory medical debt collectors.

Idaho bill targets transgender birth certificate changes

March 17, 2020 9:33 PM Associated Press

Idaho legislation banning transgender people from changing the sex listed on their birth certificates despite a federal court ruling declaring such a law unconstitutional headed to the governor’s desk on Tuesday, bringing the state closer to becoming one of less than a handful of states with such a restriction.

Health centers take measures to protect high-risk patients

March 17, 2020 8:13 PM News Team

Heritage Home Health & Hospice, like many care centers around the nation, is proceeding with caution when it comes to high-risk patients.

Habitat for Humanity Restore worries it may not survive outbreak without community help

March 17, 2020 7:49 PM News Team

The Habitat for Humanity Restore closed its doors on Tuesday in an effort to stop the spread of coronavirus.

BYU-Idaho student is first confirmed COVID-19 case in Madison County, Idaho cases up to 8

March 17, 2020 2:58 PM News Team

Eastern Idaho Public Health will announce the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in Madison County at 5:00 p.m. Tuesday.

Idaho parks open, some programs and lodging closed

March 17, 2020 5:40 PM News Team

Idaho State Parks remain open for day use and most camping – but hands-on activities and large group events are discontinued, and premium cabins and picnic shelters closed.

To minimize COVID-19 risk, Division of Welfare offices open for appointments only

March 17, 2020 4:21 PM News Team

To minimize the impact of COVID-19, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare’s Division of Welfare is shifting from walk-in services to appointment-and phone-based services only in some Idaho locations beginning March 18, 2020.

Idaho now has 7 coronavirus cases

March 17, 2020 10:01 AM News Team

Idaho is currently reporting seven cases.

What to do if your hours get cut or you get laid off

March 17, 2020 5:14 PM Jilliana Colina

Unemployment benefits can help make the transition back to the job market a less stressful process, but there are certain requirements to qualify for them.

Some Idaho lawmakers opting out amid coronavirus fears

March 17, 2020 3:58 PM Associated Press

Two Idaho lawmakers are getting out of the Statehouse due to fears from the new coronavirus, and others said Tuesday that their decision to remain is day-by-day.

Washington-grown berries recalled for Norovirus concern

March 17, 2020 3:26 PM Associated Press

A recall was issued for frozen berries manufactured at a farm near Lynden, Washington amid potential exposure to Norovirus, federal food regulators said.

Idaho wildlife agency kills 17 wolves in Lolo Zone

March 17, 2020 12:57 PM Associated Press

More than a dozen wolves were killed last month to help curb struggling elk populations in north-central Idaho, wildlife officials said.

COVID-19 response fund created

March 17, 2020 8:37 AM News Team

The Idaho Community Foundation, the United Way of Treasure Valley, and the Idaho Nonprofit Center have partnered to create a new COVID-19 Response Fund for Idaho.

Portneuf Library to close temporarily

March 16, 2020 10:58 PM Todd Kunz

The Portneuf Library will close due to the concerns of the novel coronavirus.

Idaho bill bans transgender women, girls from competition

March 16, 2020 8:04 PM Associated Press

An Idaho bill banning transgender women from competing in women’s sports despite warnings that such a law is unconstitutional headed back to the House on Monday after being amended in the Senate.

D93 schools to be open Tuesday, closed Wednesday

March 15, 2020 6:34 PM News Team

UPDATE 3/16/20: Bonneville School District 93 will be open Tuesday. On Wednesday, schools will be closed for students. You can read Superintendent Dr. Scott Woolstenhulme’s letter below.

Assisted living facilities are isolating their residents to keep them safe

March 16, 2020 6:27 PM Jilliana Colina

For residents inside Tambree Meadows Assisted Living in Idaho Falls communal dining and all group activities have been canceled, making their days even more isolated.

Ammon Mayor asks community members to stop hoarding food and supplies

March 16, 2020 5:40 PM Jilliana Colina

The Ammon City Council has had a coronavirus breakout plan in place since February.

Different doctors make different calls on coronavirus tests

March 16, 2020 3:08 PM Associated Press

Idaho health officials say people who think they need to be tested for coronavirus should talk to their doctors.

INL encourages work from home

March 16, 2020 3:08 PM News Team

The Idaho National Laboratory is recommending its employees work from home beginning Tuesday, March 17.

$1.3 million approved to assist state workforce

March 16, 2020 2:05 PM News Team

The Idaho Legislature’s Joint Finance Appropriations Committee has approved the Governor’s request to allocate an additional $1.3 million for essential government services as a result of COVID-19.

Idaho bill outlawing abortion if Roe is reversed advances

March 16, 2020 10:33 AM Associated Press

A House panel on Monday approved legislation making abortion a crime should the U.S. Supreme Court overturn Roe v. Wade, the ruling establishing abortion rights nationwide.

