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Gov. Cox declares State of Emergency following wildfires, flash flooding in Utah

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox signed an executive order today declaring a statewide state of emergency following historic wildfires and subsequent severe flash flooding across Beaver, Piute, and Sevier counties.

The Governor also acknowledged the heartbreaking loss of Provo Fire Captain Spencer Long, his wife Katrina, and three of their children, who were tragically swept away by flash flooding in Wayne County last week.

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ITD to shut down dangerous US-20 at-grade crossing near Sugar City

Drivers using the 7th East at-grade crossing north of Rexburg will soon need to find a new route onto U.S. Highway 20, as crews prepare to permanently shut down the high-risk intersection.

On Wednesday, July 22, the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD), in partnership with Madison County, announced the permanent closure of the at-grade crossing at US-20 and 7th East, between Exit 338 (Sugar City/Salem) and Exit 339 (Driggs/Jackson).

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Idaho has spent more than $20M on wildfire suppression so far this year as conditions worsen

Idaho state fire officials have spent more than $20 million fighting wildfires so far this year, and conditions are expected to worsen as the fire season continues.

Idaho Department of Lands Director Dustin Miller told the State Board of Land Commissioners on Tuesday that the agency expects to be reimbursed from other fire agencies for about $5.7 million of those costs for suppressing fires, leaving the state with around $15 million to pay so far.

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Anti-death penalty advocates rally against Idaho’s firing squad protocol in virtual press conference

Today, anti-death penalty advocates Execution Intervention Project and Clergy United Against the Death Penalty are hosting a virtual press conference to address Idaho’s return to the firing squad as the primary method of execution. As part of the briefing, the groups unveiled a new billboard in Boise on Grove Street, near the 1500 Block, bearing a direct message to state leaders: “Don’t Shoot Tom Creech.”

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INL leads the charge: Federal grant positions Idaho and Wyoming at the center of U.S. nuclear energy future

A major federal initiative is bringing over $40 million to Idaho and Wyoming to advance next-generation nuclear energy, with Idaho National Laboratory leading the charge.

The U.S. Department of Commerce announced Monday a major federal investment aimed at advancing U.S. leadership in industries essential to our economic competitiveness and national security. The Economic Development Administration (EDA) intends to award $169 million across six selected Tech Hubs nationwide, with a significant share slated for the Intermountain West.

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Judge throws out plea deal for former Chubbuck church leader accused of child sexual abuse

A district judge rejected a plea deal for Virgil Larson, a former Chubbuck church leader accused of sexually abusing six minors. The proposed agreement would have reduced Larson’s charges and exempted him from sex offender registration in exchange for probation. With the deal thrown out, Larson is scheduled to stand trial on six felony counts on January 12, 2027.

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Local students bring home top honors and scholarships from regional youth leadership rally

“The Youth Rally gave me two years of real leadership experience I didn’t get in a classroom: public speaking in front of the whole camp, handling conflict and high-pressure situations, and learning how to delegate and trust the people around me instead of doing it myself,” said Croft. “I’m walking away much more confident and a better leader because of it.”

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Beyond the viral video: Photographer, recovering grandfather reveal untold details of Yellowstone bison attack

A 65-year-old grandfather is on the mend after a viral encounter with a 2,000-pound bison in Yellowstone National Park, an ordeal bystanders say he survived by putting himself directly in harm’s way to save his young grandson.

It’s been over a week since Carl McDaniel was charged and launched into the air by the massive animal. Now recovering, McDaniel and the photographer who caught the attack on video are sharing the untold details of the split-second decisions and the strangers who came together to save his life.

