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The Idaho Falls Zoo is reopening – despite the cold weather

Despite the near-freezing temperatures, chances of snow, and winds, the zoo is still open for the start of their 2026 season.

“There’s lots of animals that love the cold. And then there are the surprising bunch of animals that enjoy the cold. And you wouldn’t think so,” David Pennock, the Zoo’s Executive Director, said. “Like, our lions are out in the cold and enjoying it, even though they could choose to go inside and be warm. They come outside and romp in the snow.”

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Driver killed in semi-truck rollover on I-15 south of Pocatello

Idaho State Police is investigating a crash along I-15 south of Pocatello near the N Old Highway 91

According to the Idaho Transportation Department, the crash happend in the northbound lanes of I-15 near milepost 63 just before the Portneuf exit. The crash happend around 1:27 p.m.

It’s unclear at this time how many vehicles were involved or whether there were any potential injuries. ITD is directing drivers to keep left, expect delays, and use caution.

This is a developing story. Local News 8 will provide additional updates as we learn new details.

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Suspect in alleged machete attack apprehended by Fort Hall Police

After a nearly two-week search involving federal authorities, the Fort Hall Police Department has arrested 28-year-old Sean Tindore.

Tindore was arrested without incident on April 16, 2026, at around 9:20 a.m. His arrest marks the end of an intensive search that began following a violent aggravated assault earlier this month, where he allegedly hacked off a man’s hand with a machete.

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Classrooms vs. extracurriculars: GOP leaders draw a line on political neutrality in schools

Spokespeople for Gov. Brad Little and state superintendent Debbie Critchfield say thereโ€™s a difference between promoting political ideologies in the classroom and promoting โ€œextracurricularโ€ and โ€œstudent-ledโ€ political activities outside the classroom.

But you might have to squint to see where the line is drawn.

Little and Critchfieldโ€™s offices defended the Republicans โ€” both running for reelection this year โ€” after they caught flak for promoting โ€œClub America,โ€ Turning Point USAโ€™s campaign to equip and educate conservative activists in high schools.

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Idaho medical marijuana push reaches 100,000 signatures as lawmakers urge opposition

Supporters of a medical marijuana initiative in Idaho say they have surpassed 100,000 signatures as they work to place the issue on the 2026 ballot, marking a major milestone in an effort that has gained traction in recent months.

Advocates with the Natural Medicine Alliance of Idaho say the initiative would provide patients with access to treatment options that are currently unavailable under state law.

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โ€˜Everlasting hugโ€™: Community creates quilt in memory of Kaylee Goncalves

A handmade quilt created by contributors from across the country is now on display in the Treasure Valley, honoring the life of Kaylee Goncalves and offering comfort to her family.

The Kaylee Jade Dahlia Quilt, unveiled at The Quilt Crossing, was crafted by more than a dozen quilters and dahlia enthusiasts from Idaho and beyond. Each square was stitched with messages of remembrance, forming a one-of-a-kind tribute to Goncalves, one of four victims killed in the 2022 University of Idaho murders.

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AG Labrador slams “Idaho Values First” for misleading political campaign involving ICAC Unit

Idaho Attorney General Raรบl Labrador is striking back against a wave of “misleading political advertisements” that he says falsely invoke his office and the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit in a deceptive digital campaign.

The advertisements, funded by a political organization operating under the name “Idaho Values First,” began appearing on YouTube over the last week. The campaign involves 12 videos targeting several Idaho legislators, claiming they voted against essential funding for the ICAC Unit.

Labrador has labeled the claims “flatly untrue.”

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Three hospitalized following multiple crashes on Osborne Bridge

A chain of accidents near the Osborne Bridge sent multiple people to the hospital Thursday morning as slick road conditions potentially caught commuters off guard. The incident temporarily blocked off both lanes of US-20 from mile marker 378 to 379.

The Fremont County Sheriffโ€™s Office (FCSO) responded to the initial report of a single-vehicle rollover crash at approximately 7:40 a.m. on April 16. While deputies were heading to the scene to manage the first wreck, a second “T-bone” collision happend in the same area.

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Trial set for man charged with murder and kidnapping of 5-year-old Michael Vaughan

A September trial date has been set for Stacey Wondra, the man accused in the disappearance and death of 5-year-old Michael Vaughan.

During a hearing on Wednesday morning, a Payette County judge scheduled a status conference for June 2 and a pretrial conference for Aug. 4. Jury selection and the trial are set to begin Sept. 14 at 8:30 a.m., with the trial expected to last roughly four weeks.

