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Are your allergies worse this year? Why Idaho’s shifting temperatures are triggering your allergies

Allergists tell us the frequent shifting of temperatures, the constant blowing winds, and the spreading of pollen have been forcing our bodies to work harder to adapt, causing stress to our systems. And with more irritants in the air, we could be in for a rough allergy season.

“Extreme temperatures, I mean, cold, dry air is a known airway irritant,” Dr. David Petty, of Idaho Allergy and Asthma Clinic, stated, “And so when we have that spill, like decent weather now or get into freezing cold Idaho weather again. That’s something that can be a big trigger.”

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“Through the Eyes of Our Learners:” School District 25 invites community to special America 250 fine arts exhibition on May 1st

Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25 is inviting the community out to a special Fine Arts Exhibition celebrating the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States.

Friday, May 1st, 2026, District 25 will host “America Through the Eyes of Our Learners,” featuring more than 200 original works of art and live performances. According to D25, the event invites the community to explore national history and ideals through the eyes of local students.

“This event is about more than art—it’s about giving our learners a voice,” said Courtney Fisher, Director of Communications, Community Relations, and the Education Foundation. “Through their work, our learners are sharing their perspectives, their creativity, and what America means to them during this once-in-a-generation milestone. We’re proud to showcase that with our community.”

The special event will take place during the Historic Downtown Pocatello First Friday Art Walk from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Gate City Coffee (320 W. Center Street).

The event also features more than $2,000 in prizes, sponsored by the School District 25 Education Foundation, to recognize student achievement and creativity. Visitors are encouraged to participate by voting for the People’s Choice Awards during the gallery walk to help select the winning entries.

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Local law enforcement/Upper Valley SAFE Initiative to Youth Digital Safety Workshop Saturday

As digital threats evolve, local law enforcement and community volunteers are joining forces to ensure parents aren’t left behind.

On Saturday, April 25, the Upper Valley SAFE Initiative will host a specialized workshop at Madison Junior High from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. to teach parents how to keep kids safe with modern technology. Founded by Dean and Kristin Coleman, SAFE (Safety, Awareness, Freedom, and Education) is a volunteer-led organization dedicated to helping families understand what’s really happening online—and what to watch for.

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Idaho Falls celebrates completion of multi-million dollar Frontier Center renovation

The Frontier Center for the Performing Arts, formerly the Idaho Falls Civic Center, has finished its expansion, making the local landmark more ADA accessible.

Wednesday, city officials and community leaders gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the completion of a multi-year, multi-million dollar expansion designed to modernize the historic venue.

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Crash caught on camera as vehicle slams into West Yellowstone gift shop

A vehicle crashed into a family-owned gift shop in West Yellowstone last week, sending merchandise flying and narrowly missing striking employees inside.

Surveillance video shows the moment a car drove straight through the side of the Cradleboard Gift Shop, shattering glass and sending merchandise across the store.

“It was just absolutely crazy,” said shop operator Jennifer Reinsch.

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Fall River Electric responding to widespread outage in Rexburg area

Fall River Electric Cooperative crews are responding to a widespread power outage affecting almost 1,000 customers in the Rexburg area Wednesday afternoon.

According to updates from the utility provider’s Facebook page, the outage is impacting residents in the Burton, Hibbard, Archer, & Salem areas. While the specific cause of the outage remains under investigation, Fall River Electric confirmed that repair teams are “en route to restore power as quickly and safely as possible.”

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Pocatello Man Sentenced to 11 Years in Federal Prison for Child Pornography

A 34-year-old Pocatello man faces up to over a decade in federal prison for receiving child pornography following a joint undercover operation between the FBI and Idaho Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.

U.S. District Judge David C. Nye sentenced Clint Lusk to 135 months in federal prison to be served consecutively to any future sentence stemming from pending state charges. In addition to his prison time, Lusk must pay $45,000 in restitution, serve 15 years of supervised release, and register as a sex offender.

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New tool helps visualize water use — and what’s not reaching the Great Salt Lake

If you haven’t been to the Great Salt Lake lately, the impact is hard to miss. Lower water levels, an expanding shoreline, and ongoing concerns about the lake’s future are all on display. Now, Salt Lake County leaders are hoping a new visualization tool will help people better understand why — and what can be done about it.

Inside the Salt Lake County Government Center, a new display uses blue marbles to represent water. Each marble equals about 10,000 acre-feet, giving a visual breakdown of where water goes across the Great Salt Lake Basin, and how much of it never makes it back to the lake.

