Local News Archives

Mental Health Monday: What is anxiety?

March 4, 2024 11:55 AM Kailey Galaviz

Anxiety is the most common mental health disorder, affecting 301 million people worldwide, according to the World Health Organization.

Jackson Hole restaurant owner dies after fall into tree well, Krause family creates scholarship in his honor

March 4, 2024 11:24 AM Seth Ratliff

The owner of a popular Jackson Hole restaurant died Friday after falling into a tree well while skiing at the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. This marks the second time a skier has died in a tree well in the area in less than a month.

Prosecutors say Megan Stedman homicide happened in Montana not Idaho Falls

March 4, 2024 10:54 AM News Team

Prosecutors now believe the Megan Stedman homicide occurred in Bozeman, Mont. rather than in Idaho Falls.

Pocatello seeks community input during multiple rebranding campaign events

March 2, 2024 12:00 PM Cole Sams

The City of Pocatello has organized multiple events for the public next week to gain input on the city’s rebrand.

Track your tax refund online anytime

March 3, 2024 10:00 AM News Team

After you’ve filed your Idaho income tax return, track your refund online for the most up-to-date information.

Gov. Little proclaims March STEM Matters Month

March 3, 2024 12:02 PM News Team

Idaho Gov. Brad Little is declaring March STEM Matters Month.

Rolling closure to cause 5 minute delays for I-15 drivers near Blackfoot

March 4, 2024 10:02 AM News Team

At approximately 11 a.m. Monday, there will be a rolling closure on Interstate 15 between Exit 89 and Exit 93.

TCSD #1 kindergarten registration opens

March 4, 2024 9:31 AM News Team

To enroll in kindergarten in Teton County School District, students must be five years old by August 1.

$40 million to improve Yellowstone employee housing

March 4, 2024 9:31 AM News Team

The new investment will fund more than 70 new modular units to address the critical shortage of employee housing at the park.

LDS missionary from Sugar City passes away

March 3, 2024 7:10 PM Travis Richards

A young man from Sugar City, serving in the New Jersey Morristown Mission has passed away after becoming unresponsive this morning from a medical condition.

Power restored to thousands in Idaho Falls, IFP working to fully restore power for all customers

March 3, 2024 12:09 PM Travis Richards

Idaho Falls Power has restored electricity to over 2,500 people residing in the Idaho Falls area.

Bannock County Emergency Operations Center activated due to severe snowstorm

March 3, 2024 12:48 PM News Team

The Bannock County Emergency Operations Center has been activated to assist agencies in the aftermath of a severe snowstorm.

Idaho is at all time high in reading levels for early ages

March 3, 2024 4:56 PM Braydon Wilson

Dr. Seuss Day is nationally recongised as the 2nd of March. Which of course was Saturday. The goal of the day is to encourage more reading especially at an early age.

More schools in Eastern Idaho announce closures for Monday

March 3, 2024 6:40 PM News Team

Multiple schools in Bingham County have announced closures for Monday, March 4th.

Viewers share storm photos

March 2, 2024 11:32 PM News Team

Viewers send in their photos of the storm aftermath on March 2, 2024.

Julian Bowie’s incredible fourth quarter leads Pocatello to first 4A championship since 2000

March 2, 2024 11:04 PM Eric Moon

They never quit, and they are finally over the hump. The Pocatello Thunder won the 4A state championship Saturday night in their third try against the Hillcrest Knights for their first title since 2000.

Trump wins Idaho Republican Presidential Caucus

March 2, 2024 6:45 PM News Team

The Idaho Republican Party announces that President Donald J. Trump has won the Idaho Republican Presidential Caucus.

Idaho Republicans vote for who they want to be their presidential candidate

March 2, 2024 7:19 PM Braydon Wilson

Idaho Republicans went to the polls Saturday to participate in the Idaho G.O.P caucus. Many of them braved the weather making sure their voice was heard in chosing who they wanted to represent them in the upcoming presidential ballot.

Major highways close due to severe winter weather

March 2, 2024 3:06 PM Travis Richards

Severe winter weather has caused some major highways and roads to close, due to driving conditions and crashes.

