Top Stories Archives

Gov. Little to sign next-of-kin bill

March 18, 2024 4:36 PM Linda Larsen

A bill to provide a next-of-kin notification database is now headed to Governor Brad Little for a signature.

Gov. Gordon signs 5 bills, vetoes 1 bill

March 18, 2024 4:09 PM News Team

Governor Mark Gordon took action on six bills Monday.

Bridge collisions in Idaho: What every driver needs to know

March 18, 2024 11:55 AM Seth Ratliff

“It’s typically contractors hauling construction equipment, maybe having an excavator on the back of a truck and it’s not fully collapsed.”

Construction improvements in North Highland Park neighborhood

March 18, 2024 1:07 PM News Team

Continued construction improvements in the North Highland Park neighborhood will begin on Monday, March 25.

New video revealed in Salmon shooting investigation

March 16, 2024 5:47 PM Evan Thomason

New video of a shooting just north of Salmon on March 12 has been revealed.

U of I marks record spring enrollment

March 18, 2024 12:59 PM News Team

Spring enrollment at University of Idaho is up for the sixth straight semester.

Rollover crash claims 1 west of Mountain Home

March 18, 2024 1:03 PM News Team

A juvenile was killed after a rollover crash on westbound Interstate 84 at milepost 83 in Elmore County at approximately 2:51 p.m. on Saturday.

Spring break is coming – where are the travelers going?

March 18, 2024 12:59 PM News Team

Spring break is just around the corner, and with millions of Americans getting started on this year’s family vacations, AAA is sharing tips to enjoy the journey.

Idaho gas prices up nearly 9 cents

March 18, 2024 12:03 PM News Team

Prices in Idaho are 39.3 cents per gallon higher than a month ago and stand 24.4 cents per gallon lower than a year ago.

Mental Health Monday: Local salon promotes beauty on the outside and inside

March 18, 2024 10:05 AM Kailey Galaviz

True beauty starts on the inside; Something one local salon stands behind.

Idaho considers a ban on using public funds or facilities for gender-affirming care

March 18, 2024 9:41 AM Associated Press

Idaho lawmakers are expected to vote on a bill that would ban the use of any public funds for gender-affirming care, including for state employees using work health insurance and for adults covered by Medicaid.

Free ID for voting now more accessible to Idahoans

March 18, 2024 9:34 AM News Team

The legislation eliminates a restriction for Idahoans who have possessed a current driver’s license in the prior six months from obtaining the free ID.

Idaho Power files annual fixed cost adjustment

March 18, 2024 9:34 AM News Team

If approved, a typical residential customer would see about a $1.69 increase to their monthly bill beginning June 1.

News you can use this morning – March 18, 2024

March 18, 2024 8:05 AM Zach Glancy

Here are some stories you can use this Monday morning.

Local veterans group plans snowmobiling trip in Island Park

March 17, 2024 7:19 PM Braydon Wilson

Some local veteran support groups have found ways to give back to some of our local heroes in the area. The way they gave back? Taking our heroes on snowmobile rides throughout the mountains of Island Park.

Mountain Lion spotted in Driggs neighborhood

March 17, 2024 2:26 PM Travis Richards

A mountain lion was spotted in the area of Clubmoss Ln. in Driggs, on Sunday morning.

Idaho Falls woman dies after rollover crash in Bingham County

March 24, 2024 1:31 PM Travis Richards

The Idaho State Police is investigating a single vehicle fatality crash that occurred Sunday, March 24, 2024, at 6:30 a.m., northbound I15 at milepost 110.5, near Shelley.

Pocatello Water Department crews return to seasonal working hours

March 17, 2024 2:00 PM News Team

Starting Monday, March 18, 2024, crews with the City of Pocatello Water Department will switch to seasonal working hours.

Gov. Little declares Idaho Flood Awareness Week

March 17, 2024 12:00 PM News Team

The proclamation underscores the importance of understanding and preparing for the dangers posed by flooding.

Wyoming’s 2023 death, birth, marriage and divorce totals described

March 17, 2024 10:00 AM News Team

Fewer overall deaths, births, marriages and divorces were officially logged among Wyoming residents in 2023 compared 2022.

DEQ seeks applications for fiscal year 2025 State Agricultural Best Management Practices Grant Program

March 17, 2024 9:00 AM News Team

DEQ is accepting applications until April 15, 2024.

