Author: KIFI

Curtis Jackson

SWAN VALLEY, Idaho (KIFI)— A black bear was euthanized after breaking into a Swan Valley home and helping itself to a late-night snack.

Last Sunday, July 12, Idaho Fish and Game said a black bear tore through a window screen and entered the home while the homeowners were sleeping. The bear ransacked the kitchen and ate a pumpkin pie from the table. The homeowners discovered the damage the following morning.

The bear returned the next night and got into unsecured garbage.

Fish and Game personnel set up a trap and captured the bear. The release said the bear was humanely dispatched in accordance with agency policy for bears that post a clear risk to human safety.

“Our number one priority is always human safety, and we are extremely grateful that the individuals inside the home are ok,” Wildlife Manager Eric Freeman said. “In a situation where a bear has entered a residence, relocation is not an option.”

The agency is reminding people to secure trash, pet food, and other attractants to help prevent these types of dangerous encounters.

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Seth Ratliff

RIGBY, Idaho (KIFI) — The National Transportation Safety Board has released its official report on a September 2025 plane crash near the Rigby-Jefferson County Airport, shedding light on the performance issues that led to the accident.

RELATED: Small plane crashes into building near Rigby

According to the report, a Cessna 150F was destroyed after striking a power line and crashing into a building. Fortunately, both occupants, a student and an instructor pilot, escaped without serious injury.

The crash happend on September 17, 2025, during an introductory instructional flight. The aircraft was crewed by a 21-year-old student pilot from Tetonia and a 38-year-old from Victor who was acting as the instructor pilot (IP).

Their day began with a successful 48-minute training flight. After returning to Rigby for a brief stop, the student and instructor prepared for a final departure around 11:30 a.m.

The NTSB notes that while the initial takeoff went completely normal, the aircraft encountered severe performance issues almost immediately afterwards and struggled to gain altitude.

Realizing the aircraft could not maintain a safe climb, the instructor pilot took full control. Because the plane lacked the altitude to turn back and was too far down the runway to safely abort the takeoff, the IP was forced to fly forward. Pitching the plane up to climb and banking to avoid oncoming obstacles, the aircraft continued to lose energy.

As the Cessna flew toward a low-hanging power line, the IP pulled the nose up in a final attempt to clear the wire. According to the NTSB, the aircraft’s left main landing gear clipped the line, snagging the wire and instantly sending the plane into a 90-degree nose-dive and spin roughly 80 feet above the ground.

While plunging toward the ground, the report says the instructor aggressively applied rudder pressure to counteract the spin. The force caused the landing gear to tear completely free from the fuselage, states the report.

As the instructor continued to slow their descent, the left wing of the plane struck the old Intermountain Auto Wrecking building, rolling the aircraft to the right before the right wing, engine, and forward fuselage slammed into the ground.

Immediately following the impact, the crew began an emergency engine-securing checklist to prevent a post-crash fire.

Initial police reports indicate witnesses helped both men out of the wreckage, and they were treated for only minor injuries. However, the crash caused a widespread power outage, leaving over 2,700 Rocky Mountain Power customers without electricity for several hours.

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Seth Ratliff

SHELLEY, Idaho (KIFI) — A 20-year-old Bingham County man, Jacob Harlow, is facing felony charges for the reported rape of a 17-year-old.

According to court documents, officers with the Shelley Police Department responded to the reported assault just before 3 a.m. on July 12, only hours after the incident allegedly took place.

The victim told police the assault took place at a home on Birch Street in Shelley. She told investigators she had been spending time with Harlow when he began kissing and touching her. Court documents state the victim made it clear she was comfortable with kissing, but was not interested in going any further.

She told investigators they moved into a bedroom where Harlow became “pushy” and “physical,” eventually forcing intercourse despite her explicitly stating she was “not interested in sex.”

Another woman living in the home told police her boyfriend woke her up to tell her something had happened. According to the documents, the couple went into Harlow’s room to speak with him, where the woman reported seeing evidence of the assault in the trash.

