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75-year-old Ammon man killed in motorcycle crash near Fremont County

A 75-year-old man from Ammon is dead following a motorcycle crash on Saturday morning near Island Park.

According to the Idaho State Police, the crash occurred at approximately 11:04 a.m. on State Highway 47, near milepost 11. Authorities say the man was riding a Harley-Davidson motorcycle when he failed to navigate a curve. The motorcycle left the roadway, went off the shoulder, and crashed into a ravine.

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Overturned fuel trailer causes delays on US-91 south of Idaho Falls

An overturned fuel trailer is causing partial traffic delays on U.S. Highway 91, just north of Shelley, near the Bingham and Bonneville County line. The cause of the crash has not been released at this time.

One right lane is currently blocked. ITD is advising drivers to expect delays and seek alternative routes if possible. Emergency crews are working to clear the scene, but there is no immediate timeline for when the highway will be fully reopened.

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Lights, Camera, Science: Local students featured in national science education video

Students at William Thomas Middle School recently had a unique opportunity to showcase their science skills on a national stage. A film crew from Stile Science, an international science education company, visited the school on Tuesday, September 9th to record classroom footage for a promotional video.

“It’s pretty amazing to know that our small town middle school is part of something that will be seen all across the country,” said Thad Lusk, an eighth grader who participated in the astronomy lab.

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“With a little commitment, we can do hard things”: Idaho Falls man finishes 100 marathons

For most people, completing a single marathon is a life-changing accomplishment. For Kalvin Pike of Idaho Falls, it was just the beginning.
On Saturday, September 13, Kalvin crossed the finish line of his 100th marathon at the REVEL Big Cottonwood race in Murray, Utah, marking a milestone that few runners ever achieve. But this journey of a hundred races didn’t start with a personal goal; it began with a supportive husband cheering from the sidelines.

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Dr. Jeff Meldrum, beloved ISU professor and renowned “Bigfoot” expert, dies at 65

Meldrum was a pillar and the longest serving member of the university’s Department of Biological Sciences, where he had taught since 1993. Beyond the classroom, he gained recognition for his fascination and study of the legendary creature known as “Bigfoot” or Sasquatch, collecting one of the world’s largest collections of “Bigfoot” evidence. His work was featured in numerous documentaries and television programs on the legendary creature.

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Idaho State University in Pocatello, ID

“Business Pitch” competition at ISU, with $4,500 Prize

Are you a high school student with a great business idea? Idaho State University’s Business Pitch competition is now open for registration. The competition offers a chance to win a $4,500 scholarship and valuable entrepreneurial experience.

The competition is designed to give young students a platform to showcase their business concepts while also developing essential skills like public speaking and a deeper understanding of entrepreneurship.

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Deputies cleared in Shelley officer-involved shooting, Prosecutor says deadly force was justified

Three Bonneville County and three Bingham County sheriff’s deputies will not face criminal charges for their use of force in the shooting death of 35-year-old Talon Session. Bingham County Prosecutor Ryan Jolley has concluded that the deputies were justified in their actions after a thorough investigation by the Eastern Idaho Critical Incident Task Force.

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Pocatello Police warn of rise in AI-powered virtual kidnapping scams

The Pocatello Police Department is urging residents to be on high alert following a recent increase in virtual kidnapping and ransom scams. The department has reportedly received three reports of a scammer using a local phone number to contact victims.

According to a press release, a male suspect has been falsely claiming to be part of a criminal cartel. The scammer threatens to have kidnapped a juvenile family member and demands a ransom payment. The department has confirmed that these threats are “entirely false” and no kidnappings have occurred.

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IDWR issues September methodology order, Idaho farmers avoid new water restrictions despite dry summer

Farmers across Idaho can breathe a sigh of relief as the state’s water officials have announced that no new water restrictions are needed this year, despite a dry summer that caused a significant water shortfall.

