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Light the World Giving Machines arrive at Grand Teton Mall

11:30 AM

Heads up, Idaho Falls! The globally recognized Light the World Giving Machines have arrived in Idaho Falls, offering a unique opportunity to give back to the community this holiday season. The ‘reverse vending machines’ are officially launching today, Monday, December 15th, at noon at the Grand Teton Mall.

The Grand Opening event will be emceed by Local News 8’s First Alert Forecaster, Jeff Roper, and feature a live performance by singer Jay Osmond.

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Challis outfitters receive combined 6 Years probation, $49,000 in fines for illegal Bighorn Sheep hunts

10:13 AM

Jerrod Randall Farr, 54, a licensed outfitter and owner of White Cloud Outfitters, and Michael Timothy Scott, 68, a licensed guide, were indicted for facilitating and guiding illegal bighorn sheep hunts in a restricted area of the Salmon-Challis National Forest. The illegal transportation of the bighorn sheep carcasses spanned across state lines from Idaho to Utah and Alaska.

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Violent crime is up … and also down

Early morning shooting in Pocatello under investigation

1:42 PM

On December 14, 2025, at approximately 2:00 a.m., officers with the Pocatello Police Department located an adult male lying in the roadway near the intersection of 2nd Street and Center Street in Pocatello, Idaho. The male had suffered two gunshot wounds. Officers immediately rendered medical aid until emergency medical personnel arrived. The individual was then transported by ambulance to a local hospital.

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Two east Idaho methamphetamine dealers sentenced to 5 years in federal prison

5:00 PM

Two methamphetamine dealers in separate Eastern Idaho cases were each sentenced to five years in federal prison for drug distribution, U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis announced today.

Tamrik Paul Day, 27, of Spokane, Washington, and Jessie Kim Mitchell, 64, of Pingree, Idaho, both received the 60-month sentence from U.S. Chief District Judge David C. Nye. The cases were investigated by the multi-agency BADGES Task Force.

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ITD upgrades lighting to reduce snowplow strikes

3:46 PM

In a continual effort to minimize snowplow strikes and increase safety, the Idaho Transportation Department is installing and testing upgraded lighting packages this winter.

“Yes, green means go but it also gets your attention,” ITD Operations Manager Ty Winther said. “And ultimately, that’s what we’re trying to do, what it’s all about- grabbing people’s attention.”

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“Learning to help”: Dora Erickson Elementary Students master the ‘Domino Effect’ of good deeds

12:40 PM

One good deed is always followed by another; That’s the important lesson Students at Dora Erickson Elementary are learning with a cereal box food drive.

“We were trying to find a fun way for kids to bring in cereal for Outreach Pantry, which feeds the kids at our school who need food over the weekends or over long breaks. Because if you don’t learn at a young age that we can help each other, then we will probably not help each other when we get older,” said Moore.

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50-year-old Idaho man dies from Flu as officials urge immediate vaccination

12:24 PM

This marks the second influenza-associated death of the season in the Gem State. Last flu season, 87 people were reported to have died from flu-related illnesses in Idaho. 

“It is important for all of us to take precautions to avoid influenza infection,” said SIPH officials in the announcement. “If you haven’t already, visit your health care provider, local public health district, or pharmacy to get vaccinated. Getting vaccinated today will help protect you and your family for the rest of the influenza season.”

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Pocatello crews battle two water line breaks; Repairs underway

10:42 AM

Crews with the City of Pocatello are responding to multiple water line breaks across the area.

The initial incident took place early Friday morning, when a 12-inch water main break occurred at the corner of Pole Line Road and Eldredge Road. City of Pocatello crews arrived at 5:29 AM and initially instructed residents near the break to remain indoors as a safety precaution, as the leaking water flowed into a power grid area.

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Indian Hills closes early due to waterline break; Parents must pick up students at reunification site

7:01 AM

UPDATE: POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) —  Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25 has issued an emergency closure for Indian Hills Elementary School due to a major waterline break on Cheyenne Avenue. With classes already started, parents must now make arrangements to pick up their children. Families of Indian Hills students are directed not to go to the school,

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Urgent Call to Action: Families of Kratom victims rally for awareness and change

6:00 AM

Families of Kratom victims are taking a stand to expose the serious dangers of Kratom and advocate for awareness and change. Kratom products continue to be sold and marketed heavily around Idaho, despite the official FDA warnings of the drug’s life-threatening effects. Now, officials and the victims’ loved ones are speaking out.
In the last 18 months, the Bonneville County Coroner’s office has investigated six kratom-related deaths. A staggering four of the fatalities were determined to be solely due to the acute drug toxicity of mitragynine, the primary active compound found in Kratom. One of these four victims was 23-year-old Kielee Rustici of Idaho Falls.

