Author: KIFI

Maile Sipraseuth

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) – Idaho’s water outlook is looking grim despite some short-term relief in the coming days, water managers warned during the final Idaho Water Supply Committee meeting of the season on Wednesday.

Water managers say Southeast Idaho’s water outlook this summer remains below average, especially throughout the Snake River Basin. Another major topic at the meeting was Heise’s projected runoff forecast of just 70 percent of normal, making it the eighth worst on record.

“Water conditions are quite dire for Idaho. We have seen extremely low precipitation levels in the southeast. The southwest portion of Idaho specifically and have seen low snowpack levels throughout the winter in the headwaters,” Brian Stevens, the Water Operations Manager for the Bureau of Reclamation in Southeast Idaho, said.

Water supply remains a growing concern in the area, especially after a winter with below-average snowpack, meaning there’s less melting snow available to flow into rivers and reservoirs. However, there was still some hope in previous months.

“The warm temperatures in March melted a fair amount of the low elevation snowpack, which did put some water in the reservoirs. But what it did was reduce the amount of flow that was left to come out of the mountains from early May,” Stevens said.

Stevens says even small conservation efforts can make a big difference across the entire basin.

“I think conservation is always good, even for single homes to conserve water, because the water that is taken out of the aquifer is water that could be left there. So we need to conserve as much as we can in the aquifers to help groundwater levels, which in turn helps surface water levels in the reservoirs and water users throughout the basin,” Stevens said.

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Hadley Bodell

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – The Torch Run has been making its way through Idaho, beginning in Bonner’s Ferry and stopping on Wednesday in Fort Hall and Pocatello to raise awareness for Special Olympics. In collaboration with law enforcement and local organizations, Special Olympics athletes get to run alongside local heroes, carrying the Flame of Hope.

The Torch Run began in 1981 in Wichita, Kansas, as a fundraiser for their local Special Olympics teams. That original run through town generated $300. Now, officials say the tradition has raised $1 billion for Special Olympics around the world.

“We run the torch prior to the summer games for awareness,” said Mike Fitch, Law Enforcement Torch Run Liaison for Special Olympics of Idaho. “We’re working our way through east Idaho now, and we’ll do the Treasure Valley next week. A big piece of this is for awareness about Special Olympics and the joint effort between law enforcement and Special Olympics in general.”

The group has run 1,100 miles in the northern part of the state already, and plans to do another 800 miles in the coming week before the summer games kick off. More than 100,000 officers participate annually in the tradition of the Torch Run.

All the funds from events like the Torch Run put on by Special Olympics go back to the athletes. Fitch said they help to pay for uniforms, travel equipment, health screenings, and more. The run itself is more about awareness, as local sponsors take care of funding.

Les Schwab Tires is the primary sponsor. “We also have Jackson’s Food Stores, Bank of America, and Lookout Credit Union, who have all chipped in money for sponsorship so that we were able to turn a profit this year,” Fitch said.

Earlier in the day on May 20, the group ran in Fort Hall, completing a four-mile relay. Athletes and officials both get to hold the torch. In Pocatello, PPD, Chubbuck Police, and Bannock County Sheriffs participated.

“Law enforcement are considered guardians of the flame, and it’s the flame of hope they’re carrying,” Fitch said. “It puts a spotlight on the relationship between law enforcement and Special Olympics, and of course, the torch symbolizes the Olympics in general, so we’ll run the torch all the way around the state.”

Opening ceremonies will happen at Nampa High School for the summer games, where a cauldron will be lit on May 29 at 6 pm.

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Stephanie Lucas

REXBURG, Idaho (KIFI) After 17 years, the Madison Fire Department Pipe Brigade announced 2026 will be its last year of performing.

“Following this season, the Pipe Brigade will retire, and the traditions will come to a close,” the organization said in a press release.  

“It has been our honor and privilege to serve the residents of Madison County and the surrounding communities by honoring those who have gone before us,” it continued. “We are deeply grateful for the support, encouragement, and friendship we have received from the people of Rexburg and Madison County over the years.”