School districts struggle with decisions amid outbreak

March 15, 2020 10:55 PM News Team

AMMON, Idaho (KIFI/KIDK)- School districts have been struggling with the decision to stay open or not. Even before the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in Idaho. Bonneville District 93 held an emergency board meeting this evening. The coronavirus is hard to escape right now. Some tough decisions need to be made when it comes to

Idaho Gov: It’s up to individual school districts to close school

March 15, 2020 2:52 PM Curtis Jackson

Update: School District Idaho’s Governor said it will be up to the individual school districts to decide if they will cancel school as a precaution to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The governor made the announcement on Sunday afternoon following a meeting with superintendents and other state education officials. Sunday morning, the teacher’s union, Idaho

American Falls man killed in avalanche at Pebble Creek

March 15, 2020 2:45 PM News Team

Bannock County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue is on the scene of an avalanche near the Pebble Creek Ski Area.

IEA calls for immediate closure of all schools

March 15, 2020 10:33 AM News Team

The Idaho Education Association (IEA) is calling on the state to close all schools for at least three weeks, including spring break.

5 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Idaho as of Saturday

March 14, 2020 2:38 PM News Team

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, in conjunction with the affected local public health districts, is announcing an additional three cases of novel coronavirus infection in Idaho. This brings the total to five in the state.

First case of COVID-19 confirmed in Eastern Idaho

March 14, 2020 8:56 PM Todd Kunz

The first positive case of COVID-19 found in Eastern Idaho.

Bars react after Gate City Brewfest postponement

March 14, 2020 3:52 PM News Team

Several Pocatello bars decided to have a brewfest of their own after the annual event was postponed.

Statewide primary ballots set

March 14, 2020 5:11 AM News Team

The stage is set for the May 19th primary elections in Idaho

Idaho Guard deployment to Germany is canceled

March 14, 2020 4:06 AM News Team

Idaho’s participation in an international defense exercise in Germany has been canceled as a precautionary measure in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Healthy lifestyle is your best defense against COVID-19

March 13, 2020 5:28 PM News Team

There is no vaccine or cure for COVID-19; however, there are things you can do now to help protect yourself.

North Bannock firefighters offer to shop for the elderly

March 13, 2020 8:39 PM News Team

The North Bannock Fire Department announced Friday that firefighters are offering to shop for those who don’t want to leave their homes.

First case of novel coronavirus confirmed in Idaho

March 13, 2020 9:35 AM News Team

Governor Brad Little has scheduled a press conference on the coronavirus Friday morning at 10 a.m.

Senate committee kills bill involving guns in schools

March 13, 2020 3:50 PM Associated Press

Legislation allowing Idaho school district employees with an enhanced concealed weapons license to carry a concealed weapon on school property was killed by a Senate committee Friday.

SIPH COVID-19 Call Center now active

March 13, 2020 12:57 PM News Team

Southeastern Idaho Public Health is making it easier for you to get your questions answered.

Idaho bill aimed at abortion funding heads to full Senate

March 13, 2020 9:49 AM Associated Press

A bill in Idaho that would ban any public money from going to organizations that provide abortions headed to the Senate on Friday.

Yellowstone Bear World welcomes new cubs

Yellowstone Bear World welcomes 11 new cubs

March 13, 2020 9:27 AM Kaitlin Miklos

Twin, nine-week old bear cubs made their way onto the Local News 8 set Friday morning to help announce the exciting news they’ll be on a brief “tour” before the Yellowstone Bear World gates officially open for the 2020 season.

District: People are in favor of 4-day week

March 12, 2020 8:32 PM News Team

Blackfoot School District Superintendent Brian Kress said a recent survey showed that more than 80% of district parents, teachers and students were in favor of a four-day week.

Gyms working to combat potential spread of COVID-19

March 12, 2020 8:12 PM News Team

Recently, gyms have been identified as potentially risky areas due to the potential of both direct and indirect transmission of the virus.

What school districts are doing to prevent and prepare for the coronavirus

March 12, 2020 5:11 PM Jilliana Colina

The big debate centered on how to know when to cancel school for the district or move classes to an online platform.

Idaho Senate approves affirmative action ban

March 12, 2020 6:20 PM Associated Press

The Idaho Senate on Thursday approved a measure banning affirmative action for state agencies, state contracting and public education.

Idaho lawmakers eye fast exit if coronavirus hits Statehouse

March 12, 2020 5:12 PM Associated Press

Gov. Brad Little and leaders in the Idaho House and Senate said Thursday they’ve made contingency plans for a hasty end to the legislative session should someone in the Statehouse get the new coronavirus.

Coronavirus concerns cause run on groceries, empty shelves

March 15, 2020 7:33 PM Emma Iannacone

During crisis mode, some of us feel the need to stock up on the essentials. So much so, stores across the country are being cleaned out.

Idaho bill outlaws abortion if Roe v. Wade is reversed

March 12, 2020 11:31 AM Associated Press

The Idaho Senate on Thursday approved legislation making abortion a crime should the U.S. Supreme Court overturn Roe v. Wade, the ruling establishing abortion rights nationwide.

Idaho House OKs money to fight coronavirus outbreak

March 12, 2020 12:19 PM Associated Press

Idaho lawmakers moved at lightning speed Thursday to bolster the state’s ability to fight the new coronavirus.

