Author: KIFI

Curtis Jackson

PAUL, Idaho (KIFI) – Idaho State Police are investigating a crash involving two school buses on State Highway 25 in Minidoka County. 17 students were on the buses at the time of the crash.

ISP said four of the students were taken to local hospitals. One of the students was flown to a hospital in Utah. One of the bus drivers was extricated from the bus, and the other bus driver was also taken to the hospital.

The crash happened just before 7:15 a.m. Monday near milepost 43 west of Paul.

The crash forced the highway to be closed for a few hours as police investigated and cleaned up the scene.

ISP reported that all students have been reunited with their parents.

School buses collide west of Paul in Minidoka County, Idaho on Dec. 15, 2025.

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Seth Ratliff

CHALLIS, Idaho (KIFI) — Two Challis men, both experienced hunting guides and outfitters, were sentenced to a combined six years of probation and ordered to pay $24,500 each in total fines and restitution for Lacey Act violations connected to illegal Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep hunts, U.S Attorney Bart Davis announced today.

Jerrod Randall Farr, 54, a licensed outfitter and owner of White Cloud Outfitters, and Michael Timothy Scott, 68, a licensed guide, were indicted for facilitating and guiding illegal bighorn sheep hunts in a restricted area of the Salmon-Challis National Forest. The illegal transportation of the bighorn sheep carcasses spanned across state lines from Idaho to Utah and Alaska.

Farr pleaded guilty on June 23, 2025, to one Class A misdemeanor count of violating the Lacey Act. He was sentenced on November 6, 2025, to two years of probation, during which he is prohibited from hunting, guiding, or profiting from outfitting or guiding. U.S. District Judge David C. Nye also ordered Farr to pay a $9,500 fine to the Lacey Act Reward Fund and $15,000 in restitution to the Idaho Department of Fish and Game.

Scott pleaded guilty to one Class A misdemeanor Lacey Act count and was sentenced on November 24, 2025, to four years of probation with the same prohibitions against hunting, guiding, or profiting from outfitting activities. Judge Nye ordered Scott to pay an identical fine of $9,500 to the Lacey Act Reward Fund and $15,000 in restitution to the Idaho Department of Fish and Game.

Farr, as the owner and outfitter for White Cloud Outfitters, sold and facilitated the hunts, which Scott illegally guided. In addition to the Lacey Act violations, Farr was originally indicted on two counts of providing false or fictitious information to a Forest Service officer and one count of conducting work activity without a special-use authorization. Scott was originally indicted on two counts of Lacey Act violations. The Lacey Act prohibits the illegal trafficking of wildlife.

U.S. Attorney Davis commended the work of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in the investigation.

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Seth Ratliff

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — The lives of an Idaho Falls family were upended late Sunday night when a devastating attic fire caused an estimated $175,000 in damage to their single-story home. The Fire Chaplains of Idaho were immediately called to the scene to provide emotional and practical support to the affected residents.

The Idaho Falls Fire Department was called to the blaze at 10:56 p.m. Sunday at a home off East 109th North. While crews successfully extinguished the fire around 2 a.m. Monday, the home sustained extensive damage.

The fire is believed to have begun in the chimney before spreading rapidly into the attic. Upon arrival, firefighters immediately spotted heavy smoke coming from the eaves and roofline.

Battling the fire proved a unique challenge for the firefighters due to past renovations at the home. Firefighters encountered multiple roof layers, including plaster and sheeting, as well as a concealed false roof that was only discovered after crews began cutting into the structure to access the flames.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by an IFFD fire investigator. The Fire Chaplains of Idaho continues to help with post-fire needs.

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Seth Ratliff

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Southeast Idaho’s small but rapidly growing Jewish community ushered in the Festival of Lights across the region Sunday, marking the traditional first night of Hanukkah with public celebrations.

In Idaho Falls, Chabad Lubavitch of Idaho hosted the Fourth Annual Community Chanukah Celebration at the Shilo Inn’s Snake River Convention Center. Dozens of people packed the venue to enjoy traditional foods and songs.

Rabbi Zali Lifshitz welcomed Mayor-elect Lisa Burtenshaw, who had the honor of lighting the shamash, the central “servant” or “helper” candle of the traditional menorah.

The traditional eight-day festival commemorates the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem after the Jewish people defeated the Syrian-Greek army over 2,100 years ago. Following the victory, only one jar of undefiled oil was found for the Temple’s daily menorah lighting service—enough to burn for just one day. Miraculously, the oil lasted for eight days.

A Message of Light in Darkness

Rabbi Lifshitz emphasized that Hanukkah represents bringing light into darkness, a core teaching of the late Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, known as the Rebbe.

“The message of Hanukkah really is that when it’s dark, the way we light it up is not by arguing and trying to fight back with different things, but simply by lighting a candle,” said Rabbi Lifshitz.

