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Three decades later, Lava Hot Springs remembers the terrors of Ligertown

4:22 PM

On September 20, 1995, just before sunset, the town’s tranquility was shattered by a single, sharp rifle crack. Lava Hot Springs was about to become world famous: the lions of Ligertown were on the prowl.

For those who grew up in the shadow of Ligertown, the presence of the big cats had become a strange kind of normal. Bonnie Hansen, Bruce and Colleen’s daughter, remembers clearly what it was like having the big cats as neighbors.

“Growing up, it was normal to hear the lions roar morning and night, and so every night before the sun would go down, the lions would roar and the wolves would howl,” says Bonnie Hansen. “That was normal for me growing up. I didn’t know how weird that was.”

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Idaho Falls Public Works

Anderson Street traffic changes raise concerns for local businesses, City explains saftey measures

12:32 PM

A new traffic pattern on Anderson Street, featuring concrete barriers near the railroad crossing between North Boulevard and Holmes Avenue, has sparked concern among some local businesses. The barriers, which create dedicated left-turn lanes to Wadsworth Drive and prevent U-turns at the crossing, are a point of frustration for companies that rely on large truck access.

The City of Idaho Falls, in a joint project with the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) and Union Pacific Railroad, stated the changes are part of a safety improvement project. According to the city, the medians at the crossing are a standard safety measure required as part of the agreement between ITD and Union Pacific. Under the same agreement, Union Pacific is upgrading the crossing by installing automated gates. The medians are intended to prevent vehicles from bypassing the gates and to guide traffic safely.

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Idaho Falls Fire Chief Duane Nelson announces retirement after nearly three decades of service

11:12 AM

“Chief Nelson has dedicated his career to strengthening the safety of our local firefighters. He has focused on modernizing our department and adopting sustainable management practices. Consequently, our department’s standing across the state has never been greater. He is also a terrific colleague who has a great mind for numbers. Under his leadership, we are preparing to dedicate a third station,” Mayor Rebecca Casper said. “We are deeply grateful for his commitment to both the community and the men and women who serve alongside him. Idaho Falls is a stronger city because of his nearly 28 years of service.”

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Bridger-Teton National Forest to conduct prescribed burns northeast of Jackson

10:48 AM

Starting in late September, the Jackson Ranger District of the Bridger-Teton National Forest will begin a series of prescribed fire operations in the Upper Gros Ventre area near Slate Creek, about 25 miles northeast of Jackson, Wyoming. The project is set to run through early October, weather permitting.

According to the U.S. Forest Service, controlled burns are a proactive forest management strategy designed to reduce the risk of large, destructive wildfires. By systematically removing overgrown vegetation, the operations help protect local communities, infrastructure, and natural resources while also improving the overall health of the forest ecosystem.

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Federal agencies are studying safety of abortion drug mifepristone, driving new concerns about limits on access

7:51 AM

By Meg Tirrell, Deidre McPhillips, Jamie Gumbrecht, CNN (CNN) — The US Food and Drug Administration is reviewing evidence about the safety and efficacy of one of the drugs used in medication abortion to investigate how it can be safely dispensed, US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and FDA Commissioner Dr.

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Residency vs Intent: Man accused of voter fraud in Island Park awaits judge’s decision

7:50 PM ,

The core of Malek’s arguments centered around Vanderbeek’s intent. In the closing arguments, the defense argued that Vanderbeek’s move to Idaho Falls was temporary to care for his parents, and he never intended to change his residency.

“There is no indication under black letter law that my client has established residence somewhere else,” argued Malek. “There is, however, an indication that my client has established residence in Island Park.”

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Two semi-truck drivers hospitalized after rear-end collision north of Rupert

10:39 AM

Two men were hospitalized Tuesday night after a dual semi truck crash on State Highway 24 north of Rupert.

According to the Idaho State Police, just after 5 PM, a 2010 Kenworth semi, driven by a 38-year-old Rupert man, was stopped in the northbound lane to make a left-hand turn. A 43-year-old man from Albuquerque, New Mexico, driving a 1983 International semi, then struck the Kenworth from behind.

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Rexburg man sentenced to 10 years in prison for possession of child pornography

11:27 AM

“Parents need to know that predators like this are operating in our communities, seeking out images of children being exploited,” said Attorney General Labrador. “We will relentlessly pursue every predator who exploits Idaho’s children through these disturbing crimes. I’m proud of the partnerships we’ve built statewide that make these prosecutions possible and make Idaho families safer.”

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CEI student, Christopher Gress, wins national AAMA essay competition

10:40 AM

Christopher Gress, a student in the Medical Assisting program at College of Eastern Idaho (CEI), has been named the sole national winner of the 2025 Student Essay Competition hosted by the American Association of Medical Assistants.

“Thank you to everyone who lifted me up and brought me down, who saw both my wins and my failures,” said Gress. “Each moment taught me to reflect on the past to build a brighter future. I’m especially thankful for my family and my instructor, Jessica Hunter, for their support. I’m proud to represent College of Eastern Idaho and the AAMA as I pursue my career in medical assisting.”

