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Rexburg Police nab suspected tagger who targeted 35+ local businesses in vandalism spree

After a multi-month tagging spree targeting local businesses, the Rexburg Police Department announced Tuesday morning, November 4th, that the suspected vandal is now in custody.

The alleged tagger was taken into custody on Monday, November 3rd, and has been charged with felony Malicious Injury to Property. The arrest concludes an investigation spanning the last three months, during which the tagger allegedly defaced more than an estimated 35 local businesses, causing significant damage and frustration to property owners.

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Idaho Falls man sentenced in multi-year Wyoming poaching spree

A multi-year investigation recently wrapped up in Lincoln County on Sept. 24  when Rodney Gilstrap of Idaho Falls, Idaho, was sentenced on multiple wildlife-related charges following an appeal filed in August 2024. The charges stemmed from Gilstrap falsely claiming to be a Wyoming resident beginning in 2018 and then illegally killing deer, elk, and pronghorn in western Wyoming. 

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Time capsule from Japanese Church of Christ revealed to public Saturday

Leaders from the Japanese Church of Christ unveiled artifacts found in a 101-year-old time capsule on Saturday, showcasing the story of early Japanese immigrants to Salt Lake City.

According to a press release from Michelle Schmitt, the previously unknown time capsule contained three newspapers, Sunday school records, an American and Japanese flag and two small bibles, one of which had been brought to Utah by a Japanese immigrant in 1906.

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ISU launches new Master’s in Geology with Geology Management Concentration

“This degree is specifically intended for people who are chomping at the bit to enter their geosciences career and move up into managerial roles,” said Shannon Kobs Nawotniak, professor and chair of the geosciences department at Idaho State. “While the traditional research-track offers a student an opportunity to gain expertise in a very narrow application, the new master’s with a concentration in geology management replaces the thesis work with targeted courses from the Master’s of Business Administration (MBA) program at Idaho State to ensure that the student has training in how businesses and management actually work.”

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Pocatello Police launch 7th annual “Give the Cops a Bird” Thanksgiving food drive

For the 7th year in a row, the Pocatello Police Department is bringing back a seasonal partnership with the local Idaho Food Bank ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday.

From now until November 20th, PPD is encouraging residents to donate frozen turkeys, non-perishable canned goods, and monetary gifts at the police department as part of the annual “Give the Cops a Bird” turkey drive. This annual initiative ensures local families facing food insecurity have food on their tables for the holiday.

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Wyoming Governor Gordon steps in amid SNAP crisis

As millions nationwide brace for reduced Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits this month due to the ongoing government shutdown, the State of Wyoming has taken decisive action to protect its most vulnerable residents. Governor Mark Gordon has now signed two key executive orders aimed at bolstering food security across the Cowboy State.

“Food insecurity does not care about political parties,” Governor Gordon stated on Facebook. “Wyoming will not allow its citizens to go hungry because Washington cannot do its job.”

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Gov. Little establishes task force to secure $1B federal funding for rural health

Idaho is looking to bring in a massive federal investment to overhaul healthcare access and quality in its rural communities. On October 30th, Governor Brad Little signed an Executive Order establishing the “Making Rural Idaho Healthy Again Act” Task Force. The new Task Force is charged with developing and submitting Idaho’s application for significant federal aid.

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Credit card scammers targeting elderly women arrested in drug-fueled Ammon traffic stop

A small group of alleged scammers is in custody after a traffic stop led to the arrests of five men and one woman accused of preying on multiple victims in parking lots across the state and the local area. The Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office says the group successfully stole the credit card information of multiple victims and executed unauthorized money transfers under the guise of collecting charitable donations.

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Murder charges filed in 2021 disappearance of Idaho child Michael Vaughn

The Payette County Prosecutor’s Office has officially filed murder charges in the case of Michael Vaughn, the 5-year-old boy who vanished from his Fruitland, Idaho home in 2021.

“We believe we know the individuals involved and are committed to pursuing justice with or without Michael’s recovery,” Duke stated. He credited the charges to the “unyielding tenacity and perseverance” of the Fruitland Police Department, which has not ceased working the case. “They are continuing to search and investigate so they can bring Michael’s body home.”