The Idaho Department of Water Resources (IDWR) announced today that its enforcement efforts on existing water orders have been so successful that they’ve almost completely made up for the deficit. IDWR Director Mathew Weaver initially calculated a shortfall of 63,700 acre-feet for the remainder of the irrigation season, primarily impacting the Twin Falls Canal Co. and the American Falls Reservoir District #2.

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New 9/11 monument revealed in Ammon

On September 11, 2025, the Bonneville County Fire Department, in collaboration with Heroes Defense, unveiled a poignant 9/11 memorial in Ammon, Idaho. The centerpiece of the tribute is a piece of steel from the World Trade Center, positioned between two towers, symbolizing the unity and resilience that emerged in the wake of the tragic events 24 years ago.

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Denver-area high school shooting suspect was ‘radicalized,’ officials say

The suspected shooter who critically wounded two students at Evergreen High School in Colorado during their third week of classes this semester appeared to have been “radicalized by some extreme network,” officials said Thursday.

The suspect, a student at the school, took the school bus that morning and brought with him a significant amount of ammunition, said Jacki Kelley, public information officer for the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. He roamed the campus, searching for new targets, as he shot out windows and lockers covering a “huge area” of the school, she said.

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“Truly a community area”: Idaho Fish and Game reminds public how to protect Edson Fichter Nature Area

With more visitors than ever enjoying the Edson Fichter Nature Area, Idaho Fish and Game (IDFG) is issuing a reminder to the public on how to best protect and preserve this popular and beloved community nature spot.

“It is truly a community area,” said Jennifer Jackson, Communications Manager for the IDFG Southeast Region. “And so think about that when you come here, what can you do as a member of this community to help, protect, maintain, and really, support this special place.”

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Please Just Stay campaign back for another year to encourage conversations about suicide prevention

The Please Just Stay campaign kicked off September 3, and dozens of signs bearing the slogan have popped up at businesses, city buildings, and homes in the Pocatello area. Organization leader Victoria Byrd said the signs are designed to show support and recognition to people struggling with poor mental health and inspire healthy dialogue about suicide.

“Even just saying the word suicide is really hard for people,” said Byrd. “Our hope is that as people see things that they’ll take a minute to reflect about what their own feelings are about it, and get comfortable being uncomfortable having those conversations. I know that I would much rather have an awkward conversation with my friend or my loved one and ask that really hard question, then to find out that they decided to end their life.”

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“Being promoted on 9/11 is profoundly humbling”: Idaho State Police promotes Air Force veteran Jason Horst to Captain

From 1991 to 2005, Horst served in the United States Air Force, where his career shifted dramatically following the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. In the years that followed, he taught anti-terrorism protection, safeguarded Afghanistan’s first democratic election by ensuring ballot security during transport, and flew missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom while stationed in Uzbekistan.

“Those experiences deepened my commitment to service. When I returned home, that same calling led me to the Idaho State Police. Being promoted on 9/11 is profoundly humbling and, in many ways, feels full circle. I see the pinning ceremony as a renewal of my duty to serve,” Captain Jason Horst said.

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A police officer walks in front of a tent bearing the slogan 'The American Comeback Tour'

Shooter still at large after Trump ally and activist Charlie Kirk murdered on Utah campus

CNN By Dalia Faheid, Elise Hammond, Aditi Sangal, Dakin Andone, Maureen Chowdhury, Betsy Klein, Lauren Mascarenhas OREM, Utah – A manhunt is underway for the shooter who killed Charlie Kirk, a prominent conservative political activist and supporter of President Donald Trump, Wednesday at an event at Utah Valley University. State and federal officials say they

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New details in Fremont County voter fraud case: FBI’s early involvement confirmed in court docs

New court documents in the ongoing Fremont County voter fraud case reveal that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has been involved in the investigation since at least April 2024. This information comes from a probable cause affidavit filed by the Fremont County sheriff’s office for one of the three individuals charged on September 2, 2025.