Teton’s cinderella run falls short in 54-47 loss to Bonners Ferry in 3A Championship

March 2, 2024 10:50 PM Eric Moon

The Teton Timberwolves came just a few points short of a state championship Saturday, falling to the Bonners Ferry Badgers 54-47 in the 3A title game.

Prolonged power outages impacting Idaho Falls customers

March 2, 2024 9:34 AM News Team

As a result of ongoing winter weather, Idaho Falls Power is now experiencing multiple prolonged outages.

Rocky Mountain Power responding to power outages

March 2, 2024 2:34 PM News Team

Rocky Mountain Power crews are responding to wide-spread outages caused by heavy snow and strong winds across southeast Idaho, affecting roughly 12,000 customers.

Heavy snow, wind cause thousands to be without power in eastern Idaho

March 2, 2024 6:28 PM News Team

Power outages continue to affect thousands of people in Eastern Idaho due to the heavy snow that fell Friday and Saturday.

Multiple ski resorts close due to safety concerns

March 2, 2024 10:35 AM News Team

Grand Targhee Ski resort announced it is closed on Saturday, due to severe winter weather across the region.

Idaho GOP caucus requires planning from local party leaders

March 1, 2024 10:37 PM Stephanie Lucas

Idaho Republican voters will gather throughout the state on Saturday. They’re choosing which Presidential candidate they want to see on the ballot in November.

Pocatello, Hillcrest, and Teton advance to Saturday’s Boys Basketball State Championships

March 1, 2024 10:30 PM Eric Moon

Three local teams are just one win away from glory. Pocatello, Hillcrest, and Teton each won their semifinal games Friday to advance to their respective title bouts.

What you need to know about Idaho’s Republican Caucus on Saturday, March 2

March 1, 2024 2:30 PM Stephanie Lucas

Idaho Republican voters will gather throughout the state on Saturday to choose the Presidential candidate they want to see on the ballot in November.

Wyoming range mule deer population declines after severe winter of 2022-23

March 3, 2024 9:00 AM News Team

Wildlife biologists estimate the current herd number to be about 11,000 animals. This is a considerable decline from the February 2023 estimate of 30,000 individuals.

Portneuf Greenway Foundation granted easement for new trail

March 3, 2024 2:00 PM News Team

Construction is set for in late 2024 or early 2025.

75% of Idaho educators choose ISU’s Albion Center for Professional Development

March 2, 2024 2:00 PM News Team

The new year brought a major milestone for Idaho State University and its mission to serve the state’s teacher workforce.

Hoback Canyon, Teton Pass to close Saturday for avalanche control

March 1, 2024 6:11 PM News Team

The Wyoming Department of Transportation has scheduled a few closures to do avalanche control.

DOE issues request for qualifications for clean energy projects at INL

March 2, 2024 9:00 AM News Team

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) issued a request for qualifications (RFQ) to identify and evaluate qualified clean energy developers interested in leasing DOE-owned land for commercial clean energy projects within the 890-square-mile Idaho National Laboratory (INL) site.

Teton County ice rinks close for season

March 2, 2024 10:00 AM News Team

All Town/County ice rinks have been closed for the winter season, effective immediately.

Loose pet problem in Salmon

March 1, 2024 11:17 AM Evan Thomason

As we were working on the Lemhi County Humane Society story, many people in Salmon mentioned another problem to us.

MacKenzie River Pizza still in operation after settling civil suit

March 1, 2024 11:00 AM Ashley Chilcutt

A local restaurant is still in operation after settling a civil suit with the Idaho Department of Labor.

AAA: Don’t put off a vehicle recall repair

March 1, 2024 4:57 PM Ashley Chilcutt

March 4 is the beginning of Vehicle Safety Recalls Week, and AAA is reminding vehicle owners to complete necessary repairs with a sense of urgency.

ISU hosts VEX Robotics Competition for high school students

March 1, 2024 4:48 PM Noah Farley

“Getting that entry experience into the world of engineering…it’s fantastic.”

Idaho HOSA-Future Health Professionals to host annual State Leadership Conference

March 5, 2024 10:00 AM News Team

This conference serves as a platform for talented youth to showcase their health science knowledge and skills by participating in 81 competitive events.

Gov. Gordon signs first bills of 2024 Legislative session

March 1, 2024 4:06 PM News Team

Governor Mark Gordon signed the first bills of the 2024 Legislative session at the Capitol Friday.

