Idaho Falls Regional Airport soars past all-time passenger record

KIFI on November 14, 2025

News Release

The following is a news release from the Idaho Falls Regional Airport:

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho — The Idaho Falls Regional Airport (IDA) is expected to surpass its all-time passenger record this month, marking another major milestone for the region’s growing air service. The previous record of 316,044 enplaned passengers, set in 2022, will be broken when the 316,045th passenger boards a flight sometime this week.

While the airport had initially planned to celebrate this achievement, IDA leadership has chosen to forgo a public celebration in light of the recent federal government shutdown and the resulting reductions in flights nationwide. The situation has also made it difficult to determine exactly when the record-setting passenger will board a flight.

“This is a remarkable milestone for our airport and for the tremendous community support that brought us to this point. More importantly, we are deeply grateful to our federal partners at TSA who continue to show up for work despite not having received a paycheck in a month,” said Ian Turner, Airport Director of the Idaho Falls Regional Airport. “Given this unfortunate challenge, it didn’t feel right to celebrate at this time.”

Instead, the airport will provide lunch to the dedicated federal employees who continue to work without pay to ensure the safety and security of travelers at IDA.

An ongoing food drive to support these employees will also continue until they receive their next paycheck, which is expected soon. A donation table is located outside the Airport Administration Office for those wishing to contribute non-perishable food items or other essentials.

“Our TSA officers show up every day under difficult circumstances,” Turner added. “We want to do what we can to support them until this situation is fully resolved.”

IDA continues to experience strong growth and anticipates exceeding 360,000 passenger enplanements by the end of 2025, far surpassing previous records. This growth is being driven by increased flight frequencies to Denver, Seattle, and Salt Lake City, as well as larger aircraft and new destinations. The airport recently launched service to Chicago and expects additional service expansions to Chicago and Portland, Oregon, in May 2026 — likely positioning IDA for another record-breaking year.

For more information about the food drive or to learn how you can help, please visit the Idaho Falls Regional Airport on social media or contact the Administration Office at (208) 612-8221.

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CEI Foundation honors community excellence at annual Celebration of Giving

KIFI on November 14, 2025

News Release

The following is a news release from the College of Eastern Idaho:

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho — The College of Eastern Idaho (CEI) Foundation celebrated campus and community excellence at its annual Celebration of Giving event on Thursday, November 6, held at theWestbank Convention Center. The evening recognized the achievements of faculty, staff, and community partners who have made outstanding contributions to CEI and its students.

The 2025 award recipients are:

Outstanding Staff of the Year – Jessica Taylor, Custodial Lead

Outstanding Faculty of the Year –Dr. Ben Burrows, General Education Instructor

Outstanding Adjunct Faculty of the Year – David Oliver, Cybersecurity

Constituent of the Year – Frontier Credit Union

“These awards represent our campus and community’s best,” said Dave Facer, Executive Director of the CEI Foundation. “We cannot say thank you enough to the recipients for the long-term, positive impact they have on so many people at CEI.”

In addition to honoring awardees, the CEI Foundation announced that it has awarded more than $400,000 in scholarships and campus grants for the 2025–2026 academic year, thanks to the generosity of donors throughout eastern Idaho.

Each year, the Celebration of Giving event reflects the Foundation’s mission to support students through scholarships, grants, and strategic initiatives that enhance the CEI experience. CEI and the Foundation extend their gratitude to all donors, alumni, and community partners who continue to invest in student success.

To learn more about the CEI Foundation or to contribute to student support, click HERE.

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ABC-7 at 4: What the End of the Government Shutdown Means for Your Money

KVIA on November 14, 2025

Nichole Gomez

El Paso, TX (KVIA-TV)- After weeks of uncertainty, the federal government shutdown has officially come to an end. But what does that actually mean for your retirement, your investments, and your long-term financial planning? Financial advisor Brian Mirau, President of Mirau Capital Management joins us with what you need to know.

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ABC-7 at 4: Early Warning Signs of COPD

KVIA on November 14, 2025

Nichole Gomez

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Madras city councilors approve contract to start first phase of Hoffman Park development

KTVZ on November 14, 2025

KTVZ

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — The City of Madras announced Thursday that city councilors have approved a construction services agreement with Rickabaugh Construction, LLC for the first phase of the Hoffman Park development, moving this long-planned community project into construction.

