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25 Volunteers brave slick conditions to rescue injured skier

A 28-year-old skier is recovering after a grueling three-and-a-half-hour rescue operation on Taylor Mountain this past Friday.

The incident took place just before 12:30 PM on Friday, March 13th. Teton County Search & Rescue received an emergency alert for the injured skier, who’d injured her knee while skinning up from the Coal Creek drainage. Unable to ski or hike out, her partners called 911.

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‘The Homerun Project’ seeks to help with housing crisis by renovating a home for giveaway

At a time when owning a home seems out of reach for many, a group of friends is trying to make the American dream possible.

Sky Evans, along with his wife Lily and friend Sawyer Reidelbach, started what they call the Homerun Project. They are renovating a 1920s house in Salt Lake City and, once it’s finished, plan to give it away — no mortgage, no rent, just a fresh start, in a drawing.

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Utah mother receives honor for fallen son while raising alarm on veteran suicide crisis

A Utah mother is raising awareness about the heightened suicide risk among military veterans after losing her own son, Private First Class Bowden Hunter of Saratoga Springs.

Utah currently ranks second in the nation for veteran suicide (adjusted for population), with 78 deaths reported last year, according to the U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs. Because the state has a smaller-than-average veteran population, the numbers are especially alarming to families like the Hunters.

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ICE purchases $145M Salt Lake City warehouse, sparking local outcry

The Department of Homeland Security has officially purchased a massive warehouse on the west side of Salt Lake City, confirming months of speculation and marking the establishment of the first ICE detention center in the state of Utah.

Friday, Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson issued a sharp rebuke following the confirmation of the sale.

“I am deeply disturbed to learn that a 833,000-square-foot warehouse… has reportedly been purchased by the federal government to what would likely become a massive ICE detention facility,” Wilson said. “The idea of 7,500 detainees being held in the heart of our capital city is simply unacceptable and must never be realized.”

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Broadway star Cheyenne Jackson reflects on Idaho roots and Hollywood career during Idaho Falls visit

Idaho Falls, ID (KIFI) – Broadway and film star Cheyenne Jackson recently returned to eastern Idaho, bringing his nationally touring show “Mid-Life Torso Tour” to the Colonial Theatre in Idaho Falls. But long before the bright lights of Broadway and Hollywood, Jackson’s story began in the small towns of northern Idaho. From growing up in

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Idaho’s top leaders emphasize the economy at Chamber Leadership Session

The state of Idaho’s economy and budget loomed large at a Leadership Session featuring Governor Brad Little, Lt. Governor Scott Bedke and U.S. Rep. Mike Simpson on Friday.

Three of Idaho’s top leaders addressed “5 I’s” – Idaho’s economy, Idaho Launch, Immigration, Irrigation and Iran at a forum hosted by the Greater Idaho Falls Chamber at the Downtown Event Center.

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Idaho trucking industry sounds alarm as diesel prices surge amid global tensions

As gas prices soar nationwide, Idaho’s trucking industry is sounding the alarm. They say the pain at the pump will soon turn into pain at the checkout line.

“80% of the goods in the United States are moved by truck. And so, you know, all of those prices will be affected by the cost of gas and energy,” said Andrus. “Not only do the consumers see (the spike in prices) at the gas pump, but they’re going to see it in the price of groceries and everything else they buy that gets moved by trucks.”

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Idaho House Committee advances two Bills amending library ‘harmful materials’ law

Two bills that would amend the state’s “harmful materials” library law are heading to the full House.

The House State Affairs Committee passed the bills Thursday. 

Sponsored by Rep. Jaron Crane, R-Nampa, and backed by Attorney General Raúl Labrador’s office, the bills would align Idaho’s law with recent federal court rulings. The Children’s School and Library Protection Act, which Idaho lawmakers enacted in 2024, imposes penalties on libraries and schools that don’t restrict material deemed  “harmful” to minors.

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Idaho Falls to host Leadership Conversation Summit with Governor, Lt. Governor, and Congressman

Idaho Falls, ID (KIFI) – The Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce will host a special community leadership event on Friday afternoon featuring three of Idaho’s top elected officials. Gov. Brad Little, Lt. Governor Scott Bedke, and Congressman Mike Simpson are scheduled to appear together for a moderated discussion at the Downtown Event Center in

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Grammy & Emmy-nominated Broadway star Cheyenne Jackson hitting the Colonial Theatre Stage

Idaho Falls, ID (KIFI) – The Idaho Falls Arts Council proudly presents an unforgettable evening with Cheyenne Jackson—celebrated Broadway star, acclaimed film and television actor, and renowned recording artist—live on stage in Idaho Falls. Experience the excitement of the “Mid Life Torso Tour” as it arrives at the Colonial Theatre on Thursday, March 12th, offering

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Community rallies to give Pocatello’s ‘Ambassador of Smiles’ a new set of wheels

If you’ve grabbed a coke or a burger at the Pocatello McDonald’s at any point over the last three decades, chances are you’ve been greeted by the city’s unofficial ambassador of smiles.

Delynn Wilson is known for his pristine and his infectious optimism, but recently a hurdle with his transportation threatened the independence he has worked so hard for.

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Utah man charged with manslaughter in death while practicing drawing handguns from holsters

A Roy man has been charged with manslaughter in the shooting death of another person while the two were practicing drawing handguns from holsters.

Benjamin Garrett Davis, 24, is charged with manslaughter, a second-degree felony; reckless endangerment, a class A misdemeanor; and committing a violent offense in the presence of a child, a class B misdemeanor in the incident last Sunday.