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Kidnapping charges dropped against BYU-Idaho student in Idaho Falls Costco incident

11:32 AM

Bonneville County Prosecutor Randy Neal has announced a press conference regarding the alleged kidnapping that occurred at the Idaho Falls Costco last month.

Michael Garrison Raine, a 24-year-old Brigham Young University of Idaho, faces one count of second-degree kidnapping after a mother allegedly caught him taking her shopping cart containing her four-week-old daughter.

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U of I killer, Bryan Kohberger, reportedly threatening self-harm in bid to force prison transfer

10:50 AM

Confessed killer and inmate Bryan Kohberger is reportedly considering desperate measures to force the Idaho Department of Corrections to move him from his current prison block. According to a report by the Daily Mail, the former University of Washington student is threatening self-harm if the IDOC does not move him out of J-block in the Idaho Maximum Security Institution in Kuna.

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Tenants fear money loss after drop box break-in; Sheriff’s Office investigating

5:31 PM

The reported break-in of a rent drop box has tenants worried they might have to repay December’s rent. Rooftop Rental tenants say they may be forced to repay money that went missing, prompting frustration as deputies launch an investigation.

“I hope everyone who put the money in the box over the weekend will get it figured out, and all we can do is pray that they waive our rent for this month, otherwise we all have to come up with over 1200 dollars again when most of us barely scrape by…” said a disgruntled tenant on Facebook.

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“We’re Heartbroken”: Zoo Idaho mourns the passing of beloved Mountain Lion, Sinbad

4:18 PM

Tuesday, Zoo Idaho staff in Pocatello announced the passing of Sinbad, the beloved mountain lion who had been a resident at the facility for the last 13 years. Sinbad was humanely euthanized after his health rapidly declined, a difficult decision made by the animal care team and veterinarian.

Zoo Idaho staff stated on Facebook, “Although he had a full and happy life, we’re heartbroken that we had to say goodbye so quickly.”

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Idaho Falls announces 2026 State of the City Address with Mayor-elect Burtenshaw

3:36 PM

The City of Idaho Falls invites the community to attend the 2026 State of the City Address, featuring Mayor-elect Lisa Burtenshaw.

The address, hosted by the Greater Idaho Falls Association of REALTORS® (GIFAR), will take place during a luncheon on Wednesday, January 21, 2026. Doors will open at 11:00 a.m., with lunch served at 11:30 a.m. Mayor Burtenshaw will outline her priorities and vision for the city’s future during her address.

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Two-vehicle crash on Yellowstone HWY sends one driver to hospital with minor injuries

2:21 PM

A two-vehicle crash on Yellowstone Highway in Idaho Falls on Wednesday morning sent one person to a local hospital with minor injuries. The crash took place shortly before 12:00 p.m. near the Fred Meyer and McDonald’s shopping area.

According to Idaho Falls Police Department (IFPD) spokesperson Jessica Clements, the incident began as one vehicle was attempting to exit the shopping center’s parking lot. As the driver turned onto Yellowstone Highway, their vehicle was struck by a second car traveling southbound.

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Watchdog report finds Idaho immigrants detained in Wilder raid moved far from home, and from their attorneys 

11:12 AM

On a Sunday afternoon in October, a man went to the horse racetrack in Wilder, a small Idaho farming town, hoping to unwind after a long week at his construction job. But the La Catedral Arena — a popular spot for Latino families to spend time together and watch races — quickly devolved into chaos as federal agents stormed the event. 

The man, who is undocumented, hid as Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents sprayed rubber bullets at the crowd, said Rachel Vasquez, one of his relatives. Eventually, he was caught and placed in a large white van. 

The man’s family was unsure where he was being held or how to contact him, and couldn’t find him on the ICE website for locating detained people. After a full day of worrying and no word from him, Vasquez tracked the location on his phone to the Boise ICE office, where she went herself to get answers. But she and other families were shut out of the office. Vasquez spoke to InvestigateWest on the condition that her relative would not be named, citing concerns about impacting his immigration case.

