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Local Elections at Crossroads: Idaho GOP plans push to end nonpartisan municipal elections

5:20 PM

Roughly three-quarters of American cities hold non-partisan city council and mayoral elections, or, where candidates do not provide a political party affiliation beside their names on the ballot. But in Idaho, that could soon change.

Idaho Republican Party Chairwoman Dorothy Moon says the State GOP is actively pursuing legislation to end the state’s long-standing tradition of nonpartisan municipal elections, saying it’s time to put an “R” or “D” by candidates’ names.

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Dump Truck collision knocks out power in Idaho Falls neighborhood; 20 customers affected

2:27 PM

Crews with Idaho Falls Power are responding to a power outage currently affecting 20 customers in the area bordered by Ray Street, Grace Avenue, and Lola Street following an incident involving a dump truck late Friday morning.

According to the energy provider, the truck collided with and knocked down a utility pole on Friday, November 7th, pulling down other poles, primary and secondary lines, as well as transformers in the area.

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Pocatello Regional Airport cancels upcoming flight on Sunday, November 9th due to FAA cuts

11:23 AM

The Federal Aviation Administration’s plan to slash airline capacity is already affecting flights in Southeast Idaho.

As of this morning, Delta Airlines has informed Pocatello Regional Airport that Delta Flight 3702 has been canceled. This cancellation is a result of the FAA’s recent decision to reduce air capacity by 10% due to the ongoing government shutdown.

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Major Blackfoot road closure starts Monday: West Bridge Street shut down for sewer upgrade

10:53 AM

Drivers in Blackfoot — listen up! A major road closure is coming next week.

Starting Monday, November 10th, a section of West Bridge Street will be shut down to allow crews to upgrade a sewer lift station connecting to the city’s wastewater treatment plant. The closure is expected to last through Thursday, affecting traffic from Parkway Drive, Doud Street, and the frontage road, plus drivers coming into town off Highway 39.

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Fish and Game forced to put down food conditioned bears in Teton County

4:39 PM

On Nov. 4, Fish and Game responded to reports of a black bear sow and three cubs that had been frequenting a Teton County neighborhood for over a month. The bears repeatedly received food rewards from unsecured garbage and other attractants, which prompted them to spend much of their time in yards and around homes. Due to their food conditioning and habituation, the decision was made to euthanize these bears in the interest of public safety. 

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LDS Church names Elder Gérald Caussé to Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

5:06 PM

The faith officially announced today that Elder Gérald Caussé, a 62-year-old native of Bordeaux, France, will be the newest apostle. He was called on November 6th.

“I’ve always had a testimony of Jesus Christ,” Elder Caussé said Thursday. “He’s always been in the center of my life. I know Jesus Christ lives. And I know He’s our Savior and Redeemer. What a wonderful thing it is to be a witness of Christ. That’s the best responsibility or stewardship we might have in our lives.”

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NWS confirms EF-0 tornado touched down in Rigby late October

4:08 PM

The twister touched down around 1:45 p.m. on October 27th near N 3950 E. The brief but powerful storm path spanned approximately 200 yards long and was about 50 yards wide.

The NWS confirmed the twister remained on the ground for only around five minutes, but in that short time, it caused significant damage to the property. The damage was consistent with 75-85 mph winds, which violently uprooted two large pine trees, flipped a recreation vehicle on its side, significantly damaged an outbuilding, and destroyed a partially constructed sunroom attached to a local home.

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Idaho Falls Regional Airport confirms normal operations despite national flight reductions

2:16 PM

Good news for travelers flying out of Idaho Falls, the FAA’s new 10% flight cuts will not impact the Idaho Falls Regional Airport directly.

IDA Leadership confirmed this morning that flights out of the airport will continue as scheduled. However, some connecting airports and flights across the country could see delays or schedule changes as a result.

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Reed’s Dairy invites Idaho Falls to celebrate new production facility after devastating fire

12:05 PM

In the difficult months since the fire, the Reed family demonstrated incredible resilience. They continued serving customers by outsourcing the processing of dairy products while spearheading the construction of their state-of-the-art replacement facility.