Harlow was then arrested and booked into the Bingham County Jail. He has been placed under a $100,000 bond, and his preliminary hearing is set for July 23. If convicted, he could face a punishment of up to 1 year to life and/or a $50,000 fine.

Context and Resources

Sexual violence remains a critical issue in the state. According to data compiled by the Fitch Law Firm, Idaho ranks 13th in the nation for sexual offenses, with young women between the ages of 11 and 20 identified as the most affected demographic across the nation. The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare reports that 2 in 5 Idaho women and 1 in 5 Idaho Men have experienced sexual violence.

For resources to combat sexual assault, visit the Idaho Falls Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Center. Additional resources are available from the area law enforcement.

If you or a loved one has been the victim of sexual assault or violence, immediately contact local law enforcement or call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-4673.

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News Team

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — What started as a local rumor has now been officially confirmed: a new HomeGoods store is coming to Idaho Falls, taking over the vacant building where Joann Fabric and Crafts once stood.

Online speculation began circulating after a piece of plywood with the word “HOMEGOODS” spray-painted across it appeared outside the empty storefront. While the DIY sign raised eyebrows, Local News 8 confirmed with the Idaho Falls Planning and Zoning Department, which verified that HomeGoods has officially pulled and been issued a building permit for the site.

The new store will open at 2408 South 25th East, tucked between Ross and PetSmart near the Grand Teton Mall.

Because the interior was left completely bare after Joann’s closed its doors, the company will need to rebuild the store’s interior before welcoming shoppers. While the permit confirms the location is a go, HomeGoods’ corporate office has not yet released an official timeline or an expected opening date.

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Danielle Mullenix

Make sure to pack an umbrella today, as we are expecting rain, lightning showers, thunderstorms, and the possibility of hail across the region this Friday. Monsoon moisture will linger through next week, resulting in daily chances for showers and thunderstorms. Today is the most weather-impactful day of the weekend ahead, with thunderstorms likely to be more widespread across eastern Idaho and western Wyoming.

Thursday overnight hours brought chances of showers and thunderstorms in from the South, with partly cloudy skies and overnight temperatures falling to around 60 degrees across the Snake River Plain. While not everyone will see rain, a few storms could linger into early Friday morning.

A Red Flag Warning is in effect this Friday as storm chances with heavy lightning become more prominent across Eastern Idaho and Western Wyoming. A mix of clouds and moisture will create a more humid atmosphere around the Snake River Plain in the early morning hours. Critical fire conditions are on the rise for the afternoon forecast over the higher elevation areas near Island Park and Salmon. Thunderstorms will begin rotating around the Snake River Plain around 2 pm, then push northward into the evening hours. High temperatures are still relatively high today, with many places at 90 in the late afternoon. Wind gusts will also climb up to

Saturday will still have a threat of heavy local rainfall in the forecast, as monsoonal moisture continues to move into the region from the South. Expect drier conditions to return on Sunday, but we will still have a slight chance of scattered rain and thunderstorms pushing through the more elevated regions. High temperatures are warming slightly over the weekend, with most of Eastern Idaho and Western Wyoming in the lower to mid-90s. Fire restrictions will also be strictly enforced, with weather conditions increasing the risk of wildfires. Plan accordingly. While not everyone will see rainfall… localized downpours, lightning, and gusty winds will remain a possibility through the weekend.

RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM NOON TO 9 PM MDT FRIDAY FOR SCATTERED THUNDERSTORMS:

The National Weather Service in Pocatello has issued a Red Flag Warning for scattered thunderstorms, which is in effect from noon to 9 PM MDT Friday.

IMPACTS…Scattered thunderstorms can produce frequent lightningThat may, in turn, produce wildfires that start in receptive fuels.

THUNDERSTORMS…In the Sawtooth NF, which is north of the SnakeRiver, the thunderstorms will be a mixture of wet and drythunderstorms, while south of the Snake River in Zone 427 thethunderstorms should be nearly all dry, less than 0.10 of aninch rainfall accumulation.

