Author: KIFI

Phillip Willis

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — On this day, in 2006, the largest communications hub ever created, (that’s right, the Internet), hit 100 million websites.

According to the Internet services company Netcraft, a quarter of the pages that made up that milestone were created in just the year of 2006 alone.

It was the era of blogs and small business pages, which were commonly hosted by Google and Microsoft.

100 million is a huge number, especially compared to the first Netcraft survey which found only 1,900 hosts in 1995.

Today, there are an estimated 1.1 billion websites, but only around 200 million of them are actively used.

Sources for this story:

ComputerHistory.org

MoMA.org

DigitalSilk.com

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Stephanie Lucas

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – Ahead of several local elections in East Idaho heading towards a run-off on December 2nd, Local News 8 noticed viewers asking questions on social media about early voting and mail-in ballot procedures during run-off elections.

For answers, we turned to Bonneville County Clerk Chris Poulter. He says absentee ballots will go out to anyone who requested them for the November 4th election. He acknowledges voters will have to be aware of the December 2nd deadline.

“It does make a pretty tight timeline. But we are planning on sending out absentee ballots, likely between the 12th and the 14th. It doesn’t give people a lot of time to get them back. Once they get them.”

If you did not request a mail-in ballot for the November 4th election, but would like one for the run-off elections, the last day to request one will be November 21st. More information can be found here.

Early voting will also be available. It will look a bit different this year because of the Thanksgiving holiday.

“Normally, we do early voting up until the Friday before the election, but our office is closed Thursday and Friday because of the Thanksgiving holiday. So we will be doing it from the 17th through the 26th.”

More information can be found on this website: https://www.bonnevillecountyidaho.gov/county-departments/elections.

Local News 8 will also contact the Bannock County Elections Office for their information on mail-in ballots and early voting.

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Seth Ratliff

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (KIFI) — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has announced that the church leadership has called and ordained a new member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, the second-highest presiding body of the church.

The faith officially announced today that Elder Gérald Caussé, a 62-year-old native of Bordeaux, France, will be the newest apostle. He was called on November 6th.

“I’ve always had a testimony of Jesus Christ,” Elder Caussé said Thursday. “He’s always been in the center of my life. I know Jesus Christ lives. And I know He’s our Savior and Redeemer. What a wonderful thing it is to be a witness of Christ. That’s the best responsibility or stewardship we might have in our lives.”

This new appointment follows a period of significant transition for the Church’s leadership. The calling comes after the passing of Church Prophet and President Russell M. Nelson in September. Following his passing, the First Presidency was temporarily dissolved until it was officially reorganized earlier this month under the Church’s senior-most Apostle, President Dallin H. Oaks. Elder Caussé’s ordination fills the vacancy created by this succession process.

According to the Church, at the time of his call, Elder Caussé was in his eleventh year serving as the Church’s Presiding Bishop, overseeing global operations, including humanitarian aid, welfare programs, tithing and fast offerings, physical facilities, and the organization of membership records.

For more information, click HERE.

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Seth Ratliff

RIGBY, Idaho (KIFI) — The National Weather Service in Pocatello has confirmed an EF-0 tornado struck an area in Rigby late last month, marking the second significant wind event for the greater region in October.

RELATED: Rare tornado touches down in Teton County

The twister touched down around 1:45 p.m. on October 27th near N 3950 E. The brief but powerful storm path spanned approximately 200 yards long and was about 50 yards wide.

The NWS confirmed the twister remained on the ground for only around five minutes, but in that short time, it caused significant damage to the property. The damage was consistent with 75-85 mph winds, which violently uprooted two large pine trees, flipped a recreation vehicle on its side, significantly damaged an outbuilding, and destroyed a partially constructed sunroom attached to a local home.

History of Twisters in Jefferson County

While Rigby itself does not frequently experience tornadoes, the surrounding southeast Idaho region is historically recognized as part of a wider Tornado Alley. Since its founding in 1913, Jefferson County has documented 17 severe wind events, putting it second in the region for total tornadoes recorded.

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Seth Ratliff

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Good news for travelers flying out of Idaho Falls, the FAA’s new 10% flight cuts will not impact the Idaho Falls Regional Airport directly.

IDA Leadership confirmed this morning that flights out of the airport will continue as scheduled. However, some connecting airports and flights across the country could see delays or schedule changes as a result.

“Our team will continue monitoring the situation and share updates as they become available,” IDA leadership said on Facebook.

The airport is advising all travelers to check their airline’s app or website for updates and information before coming to the airport.

