Author: KIFI

News Release

The following is a press release from Idaho Governor Brad Little’s office:

BOISE, Idaho – Governor Brad Little signed Executive Order 2025-05 today, “The Idaho Act,” creating even more efficiencies in state government to balance the budget and make way for President Donald Trump’s tax cuts while supporting public schools.

“Idaho’s economy is the strongest in the nation, and we continue to move in the right direction. It’s in our DNA here in Idaho to balance the budget, cut taxes, and right-size government so we can continue to make public schools our top priority. My executive order today delivers on our promise to Idahoans that we will implement President Trump’s tax cuts for Idahoans and make the best use of their hard-earned money while putting public schools first,” Governor Little said.

The executive order creates lasting efficiencies in state government by ordering state executive branch agencies to take the following actions in Fiscal Year 2026, which ends June 30, 2026. K-12 public schools are excluded.

To further increase efficiencies, examine potential consolidation of services or agencies

Revert positions that have gone unfilled

Identify cost reductions in existing contracts

Streamline boards and commissions

Reduce General Fund spending by 3%

Reduce travel spending

The executive order also highlights that Idaho leaders have delivered historic tax relief to working families over the past six years – including a 23 percent decrease in income taxes and billions of dollars in rebates and property tax relief – while making unprecedented investments in school facilities, teacher pay, and literacy. Idaho public schools now receive a billion dollars more per year in funding than when Governor Little took office. State support for Idaho public schools has never been higher, with a 63 percent increase in General Fund appropriations over the past six years and remarkable gains in student reading scores over the past year.

Governor Little highlighted Idaho’s strong economy, noting the following facts:

Idaho’s economy is strong, resilient, and growing rapidly, fueled by smart fiscal management, a strong labor market, and record-setting gains in personal income, jobs, and GDP

In June, Fitch Ratings reaffirmed Idaho’s “AAA” credit rating – the highest possible – because of our strong reserves, low debt, and responsible budgeting, giving Idaho the flexibility to absorb tax cuts while still making critical investments in Idaho’s future.

Civilian labor force and overall unemployment rate remain stable year over year

Job postings and hiring remain stable, showing no signs of slowdown

Layoffs are at their lowest level in three years, a clear sign of economic health

Idaho’s population growth ranked third in the nation since 2020 and grew nearly 28% since 2010, almost three times the national rate, helping drive our economic evolution

Idaho’s personal income is projected to grow 32% over the next five years and wages are expected to grow 15% over the next five years.

View the full executive order at this link: https://gov.idaho.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/eo-2025-05.pdf

Idaho elected leaders express support for Governor Little’s executive order

Leaders in the Idaho House and Senate, along with the co-chairs of the Joint Finance and Appropriations Committee (JFAC) issued the following statements in support of Governor Little’s executive order today:

“Idaho’s leaders are laser focused on making sure taxpayers are getting the most bang for their buck. The Governor’s executive order today further reinforces our strong track record of living within the people’s means and making government as efficient as possible so we can continue to prioritize education,” Senate President Pro Tempore Kelly Anthon said.

“This isn’t the government’s money; it’s the people’s money. Unlike Left Coast states, Idaho leaders routinely give back what the people have earned, and our focus on the taxpayer is what makes our state such a desirable place to live and do business. The Governor’s actions today build on our already strong reputation for running government as efficiently as possible,” House Speaker Mike Moyle said.

“Idaho’s commonsense approach to budgeting means we aren’t growing government beyond Idahoans’ ability to pay for it. Year after year, Idaho demonstrates we can have it all – we can make investments to keep up with record growth while giving back what the people have earned,” JFAC co-chairs Senator Scott Grow and Representative Wendy Horman said.

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News Team

RIGBY, Idaho (KIFI) — Rigby, Idaho, has officially been recognized as a JustServe City, a designation that formalizes the community’s commitment to volunteerism. The global service organization, JustServe, presented a plaque to the Rigby City Council to celebrate the new partnership.

“Just Serve is the perfect partner to help the people of Rigby become active and engaged citizens,” said Councilman Mike Wilder. “I believe that as we service one another, our efforts will foster a stronger and more connected community and continue to make Rigby one of the greatest cities in the country.”

A “JustServe City” is a community that partners with JustServe to promote and streamline volunteer efforts. This partnership was solidified last month when the Rigby City Council issued a proclamation that officially recognized JustServe’s free platform as a valuable tool for residents to engage in community service.