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Hadley Bodell

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – The Pocatello City Council voted tonight on the Lex Developments appeal for the proposed AI data center and decided in a 4-1 decision to affirm the Hearing Examiner’s decision from May to deny the applicant a conditional use permit.

Background

After Lex Developments was denied a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) in May of this year, the company filed for appeal. Through the city process, the developer drafted an appeal document, set to be reviewed by the mayor and city council on July 16. As part of a regular city council meeting, the appellate hearing for Lex Developments was last on the agenda.

The council is considering the appeal, represented by Parsons, Behle and Latimer attorneys out of Idaho Falls. Based on the appeal document, there are three main reasons the company believes they deserve a CUP and ask the Hearing Examiner’s decision to be reversed.

Firstly, the applicant is arguing the City didn’t follow proper procedures for the use of the land at 1800 River Park Way, the site of the former Hoku plant. Under city code, they believe the proposed AI data center falls under “Unlisted Use; Authorization of Similar Use,” rather than the requirement of a CUP due to the similarities in facilities.

The developer has also previously stated the data center would use less power, water and resources than the former Hoku plant, making it inconsistent by city code to require a permit for the land. They state the Hoku plant has previously been approved for “heavy industrial use at a scale and intensity that encompasses the proposed data center.”

Secondly, the appeal argues the Hearing Examiner’s decision was not made in fair conscience. The language used in the document includes that the denial was “artbitrary and capricious” and “not in line with the City’s planning staff review.” This section of the appeal document concludes the developer is not satisfied with the Hearing Examiner’s statements of denial, saying they were “nothing more than conclusory statements.”

Thirdly, Lex Developments goes on to claim the denial was “fundamentally unjust,” stating the Conditional Use Permit process is not intended to include the details the City is requiring. Statistics like full costs of engineering and design, total environmental analysis, and construction studies were required of the developer to gain the CUP, before they were given preliminary land use authorization.

In conclusion, they argue its unjust to allow other companies (like Hoku) to develop similarly impactful facilities on land in Pocatello without providing such detailed statistics prior to any authorization. According to Lex Developments, much of that information is impossible to gain before any preliminary authorization by the City for condtional land use.

Appellate Hearing

Following other scheduled agenda items, Mayor Dahlquist explained the appeal process and conditional use permit process. The council could either affirm, modify, or reverse the Hearing Examiner’s decision from May 19, 2026 where she denied the applicant a conditional use permit. They also could not consider any new evidence at the time of the appellate hearing, sticking only to the information in the appeal and original public hearing on May 14.

Each council member also had to reveal their “ex parte” communication before consideration of the appeal. This includes any conversations or information exchange outside of the appeal process, which council members were to refrain from during the last two months.

“This disclosure ensures that all parties are aware of any communication, and allows the council to determine whether any additional action is necessary to ensure a fair and impartial review,” Mayor Dahlquist explained.

Many of the council members expressed they had received phone calls or emails regarding the AI data center they had been exposed to during the appeal process time period, however none expressed these opinions would cause bias in their vote.

Jennifer Flynn, Assistant Planner for the City of Pocatello Planning Department, spoke to the council to give an overview of the events that led to the appellate hearing, including details about the Hearing Examiner’s decision.

Following Flynn’s explanations, council members began a 2-hour deliberation period. This involved questioning Flynn as well as Pocatello Development Authority representative Brent McLean. Many concerns were addressed including water and power usage.

Concerned citizens were not allowed to voice their opinion at this meeting, however the “boo’s” and cheers had to be quieted by Mayor Dahlquist throughout the meeting as attendees waved their posterboard signs.

Pocatello citizens with their signs at the July 16 appellate hearing

McLean as well as council members Paulson and Mangum shared concerns over the lack of information available from Lex Developments, citing there was little data about the environmental impacts. Gus Shutlz, the representative present for Lex Developments, was specifically asked about the water usage for the center’s closed loop cooling system.

“It’s 250,000 to 300,000 gallons to fill the closed loop system,” Shultz clarified. He later clarified again this would be a one-time usage.