Snake River Bridge work could extend into Tuesday evening

February 29, 2024 9:29 AM News Team

WYDOT is recommending drivers be prepared for delays the nights of Monday, March 4 and Tuesday, March 5.

Botched execution of serial killer in Idaho puts focus on capital punishment secrecy laws

March 1, 2024 2:52 PM Associated Press

This week’s botched execution of a death-row inmate in Idaho highlights the secrecy around capital punishment.

State Highway 32 closed due to weather

March 1, 2024 2:21 PM News Team

State Highway 32 is closed due to weather conditions.

Furry Friend Friday special visitor

March 1, 2024 2:17 PM Jeff Roper

Cannon has found his furever home.

Community response to Tom Magro being let go at Lemhi County Humane Society

March 1, 2024 11:08 AM Evan Thomason

One of the citizens of Salmon we spoke to about the troubles of the Lemhi County Humane Society wanted to respond to us after hearing the news that they let go Tom Magro.

ITD to remove houses on Iona and Hitt

March 1, 2024 3:02 PM News Team

There is a big road project in the works on Hitt Road in Bonneville County.

Teton County, Wyo. administrator resigns

March 1, 2024 1:25 PM News Team

Teton County administrator Alyssa Watkins has resigned.

Autopsy rules Christopher Tapp’s death homicide

March 1, 2024 1:20 PM News Team

Christopher Tapps’ autopsy confirms the cause of his death is homicide from blunt head trauma.

Kids on social media – Not all eyes are innocent

March 1, 2024 11:28 AM Kailey Galaviz

Social media can be great, but also dangerous especially for children.

Pomerelle Kid’s Day competition rescheduled

March 1, 2024 10:06 AM News Team

Cold temperatures and high winds forecasted for Saturday has caused Pomerelle Mountain Resort’s popular Kid’s Day Competition to be rescheduled.

State Board of Education approves middle grade math recommendations

March 1, 2024 9:37 AM News Team

The Idaho State Board of Education on Wednesday approved recommendations for improving instruction and student performance in fifth through ninth grades.

GETTING ANSWERS: Executive director no longer employed at Lemhi Co. Humane Society

February 29, 2024 5:56 PM Evan Thomason

Former workers there and the community of Salmon together are reporting of several issues that have arose in the past year. Local News 8 decided to get answers and dig more into the situation.

Colon cancer on the rise for young americans

March 1, 2024 7:00 AM Conner Nuckols

Colon cancer is the third most common cancer in the U.S.

Shelley’s “Boomer the Russet” gets much-needed costume upgrade

February 29, 2024 11:08 PM Sam Gelfand

SHELLEY, Idaho (KIFI) – Shelley High School’s mascot costume is getting a much-needed makeover. “Boomer the Russet” was crowned the second-best mascot in America, according to a 2022 poll by SBLive. Local News 8 had the extremely rare privilege of speaking with the student inside the suit. Sports mascots rarely do interviews because they cannot

Eight local teams advance to semifinals in Boys Basketball State Tournaments

February 29, 2024 8:58 PM Eric Moon

One-third of Friday’s semifinal squads are from East Idaho, as eight local teams punched their tickets to the semis Thursday.

Could Thomas Creech face the firing squad? IDOC director shares next steps after failed execution

February 29, 2024 4:01 PM Ashley Chilcutt

“I’m sure some will question or disagree with the decision not to proceed, but I’m confident my decision won’t be criticized by anyone who would have to live with the consequences of getting it wrong.”

Florida man charged with burglarizing Challis gas station

February 29, 2024 5:38 PM Curtis Jackson

A Florida man is being held in the Custer County Jail for breaking into a gas station and taking money from a safe.

Defense rests in the Brad Compher murder trial; Closing arguments set for Monday

February 29, 2024 10:24 AM Linda Larsen

The Brad Compher murder trial continued in Pocatello on Thursday.

Blackfoot makes plans to build new animal shelter

February 28, 2024 11:57 AM Seth Ratliff

The City of Blackfoot is making plans to build a new animal shelter, according to Mayor Marc Caroll.

