Month: May 2026

Par Kermani

IDAHO (KIFI) — Idahoans will be able to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States with free access to state parks across the Gem State this year. Governor Brad Little announced Thursday that day-use fees will be waived at all Idaho State parks this Independence Day.

“As we prepare to mark 250 years of American independence, there is no better way to celebrate than by getting outside with our loved ones and enjoying the freedoms and natural treasures that define our great nation. Idaho’s state parks showcase the very best of our state, and we are proud to welcome families, friends, and visitors to explore them free of charge during this special occasion,” Governor Little said.

The waiver applies to all Idaho residents visiting state parks for the day; However, standard fees for camping, reservations, and other services will still apply.

The Governor’s office says Idaho’s parks offer opportunities for everyone, including hiking, boating, camping, fishing, and viewing wildlife during the holiday weekend.

In a statement, Governor Little encouraged every Idahoan to “spend time outdoors” and “reflect on our nation’s history” as we commemorate America’s 250th anniversary.

“America’s story is one of freedom, opportunity, and enduring resilience. Here in Idaho, we are proud to carry those values forward,” Governor Little said.

Visitors are encouraged to plan, recreate responsibly, and follow park guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all during the busy holiday weekend. For more information on Idaho State Parks, click HERE.

Click here to follow the original article.

Seth Ratliff

IDAHO (KIFI) — Starting next week, the Idaho Transportation Department’s Office of Highway Safety is partnering with law enforcement agencies across the state for the 2026 Click It or Ticket campaign.

From May 11 through May 31, 2026, the Idaho Transportation Department’s (ITD) Office of Highway Safety (OHS) is joining forces with local police departments, sheriff’s offices, and the Idaho State Police. The program aims to educate Idahoans and strictly enforce seat belt laws during one of the year’s busiest travel periods.

Despite rising awareness, ITD confirms that people not wearing seatbelts continue to make up a disproportionate share of Idaho’s traffic deaths. Of the 160 passenger vehicle occupants (ages 7 and older) killed in Idaho crashes in 20204, 98 individuals—over 60%—were not wearing seat belts.

Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that wearing a seat belt reduces the risk of death or serious injury by 50%.

“More Idahoans are buckling up, but we need to do better to prevent fatal and serious injury crashes,” said Josephine Middleton, Highway Safety Manager. “Taking two seconds to buckle up makes you 50% more likely to survive a crash.”

ITD reminds drivers that safety starts before the engine turns over. They’re urging drivers and passengers to buckle up every trip and ensure children are secured in the proper car seat or booster. For more information, click HERE.

Click here to follow the original article.

Par Kermani

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — A new life-saving helicopter is taking flight in southeast Idaho. On Thursday, May 7, Portneuf Air Rescue —a partnership between Global Medical Response (GMR) and Portneuf Medical Center— officially unveiled its new Airbus H-130 helicopter that will help critical patients get the care they need faster.

The hospital says the helicopter is equipped with advanced medical technology designed to transport critically ill or injured patients to care quickly.

The highlight of the unveiling ceremony was the announcement of the helicopter’s new name: Rio.

The name was selected following a statewide youth contest held in April. Out of dozens of entries from children across Idaho, a committee chose the submission by five-year-old Ellie F. of Pocatello.

Ellie and her family help cut the ribbon on “Rio”: Courtesy Portneuf Medical Center

Ellie chose the name Rio because it’s Spanish for river, and the hospital is named Portneuf after the river that flows through our community. 

“Having the aircraft named by a local child also reflects the community’s connection to the program and the role it plays in the region’s emergency response,” said Matt Strauss, regional director for Global Medical Response.

To celebrate the win, Ellie and her entire class from Mother Goose Daycare were invited to the helipad to cheer for their classmate, tour the aircraft, and take home custom PAR t-shirts emblazoned with the name “Rio.”

Editor’s Note: This story was originally written by a real journalist. AI tools were used to research and convert this story to this platform. Local News eight editorial verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness, accuracy, and quality.

Click here to follow the original article.

Seth Ratliff

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — Today, hundreds of graduates at Idaho State University marked their transition to alumni with the traditional “March through the Arch”. At noon, graduates lined the walk leading to the Swanson Arch, many of them in cap and gown, as they took the first step into the world outside the campus.

The “March through the Arch” has been a decades-old tradition for ISU students. The Swanson Arch originally served as the entrance to Swanson Hall, which was built in 1902. Although Swanson Hall was condemned and demolished in 1973, the arch remained a significant campus landmark.