Public Works Director Tom Kirkman added that some of the larger and commercial users in Pocatello range anywhere from 150,000 to 300,000 gallons per day. “These numbers are pretty common,” Kirkman said. “The bigger users are doing that daily.”

Council members continued to express their decision would be made solely on the facts of the appeal and the record of the public hearing.

“It is unfortunate to me that there’s so much public discussion and the public pressure that has been placed on the mayor and the council that has been driven by policy preferences that are not permissible reasons,” said council member Bates. “This appeal process or concern potential effects are not always supported by the facts in the record.”

Standing room only after seats filled at the July 16 appellate hearing

Bates went on to say that as a taxpayer he was disappointed by the “clumsy” and “casual” manner with which Shultz approached the request for the Conditional Use Permit. He also said there were obvious deficiences with the findings presented by the Hearing Examiner. Bates ended up being the only council member to vote “no” on the motion to affirm the Hearing Examiner’s decision.

Mayor Dahlquist also took a turn asking Shultz questions and commented on the speculative nature of the proposal, leading to his personal concerns.

“I think the speculative nature here is what I’m having a problem with, your exact numbers and calculations and it just feels very speculative,” Mayor Dahlquist said. “We don’t have an exact company that is committed [to build the data cetner] so I’m having a problem with that.”

The Mayor also commented that he could “feel the fuzziness” of the proposal during the hearing and cited missing conditional agreements, letters of intent, or any other documents from building companies that Lex should be able to show.

Mayor Dahlquist directing questions at Lex Developments representative Gus Shultz, July 16 appellate hearing

City Attorney Jared Johnson argued the city council shoudn’t expect the company to get into exact details about the development as the Conditional Use Permit is the first stage of the project.

Bates agreed, stating, “In my estimation, the Hearing Examiner just frankly ignored the fact that the applicant gave a site specific usage estimate. So I don’t know how you can ask for more when he gives an estimate.”

Bates called for the council to look at the decision as a matter of land use, not a building code where they would ask for final design and engineering. “This is simply asking if this use fits within our code,” he said. “Which, most of the city staff has essentially said yes, it fits. There’s just some extra questions with the CUP we have to answer.”

When the company filed the appeal in June, it was notable that a representing attorney had drafted the appeal document, not the applicant. When Local News 8 asked the city if they were concerned about a potential lawsuit because the use of legal council was already obvious, they made no comment. At the appellate hearing, Bates expressed his concerns over this situation becoming a larger legal issue, should the decision be affirmed.

“I’m very concerned about affirming the decision, which leads us down the path to Mr. Shultz, exhausting appeals, taking the city to court, and dragging this out further and costing taxpayers money,” Bates said.

Councilwoman Satterfield had refrained from comment throughout the deliberation, but stated that Bates’ comment about this escalating into a legal case gave her pause when affirming the decision.

The first motion after the hours of deliberation came from Council member Mangum, who moved to affirm the decision with stipulations.

“I move to affirm the Hearing Examiner’s decision, with the stipulations of receiving environmental studies concerning water use, air quality and consumption, noise and other liquid water impact studies,” Mangum said. “And I would give it that 12 month time period.”

The city attorney objected, offering the suggestion that adding conditions to an affirming decision would be adding conditions to the denial, which is not contemplated in city code. He advised flat out affirming or moving to modify.

Mangum moved to modify the decision, but after several people in attendance yelled “no,” he retracted the motion.

Signs seen at the appellate hearing, July 16

Councilman Nichols was the second to offer a motion. He stated his motion was to affirm the Hearing Examiner’s denial decision from May, sticking to the 12 month ordinance period.

During the vote on Nichol’s motion, each council member voted “yes” except Bates.

“I want to thank the council, this has been a really rough process,” Mayor Dahlquist stated once the decision had been made. “There’s lots of passion throughout the community both ways. I know there was lots of study, lots of tumultuous things to go through. Thank you for your participation and your efforts.”

What now?

The fight for an AI data center in Pocatello is not over following the City Council’s decision to uphold the denial of a Conditional Use Permit for Lex Developments. The former Hoku site remains an attractive area for developers and Lex Developments can choose to continue the fight for it.