USS Idaho is officially christened, now set for a year of testing

March 16, 2024 5:45 PM Braydon Wilson

An official warship has been named after the gem state for the first time in over a century.

The first ship was christened in 1919.

While the USS Idaho was a battleship during World War II and served the Navy during the Pacific theater, the submarine was decommissioned in 1946.

Prosecuting attorney clarifies Idaho Falls murder charges

March 16, 2024 5:37 PM Sam Gelfand

Bonneville County’s top cop has has commented on the killing of Eric Leask March 9th.

String lighting in Teton County to be turned off for season to allow for dark skies

March 16, 2024 2:00 PM News Team

All outdoor string lighting, including decorative and holiday, must be turned off after Jan. 10 to be compliant with County Land Development Regulations (LDRs).

Court of Appeals judge to be sworn in March 29

March 16, 2024 12:00 PM News Team

Idaho Court of Appeals Judge Michael Tribe will take his public oath of office during an investiture ceremony set for March 29.

Magical Moments baby contest winners announced

March 16, 2024 9:00 AM News Team

The Portneuf Medical Center Magical Moments contest winners have been announced.

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day responsibly

March 15, 2024 11:52 AM Ashley Chilcutt

It’s a day that celebrates luck and good fortune, but AAA warns if drivers overindulge in alcohol during St. Patrick’s Day festivities, the odds will not be in their favor.

28 acres added to Bear Lake State Park

March 15, 2024 4:42 PM News Team

The acquisition will bring 1,200 feet of new shoreline into the popular State Park and provide public access to the west side of heavily used Bear Lake.

BLM acquires central Idaho lands to protect crucial wildlife habitat

March 15, 2024 6:08 PM News Team

The Bureau of Land Management is getting 80 acres of land in Lemhi County.

Downtown Idaho Falls is turning green

March 15, 2024 5:38 PM News Team

Downtown Idaho Falls is turning green with all the St. Patrick’s Day festivities scheduled.

Woman uses social media to spread awareness of long COVID-19

March 15, 2024 5:34 PM Emma Valentine

This week marks the four year anniversary of when COVID-19 was officially declared a pandemic.

Gordon vetoes bills to ‘prevent legislature from overstepping authority and creating confusion for public’

March 15, 2024 3:12 PM News Team

Governor Mark Gordon took action on 18 bills Friday.

The burning acid behind ant stings was spotted around two stars

March 15, 2024 2:05 PM CNN Newsource

By Ashley Strickland, CNN (CNN) — Astronomers using the James Webb Space Telescope have detected commonplace chemical ingredients found in vinegar, ant stings and even margaritas around two young stars, according to NASA. The complex organic molecules they observed using the space observatory’s Mid-Infrared Instrument included acetic acid, a component of vinegar, and ethanol —

Disney on Ice skates into Idaho Falls

March 15, 2024 2:36 PM News Team

You still have three days to go see Disney on Ice at the Mountain America Center in Idaho Falls.

Counties with the highest rates of strokes in Idaho

March 14, 2024 6:33 PM Stacker

Stacker compiled a list of counties with the highest rate of strokes in Idaho using data from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Truck driving lessons for getting under bridges

March 15, 2024 11:13 AM Evan Thomason

The southbound lanes of Yellowstone Highway were shut down Thursday for hours due to a semi truck hitting the bottom of the bridge.

D91 receives large musical instrument donation

March 15, 2024 10:53 AM Noah Farley

This donation will benefit several students who want to play guitar, but might not be able to provide one to be taught with.

Eligible homeowners can apply online for property tax deferral

March 15, 2024 10:05 AM News Team

You might qualify to have your property taxes deferred under Idaho’s Property Tax Deferral program.

Gordon says BLM’s Sage Grouse Management Plan alternative needs more work

March 15, 2024 10:04 AM News Team

“Wyoming maintains primary management authority of most wildlife, including sage-grouse, and deference should be given to our management processes, population assessments, identification of core areas, prudent use of no surface occupancy restrictions in mineral and oil and gas development and stewardship areas.”

US Navy Submarine, the future USS IDAHO to be Christened on Saturday – “Watch Parties” taking place around Idaho

March 15, 2024 6:20 AM Evan Thomason

The U.S. Navy’s newest Virginia-class submarine, the future USS IDAHO (SSN 799), will be formally christened and named on Saturday, March 16, 2024 at General Dynamics Electric Boat shipyard in Groton, Connecticut.