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Spring freezes in Eastern Idaho: experts at T&T Lawn Service offer advice for keeping your yard healthy

Idaho Falls, ID (KIFI) – With spring weather in Eastern Idaho comes unpredictable conditions, including freezing temperatures and late-season storms. With temperatures dropping below freezing again this morning, lawn care experts say preparation is key to protecting your yard from lasting damage. According to experts at T&T Lawn Services in Idaho Falls, what homeowners do

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IDWR launches technical review to resolve Butte County curtailment, Surface Water Coalition appluads path forward

Idaho’s Surface Water Coalition is applauding efforts to find a potential path toward ending water shut-offs in Butte County.

On Wednesday, the Idaho Department of Water Resources launched a collaborative technical review to determine if three “junior” groundwater districts can join a statewide mitigation plan, potentially bringing an end to an active curtailment order.

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Shoshone-Bannock Tribes to honor legacy of late Judge William “Bill” Bacon

The Shoshone-Bannock Tribes will gather this Friday to pay tribute to the life and enduring impact of William “Bill” F. Bacon, a longtime Tribal Judge and General Counsel described as a “tireless advocate” for Indigenous rights.

Judge Bacon passed away on March 26 following a tragic car accident along I-15 near Pocatello. In the weeks since, Tribal leadership and community members have continued to reflect on a career defined by
“dedicated service, steady leadership, and meaningful contributions to the Tribes and the community.”

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‘Nobody wants to see this’: Small community copes with tragic murder-suicide

Police in Elko are still trying to piece together and come to terms with how something so tragic as Monday’s murder-suicide involving an 11-year-old boy could happen in their community.

The town of Elko, which is about 200 miles away from Salt Lake City, is one with just over 20,000 people.

โ€œIt typically is pretty quiet,” said Elko Regional Airport Manager Jim Foster.

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Portneuf Valley Environmental Fair returns to Pocatello this weekend

The Portneuf Valley Environmental Fair is returning to Pocatello this weekend, offering a full day of free, family-friendly activities focused on the environment and community.

โ€œThe Portneuf Valley Environmental Fair is the largest in southeast Idaho. Itโ€™s free. Weโ€™re going to have free food, live music..โ€ Irby-Facer said. “You can learn about composting, get a free tomato plant. You could find out if you have toys that might have lead in them. There are so many things to do.”

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The Coach vs. the Firefighter: Connor Cook challenges incumbent Barbara Ehardt in District 33 showdown

Rep. Barbara Ehardt, R-Idaho Falls, will face Republican Connor Cook in the May 19 primary election in District 33 House Seat A. She is seeking a fifth term.

In her four Republican primary elections, Ehardt has been challenged by a Republican just once.ย She faced her first and only Republican in 2022, when she beat Jeff Thompson with 57% of the vote.

Cook, a newcomer to politics, said he thinks Ehardt has stopped listening to her constituents. He said he would bring common sense to the Statehouse from a blue collar perspective. Heโ€™s worked as a paramedic and firefighter for 10 years and is a union member.

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Historic building in downtown Pocatello set for demolition

The Monarch building, A historic brick building in downtown Pocatello, is set to come down this summer after years of decay, despite efforts to revive it.

The building was believed to have been built around 1909, and has sat open to the elements for more than a decade after a fire left it roofless and unsafe. The Pocatello Development Authority, which now owns the property, says demolition is necessary to protect public safety and make way for new development.

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Court orders DC judge to end criminal contempt inquiry into Trump officials involved in deportation flights

By Devan Cole, CNN (CNN) — A divided federal appeals court on Tuesday ordered US District Judge James Boasberg to end his efforts to hold Trump administration officials accountable for flouting his orders in a high-stakes immigration case. The decision comes nearly a year after Boasberg, the chief judge of the federal trial-level court in

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Week of the Young Child celebrations throughout Eastern Idaho supporting young learners

Communities across the Gem State are celebrating the annual Week of the Young Child, a nationwide initiative focused on early childhood education, family engagement, and supporting young learners.

In Eastern Idaho, at least 13 cities are recognizing the week with official proclamations, highlighting a growing effort among local leaders and educators to prioritize early learning and child development. The Idaho Association for the Education of Young Children, in partnership with educational organizations throughout Eastern Idaho, is providing weeklong festivities that any child can participate in at no cost.