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Museum of Idaho celebrates America’s 250th anniversary with interactive exhibit

Idaho Falls, ID (KIFI) – A major milestone in American history is being celebrated right here in East Idaho. The Museum of Idaho has just opened a brand-new exhibit marking 250 years of the United States—bringing the Revolutionary era to life through artifacts and storytelling. via Museum of Idaho Facebook The exhibit—called “Declaration: 250 Years

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TCFR receives funding boost to map and mitigate wildfire risks

Teton County Fire & Rescue is getting a boost ahead of fire season thanks to new grant funding.

Last week, TCFR was awarded grant funding from the Community Foundation of Teton Valley to support wildfire mitigation efforts. The money will help build computer models that show how wildfires could spread through local communities, giving a clearer picture of where risks are highest and how to respond faster.

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Red, White, and Blue Jeans: Eastern Idaho State Fair unveils 2026 theme and entertainment lineup

The wait is officially over. The Eastern Idaho State Fair is pulling back the curtain today on its highly anticipated 2026 entertainment lineup, promising a slate of performances that aim to outdo years past.

“Get ready for big names, great entertainment, and even bigger fair memories,” the fair committee shared in an enthusiastic announcement on Facebook.

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Idaho’s largest Teachers’ Union formally breaks ties with Gov. Little over ‘union-busting’ legislation

During the Idaho Education Association’s annual business meeting this past weekend, members voted overwhelmingly to issue a vote of no confidence in Governor Little. The union said the move was in response to “union-busting legislation attacking the right of educators to organize and advocate in their workplaces.”

“Our members have spoken clearly,” said IEA President Layne McInelly. “They are angry and frustrated with the governor. They feel his choice to sign House Bill 516, when there were so many reasons to veto it, is a betrayal of his claims to be a supporter of Idaho’s educators and public schools.”

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Fire destroys the Caldwell home of Idaho State Representative Kent Marmon, leaving the residence uninhabitable

On Monday evening at 9:50 p.m., Caldwell fire crews responded to a residential structure fire in Caldwell near the College of Idaho’s Marty Holly Athletic Center. Everyone in the home was evacuated, and there are no reported injuries.

Fire officials say the blaze was primarily concentrated near the rear of the home. Crews were able to quickly bring it under control, but the residence sustained extensive damage and is considered uninhabitable.

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“Changing lives through horses and habits”: Bridle Up Hope celebrates graduates in Idaho Falls

A new program in Idaho Falls is helping girls and women build confidence—not in a classroom, but in the saddle. Bridle Up Hope has officially launched in Eastern Idaho, offering participants a unique opportunity to develop leadership, resilience, and life skills through hands-on work with horses.

The program is hosted at Champ’s Heart Ranch, a nonprofit organization already known for providing equine-assisted services to children, veterans, and families across the region.

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INL appoints Jennifer Porter as new Fire Chief; Jim Blair to retire

“Jennifer has earned this opportunity through years of exceptional leadership, technical expertise and unwavering commitment to INL’s mission,” said Shawn Hill, INL’s Facilities & Site Services executive director. “She understands this department at every level, and she leads with a steady hand and a deep sense of responsibility to her team and this site. I am confident that Jennifer will excel as chief and continue strengthening the vital services our fire department provides.”

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Downtown revitalization: City of Pocatello invests in urban forest improvements with grant funding

The City of Pocatello is continuing efforts to improve the health and safety of its urban forest, with work taking place in Historic Downtown and other areas throughout the community.

Residents will begin to see improvements as crews remove unhealthy trees, replace missing or damaged trees, and address locations where trees have outgrown their space or are causing sidewalk and safety concerns. Nearly all trees that are removed will be replaced.

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LDS Church announces new age-group names for Young Women Program

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced a global change to its Young Women program on Monday. Effective immediately, the faith will adopt new age-group names for the program intended to emphasize ‘spiritual identity and progression,’ according to Church leadership.

The move impacts hundreds of thousands of the faith’s youth across the globe, including Idaho, where members of the LDS faith make up nearly a quarter of the state.

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‘We could smell it immediately’: Neighbors recount tense night with gas explosion threat

Wyatt Romney has lived by the corner of 100 South and 500 West in Brigham City for many years, and his long-time friend Blake Smith moved in a little over a year ago.

“It’s always been a really quiet neighborhood. It’s a really nice neighborhood. We’ve got really friendly neighbors,” Romney said.

That was until Romney got a phone call from his mom on Saturday night asking if something was going on.

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Surface Water Coalition, Groundwater Districts seek emergency stay on Butte Co. curtailment

In a potential breakthrough for Butte County agriculture, the Surface Water Coalition (SWC), along with Idaho’s groundwater districts, filed a joint request Friday afternoon asking the state to hit the “pause” button on an ongoing water curtailment order that has paralyzed local farms.

The move comes less than 24 hours after IDWR Director Matt Weaver denied a motion to pause the curtailment.