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In CNN interview, Govs. Spencer Cox of Utah and Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania condemn political violence

10:00 AM

By Arit John, CNN (CNN) — Republican Utah Gov. Spencer Cox and Democratic Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro condemned the rise of political violence during a joint interview with CNN’s Dana Bash, calling on politicians, including President Donald Trump, to help lower the temperature in the country. The two responded on Tuesday to the president’s comments

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Missing Judge William Woodland has been found deceased

7:54 AM

The Bannock County Sheriff’s Office has issued an Endangered Missing Person Alert for an unnamed 84-year-old man last seen at the intersection of Lone Pine Road and Gay Mine Road.

The man is believed to be in danger, according to the alert. He was last seen wearing a blue suit jacket, tan slacks, and cowboy boots. According to a post on the Facebook group Life in Pocatello, the man may be driving a dark red Lexus ES350 sedan, license # 1B G8404.

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Survey seeks input on succession planning needs of Lemhi County farmers and ranchers

11:59 AM

As the average age of Idaho farmers and ranchers continues to rise, University of Idaho Extension is asking producers to weigh in on when and how succession-planning workshops should be offered. While half of current respondents have been operating for more than 26 years, organizers hope younger producers will participate before the survey closes in late December.

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AG Labrador warns Charity Scams spike during the Holiday season

9:25 AM

With the holiday giving season underway, the Idaho Attorney General’s Office is urging Idahoans to remain vigilant against deceptive charity scams. Monday marks the start of International Charity Fraud Awareness Week, highlighting the threat of criminals posing as legitimate organizations to exploit generous donors.

“The holidays, unfortunately, bring out the worst in criminals who exploit our community’s generosity,” said Attorney General Labrador. “We can’t allow scams to undermine legitimate charities or the people who depend on them. It’s up to all of us to stay informed and make smart decisions about our donations.”

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A view of the US Supreme Court in Washington

Supreme Court agrees to decide if Trump may end birthright citizenship

11:55 AM

The Supreme Court agreed Friday to decide if President Donald Trump’s attempt to end birthright citizenship with an executive order is constitutional, offering the justices an opportunity to revisit what has widely been considered settled law since the 19th Century.

By granting the appeal, the court is directly taking on the merits of a controversy that it largely avoided earlier this year, when it sided with Trump on technical grounds dealing with how the challenges to the policy were handled by lower courts.

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Teton Pass closed Sunday morning for Avalanche Testing

3:57 PM

Heads up, drivers! The Teton Pass along highway 22 from Teton County, Idaho, to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, is scheduled for a closure this weekend for avalanche infrastructure testing.

The closure will begin at 3:00 AM on Sunday, December 6th, and should only last for around one hour. Starting at 8:00 PM tonight, Friday, Dec. 5th, Wyoming Department of Transportation crews will be strictly enforcing a no-parking order between the closure gates.

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Idaho renews and expands shared stewardship agreement to increase management of Idaho forests

2:55 PM

“Idaho’s early leadership with the Good Neighbor Authority laid the groundwork for an even more ambitious model – Shared Stewardship. We are building on a foundation of cooperation and resource-sharing and expanding that work across entire landscapes and ownership boundaries. I am confident that our continued efforts and partnerships will deliver lasting benefits for Idaho’s forests and our rural communities. Idaho once again is leading the nation in collaborative, innovative approaches to improving forestlands in Idaho, and we’re just getting started,” Governor Little said.

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Pocatello officer cited for hitting pedestrian

4:02 PM

A Pocatello Police Officer has been cited for failure to yield after striking a pedestrian in a crosswalk with their patrol car on Thursday afternoon, December 4th.

A security camera at a neighboring business captured video of the incident; however, the business, wishing to remain anonymous, told Local News 8 they would no longer be releasing the video after conversations with Pocatello Police. The initial security video was released by an unnamed employee.

A Pocatello Police officer and a subsequent vehicle were spotted leaving the business as Local News 8 arrived Friday morning.

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Pocatello City Council approves Rich Morgan as new CFO/City Treasurer

10:51 AM

After an extensive months-long search, the City of Pocatello has officially filled its Chief Financial Officer/City Treasurer position. During Thursday’s City Council meeting, Council Members voted to approve the hiring of Rich Morgan as the City’s next CFO/City Treasurer.

“I am excited and honored to step into this role and serve our community during this important transition,” said Morgan. “My focus will be strengthening the city’s financial foundation, supporting the dedicated staff in the Finance department, and ensuring that our work reflects transparency, accountability, and service to residents.  I look forward to working closely with Mayor-Elect Dahlquist, the council, and the entire Pocatello team as we move the city forward together.”

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Idaho DOC Director calls for strengthened sexual abuse law following non-profit watchdog report

10:32 AM

Content Warning: The following article discusses themes of sexual abuse and assault.
For the first time since InvestigateWest exposed widespread sexual abuse by Idaho prison staff, the director of Idaho’s prison system laid out plans to increase protection for inmates and accountability for those accused.