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5 things to know about Idaho’s school funding debate 

State leaders are nearly two months into the legislative session, and much of the noise still surrounds the state’s budget deficit. Cuts are happening. School leaders and parents are watching. So what’s on the chopping block and what’s not? What factors shape the debate? And what about that big rainy day fund some people keep mentioning?  Here’s a rundown of where things stand — and five takeaways to help clear the smoke.

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Lemhi County Sheriff’s Office closes nearly 7-year-old missing person case

The Lemhi County Sheriff’s Office has officially closed a nearly seven-year-old missing persons investigation after investigators positively identified human remains discovered late last year using DNA evidence.

The case began on November 8, 2019, when the Lemhi County Sheriff’s Office received a report from the Springdale (Arkansas) Police Department regarding Bobby Lee Rodriguez.

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Idaho lawmakers want a say over federal grants that could go into medical education

For much of the session, legislators have been haggling over how to have a say over the way Idaho spends $930 million in rural health grants.

A new bill emerged Tuesday morning.

Introduced unanimously in the House Health and Welfare Committee, this bill follows a similar version from the Senate and would create a legislative committee to oversee Idaho’s federal Rural Healthcare Transformation grants. The money could have far-reaching implications — and could factor into Idaho’s medical education debate.

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Benjamin Naylor sentenced to life without parole for southern Idaho killings

The man charged with killing four people across two southern Idaho counties is set to spend the rest of his life behind bars.

Monday, Benjamin Naylor was sentenced to four consecutive and concurrent fixed-life terms in state prison, the Cassia County and Minidoka County Prosecuting Attorney’s Offices announced. The move comes after Naylor pleaded guilty to the charges in late December in a bid to avoid the death penalty.

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Bill recognizing professional experience in school salary funding advances

A bill that would recognize professional experience outside the classroom on the career ladder is heading to the full House. 

Currently, career-technical educators must receive four years of proficient evaluations before they can move up the career ladder, the state’s salary funding model. The bill would allow CTE instructors and professional support staff to move up the ladder with years of experience outside of schools.

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Jury convicts Idaho Falls woman in illegal massage parlor trafficking case

A 60-year-old woman faces a potential 40-year prison sentence in connection with an illegal massage parlor.

On March 6, a jury found Xue Fang Lu, 60, guilty of felony Interstate Trafficking of Prostitution and felony Procurement of Prostitution. The charges stem from Lu’s illicit massage business operated out of the Fairbridge Inn in Idaho Falls from March until May 2024.

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Idaho Falls pastor returns home after harrowing escape from Israel-Iran conflict zone

What began as a spiritual journey to the Holy Land quickly transformed into a desperate mission for survival. Alicia Ramos, an Idaho Falls pastor, is finally home after being caught in the crossfire of the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran.

Ramos was part of a group of 117 women pastors from across the United States. As the only representative from Idaho, she found her pilgrimage abruptly interrupted by the sound of sirens and falling bombs.

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House begrudgingly but overwhelmingly passes spending cuts

After an hour of debate — a wide-ranging airing of fiscal issues — the House Friday easily passed an immediate spending cut.

The 2026 Idaho Rescissions Act, Senate Bill 1331, cuts this year’s general fund spending by $131.3 million. Most of the cuts were already in place; Gov. Brad Little cut 3% from most agency budgets last summer. But the bill also includes an additional $15.3 million in cuts, beyond Little’s recommendations.

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A dead woman’s key fob and two grisly crime scenes: How the Utah triple-murder suspect was tracked across state lines

As investigators raced to find the person responsible for three killings in rural Wayne County, Utah, they used automated license plate readers and a victim’s own vehicle key fob to track their suspect – a man police said has no connection to the victims or the region that is known for its awe-inspiring landscapes dotted with quiet, small towns.

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59-year-old Canyon County man charged with possession of child pornography

“Every arrest my ICAC Unit makes removes another threat from Idaho streets and brings us closer to ensuring children can grow up safe from exploitation,” said Attorney General Labrador. “The law enforcement partnerships we’ve built across Idaho make it possible to take swift action when children are at risk, and we’re grateful for every agency that shares our commitment to protecting Idaho’s kids.”

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Daylight Saving Time is here, and Doctors say even losing one hour can harm health

Springing forward this weekend might feel routine, but medical experts say even losing one hour of sleep can still take a serious toll on people’s hearts, safety, and overall health.

Dr. Christopher Valentine, a family medicine doctor and medical director with Optum in Utah and Idaho, said the one-hour jump has been linked to a short-term increase in heart attacks, strokes, and car crashes, especially on the Monday after the time change.

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Bonneville weighs staff cuts, upping levy request amid stagnant K-12 funding outlook

The Bonneville School District is weighing staff cuts and could ask patrons for more local funding amid a budget shortfall leaders peg at some $6 million.

Leaders could cut up to 15 certified positions and 25 classified positions next school year in an effort to save around $2.5 million. A reading program priced at around $500,000 could also be on the chopping block. Adjustments could include upping the East Idaho district’s two-year supplemental levy by $8 million.

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Off-duty firefighters awarded state’s highest honor for heroic canal rescue

Two local firefighters are being recognized with the state’s highest commendation for their selfless actions during a harrowing water rescue late last year.

Senior Firefighters Travis Adams and Jeremy F. Newman have been selected to receive the Idaho Medal of Honor for their bravery on Oct. 5, 2025, when they jumped into a frigid canal to save a family trapped inside a submerged vehicle.

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AG Labrador announces landmark agreement to secure north Idaho’s water future

“This settlement is a massive win for all north Idaho families, businesses, and communities who depend on reliable water,” said Attorney General Labrador. “For over a decade, this litigation created uncertainty for cities, farms, and employers across the basin. Courts had already held that the tribe was entitled to certain water rights on the Reservation that could affect the region. This settlement avoids continued litigation, protects existing water rights, secures water for future growth, and it is a win for all parties.”

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