Author: KIFI

Sam Ross

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI)– The Ross Park Aquatic Complex opened for its 2025 season on May 24, and the waterpark is sporting a fresh look with new Pocatello city branding.

Earlier this spring, the Ross Park Aquatic Complex had a facelift with a new paint job on the main office, kiddie pool, and railings and fresh flooring in the dressing rooms.

Stacie VanKirk, manager of the Aquatic Complex and Pocatello Community Recreation Center, said the park has had some of its busiest opening weekends in recent history, and the new look has the park ready for the increased number of swimmers.

“We’ve been super busy, which is attributed to the weather, so we’re looking forward to a really good summer,” said VanKirk. “I think the fresh coat of paint just says we’re invested in improving the looks around here.”

The Ross Park Aquatic Complex is open Monday through Thursday from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Friday through Sunday from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The Aquatic Complex is also hosting multiple special events through the summer. For more information, you can find the Ross Park Aquatic Complex on Facebook.

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News Release

The following is a news release from the Grand Teton National Park Foundation:

MOOSE, Wyo (KIFI) — Today, Grand Teton National Park Foundation and Grand Teton National Park marked a significant milestone with a groundbreaking event at the Taggart Lake area, celebrating the launch of the Reimagining Taggart Lake initiative—a transformative, multi-year effort to create a more welcoming, accessible, and sustainable trail experience for all at the park’s most popular, year-round destination.

The event brought together park leaders, partners, donors, and community members to commemorate the beginning of on-the-ground work at one of Grand Teton’s most iconic places. Remarks were delivered by Grand Teton National Park Superintendent Chip Jenkins, Foundation President Leslie Mattson, and Dovetail Trail Consulting Co-Founder Joe Stone, who highlighted the project’s innovative focus on accessibility and inclusive design.

“Today’s event is a reflection of a strong partnership and a shared commitment to future generations of park stewards,” said Superintendent Chip Jenkins. “Thanks to our dedicated partners, supporters, and park employees, we’re taking a big step toward making the Taggart Lake experience more welcoming for everyone.”

With over 300,000 annual visitors, Taggart Lake Trailhead has long served as a gateway to the park’s backcountry. But years of heavy use have left the area in need of renewal. The Reimagining Taggart Lake project will revitalize the trailhead and trail system with improved parking, an enhanced visitor plaza, and universally accessible trails.

A core component of the project is enhancing access for multigenerational families and people with disabilities. Dovetail Trail Consulting, led by Stone and Quinn Brett, has been working closely with park staff to identify and implement trail improvements using universal design principles. These modifications—such as adjusting trail surfaces and improving navigability—aim to create an inclusive experience for all visitors without compromising the natural beauty of the area.

“We are grateful to everyone who shares our belief that national parks should be welcoming and accessible to everyone,” said Mattson. “Together, we are building a future where all people can experience the joy of these inspiring places.”

Construction began last fall with the installation of a new, more accessible bridge over Taggart Creek. Additional improvements—including burying overhead power lines to restore visual integrity—are underway. Final planning and compliance for the parking lot and redesigned trailhead area is expected to conclude later this year, with continued work in both the frontcountry and backcountry throughout the coming seasons.

This project continues a proud tradition of partnership between the Foundation and Grand Teton National Park, which spans nearly three decades and has transformed key destinations like Jenny Lake and access points along the Snake River.

To date, the Foundation has raised over $7 million of the $8.5 million philanthropic goal, leveraging up to $4 million in federal support. As plans continue to develop, additional scope is being considered as part of the project, which will likely increase the fundraising goal. This legacy effort would not be possible without the generosity of supporters and the enduring spirit of collaboration between public and private partners.

For more information, click HERE.

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News Team

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) —  The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is issuing an urgent statewide warning to Idaho residents regarding a sophisticated scam circulating via text message. These fraudulent messages falsely claim individuals can pay online to obtain or expedite a REAL ID, also known as a Star Card.

ITD states that REAL IDs cannot be purchased or expedited online. They advise all Idahoans that these texts are entirely illegitimate and are not affiliated with ITD or any official DMV services.

“Scammers are targeting Idahoans with messages that look official but are completely fake,” said Lisa McClellan, DMV Administrator. “Your REAL ID can only be obtained in person through an authorized DMV office, not by clicking a link in a text message.”