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News Team

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — The Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office is looking for the owner of a horse found wandering near 17th S. and 35th W. earlier this week.

The horse was found on November 4th. Deputies are working with the brand inspector; however, the information tied to the brands is reportedly incorrect.

BCSO is directing the owner to contact police dispatch at 208-529-1200.

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News Team

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Next weekend, Reed’s Dairy is inviting the Idaho Falls community to celebrate a momentous occasion: the grand reopening of their newly rebuilt production and pasteurizing facility. This celebration marks a significant comeback following the devastating fire nearly two years ago that reduced the structure, built from the family’s original milk barn, to a charred husk of its former self.

In the difficult months since the fire, the Reed family demonstrated incredible resilience. They continued serving customers by outsourcing the processing of dairy products while spearheading the construction of their state-of-the-art replacement facility.

The reopening will be marked with a special two-day celebration:

Ceremonial Ribbon-Cutting: Friday, November 14th, starting at 2:00 PM.

Public Tours: Friday (3 PM – 6 PM) and Saturday, November 15th (9 AM – 12 PM).

 “We are thrilled to reopen our doors and share our story with the community,” said Alan Reed, President of Reed’s Dairy. “Recovering from the fire was a challenging journey, and this celebration is truly a community celebration and honors the hard work, dedication, and support of our team and neighbors who made it possible.” 

The ceremonial ribbon-cutting is an open invitation to the public. Community members are strongly encouraged to bring their own scissors to join in cutting the ribbon and literally share in the celebration of this milestone.

To guarantee a spot and ensure you don’t miss out on this behind-the-scenes experience, click HERE.

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News Team

IDAHO (KIFI) — A national organization is expanding its reach in the Gem State. Since launching its first-ever chapter here in 2024, The “Gift of Adoption” has already helped connect 68 children with their forever families, awarding over $200,000 in critical grants.

The group helps bridge the financial gaps families have during the adoption process. Since 1996, the “Gift of Adoption” has distributed $22 million in grants, helping to connect nearly 7,000 children with families nationwide.

The new Idaho chapter, driven by dedicated local volunteers, has set the goal to raise enough funds to support every eligible family that applies for assistance this year.

As the organization celebrates National Adoption Month, Gift of Adoption shared this message on Facebook for their Idaho supporters: “Whether you’re considering adoption, know someone who is, or simply want to support this incredible journey—your involvement matters. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of children and families across Idaho.”

For more information, click HERE.

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Seth Ratliff

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — If you’ve been in Pocatello this week, you may have noticed a change in lighting around town. The Bannock County courthouse is lit up in green as part of “Operation Green Light for Veterans,” a nationwide initiative running through Veterans Day next week.

Across the country, counties are lighting up government buildings and landmarks green to show their support for veterans and raise awareness about the critical resources available to them and their families.

“Veterans don’t always feel seen or appreciated. It’s important for them to know that we support them, always,” said Melissa Hartman, Bannock County Veterans Service Officer.

Bannock County is asking everyone, including local businesses and community groups, to join in by changing one light to green. “By shining a green light, we let our veterans know that they are seen, appreciated, and supported,” said County leadership in a news release.

Residents and organizations sharing their participation are encouraged to use the hashtag #OperationGreenLight on social media platforms.

For more information on Operation Green Light, click here.

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News Team

MOSCOW, Idaho (KIFI) — Attorneys for convicted killer Bryan Kohberger were back in court Wednesday, challenging a request to pay for the urns and part of the funeral expenses of his victims.

Kohberger was sentenced to life in prison this summer, after pleading guilty to the 2023 murders in Moscow. As part of his plea deal, he was ordered to pay nearly $29,000 in restitution to the victims’ families. But now, two families are asking for an additional $3,000 to cover the cost of urns. 

During yesterday’s hearing, his attorney, Elisa Massoth, claimed Kohberger can’t afford it — not even the original amount, arguing that he had no potential future income. Judge Steven Hippler wasn’t buying it, pointing out that Kohberger received a “five-figure” sum in donations to his jail fund from family and supporters.

While Kohberger’s lawyer countered that the inmate would never be able to profit from any book or movie deal because Idaho law “specifically precludes that,” Judge Hippler pointed out that’s not how the law works. Idaho Code allows the Idaho Treasurer’s Office to collect any money a convict receives from a book or movie deal and earmark that money to cover debts to the victim’s families.

Judge Hippler did not issue a decision that day, but said he would file a written ruling on the docket. Kohberger did not appear for the remote hearing.

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