The platform, available as a website and app, is a service provided by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to connect volunteers with local service opportunities. For more information, click HERE.

“JustServe is grateful for the city leadership’s commitment to volunteerism and supporting platforms like JustServe,” said Eric Andreasen, JustServe Coordinator for the area. “The people of Rigby have embraced JustServe as they look for ways to follow the Savior’s example to serve their neighbors.”

Rigby joins a growing number of official JustServe cities in Idaho, including Boise, Buhl, Caldwell, Inkom, Iona, Meridian, Nampa, Pocatello, and Rexburg.

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Curtis Jackson

UPDATE 2 p.m.: Fremont County Sheriff’s Office has issued an evacuation order for the those in the Sandorus Hill area due to the fire. Deputies are going door to door, but they do not wait for a deputy to arrive.

Smoke from the Sand Creek Fire in Fremont County on August 15, 2025.

Flames from the Sand Creek Fire in Fremont County on August 15, 2025. Courtesy: Travis Crystal

ORIGINAL STORY:

FREMONT COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) — Fire crews are working to put out a brush fire west of Ashton in the Arcadia area of Fremont County.

The Fremont County Sheriff’s office said North Fremont Fire, South Fremont Fire, Madison Fire and engines from the East Idaho Fire Interagency have responded to the fire.

The fire was reported around 11:00 a.m. Friday.

This is a developing story and will be updated when more information is given.

A plane dropping retardant on the Sand Creek Fire in Fremont County on August 15, 2025. Courtesy C. Bunnage

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Noah Farley

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — Pocatello’s annual Parade of Homes is happening this weekend. The event allows builders in the area to showcase homes they have built to the public. Hundreds of people come for tours of the homes on Thursday to see all the design features and different house styles.

This year, there are 10 homes on display by local builders. For more information, click HERE.

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News Release

The following is a news release from the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare:

TWIN FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Idaho’s first reported death caused by West Nile virus this year was identified in a Twin Falls County resident over the age of 65. West Nile virus is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito.

This year, West Nile virus activity in mosquitoes has been detected in seven southern Idaho counties and neighboring Malheur County, Ore. Not all counties collect and test mosquitoes.

“We strongly encourage Idahoans to fight the bite of mosquitoes to protect themselves and their families,” said Deputy State Epidemiologist Dr. Kathy Turner. “This tragic death from West Nile virus is a good reminder for all of us to take protective measures against mosquito bites. Wear long sleeves and pants outside and use insect repellent. Around your home and yard, reduce standing water where mosquitoes can lay their eggs.”

Most people who are infected with West Nile virus do not experience symptoms. About one in five people who are infected with West Nile virus experience fever and other symptoms such as headache, body aches, joint pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, swollen lymph glands or a rash. About one in 150 people who are infected experience severe illness affecting the brain and spinal cord, leading to hospitalization; about one in 10 people with severe West Nile virus die.

Older adults and people with certain medical conditions are at greater risk of severe illness. Recovery from severe illness might take several weeks or months. Some effects might be permanent. Talk to your healthcare provider if you think you might be sick from West Nile virus.

To protect against West Nile virus infection, avoid mosquitoes, particularly between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active. In addition, everyone should:

Wear loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and pants when outdoors.

Apply EPA-registered insect repellents to exposed skin. Carefully follow instructions on the product label, especially for children.

Find the repellent that is right for you by using EPA’s search tool at https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents/find-repellent-right-you or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Insect Repellent Chatbot at https://www.cdc.gov/mosquitoes/prevention/index.html

Wear clothing and gear treated with permethrin.

Cover strollers and baby carriers with mosquito netting.

Insect-proof your home by repairing or replacing damaged screens. 

Reduce standing water on property. Check and drain toys, trays or pots outdoors that can hold water.

Change bird baths, static decorative ponds, and animal water tanks weekly to prevent mosquito larvae that are in the water from becoming adults.

For more information, visit https://westnile.idaho.gov.

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News Team

EASTERN IDAHO, Idaho (KIFI) — The Wall of Warmth, a community project dedicated to providing winter clothing for Idahoans, is returning for its eighth and final year under founder Valorie Blanchard’s leadership. What started as a single wall of coats has grown to nine locations across Eastern Idaho, all united by a simple mission: to give and receive winter clothes with no strings attached.