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East Idaho Home and Garden Show takes over Mountain America Center

Spring projects are top of mind for many across eastern Idaho—and one event this weekend is helping homeowners get a head start.

The East Idaho Home and Garden Show is currently underway at the Mountain America Center, bringing together nearly 200 regional vendors as a hub. From heavy-duty landscaping and home renovations to delicate gardening and interior design, experts say the event is a “one-stop shop” for spring inspiration.

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Rexburg man charged with arson, battery of healthcare worker after Airport Road house fire

A Rexburg man is facing nearly three decades in prison after he allegedly attacked his healthcare worker after setting fire to his home before locking himself inside on Wednesday afternoon.

Sebastian Louw, 19, was rescued by police through a bedroom window before being charged with felony arson and battery against a healthcare worker. If convicted on both counts, Louw faces up to 28 years in prison and a $100,000 fine.

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Some UVU students grateful they’re left without a graduation commencement speaker

Graduation will look a little different for students at Utah Valley University at the end of the month, after the school chose to forgo having a featured commencement speaker.

Author and educator Sharon McMahon, who’s commonly referred to as America’s Government Teacher, was the original choice, but was dropped without a replacement after comments she made about Charlie Kirk, who was gunned down during an on-campus rally last year.

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The Idaho Falls Zoo is reopening – despite the cold weather

Despite the near-freezing temperatures, chances of snow, and winds, the zoo is still open for the start of their 2026 season.

“There’s lots of animals that love the cold. And then there are the surprising bunch of animals that enjoy the cold. And you wouldn’t think so,” David Pennock, the Zoo’s Executive Director, said. “Like, our lions are out in the cold and enjoying it, even though they could choose to go inside and be warm. They come outside and romp in the snow.”

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Driver killed in semi-truck rollover on I-15 south of Pocatello

Idaho State Police is investigating a crash along I-15 south of Pocatello near the N Old Highway 91

According to the Idaho Transportation Department, the crash happend in the northbound lanes of I-15 near milepost 63 just before the Portneuf exit. The crash happend around 1:27 p.m.

It’s unclear at this time how many vehicles were involved or whether there were any potential injuries. ITD is directing drivers to keep left, expect delays, and use caution.

This is a developing story. Local News 8 will provide additional updates as we learn new details.

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Suspect in alleged machete attack apprehended by Fort Hall Police

After a nearly two-week search involving federal authorities, the Fort Hall Police Department has arrested 28-year-old Sean Tindore.

Tindore was arrested without incident on April 16, 2026, at around 9:20 a.m. His arrest marks the end of an intensive search that began following a violent aggravated assault earlier this month, where he allegedly hacked off a man’s hand with a machete.

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Classrooms vs. extracurriculars: GOP leaders draw a line on political neutrality in schools

Spokespeople for Gov. Brad Little and state superintendent Debbie Critchfield say there’s a difference between promoting political ideologies in the classroom and promoting “extracurricular” and “student-led” political activities outside the classroom.

But you might have to squint to see where the line is drawn.

Little and Critchfield’s offices defended the Republicans — both running for reelection this year — after they caught flak for promoting “Club America,” Turning Point USA’s campaign to equip and educate conservative activists in high schools.

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Idaho medical marijuana push reaches 100,000 signatures as lawmakers urge opposition

Supporters of a medical marijuana initiative in Idaho say they have surpassed 100,000 signatures as they work to place the issue on the 2026 ballot, marking a major milestone in an effort that has gained traction in recent months.

Advocates with the Natural Medicine Alliance of Idaho say the initiative would provide patients with access to treatment options that are currently unavailable under state law.

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‘Everlasting hug’: Community creates quilt in memory of Kaylee Goncalves

A handmade quilt created by contributors from across the country is now on display in the Treasure Valley, honoring the life of Kaylee Goncalves and offering comfort to her family.

The Kaylee Jade Dahlia Quilt, unveiled at The Quilt Crossing, was crafted by more than a dozen quilters and dahlia enthusiasts from Idaho and beyond. Each square was stitched with messages of remembrance, forming a one-of-a-kind tribute to Goncalves, one of four victims killed in the 2022 University of Idaho murders.

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AG Labrador slams “Idaho Values First” for misleading political campaign involving ICAC Unit

Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador is striking back against a wave of “misleading political advertisements” that he says falsely invoke his office and the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit in a deceptive digital campaign.

The advertisements, funded by a political organization operating under the name “Idaho Values First,” began appearing on YouTube over the last week. The campaign involves 12 videos targeting several Idaho legislators, claiming they voted against essential funding for the ICAC Unit.

Labrador has labeled the claims “flatly untrue.”