Idaho Hope Squad programs gather for suicide prevention conference

March 14, 2024 10:51 PM Sam Gelfand

IDAHO FALLS (KIFI) – East Idaho schools gathered in Idaho Falls on Thursday for a conference of Hope Squad programs. Youth suicides have risen 62 percent since 2007, according to the CDC. Lori Baldwin, a teacher at Bonneville High School, saw that rise first-hand in 2017. “We had had three deaths by suicide that year,”

Standoff suspect faces murder charges in Eric Leask’s death

March 14, 2024 9:48 PM News Team

The man accused of breaking into a home and shooting the homeowner is being charged with murder.

Deceased identified as investigation continues into deadly home invasion

March 14, 2024 12:29 PM News Team

The Bingham County Sheriff’s office continues to investigate a possible home invasion where the intruder was left dead.

Idaho’s Congressional reps explain votes, procedure behind “Tik Tok Bill” H.R. 7521

March 14, 2024 5:46 PM Stephanie Lucas

Idaho’s congressmen are explaining their votes on, as well as the mechanics of, H.R. 7521, widely referred to as a “Tik Tok ban.”

Condo residents facing carport collapse aftermath

March 14, 2024 5:32 PM Noah Farley

Since Local News 8 started investigating, the carport has been fully removed.

Bond resolution to rebuild Highland High School approved

March 14, 2024 5:05 PM News Team

Rebuilding Highland High School is now one-step closer.

Date set for Jeremy Best trial

March 14, 2024 4:49 PM News Team

The Jeremy Best murder case will go to trial.

How law enforcement and self defense experts say you should prepare for, respond to a home invader

March 14, 2024 4:20 PM Seth Ratliff

Local News 8 is talking to community experts on what you need to know on responding to active shooter and home invasion situations.

Pocatello woman sentenced to 15 years for methamphetamine, fentanyl distribution

March 14, 2024 4:04 PM News Team

A 38-year-old Pocatello woman was sentenced to 188 months in federal prison for possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl.

Pierce Brosnan pleads guilty to walking off trail at Yellowstone hot springs, must pay $1,500

March 14, 2024 2:24 PM Associated Press

Actor Pierce Brosnan, whose fictitious movie character James Bond has been in hot water plenty of times, has pleaded guilty to stepping off a trail in a thermal area while visiting Yellowstone National Park last November.

Blackfoot to build new animal shelter to address overcrowding

March 14, 2024 1:34 PM Seth Ratliff

It’s official – the city of Blackfoot is getting a new animal shelter. Local News 8 was the first to report plans to build a new shelter were in the works, after talking to Blackfoot Mayor Marc Carroll last month.

Disney on Ice: Mickey’s Search Party is coming to the Mountain America Center

March 14, 2024 2:04 PM Ashley Chilcutt

Disney on Ice is here in Idaho Falls.

Semi-truck hits Northgate Mile underpass, blocking road

March 14, 2024 1:04 PM Evan Thomason

A semi hauling another semi overturned in the F-street underpass just before noon on Thursday.

Avalanche danger has dropped for now

March 14, 2024 11:40 AM Evan Thomason

The Centennial Mountains across Island Park have a considerable risk of avalanches. The Sawtooth and Teton Mountains only have a moderate risk.

More than $1.13 million raised during Bengal Giving Day

March 14, 2024 3:39 PM News Team

Bengal nation raised $1,132,201 for students and university support in the third annual Bengal Giving Day campaign.

Some perplexing animal mysteries stumped scientists during the 2017 eclipse. Here’s why

March 13, 2024 12:19 PM CNN Newsource

By Taylor Nicioli, CNN (CNN) — During the Great American Eclipse of 2017, zoo animals acting strangely took researchers by surprise — the giraffes gathered and broke into a gallop, the Galápagos tortoises began to mate, and the gorillas started to get ready for bed. These odd behaviors were just a few of several anomalies that

Yellowstone increases protection for bears and visitor safety

March 14, 2024 9:50 AM News Team

To protect bears and increase visitor safety, Yellowstone National Park is creating a new bear management area (BMA) in Hayden Valley.

Idaho boy’s wish to go to Disneyland becomes reality

March 14, 2024 9:44 AM News Team

Make-A-Wish Idaho fulfilled nine-year-old Ronan’s wish to go to Disneyland this month.