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Detectives drop from helicopter to recover remains believed to be Travis Decker, who’s accused of killing 3 daughters

10:05 PM

By Holly Yan, Karina Tsui, CNN (CNN) — Months after the bodies of three young sisters were found suffocated and abandoned in the Washington state wilderness, authorities believe they’ve found the remains of the man accused of killing them: their father. Investigators found bone fragments, other human remains and clothes that look similar to what

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Former Island Park Mayor Laurie Augustin advocates for accused in voter fraud case

1:55 PM

On Wednesday, Local News 8 spoke with former Island Park Mayor Laurie Augustin, following the initial court appearance of Teara Galbraith, one of the 11 accused. Augustin, who served as mayor from 2000 to 2003, advocated for the individuals arrested.

“I do not believe that anyone on either side of the issue, either for the district or against it, I do not believe those people registered with the intent to defraud anything,” she told reporters.

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Education Secretary Linda McMahon visits Jackson to promote shift of education power to States

10:39 PM

Since shuttering portions of the Department of Education, President Trump has tasked United States Secretary of Education Linda McMahon to take the lead on returning several functions of the DOE to the states. Today, Secretary McMahon made her way to the Jackson Hole Classical Academy at K-12 School in Wyoming, highlighting the Trump administration’s plans for education.

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Pocatello Valley Montessori School hosts ‘Human-Powered Rodeo’ with Idaho Walk Bike Alliance Thursday

3:33 PM

“I am hoping that this is going to help us increase our revenue in the thrift store,” said Beth Huston, manager of the St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store. “In the past, our revenue in the thrift store has been pretty small–enough to pay the bills and payroll and keep the building open–I’m hoping that we can increase the revenue enough to where we can supplement or augment the social services, which we’ve never been able to do.”

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St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store celebrates grand reopening after expansive renovations

3:22 PM

“I am hoping that this is going to help us increase our revenue in the thrift store,” said Beth Huston, manager of the St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store. “In the past, our revenue in the thrift store has been pretty small–enough to pay the bills and payroll and keep the building open–I’m hoping that we can increase the revenue enough to where we can supplement or augment the social services, which we’ve never been able to do.”

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A person looks over the Utah Valley University courtyard where political activist Charlie Kirk was shot on September 15, 2025, in Orem, Utah.

Utah Valley University students return to class one week after Charlie Kirk was killed on campus

3:30 AM

Students are returning to class Wednesday at Utah Valley University just days after prominent conservative activist Charlie Kirk was shot and killed at an event on campus, thrusting the community into the national spotlight.

Nyasha Paradzai, a UVU junior, said he was lined up in front of Kirk, waiting to debate him at the campus event, when he was killed.

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Solo hiker hospitalized after bear encounter near Yellowstone Lake

6:24 PM

A 29-year-old solo hiker is recovering at a local hospital after a bear attack on the Turbid Lake Trail in Yellowstone National Park. The incident, which happened Friday afternoon, marks the first bear-related injury in the park this year.

The man, who has not been identified, was reportedly hiking alone in the Pelican Valley Bear Management Area when he encountered the bear. According to a statement from the National Park Service (NPS), the hiker deployed bear spray as the animal made contact. Despite this, the hiker suffered significant but non-life-threatening injuries to his chest and left arm.

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Read texts police say Kirk shooting suspect and former roommate exchanged, which prosecutors could use as key evidence

3:12 PM

By Matt Stiles and Gillian Roberts, CNN (CNN) — Tyler Robinson, the suspect in the September killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, is in court this week for a multiday hearing where Utah prosecutors are expected to preview some of their evidence in the case. Texts that Robinson allegedly sent to his then-roommate the day

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Idaho Falls couple makes a splash with year-round swim lessons

5:30 PM

“Water safety doesn’t stop. You might find yourself at a hotel pool or even in the wintertime around water. And so it’s just something that we progressively want to work on, kids becoming safer. And yeah, like summer is going to be here before you know it. And so wouldn’t it be great if they were confident before we even get those nice in 90-degree days again?” said Kyla Dnaos, Deck ambassador.

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Soda Springs Geyser roars to life after three-month repair

4:49 PM

After three months of silence, the famous Soda Springs Geyser is once again erupting. A mechanical failure had sidelined the world-famous man-made geyser, a popular attraction for both residents and visitors.

The geyser, which typically erupts every hour on the hour, stopped working on April 29 due to a pump problem. City officials announced on June 3rd that the issue was more serious than initially thought, requiring a complete replacement of the geyser’s mechanical and valve systems.

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League of Women Voters set up shop at ISU for National Voter Registration Day event

3:49 PM

The League of Women Voters of Pocatello set up voter registration stations at the Pond Student Union building and Eli M. Oboler Library at Idaho State University in honor of National Voter Registration Day on Tuesday.
“In today’s world, everyone needs to have a voice,” said Susan Carter, member of the League of Women Voters Pocatello. “The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan, grassroots organization whose main goal is to educate voters on the choices they have and to make sure that they get out and have their voices heard.”