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Three hospitalized following multiple crashes on Osborne Bridge

A chain of accidents near the Osborne Bridge sent multiple people to the hospital Thursday morning as slick road conditions potentially caught commuters off guard. The incident temporarily blocked off both lanes of US-20 from mile marker 378 to 379.

The Fremont County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) responded to the initial report of a single-vehicle rollover crash at approximately 7:40 a.m. on April 16. While deputies were heading to the scene to manage the first wreck, a second “T-bone” collision happend in the same area.

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Trial set for man charged with murder and kidnapping of 5-year-old Michael Vaughan

A September trial date has been set for Stacey Wondra, the man accused in the disappearance and death of 5-year-old Michael Vaughan.

During a hearing on Wednesday morning, a Payette County judge scheduled a status conference for June 2 and a pretrial conference for Aug. 4. Jury selection and the trial are set to begin Sept. 14 at 8:30 a.m., with the trial expected to last roughly four weeks.

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Spring freezes in Eastern Idaho: experts at T&T Lawn Service offer advice for keeping your yard healthy

Idaho Falls, ID (KIFI) – With spring weather in Eastern Idaho comes unpredictable conditions, including freezing temperatures and late-season storms. With temperatures dropping below freezing again this morning, lawn care experts say preparation is key to protecting your yard from lasting damage. According to experts at T&T Lawn Services in Idaho Falls, what homeowners do

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IDWR launches technical review to resolve Butte County curtailment, Surface Water Coalition appluads path forward

Idaho’s Surface Water Coalition is applauding efforts to find a potential path toward ending water shut-offs in Butte County.

On Wednesday, the Idaho Department of Water Resources launched a collaborative technical review to determine if three “junior” groundwater districts can join a statewide mitigation plan, potentially bringing an end to an active curtailment order.

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Shoshone-Bannock Tribes to honor legacy of late Judge William “Bill” Bacon

The Shoshone-Bannock Tribes will gather this Friday to pay tribute to the life and enduring impact of William “Bill” F. Bacon, a longtime Tribal Judge and General Counsel described as a “tireless advocate” for Indigenous rights.

Judge Bacon passed away on March 26 following a tragic car accident along I-15 near Pocatello. In the weeks since, Tribal leadership and community members have continued to reflect on a career defined by
“dedicated service, steady leadership, and meaningful contributions to the Tribes and the community.”

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‘Nobody wants to see this’: Small community copes with tragic murder-suicide

Police in Elko are still trying to piece together and come to terms with how something so tragic as Monday’s murder-suicide involving an 11-year-old boy could happen in their community.

The town of Elko, which is about 200 miles away from Salt Lake City, is one with just over 20,000 people.

“It typically is pretty quiet,” said Elko Regional Airport Manager Jim Foster.

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Portneuf Valley Environmental Fair returns to Pocatello this weekend

The Portneuf Valley Environmental Fair is returning to Pocatello this weekend, offering a full day of free, family-friendly activities focused on the environment and community.

“The Portneuf Valley Environmental Fair is the largest in southeast Idaho. It’s free. We’re going to have free food, live music..” Irby-Facer said. “You can learn about composting, get a free tomato plant. You could find out if you have toys that might have lead in them. There are so many things to do.”

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The Coach vs. the Firefighter: Connor Cook challenges incumbent Barbara Ehardt in District 33 showdown

Rep. Barbara Ehardt, R-Idaho Falls, will face Republican Connor Cook in the May 19 primary election in District 33 House Seat A. She is seeking a fifth term.

In her four Republican primary elections, Ehardt has been challenged by a Republican just once. She faced her first and only Republican in 2022, when she beat Jeff Thompson with 57% of the vote.

Cook, a newcomer to politics, said he thinks Ehardt has stopped listening to her constituents. He said he would bring common sense to the Statehouse from a blue collar perspective. He’s worked as a paramedic and firefighter for 10 years and is a union member.

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Historic building in downtown Pocatello set for demolition

The Monarch building, A historic brick building in downtown Pocatello, is set to come down this summer after years of decay, despite efforts to revive it.

The building was believed to have been built around 1909, and has sat open to the elements for more than a decade after a fire left it roofless and unsafe. The Pocatello Development Authority, which now owns the property, says demolition is necessary to protect public safety and make way for new development.

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‘The First Responder You Never See:‘ Pocatello 911 Dispatcher Highlights Demands, Rewards of Life on the Line

When someone in Bannock County dials 911, the first person they talk to isn’t a police officer, firefighter, or paramedic. It’s a dispatcher like April Neal, who has spent nearly a decade on the other end of the line.

Neal, a 911 dispatcher for the Pocatello Police Department, says one of the biggest misconceptions about her job is that dispatchers are “just secretaries.”

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