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Show us your artwork! – Local artist’s celebrate World Watercolor Month

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI)– July is recognized as World Watercolor Month, an international celebration founded a decade ago by Missouri artist Charlie O’Shields. The annual event encourages people around the world to pick up a paintbrush while promoting the importance of art and creativity. A simple mixture of sugar, honey and pigment creates watercolor paint, but

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Great Race for Education raises thousands for College of Eastern Idaho Foundation

Hundreds of competitors raced across Idaho Falls on Friday, solving puzzles, completing challenges and raising money for student scholarships during the College of Eastern Idaho Foundation’s annual Great Race for Education.

The fundraiser, known as the Great Race for Education, sent teams to secret locations across the region where they completed physical and mental challenges in this year’s “Valhalla Edition.”

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DOE leadership visits Idaho Cleanup Project, highlights cleanup work supporting nuclear research

U.S. Department of Energy leaders visited the Idaho Cleanup Project last week to review cleanup work supporting nuclear research and development at the Idaho National Laboratory Site.

Assistant Secretary of Environmental Management Tim Walsh and members of his leadership team toured several facilities involved in radioactive waste treatment, used nuclear fuel storage and the removal of older nuclear structures.

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Measles

Eastern Idaho health officials urge residents to check measles vaccination status after Teton County case

A vaccinated adult in Teton County recently contracted measles, marking Idaho’s 10th case this year. While breakthroughs happen, Eastern Idaho Public Health notes that two doses of the MMR vaccine are 97% effective. Residents can check immunization records via the Docket app or contact their former health department. Contacting providers ahead of visits remains critical because the virus is highly contagious. 🛡️

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Guns vs. Hoses: Local first responders hit the diamond Friday for Make-A-Wish Idaho

Local law enforcement and first responders are trading their badges and gear for bats and gloves this week, all for a great cause.

This Friday marks the 15th annual Guns vs. Hoses Charity Softball Game. Deputies from the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 8 will face off against the Idaho Falls Firefighters in a friendly game at Melaleuca Field.

All proceeds will support Make-A-Wish Idaho, helping grant life-changing wishes for local children.

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‘Carrie On’: Carrie Getty Scheid honored with new Idaho Falls memorial art bench

Carrie Getty Scheid was a driving force behind the restoration of Colonial Theater, the establishment of College of Eastern Idaho, the founding of Snake River Animal Shelter, and the renovation of the Frontier Arts Center for the Performing Arts.

“There was no idea too big – nothing that she didn’t think we could accomplish,” said friend and retired Hartwell Corporation Insurance Executive Mary Lynn Hartwell.

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911 Call of ‘Banging and Blood’ Leads to Police Standoff in Jackson; Man in Custody, Woman Hospitalized

A 47-year-old Jackson Hole man is in custody, and a 24-year-old woman has been hospitalized following an early afternoon emergency call that led to a police standoff on South Milward Street.

Details regarding the active investigation remain limited, but local authorities assure the community that there is no ongoing threat to the public.

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Idaho International Choral Festival Kicks off with Opening Ceremonies at Pebble Creek

Every three years, Pocatello and Idaho State University host the Idaho International Choir Festival, bringing elite singers from around the world to eastern Idaho to connect the community through diverse music. This morning was the opening ceremonies at Pebble Creek Ski Area, featuring performances from each of the participating choirs, remarks from dignitaries and exploration of the beautiful mountain scenary.

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Idaho attorney general warns renters about fake listings and deposit scams

Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador is warning renters to watch for fraudulent property listings and demands for upfront payments as competition for housing remains high across the state.

The Attorney General’s Office said scammers often copy legitimate rental advertisements or create fake listings offering below-market prices.

The scammers may then demand a deposit or other payment before allowing a renter to see the property. The schemes can especially target people moving from out of state who may not be able to tour a home in person.

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Medical Cannabis Backers Say Signature Gathering Problems Sank Idaho Ballot Initiative

Why didn’t Idaho’s medical cannabis initiative make the ballot? Idaho’s medical cannabis ballot initiative falls short as signature verification issues arise. The Idaho Secretary of State’s Office confirms insufficient valid signatures, despite the Natural Medicine Alliance of Idaho’s extensive efforts and use of a professional firm. The group is reviewing the state’s findings and considering legal remedies.