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Willow Creek Fire almost fully contained; crews begin repair work

After an effort spanning over two and a half weeks, Wyoming firefighters are on the verge of fully containing the Willow Creek Fire. As of Wednesday, September 10, the blaze is 96% contained.

Scattered showers largely missed the area, but according to the US Forest Service – Bridger-Teton National Forest, this allowed crews to continue patrolling the fire’s edge and gain ground on containment. Today, firefighters are monitoring the edge for any hot spots that could threaten the containment line.

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ISU debuts new associate degree program in science

“I think the biggest thing is that we really designed it to be flexible,” said Dr. Shannon Kobs Nawotniak, professor and chair of ISU’s Geosciences Department. “We’ve had things like an associate in physics or in geology or in chemistry, and the problem is, with a two year degree, you’ve got to know so fast and sometimes you don’t; it’s not reasonable to know that fast. That’s why we really designed this one to maximize the flexibility and create pathways for students that then can go into any of these fields and get a foundation that will actually set them up successfully for that.”

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“I’m just so grateful for the donor for this gift.” Idaho Falls woman begins recovery after lung transplant

An Idaho Falls woman who received a life-saving double lung transplant has been released from the hospital and is now one breath closer to a full recovery.

Back in 2018, Audra Burgener was diagnosed with Pulmonary Hypertension. Then, she got COVID twice. In 2020, she was diagnosed with COPD. Her breathing continuously got worse over the course of four years since her COPD diagnosis, and she was placed on the lung transplant list in early July.

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Three more charged in Fremont County voter fraud case, Island Park Mayor denies city involvement in investigation

The voter fraud investigation in Fremont County has expanded. Local News 8 has now confirmed through court records that authorities have charged three more people with voter fraud in a 2023 Island Park election, bringing the total number of accused individuals to ten. Local News 8 first broke news of the voter fraud investigation Sunday Night.

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Madison County lifts burn ban, urges continued caution under drought conditions

Effective immediately, the Madison County Fire Department, in partnership with the Board of County Commissioners of Madison County, has cancelled the temporary open fire ban. The temporary ban began on August 1.

“Madison Fire Department thanks our community members for their efforts to prevent wildfire. The community was very responsive to the burn restrictions issued earlier this summer,” said Chief Corey Child. “Our community members worked diligently to prevent ignition and report any fire in a timely manner. Their efforts directly impacted the amount and size of fire in Madison County.”

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Health Alert: Bat found in Lemhi County tests positive for rabies

EIPH has confirmed that a bat found in Lemhi County has tested positive for rabies. Rabies is a fatal viral illness in humans and other animals. Household pets and other animals can be exposed to the virus by playing with sick bats that can no longer fly normally.

While most bats are harmless and do not carry rabies, they are the only animal in Idaho that is a natural reservoir for the virus. Vaccination against rabies for humans and animals is important to protect against illness.

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Idaho Attorney General warns of of dangerous Crypto ATM scams

Attorney General Raúl Labrador is warning Idaho families about a dangerous surge in cryptocurrency ATM scams, which predominantly target seniors through fake tech support calls and government imposter schemes that have cost victims tens of thousands of dollars.

In just one week, an alert Stinker Store employee prevented two separate seniors from losing over $30,000 to cryptocurrency ATM fraud. The employee unplugged the machine and called Boise Police to help convince the victims they were being scammed.

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Family asks for support and forgiveness after toddler killed in accident

The family of Angela Hansen is asking for lots of love and support as she works through her family’s second major tragedy.

Her 22-month-old daughter, Ada, was struck and killed by a truck while Hansen was cleaning the family minivan at a car wash Friday. In addition to that, she lost her husband, Kyley Hansen, to drowning at a family pool party on the Fourth of July in 2023.

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The Girl Scouts is adding a brand new cookie to its lineup

Girl Scouts adding a new cookie to the lineup

Girl Scouts of the USA is debuting a new cookie for its upcoming season.