To register for a REAL ID, you must apply in person at a DMV office. Most county DMV offices require appointments. For more information on your local DMV, click HERE.

“If you receive one of these messages, do not click any links, do not provide personal or payment information, report the message to your mobile carrier, and delete it,” states ITD.

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Seth Ratliff

FORT HALL, Idaho (KIFI) — The Shoshone-Bannock Casino Hotel is urging the public to be vigilant against a widespread online scam falsely advertising that the casino now offers online gambling. These deceptive ads, circulating on social media platforms, are using the casino’s name and logos without authorization to scam people.

The Fort Hall-based organization first alerted the public to these fake advertisements in early April via a Facebook post.

“Be careful! We do not offer online gambling or have an app of any kind! Online Gambling in Idaho is illegal,” the casino stated in a recent Facebook post, reiterating its warning.

The Shoshone-Bannock Casino Hotel is actively asking for the public’s help in combating this scam. They advise anyone who encounters these ads to report them immediately and strongly caution Idaho residents against providing any personal or credit card information.

The casino emphasizes that all official announcements and exciting news regarding the Shoshone-Bannock Casino Hotel will always be shared first on their verified Facebook page.

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Seth Ratliff

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — The Idaho State Police (ISP) has entered into an agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) under the 287(g) program, allowing ISP to transport hundreds of convicted criminal immigrants directly from Idaho jails to ICE detention facilities for deportation. Governor Brad Little announced the partnership on Thursday, emphasizing the program’s focus on removing “dangerous illegal alien criminals” from Idaho communities.

The agreement, known as the Jail Enforcement Model, authorizes ISP to identify and transport individuals who have been arrested on criminal charges, convicted, and completed their sentences in state or local detention facilities. This initiative aims to prevent the release of these individuals back into the community when ICE lacks the immediate resources for their transport.

“Idaho is stepping up to help the Trump administration transport dangerous illegal alien criminals to ICE facilities instead of being released back into our communities. These are people who pose the greatest danger to Idaho families,” said Little.

Little noted that on his first day in office, President Donald Trump declared a national emergency at the southern border. He added that Idaho is strengthening its partnership with the Trump administration to address “the national emergency posed by years of reckless border policies under the Biden-Harris administration.”

Under the 287(g) program, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) allows ICE to delegate specific immigration officer functions to state and local law enforcement under ICE oversight and direction. Little says Idaho will utilize this authority to transport the most violent and dangerous individuals.

Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons commended Idaho’s participation, saying, “I’m really encouraged to see Idaho making its communities safer by signing on with our 287(g) program.”

“You have to remember that we’re talking about criminals,” said Lyons. “And often, they won’t take an arrest sitting down — so when local jails are allowed to turn them over to ICE in a safe setting, we don’t need to send dozens of federal law enforcement officers into the public to make arrests. Partnerships like this one keep offenders out of communities and protect our families, friends, and neighbors.”

ISP coordinated with DHS and ICE to develop this partnership following Governor Little’s Executive Order 2025-03, the Border Security and Immigration Enforcement Act. The agreement authorizes ISP to spend up to $300,000 over the next 12 months to carry out up to 100 transports.

Each transport will involve multiple individuals, primarily to the ICE detention facility in Jefferson County. For higher-profile and more dangerous criminals, ISP is authorized to transport them to out-of-state ICE detention facilities.

Little states that the new agreement also follows the spirit of House Bill 83, the Idaho Immigration Cooperation and Enforcement Act, which he signed on March 27. HB 83 has faced significant backlash since passing the Idaho legislature. In late April, a federal judge blocked the enforcement of the bill in light of a lawsuit by the ACLU of Idaho. For more information, click HERE.

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Ariel Jensen

REXBURG, Idaho (KIFI)– A location for the new Rexburg Police Department has been decided on by the mayor and city council leaders. The potential location is just off Pioneer Road near Highway 20.

Many factors went into this decision. They wanted a spot that would be accessible for the officers and the community.

The mayor says they have outgrown the old police department, and it’s time to get a new building that will last several lifetimes.

“We just appreciate our entire police department and all they do to keep the Rexburg citizens safe and the outreach they do to build trust. I think our citizens have a high level of trust for our police department, as does all of the staff here at City Hall and the administration. We feel like this is something that is really worthwhile and worth going after,” said Mayor Merrill.

