Skip to Content

Top Stories

Idaho Family Policy Center proposes renaming State Highway 16 the “Charlie Kirk Memorial Highway”

Idaho State Highway 16 could soon get a new name. The Idaho Family Policy Center (IFPC) is partnering with state lawmakers to introduce a bill during the next legislative session that would rename State Highway 16 the “Charlie Kirk Memorial Highway.”

The proposed name change would honor Charlie Kirk, the founder of the conservative student organization Turning Point USA (TPUSA), who was killed in September while speaking at an event at Utah Valley University. Idaho State Highway 16 runs north to south, connecting the cities of Emmett and Star, Idaho.

Continue Reading

“He stole my father”: Patrick Shelton’s family speaks out for the first time after killer’s sentencing

The family of Patrick Shelton is speaking out for the first time, sharing their pain and anger just hours after Allan Douglas Bruce was sentenced yesterday, Nov. 17, for Shelton’s murder. The victim, who was killed in May of this year, would have celebrated his 48th birthday this past Saturday.

Local News 8 was able to speak in an exclusive interview with members of Patrick Shelton’s family following the sentencing. It was the first time Shelton’s family went on camera to share their journey over the last seven months as they remembered the man whose life was taken far too soon.

Continue Reading

Wyoming Man charged with felony kidnapping after missing Utah teen found in Idaho

A Wyoming man is now in custody after a multi-state search for a 16-year-old girl reported missing out of Utah.

Anthony Holm, 42, of Star Valley, Wyoming, was arrested and charged with felony kidnapping by the Bannock County Sheriff’s Office after deputies located him and the missing juvenile in the Lava Hot Springs area. The teen has been safely reunited with her parents.

Continue Reading

After Years of Inaction Under the Biden Administration and Recent Stonewalling by the Trump Administration, the Epstein Files May Soon Be Released.

The measure — which remarkably won support from nearly every Republican — now heads to the Senate, where GOP leaders must quickly decide if they will send it to Trump’s desk. The president has said he’ll sign the bill if Congress passes it, after months of calling the issue a “Democratic hoax.”

Continue Reading

Idaho National Guard Black Hawk rescues stranded hiker in Custer County

The Idaho Army National Guard just wrapped up its 14th search and rescue mission of the year this week, rescuing a stranded hiker.

Two hikers in Custer County got severe food poisoning while in the mountains and were too weak to hike out. The Custer County Sheriff’s Office called in the National Guard for assistance. Lifeflight was able to reach one of the hikers, but couldn’t get back to the second because of power limitations and the steep terrain.

Continue Reading

Simpson backs effort to codify Trump’s reintroduced Presidential Fitness Test for American students

Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson announced he is cosponsoring a bill to permanently establish the Presidential Fitness Test in national schools, as the program begins to roll out in states like Mississippi and Virginia for the 2025-2026 school year.

On Monday, Nov. 17, Congressman Simpson publicly joined the effort to codify President Trump’s June 2025 executive order, which reestablished the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition and the corresponding fitness assessment. The executive order aims to counter rising national rates of “obesity, chronic disease, inactivity, and poor nutrition” among American children by fostering “a new generation of healthy, active citizens.”

Continue Reading

ISU reveals Benny the Bengal Fierce New Look for school’s 125th Anniversary

“We are delighted to continue the tradition of entertaining fans at ISU events with Benny’s athletic prowess and good-natured humor,” said Pauline Thiros, athletic director. “With incredible institutional support, two ISU students reap the benefits of a financially sustainable education while enjoying their opportunity to engage with Bengals at events throughout their time at ISU.”

Continue Reading

“A Storybook Christmas” brings holiday magic to life at the 2025 Festival of Trees

The magic of the Christmas Season will come alive once again as the
59th Annual Festival of Trees returns to the Elk’s Lodge, located at 640 E. Elva Street, from Monday, November 17th, through Friday, November 21st. This Year’s Theme, “A Storybook Christmas,” invites families and friends to step into a world of festive wonder and imagination with heartfelt gratitude and giving.

Continue Reading

“This is a Nightmare”: Goncalves Family/Moscow community denounces Lifetime movie based on Idaho Murders

A planned Lifetime movie based on the murders of four University of Idaho college students by Bryan Kohberger has been met with a wave of online backlash. The Idaho community and the victims’ families have strongly denounced the film, arguing it exploits their trauma for commercial gain.

“With everything that our family has been through, it’s hard to fathom that people are now making a movie,” wrote the Gancalves family. “This is a nightmare for us. We do not want Kaylee being portrayed in a slasher film. They are not characters, they are REAL people. It’s heartbreaking. It’s embarrassing, and Kaylee would not want this. I wish people would just stop.”