Those plans include the Department of Correction working with lawmakers to change a state law that makes it difficult for prosecutors to criminally charge prison workers who take advantage of inmates. Department of Correction Director Bree Derrick also said the department will review its public records process, implement ways to ensure inmates know their rights, and update its prison sexual misconduct policies — though she did not give specifics about what those policy changes would look like.

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Netflix announces deal to buy Warner Bros. and HBO

10:00 AM

Netflix has triumphed in the bidding war for Warner Bros. and HBO, announcing a deal that could combine two of the three biggest streamers with one of the largest traditional movie and television studios.

If the deal goes through, it will fundamentally reshape Hollywood at a precarious time for the entertainment business. It would give Netflix control of some of the industry’s most valuable intellectual property, including Batman, Harry Potter and Game of Thrones, and would give a company that historically had very little interest in movie theaters oversight of the studio that put more butts in seats than any other this year.

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Bodycam video shows heroic actions of first responders during attack

9:56 AM

It’s been just over two months since the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter‑day Saints in Grand Blanc Township was attacked, a shooter taking the lives of four parishioners and leaving the rest of the community scarred.

7 News Detroit reporter Faraz Javed was one of the first reporters on the scene and has been on the story from the very start. Now, he’s bringing you a story you’ll only see on Channel 7 with exclusive body camera footage from two Genesee County Sheriff’s deputies who are also trained medics.

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Lock Your Doors: Rexburg Police issue urgent warning after overnight crime spree

4:04 PM

The Rexburg Police Department took to Facebook to issue an urgent warning, confirming that several stolen vehicles were allegedly used in a string of area thefts. A common link between all the vehicle thefts is that most vehicles appear to have been left unlocked, sometimes with the keys still inside. Police emphasized that the town’s reputation for safety may be attracting opportunistic criminals.

“When we give advice to make sure you lock your homes and cars, we often get the response ‘But this is Rexburg, things like that don’t happen here!'” The department wrote. “The problem is that there are criminals who know exactly what our city’s reputation is, and they will travel to our town to find easy victims.”

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From Sleetwoodmac to Fast&Flurryous: ITD announces winners of “Name a Snowplow” Contest

4:09 PM

The Idaho Transportation Department has selected 12 winners from its second annual Name a Snowplow contest! The names will be featured on 12 plows across the state.

“We’re proud of the creativity and community spirit shown by Idaho’s students and teachers in naming our snowplows,” said ITD Director Scott Stokes. “These names help connect people to the important work our crews do every winter. When you see a plow out on the road, please remember to give them space so they can keep our highways safe for everyone.”

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Special Olympics Idaho calls on Gem State Businesses for National Team support

12:51 PM

“Our Idaho athletes have worked incredibly hard to earn their place on this national stage,” said Special Olympics Idaho CEO, Kristi Kraft. “The USA Games are more than a competition; they are a celebration of belonging, courage and ability. We’re asking Idaho’s business community to stand with these athletes and help us reach our $100,000 goal so every team member can participate fully and proudly.”

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Former Downard Funeral Home owner Lance Peck loses private counsel over $37K in unpaid legal fees

11:18 AM

A major shake-up has taken place in the criminal case against Lance Peck, the former owner of Downard Funeral Home. Peck’s private attorney, Richard Blok, formally withdrew from the case on Monday, December 1, after the defendant accrued more than $37,000 in unpaid legal fees. A public defender has now been appointed to take over the high-profile case.

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‘Peacekeeper’ charged with manslaughter in fatal No Kings protest shooting

11:27 AM

Nearly six months after a fatal shooting on the streets of Salt Lake City during this summer’s No Kings protest march, criminal charges have been filed against the event volunteer connected to the deadly incident.

Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill announced Wednesday that his office has filed second degree felony manslaughter charges against Matthew Alder, the man who was serving as a so-called “peacekeeper” during the June 14 downtown rally and march.

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Student searches for Good Samaritan who performed a good deed, restoring his faith in humanity

10:42 AM

A Southern Utah University student has launched an online search to find the mystery person who restored his faith in humanity after going far out of their way to do the right thing.

Freshman Karson Thomas had left class and was headed to his car Monday when he came home and realized his wallet was left behind in the parking lot.

“I didn’t even realize it was gone until my sister had called me and told me that someone had returned my wallet. So I didn’t even know it was gone until it was returned,” Thomas said Wednesday.

