Skip to Content

Local News

Get your ducks in a row: Idaho Falls Rotary Club gearing up for annual race

The Idaho Falls Rotary Club is making waves as they gear up for the annual Great Snake River Greenbelt Duck Race. On Wednesday, the club officially launched its yearly fundraiser, giving the community an exciting sneak peek at this year’s prizes.

This year’s event promises high-flying thrills with a World War II military “warbirds” flyover, alongside speedboat races and an escort down to the greenbelt.

Continue Reading

Local News 8 Investigation: Pocatello Police had previous interactions with Victor Perez before fatal shooting

A Local News 8 investigation into Pocatello Police reports has uncovered significant new details surrounding the tragic shooting of disabled teen, Victor Perez.

Perhaps the most crucial revelation: the Pocatello Police Department was aware of Victor’s mental disabilities before the April 5th shooting. Our investigation also reveals police had been called to the property on previous occasions to intervene in the 17-year-old’s violent outbursts.

Continue Reading

Local officers join Law Enforcement Torch Run to support Idaho Special Olympics

Local law enforcement officers and deputies are lacing up their running shoes for a cause: the annual Special Olympics Idaho Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR). The inspiring event kicks off the countdown to the 2025 State Summer Games, where athletes from across Idaho will gather in Nampa from June 6th to 7th to compete in basketball, flag football, track & field, cycling, and aquatics.

Continue Reading

“You can’t park here:” Rexburg driver charged with DUI, concealed weapon after multiple collisions

A Rexburg man is behind bars after police say he crashed his car into two separate vehicles while allegedly under the influence of a “cocktail” of prescription drugs.
After arriving on the scene, police found the man’s car haphazardly parked diagonally across a sidewalk.
“This is not a parking method endorsed by Rexburg PD,” the department quipped on social media.

Continue Reading

DOJ sues North Idaho City, citing descrimination against Christian Nationalist-Aligned Church

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed a lawsuit against the City of Troy, Idaho, alleging that the city violated the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA) by denying a conditional use permit (CUP) to a small evangelical church. The lawsuit, filed Tuesday in the U.S. District Court for the District of Idaho, claims the city’s decision was influenced by bias against the church’s beliefs.

Continue Reading
The Bonneville County Driver's License and DMV, where the Star Card can be obtained.

New laws bring changes to DMV services in 2025

The Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is preparing to implement several statutory and rule changes passed during the 2025 Legislative Session. These changes will affect everything from license plates to instruction permits, system security, and even how next of kin is recorded on driver records. Some changes take effect this summer, while others are slated for early 2026.

Continue Reading

Bonneville County Republican Central Committee seeks applications for County Clerk position

The Bonneville County Republican Central Committee (BCRCC) has officially opened the application period for the Bonneville County Clerk position. This follows the upcoming retirement of current Clerk Penny Manning, who will step down on July 25, 2025, after nine years of service.

“Penny set a high standard of excellence in the Office of County Clerk. We appreciate her outstanding dedication and service”, said Bryon Reed, 4th Vice Chair and former County Commissioner.

Continue Reading

Pocatello custom car businesses devastated by recent fire

Owners of local classic car restoration business ‘Badass Glass’ are trying to get back on their feet after a fire destroyed the company’s body shop.

Jordan Miller, owner of Badass Glass, said his son woke him up in the early hours of May 13 after noticing a fire in the large body shop near their home. Miller called the Pocatello Fire Department, and firefighters extinguished the blaze, but not before the loss of the shop and the tools and vehicles stored inside.

Continue Reading

Biologists to monitor black and grizzly bears in Grand Teton area

Biologists with the U.S. National Park Service and U.S. Geological Survey will conduct bear capture operations in Grand Teton National Park and the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway from May 24 to October 15. These efforts support ongoing black bear research in Grand Teton National Park and grizzly bear population monitoring across the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. The grizzly bear work, carried out by the Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team, is to document recovery under the Endangered Species Act.

Continue Reading

Following Nebraska’s soda ban, Idaho could be closer to restricting junk food purchases with SNAP benefits

Following a significant move in Nebraska, Idaho is on track to potentially enact restrictions on what can be purchased with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, commonly known as food stamps. On Monday, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brook L. Rollins signed the first-ever waiver to prevent SNAP recipients in Nebraska from using their benefits to buy soda and energy drinks, with the changes set to take effect on January 1, 2026.

Continue Reading

Highway 20 pursuit ends in arrest of felony suspect

A man with an active felony arrest warrant is in custody following an alleged stalking incident and pursuit on Highway 20, according to a post on the Rexburg Police Department Facebook page..