Phase One includes the development of two adjacent 3-acre parcels along 10th Street south of J Street, bringing major park amenities to southeast Madras, the city said in a news release announcing the start of the project that continues in full below:

Planned improvements include:

Site grading and paving

Concrete sidewalks and curbs

New landscaping and site lighting

Restrooms

Picnic shelter

Dedicated dog park area

Nature walking path and open-space features

Advancing Community Priorities

Hoffman Park supports the City Council’s adopted 2025–26 Strategic Goals by expanding recreation opportunities, enhancing livability, and strengthening park infrastructure across Madras. The project reflects community priorities identified in recent planning efforts, including the desire for improved trail connectivity, family-friendly facilities, safe outdoor spaces, and new amenities in growing neighborhoods. 

By developing this new park space, the city is taking an important step toward creating a more connected, vibrant, and active community – providing places for families to gather, children to play, and residents to enjoy outdoor recreation close to home.

Competitive Bidding & Funding

The project was publicly advertised, and the City received seven competitive bids. Rickabaugh Construction submitted the lowest responsive bid at $1,742,937.15. Total funding allocated for Phase One is $2,095,000.

Funding Sources:

$200,000 – ARPA funds

$750,000 – Oregon Parks & Recreation Department Grant

$131,055 – Transportation Operations Fund

$1,015,945 – System Development Charges (Parks, Transportation, Wastewater, Stormwater combined)

Construction is expected to begin in 2026, with updates provided as work progresses.

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Sleeping Bags & Warm Clothing Donations Needed for the Unsheltered This Winter

KEYT on November 14, 2025

John Palminteri

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif. (KEYT) – An urgent drive has begun to make sure the unhoused and others in need have warm clothing and bedding this winter in Santa Barbara County.

The County Public Defender’s office is collecting new and lightly used sleeping bags, gloves, jackets, shoes, scarves and backpacks. They are also stocking up on socks and underwear.

This will all be distributed on December 12th in front of the Public Defenders offices in Santa Barbara and Santa Maria.

The county says there are 2,400 people currently experiencing homelessness in Santa Barbara County.This year, there is a collaboration with the non-profit Adam’s Angels with a place to make a financial donation on their website that will go towards the purchases of these items for winter protection.

Donation information:

Tax-deductible financial donations may be made through the Public Defender’s partnership with Adam’s Angels.

Visit the Adam’s Angels donation portal and click “Donate.” Select “Sleeping Bag Drive” from the drop-down menu to direct your gift to this effort. Funds will be used to purchase new sleeping bags and undergarments.

Items may also be donated virtually through the event’s Amazon Wishlist.

Distribution Events:

To receive donated goods, individuals must attend one of the following events on Friday, December 12, 12-2 p.m.:

Outside the Santa Barbara Courthouse at 1100 Anacapa Street

At the Santa Maria Public Defender’s Office at 312-P East Cook Street, Building A

County Public Defender’s Office:

Santa Barbara: (805) 568-3470

Santa Maria: (805) 346-7500

The Latest Breaking News, Weather Alerts, Sports and More Anytime On Our Mobile Apps. Keep Up With the Latest Articles by Signing Up for the News Channel 3-12 Newsletter.

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Turnspire acquires LifeLine Foods, ICM Biofuels in St. Joseph

News-Press NOW on November 14, 2025

Leah Rainwater

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) — Turnspire Capital Partners LLC, a business investor, announced it has acquired LifeLine Foods LLC and ICM Biofuels LLC.

The operations are now combined under The LifeLine Group (“Lifeline”), with the food business continuing to operate as LifeLine Foods, and the biofuels business being rebranded as Lifeline Biofuels.

LifeLine, a business headquartered in St. Joseph, is a leading manufacturer of corn-based products, such as corn starch, masa and other ingredients.

According to a press release, LifeLine Biofuels leverages a starch stream from the food business to produce renewable fuels and other value-added products with lower carbon intensity, creating synergies that enhance efficiency and sustainability across the platform.

AgraMarke Quality Grains, Inc., a Missouri cooperative of corn farmers, is Turnspire’s partner in the formation.