The city has enough to make a down payment for the building, but not enough to finish the project.

The city will be asking voters to support a bond for the building during an election this fall. 

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Ariel Jensen

REXBURG, Idaho (KIFI)– June 5th, 2025, marks the 49th anniversary of the Teton Dam flood. The collapse of the dam greatly impacted Madison and other nearby counties.

Locals who were around during the flood tell Local News 8 they remember that day vividly.

The failure of the dam impacted several towns, killed 11 people, drowned over 15,000 head of livestock, and damaged over 2 billion dollars of property in the area.

One local tells us she was 15 when she lived through the flooding and says it is important to remember this day. 

“First of all, to make sure it doesn’t happen again. And then the gratitude for all those people who just came by busload every day to try and help us out. It was unbelievable,” said Catherine Stanton of Rexburg.

The Teton Flood Museum in Rexburg is currently closed for renovations.

If you would like to show your support for that day, there will be a Teton Dam marathon this Saturday at Smith Park.

For more information on the marathon, visit HERE.

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Sam Ross

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — A vacant seat in the Pocatello City Council has officially been filled.

Dakota Bates was sworn in as a council member at a meeting tonight.Bates was recommended by Pocatello Mayor Brian Blad over 17 other applicants up for seat number 4.

The position was left vacant after City Councilman Josh Mansfield resigned in early May.

Bates will sit on the city council for the unexpired term through December.

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News Team

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — It looked more like a chilly Black Friday morning than a mild June evening in front of the Best Buy in Idaho Falls last night, as dozens of eager shoppers lined up for the release of the highly anticipated new Nintendo Switch console.

The console officially dropped Wednesday night, June 4, 2025, drawing crowds hours before the doors opened. Some dedicated fans reported waiting up to four hours in line to get their hands on the new system.

Best Buy staff managed the excited crowd by allowing smaller groups into the store at a time, ensuring a smooth process. Happy customers soon emerged, clutching their new consoles.

Among them was Steven from Idaho Falls, who shared his excitement: “I’m looking forward to its performance capabilities, and I’m also looking forward to playing this game, which came out, Mario Kart World. And I’m looking forward to any future titles that are released for this game system!”

The original Switch console was released in 2017. 

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CNN Newsource

By Jordan Valinsky, CNN

New York (CNN) — Michaels is jumping into the void left by the collapse of Joann, announcing Thursday that it’s buying the fabric retailer’s private label and drastically expanding its sewing selection.

In a press release, Michaels said that searches on its website for the word “fabric” have jumped nearly 80% over the past year and “sewing” has increased by about 40%, prompting the retailer to make a “significant investment” in the category in hopes of attracting Joann’s fans.

In response, Michaels is adding 600 products across several categories, including sewing and quilting supplies, fabric and yarn as well as sewing machines. So far, 680 of its 1,300 stores have received the increased selection, with plans for 280 more locations by the end of the year.

Shoppers will also begin to see products from Joann’s fan-favorite “Big Twist” yarn and fabric private label as part of the deal. The lineup is being “developed as part of Michaels portfolio of brands and will be available in-stores and online later this year,” the company said.

“This acquisition allows us to better serve both new and existing customers, respond to rising demand across categories, and build on our momentum as the destination for creating and celebrating in North America,” said Michaels CEO David Boone in a release.

Michaels also bought Joann’s intellectual property, including its name, although no specific plans were announced for that. Joann’s 800 brick-and-mortar stores have all closed over the past few months.

This isn’t the first time Michaels is taking advantage of the collapse of a rival. In April, the closure of about 700 Party City stores prompted Michaels to expand its selection of balloons and other celebration-themed supplies.

Despite the expansion into new categories, financial consulting firm Debtwire said that it added Michaels to its “Retail Distressed Watchlist” because of the toll on tariffs, since 75% of its suppliers are from China. However, Michaels is privately held and doesn’t give people a full look at its financials.

“Purchasing the Joann intellectual property and private label brands is an inexpensive way for Michaels to expand its product line, as there were probably not many other buyers interested in those assets,” Tim Hynes, head of credit research for Debtwire, told CNN.

The-CNN-Wire
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