The reopening will be marked with a special two-day celebration:

Ceremonial Ribbon-Cutting: Friday, November 14th, starting at 2:00 PM.

Public Tours: Friday (3 PM – 6 PM) and Saturday, November 15th (9 AM – 12 PM).

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‘Operation Green Light’: Bannock County joins national effort to support veterans

10:02 AM

If you’ve been in Pocatello this week, you may have noticed a change in lighting around town. The Bannock County courthouse is lit up in green as part of “Operation Green Light for Veterans,” a nationwide initiative running through Veterans Day next week.

“Veterans don’t always feel seen or appreciated. It’s important for them to know that we support them, always,” said Melissa Hartman, Bannock County Veterans Service Officer.

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Harwood Elementary closure extended through Thursday

5:27 PM

Jefferson School District 251 has extended a school closure for Harwood Elementary, after a minor pipe break caused flooding earlier this week.

Although the pipe has been repaired, D251 says they’ll require additional time to ensure the building is safe and fully dry for students and staff. Harwood Elementary School will remain closed tomorrow, Thursday, November 6. Classes are scheduled to resume on Friday, November 7th.

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“Ready for Change”: Pocatello Mayoral candidates reflect on election and city’s future

4:27 PM

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 30%.
“I think the city was just ready for change. You know, they made one thing clear last night in the election is that they’re they’re ready for new leadership. And they just want things to change in our city. And I do believe, that over the last 16 years our city has been going backwards instead of forwards,” Cates said.

“What I was hearing really quite often was that people were ready for a change, that they were yearning for a new direction, a new perspective, a new style of leadership,” Dahlquist said.

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Idaho Falls UTV Light Parade spots open Nov. 6th.

2:50 PM

Get ready to light up the night! Registration for the Third Annual UTV Holiday Light Parade and Stones KIA Firework Show kicks off this Thursday, November 6th, at 8:00 a.m.
“It has been exciting to watch this event continue to grow each year,” said Mayor Rebecca Casper. “The UTV Holiday Light Parade is such a fun and unique way to celebrate the holidays together. And I deeply appreciate how this event benefits the Idaho Falls Community Food Basket at the time of year when their shelves become depleted. It’s this kind of community spirit that makes Idaho Falls so special. I encourage everyone to incorporate this night of lights, laughter and giving into their holiday celebrations.”

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AG Labrador secures win for Idaho homeowners trapped in predatory 40-year contracts

11:35 AM

“Idaho families were tricked into signing contracts that locked them into 40-year obligations with massive penalties if they tried to use a different realtor,” said Attorney General Labrador. “Our lawsuit forced them to void every one of these predatory agreements and leave Idaho for five years, ensuring our families can sell their homes freely without fear of scams designed to exploit them.”

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Idaho Falls Native and son die in ‘Murder Hornet’ attack while zip-lining in Southeast Asia

11:15 AM ,

An Idaho Falls native and his teenage son died last month after being attacked by a swarm of Asian giant hornets—often dubbed ‘murder hornets’—while zip-lining in Laos, in Southeast Asia.

Daniel Owen, 47, and his 15-year-old son, Cooper, died following the incident on October 15th, as reported by USA Today. The father and son were stung by hundreds of the aggressive insects during their vacation before being rushed to the Phakan Arocavet Clinic for emergency care.

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Island Park mourns unexpected loss of Fire Chief Nathanael Brandemihl at 45

10:53 AM

The Island Park community is mourning the unexpected passing of Fire Chief Nathanael Brandemihl, who died at his home on Saturday, November 1st, at the age of 45.

The North Fremont Fire District posted to Facebook: “Our hearts are with the Island Park Fire Department and the family of Fire Chief Nathanael Brandemihl during this incredibly difficult time. We extend our deepest condolences and support as you navigate this loss. The fire service community stands with you in strength, compassion, and remembrance.”