The Pipe Brigade will continue to perform for the next several months at their traditional community events, including:

Memorial Day – May 25th 

9:00 AM – Plano and Sutton (Archer) Cemeteries  

9:50 AM – Burton and Sugar Cemeteries  

10:45 AM – Rexburg Cemetery (all pipers will gather and perform)  

Saint Anthony 24th of July Parade 

Final appearances in 2026 will be: 

9/11 Memorial Walk (Porter Park)  

Patriot Day Parade (Porter Park)  

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Stephanie Lucas

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – The period between Memorial Day and Labor Day is traditionally known as the “100 Deadliest Days” because Idaho’s highways see their highest number of crashes.

In an effort to remind drivers to be more vigilant, the state’s Office of Highway Safety is joining national partners to shift the narrative from the “100 Deadliest Days” to the “100 Safest Days of Summer,” and the year-to-year numbers being used look positive.

Idaho fatalities during the summer months 2021-2025:

2021 – Memorial Day to Labor Day: 100

2022 – Memorial Day to Labor Day: 81

2023 – Memorial Day to Labor Day: 93

2024 – Memorial Day to Labor Day: 82

2025 – Memorial Day to Labor Day: 87

Since 2021, Idaho has seen a reduction in crashes during the summer months. Five Idaho counties — Camas, Franklin, Gem, Teton, and Lewis — had zero traffic fatalities during 2025. 

“Everyone wants zero fatalities for their family, and that is only possible when Idahoans make safe choices behind the wheel,” said Josephine Middleton, Office of Highway Safety Manager. “We want drivers and passengers to be proactive about their safety as we head into the summer season.”

Idaho also saw strong improvements in safety for people walking, biking, and rolling. After an unusually high year in 2023, pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities fell by more than half.

Still, officials emphasize that seat belt use and speeding remain critical areas for improvement. People not buckling their seat belts made up 47% of all people killed in passenger vehicles in 2024. Aggressive driving and speeding continue to contribute to nearly half of all crashes.

“As families and teens spend more time on the road, the safest choice is still the simplest one: buckle up, slow down, and stay focused,” Middleton said. “Together, we can make this Idaho’s safest summer yet.”

For more information on Idaho crash trends and safe-driving resources, visit shift-idaho.org

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Hadley Bodell

AMERICAN FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – With the water levels on the American Falls Reservoir rapidly nearing 50 percent capacity, the Seagull Bay Yacht Club is pivoting to alternative summer activities and asking for the public’s help in donating to a summer season.

Due to the dry winter in eastern Idaho, there has been little snow runoff to add to local reservoirs. The American Falls Reservoir is currently at 61 percent capacity and is dropping four inches daily. The Palisades Reservoir is also low, sitting at about 40 percent.

“Launching and docking boats is at your own risk,” said Tiffany Dansie, Secretary of the Seagull Bay Yacht Club. “Our water year is about over as far as boat activities go out here. But that doesn’t mean you still can’t bring your paddleboard and go out, but it is a dangerous year for boating with the water levels going down so quickly.”

President of the club, Shane Howell, said all boats must be pulled when the reservoir hits 50 percent. He said he’s hoping for another couple of weeks of the season and assured dock users they would be alerted about the deadlines for pulling boats.

Seagull Bay has a clubhouse available for rent for events, barbeques, camper slots, and plenty of recreational areas for outdoor sports. Dansie said the options are endless in the beautiful area, and managers aren’t backing down in the wake of low water.

“Throughout the summer, we’re looking to put on several events for both members of the yacht club and for visitors,” Dansie said. “We have fishing all summer, paddleboarding, and are happy to set up volleyball, cornhole, pickleball, horseshoes, and croquet.”

Many visitors come to enjoy the view of the water and the legendary Seagull Bay sunsets. Howell said the summer events will hopefully supplement funds with a short boating season.

“We are looking for donations from the public to get events going, and we’d love to hear from others what events they’re wanting to have,” Dansie said.