Upgraded Vote Idaho website launched

February 29, 2024 2:52 PM News Team

“The new version of the website reflects our commitment to transparency and accessibility and will serve as a valuable resource for voters, candidates, and the media,” Secretary McGrane said.

Idaho Falls School District 91 approves amended $95 million budget

February 29, 2024 2:37 PM News Team

The Idaho Falls School District 91 school board has approved the amended budget for the current school year.

Prosecutor seeking death penalty in Jeremy Best murder case

February 29, 2024 11:30 AM Ashley Chilcutt

The state has filed a notice of intent to seek the death penalty in the case against Jeremy Best, the father accused of killing his infant son and pregnant wife.

FAFSA processing delay gives students opportunity to apply for scholarships

February 29, 2024 11:29 AM Noah Farley

“Take this time to be laser focused on applying for scholarships.”

Injured snowmobiler rescued from creek near West Yellowstone

February 29, 2024 10:07 AM News Team

Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue reports a severely injured snowmobiler was rescued after crashing their snowmobile into a creek Wednesday.

Idaho Falls Soup Kitchen serves 1 millionth meal

February 29, 2024 10:07 AM Kailey Galaviz

The Idaho Falls Soup Kitchen, which has been serving the community for nearly 40 years, will celebrate the serving of its one millionth meal on Thursday.

Yellowstone National Park’s winter season wraps up

February 29, 2024 9:29 AM News Team

By March 16, most visitor services and park roads will be closed including the South, West and East entrances.

New ITD Division Administrator of Engineering Services named

February 29, 2024 9:29 AM News Team

Idaho Transportation Department Director Scott Stokes has appointed Michael Johnson as the new Division Administrator of Engineering Services

Morning Show Leap Year Birthday Party

February 29, 2024 7:18 AM Conner Nuckols

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – The Local News 8 in the Morning crew took the time to celebrate a birthday that only comes every four years… Leap Year Birthdays! Amber Baker and Koryne Anderton of Blackfoot stopped by this morning to tell us what it’s like being a Leap Year Baby.

Idaho halts execution by lethal injection after 8 failed attempts to insert IV line

February 28, 2024 7:53 AM News Team, Associated Press

Thomas Eugene Creech will be executed by lethal injection today at 10 a.m. at the South Boise Prison Complex.

Things to know about Idaho’s botched execution of serial killer Thomas Eugene Creech

February 28, 2024 10:07 PM Associated Press

For nearly an hour, Thomas Eugene Creech lay strapped to a table in an Idaho execution chamber as medical team members poked and prodded at his arms and legs, hands and feet, trying to find a vein through which they could end his life.

Cancelled execution has Idaho lawmaker considering changes to firing squad law

February 28, 2024 7:42 PM Stephanie Lucas

The canceled execution has one lawmaker reconsidering how firing squads should be used in Idaho.

Judge delays decision on trial date for Bryan Kohberger

February 28, 2024 4:56 PM News Team

The man accused of killing four University of Idaho students likely won’t go to trial for at least another year.

Licensed big game outfitter, guide from Challis indicted for violating Lacey Act

February 28, 2024 4:00 PM News Team

A federal grand jury sitting in Pocatello returned a six-count indictment on Tuesday charging a licensed big game outfitter and licensed big game guide from Challis with Lacey Act violations.

A hearing in the Idaho student killings case focuses on genetic genealogy. Here’s why that may be important

February 28, 2024 4:24 AM CNN Newsource

By Eric Levenson, CNN (CNN) — A hearing Wednesday in the murder trial of Bryan Kohberger, the man accused of killing four University of Idaho students in November 2022, focused on the investigative genetic genealogy evidence in the case – an issue his attorneys have said is a key part of his defense. In an

Defense to call former suspect, 2 convicted murders to testify in Brad Compher trial

February 28, 2024 12:09 PM Linda Larsen

Updates on the Brad Compher murder trial taking place at the Bannock County Courthouse.

Mackenzie River Pizza owners ordered to pay $319K for wage violations

February 28, 2024 10:40 AM Noah Farley, Ashley Chilcutt

An Idaho Falls restaurant has been ordered to pay a total of $319,000 for illegal tip sharing, child labor, and overtime violations.