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Mayor Blad ousted as candidates Greg Cates & Mark Dahlquist head to runoff election

11:06 PM

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 from Bannock County confirmed that incumbent Mayor Brian Blad failed to secure a majority, or even a spot in the top two, effectively ending his current term.

Mark Dahlquist led the field, cruising to a first-place finish with 5,135 votes, representing a strong 40.21% of the total. He will face Greg Cates, who secured the second spot with 3,938 votes (30.83%).

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Scott Stufflebeam secures Blackfoot Mayoral Victory; Shoyo takes D55 Trustee post by a whisper

10:32 PM

The official results are finalized for the Bingham County 2025 municipal elections, confirming a tight victory for Scott D. Stufflebeam, who narrowly secured the position of Blackfoot Mayor. Stufflebeam won with 55.59% of the local vote.

In a nail-biting contest for the Blackfoot School District 55 Trustee for Zone 1, Taryn J. Shoyo clinched the victory by a razor-thin margin, earning 85 votes to opponent Kevin Callahan’s 83.

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Two drivers walk away after crash in downtown Idaho Falls

7:18 PM

Two drivers fortunately walked away without injury after a late-afternoon crash Tuesday at the intersection of Broadway and Park Avenue near the Celt in downtown Idaho Falls.

According to the Idaho Falls Police Department, the incident took place around 5:00 PM. Police say the first driver was traveling westbound on Broadway and attempted to turn left onto Park Avenue but failed to yield to oncoming traffic. The turning vehicle was struck by a car traveling in the opposite direction.

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Two lanes open on I-15 northbound as ITD works on Riverton Road Bridge

6:23 PM

As engineers continue to assess the damage and necessary repairs on Riverton Road Bridge, the Idaho Department of Transportation has taken further steps to restore the flow of traffic along Interstate 15 near Blackfoot.

After a tanker truck crash late Thursday night, October 30th, that critically damaged a support pillar, ITD partially reopened the interstate to single-lane traffic underneath the bridge. Now, as of Tuesday, ITD has shifted lanes to provide travelers with two northbound lanes and one southbound lane, separated by a temporary median, spanning I-15 between Exit 89 and Exit 93.

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Idaho Food Banks reach tipping point as unpaid workers, SNAP cuts drive record demand

4:09 PM

The ongoing federal government shutdown, on the edge of becoming the longest ever, has created a severe national emergency. Federal workers are going unpaid, SNAP recipients are set to only receive partial benefits this month, and the financial fallout is pushing local food banks to a crisis as they struggle to serve both affected employees and low-income families.

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Rexburg Police nab suspected tagger who targeted 35+ local businesses in vandalism spree

3:00 PM

After a multi-month tagging spree targeting local businesses, the Rexburg Police Department announced Tuesday morning, November 4th, that the suspected vandal is now in custody.

The alleged tagger was taken into custody on Monday, November 3rd, and has been charged with felony Malicious Injury to Property. The arrest concludes an investigation spanning the last three months, during which the tagger allegedly defaced more than an estimated 35 local businesses, causing significant damage and frustration to property owners.

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Idaho Falls man sentenced in multi-year Wyoming poaching spree

2:28 PM

A multi-year investigation recently wrapped up in Lincoln County on Sept. 24  when Rodney Gilstrap of Idaho Falls, Idaho, was sentenced on multiple wildlife-related charges following an appeal filed in August 2024. The charges stemmed from Gilstrap falsely claiming to be a Wyoming resident beginning in 2018 and then illegally killing deer, elk, and pronghorn in western Wyoming. 

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Time capsule from Japanese Church of Christ revealed to public Saturday

5:22 PM

Leaders from the Japanese Church of Christ unveiled artifacts found in a 101-year-old time capsule on Saturday, showcasing the story of early Japanese immigrants to Salt Lake City.

According to a press release from Michelle Schmitt, the previously unknown time capsule contained three newspapers, Sunday school records, an American and Japanese flag and two small bibles, one of which had been brought to Utah by a Japanese immigrant in 1906.