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Paranormal Investigators probe decommissioned Idaho Falls plane for post-mortem passengers

In the lead-up to Halloween, a team of Paranormal Investigators took a closer look into the strange activity surrounding an old plane at the Idaho Falls airport that’s long been out of service.

For nearly 20 years, Pocatello Paranormal Research (PPR) has established itself as Idaho’s most experienced crew for all things cryptid and creepy. According to the group’s website, the team is known for tackling strange happenings from coast to coast, but their latest case has them looking for residual turbulence in the static air of a grounded jet.

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Bus drivers, police alarmed by ‘shocking’ surge in drivers ignoring school bus stop signs

A sharp rise in drivers ignoring school bus stop signs in Bonneville County has bus drivers and deputies on edge, warning that one careless mistake could cost a child’s life.

In just nine weeks of the school year, Bonneville bus driver Jenny Sharp has already recorded as many stop arm violations as she saw all of last year, a surge local law enforcement calls for concern.

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Daylight Saving Time is controversial. Here’s why the US kept it

It’s almost time for clocks to “fall back” one hour, allowing many people across the United States to gain one hour of sleep.

On the first Sunday of November, at 2 a.m., clocks fall back an hour to standard time. On the second Sunday of March, at 2 a.m., clocks in most of the United States and many other countries move forward one hour and stay there for nearly eight months in what is called Daylight Saving Time.

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Museum of Idaho receives a 50k donation and presents “Mummies of the World” exhibit

The Museum of Idaho is excited to announce a generous $50,000 donation from Oklo, an advanced nuclear technology company developing its first commercial Aurora powerhouse in Idaho at Idaho National Laboratory. This partnership marks a major contribution to the region’s cultural and educational fabric, reinforcing Oklo’s deep commitment to the Idaho Falls community.

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Idaho students can still ‘Name that plow’ in ITD contest

There’s still time for Idaho students to help name one of the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD’s) snowplows.

“It is the time of year to start looking out for plows, looking out for slick roads, winter driving yet again. And we are happy to see students getting interested and hope that we can have fewer and fewer plow strikes all winter long, especially in our area and all across Idaho,” said Sky Buffat, PIO for the Idaho Transportation Department.

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USDA cuts block 370,000 pounds of meat and produce from Idaho Food Banks

Idaho food banks lost out on 370,000 pounds of food shipments from May through September due to massive cuts to The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), according to USDA records obtained by ProPublica.

These canceled shipments, first detailed in a report by non-profit newspaper the Idaho Capital Sun, included meat, dairy, and fresh produce intended for distribution centers in North Idaho, Lewiston, Boise, and Pocatello. Local partners, including Community Action Partnership and El-Ada Community Action Partnership, lost planned deliveries of essential items like cheese, chicken, turkey, and pork.

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Local resturant and charities step up to help federal workers and Idaho familes during shutdown

With federal workers facing furloughs and food assistance programs halted for November, the southeast Idaho community is stepping up to help families in need.

One local restaurant is helping with free meals during this time of hardship. Himalayan Flavor in Idaho Falls, Pocatello, and Logan, Utah, is offering assistance to those affected by the government shutdown by providing one free meal per day. All you need is an ID for verification.

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Gov. Little returns from “productive” D.C. trip, Idaho Democrats denounce “cruel” withholding of SNAP benefits

Governor Little summed up his visit as “productive and patriotic,” saying he covered “a lot of ground” in his discussions with the President and his team and renewed an invitation for him to visit Idaho.

Little also met with House Speaker Mike Johnson to address the shutdown’s threat to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps. The USDA has warned states that the ongoing shutdown makes it almost certain that over 42 million Americans, including over 130,000 Idahoans, who rely on these essential benefits will not receive crucial funds in November.

While the Governor struck a hopeful tone, his return from his D.C. visit came amid sharp criticism from the state’s Democratic leaders, who pointed to the trump administration’s handling of SNAP benefits.

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No SNAP benefits for November means local food banks bracing for surge in demand

The United States Department of Agriculture recently announced that, due to the government shutdown, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP benefits (also known as food stamps) will not be issued for November.