Some current ideas are farmers’ markets near the water, a food truck rally, water slide rentals for a family fun day, and a cornhole tournament. To pitch your ideas or donate to the yacht club, you can visit their Facebook page at Seagull Bay Yacht Club or call directly at 208-226-2088. The property caretaker is also on site if you make the drive to contact them directly.

Whether it’s for enjoying the views, camping for a weekend, or enjoying the water itself for fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding, Seagull Bay is far from closing this summer despite the low water level.

“Just because we don’t have water doesn’t mean people can’t get out and enjoy the place,” Howell said.

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Seth Ratliff

BLACKFOOT, Idaho (KIFI) — In a welcoming turn of events for locals, Jensen’s Grove will have water for the first part of the summer despite lingering concerns over regional drought conditions.

The City of Blackfoot announced on Wednesday on Facebook that water is officially being redirected back into the grove. The sudden turnaround comes after the Idaho Department of Water Resources (IDWR) adjusted the regional water priority date to 1913, temporarily loosening restrictions.

“While we don’t yet know how long the water will be allowed to flow, we’re grateful for the opportunity while it’s here,” the city stated in its social media post. “Jensen’s Grove plays an important role not only as a beautiful place for recreation and gathering, but also as a key area for aquifer recharge, helping support our local water system.”

The outlook for the popular recreation spot was grim just a few weeks ago. In late April, Blackfoot Mayor Scott Stufflebeam expressed serious doubts that Mother Nature would cooperate enough to allow the city to fill the basin.

RELATED: ‘Mother Nature Said Not This Year’: Jensen Grove to remain dry despite infrastructure repairs

Today, Mayor Stufflebeam said he’s “cautiously optimistic.”

“I know it’ll get cut off. There’s no question that it will or it won’t. This year, I would be surprised [if] we would be allowed to have water after mid-June,” explained Mayor Stufflebeam. “We realize the situation, We realize we’re in severe drought, and we’re going to try to enjoy it while we can and take advantage of it.”

Those doubts followed a state-ordered cutoff of all water rights junior to 1898, aside from those who’d joined an approved mitigation agreement.

Idaho follows the prior appropriation system, which gives priority to older, or “senior,” water rights during times of shortage. When supplies are limited or in a drought year, newer, or “junior,” rights can be reduced or cut off to prioritize senior holders.

The city’s water right dates back to 1900. As a result, the city was ordered to shut its floodgates.

With the water now flowing, city officials are urging residents to make the most of the unexpected good news.

“We encourage everyone to take advantage of this time—get outside, enjoy the space, and appreciate this special resource right here in Blackfoot!”

“We’re supposed to be in the mid 80s for the first part of June. So that’s a perfect time to be out there, especially if we have water,” adds Stufflebeam.

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Maile Sipraseuth

Election Note: All results remain unofficial until they are formally certified by the State Board of Canvassers.

BINGHAM COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) — Ben Fuhriman has come out on top in the high stakes remach with Julianne Young for the Republican nomination for District 30 Seat B, according to unofficial election results.

Voters turned out Tuesday, May 19, to settle the highly anticipated Republican primary, which served as a direct repeat of the 2024 race that came down to a mere four votes. This time around, District 30 voters gave Fuhriman a much wider margin of victory, securing the nomination with 53.65% of all votes with 2/2 counties reporting, as of 11:40 p.m. Tuesday.

Contrasting Styles on the Campaign Trail

The race highlighted the candidate’s contrasting styles and priorities.

RELATED: The Rematch: Ben Fuhriman and Julianne Young battle in repeat of District 30 B race that came down to four votes

Young, a former three-term representative who originally unseated incumbent Julie VanOrden in the May 2018 primary with 54.1% of the vote, ran on her deep conservative roots. Pointing to national scorecards, she characterized herself as the more reliably conservative choice of the pair.

“I have a very strong conservative record with those scorecards, and my opponent has had to try to explain away those scorecards and discredit them,” said Young in an interview with Local News 8 heading into the election.