Continue Reading

John Beam, beloved former football coach featured in Netflix’s ‘Last Chance U’, dies after shooting on California campus

Coach John Beam, the beloved California Bay Area football coach who was featured in the Netflix series “Last Chance U,” has died after being shot this week on the campus of Laney College in Oakland, the city’s police chief Floyd Mitchell said at a news conference Friday.

Police identified the suspect in Thursday’s shooting as 27-year-old Cedric Irving, said Lt. Gloria Beltran, Oakland police homicide unit commander, during the news conference.

Continue Reading

Bryan Kohberger ordered to pay additional restitution to victims’ families

Confessed killer Bryan Kohberger has been ordered to pay more than $3,000 in additional restitution to the families of two University of Idaho victims. Kohberger is currently serving consecutive life sentences for the murders.

On Thursday, the third anniversary of the killings, District Judge Steven Hippler issued a ruling requiring Kohberger to pay approximately $1,420 to Kaylee Goncalves’s family and over $1,500 to Madison Mogen’s mother, covering the cost of urns for their daughters.

Continue Reading

Idaho Falls Power secures 20-year contract with BPA, ensuring stable, affordable rates

“Idaho Falls Power is a city-owned utility and a tremendous asset to our community. City elected officials always strive to protect our community from the ups and downs of the energy market,” said Idaho Falls Mayor Rebecca Casper. “This contract, paired with our soon to be operational Peaking Plant, gives us the flexibility to adapt to unpredictable energy markets, keep monthly bills low and help meet future energy needs.”

Continue Reading

Idaho State Rep. Lance Clow resigns, citing health concerns

A lengthy career in Idaho politics is coming to an early close. Long-time Twin Falls Republican lawmaker Lance Clow announced Thursday that he will resign from the Idaho House of Representatives at the end of November, citing health issues that have limited his ability to serve.

“This decision comes with the full support of my family and deep appreciation for the citizens of Twin Falls,” Clow wrote in a news release. “You have honored me with your trust and encouragement throughout my career. Thank you for the opportunity to serve. I hope I have lived up to your expectations-and perhaps even exceeded them…”

Continue Reading

Trump says he’s asking Justice Department to investigate Epstein’s ties to slew of high-profile figures

By Kristen Holmes, Adam Cancryn, Donald Judd, Annie Grayer, CNN (CNN) — President Donald Trump said Friday he will ask Attorney General Pam Bondi to investigate convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein’s ties to many other high-profile figures, in an extraordinary step that comes just days after Democrats released emails from the late Epstein that mention

Continue Reading
Walmart President and CEO Doug McMillon is leaving his position early next year.

Walmart CEO Doug McMillon is stepping down

Doug McMillon, Walmart’s CEO for just over a decade, is retiring next year, the retailer announced Friday.

McMillon will be succeeded by John Furner on February 1, 2026. Furner is currently the CEO and president of Walmart’s US operations, the company’s largest business unit. Both executives have been with the company for several decades in various leadership roles.

Continue Reading

Local Insurance Expert Answers Questions About Health Insurance

The federal government shutdown is over, but part of the reason for the fight remains—subsidies for the Affordable Care Act. Americans are now being faced with some tough choices about medical insurance.

Lance Kolbet, President of University financial group and an insurance expert, joined Local News 8 in studio, to shed light about the finer details of these health insurance tax credits.

Continue Reading

Idaho Falls Regional Airport soars past all-time passenger record

“This is a remarkable milestone for our airport and for the tremendous community support that brought us to this point. More importantly, we are deeply grateful to our federal partners at TSA who continue to show up for work despite not having received a paycheck in a month,” said Ian Turner, Airport Director of the Idaho Falls Regional Airport. “Given this unfortunate challenge, it didn’t feel right to celebrate at this time.”

Continue Reading

250 Trucks, 50 States: LDS Church to donate an estimated 10 million lbs of food aid for America250

In preparation for the United States’ 250th anniversary in 2026, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is kicking off its partnership with America250, the nonpartisan congressional commission preparing the momentous occasion, by launching a massive nationwide service effort.

To symbolize the milestone, the Utah-based faith announced in a news release Thursday that it has designated a fleet of 250 semitrucks to deliver food donations to 250 food banks across all 50 states.

Continue Reading

GoFundMe launched for widow of Idaho man and son killed in tragic ‘murder hornet’ attack

The Idaho community is rallying to support a local family following a devastating tragedy in Southeast Asia, where a Bonners Ferry woman’s husband and young son were attacked and killed by a swarm of what are believed to be Asian giant hornets.
A wave of support has begun in Northern Idaho for Daniel Owen’s widow, Jessica Owen, and her mother, Nancy Wycoff, both natives of Bonners Ferry.