The cut in funding means Americans who rely on the system to buy food will have to find alternative means to get the food they need. It also means that unless the government shutdown is ended and funding is restored, food banks around the state are preparing for a large surge in demand over the next few days and weeks.

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Blackfoot firefighters, aided by off-duty/volunteer crews, tackle structure fire in 30 minutes

Over the weekend, a small crew of Blackfoot firefighters, with the help of volunteers and off-duty personnel, tackled a dangerous structure fire in under 30 minutes despite minimal staffing.

The emergency began on Saturday afternoon, October 25. A Blackfoot Fire Department Ambulance was heading to Blackfoot from Rockford on Highway 39 to provide coverage, as multiple other ambulances were out on calls. While driving, the crew suddenly spotted a column of smoke and flames coming from a shop building near the highway. They immediately radioed the alarm to Station 1, quickly geared up, and began an initial walkaround of the burning structure.

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The passing of a public servant: Former Idaho U.S. Congressman Richard Stallings passes away at 85

“Richard reminded us that politics at its best is about people, not power. It is about understanding our neighbors’ struggles and standing up for them,” stated Nechocea. “His legacy endures in the leaders he inspired, the communities he strengthened, and the countless Idahoans who saw in him what public service should look like: humble, principled, and tireless in pursuit of the common good. Our hearts are with his family and all who loved him.”

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Idaho Falls Shelter: Pet surrenders aren’t just a -post-holiday problem—The need for help is year-round

According to most reports, animal shelters fill up more during the winter months, most often after Christmas. But for the Idaho Falls animal shelter, they see influxes of animals coming into their shelter throughout the year.

“We do see an influx in dogs and cats after Christmas, when people realize a pet wasn’t a good fit or they just weren’t prepared,” explains Officer Danielle Harker of the Idaho Falls Animal Control. “But we also generally see an increase in the summer months when it gets a little bit warmer, and people are leaving their dogs outside more often; they tend to escape and get out.”

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“Presumption of Innocence”: Judge rules accused Charlie Kirk killer can wear civilian clothes in court

Tyler Robinson, the man accused of killing political activist Charlie Kirk, made his first in-person court appearance last Friday. The closed hearing was requested by his attorney, Kathy Nester, two weeks prior to discuss what Robinson would be permitted to wear during his court appearances.

Attorney Nester filed the motion arguing that forcing Robinson to appear in typical inmate attire or restraints—such as a “suicide robe,” bulletproof vest, or shackles—would unfairly prejudice the jury. She argues that these visible signs of imprisonment lead people to assume he’s guilty, violating his right to a fair and impartial trial.

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A father hunts moose with his adopted son with Down syndrome

“It was magic”: A father hunts moose with his adopted son with Down syndrome

Brady Murray drew a moose tag for unit 73 in southeast Idaho, and what followed captivated the hunting community, with his son Cooper attempting to harvest a moose.

Brady grew up in Idaho and now lives in Utah. In 2007, the Murray family welcomed their first son. Nash was born with Down syndrome, and after advocating to adopt orphans with disabilities, the Murray family adopted Cooper out of China.

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Nearly 2,000-pound pumpkin crushes car in spectacular finale to 35-year journey

What do you do if you have an old, broken-down car and a pumpkin that weighs more than it? The answer is simple: you get a crane and see what happens when you drop the latter onto the former.

In the video above, some of you may recognize the car from a FOX 13 News story earlier this year. Millville resident Alan Gebert has been driving his 1991 Geo Metro for nearly 35 years, and his wife’s video about his loyalty to the compact coupe went viral.

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Habitat Improvement Team allocates over $900,000 for 5 Southeast Idaho conservation projects

Five conservation projects across southeast Idaho have received a major boost to enhance and protect the Gem State’s landscapes and wildlife habitats. The Habitat Improvement Team (HIT) has allocated more than $900,000 to these five initiatives. This funding is slated for critical work like restoring rivers and wetlands, bolstering fish and wildlife habitats, and protecting the region’s expansive open spaces.

