Author: KIFI

Dylan Carder

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI)- Democratic gubernatorial candidate Terri Pickens is campaigning across East Idaho, holding an event in downtown Pocatello Friday night and another scheduled in Idaho Falls on Saturday. Pickens is seeking to unseat incumbent Gov. Brad Little, who is running for a third term, with Election Day set for November 3.

Pickens, a Pocatello native and attorney based in Boise, is making her second bid for state office after running for lieutenant governor in 2022. Her campaign efforts are intensifying as the election cycle approaches, with 116 days remaining until voters cast their ballots.

Pickens graduated from Highland High School and earned a postgraduate law degree from the University of Idaho. She currently works as an attorney in Boise. Pickens stated that her personal connection to communities across Idaho gives her an advantage if she is elected.

“What I’m trying to convince people to do is vote for the person, not the party,” Pickens said. “And when I go into these communities, I speak their language because I’ve lived it. They were my communities, too. And trust is a really big factor going into this election cycle. We have a governor that lacks transparency, spends a great deal of his time in Washington, D.C., doesn’t follow the will of the people, follows the will D.C. and people just don’t trust him anymore. And he’s not going into those communities. And I am.”

Pickens identified affordability as Idaho’s most significant need, stating that the current economy is not benefiting everyday Idahoans. She critiqued tax breaks given to the wealthy, arguing that the benefits do not extend to those needing affordable housing, less expensive groceries, and fuel for transportation.

“The economy is not working for everyday Idahoans,” Pickens said. “They’re not feeling the benefits of any tax break that was given to the, the top few. And so I’d like to restore the funding that was given away in those tax breaks and put them back into the the services that were providing Idahoans with the services and meet their needs.”

Following her event Friday night in downtown Pocatello, Pickens is scheduled to appear in Idaho Falls Saturday, July 11, at noon for an event at Freeman Park.

Gov. Brad Little is seeking a third term as the state’s chief executive. According to his campaign website, his top accomplishments include making Idaho one of the least regulated states in the country and establishing the Idaho Launch program for students, which has gained praise from President Donald Trump.

Along with Governor Little and Pickens, other candidates vying for the governor’s seat include Pro-Life of the Constitution Party, Libertarian Paul Sand, Unaffiliated John Stegner, and Independent Jacob Burnett.

Idahoans will cast their votes for governor on Election Day, November 3.

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Megan Lavin

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Shelby Murdock of Blackfoot has been named the 2026 National Young Adult Fiddle Player of the Year.

The competition, now in its 73rd year, was held in Weiser and featured competitors from across the country and as far away as Japan.

Murdock said competitors ranged in age from 4 to 95. Despite the wide range of talent, she earned the top honor and took home the championship belt buckle.

Although she didn’t begin playing the fiddle until age 13, Murdock quickly fell in love with the instrument. She later majored in music at Idaho State University and continues to perform with Snake River Strings Music School, Sounds of Summit and several other musical groups.

Murdock also stopped by Local News 8 Live in the Morning for a special performance. You can watch the video at the top of this article.

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Hadley Bodell

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – Daytime temperatures in the next several weeks are expected to consistently reach the triple-digits, and the City of Pocatello is stepping up to keep residents cool. The City Hall Lobby, the Marshall Public Library, and the Pocatello Animal Shelter are designated community “Cooling Shelters.”

The three shelters opened Friday, July 10. The City Hall location is offering free bottled water and electrical outlets for charging devices. Marlise Irby, Public Information Officer with the City of Pocatello said when the Council Chambers aren’t being used for meetings, that space will also be available.

For those who don’t want to leave their furry friends behind, the Pocatello Animal Shelter allows pets inside the cooling shelter.

“This is a really critical time for your pets. We want to make sure that you have appropriate water and shade and ventilation for animals,” said Liam Hughes, Manager of Pocatello Animal Services. “We just ask that anybody that brings their pets up here that dogs are on leashes and cats are in carriers or crates, we don’t want any misunderstandings between animals.”

The animal shelter will have water available for the pets brought in for reprieve from the heat.

At the Marshall Public Library, people coming in to cool off can also enjoy a book or the public use computers.

“You can get on the computers, we have books and magazines and puzzles downstairs,” said Trina Bonman, Assistant Director of the Marshall Public Library. “We also have toys for the kids to sit and play, so the library is a fun place to be no matter what, but especially when it’s super hot outside, you know you can come and spend some time.”