Continue Reading

Idaho’s Mammogram stats among the worst in the Nation, Doctor debunks myths surrounding life-saving screenings

The rate of women receiving mammograms in Idaho is significantly lower than the national average, with some measurements ranking it near last. Considering that approximately 1 in 8 women will face a breast cancer diagnosis in their lifetime, this concerning trend is prompting Idaho doctors to speak out.

“Idaho has about average incidents of breast cancer, but the number of women who actually decide to have mammograms performed is one of the lowest in the nation. Last year, I think ranked 50th in the nation,” said Dr. Enslow, MD, a lead radiologist.

Continue Reading

Federal Judge dismisses “absurd” and “outlandish” Satanic Temple challenge to Idaho Abortion Law with prejudice

Attorney General Raúl Labrador applauded the decision, hailing it as a significant legal victory for the state.

“Idaho’s pro-life laws protect both mothers and unborn children, and this decision confirms those protections are constitutionally sound,” said Attorney General Labrador. “The Satanic Temple’s attempt to manufacture constitutional violations out of disagreement with Idaho’s values has been rejected at every level. We’ve defended Idaho’s laws through every stage of this litigation, and we will continue protecting the right of Idaho’s elected representatives to defend life.”

Continue Reading

Out of state fisherman finds human remains in Lemhi County

The fisherman, who was feeling cold after fishing in the rugged Salmon River Canyon, spotted the remains while climbing up a hillside to warm up. The man then led deputies to a rural portion of the roadway.

Deputies located the remains approximately 60 yards up the hillside, situated along the side of a brushy, rocky ravine. The remains reportedly appeared to have been exposed to the elements for several years.

Continue Reading

ByHeart voluntarily recalls infant formula amid nationwide infant botulism reports

Baby nutrition company ByHeart has voluntarily recalled two batches of ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula.

According to the Food and Drug Administration, on November 7, 2025, the FDA informed ByHeart of approximately 83 reported cases of infant botulism across the United States since August 2025. Among these cases, 13 infants had reportedly consumed ByHeart formula at some point. The FDA has not found any direct connection between infant formula and the reported cases, and there is no historical evidence of infant formula being a cause of infant botulism.

Continue Reading

Teton County first responders manage triple emergency, remind drivers to ‘Yield to Emergency Vehicles’

Teton County first responders successfully juggled a series of three simultaneous emergencies Wednesday morning, despite being stretched thin by multiple calls across the region. The chaotic morning began with a serious head-on crash on Highway 33, which quickly escalated as crews were pulled away to handle two urgent medical transfers from Victor and Driggs.

Continue Reading

Rexburg honors veterans with dozens of wreaths at Smith Park Memorial

Locals in Rexburg had the chance to check out a decorative display at Smith Park in Rexburg, the home of the Veterans Freedom Memorial. Dozens of wreaths are hung along the entryway of the memorial site to honor and celebrate local servicemen and women.

“We really want to express our appreciation to those who have served and are currently serving. We appreciate all that you do for us,” said Paul Evans, the Rexburg Area Chamber Board.

Continue Reading

West Idaho man sentenced to 15 years for enticing children online in undercover sting

Attorney General Raúl Labrador announced today that Garrett Ray Vanni, 38, of Boise, was sentenced to up to 15 years in prison for attempting to entice children online.

Vanni’s arrest earlier this year was part of a joint undercover operation targeting individuals who use the internet to entice children, coordinated by the Attorney General’s Internet Crimes Against Children task force.

The 38-year-old was taken into custody on February 27, 2025, as a result of a coordinated two-night undercover operation led by the ICAC task force and the Canyon County Sheriff’s Office. The operation involved law enforcement officers posing as underage children to expose adults seeking to sexually abuse children or share child sexual abuse material over the internet.

Continue Reading

“It’s Warmed My Heart”: Idaho Veteran moved to tears by gift of life-saving furnace

With winter weather on the way, many Idahoans wouldn’t think twice about turning up the heat. But for one veteran in Blackfoot, the simple act of staying warm had become a battle against a failing furnace — until a generous gift of a brand-new heating system brought tears to the stoic soldier’s eyes.

Vietnam War Veteran Frank Perry of Blackfoot lives with only 28% lung capacity, and temperature has a huge impact on his ability to breathe. But his ongoing battle with a nearly 40-year-old furnace hasn’t done him any favors.

Continue Reading

LDS Church reveals site and rendering for Coeur d’Alene Temple

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has announced the location for the new Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, temple.

The new house of worship will be built on just under 11 acres, located at the corner of Hanley Avenue and Coeur Terre Boulevard. Current plans for the site call for a single-story temple encompassing approximately 29,000 square feet. The complex will also include an adjacent meetinghouse and a separate support building.