Along with the ownership change, the company also appointed Jeremy Bezdek as the president and chief executive officer of LifeLine.

Bezdek spent 26 years at Koch Industries, where he led the growth of Flint Hill Resources’ biofuels business.

“I appreciate the confidence that Turnspire has placed in me and the exceptional LifeLine team. Through the transaction process, I have seen Turnspire’s commitment to operational excellence and disciplined value creation; together, we build on LifeLine’s strong foundation to create a best-in-class platform,” said Bezdek.

Turnspire Partner Abel S. Osorio said the partnership expands opportunities.

“We are thrilled to unify the LifeLine platform under a shared vision for growth. LifeLine operates at the intersection of food and renewable energy, where we see meaningful opportunities to enhance performance, expand capabilities, and build long-term value,” Osorio said.

AgraMarke is made up of over 600 progressive farmers who deliver corn daily to LifeLine for further processing into food ingredients, ethanol and related products. The group also founded LifeLine in 2001.

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Child rescued from storm sewer on West Broadway in Columbia

KMIZ on November 13, 2025

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A 12-year-old boy was found in a storm sewer on Thursday evening along West Broadway in Columbia near the library.

First responders initially shut down the road near Parkway Drive and McBaine Avenue around 5 p.m. to look for a 12-year-old boy. A Columbia Fire Department spokeswoman wrote that firefighters were called for a “search and rescue involving a child who may have run off into a storm water system.”

First responders were able to get rope down in the sewer and and pulled the child out after several hours. CFD Assistant Chief Lester Shewmake described the process of getting the boy out.

“We were able to get some rope down there. We got a camera and some wheels that we were able to take. He (the child) was able to grab the rope and our crews were able to get him out,” Shewmake said. “He’s safe, warm, in an ambulance and I think he’s going to go get checked out.”

Shewmake described some of the initial calls indicated that someone saw the child go into the pipe.

“The reports earlier today is that he might have gotten in there when he first ran off. But we couldn’t confirm there. We did look in there and obviously some of the areas are pretty small, so trying to get in that area … (which) is why we needed assistance of our utility departments from the city to help us out,” he said.

Shewmake said firefighters got assistance from the city’s utilities department, which included the use of maps and cameras.

Firefighters, police and EMS were seen gathered around access points of the sewer around 8:15 p.m. First responders closed off the street again around that time as they worked.

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IID advises preparing ahead of storm throughout Coachella Valley

KESQ on November 13, 2025

City News Service

LA QUINTA, Calif. (KESQ) – With a storm expected to roll through the Coachella Valley this week, Imperial Irrigation District officials today said they will be prepared to respond for any possible service disruptions.

Get Local Weather Updates Here

Forecasters predict heavy rainfall with gusty winds will fall into the region starting Thursday evening, according to the National Weather Service.   

A flood watch will be in effect from 4 a.m. through 10 p.m. Saturday including in the cities of Cathedral City, La Quinta, Coachella, Indio, Palm Desert and Palm Springs.

In the Coachella Valley, temperature highs will be in the 80s Thursday with a nighttime lows in the upper 60s. For the rest of the week, daytime highs will be in the upper 60s and nighttime lows in the upper 50s. The strongest possible change for heavy rainfall will be Saturday, with precipitation at 80% between a quarter- and half-inch predicted, NWS said.   

IID officials said crews will respond to any power outages or disruptions if conditions will be safe enough to work.   

“Customers can rest assured that IID is ahead of this, working to minimize impacts and service interruptions that could occur due to this expected storm,” IID Power Manager Matt Smelser said.

Officials advise residents the following tips to be prepared ahead ofthe storm:   — Keep an emergency kit ready filled with flashlights, batteries, bottled water, medicine, a battery-operated radio and wind-up clock;   — Charge essential devices, including phones and tablets;   — Be familiar with service panel and main circuit breaker;   — Trim trees and clear debris away from power lines, and   — Avoid using electrical equipment when outside.

Customers can report power outages through IID’s mobile app, contacting customer service at 800-303-7756, or at www.iid.com/outage.

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250 Trucks, 50 States: LDS Church to donate an estimated 10 million lbs of food aid for America250

KIFI on November 13, 2025

News Team

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (KIFI) — In preparation for the United States’ 250th anniversary in 2026, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is kicking off its partnership with America250, the nonpartisan congressional commission preparing the momentous occasion, by launching a massive nationwide service effort.