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Idaho Falls pizza shop says social media blew customer dispute out of proportion, will reopen Thursday

3:22 PM

A local pizza shop, Pie Hole, has temporarily closed its doors, citing online threats, after a dispute involving a customer wearing a MAGA hat blew up on social media. Managers of the pizzeria are saying that the situation was blown “out of proportion” online.

The restaurant has issued a statement affirming that in its five years of business, it has “NEVER…refused service to anyone based on their political, religious, or other beliefs.”

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Tyler Robinson virtually appears for a court appearance on September 16, 2025.

Charlie Kirk shooting suspect charged with murder as prosecutors announce they will seek death penalty

1:53 PM

Tyler Robinson, the suspect in the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, has been formally charged with aggravated murder, two counts of obstruction of justice and felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury, two counts of witness tampering, and commission of a violent offense in the presence of a child. Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray announced the charges at a press conference Tuesday.

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Heads Up, Pocatello: Expect sirens and lights as airport conducts emergency exercise tomorrow

3:30 PM

The Pocatello Regional Airport is scheduled to conduct a triennial live emergency exercise tomorrow, September 17th, from 9 AM to noon. This full-scale drill, mandated by the Federal Aviation Administration, is designed to evaluate and enhance the communication, coordination, and response capabilities of various agencies in the event of an aircraft emergency.

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Pocatello horse-based therapy program hosting fundraiser event with celebrity guest Wednesday

3:48 PM

Bridle Up Hope, a non-profit equestrian-based therapy and self-esteem building program, is hosting ‘A Night of Hope’ fundraiser event with food, live music, and an appearance from national rodeo star Amberley Snyder on Wednesday, September 17.
“We are looking for support from the community to help girls, women, and horses of Bridle Up Hope,” said Lana Davies, program director for Bridle Up Hope in Pocatello. “Through support of a fundraiser, those funds are going to go into our scholarship fund to help girls and women who can’t afford the program to be able to participate in a life-changing experience.”

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Two Montana residents sentenced for drug trafficking conspiracy

4:20 PM

A Montana man and woman have been sentenced to federal prison for their roles in a conspiracy to distribute large quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl. Acting U.S. Attorney Justin Whatcott announced the sentencing of Carson Lee Maynard, 49, of Livingston, and Amy Marie Tillman, 43, of Lewiston.

Maynard was sentenced to 15 years (180 months) in prison, followed by five years of supervised release. Tillman received a sentence of nearly six years (70 months), followed by three years of supervised release. Both were also ordered to forfeit a residence in Livingston that was used in their drug operation.

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Sage Hill Casino to temporarily close to undergo major renovations

3:09 PM

The Sage Hill Casino, located South of Blackfoot, I-15 Exit 89, will be temporarily closed from Sunday, September 21, through Wednesday, October 15, 2025, to complete renovations designed to enhance the guest experience. Sage Hill Casino is currently scheduled to reopen on Wednesday, October 15, 2025.

“These upgrades are an investment in our guests,” said Colista Matsaw, CEO. “We appreciate the community’s patience during this short closure and look forward to welcoming everyone back to an improved Sage Hill experience.”

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IFPC files tort claim against Boise School District over restroom encounter

3:33 PM

“We will hold Boise High School accountable for the psychological and emotional harm that its actions caused this teenage girl, who was understandably traumatized by the experience,” said Kevin Shupperd, a senior litigating attorney for the IFPC Legal Center. “Students cannot excel academically if they don’t feel safe at school. No girl should be forced to share school restrooms with biological males—full stop.”

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A US Secret Service counter sniper team on the White House roof after conservative activist Charlie Kirk was killed on September 10.

White House requests $58 million in security funding from Congress following Kirk assassination

8:54 AM

By Arlette Saenz, Alison Main, Ted Barrett, CNN (CNN) — The White House has requested an additional $58 million in security funding for the executive and judicial branches following the assassination of Charlie Kirk, a Republican congressional aide said. The funding request is being “actively processed” in the context of a stopgap funding bill, the

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A TikTok deal has finally been reached with China, the Trump administration says

6:40 AM

By David Goldman, CNN (CNN) — A deal has been reached between the Trump administration and China to keep TikTok operational in the United States, administration officials announced Monday, concluding a yearslong effort that began during President Donald Trump’s first term. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that a framework agreement has been reached, and

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Judge dismisses wrongful termination lawsuit against Idaho AG

11:46 AM

“Idahoans elected me to protect families, uphold the Constitution, and ensure government follows the law,” said Attorney General Labrador. “The people of Idaho sent a message that they wanted to change the direction of the Attorney General’s office. When I took office, we began advising state agencies on legal compliance and setting our policies in place. While this former employee may have disagreed with our policy directions, the court found no basis for her claims. I will continue protecting Idaho families and ensuring government accountability.”

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