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Stay safe this Halloween: Your checklist for a spook-tacular night

With Halloween on the horizon, people of all ages are being reminded to stay safe during the spookiest night of the year. Here are some essential tips for parents of trick-or-treaters, drivers, homeowners, and pet owners.

First, if you go trick-or-treating, wait to eat the candy until after you get home. The American Red Cross directs parents to go through the candy and throw away anything that looks unusual or is unwrapped.

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Coroner ID’s Pocatello man in Fatal I-15 Crash

The name of the Pocatello man killed in a single-vehicle crash on Interstate 15 in Bannock County on Friday has been officially released.

Bannock County Coroner Torey Danner identified the man as 47-year-old Randell Case of Pocatello. His next of kin has been notified. “I want to express my condolences to Randell’s family and friends during this difficult time,” said Coroner Danner.

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Accidental shooting prompts large emergency response in Rexburg

A large group of Rexburg Police officers and EMS were called to the scene of an accidental self-inflicted gunshot wound Friday afternoon. The incident took place at an apartment complex on West 7th South between Pioneer Rd and Casper Ave.

Rexburg Police later addressed the community via social media, assuring residents that despite the significant initial response, there is no ongoing threat to the public. No further details about the victim’s condition or the circumstances of the shooting have been released.

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Debate Drama: Idaho Falls Mayoral hopeful responds to controversial religious question at candidate forum

Idaho Falls Mayoral candidate Jeff Alldridge is publicly addressing what he calls “wild rumors” following a controversial moment at a recent mayoral forum.

Alldridge, the sole mayoral hopeful in the race who is not a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was asked a pointed religious question. The incident has since sparked online rumors about his thoughts on “others’ beliefs…and intentions as Mayor” and debate surrounding religious bias in local politics.

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National discount retailer Burlington Stores opens in Idaho Falls and donates $5000 to elementary school teachers

To celebrate the Grand Opening of their new store location and highlight their ongoing commitment to education, the retailer will donate $5,000 to a nearby high-needs school through its long-standing partnership with the national nonprofit AdoptAClassroom. The funds will be used to provide students with the classroom materials they need to learn and succeed. The presentation of the donation to the local school community will take place at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. 

“Our goal is to continue to offer area residents tremendous value on brand-name merchandise for the entire family and home,” said Michael O’Sullivan, CEO, Burlington Stores. “We’re continuing to expand our footprint across the country and are excited to be opening a new store in Idaho Falls. We look forward to giving local customers the chance to discover big savings on a wide range of products.” 

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16-year-old charged with first-degree murder in shooting death of Blackfoot’s Rebecca Rivera

The 16-year-old suspect in a Thursday night manhunt appeared in Bingham County Court this morning, charged with first-degree murder for the fatal shooting of a Blackfoot woman.

Bobby G. Jackson of Blackfoot was arraigned today, accused of fatally shooting 30-year-old Rebecca Rivera of Blackfoot in the head on October 23, 2025. He is currently being held on a $1 million bond at the 3B Detention Facility.

Investigators with the Blackfoot Police Department (BPD) have not yet determined the nature of Jackson’s relationship to Rivera. In a press release, the department stated, “Our hearts go out to the Rivera family, our community, and all those affected by this tragic crime.”

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Deadly I-15 crash north of Spencer under investigation by ISP

Idaho State Police are also investigating a deadly crash that happened Thursday night on I-15 north of Spencer.

Troopers say a white Dodge van from Lethbridge, Canada, was driving southbound on I-15 at milepost 183 when went off the road around 5 pm and stopped in the northbound left lane.

The 77-year-old driver was taken by ambulance to the hospital, but her 76-year-old passenger, who was not wearing a seatbelt, died at the scene.

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Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office releases new bodycam/drone video in Shelley officer-involved shooting

The Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office has released new video footage, compiled from body camera and drone perspectives, detailing the events of the August 19th shooting death of 35-year-old Talon Sessions.

The newly compiled footage features portions of the 911 calls received by Bingham County Dispatch, in addition to the on-the-ground body camera and aerial drone video. According to Sgt. Bryan Lovell of the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office, the video is intended to supplement and provide additional context to the prosecutor’s earlier review of the incident.