To symbolize the milestone, the Utah-based faith announced in a news release Thursday that it has designated a fleet of 250 semitrucks to deliver food donations to 250 food banks across all 50 states.

A Historic Food Delivery

The first fleet of semitrucks was sent out on November 13, 2025. Each truck will carry approximately 40,000 pounds of food supplies, totaling an estimated 10 million pounds of aid donated by the Church. These provisions—including canned fruits, vegetables, and meats, as well as pasta, flour, and dried milk—were largely produced by Church operations or funded through member donations.

The colossal food donation comes amid heightened national food insecurity. The Church’s response is particularly timely, following the recent longest-ever government shutdown, which significantly strained national food bank resources as federal workers and SNAP recipients wrestled with financial uncertainty.

Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the faith’s Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, the Church’s governing body, emphasized the mission behind the immense effort.

“As we mark this historic milestone, we hope to foster a spirit of unity, peacemaking and goodwill,” Elder Gong said. “The anniversary is an opportunity for all to come together, serve together, and express gratitude for the freedoms that have allowed all faiths — including ours — to flourish.”

The Honorable Rosie Rios, Chair of America250, honks the horn of a semitruck at the Bishops’ Central Storehouse in Salt Lake City on Thursday, November 13, 2025. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is sending the first of 250 semitrucks, specifically designated to the America250 celebration, delivering food donations to 250 food banks across all 50 states. Courtesy: LDS Church Newsroom

Rosie Rios, Chair of America250 and former U.S. Treasurer, joined Commissioners Cathy Gillespie and Lynn Forney Young in Salt Lake City for the announcement. Chair Rios highlighted unity as the core message.

“This is truly a historic moment for all of us,” Chair Rios said. “What we just saw in our tour of the [Bishops’ Central Storehouse] reminds us all why we do what we do. Although technically, yes, we are celebrating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, I think this is really, for me, a moment of unity, not just independence. It’s unity here in what the Church is doing, what the Church has always done, and what the Church continues to do.”

Service and Collaboration

The 250 truckloads of food are an extension of the Church’s ongoing global humanitarian work, specifically dedicated to the America250 celebration. The trucks feature prominent JustServe.org and America250 logos, signifying the collaboration and encouraging nationwide service throughout 2026.

Commissioner Gillespie underscored the importance of faith-based organizations in service efforts.

“Today’s announcement is about more than just food donations. It is about inspiring a spirit of service that defines who we are as Americans,” she stated, adding that “More than 30% of all volunteer hours in the United States are generated by faith-based organizations.”

The initial five truckloads are scheduled to arrive next week, November 18-19, in cities across the U.S., including Eugene, Oregon; Lonoke, Arkansas; Columbia, Missouri; Texas City, Texas; and Grand Blanc, Michigan. According to the release, the donation to Grand Blanc is specifically intended to thank the community for its generous support following a recent tragedy at a local Latter-day Saint chapel.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is sending the first of 250 semitrucks, specifically designated to the America250 celebration, delivering food donations to 250 food banks across all 50 states. These trucks are at the Bishops’ Central Storehouse in Salt Lake City on Thursday, November 13, 2025. Courtesy: LDS Church Newsroom

The first five semitruck loads will be sent to cities across the U.S., including Eugene, Oregon, Lonoke, Arkansas, Columbia, Missouri, Texas City, Texas, and Grand Blanc, Michigan in in gratitude for the generous support given to members of the Church by the people of Grand Blanc following the tragedy at a Latter-day Saint chapel. The trucks are set to arrive next week, from November 18th to 19th.

A National Call to Volunteer

The service collaboration extends beyond food. JustServe, the Church’s community service platform, is partnering with America250’s America Gives initiative to help make 2026 a record-setting year of volunteer service.

The faith is inviting Church members and all Americans to participate in community service projects listed on a special America250 landing page on JustServe.org, connecting volunteers with local organizations across the nation.

Finally, the LDS genealogy service, FamilySearch, will join the celebration in 2026 by highlighting personal family stories that have contributed to shaping the nation, inspiring others to preserve their own histories for future generations, according to the release.

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