Bonman added they welcome anyone for any amount of time during their open hours.

Mayor Mark Dahlquist stated in a press release that he hopes everyone takes advantage of the cooling shelters, saying “We want to make sure everyone has a safe, comfortable place to cool off…help spread the word so those who could benefit know these locations are available.”

The City is also encouraging residents to check on their neighbors, friends and family during the heat wave, especially those with no air conditioning.

Locations and Hours

City Hall Lobby911 N. 7th Avenue• Monday–Friday: 7:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.• Saturday & Sunday: 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Marshall Public Library113 S. Garfield AvenueRegular hours of operation:• Monday–Thursday: 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.• Friday & Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.• Closed Sundays

Pocatello Animal Services3100 Avenue of the ChiefsRegular hours of operation:• Monday–Friday: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.• Saturday: 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.• Closed Sundays

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Par Kermani

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — Powerball players in the United Kingdom will soon be buying tickets for the same jackpot available in the United States, but Idaho Lottery officials say the change won’t affect ticket prices or odds for players in Idaho.

Beginning July 21, Powerball sales will launch through The UK National Lottery. UK players will be eligible to play for the same Powerball jackpot starting with the July 22 drawing.

The addition brings the total number of participating lotteries contributing to the Powerball jackpot to 49.

According to the Idaho Lottery, only a portion of each UK ticket sale will be added to the Powerball jackpot.

Non-jackpot prizes won in the United Kingdom will be paid by The UK National Lottery and will not use USD funds according to an official statement from the Idaho Lottery

For Idaho players, the game remains unchanged. Powerball tickets with Power Play will continue to cost $3, and the odds of winning will stay the same.

Lottery officials say the biggest difference could be larger jackpots that grow more quickly as more players contribute to the prize pool.

Powerball remains the Idaho Lottery’s most popular game. The Idaho Lottery says about 38% of Powerball sales contribute directly to its annual dividend for Idaho public schools and state-owned buildings.

Since 1992, Powerball sales have generated more than $393 million of the Idaho Lottery’s $1.348 billion contribution to schools and public buildings across the state.

Powerball drawings are held every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at 8:59 p.m. Mountain Time from the game’s draw studio in Florida.

As of Friday, the estimated jackpot for Saturday night’s drawing stands at $457 million.

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Seth Ratliff

JACKSON, Wyo (KIFI) — A condo complex in Teton County, Wyoming, is still standing today after a structure fire broke out in a wall early Friday morning, July 10th. Fortunately, Jackson Hole Fire/EMS says a passerby spotted smoke coming from the building’s roof and quickly alerted first responders.

The Teton County Sheriff’s Office received the initial report of smoke along the building’s roofline at 7:52 a.m. Jackson Hole Fire/EMS crews arrived on the scene nine minutes later at 8:01 a.m and spotted the smoke, but could not find the source.

As more first responders arrived on the scene, the crews began investigating the source of the smoke and quickly found fire in a wall and the roof.

Firefighters immediately attacked the blaze while additional first responders evacuated the building. To assist the ground crews, sheriff’s deputies brought in a thermal imaging drone, helping firefighters pinpoint hidden hot spots within the structure.

Within the hour, firefighters successfully halted the fire’s progression and extinguished the blaze without any injuries.

“The fact that a bystander observed the smoke and called 911 immediately allowed firefighters to arrive quickly and keep the fire from spreading to other units in the building,” said Incident Commander, Battalion Chief Matt Redwine.

The cause of the fire remains unknown and is currently under investigation by JHF/EMS Fire Marshal and Deputy Fire Chief Raymond Lane.

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News Release

The following is a news release from the National Park Service:

MAMMOTH HOT SPRINGS, Wyo. – Effective Thursday, July 9, 2026, select Yellowstone National Park rivers and streams will close to fishing daily from 2 p.m. to sunrise the following day due to warm water temperatures and low river flows.

Water temperatures in select rivers and streams have exceeded 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) in recent days, and flows are low. Additionally, air temperatures with highs near 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius) are forecast in the coming days. These conditions are lethal to trout, and the closure will protect the park’s native and wild trout fisheries and will remain in effect until conditions improve.

Staff will continue to monitor the water temperatures. The closure may be lifted, or additional restrictions and closures may be put in place depending on condition assessments.

Which rivers and streams will be closed daily from 2 p.m. to sunrise the following day?  

Water temperatures on the following rivers and creeks cool off at night, allowing for fishing for part of the day:

The Madison River and all associated tributaries.