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Fort Hall Police locate missing 2014 Chevy Cruze

The Fort Hall Police Department is actively asking the public for help in locating a missing vehicle and has announced that a reward is being offered for information leading to its discovery and recovery. The department has not specified the reason for the search or the nature of the crime associated with the vehicle.

The car in question is a Dark Gray 2014 Chevrolet Cruze bearing the Idaho license plate 4BI282U. Authorities have shared photos of the car on social media, but noted the vehicle may look different from the images as the chrome trim around the doors has been removed.

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Idaho Falls Regional Airport adds another seasonal nonstop flight to Chicago starting May 2026

An exciting new service is coming soon to the Idaho Falls Regional Airport. The airport is adding another nonstop seasonal flight from Idaho Falls to Chicago O’Hare International Airport. The flight will be operated by United Airlines.

“This adds even more travel options and convenience for our passengers heading east and beyond,” the airport posted to social media.

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Idaho SOS McGrane: Idaho absentee ballot and voter pre-registration deadline is Friday at 5 PM

Ahead of local elections on November 4th, Idaho Secretary of State Phil McGrane is encouraging all Idaho residents to finalize their plans to vote. With important deadlines fast approaching, he’s reminding residents they have until 5 PM tomorrow to pre-register to vote and request an absentee ballot.

Secretary McGrane stresses that pre-registering is the simplest path to a smooth Election Day experience. “Pre-registering at VoteIdaho.gov is quick and straightforward, and it’s the best way to ensure you’re prepared,” he noted in a press release. “For those voting absentee, this Friday is especially important, as it’s also the deadline to request your ballot.”

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Idaho Fish and Game issues salvage order for Upper Snake and Southeast Canals

Idaho Fish and Game has issued a salvage order for irrigation canals within the Upper Snake and Southeast Regions, effective Oct. 31, 2025, through Nov. 30, 2025.

Local canals in the Upper Snake and Southeast Regions will be shut off as irrigation season ends for the year, and it is expected that many fish will be stranded as canals go dry.  Rather than letting them go to waste, Idaho Fish and Game has issued a salvage order effective Oct. 31 – Nov. 30, 2025, and encourages the public to salvage and utilize these fish during this timeline.

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Wandering cow moose captured, relocated from Chubbuck backyard

A large cow moose that took an unexpected detour into a Chubbuck neighborhood was safely captured and relocated Wednesday morning thanks to a joint effort by Idaho Fish and Game (IDFG) and City of Chubbuck Animal Control.

Wednesday morning, the massive animal wandered into the backyard of a home on Whitaker Road, in a suburban area of Chubbuck. Fish and Game staff were able to successfully tranquilize the moose at the home. Once sedated, the cow was carefully loaded and transported to a more suitable, remote habitat, far from homes and traffic.

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“Idaho Catholics urge Congress to pass bill protecting foreign-born religious workers”

The Catholic community in Idaho is advocating for Congress to pass a bipartisan bill aimed at protecting foreign-born religious workers from deportation. Currently, the Diocese of Boise hosts 79 active priests, 22% of whom are foreign-born and originate from 15 different countries.

Since January 2025, two priests in Idaho have been forced to leave the U.S. due to expired R-1 visas, and the Diocese of Boise is projected to lose its first parish priest in November 2025. An additional 14 priests are at risk of deportation, with estimates suggesting that over 25% of the clergy in Idaho may face this issue by 2026.

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CEI’s Dr. Jill Kirkham wins Innovative Educator Award

ollege of Eastern Idaho’s Dr. Jill Kirkham is getting statewide recognition for her work in the classroom.

Earlier this week, Dr. Kirkham received the Innovative Educator Award in the Social and Behavioral Ways of Knowing category at the 2025 Idaho General Education Summit. This is the second year in a row that a CEI instructor has earned the award.

“We are so excited to be able to celebrate Dr. Kirkham’s contributions to CEI, especially her innovation that inspires her students to think deeply, at the state level,” said Dr. Dana Cotton, Chair for the Associate of Arts Degree.

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