The theme has only become more important in recent years amid a marked increase in anti-semitic attacks worldwide. Tonight’s local festivities took place as with Jewish community mourns the lives lost in Sunday’s terrorist attack on a Jewish community in Bondi Beach, Australia.

Rabbi Lifshitz stressed to those gathered in Idaho Falls that the only way to respond to hatred is with light and pride as a Jewish community.

“The idea in Judaism is that if we do another mitzvah, we do another act of kindness, and one by one, we increase our outreach to one another and making sure that every single one of us stands tall and proud as a Jew,” he explained. “The message is not to be scared and hide back in our houses, but on the contrary, we put our menorahs out proudly. We have public displays all over the city, showing proudly that we’re a Jew, and that is the best way that we can fight anyone who tries to come against us.”

Rabbi Lifshitz welcomes the Jewish community in Idaho Falls and the surrounding area to take part in Chabad Lubavitch of Idaho’s ongoing efforts to practice their faith year-round. For more information on Chabad Lubavitch of Idaho, click HERE.

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Maile Sipraseuth

The following is a press release from the Pocatello Police Department:

On December 14, 2025, at approximately 2:00 a.m., officers with the Pocatello Police Department located an adult male lying in the roadway near the intersection of 2nd Street and Center Street in Pocatello, Idaho. The male had suffered two gunshot wounds. Officers immediately rendered medical aid until emergency medical personnel arrived. The individual was then transported by ambulance to a local hospital.

This incident remains under investigation by the Pocatello Police Department. Investigators are also aware of a separate shooting reported in the same area approximately one week prior where no one was injured and are examining whether the two incidents may be related.

The Pocatello Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance. Anyone with information, surveillance footage, or recordings related to this incident is encouraged to contact the Pocatello Police Department at 208-234-6100 or email Detective Van Dyke at evandyke@pocatello.gov.

Further information will be released as it becomes available.

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Hadley Bodell

CHUBBUCK, Idaho (KIFI) – The Hour of AI is a global program that has brought new technology lessons to over 100 million students. Last week, students in the Pocatello/Chubbuck school district enjoyed exploring the many applications of AI.

At Tyhee Elementary, Mrs. Ward’s class practiced coding with microbits. Microbits are tiny chips that can display numbers, letters and images while playing a melody the student codes on their computer. Fourth grade teacher Danyiel Ward said the AI lessons have been beneficial to her students in many ways–improving their critical thinking skills and allowing them to think outside the box.

AI also comes with known dangers, which teachers in the district are committed to teaching as well. “We’ve also talked about safety and how to be safe and the good, the bad, and the ugly of what it is,” said Ward. “But also showing them how to use it to help them.”

Over at Ellis Elementary, classes are enjoying solving AI-powered mysteries. One was the case of Santa’s missing sleigh, where third graders got the chance to interview suspects and inspect crime scenes.

“The kids have really enjoyed it and it has been great for their problem solving skills for all kids of all skill levels and academic levels,” said MaryLynn Graham, a third grade teacher at Ellis Elementary. “It’s been really a great week of different fun things that they get to do with AI and problem solving and code.”

Students in the class told Local News 8 that their Hour of AI is the best part of the day.

Ashley Schaffner, Regional Hub Coordinator for the Idaho Stem Ecosystem, has been involved in many of the Pocatello and Chubbuck Hour of AI experiences. “For students to understand how the technology works and why it does what it does makes it really important as they interact with that technology so that they can be creators of new innovations and new technologies as they grow up rather than just consumers of that,” she said.

Schaffner also explained the “light bulb” moments students have when figuring out the AI and the microbit technology, which makes the entire program feel worth it.

“It gives all of my students the opportunity to try something new that’s outside our regular curriculum,” said Ward.

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Curtis Jackson

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – Idaho Falls firefighters are battling a fire that started in the Bonneville County waste management site early Sunday morning, at 395 East 33rd North.

The fire was first reported around 2:45 a.m. in the Hatch Pit, where waste materials are often deposited. As of 9 a.m., several fire engines from IFFD remain on the scene, working to control the blaze.

Authorities have not said what has burned or how it started. Early Sunday morning, witnesses took to social media saying they could see the fire glowing in the dark sky for miles.

This is a developing story and will be updated as more details are revealed.

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Hadley Bodell

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – The Ronald McDonald House Charities collaborated with Idaho Falls Rescue Mission to host the 5th annual toy drive and light parade on December 13th.

The charity runs solely on donations, which is why events like the toy drive and light parade are so important. The toys donated will supply children in need in the hospital for the coming year.

Cars in the parade were decked out with different colors of Christmas Lights and blow-up decorations. The parade began at Teton Toyota and ended at the East Falls Family Medicine Clinic. Once the fire truck arrived, volunteers helped unload the toys into the Ronald McDonald House Family Room.

Local volunteers have been filling the fire truck with donated toys, and now those toys are ready to go to the kids in need.

People could even vote for their favorite cars in the parade. Food trucks on scene helped celebrate the successful holiday toy drive with treats. Trip after trip was made back and forth between the fire truck and the family room, organizing everything from Hot Wheels to Barbies.