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Ammon Road Reopened After Waterline Break and Roadway Repair

11:53 AM

Water service has been restored to several homes in Ammon after crews successfully repaired a significant waterline break along Ammon Rd. near Liberty Square that began last night, December 2nd.

While the water issue is resolved, Ammon Rd. is currently restricted in both directions between Georgia and 17th Street as crews work to repair the damaged roadway. City officials are directing drivers to take alternate routes. Crews anticipate the repairs will be completed by the end of the day tomorrow, Thursday, December 4th.

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Bannock County community gathers at Pearl Harbor Memorial Bridge this Sunday; Governor directs flags to half-staff

10:19 AM

This Sunday, December 7th, the Bannock County community is taking the chance to remember, reflect, and stand together, while marking the 84th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. The community ceremony will take place at the Pearl Harbor Memorial Bridge on W. Fremont Street at 3:00 PM.

“Most of us were not alive when the horrors of the attack on Pearl Harbor unfolded 83 years ago, but it is so important this generation and future generations take the time to honor the thousands of men and women who lost their lives in that unprovoked attack on American soil. Idaho will also forever honor the brave service members who fought for our country and all of humanity during World War II in the years that followed the attack on Pearl Harbor,” Governor Little said.

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Idaho AG: Bipartisan Multistate Anti-Robocall Task Force takes aim at four major phone companies

10:09 AM

“Idahoans are frustrated with scammers swindling families by pretending to be the IRS, Social Security, or any other legitimate entity,” said Attorney General Labrador. “My Consumer Protection Division works hard to educate people on how to avoid scams, but we need to hold telecom providers accountable for allowing that illegal traffic.”

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Local Detectives honored by the Idaho Attorney General for their work keeping kids safe from internet predators

11:36 AM

Two dedicated law enforcement officers from the Idaho Falls area received awards from the Idaho Attorney General for their work protecting children from online exploitation. Detective Jared Mendenhall of the Idaho Falls Police Department and Detective Korey Payne of the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office were honored for their outstanding work with the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. (ICAC)

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A US Food and Drug Administration official said last week that the agency would be changing its vaccine approval process.

Former FDA, CDC leaders warn that US vaccine policy is under threat

3:15 PM

Former US public health officials are sounding alarms about significant changes being made to the country’s vaccine policy under the Trump administration. Two public letters this week — one from former commissioners of the US Food and Drug Administration and one from former leaders at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — warn that health leadership spearheaded by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and a panel of recently appointed advisers are putting the public’s health at risk with a haphazard approach to vaccine science.

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President Donald Trump at his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida on Thanksgiving Day.

Trump announces plan to rescind Biden-era fuel-economy standards for vehicles

2:39 PM

President Donald Trump on Wednesday unveiled plans to rescind fuel-economy standards for vehicles put in place under the Biden administration.

“These policies forced automakers to build cars using expensive technologies that drove up costs, drove up prices, and made the car much worse,” Trump said during an Oval Office event announcing the changes. “The action is expected to save the typical consumer at least $1,000 off the price of a new car, and we think substantially more than that.”

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City of Idaho Falls selects Zachary Jones as new City Attorney

12:03 PM

“Mr. Jones has already shown us what he can do as our interim city attorney. In a very short amount of time, he has demonstrated his ability to bring people together to build a team that will serve this city with excellence,” said Mayor Rebecca Casper. “His fresh perspective, exceptional legal training and willingness to master new areas of the law will be invaluable to Idaho Falls. He also brings something you can’t teach — an innate sense of good judgment. We are confident that Mr. Jones and the city’s legal team will continue to provide the well-reasoned, sound and thoughtful counsel our city requires.”

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BYU-I Student charged with kidnapping infant at Idaho Falls Costco

12:21 PM

A Brigham Young University-Idaho student has been charged with kidnapping a four-week-old infant after allegedly taking a shopping cart containing the baby from a Costco store last month.

Michael Garrison Raine, 24, faces one count of second-degree kidnapping. The arrest followed an investigation prompted by a mother’s quick response after she discovered her child was missing from her shopping cart.

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Accused National Guard shooter held without bond after pleading not guilty to murder and assault charges from hospital bed

11:45 AM

By Casey Gannon, Holmes Lybrand, Katelyn Polantz, CNN (CNN) — An Afghan man appeared in court virtually from his hospital bed in Washington, DC to plead not guilty to charges related to the shooting of two National Guardsmen in the capital. Rahmanullah Lakanwal is accused of shooting two National Guard members near the White House

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