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Deputies release new details in Bear Lake boating accident

The Bear Lake County Sheriff’s Office released new details Tuesday about a boating accident that left a woman with life-threatening injuries.

The Bear Lake County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the incident on social media, but has not released details on what caused the accident. Deputies confirmed in the post that the victim was lifeflighted from the scene. The accident was so severe that it required the double amputation of the victim’s legs.

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Crash near Inkom causes major Monday traffic delays

Idaho State Police are investigating a crash involving a commercial vehicle on Interstate 15 near Inkom that is causing significant traffic delays Monday morning.

The crash happened around 9:30 a.m. in the southbound lanes of I-15 near milepost 56, according to ISP.

The incident occurred in an active construction zone where traffic is already reduced to two lanes. Authorities say the southbound lanes remain blocked and crews are alternating both northbound and southbound traffic through the northbound lanes, causing significant delays and backups in the area.

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“It was very preventable”: Boise greenbelt murder suspect was acquitted of separate knife assault just months prior

As Ross Allen Wardlaw of Boise faces first-degree murder charges for the deadly July 6 stabbing of Jordan Harbst on the Boise Greenbelt, a voice from his past is warning that the tragedy could have been prevented.

Hannah French, who allegedly survived a violent encounter with Wardlaw less than a year ago, is speaking out about his criminal past, arguing that the system failed both her and the 25-year-old victim.

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Grandfather recovering from surgery after bison attack at Yellowstone sent him flying

What started as a yearly trip for a grandfather and his grandson turned into a visit to a Montana hospital after a bison attack at Yellowstone National Park.

Carl McDaniel, 65, was hospitalized with a broken femur after a bison charged and tossed him into the air Friday evening at the park’s Bridge Bay Campground, according to McDaniel and the National Park Service.

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Body of missing North Carolina man found near Palisades Reservoir after week-long search

A week-long search for a missing North Carolina man ended when campers discovered his body along the shore of the Palisades Reservoir on Saturday, July 11.

According to Star Valley Search and Rescue (SVS&R) Commander Matt McMurdo, on Saturday July 4th, Raether was part of a group recreating near the Sheep Gulch Boat ram when he jumped into the river without a life jacket.

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Amended complaint adds child sexual abuse and exploitation charges to Pocatello nonprofit founder

Ada County prosecutors have expanded the criminal case against an eastern Idaho nonprofit founder, adding felony charges alleging a conspiracy involving a child under the age of 16.

An amended complaint filed June 4 in Ada County District Court charges Samuel David Ferrell, 36, with conspiracy to commit child sexual abuse of a child under 16, sexual exploitation of a child and preparing forged or fraudulent evidence.

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UK joins Powerball, But Idaho ticket prices remain the same

Powerball players in the United Kingdom will soon be buying tickets for the same jackpot available in the United States, but Idaho Lottery officials say the change won’t affect ticket prices or odds for players in Idaho.

Beginning July 21, Powerball sales will launch through The UK National Lottery. UK players will be eligible to play for the same Powerball jackpot starting with the July 22 drawing.

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Robinson Hearing Day 5: Man accused of killing Charlie Kirk returns to court

The man accused of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk is scheduled to return to a Utah courtroom today for the fifth and final day of his preliminary hearing.

Tyler Robinson, 23, faces multiple severe charges, including aggravated murder, in connection with the Sept. 10, 2025, shooting on the Utah Valley University campus. Prosecutors have already signaled their intent to seek the death penalty if the case goes to trial.

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Heat warnings for the weekend

Today will continue to bring the heat.  Temps will jump back to the lower to mid 90s, with a chance of afternoon storms and winds gusting to 20+ at times.  This heat dome takes over the weekend and into Monday putting some in our area to the south under and Extreme Heat warning and a

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