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Teachers upset by new law banning taxpayer-funded support for teachersโ€™ unions

“Teachers across the state are pretty demoralized about this โ€“ especially due to the targeted nature of the bill,” said Taylorview Middle School teacher Jake Snarr. “This bill leaves out our firefighters unions and our police unions. It specifically goes for the Idaho Education Association and our teachers’ unions, and I think that teachers are confused by what it is that the Legislature thinks that we’re up to.”

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Embattled GOP Rep. Tony Gonzales announces heโ€™s stepping down from Congress

Embattled GOP Rep. Tony Gonzales announced on Monday that he would step down from Congress, just days before he faced the possibility of a high-stakes vote that could have made him the seventh-ever member to be expelled from the House.

The Texas Republican said he planned to โ€œfile my retirement from officeโ€ on Tuesday, which GOP leadership sources confirmed to CNN meant that he would resign. Gonzales had been under investigation by the House Ethics Committee for having a relationship with a former senior aide in his congressional office.

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Idaho State University in Pocatello, ID

Idaho State University to launch Bachelorโ€™s Degree in Artificial Intelligence Sciences this Fall

โ€œThis program reflects the strong collaboration between the mathematics & statistics and computer science departments,โ€ saidย Emanuele Zappala, assistant professor in the mathematics and statistics department. โ€œIt is designed to give students both the theoretical background and the applied skills necessary to contribute meaningfully to the rapidly growing field of artificial intelligence.โ€

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Fugitive former Brazilian intelligence chief released after being detained by ICE, associates say

By Michael Rios, Max Saltman, CNN (CNN) — Brazilโ€™s fugitive former intelligence chief and lawmaker Alexandre Ramagem has been released from custody after being detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, his associates said Wednesday. Ramagem, who faces a 16-year prison sentence in Brazil for his alleged involvement in a coup plot with far-right ex-President

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Group of Utahns breaks world record for most fast-food visits in 24 hours โ€” on foot

If you were out and about in the Sandy area on Saturday, you might have seen a group of eight people in yellow, jogging with a purpose. But they werenโ€™t training for a typical marathon; they were on an adventure to etch their names in the Guinness World Records.

โ€œSo today weโ€™re going to be running up and down Salt Lake County,โ€ said Jacob Sargent, one of the participants.

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Utah man takes on Boston Marathon after Parkinson’s disease diagnosis

Chris Needham has always been athletic. Thereโ€™s no question about that.

Moving to Utah in 2003 as a competitive speed skater, Needham was drawn to the state because of the athletic facilities and coaches. It wasnโ€™t until a doctorโ€™s order that he traded in those skates for sneakers.

“A little over three years ago, I was diagnosed with Parkinsonโ€™s disease,โ€ Needham said.

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Little signs contentious education bills targeting teachers’ unions, student social transitions

Brad Little on Friday signed into law several of this legislative sessionโ€™s most contentious education bills, including new restrictions on teachersโ€™ unions along with budget cuts to virtual education.

He also signed a far-reaching civics bill and new rules requiring public school employees to out transgender students to their parents.

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Idaho Honor Flight plans first mission

Idaho Falls, ID (KIFI) – Idaho Honor Flight is taking our nationโ€™s heroes on a once-in-a-lifetime journey to Washington, D.C., honoring their service and sacrifice. The first mission departs September 1st and 2nd from Pocatelloโ€”and thanks to a major sponsorship from Anheuser-Busch (Budweiser), Idaho was selected from five finalists to be a part of this journey. 

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Artemis II Splash Down

History is just hours away. NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, alongside CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Jeremy Hansen, are entering the final stages of their record-breaking journey. After traveling deeper into space than any humans in history, the Artemis II crew is scheduled to splash down off the coast of San Diego today, Friday, April 10, at approximately 8:07 p.m. EDT (6:07 p.m. MDT).

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New Idaho Law mandates parental consent and age verification for social media

A new law intends to regulate and limit social media use for Idaho minors, but critics warn the state could be walking into a lawsuit.

On April 2nd, Governor Brad Little officially signed House Bill 542, the Stop Addictive Social Media Act, into law. The legislation aims to curb the influence of social media on Idaho’s youth by mandating age verification and stripping platforms of features the bill’s sponsors deem “addictive.”

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Find out what passed and what didn’t. A look back to the 2026 legislative session

The 81-dayย legislative sessionย wrapped up last week, eight days shorter thanย last yearโ€™s session.

Shorter sessions are typical in election years, but 2026 wasnโ€™t any less hectic.

It started and ended with fiery debates over budget cuts to address a revenue deficit after last yearโ€™s tax cuts. While K-12 was largely spared, colleges and universities face the brunt of the cuts.