“Starting this project was one of the most rewarding decisions of my life,” said Blanchard. “Over the years, I’ve seen some truly touching moments—people helping neighbors, strangers looking out for one another. It’s reminded me how strong and compassionate our community really is.”

After years of dedicated work, Blanchard is stepping down and is now seeking a new leader to carry on the project’s legacy.

“I know the right person is out there—someone who loves this community and wants to keep this mission going. I’ll support them every step of the way,” said Blanchard.

This year, the Wall of Warmth has set a goal of collecting more than 9,000 coats.

Community members can donate clean, gently used coats and winter gear from October 13th to November 18th. For details on drop-off locations, Wall sites, or how to get involved, click HERE.

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News Team

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Come celebrate a major milestone with a beloved Idaho Falls family-owned business! Reed’s Dairy is honoring Alan Reed on his 70th birthday by serving free ice cream and cake while supplies last. The birthday event starts tonight, Friday, August 15, at 7 PM at their Broadway location in Idaho Falls.

Reed’s Dairy has been a local staple for three generations, starting in 1955. The business began with Larry Reed at the helm of the dairy, and his two brothers, LeRoy and Dave, managing the farming side of their business. Today, Alan and his son Sam continue to run the business, carrying on the family legacy.

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Seth Ratliff

UPDATE August 15, 8 a.m.: Madison County Sheriff’s office in Montana has lifted the evacuation order, and Montana Highway 87 has reopened for travel. Some county roads in the area remain closed.

ORIGINAL STORY:

MADISON COUNTY, Montana (KIFI) — The Horn Fire, burning along Montana State Highway 87, has grown to an estimated 2,150 acres, prompting mandatory evacuation orders for several areas and a road closure. Residents east of Montana Highway 87 and south of US Highway 287 are being directed to evacuate immediately.

Meanwhile, residents across the Idaho/Montana border in Fremont County, Idaho, have reported receiving reverse 911 calls related to the fire. Fremont County Emergency Management has clarified that these calls are a “technology issue” and that there is no current threat to Idaho.

“This is a technology issue, and there is no threat to Fremont County. Please ignore these calls,” Fremont County Emergency Management Coordinator Keith Richey said in an email to Local News 8.

An evacuation warning, which advises residents to prepare for a potential evacuation, has been issued for those on the west side of Montana Highway 87 in the far southern end of Madison County and for residents on the Madison River Ranch.

Montana State Highway 87 has been closed due to the fire. Authorities are directing travelers to use alternate routes to avoid the area.

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Ariel Jensen

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — People who ordered meals at the Culver’s restaurant in Idaho Falls not only had a chance to eat, but also did a little good by doing so. The fast-food chain is donating 10% of its proceeds made on Thursday, August 14th, from 10 A.M. to 7 P.M., to the Nonprofit organization Camp Magical Moments, a Cancer Camp for Idaho Kids.

“We run a week-long camp for kids with cancer to let them have a good time and be kids again,” said Heather Olsen, Camp Director of Camp Magical Moments. “It is a camp that is run by all donations and grants. We serve our environment of kids with cancer, and so we just try to raise funds as much as we can. The camp runs off strictly on donations and community support. So come out and support your community.”

Every year, Camp Magical Moments hosts up to 20 to 30 local kids with cancer to give them a normal summer camp experience. 

This funding project will help them afford activities like rock climbing, archery, swimming, horse riding, and more.

The general manager of the Idaho Falls Culver’s, Craig Smith, says he’s proud to support his community.

“What they do, we just really support Camp Magical Moments in their efforts to make people’s lives, who you know, going through a lot, just a little better. And so it’s a great cause, and we’re super excited to donate 10% of sales to that cause today. And I’m really excited to be able to support them,” said Smith.

If you missed out on the event, there will be another chance next Thursday, August 21, at the Culver’s restaurant in Ammon.

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Noah Farley

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — Todd Brewer, the man convicted of the shootings of two Pocatello Police officers in 2022, has been sentenced to two counts of 20 years fixed, 10 years indeterminate in prison.

Todd Brewer, Mugshot

Brewer was found guilty in March of firing an AR-15 rifle at Demetrius Amos and Mackenzie Handel of the Pocatello Police Department when they were called to investigate an argument between Brewer and his girlfriend on May 5, 2022. The investigation escalated to a shootout, which injured the officers and Brewer, who were taken to Portnuef Medical Center for care.

Related: Testimony reveals what happened before 2 Pocatello police officers were shot

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