The organization announced Tuesday that “Exploremores,” a Rocky Road-inspired cookie, is being added to the lineup when its annual sales begin in January. Like the Girl Scouts’ other cookies, which include the popular Thin Mints, Samoas, and Tagalongs, the Exploremores will be sold both online and in-person at booths by local troops.

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Idaho AG and Secretary of State not involved in local voter fraud case; family members defend accused

A new development in an alleged voter fraud case in Fremont County has shed some light on the jurisdictional lines between local and state authorities. Seven individuals face felony charges, accused of illegally registering to vote in the May 2023 Island Park Auditorium District election, a race that was decided by a narrow margin.

Today, officials from the Idaho Attorney General’s Office and the Idaho Secretary of State’s Office confirmed to Local News 8 that they have no involvement in the case. According to former Idaho Attorney General Dave Leroy, this is not an unusual circumstance.

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Wyoming crews make major headway on 4,066-Acre Willow Creek Fire

Firefighters are gaining ground on the Willow Creek Fire, which is now at 73% containment as of September 8. The now 4,066-acre fire started just over two weeks ago, three miles south of Smoot, near the Idaho-Wyoming border.

Crews have been diligently working around the fire’s perimeter, extinguishing hot spots and strengthening fire lines. According to the US Forest Service, firefighters are continuing these efforts by felling dangerous snags and hazard trees that could pose a threat to fire lines.

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Tanner Scoresby Day: Ammon rallies behind teen’s fight against cancer

The city of Ammon is coming together to support one of its own. Mayor Sean Coletti has officially declared today, September 8th, as Tanner Scoresby Day in honor of a local teen fighting a rare and aggressive form of blood cancer.

Tanner Scoresby, an 18-year-old graduate of Thunder Ridge High School, has been a beacon of positivity in the community while facing an intense battle with T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma. After undergoing months of demanding chemotherapy, he is now preparing for a crucial three-week stem cell procedure.

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Local News 8 Investigates: 7 arrested for voter fraud in Fremont County

On August 28, seven individuals were arrested in Fremont County on felony charges of voter fraud and perjury related to the May 2023 election. The arrests were made following an investigation into voter irregularities in the Island Park area.

While seven people, or just under 2% of the 405 voters who cast a ballot in the Fremont County Precinct 1 election in May 2023, were arrested, they all have one outstanding factor in common: according to court documents, none of them actually live in Island Park.

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Museum of Idaho to host egyptologists for a weekend of special events

This September, the Museum of Idaho is bringing a touch of ancient Egypt to Idaho Falls. The museum, which is currently hosting the popular Mummies of the World exhibit, will welcome two world-renowned Egyptologists for a special weekend of events.
Dr. Bob Brier, a leading authority on mummies and ancient Egypt, will be joined by author and art historian Patricia Remler for a series of talks and Q&A sessions. Brier, often called “Mr. Mummy,” is famous for creating MUMAB, the first modern mummy made with ancient Egyptian techniques. Remler is the author of Egyptian Mythology A–Z and an expert in Egyptian art and culture.

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Justice for Victor supporters to rally at City Hall after officers cleared in shooting investigation

Supporters of Victor Perez are planning to gather at the Pocatello City Council meeting tonight to speak out after the investigation into his shooting concluded.

On Wednesday, the Idaho Attorney General’s office announced its determination based on an investigation by the Eastern Idaho Critical Incident Task Force: the four officers who shot Perez would not be criminally charged.

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SEICAA making fundraising push to support essential local programs through the end of the year

The Southeastern Idaho Community Action Agency (SIECAA) is making a final fundraising push through their ‘Hand Up’ donation campaign through the last few months of 2025.
“We truly believe that the hard-working people of southeast Idaho just need a little hand up right now,” said Joe Borich, CEO of SEICAA. “This campaign is going to serve all of our programs, and this is going to be able to help all of those people and this money that is raised is going to go directly back into the communities.”