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Idaho Department of Labor urges Intermountain Packing workers to seek help following layoffs

The Idaho Department of Labor is urging more than 150 employees laid off from Intermountain Packing this week to seek immediate assistance, noting that turnout for support services has been unexpectedly low.

“They should all be coming into the Department of Labor and learning about unemployment and employment-related programs so that we can help them to get back into employment,” said Windy Hahn, a manager at the Idaho Department of Labor. “We want to be there and we want to help”.

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Southeast Idaho sheriff signs up to help enforce immigration law

A sheriffโ€™s office in southeast Idaho is the second in the state to sign an agreement with federal immigration officials allowing deputies to act as immigration agents.ย 

Deputies in Franklin County, a rural Idaho county with just over 14,000 residents that borders Utah, will soon be authorized to stop and question the immigration status of anyone they believe to be in the country without authorization.

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Despite a tenuous ceasefire, ships still arenโ€™t going through the Strait of Hormuz

A fragile ceasefire thatโ€™s mostly quieted the skies over the Middle East isnโ€™t giving shippers the nerve to brave the narrow waterway that holds the key to 20% of the worldโ€™s oil supply.

The Strait of Hormuz may be officially re-opening for business, but shipping company executives and analysts told CNN uncertainty surrounding the ceasefire is still making transit too risky right now. Explicit approval and safety assurances from Iran, clear guidance on how and when to transit and a long-term view of the straitโ€™s future are all so far missing, shippers told CNN.

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Siblings share journey of survival after tragic murder-suicide

Christian Timothy is one of two siblings who survived a horrific murder-suicide that claimed the life of their mother, Kaylene Allred.

Now recovering from gunshot wounds, he is opening up about his path toward healing and the emotional weight he carries. โ€œThe people who Iโ€™m staying with are constantly like, โ€˜You need to rest, you need to take it easy,โ€™ and I canโ€™t,โ€ Christian said. โ€œI have to be doing something to keep my mind busyโ€ฆ Itโ€™s gonna be a long road.โ€

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Idaho Gov. Brad Little vetoes five bills after 2026 legislative session adjourns

Little vetoed the bills late Wednesday, and his office announced the vetoes just before noon on Thursday.ย 

Two of the bills were late-session budget bills. One involved transferring cash and interest payments around to prop up the state budget, and the other involved the cap limiting the amount of money that can be deposited in the stateโ€™s main rainy day savings account โ€“ the Budget Stabilization Fund.

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Kellogg City Council unanimously passes ordinance to ban Kratom sales

small North Idaho city could soon become the first in the state to ban the sale of kratom, as broader efforts to regulate or outlaw the substance continue to gain traction statewide.

As of April 7th, the Kellogg City Council is proposing a resolution to prohibit the sale of kratom within city limits, a move that could catalyze similar actions in other Idaho communities.

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Grand Teton begins 196-acre prescribed burn near Mormon Row

Grand Teton National Park is starting prescribed burns today just east of the Jackson Hole airport. Around 196 acres will be burned as part of the larger 4,000-acre Hayfields Restoration Management Area.

The primary goal of the burn is to remove non-native vegetation, paving the way for the return of native rangeland species. This ecological “reset” is a collaborative effort between fire managers and park ecologists.

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Brief lockdown lifted at Pocatello City Hall after reports of armed individual

Pocatello police responded to a report of an armed individual in the City Hall parking lot at around 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 8.

According to City of Pocatello Public Information Officer Marlise Irby, employees in the City Hall were instructed to lock down and stay inside while police investigated the threat. Any people in the parking lot were taken inside the building by officers.

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Volunteers Wanted: Help prep the Idaho Falls Zoo for opening day

โ€œWe are incredibly grateful for the continued support from our community, both this year and in years past,โ€ said Zoo Director David Pennock. โ€œClean-upย Day has become a wonderful tradition, and the dedication our volunteers show year after year makes a lasting impact on the zoo. Their efforts help us create a welcoming environment for our guests and provide the best possible care for our animals.โ€

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Prosecutor objects to probation sentence for man who struck Idaho Falls Police Officer

The Bonneville County Prosecutorโ€™s Office is publicly speaking out against a sentence handed down to an Idaho Falls man found guilty of felony battery on a police officer, arguing the light punishment fails to deter violence against law enforcement.

Wednesday, Seventh District Judge Brendon Taylor sentenced 33-year-old Christian James Markmiller to four years of probation and a “withheld judgment” following a two-day jury trial. The decision comes despite the stateโ€™s request for a five-year prison sentence.

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