The applicant is allowed to appeal the City Council’s July 16 decision. According to Pocatello City Code 5.12.060, “Any applicant denied a license, transfer, or renewal may appeal the clerk’s decision in writing to the city council within thirty (30) days of the date of the denial. The city council shall hold a hearing on the appeal within thirty (30) days of the receipt of the written appeal. The council’s decision shall be final.”

If the applicant is denied again, there is the option of a lawsuit like Councilman Bates mentioned, “taking the City to court.” With attorneys already in the mix with Lex Developments, the city seems to be aware of this possibility.

Local News 8 will continue following this development should the applicant decide to appeal again or file suit against the City of Pocatello.

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David Pace

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – Bingham Healthcare is working to expand access to regional medical services by opening a new urgent care clinic in Ammon this week.

The new Bingham Healthcare Clinic & Urgent Care celebrated with a ribbon cutting Thursday at 1533 North Sunstone Drive in Lincoln Square next to Ammon and Lincoln Roads.

The facility is the nonprofit healthcare provider’s second Urgent Care in Bonneville County and is designed to provide accessible treatment to individuals and families in Ammon, Iona, and Idaho Falls.

Bingham Healthcare CEO Jake Erickson says the facility aims to meet the medical needs of the region’s expanding population.

“There’s more and more need for healthcare,” Erickson said. “We’re grateful to be able to provide that service here seven days a week, and to have such wonderful, high-quality providers and physicians right here in this location.”

The grand opening comes as Idaho struggles to keep up with residents’ medical demands. The Gem State currently comes in 50th in the U.S. for “active physicians per capita,” the Idaho Capital Sun reports, and is “45th for physicians practicing primary care.”

“The national doctor shortage that has been predicted for the last 20 or 30 years, truly, our country’s in the midst of it,” said Bingham Healthcare Chief Administrative Officer Mark Baker. “We are fortunate here in some ways because we have fantastic training programs here in Idaho Falls and ISU family medicine residency in Pocatello.”

The walk-in facility is open every day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., providing care for “minor injuries, sprains, strains, fractures, cuts, burns, wound care, colds, influenza, ear, nose and throat infections, respiratory conditions, skin conditions and rashes, minor allergic reactions, employer and occupational health services, sports injuries, physicals, X-rays and a laboratory,” according to a news release.

Appointments are not required.

“Here at Lincoln Square Urgent Care, we’ve got urgent care services, family medicine and sports medicine services from 8 to 8. Urgent care is available. We’ve got full X-ray services as well,” Baker said.

The clinic is staffed by a capable team ready to care for all sorts of illnesses and injuries.

“Dr. Tyler Kunz is a sports medicine doctor. Carmen Radford is a family medicine provider,” Baker said. “We have wonderful urgent care providers that are available in those urgent situations.”

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Par Kermani

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — A top U.S. Department of Energy official visited eastern Idaho last week to get a firsthand look at cleanup efforts underway at the Idaho National Laboratory Site.

Assistant Secretary of Environmental Management Tim Walsh toured several facilities involved in radioactive waste cleanup and used fuel storage, meeting with workers and project leaders during the visit.

According to the Department of Energy, the cleanup work plays a key role in supporting ongoing research at Idaho National Laboratory while helping the federal government meet commitments made to the state of Idaho.

Walsh said he was impressed by the work being done by Idaho Cleanup Project employees.

“My visit to Idaho reaffirmed the efficiency, innovation and technical expertise demonstrated by the ICP team,” Walsh said. “Their commitment to safe, effective cleanup operations not only allows DOE to fulfill our obligations to Idaho but also creates new opportunities for the Idaho National Laboratory to lead the way in nuclear energy research and development that will power America’s future.”

DOE officials said recent cleanup milestones have helped make additional nuclear research possible at INL.

The Idaho Cleanup Project is responsible for treating radioactive waste, managing spent nuclear fuel and removing aging facilities that have completed their missions.

