Willow Creek Fire 38% contained, crews make progress on north end

KIFI on September 1, 2025

Seth Ratliff

SMOOT, Wyo. (KIFI) — Fire crews are making progress on the Willow Creek fire. In a release this morning, Bridger-Teton National Forest rangers confirmed that the fire is now 38% contained.

The fire has only grown to around 65 acres since August 29, reaching 4065 acres today, according to the release.

Today, crews on the north end are working directly on the fire line to put out hot spots and secure the perimeter. On the east side, hoses and sprinklers have been set up near structures, ready to be used if the fire approaches, according to the release.

Evacuation zones remain at a ‘SET’ status, meaning residents should be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice. The affected areas are from milepost 75 south to Salt Pass and west of Highway 89, from Reeves-Schwab Lane south to Gomm’s Pond. To sign up for notifications, click HERE.

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Labor Day protests across U.S. and Central Oregon with message: ‘Workers Over Billionaires’

KTVZ on September 1, 2025

Claire Elmer

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — This Labor Day, demonstrators gathered across the country to call for fair wages and greater support for workers over billionaires. In Central Oregon, protests took place in Bend, Redmond, and Sisters. 

The AFL-CIO (American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations) is one of the main organizers of the event. On their website, they posted the message: “In the streets and on the shop floor, in union halls and the halls of Congress, working people are rising up, speaking out and fighting for an economy, a government and a country for the people—not the billionaires.”

KTVZ spoke with Cyndi Davis, volunteer with 50501 Central Oregon, at the Bend event.

“We are representing the workers of this country that have created our billionaires. And we think that it’s only fair and just that that money trickle down to the people actually doing the work,” said Davis.

Organizers say the event is about more than raising awareness, it’s about building community and giving people ways to take action. 

“There are a lot of people frustrated with what’s happening. This gives us an opportunity to come together and also to inspire other people to use their voice,” said Davis.

Protesters handed out information on letter-writing campaigns, local causes, and monthly demonstrations aimed at keeping the momentum going. 

“We always list local causes that are being impacted by what’s happening, how you can help, and we update that every month,” said Davis.

The hope of organizers and protesters is to see more people speaking up and to keep the conversation going beyond the holiday. 

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Wilkes Boulevard church to close; Turning Point will remain open

KMIZ on September 1, 2025

Matthew Sanders

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Central Columbia’s Wilkes Boulevard Methodist Church will close next year, but a day center for homeless people will continue to operate out of the building.

Church leadership wrote in a Facebook post over the weekend that the church itself will close next summer “after more than a century of ministry in Columbia.”

The church started the Turning Point day center, but the operation has since been organized into its own non-profit organization, the church wrote. That operation will continue until the day center moves to the city’s Opportunity Campus, which is expected to open next year.

Wilkes Boulevard pastor, the Rev. Andrew McCausland, said in a statement that the need for meaning, justice, and community remains despite fewer people in church.

“That spirit lives on through Turning Point, which will continue to embody our call to love God and neighbor in Columbia. And that spirit lives on through all the faithful congregants who will take Wilkes Boulevard’s heart of service and love to new places of worship,” McCausland said.

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Local businesses ready for season, but uncertainty looms

KESQ on September 1, 2025

Luis Avila

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) — As Labor Day marks the unofficial end of summer, local businesses are beginning to shift into high season — a time that typically brings an influx of tourists and a much-needed boost in revenue. Despite concerns earlier in the year, many local business owners say the summer turned out stronger than expected. Still, some are approaching the new season with cautious optimism.

As Palm Springs transitions from summer into its traditionally busy fall and winter seasons, one key question remains: will Canadian snowbirds return in their usual numbers?

Earlier this year, some Canadian travelers told News Channel 3 they were reconsidering their annual winter trips to the U.S., citing concerns over political tensions and divisive rhetoric.

Jaime Rodriguez, manager at Crazy Shirts, says he remains hopeful but realistic.

“We’re hoping to get all of our snow birds back, how it normally goes. I know it’s not 100 percent guaranteed right now.”

Jaime Rodriguez, Crazy Shirts Manager

A significant drop in Canadian visitors could pose a challenge for businesses that rely heavily on winter tourism. Many say they’re used to riding out the slower months and counting on the high season to carry them through.

Darren Fishman, owner of the newly opened Gelato-A-Go-Go, says that safety net is crucial.

“I think most businesses gear up knowing you’re going to have a high season and a low season. If summer was all year round, I don’t think it would be ideal for most businesses. They can weather the summer season by having good on seasons.”

Darren Fishman, Gelato-A-Go-Go Owner

For now, local business owners are focusing on maintaining momentum and encouraging both residents and tourists to support local.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.