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ISU launches new Master’s in Geology with Geology Management Concentration

5:06 PM

“This degree is specifically intended for people who are chomping at the bit to enter their geosciences career and move up into managerial roles,” said Shannon Kobs Nawotniak, professor and chair of the geosciences department at Idaho State. “While the traditional research-track offers a student an opportunity to gain expertise in a very narrow application, the new master’s with a concentration in geology management replaces the thesis work with targeted courses from the Master’s of Business Administration (MBA) program at Idaho State to ensure that the student has training in how businesses and management actually work.”

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Pocatello Police launch 7th annual “Give the Cops a Bird” Thanksgiving food drive

4:37 PM

For the 7th year in a row, the Pocatello Police Department is bringing back a seasonal partnership with the local Idaho Food Bank ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday.

From now until November 20th, PPD is encouraging residents to donate frozen turkeys, non-perishable canned goods, and monetary gifts at the police department as part of the annual “Give the Cops a Bird” turkey drive. This annual initiative ensures local families facing food insecurity have food on their tables for the holiday.

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Wyoming Governor Gordon steps in amid SNAP crisis

4:20 PM

As millions nationwide brace for reduced Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits this month due to the ongoing government shutdown, the State of Wyoming has taken decisive action to protect its most vulnerable residents. Governor Mark Gordon has now signed two key executive orders aimed at bolstering food security across the Cowboy State.

“Food insecurity does not care about political parties,” Governor Gordon stated on Facebook. “Wyoming will not allow its citizens to go hungry because Washington cannot do its job.”

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Gov. Little establishes task force to secure $1B federal funding for rural health

11:59 AM

Idaho is looking to bring in a massive federal investment to overhaul healthcare access and quality in its rural communities. On October 30th, Governor Brad Little signed an Executive Order establishing the “Making Rural Idaho Healthy Again Act” Task Force. The new Task Force is charged with developing and submitting Idaho’s application for significant federal aid.

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

2:08 PM

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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Murder charges filed in 2021 disappearance of Idaho child Michael Vaughn

11:51 AM

The Payette County Prosecutor’s Office has officially filed murder charges in the case of Michael Vaughn, the 5-year-old boy who vanished from his Fruitland, Idaho home in 2021.

“We believe we know the individuals involved and are committed to pursuing justice with or without Michael’s recovery,” Duke stated. He credited the charges to the “unyielding tenacity and perseverance” of the Fruitland Police Department, which has not ceased working the case. “They are continuing to search and investigate so they can bring Michael’s body home.”

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

10:54 AM

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

5:09 PM

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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Daylight Saving Time is controversial. Here’s why the US kept it

12:47 PM

It’s almost time for clocks to “fall back” one hour, allowing many people across the United States to gain one hour of sleep.

On the first Sunday of November, at 2 a.m., clocks fall back an hour to standard time. On the second Sunday of March, at 2 a.m., clocks in most of the United States and many other countries move forward one hour and stay there for nearly eight months in what is called Daylight Saving Time.

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

11:04 AM

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

5:50 PM

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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USDA cuts block 370,000 pounds of meat and produce from Idaho Food Banks

6:12 PM

Idaho food banks lost out on 370,000 pounds of food shipments from May through September due to massive cuts to The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), according to USDA records obtained by ProPublica.

These canceled shipments, first detailed in a report by non-profit newspaper the Idaho Capital Sun, included meat, dairy, and fresh produce intended for distribution centers in North Idaho, Lewiston, Boise, and Pocatello. Local partners, including Community Action Partnership and El-Ada Community Action Partnership, lost planned deliveries of essential items like cheese, chicken, turkey, and pork.

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

12:09 PM

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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Gov. Little returns from “productive” D.C. trip, Idaho Democrats denounce “cruel” withholding of SNAP benefits

12:00 PM

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 team and renewed an invitation for him to visit Idaho.

Little also met with House Speaker Mike Johnson to address the shutdown’s threat to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps. The USDA has warned states that the ongoing shutdown makes it almost certain that over 42 million Americans, including over 130,000 Idahoans, who rely on these essential benefits will not receive crucial funds in November.