Claim your grocery credit refund, even if you don’t earn enough to file income taxes

March 14, 2024 9:50 AM News Team

Idahoans who don’t make enough money to file an income tax return can get a refund of some of the sales tax they paid on groceries.

PCSD 25 forming Highland rebuild committee, seeking parent, community input

March 14, 2024 12:34 AM Dylan Carder

Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25 is looking for parents and others to be on the Highland High School Rebuild and Design Committee.

Utah man dies in avalanche while backcountry skiing in western Montana

March 13, 2024 5:43 PM Associated Press

A Utah man has died after being caught in an avalanche while backcountry skiing in western Montana.

Skiers spot Yellowstone’s first grizzly bear of 2024

March 13, 2024 3:55 PM News Team

On March 3, visitors skiing on the Specimen Ridge Trail in the north-central part of the park observed the first grizzly bear of 2024.

University students spend spring break doing service

March 13, 2024 5:38 PM Noah Farley

“A lot of us have never been this far west, especially to Idaho, and we just wanted to serve the local community.”

Ancient lord’s tomb found filled with gold and multiple sacrificial bodies

March 13, 2024 4:24 PM CNN Newsource

By Taylor Nicioli, CNN (CNN) — Excavations of an archaeological site in Panama have revealed the grave of a religious leader buried over 1,200 years ago alongside a cache of gold objects — and numerous other human remains. Researchers found the ancient tomb in El Caño Archaeological Park, a site in Coclé province known as

Website launches for Pocatello’s PROST Plan

March 13, 2024 4:56 PM Cole Sams

The City of Pocatello has partnered with PROS Consulting, Inc. to launch the City’s first Parks, Recreation, Open Space, & Trails (PROST) Plan.

Pocatello Parks & Recreation Department creates new digital activity guide

March 13, 2024 4:51 PM Cole Sams

As of Monday, March 11, 2024, the Pocatello Parks & Recreation Department rolled out our first-ever digital activity guide.

2 meth traffickers sentenced to federal prison

March 13, 2024 4:25 PM News Team

U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced the sentences imposed Tuesday in two separate cases in which the defendants were sentenced to over five years in federal prison methamphetamine distribution.

Pay It Forward: Madison County Senior Activity Center

March 13, 2024 2:25 PM Todd Kunz

The senior center serves food in-house and delivered, along with fun activities and socialization for seniors.

Montana man used animal tissue and testicles to breed ‘giant’ sheep for sale to hunting preserves

March 13, 2024 2:38 PM Associated Press

Federal prosecutors say a Montana rancher illegally used tissue and testicles from wild sheep that were killed by hunters in central Asia and the U.S. to breed “giant” sheep hybrids for sale to private hunting preserves in Texas.

Bingham deputies investigate possible home invasion, suspect found dead, homeowner injured

March 13, 2024 1:58 PM Braydon Wilson

Sheriff deputies are investigating a possible home invasion at a Bingham County home.

ISU Research Symposium kicks off Wednesday, winners will receive cash prizes

March 13, 2024 11:16 AM Ashley Chilcutt

More than 140 students are gathering for the 2024 Research & Creative Works Symposium Wednesday.

Rigby Chamber of Commerce to hold open primary initiative event

March 13, 2024 11:50 AM Seth Ratliff

Seeing this momentum, the Rigby Chamber of Commerce told Local News 8 they’ve invited Hyrum Erickson, a Republican Precinct Committeeman from Rexburg and volunteer with Idahoans for Open Primaries, the chance to speak about the initiative at an upcoming Chamber event.

Proposal to cut antlerless deer, antelope hunts to help herds recover in eastern Idaho

March 13, 2024 9:36 AM News Team

The Idaho Fish and Game Commission originally cut deer and pronghorn controlled hunt tags in May 2023 due to winter severity in the Southeast and Upper Snake Regions.

Phone scammers impersonating Bannock County Sheriff’s deputies

March 13, 2024 9:36 AM News Team

The Bannock County Sheriff’s Office is warning the public about phone scams demanding payment for court fines.

Deputy Idaho Attorney General to assist prosecution in Chad Daybell trial

March 12, 2024 3:28 PM News Team

The murder trial of Chad Daybell is set to start April 1 in Ada County, and when it does, there will be a new attorney helping the prosecution.