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Conservation groups celebrating Idaho state insect through the month of September

The Portneuf Pollinator Partnership and Sagebrush Steppe Land Trust are highlighting the Monarch Butterfly, Idaho’s official state insect, in September when the bugs make their migratory trip through Southeast Idaho to winter in California.
“We want to do everything that we can to help protect this species and help them thrive,” said Carly Flandro, community conservation, communications, and marketing coordinator for the Sagebrush Steppe Land Trust. “Every person in Idaho can do that in really simple ways: in their own yard, they can plant milkweed, and milkweed is a really important species because it’s the host plant for monarch caterpillars. It’s the only plant that monarchs lay their eggs on, so it’s essential to their survival.”

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Idaho Attorney General’s Office recovers $500K for consumer in crypto dispute with Coinbase

“I’m grateful for the hard work my team of investigators does to protect Idaho families in consumer protection matters,” said Attorney General Labrador. “This recovery is significant for one individual, but every day my office is helping Idaho consumers in smaller ways, making sure consumers and businesses alike have a trusted partner to help resolve disputes and enforce the law fairly.”  

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Burley man dies in rollover crash on Highway 81 north of Malta

A 30-year-old man from Burley died last night in a single-vehicle rollover crash on State Highway 81, just north of Malta.

The crash happened around 9:53 p.m. near milepost 8. According to the Idaho State Police, the driver was heading northbound in a green 1997 Toyota when the vehicle went off the shoulder after overcorrecting. The vehicle rolled, and the driver, who was not wearing a seatbelt, died at the scene from his injuries.

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Bonneville County to end lease agreement with Idaho Innovation Center

The Bonneville County Board of Commissioners announced today that it will conclude its lease agreement with the Idaho Innovation Center, effective September 30, 2026.

The decision comes after years of evaluating the public benefits associated with the current lease, which originated July 27, 1988, and was most recently amended on October 25, 2022. County leadership determined that while the Idaho Innovation Center has provided valuable contributions to the community for many years, the County’s significant financial investment in the facility is no longer aligned with its economic development goals to unify and strengthen efforts across the broader community.

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“A long road of litigation ahead”: Attorneys for Victor Perez family to continue with civil suit after AG declines to press charges against officers

While the four officers have been cleared of criminal charges for the fatal shooting of 17-year-old Victor Perez, an autistic teenager with cerebral palsy, the civil battle has only just begun.

After the Idaho Attorney General’s Office announced its decision today not to file criminal charges against four officers in the fatal shooting of Victor Perez, the family’s attorneys expressed disappointment but stated they were not surprised. The law firm Burris Nisenbaum Curry & Lacy confirmed that they will continue to pursue a civil lawsuit on behalf of the family.

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Falls Valley Elementary unveils new secure entry to enhance student safety

In a move to improve student and staff safety, Bonneville Joint School District 93 cut the ribbon on a new office and security entry to Falls Valley Elementary in Idaho Falls on Wednesday. 

The renovation places the school office directly at the main entrance, creating a more secure and efficient entry point. The new setup features a single-point access system with locking security doors, ensuring all visitors must pass through the office before entering the school. This also provides a much larger workspace for staff and makes it easier for parents and visitors to pick up and drop off students without navigating the school’s hallways.

“This is more functional, it’s safer,” said school secretary Tiana Sautter. “Some of them [students and teachers] are not used to change… but for the most part, everybody loves it.”

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Officers in Victor Perez Shooting will not face criminal charges, Pocatello Mayor responds

Following an investigation by the Eastern Idaho Critical Incident Task Force, the Idaho Attorney General’s Office has determined that the four officers involved in the fatal shooting of Victor Perez, an autistic teenager with cerebral palsy, will not face criminal charges.
The investigation was led by the Bannock County Sheriff’s Office, a neighboring agency to the Pocatello Police Department. In a statement, Attorney General Raúl Labrador’s office stated that it could not prove “beyond a reasonable doubt” that the officers committed a crime and found that their use of force was justified under Idaho law.

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