While the Governor struck a hopeful tone, his return from his D.C. visit came amid sharp criticism from the state’s Democratic leaders, who pointed to the trump administration’s handling of SNAP benefits.

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

8:57 PM

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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Blackfoot firefighters, aided by off-duty/volunteer crews, tackle structure fire in 30 minutes

11:06 AM

Over the weekend, a small crew of Blackfoot firefighters, with the help of volunteers and off-duty personnel, tackled a dangerous structure fire in under 30 minutes despite minimal staffing.

The emergency began on Saturday afternoon, October 25. A Blackfoot Fire Department Ambulance was heading to Blackfoot from Rockford on Highway 39 to provide coverage, as multiple other ambulances were out on calls. While driving, the crew suddenly spotted a column of smoke and flames coming from a shop building near the highway. They immediately radioed the alarm to Station 1, quickly geared up, and began an initial walkaround of the burning structure.

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The passing of a public servant: Former Idaho U.S. Congressman Richard Stallings passes away at 85

12:06 PM ,

“Richard reminded us that politics at its best is about people, not power. It is about understanding our neighbors’ struggles and standing up for them,” stated Nechocea. “His legacy endures in the leaders he inspired, the communities he strengthened, and the countless Idahoans who saw in him what public service should look like: humble, principled, and tireless in pursuit of the common good. Our hearts are with his family and all who loved him.”

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

4:10 PM

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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“Presumption of Innocence”: Judge rules accused Charlie Kirk killer can wear civilian clothes in court

12:21 PM

Tyler Robinson, the man accused of killing political activist Charlie Kirk, made his first in-person court appearance last Friday. The closed hearing was requested by his attorney, Kathy Nester, two weeks prior to discuss what Robinson would be permitted to wear during his court appearances.

Attorney Nester filed the motion arguing that forcing Robinson to appear in typical inmate attire or restraints—such as a “suicide robe,” bulletproof vest, or shackles—would unfairly prejudice the jury. She argues that these visible signs of imprisonment lead people to assume he’s guilty, violating his right to a fair and impartial trial.

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A father hunts moose with his adopted son with Down syndrome

“It was magic”: A father hunts moose with his adopted son with Down syndrome

4:15 PM

Brady Murray drew a moose tag for unit 73 in southeast Idaho, and what followed captivated the hunting community, with his son Cooper attempting to harvest a moose.

Brady grew up in Idaho and now lives in Utah. In 2007, the Murray family welcomed their first son. Nash was born with Down syndrome, and after advocating to adopt orphans with disabilities, the Murray family adopted Cooper out of China.

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Nearly 2,000-pound pumpkin crushes car in spectacular finale to 35-year journey

3:39 PM

What do you do if you have an old, broken-down car and a pumpkin that weighs more than it? The answer is simple: you get a crane and see what happens when you drop the latter onto the former.

In the video above, some of you may recognize the car from a FOX 13 News story earlier this year. Millville resident Alan Gebert has been driving his 1991 Geo Metro for nearly 35 years, and his wife’s video about his loyalty to the compact coupe went viral.

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Habitat Improvement Team allocates over $900,000 for 5 Southeast Idaho conservation projects

3:31 PM

Five conservation projects across southeast Idaho have received a major boost to enhance and protect the Gem State’s landscapes and wildlife habitats. The Habitat Improvement Team (HIT) has allocated more than $900,000 to these five initiatives. This funding is slated for critical work like restoring rivers and wetlands, bolstering fish and wildlife habitats, and protecting the region’s expansive open spaces.

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

12:32 PM

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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Coroner ID’s Pocatello man in Fatal I-15 Crash

11:11 AM

The name of the Pocatello man killed in a single-vehicle crash on Interstate 15 in Bannock County on Friday has been officially released.

Bannock County Coroner Torey Danner identified the man as 47-year-old Randell Case of Pocatello. His next of kin has been notified. “I want to express my condolences to Randell’s family and friends during this difficult time,” said Coroner Danner.

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