The Firehole River and all associated tributaries.

The Gibbon River and all associated tributaries downstream of Norris Campground.

What will be open?

Yellowstone Lake and other lakes will remain open to fishing from sunrise to sunset as specified in the 2026 Fishing Regulations booklet.

All other rivers and streams not listed as closed.  

Anglers: Please fish during the coolest times of day and land fish quickly. Do not play hooked trout to exhaustion. Gently handle fish in the water as much as possible and let them recover before release. Your cooperation will protect the park’s fisheries.  

Extended fishing season

This year, Yellowstone extended the fishing season on these three rivers by opening them to fishing weeks earlier. The earlier opening date allowed for a longer fishing season during a period of more optimal angling and water conditions.

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KIVI Staff

By: KIVI Staff

Posted 8:24 PM, Jul 09, 2026

and last updated 3:16 AM, Jul 10, 2026

BOISE, Idaho — Boise police have arrested a man in connection with the killing of 25-year-old Jordan Harbst, whose death along the Greenbelt sparked a homicide investigation earlier this week.

Ross Allen Wardlaw, 41, of Boise, was arrested on Thursday and charged with first-degree murder, according to the Boise Police Department.

Police said evidence indicates Wardlaw attacked Harbst shortly after midnight Monday while Harbst was traveling along the Boise River Greenbelt near 11th Street. Investigators said Wardlaw stabbed Harbst multiple times, leading to his death.

Detectives identified Wardlaw as the suspect following their investigation, and police said he was taken into custody around 3:30 p.m. He was later booked into the Ada County Jail.

Police said Wardlaw and Harbst were not known to each other and there was no known altercation before the stabbing.

“Our hearts are with the family and friends of Jordan Harbst,” Boise Police Chief Chris Dennison said in a news release. “Boise Police detectives, officers, and professional staff have been working around the clock to find answers and locate the person responsible for Jordan’s tragic death.”

Idaho News 6 previously interviewed Wardlaw

Idaho News 6 previously interviewed Wardlaw less than two weeks before his arrest as part of a story about cooling resources available to Boise’s unhoused population.

Wardlaw spoke with Idaho News 6 downtown neighborhood reporter Sahana Patel about Corpus Commons, a resource center that provides services to people experiencing homelessness near the Greenbelt. During that interview, Wardlaw said the organization had helped him through some of his hardest days.

“Everybody kind of like takes care of each other and stuff like that,” Wardlaw said at the time. “Sometimes I volunteer here and do the cleaning and stuff like that, just to try to pay it back — but I can never really pay it back, you know what I mean.”

READ MORE | Boise cooling spaces expand to protect unhoused residents from summer heat dangers

Boise police confirmed to Idaho News 6 that the man arrested in connection with Harbst’s death is the same individual who was interviewed for the previous story.

About the victim

Harbst was 25 years old. His family and friends described him as someone who brought light to those around him.

A verified GoFundMe has been created to support Harbst’s family with funeral expenses and other costs following his death.

What’s next

Wardlaw is scheduled to appear in Ada County Court for an arraignment Friday.

The investigation remains ongoing. Detectives are asking anyone who may have had contact with Wardlaw in the days before or after the killing to contact Ada County Dispatch at 208-377-6790.

Idaho News 6 will continue following this case and provide updates as more information becomes available.

This story has been, in part, converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

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Seth Ratliff

PROVO, Utah (KIF) — The man accused of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk is scheduled to return to a Utah courtroom today for the fifth and final day of his preliminary hearing.

Friday’s hearing has now ended. You can watch the recorded proceedings in the video player above.

Tyler Robinson, 23, faces multiple severe charges, including aggravated murder, in connection with the Sept. 10, 2025, shooting on the Utah Valley University campus. Prosecutors have already signaled their intent to seek the death penalty if the case goes to trial.

On Thursday, Utah prosecutors played portions of a videotaped interview with Robinson’s former roommate, Lance Twiggs. According to the footage shown in court, Twiggs told investigators that Robinson expressed immediate regret the day after the fatal shooting, reports CNN.

“He started crying a little bit and said he wishes he hadn’t done it, and then kept going around and just doing stuff, I think to keep himself busy or distracted or something,” Twiggs said in the video.

In addition to the interview, prosecutors presented what they characterized as a late-night text conversation between Robinson and Twiggs sent on the night of the killing, according to CNN. The state alleges these messages amount to a confession by the defendant.