D91 postpones events due to coronavirus concerns

March 12, 2020 11:48 AM News Team

Idaho Falls School District 91 decided Thursday morning to postpone several large group gatherings planned for the next two weeks due to coronavirus (COVID-19) concerns.

Childcare in Idaho is problem for us all

March 11, 2020 12:01 PM News Team

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI/KIDK) – 479 million dollars. That’s the amount of money Idaho loses each year due to childcare issues. The reason was identified as the problem in getting a retaining a workforce in our state. Beth Oppenheimer is the Executive Director for Idaho Association for the Education of Young Children. She says, “All

Ballots in the Bannock County Elections Office

‘Well-oiled machine’ pumps out election results in record time

March 11, 2020 8:59 PM News Team

The Bannock County Elections Office was able to release results Tuesday shortly after 10 p.m. – over an hour earlier than originally expected.

Who can get tested for COVID-19 and where

March 11, 2020 5:11 PM Emma Iannacone

The state lab has enough materials to test between 800 and 1,000 people, and will be requesting more material from the CDC soon.

Idaho receives $4.5 million to support the COVID-19 response

March 11, 2020 1:31 PM News Team

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is awarding millions of dollars to state and local partners to support the COVID-19 response.

Idaho Senate OKs money to fight coronavirus outbreak

March 11, 2020 12:44 PM Associated Press

Idaho lawmakers moved quickly Wednesday to bolster the state’s ability to test for the new coronavirus.

Idaho Falls Police Department prepares move to new building

March 11, 2020 12:23 PM Ariel Schroeder

The city of Idaho Falls is reviewing approximately ten proposals from architects.

Popular Idaho music festival canceled amid virus concerns

March 11, 2020 12:11 PM Associated Press

A popular Boise, Idaho, music festival has been postponed until September amid growing concerns about the coronavirus outbreak.

Idaho names new State Forester

March 11, 2020 11:47 AM News Team

The Idaho Department of Lands has installed Craig Foss as State Forester.

Idaho license plates good for 10 years under new law

March 11, 2020 9:52 AM Associated Press

Idaho motorists will have three additional years before having to replace a vehicle’s physical license plates.

Man killed in Idaho Falls

March 10, 2020 11:59 PM Curtis Jackson

Police are investigating a possible homicide on Higbee and 17th Street in Idaho Falls.

Joe Biden wins Democratic presidential primary in Idaho

March 10, 2020 10:59 PM Associated Press

Joe Biden wins Democratic presidential primary in Idaho.

Bingham Healthcare opens new urgent care center

March 10, 2020 10:54 PM News Team

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held in Pocatello Tuesday for 1st Choice Urgent Care.

Donald Trump wins Republican presidential primary in Idaho

March 10, 2020 9:25 PM Associated Press

Donald Trump wins Republican presidential primary in Idaho.

Lawsuit aims to keep N. Idaho road near border closed

March 10, 2020 4:07 PM Associated Press

Environmental groups filed a lawsuit Tuesday challenging a Trump administration decision to reopen a long-closed road built through grizzly bear habitat in northern Idaho.

How is COVID-19 expected to impact tourism in Idaho?

March 10, 2020 5:00 PM Jilliana Colina

With COVID-19 cases continuing to grow around the world, the Idaho Travel Council is coming up ways to combat its impact.

Idaho voters head to polls for presidential primary picks

March 10, 2020 3:12 PM Associated Press

Idaho voters on Tuesday will pick Democratic, Republican and Constitutional party candidates to represent them in the November general election.

What it takes to secure a $1 million bond

March 9, 2020 6:16 PM Jilliana Colina

“If coming up with a million dollar bond isn’t hard enough, the real challenge is that you need to collateralize it and you have to do that for the full amount of the million dollar bond,”

Police release new photo of missing Ammon man

March 8, 2020 10:11 PM News Team

The Bonneville County has released a photo of 70-year-old Arthur Pupedis leaving his residential facility on March 1.

Southeast Idaho has low risk for floods this season

March 9, 2020 4:47 PM Emma Iannacone

As the temperatures rise, so does the risk for potential floods.

Coronavirus has spring breakers rethinking vacation plans

March 9, 2020 5:31 PM Ariel Schroeder

Many of us with travel plans for spring break may be rethinking your trip.

1970s rock band, The Sweet, to perform in Pocatello this summer

March 9, 2020 2:56 PM Emma Iannacone

The latest announcement in the Portneuf Health Trust Amphitheatre summer concert series is sure to rock some socks off.

House OKs bill limiting Idaho whistleblower lawsuits

March 9, 2020 2:49 PM Associated Press

Whistleblower lawsuits against Idaho would be limited to $370,000 in non-economic damages under legislation that headed to the Senate on Monday.

Idaho Senate committee advances affirmative action ban

March 9, 2020 12:49 PM Associated Press

A Senate panel has approved a measure banning affirmative action for state agencies, state contracting and public education.

Idaho seeks to ban transgender women, girls from competition

March 9, 2020 12:48 PM Associated Press

Idaho is moving closer to banning transgender girls and women from competing on girls’ and women’s sports teams sponsored by public schools, colleges and universities.