Continue Reading

“Soaking Wet” pilot on her doorstep: Blackfoot homeowner describes the moments after Sunday night’s plane crash

A Blackfoot woman received the shock of a lifetime Sunday night, after a soaking wet pilot emerged from the frigid Snake River and knocked on the door of her nearby home moments after his small plane crashed into the water. Bobette Brown, who initially mistook the crash sound for a car accident, says she was stunned when the injured man, soaking wet and shaken, appeared on her doorstep.

“We were sitting in the living room and heard the doorbell ring, and there stands a gentleman who is soaking wet,” Brown explained. “You can tell he’s kind of in shock, and he’s got some scratches on his face, and his hand is bleeding and… he’s very cold and shaken up.”

Continue Reading
How veterans' employment compares to the rest of the population

Veterans Day in Southeast Idaho: Honoring service while facing the reality of PTSD

With Veterans Day approaching, the southeast Idaho community takes time to honor the men and women who have served our country. However, with such honorable service also comes significant challenges.

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, post-traumatic stress disorder is more common among veterans than civilians. About 7% of veterans will experience PTSD at some point in their lives. The condition is also more prevalent among female veterans than their male counterparts.

Continue Reading

Nuclear submarine USS Idaho hits the water, passes ‘Alpha’ Trials with flying colors

Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarine, the USS Idaho, has reached another major milestone toward joining the U.S. Navy Fleet. The sub, currently undergoing testing in Groton, Connecticut, has completed its initial or “alpha” sea trials with flying colors.

These alpha trials put the submarine through its paces, testing essential functions from maximum speed to critical safety systems, ensuring the Idaho is ready for complex real-world missions.

Continue Reading

Carrie Scheid posthumously named 2025 Cecil D. Andrus Volunteer of the Year

Idaho Falls community leader Carrie Scheid, who passed away late last month, is set to be posthumously honored with the 2025 Cecil D. Andrus Volunteer of the Year Award, one of the state’s highest distinctions for civic and philanthropic service. The Idaho Community Foundation is bestowing the honor in recognition of Scheid’s contributions and unwavering commitment to the Idaho Falls region and beyond.

“Carrie embodied the spirit of volunteerism that Governor Andrus championed—quiet, consistent, and profoundly effective,” said Steve Burns, President and CEO of The Idaho Community Foundation. “She didn’t just give her time; she gave her vision. Idaho is better because Carrie believed in the power of community.”

Continue Reading
A person carries a whistle to alert community members of the presence of federal agents after an immigration raid in Chicago's Little Village neighborhood on November 8.

DHS says agents were shot at amid chaotic day of immigration enforcement operations in Chicago area

By Zoe Sottile, Sarah Dewberry, CNN (CNN) — Department of Homeland Security agents were shot at during an immigration enforcement operation in Chicago Saturday, the agency said — as federal agents were also accused of using pepper spray and flash-bang grenades against protesters across the Chicago area. The incidents come as Chicago has emerged as

Continue Reading

ITD seeks public input on long-range transportation plan; Pocatello & Idaho Falls open houses start Mid-November

ITD’s Long-Range Transportation Plan will look at the needs of the transportation network out to 2050 and consider a variety of factors including growth, travel demands, land use, safety, economic development, system reliability and anticipated revenue.  

“This policy document looks at current conditions, existing plans and future trends in Idaho and lays the foundation for ITD to continue to deliver on our mission of safety, mobility and economic opportunity,” said Amy Schroeder, the division administrator for planning. “It’s not necessarily about identifying specific projects. It’s about determining, through data analysis and public input, the best strategy for investing in the transportation system given the variability of future revenue.”

Continue Reading

Bonneville County moves up early voting start for December Runoff

Bonneville County residents are set to head back to the polls sooner than expected as the upcoming runoff elections take shape. On Monday, the Bonneville County Election Office announced a change to the early voting schedule for the upcoming December runoff election.

Originally planned to start on November 17, early voting will now begin later this week on Thursday, November 13, to ensure voters have two full weeks to cast their ballots ahead of Election Day.

Continue Reading

Plane removal from Snake River underway following Sunday crash; Pilot is safe after incident

Police and emergency responders are responding to the crash of what appears to be a single-engine plane into the Snake River near the Rose Road bridge in Blackfoot.

Witnesses at the scene reported seeing the plane partially submerged in the water below the bridge. Authorities have not yet released any information regarding the aircraft’s registration, flight number, or the condition of the pilot at this time.

Continue Reading

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

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.

Continue Reading

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

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.

Continue Reading

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

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.

Continue Reading

Certain obesity drugs will cost as little as $149 and Medicare will start covering them under White House deals

CNN By Tami Luhby, Meg Tirrell, CNN (CNN) — Certain blockbuster obesity drugs will be available for as little as $149 per month and more Medicare enrollees will have access to them under two deals announced Thursday by the Trump administration. The arrangements with drugmakers Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk, which President Donald Trump foreshadowed

Continue Reading

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

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.

Continue Reading

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

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. 

Continue Reading