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Rexburg Soup Kitchen resumes weekly meals after summer break

KIFI on September 1, 2025

News Team

REXBURG, Idaho (KIFI) — Starting this Wednesday, September 3rd, the Rexburg soup kitchen will once again be serving hot, nourishing meals at the VFW building. Whether you need a warm plate of food or some pantry items to take with you, everyone is welcome.

In an effort to restock their shelves for the fall and winter seasons, the organization will host a food donation drive this Saturday, September 6th, from 10 a.m. to noon. The community is encouraged to bring unopened pantry items to the back of the VFW building.

For those interested in volunteering or learning more, additional information can be found at justserve.org or the soup kitchen’s official website at rexburg-soup-kitchen.square.site/.

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RoadAI: St. Joseph plans new AI-powered technology to grade and improve streets

News-Press NOW on September 1, 2025

Cameron Montemayor

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — City leaders are eyeing the next generation of cutting-edge technology to help grade and improve the condition of St. Joseph’s streets and roadways.

St. Joseph Public Works and Transportation is in the process of integrating new AI-powered software called Road AI, a type of specialized road maintenance software capable of detecting defects from cracking and fretting to edge deterioration and larger potholes.

“We’re trying to advance everything in Public Works and AI is the big thing right now,” St. Joseph Public Works and Transportation Director Abe Forney said. “This new technology will enhance the ability for our public works department to hit those potholes.”

A $15,380 contract for the new technology is set to be introduced for first reading at Tuesday’s City Council meeting and could be finalized later on Sept. 15.

The program operates by recording street surfaces using smartphones while an inspector drives the route. The video is uploaded nightly to a cloud-based AI program with condition ratings being available within hours.

Data is then exported to Excel and imported into Cartegraph — an operations and asset management software platform — for use in determining overlay lists, concrete repair lists and other maintenance priorities.

“It’ll also give us sign inventory that we’ve never had. So it’s looking at signs. It’s looking at our road conditions. It’s looking at crosswalks where they should be and bike trails that cross the road,” Forney said. “This technology is going to continue to grow.”

RoadAI’s technology will sharply boost efficiency and enhance the long-held process of having a supervisor drive and document 440 lane miles of roadway in St. Joseph.

If approved by council, Forney expects the city will be able to quickly integrate the new software and have it deployed for staff usage in short order. The software is part of a subscription service offered through company Vaisala Inc.

“Taking one of our employees and driving all the roads and him writing on a piece of paper what our road conditions are … this is going to be much better,” Forney said. “This technology is going to free them up to do other things that need attention.”

In the long run, he’s optimistic the AI-powered technology will provide cost savings for the department and could grow in usage in other areas. RoadAI’s website states the software is 50% less expensive that traditional road surveys.

The technology is one key part of the city’s new five-year street master plan, a strategy designed to address top concerns identified in a community survey launched earlier this year.

“The survey that just came out said that our road conditions are in poor shape. We all know that some of our roads need some attention,” Forney said. “There’s so many things that are out there that we can utilize to better our public works department.”

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Parents of missing Cabazon baby due in court Thursday

KESQ on September 1, 2025

Garrett Hottle

PALM SPRINGS, Calif We’re tracking new developments in the case of missing 7-month-old Emmanuel Haro, as both parents prepare to return to court.

The Riverside County District Attorney’s Office says it has a strong indication of where Emmanuel’s remains may be, but recovery efforts are still underway.

Jake and Rebecca Haro remain in custody on $1 million bail, charged with murder and filing a false police report. Their arraignment is scheduled to continue Sept. 4 in Riverside.

According to court records viewed by KESQ Monday afternoon, Jake Haro’s probation and firearm hearing originally set for Sept. 2 has been vacated and reassigned to Sept. 4 the same day as his and Rebecca’s arraignment. That case stems from a 2024 arrest while Jake was on probation for his 2023 child-cruelty conviction.

We’ll be in the courtroom Thursday, pushing for updates on the search plan. Stay with News Channel 3 at 4, 5, 6, and 6:30 p.m. for continuing coverage.

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“I was in shock”: New video shows terrifying moment bridge collapses in Shoshone Ice Caves

KIFI on September 1, 2025

Maile Sipraseuth

UPDATE:

LINCOLN COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) — A terrifying new video captures the moment a bridge collapsed inside the Shoshone Ice Caves north of Twin Falls on Sunday night. Three people were injured, including one man who fractured six ribs and had to be airlifted to the hospital.

The video was taken by Jacqueline García, who was inside the caves with her family when the incident occurred. Her family can be heard talking about how they had reached the end of the cave when they fell into the icy water below.

“My first reaction… I was in shock,” said García. “I was worried about my daughter because I knew I had her with me. And I was worried about handing her to my husband.”

She says, once they got out, the reaction from the cave’s owners surprised them.

“Some gentleman hands me a phone, and it was the owner that was on the phone. He was saying, I’m not allowed to call 911, but you can,” said Garcia.