The event would not be possible without the help of volunteers and the collaboration with the Idaho Falls Rescue Mission. “It gives the community an opportunity to donate, to provide toys for children that probably, whether they’re at the Ronald McDonald House or if they’re over at the Haven, they’re going through what is hopefully is one of the worst times of their lives,” said Chris Aspinall, Director of Development at the Idaho Falls Rescue Mission. “So it gives the community a chance to lift the hearts and spread the love.”

Deborah Chessey, the Community Outreach Manager for the Ronald McDonald House, wanted to remind us the family room is always open for families to get toys for their hospitalized children. “If you have a child at the hospital, whether you’re staying with us or not, you can come down to the family room and get a hot meal, take a shower, get some toys for your child, get a blanket, and just take a moment,” she said. “Sometimes when you’re in the hospital, all you really need is a warm meal and a place to rest.”

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Hadley Bodell

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – Kids and their families joined Santa and Mrs. Claus this morning at the Elks Lodge in Idaho Falls for the “Breakfast with Santa” event.

Guests enjoyed a homemade breakfast of eggs, bacon, pancakes, fruit and more. Santa and Mrs. Claus were available for photos throughout the morning. Kids could also write out their Christmas wishlist or take home coloring pages.

The Elks Lodge Activities Committee was excited to host this event again for community members.

“Years ago, I brought my oldest son here for breakfast with Santa, and it only happened a few years after that and then the Elks Lodge just decided not to do it,” said Brandy Skaar, Elks Lodge Activities Committee member. “When I became part of the activities committee, this was one of the events I wanted to bring back for our community.”

Many volunteers and members of the Elks lodge come together to make the holiday tradition happen.

“It takes a village basically to bring something like this together,” said Yvette Lundquist, another Elks Activities Committee member.

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David Pace

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – Legislators dove into a slew of hot topics at a Legislative Preview event Thursday.

Debates over the budget, state programs cuts, education, advancing nuclear power, and health care featured prominently at the program hosted by the Bonneville County Republican Party at the Snake River Events Center at the Shilo Inn.

Idaho’s Budget

Rep. Wendy Horman (R-Idaho Falls) serves as co-chairman of the powerful Joint Finance and Appropriations Committee (JFAC) that sets the state budget.

She said that reports of an Idaho state budget crisis this year are overblown.

Projected revenues are down $48 million, Horman reported, which is 0.34 percent of the state’s overall $14 billion-plus budget.

“The governor called for some holdbacks in the current budget year and also in the next budget year,” Horman said. “We will assess those when we get to session in January, see what the real numbers are –not just forecast numbers, make some decisions and set a balanced budget.”

Currently, Idaho’s corporate tax revenues are down $67 million, due to projected business savings from the One Big Beautiful Bill, she explained. However, state sales tax revenues are up $23.4 million, pointing to a robust economy.

“We have over $1.3 billion in savings. That’s much more than we had going into the recession. And we’re not going into a recession. By all accounts, today, the economy’s strong,” Horman said.

Education

On the education front, Idaho is experiencing a demographic shift.

Declining enrollment may impact public schools, with 3,000 fewer students statewide.

“The governor did not request a three percent pullback in public schools,” Horman said. “What we’re seeing is that Idaho has now joined the list of what used to be 41 states, as of 2023, who have had declining enrollment.”

Idaho Senator Dave Lent (R-Idaho Falls) chairs the Senate Education Committee and held education hearings across the state this summer to “modernize” and create an education system that directly engages with area businesses to better prepare students for life after school.

“The current public school system is failing, and we have to do something,” Lent said. “… I think we can move from a didactic, teacher-led model to a teacher-facilitated model – using a lot more technology, and then using the resources of our teacher in the relationship and the mentoring piece that really is the expertise of the personal touch.”

Healthcare / Medicaid Expansion

The lawmakers also delved into the growing Medicaid budget, attempts to repeal Medicaid expansion, peer support program cuts, the doctor shortage and mental health.

The Medicaid budget accounts for more than $5 billion of Idaho’s budget, Horman said.

Rep. Marco Erickson (R-Idaho Falls) mentioned that some legislators will continue to push repealing Medicaid expansion.

The program covers more than 90,000 people and costs $1.2 billion.

Ninty percent of that is paid by the federal government, and $110 million comes from the state.

“On the mental health side, my priority is getting some of those things restored that were just cut,” Rep. Marco Erickson said. “There’s a prevention tier, and that’s the best. It’s the cheapest. … We do the work to keep people out of all those systems.”

Finally, Lent has set a goal to add 30 more slots for Idaho students to attend medical school.

“We have the lowest percentage of doctors per capita in the United States,” Lent said. “So I’ve been co-chairing a committee this year to increase the number of opportunities for Idaho students to become Idaho doctors.”

The Legislature reconvenes on January 12, 2026.

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