Shelley, Firth fire departments get much needed upgrade to better serve community

February 28, 2024 10:27 AM Braydon Wilson

For the past 50 years, members of the Shelley Firth Quick Response Unit (QRU) have strived to provide emergency medical care to the community.

House passes bill criminalizing pornographic AI images of people

February 28, 2024 7:55 AM Conner Nuckols

A bill criminalizing sexually explicit Artificial Intelligence images of real people is now heading to the Idaho Senate.

Lawmakers fighting for suppressors to be regulated like guns

February 28, 2024 7:27 AM Conner Nuckols

Gun owners in Idaho are one step closer to having easier access to protect their ear drums.

Gov. Little signs bill to support public charter schools

February 27, 2024 6:18 PM Stephanie Lucas

Governor Brad Little signed the Accelerating Public Charter Schools Act Tuesday.

4.5 million visits to Yellowstone National Park

February 28, 2024 2:54 PM News Team

Yellowstone National Park hosted 4,501,382 recreation visits in 2023, up 37% over 2022 (3,290,242 recreation visits).

Kick-off meeting set for Pocatello’s PROST Plan

February 17, 2024 10:00 AM Cole Sams

The meeting will be held on Wednesday, Feb 28 at 6 p.m.

SIPH to hold free suicide prevention trainings for health care providers

February 27, 2024 10:52 AM Cole Sams, Kailey Galaviz

Southeastern Idaho Public Health (SIPH) has partnered with SafeSide Prevention to provide free training for primary care professionals.

AARP offers free tax service for community members in need of help

February 27, 2024 11:46 AM Braydon Wilson

2024 tax season is here, and many are getting ready to turn in their returns.

Wind blows tree onto roof of Idaho Falls home

February 27, 2024 1:13 PM News Team

A large Siberian elm tree uprooted and fell onto a house’s back patio and roof during Monday’s windstorm.

How to protect yourself from pickpocketing

February 23, 2024 11:45 AM Noah Farley

More than 400,000 pickpocketing incidents happen every day, says havengear.com.

Pocatello police investigate residential burglary

February 27, 2024 12:19 PM News Team

The Pocatello Police Department is investigating a residential burglary that happened on Friday.

Eligible homeowners can apply online for property tax relief

February 27, 2024 12:08 PM News Team

You might qualify for some property tax relief.

DNA testimony begins in Brad Compher murder trial as expert witnesses take the stand

February 27, 2024 11:48 AM Linda Larsen

Court opened Tuesday morning in the Brand Compher murder trial with more fingerprint experts.

Bannock County coroner sponsors bill to create a statewide next-of-kin database

February 27, 2024 11:04 AM Cole Sams

The Idaho legislature is considering a bill to create a statewide database to store people’s next of kin information.

Nearly 100-year-old Blackfoot theatre undergoes restoration

February 27, 2024 11:09 AM Seth Ratliff

In early January, the Nuart Theatre in Blackfoot was selected by the Idaho Heritage Trust to receive $49,000 in funding to support the restoration of the historic building.

Grand Teton recorded 3.4 million visits in 2023

February 27, 2024 10:10 AM News Team

Recreation visits in 2023 are most similar to the number of visits in 2019.

Idaho Falls Zoo accepting applications for Jr. Zoo Crew

February 27, 2024 9:56 AM News Team

Idaho Falls Zoo is accepting applications for the Jr. Zoo Crew.

7 vehicle pileup shuts down SH-33 for 3 hours

February 27, 2024 10:00 AM News Team

A Rigby man was hospitalized after a seven vehicle pileup on SH-33 Monday afternoon.

Anti-SLAPP bill to fight against free speech-related lawsuits

February 27, 2024 6:15 AM Conner Nuckols

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – A new ‘Anti-Slapp’ bill is coming to the Idaho Senate. Lawmakers say the bill is meant to protect individuals and organizations from being targeted by lawsuits that they feel, are intimidating them from expressing their freedom of speech. Supporters of these laws have labeled these lawsuits as “SLAPP” suits, short for strategic lawsuits

Marsh Valley School District working to bring charter school to Lava Hot Springs

February 26, 2024 5:43 PM Cole Sams

Making up most of rural Bannock County, the Marsh Valley School District has seen a significant change in their enrollment numbers the past few years.