Throughout his freshman term, Fuhriman focused heavily on special education funding. He positioned himself as a defender of local public schools, drawing a sharp contrast with his opponent.

“95 percent of our students go to public schools. 95 percent of our kids need a good education in public schools because that’s where they go. My opponent consistently voted against funding for public education. I don’t know why,” said Fuhriman.

What Happens Now?

Fuhriman now eyes the November 2026 election to secure his second term in the state legislature. He is set to face Democrat Breane Buckingham—who ran unopposed in the Democratic primary—to decide who will ultimately represent Bingham and Butte counties in Boise.

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Seth Ratliff

Election Note: All results remain unofficial until they are formally certified by the State Board of Canvassers.

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — In one of the closest, contested races in Idaho Falls, incumbent Rep. Barbara Ehardt has narrowly secured the Republican nomination for Legislative District 33 Seat A by less than 200 votes, according to unofficial results.

With all 51 precincts fully reporting, Ehardt captured 51.59% of the vote to fend off a strong primary challenge from newcomer Connor Cook.

The Lead Up to the Primaries

As voters headed to the polls, the two candidates offered starkly different visions for Idaho’s fiscal policy.

Ehardt pitched a sweeping plan to slash property taxes by offsetting the lost revenue with an increased state sales tax. Cook took a different approach, arguing for budget stabilization with a heavy emphasis on investing in public education and boosting recruitment for state troopers.

RELATED: The Coach vs. The Firefighter: All eyes on lightning hot contest for Legislative seat in Idaho Falls

The contenders also clashed over social issues, highlighted by a sharp debate over House Bill 752—Idaho’s law criminalizing the use of public restrooms that do not match an individual’s biological sex.

Ehardt — who voted for the bill in the Idaho House — defended the legislation during the campaign, framing it as a move to protect Idaho women and children. She argued that it is the “government’s role to protect the rights of the people,” stating that Idaho must prioritize the safety of women and children over providing accommodations that she believes put them in danger.

Cook framed the bathroom bill as an overreach. He emphasized the importance of the separation of church and state, warning that Idaho is risking its own identity.

“We became the most authoritative state in the country as far as who goes to the bathroom,” Cook said in interviews with Local News 8 leading up to the election. “We are forcing minutes of silence on kids in schools. We were close to forcing religion on kids in schools, and to me, that’s a clear delineation of church and state.”

What Happens Now?

Ehardt, who has served in the Idaho House since her initial appointment by former Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter in late 2017, is now advancing to the November general election, where she will face Democrat Chance Marshall in the race to represent Idaho Falls in Boise. Marshall ran unopposed in the Democratic primary.

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Danielle Mullenix

Idaho Falls, ID (KIFI) – Southeast Idaho students took center stage at this year’s Patty Duke Awards, bringing home some of the biggest honors in Idaho high school theatre. Two of these honors include Southeast Idaho Students advancing to the Jimmy Awards Finals in New York City, considered the Tony Awards of High School Theatre.

Ben Strock of Thunder Ridge High School and Dru Bower of Highland High School are advancing as finalists to the 2026 Jimmy Awards in New York City this summer.

Over the weekend, the 5th Annual Patty Duke Awards honored the remarkable talents of students, educators, and school communities across Idaho whose artistry, collaboration, and dedication created memorable performances. Students from Thunder Ridge High School earned several top awards, including Best Production, Best Stage Management, Best Sound Design, Best Ensemble, and honors for both lead and supporting actors.

One of the night’s biggest achievements also went to Thunder Ridge junior Benjamin Strock, who was named Best Actor in Idaho. Strock will now travel to New York City in June to compete at the Jimmy Awards — often referred to as the Tony Awards for high school theatre students. For Strock, the excitement of this dream is hard to contain.

Ben celebrating his big win at the Patty Duke Awards over the weekend.

“I was flabbergasted!” Strock said with a laugh and smile. “I have been dreaming of going to the Jimmy Awards since I first watched them in 8th grade. This is also going to be my first time going to New York City, which I’m extremely grateful for.”