On Sunday at approximately 5:30 PM, Rexburg police responded to a report from a woman stating that her ex-boyfriend had followed her home from work and was waiting outside her residence.

Continue Reading

Last-Minute Opportunity: Skyline students to share education ideas with Senator Lent

In a surprise opportunity for young voices to be heard, the members of Skyline High School’s student government are set to meet with the chair of Idaho’s Senate Education Committee, State Senator David Lent, today, May 19, at 2:40 PM.

The exciting last-minute forum was arranged just this morning and will give students the chance to share their ideas for education innovation in Idaho, according to Skyline staff.

Continue Reading

New survey shows Idaho Falls residents value economy, safety, and quality of services

“Citizen opinion matters a great deal. We appreciate all the residents who took the survey,” said Idaho Falls Mayor Rebecca Casper. “Citizen engagement is the gold standard for policymakers when it comes to public decisions, policies and investments. Our goal is a vibrant Idaho Falls, a community that is a great place to live, raise a family, grow a business and build a future. Citizen input and feedback can help us to get it right.”

Continue Reading

Federal government cuts nearly $50 million in grants to Idaho Health and Welfare

The federal government has ended nearly $50 million in grants to the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare following President Trump’s directive to eliminate “wasteful spending.”

In a statement to Local News 8, Idaho Department of Health and Welfare spokesperson AJ McWhorter explained that the grants were all part of pandemic-related funding.

“Ongoing programs are not affected by the ending of these grants, and DHW is executing its exit strategies to minimize any disruptions for the one-time pandemic grants,” said McWhorter.

Continue Reading

“Walks on the Moon:” Special guided hikes at Craters of the Moon this May & June

The National Park Service (NPS) invites members of the public to participate in three special “walks on the Moon” that will be held in May and June at Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve in southern Idaho.

“Spring is a great time of year to visit Craters of the Moon, with mild temperatures, fewer visitors, and beautiful scenery as remaining snow contrasts with lava and wildflowers bloom,” said Michael Irving, chief of interpretation & education at Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve.

Continue Reading

Idaho seeks Federal approval to restrict junk food purchases with SNAP benefits

On Friday, Governor Brad Little and the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare submitted a formal request to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for approval to restrict the purchase of junk food using Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, commonly known as food stamps.

The move comes after Gov. Little signed House Bill 109 into law in April. According to the USDA, approximately 20% of SNAP purchases overall are spent on sugary beverages and snacks.

Continue Reading

Traffic Alert: ITD announces highway closures in eastern Idaho for railroad work

The Idaho Transportation Department, in partnership with Union Pacific Railroad, will close highways near several railroad crossings in May.

State Highway 33 from Rexburg to Sage Junction will close Monday through part of Tuesday as needed (May 19-May 20) as Union Pacific Railroad replaces crossings along this route. Motorists can take State Highway 48 to Roberts and Interstate 15 to Sage Junction as an alternative.

Continue Reading

Dump truck and semi totaled in fire near Fort Hall; Fuel spill reported

A dump truck and a semi-truck were declared a total loss after both vehicles erupted in flames on Thursday, May 14, 2025, at Mickelsen Construction near Fort Hall.

The fire broke out around 7 pm, consuming the two large trucks and involved multiple others, according to a post on the Shoshone-Bannock Tribal Office of Emergency Management Facebook page. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

Continue Reading
Grizzly bear

Yellowstone forced to euthanize 400-pound grizzly that repeatedly sought out human food

“It’s unfortunate that this bear began regularly seeking out garbage and was able to defeat the park’s bear-resistant infrastructure,” said Yellowstone Bear Management Biologist Kerry Gunther. “We go to great lengths to protect bears and prevent them from becoming conditioned to human food. But occasionally, a bear outsmarts us or overcomes our defenses. When that happens, we sometimes have to remove the bear from the population to protect visitors and property.”

Continue Reading

Gov. Little orders flags lowered to honor Idaho’s fallen officers

“It is so important that we recognize our fallen officers and their families for their sacrifice so the rest of us can live in safety and peace,” said Little in a written statement. “Day in and day out, our law enforcement officers walk from their homes and head to work knowing full well the dangerous situations they could encounter in a typical work day. Their willingness to confront those dangers in their service to our communities and our state deserves our gratitude.”

Continue Reading

WYDOT wildlife crossings see early success with bear wighting

The Wyoming Department of Transportation is celebrating early success in wildlife crossing projects developed along the Snake River Bridge and Wyoming State Highway 22.