Lincoln County dispatch received a call around 5:47 p.m., with initial reports of up to 20 people trapped. Thankfully, emergency crews quickly accounted for everyone. García tells us she and her daughter suffered whiplash, bruises, and minor leg injuries. Her father, the man who had to be airlifted to the hospital, is facing a few months of recovery.

Shoshone ice caves made a statement via Facebook, thanking first responders and stating that everyone was safe following the incident. The cause of the bridge collapse remains undetermined.

According to a report by KIVI, the co-owner of the ice caves says the people fell about two feet. The owner hopes to have the walkway fixed within a week.

ORIGINAL:

LINCOLN COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) — Three people are recovering today after a bridge collapsed inside the popular Shoshone Ice Caves north of Twin Falls last night.

Lincoln County dispatch received a call around 5:47 p.m. reporting the collapse. While initial calls indicated as many as 20 people might be trapped, emergency crews on the scene quickly determined everyone was accounted for, though three people had been injured in the collapse.

File: Google Earth

One person reportedly suffered what appeared to be broken ribs, while two others had minor injuries, according to a release by the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office. Emergency responders, including personnel from Lincoln County EMS and Shoshone Fire, provided medical aid on site before the injured were transported for further treatment.

Sheriff René King thanked the first responders, including the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, SIRCOMM, and LifeFlight, for their swift response in the rescue effort.

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Idaho Falls City Council approves 2026 budget

KIFI on September 1, 2025

News Release

The following is a news release from the City of Idaho Falls:

IDAHO FALLS (KIFI) — The Idaho Falls City Council has approved the city’s 2025-26 fiscal year budget, resulting in a balanced financial plan that outlines how public funds will be invested in essential services, infrastructure and community growth.

The City’s $389.6 million budget provides authority to fund all services and operations across 11 departments, from daily programs and staffing to major infrastructure and facility improvements. This budget sets the maximum spending limit, and supports essential services including public safety, utilities, the airport, library, parks and recreation and other resources residents rely on. About 16 percent of the budget, or $52 million comes from property taxes, while the remainder is covered by utilities, fees, grants, and other revenue sources. 

“This budget is more than numbers on a page—it is a roadmap for how we will meet the needs of today while preparing for the challenges of tomorrow,” said Mayor Rebecca Casper. “We are committed to fiscal responsibility, supporting our workforce, and ensuring that city residents continue to receive the high-quality services they depend on.”

Key highlights of the approved budget include:

•    A strong emphasis on public safety, with funding to sustain 12 firefighter positions previously supported by a federal SAFER grant, ensuring emergency response levels are maintained even after federal dollars expire. The budget also provides resources for facilities and equipment upgrades to keep pace with a growing population. 

•    Pay and benefit adjustments across all departments to help the city recruit and retain employees in a highly competitive labor market. These investments strengthen Idaho Falls’ ability to reduce turnover and ensure residents are served by experienced, well-trained staff.

•    Investments in technology and infrastructure, with $111.4 million for capital projects across the city, including a major Idaho Falls Regional Airport terminal expansion, utility system upgrades, and facility improvements, along with the replacement of the city’s Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system. Together, these investments address current needs, improve efficiency, and position Idaho Falls for long-term growth and resilience.

The budget also reflects community priorities identified in the City Council’s strategic plan. These priorities support investments in power, fiber, water, sanitation, parks, etc. to ensure Idaho Falls continues to grow while meeting the needs residents value most. These plans are informed by the results of the National Community Survey conducted earlier this year. This comprehensive survey of residents was designed to gauge citizen satisfaction with city services and quality of life.

The budget was adopted on Aug. 28 following a public hearing held on Aug. 14, where residents were invited to provide input and feedback.

“Our goal is always to balance the city’s core responsibilities with creative vision for improvement and innovation,” Casper said.

The 2026 Budget Book, a comprehensive financial document that outlines the City’s planned revenues and expenditures for the upcoming fiscal year, is now available online for residents to review. It offers a detailed look at how funds are allocated across city departments, upcoming capital projects, staffing investments and key initiatives that support Idaho Falls’ growth and quality of life.

View the 2026 Annual Budget Book https://www.idahofallsidaho.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/4593

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Idaho Falls Police, Anheuser-Busch team up for 9/11 memorial stair climb

KIFI on September 1, 2025

News Team

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — In a moving tribute to the heroes of 9/11 and our local first responders, the Idaho Falls Police Department and Anheuser-Busch are hosting their annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb from today through September 11.

Police, firefighters, and Anheuser-Busch employees will honor the 343 firefighters, 60 police officers, and 8 paramedics who lost their lives by climbing 2,071 steps—matching the 110 floors of the Twin Towers.

Donations from the event will support three vital local charities: the Chaplains of Idaho, the Greater Idaho Falls Police Foundation, and the Idaho Falls Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 6 – Officer Wellness Fund.

To pledge your support or make a donation, click HERE.

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