Strock’s first trip to New York is shaping up to be a dream come true. He will take the stage at the iconic Broadway Minskoff Theatre, performing alongside 115 of the most talented high school students from across the nation. This exciting opportunity not only offers the chance to win a whopping $25,000 grand prize, but also opens the door to invaluable connections within the theatre industry. It’s an unforgettable moment that could kickstart his journey in the world of performing arts.

The Jimmy Awards, also known as NHSMTA, has become a vibrant celebration of high school musical talent in the U.S., with 58 regional programs impacting over 180,000 students from 2,600 schools. Every year, outstanding nominees from these competitions travel to New York City for an unforgettable experience. They participate in a theatre-intensive program filled with coaching, training, and rehearsals led by Broadway professionals. This all leads up to an exciting one-night-only performance showcasing their incredible talents.

In addition to the statewide title, Strock received a $2,000 scholarship to Boise State University, which can be used toward any field of study.

Thunder Ridge drama teacher Jorden Cammack said the recognition reflects the dedication and growing talent within Southeast Idaho’s theatre community.

“It was a little mind-blowing and breathtaking, and at the same time so rewarding,” said Cammack. “There are so many talented kids here and so much of a desire for the arts…I definitely hope that we’ll be able to bring another group of kids and perform again at the Patty Dukes.”

Highland High School in Pocatello also celebrated a major win. Dru Brower earned the title of Best Actress in Idaho and will join Strock in New York City for the Jimmy Awards this summer. Brower also received a $2,000 scholarship to Boise State University.

Another standout moment came when Highland High School student Milee Dayley became the first-ever recipient of the Outstanding Dancer Award, a brand-new honor introduced this year at the Patty Duke Awards. Dayley also earned a $1,000 scholarship to Boise State University.

The Jimmy Awards livestream is scheduled for June 22, where Idaho audiences will be able to watch Strock and Brower represent the state on a national stage. For a full list of all Patty Duke Award Recipients from this weekend, click here.

Congratulations to all students and faculty recognized!

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Kaelyn Blessinger

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — The historic Experimental Breeder Reactor-II dome at Idaho National Laboratory in Arco has been transformed into the nation’s newest nuclear testing site. The facility will operate as the world’s first purpose-built test bed for fueled microreactors.

The 100-foot-tall dome underwent a massive refurbishment to prepare for its new mission. According to Brady Orchard, project director at INL’s Materials and Fuels Complex (MFC), teams managed to accelerate the timeline by an entire year to meet the surging demand for advanced nuclear energy in the United States.

“That required extensive support from over 300 individuals at MFC,” explains Orchard.

Behind thick, heavily shielded doors, the facility now serves as a secure, state-of-the-art environment where private companies from across the nation can safely test their microreactor designs.

“It provides a robust test bed for those developers to come in and test their systems, obtaining the vital experimental data they need to support licensing and the ultimate deployment of their new advanced reactor concepts,” explained Curtis Nielsen, the DOME technical program manager.

Brad Tomer, director of the National Reactor Innovation Center (NRIC), noted that the project is already drawing businesses to Idaho.

“This is extremely important to local Idahoans,” Tomer explained. “Our program goes beyond the dome. We have multiple reactor developers here as we speak, and they are all opening up offices in Idaho Falls. So they’re bringing in their employees to live and work here as they develop all these technologies that are going forward. I know of at least five offices that have opened up because of our program.”

Supporters of the project emphasize that the United States is currently in a global race to deploy microreactors to power remote military bases, disaster-resilient infrastructure, and off-grid communities.

While the technology inside represents the future of energy, the facility hasn’t completely erased its past. In a nod to its heritage, the original 1960s EBR-II control room has been preserved and remains a part of the transformed facility.

Idaho National Laboratory plans to support the first reactor demonstrations starting this summer.

Editor’s Note: This story was originally reported by a Local News 8 reporter and re-formatted for digital platforms with AI assistance. Local News 8 verifies all reporting for fairness and accuracy.”

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