A local rancher recently spotted a grizzly bear moving through the area near the project, already using the crossing structure despite the ongoing construction in the area, according to WYDOT. The rancher notified WYDOT engineers, who were able to capture the moment on camera as the bear crossed the river to the west side south of the bridge, then used the wildlife bridge to continue north.

Continue Reading

Twice is not the charm: Man who previously eluded police arrested in Idaho Falls

Police arrested 26-year-old Trevor Jenkins of Bonneville County Tuesday night after he previously eluded officers.

Around 9:20 PM Tuesday, police patrolling the area of Hoopes Avenue and S Woodruff Ave. spotted a green Lexus RX, which they recognized as a vehicle that had eluded an officer days before. After running the license plate, the officers discovered that it was a fictitious plate, according to the Idaho Falls Police Department (IFPD).

Continue Reading

Traffic Alert: Railroad Crossing Replacement on Anderson Street in Idaho Falls begins Wednesday

The Union Pacific Railroad will be replacing the railroad crossing on Anderson Street between Holmes Avenue and N. Boulevard in Idaho Falls.

Beginning May 14, Anderson Street from Holmes Avenue to N. Boulevard will be closed to through traffic to complete the work. Business access will remain open through the duration of the project. It’s anticipated that the road will be reopened by 5:00 p.m. May 16.

Continue Reading

Traffic Alert: ITD announces lane restrictions, overnight closure on US-20 in Rexburg for sign installation

Travelers on US-20 in Rexburg should anticipate longer commutes over the next few weeks due to planned lane restrictions and closures by the Idaho Department of Transportation (ITD) for sign installation.

Starting Wednesday, May 14, ITD contractors will begin drilling deep foundations for large overhead signs as the final touches for the Diverging Diamond Interchanges completed last fall. During this work, there will be lane restrictions at exits 332 and 333. Traffic control measures will be in place, and the road will remain fully open whenever possible, according to ITD.

Continue Reading

Idaho Falls Shelter rescues puppies, uncertain if all have been found

The Idaho Falls Animal Shelter rescued several puppies Wednesday after receiving reports of a group seen in a field at the corner of 17th and Skyline Drive.

A post on the shelter’s Facebook page reported that the shelter was able to recover three of the dogs, but unfortunately, one of them did not survive. The shelter directors are uncertain if they managed to secure all the dogs.

Continue Reading

Rocky Mountain Power discusses boat restrictions on Alexander Reservoir to control erosion

Rocky Mountain Power representatives cite erosion as a major concern for the Soda Springs area’s Alexander Reservoir, prompting changes to recreational access this summer.

The Alexander Reservoir and connected ‘Soda Development’ hydroelectric dam are owned by Rocky Mountain Power’s parent company, Pacificorp, and representatives say they have been monitoring increased erosion of the reservoir over the past three years.

Continue Reading

Missing 11-year-old has been found

Police in Rexburg are asking for help searching for a missing 11-year-old with a history of mental health concerns.

According to a post on the Rexburg Police Department Facebook page, 11-year-old Christopher was last seen wearing a Roblox shirt, black sweatpants, and bright green shoes. The youth has blue eyes and brown hair with spikes on the front.

Continue Reading

Things to consider as Idaho enters its “100 Deadliest Days” of driving

Idaho law enforcement and the Idaho Transportation Department are bracing themselves for the 100 Deadliest Days, marking the most dangerous time to be on Gem State roads.

“Historically, there are more fatalities that happen in that time between Memorial Day and Labor Day than a lot of times the rest of the year,” said Kelly Campbell with the Office of Highway Safety.

Continue Reading

One woman dies following Bonneville County two-vehicle crash

The Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office is reportedly investigating a crash between 97 N and 113 N. The road is currently closed.

There are currently no details available regarding the cause of the crash or any potential injuries. However, photos from the scene depict two overturned vehicles in the front yard of a nearby home. The first vehicle appears to be a red 4×4 Ford pickup, and the second appears to be a sedan.

Continue Reading

‘Modern-Day Lazarus:’ Family praises ‘miracle’ recovery of BYU-Idaho student injured in campus accident

On April 30, 26-year-old Israel Garcia was caught in an industrial accident in BYU-Idaho’s Austin Building, which houses the technical and engineering programs on campus.

According to first responders, several students were moving a stack of steel beams. “They were in the process of moving (those) when that stack collapsed,” said Madison County Fire Department Deputy Chief Troyce Miskin.

Continue Reading