Morning fire breaks out at Idaho Falls construction building

March 13, 2024 8:15 AM Conner Nuckols

Several engines from the Idaho Falls Fire Department responded to a fire call on South Professional Way in Idaho Falls shortly after 7 Wednesday morning.

Bill blocking cities and counties from regulating knives passes Idaho House

March 13, 2024 4:38 AM Conner Nuckols

A bill banning cities and counties from restricting knives, is one step closer to becoming Idaho state law.

News you can use this morning – March 13, 2024

March 13, 2024 8:10 AM Zach Glancy

Here’s a rundown of some new stories this morning you should know.

Submissions open for 2024 Idaho Wildlife License Plate Contest

March 13, 2024 4:51 AM Conner Nuckols

A new wildlife license plate is coming to the Gem State.

Bill to bring back the presidential primary election passes Idaho Senate

March 13, 2024 4:16 AM Conner Nuckols

Idaho is one step closer to bringing back the presidential primary election

Marijuana advertising bill moves forward

March 12, 2024 6:24 PM News Team

The Idaho House has voted to approve House Bill 613.

ITD to host an open house on SH-39 in Blackfoot

March 12, 2024 3:00 AM Seth Ratliff

This project is scheduled to be constructed in 2027.

Cleanup begins on collapsed carport

March 12, 2024 6:23 PM Noah Farley

Cleanup has started on the collapsed carport at the Westwood Park Village condominiums in Idaho Falls.

Idaho Falls woman sentenced for possession with intent to distribute 11,000 fentanyl pills

March 12, 2024 5:31 PM News Team

A 42-year-old Idaho Falls woman has been sentenced to federal prison for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.

Live On 8: CEO of Teton Medicare Talks Free Medicare

March 12, 2024 4:29 AM Zach Glancy

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – Lee Wilson, CEO of Teton Medicare, visits Local News 8 in the Morning to share how seniors find the right health insurance, including Medicare.

Idaho Supreme Court declines to hear Bryan Kohberger request

March 12, 2024 4:16 PM ABC News

The Idaho Supreme Court has declined to hear the request from Bryan Kohberger’s lawyers to appeal the decision not to toss out the charges against him.

Pothole repairs planned for Snake River Bridge on WYO 22

March 12, 2024 3:56 PM News Team

Crews have scheduled pothole repair work on the Snake River Bridge on Wyoming State Highway 22 for Friday, March 15, weather permitting.

Woman hospitalized after crash on US 93

March 12, 2024 3:38 PM News Team

An air ambulance transported a 28-year-old Twin Falls woman to the hospital Saturday after a vehicle collision at 11:09 p.m. southbound US 93 at milepost 54, in Jerome County.

Coroner releases name of victim killed in Saturday’s shooting

March 12, 2024 3:48 PM Linda Larsen

Prosecutors are still working on possible murder charges against the man who kept police at bay for several hours late Saturday night.

Changes coming to GIFT pricing

March 12, 2024 2:03 PM Braydon Wilson

Since June of 2022, the Greater Idaho Falls Transit (GIFT) department 160,000 people have gotten rides to various destinations thanks to the service. Anywhere from 7,000-10,000 rides are being given by the service a month.

The IRS launches Direct File, a pilot program for free online tax filing available in 12 states

March 12, 2024 1:50 PM Associated Press

After weeks of testing, an electronic system for filing returns directly to the IRS is now available for taxpayers from 12 selected states.

BLM to conduct prescribed burns to reduce wildfire risk

March 12, 2024 1:27 PM News Team

These prescribed burns enhance landscape resiliency and increase firefighter and public safety by minimizing the risk of wildfires.

Married Idaho couple identified as victims of deadly Oregon small plane crash

March 12, 2024 12:16 PM Associated Press

Oregon authorities have identified a married couple from Idaho as the victims of a small plane crash that killed everyone on board.

New car wash opens in Blackfoot

March 12, 2024 11:35 AM Emma Valentine

Pony Express Car Wash is hosting a ribbon cutting Tuesday at noon in Blackfoot.

Idaho Sec. of State encourages voters to identify trusted sources of information ahead of elections

March 12, 2024 9:32 AM News Team

Ahead of the 2024 elections, Idaho Secretary of State Phil McGrane reminds Idahoans to look to the Idaho Secretary of State, County Clerks and local election officials as the trusted sources of election information.