The University explains that the tradition “symbolizes entering the campus as new students and exiting as Bengal alumni.” This ritual reinforces the educational journey at Idaho State.

According to the ISU event page, new students participate in a “spirited ceremony” each fall, passing through the Swanson Arch onto campus. “In May and December, graduates look to the future by passing back through the arch away from campus.”

Click here to follow the original article.

News Release

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho – Funland at the Zoo will open for the 2026 season on Saturday, May 23, inviting visitors back to a refreshed, fully restored historic amusement experience at Tautphaus Park Zoo.

Located just steps from the Idaho Falls Zoo at Tautphaus Park, Funland offers a one-of-a-kind blend of vintage charm and renewed excitement, featuring classic rides including airplanes, a train ride for younger guests, a carousel, the Octopus, and the Ferris wheel.

Zoo and Parks officials note that the 2026 season marks the first full-scale operation of Funland since its restoration, with all rides open, the opening of the Log Hut café, expanded hours, and additional promotions planned throughout the summer.

“Funland has always been a special place for generations of families in Idaho Falls, and this restoration honors that history while creating something ready for the future,” said Idaho Falls Zoo Director David Pennock. “Visitors will see and feel the care that has gone into every detail, from the rides to the Log Hut to the overall experience.”

The Log Hut café, a longtime landmark within Funland, welcomes both park guests and the general public without requiring ride tickets. The café continues the park’s vintage feel while offering a new place to gather, relax, and enjoy food and snacks during a visit to Tautphaus Park.

Funland operates Monday through Saturday from noon to 8 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m., remaining open through Labor Day weekend. Ride tickets are available for purchase at the Log Hut for $1 per ticket, with rides requiring between two and four tickets depending on the attraction. Options also include a $20 bonus ticket book with 25 tickets that can be used any time, and Funland Funbands, which offer unlimited rides for one day at $20 for adults and $15 for children.

Originally developed in 1947 as an attraction connected to Tautphaus Park, Funland has evolved through decades of local stewardship and private ownership before the City of Idaho Falls acquired it in 2019.  Today, it is managed in coordination with the Idaho Falls Zoo

The reopening was supported by significant community investment, including a critical contribution of approximately $145,000 from the CHC Foundation that helped restore key infrastructure, including a complete renovation of the Log Hut and foundational work under the Ferris wheel. Additional support has come from the Funland Committee through the Tautphaus Park Zoological Society, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated solely to supporting the zoo, along with numerous donors committed to preserving this community landmark.

All rides at Funland have been professionally inspected, rebuilt, and refreshed by a licensed amusement ride company. Foundations were replaced where needed, and rides were repaired, repainted, and restored to ensure both safety and longevity while preserving their nostalgic character.

Memorial Day weekend will mark the kickoff of enhanced seasonal programming at the zoo, including keeper chats, exploration stations, and expanded animal viewing opportunities as more species become active in warmer weather.

Beginning Memorial Day through Labor Day, the zoo will also offer Tuesday evening hours until 8 p.m., allowing visitors to enjoy both the zoo and Funland into the evening.

Additional summer events at the zoo include:

Party for the Planet on Saturday, May 30, featuring reduced admission for guests who bring a canned food donation for the Community Food Basket, along with interactive activities, an adventure pass, ride ticket opportunities, and family friendly challenges and prizes.

Summer camps for youth ages 8 to 13.

A Junior Zoo Crew program for teens ages 14 to 17, providing hands-on experience in animal care, education, and conservation careers.

Looking ahead, zoo officials note that additional family focused features are planned for Funland as part of ongoing improvements to Tautphaus Park Zoo and its amenities.

For more information about Funland, including tickets, ride details, and seasonal updates, visit https://idahofallsidaho.gov/1871/Funland.

Click here to follow the original article.

News Team

ASHTON, Idaho (KIFI) — The Caribou-Targhee National Forest has reduced the closure area surrounding the tunnel fire in Bear Gulch after crews made progress containing the fire. The fire, which burned approximately 0.25 acres, is now contained with activity limited to hot spots inside the Bear Gulch railroad tunnel.

The fire behavior has been described by forest officials as smoldering and creeping. Firefighters have been unable to fully access the inside of the tunnel due to unstable structural conditions.

The updated closure area is now limited only to the tunnel itself and the area immediately surrounding it. Forest Service Trail 001 remains open to the public. The cause of the Tunnel Fire is still under investigation.

Click here to follow the original article.