The court was also shown photographs of the suspected murder weapon, alongside images of bullets and cartridges that had been engraved with various messages.

Robinson surrendered to police the day after the shooting and has not yet entered a formal plea.

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Danielle Mullenix

ST. ANTHONY, Idaho (KIFI) – As hot, dry weather continues to increase the wildfire threat across eastern Idaho, Fremont County has enacted countywide fire restrictions and moved to the “Ready” stage of its wildfire evacuation system.

County officials say the “Ready” level is not an evacuation order, but it indicates a significant wildfire threat and that residents should begin preparing in case an evacuation becomes necessary.

Restriction Boundaries and Specifications

Beginning Friday, July 10, fire restrictions apply to private lands outside the city limits of Ashton, Newdale, Parker, St. Anthony, and Teton.

Under the restrictions:

Open burning, including burning weeds, slash piles, and ditches, is prohibited.

Fireworks are prohibited.

Hot work, such as welding, grinding, and cutting, must be performed in an area with at least a 10-foot clearance from combustible materials. A shovel and water source must also be available.

Campfires are allowed only in approved fire pits. Fire pits should be approximately 16 inches deep, surrounded by rocks, stones, or bricks extending at least 6 inches above ground level, and have a 10-foot-diameter cleared area around them. Campfires must also have a shovel and a nearby water source.

Planning for Wildfires

Emergency managers are urging residents to use this time to prepare for the possibility of wildfire activity by:

Signing up for emergency wildfire alerts.

Downloading the Watch Duty app to monitor fire activity.

Following local news and official emergency management updates.

Building a “go kit” with essential supplies.

Creating a family evacuation and communication plan.

Preparing pets, livestock, and family members with special needs.

Keeping vehicles fueled with at least a half tank of gas.

Officials stress that taking these steps now can save valuable time if wildfire conditions change. According to Wildland Fire Service Public Information Officer Matthew Rose, the dangers of wildfires this time of year can grow within moments.

“Fire danger is high right now – everyone knows how windy Idaho can be,” Officer Rose said. “We’re always trying to encourage people to be safe, prepared when they’re out recreating, always have some water and a shovel, and be prepared to help put out anything. Whether you’re just doing some camping or shooting, whatever you do on public lands, we hope you enjoy, but just try and be safe.”

Fremont County Emergency Management says residents should stay informed throughout the fire season and follow all fire restrictions to help prevent human-caused wildfires.

Stay up-to-date with the latest wildfire conditions by visiting the WatchDuty App here.

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David Pace

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – Heated community debate over Flock cameras continued during an Idaho Falls City Council meeting Thursday.

Flock Safety cameras are AI-powered license plate readers that gather data such as the “color, make, mode, and license plates” of vehicles as they drive by, the company’s website states.

Multiple residents shared their concerns about the cameras during public comment.

“Our Fourth Amendment rights, privacy and freedom from unreasonable and unwarranted searches isn’t just some quaint, outdated idea that can be superseded by the acquisition of a little bit more safety,” said Brad Strand, a lifelong Idaho Falls native. “It must not be violated.”

Brian McKellar, an Ammon resident and former Legislative candidate, delivered the city a legal ultimatum to address the Flock cameras in the next 20 days.

“There’s 300,000 license plates they scan. We have a pretty good tort claim set up, which is $1,000 per picture taken,” McKellar said. “We really need to take this seriously. We need you to cover up these cameras before July 29th.”

However, Bonneville County Sheriff Spokesman Bryan Lovell said the cameras are an important tool for combating crime in the community.

In an interview last month with Local News 8’s Maile Sipraseuth, he said, “I know it has, since they’ve been in Idaho, been a factor in a lot of those cases where it’s narrowed down a search,” Lovell said. “It’s eliminated people as possible involvement or suspect activity. It’s narrowed down suspects and information and helps us kind of narrow down a search for someone that might be involved in a crime – all kinds of crimes. … It essentially makes a big list of that data that’s accessible by law enforcement.”

City of Idaho Falls Attorney Zachary Jones announced at the meeting that the city is currently working to change its contract with Flock Safety.

“We’re in the process of amending the contract that we have with Flock Safety to get rid of the clause that allows Flock Safety currently to use data that’s gathered from our Flock Safety cameras to be used to train its Flock Safety AI software,” he stated.

We’ll continue to follow the conflict over Flock cameras in our communities – reaching out to both law enforcement, opponents and city leaders in the weeks to come.

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