The project operates at the INL Site west of Idaho Falls and is managed by Idaho Environmental Coalition under a Department of Energy contract.

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Dylan Carder

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Steve Hunter has been appointed interim CEO of the Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce. This appointment follows the resignation of former CEO Paul Baker on July 3, 2026, amid public and online speculation regarding Baker’s ties to the Portneuf Valley Soccer Club.

In June, the soccer organization recently announced that the Bannock County Prosecutor’s Office is investigating potential financial irregularities.

Hunter previously served as a business owner, board member, and former CEO of the Chamber.

The Portneuf Valley Soccer Club’s investigation by the Bannock County Prosecutor’s Office stems from potential financial irregularities discovered during an internal forensic audit. In response to these developments, the Chamber’s Board of Directors has authorized an independent, in-depth financial audit to be conducted by Wipfli.

The Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce stated in a release that Hunter brings valuable experience, steady leadership, and a deep understanding of the organization during this transition.

Hunter has been a strong supporter and advocate for the Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce for many years. Hunter, who has been actively involved with the Chamber, spoke about his commitment to the organization.

“I have believed in the value and mission of the Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce for many years and have been actively involved throughout that time,” Hunter said. “It has been a tremendous asset to both my previous business and to me personally, and I am honored to have the opportunity to serve the organization during this transition.”

Baker’s resignation as CEO followed mounting public and online speculation regarding his ties to the Portneuf Valley Soccer Club. At the time of Baker’s resignation, the Chamber reassured its members that its own finances remain secure.

The Board of Directors for the Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce stated that it has taken the concerns raised seriously. The Board also noted that it has devoted many hours to providing careful oversight of this organization.

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Par Kermani

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Eastern Idaho Public Health is encouraging residents to verify their measles vaccination status after a vaccinated adult in Teton County contracted the virus.

The case marks the 10th reported measles case in Idaho this year and the second in eastern Idaho. Health officials say the individual was vaccinated but had close contact with a known measles case during that person’s infectious period.

The case has prompted questions from residents about vaccine effectiveness and whether they are protected against the highly contagious virus.

“If you receive two doses of the MMR vaccine, that is 97% effective in preventing measles,” Eastern Idaho Public Health Health Strategies Manager Jordan McAdam said “So it is still the best way to prevent measles infection in both children and adults.”

McAdam said breakthrough infections can occur, but they are uncommon. According to Eastern Idaho Public Health, about 2% to 3% of people who receive the recommended two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine may still contract measles.

“One of the bigger misconceptions about measles right now is that vaccinations maybe aren’t important or aren’t needed even by healthy people, which is incorrect,” McAdam said. “It is the best way to prevent measles spread in both healthy people and in immunocompromised people, and in infants and children who may not have been vaccinated yet.”

How to check your vaccination status

Health officials say residents who are unsure whether they received the MMR vaccine can check their records through the Docket app, which provides access to Idaho immunization records.

People who grew up outside Idaho may need to contact their former health department, healthcare provider or school district to obtain records.

According to Eastern Idaho Public Health, people who have received the MMR vaccine, previously had a confirmed measles infection or were born before 1957 are generally considered immune to measles.

What to do if you were exposed

Anyone who believes they may have been exposed should monitor for symptoms for 21 days and contact a healthcare provider if symptoms develop.

Health officials are also asking people to call ahead before visiting a clinic or doctor’s office if they suspect they have measles.

“I would say it’s extremely pertinent if you think you are exposed to measles and you are going into a doctor to check, which you should definitely call beforehand,” Eastern Idaho Public Health Information Officer Brenna Christofferson said. “If you do have a positive case of measles, measles is a highly contagious virus.”

Measles can spread through the air and remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area. About one in five unvaccinated people who contract measles in the United States is hospitalized.

Symptoms include fever and a rash that typically begins on the head before spreading to the rest of the body. Additional symptoms may include cough, runny nose, red eyes and tiny white spots inside the cheeks.

Anyone with questions about measles can contact Eastern Idaho Public Health’s epidemiology hotline at (208) 533-3150.

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