Author: KIFI

Kaelyn Blessinger

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — The Snake River Animal Shelter has partnered with the ASPCA to offer free adoptions on August 28 and 29, September 25 and 26, as well as October 30 and 31.

Their goal is to find loving homes for the pets in their shelters as well as make space for more animals in need. Over 6 million dogs and cats went into shelters in 2025, causing many to reach capacity. The ASPCA is hoping to help shelters from becoming too full and not being able to help other pets in need.

“So ASPCA has done this for the past three years,” Sally Solis, the Development Director for the Snake River Animal Shelter, said. “It’s the Rescue Effect campaign. In an effort to get animals into loving homes and free up space in shelters.”

When looking through the catalog of cats and dogs, there is one group that is often overlooked: senior pets.

A dog or cat is considered senior once they’re over the age of 7. They can be more lethargic and could require more medical care, which may cause potential adopters to hesitate. But older pets come with a lot of benefits and may already have some training.

“They go into senior housing or hospice care. We do get quite a few animals in that way. People just can’t care for them anymore,” Solis explained. “But many times they come in, and they’re already house trained, crate trained. Have some manners. Sit and stay.”

For anyone with a slower and quieter lifestyle, an older pet may fit your household’s vibe. Many times, these seniors are just looking for a comfortable lap to nap on.

“We try to find the perfect fit depending on what somebody wants in an animal. If they have children, a fenced yard, that type of thing. So take the characteristics of the animal and try to match it to the home.”

If you plan to go to the shelter, consider what type of pet may be most suited for your household.

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Curtis Jackson

CAREY, Idaho (KIFI)—Residents near Carey remain under a Level 2 “Set” evacuation status as firefighters continue battling the Wildhorse Fire, which has burned more than 74,000 acres across south-central Idaho.

The Wildhorse Fire was estimated at 74,316 acres and 10% contained as of Thursday afternoon, according to fire officials.

The Blaine County Sheriff’s Office issued a Level 3 “Go Now” evacuation order Wednesday night as the fire moved toward the southern edge of Carey, prompting immediate evacuations. Officials lowered the status to Level 2 Thursday morning as fire conditions improved.

A section of U.S. Highway 26/93 between Carey and Richfield was also temporarily closed because of the fire but has since reopened to traffic.

In neighboring Lincoln County, the sheriff’s office has issued a Level 1 “Ready” evacuation notice for residents living in and around Richfield, advising them to remain alert and be prepared to leave should conditions worsen.

Fire crews continue working to slow the fire’s spread and are conducting backburning operations when conditions allow. Officials said residents may notice increased smoke in the area as firefighters carry out those efforts.

The Wildhorse Fire was sparked by lightning Monday afternoon. Officials are urging residents to stay informed about changing fire conditions and evacuation notices.

You can see the latest information at watchduty.org

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Curtis Jackson

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI)—Valley Mission is holding a raffle for a 2019 Cub Cadet MX 750 EPS UTV to raise money for its new rescue mission facility in Pocatello.

All proceeds from the raffle will go directly toward construction of the organization’s new facility. Valley Mission purchased the former Metro Gym and Spa in 2020 and has been renovating the building into a full-service shelter.

Total project costs are estimated at approximately $2.6 million. Valley Mission is currently just over $600,000 away from reaching its fundraising goal.

A local community member donated the UTV to help close the remaining funding gap. Karl Pettit, director of Valley Mission, expressed appreciation for the support. “We are incredibly grateful for this generous donation from one of our community members. His support and belief in what we are building is inspiring. This raffle gives someone the opportunity to win a great UTV while helping us take another important step toward opening the doors of this new facility,” Pettit said.

Once complete, the new facility will bring multiple services together in one location. Plans include a food pantry, an 18-bed emergency shelter, a commercial kitchen and dining area, a medical clinic, administrative offices, a 16-bed Transformational Living Program and office space for up to five local partner agencies. Pettit highlighted the organization’s progress toward opening the full-service shelter. “We can see the finish line and that is incredibly exciting. Every ticket purchased helps move us closer to a facility that will provide food, safe shelter, practical resources and opportunities for people to begin rebuilding their lives,” Pettit said.

Construction remains ongoing at the site. Work crews are aiming to open the new food pantry this fall, with the emergency shelter scheduled to open by winter.

Raffle tickets are $20 each, or six for $100. Tickets are available at www.valleymission.org/events/utv-raffle/

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Danielle Mullenix

ISLAND PARK, Idaho — Authorities in Eastern Idaho are investigating after rifles were reported missing from a property near Henry’s Lake in Island Park this week. This comes days after reports of another gun theft incident in Southeastern Idaho at a hardware and outdoor store.

According to the Island Park homeowner, the rifles had been stored in a garage but were moved during repair work on Thursday afternoon. The homeowner later discovered that the firearms were missing. A restoration company was working at the owner’s cabin when the rifles disappeared.

One of the stolen rifles in Island Park (Shared courtesy of owner Jose Ruiz)

The homeowner is now asking residents in the Island Park community to be aware of anyone attempting to sell or otherwise get rid of the missing rifles.

A $1,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the recovery of the firearms.

The Fremont County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the case.

Anyone with information about the missing rifles is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office at 208-624-4482.

Separate rifle theft reported in Malad

The Island Park investigation comes as authorities in Oneida County investigate a separate firearm theft from Ward’s Ace and Country Store in Malad.

According to investigators, someone broke into the store early Monday morning by breaking through a glass door. Authorities say the suspect stole a 7.62×39 rifle and ammunition.

Surveillance footage capturing suspect exiting store in Malad on Monday, Aug. 24/ Courtesy of Ward’s Ace and County Store

Surveillance video captured the suspect, who investigators believe may have been wearing a Jackson Hole T-shirt. Investigators also found blood and fingerprints at the scene.

Authorities say the suspect may have attempted to steal handguns but was unable to access the handgun display case.

Anyone with information about the Malad burglary or the suspect’s identity is asked to contact the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office at 208-766-2251.

At this time, authorities say there is no indication the Island Park and Malad cases are connected. The Oneida County Sheriff’s Office also shared on their Facebook page that there is no public threat at this time as investigations into the theft continue.

Local News 8 will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.

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Megan Lavin

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Grammy award winner, actor and rock musician Rick Springfield spoke with our Local News 8 morning crew to discuss his recent show at the Mountain America Center and to share some insights on what having such a long career has been like.

Achieving hit status with his single “Jessie’s Girl”, he’s been in the limelight for decades.

And now, he stops to talk with Jeff Roper and Megan Lavin to discuss all the things–from taking his shirt off at concerts, to how he likes his baked potato.

We played several clips in our show, but you’ll only find the full 10 minute interview here, on our website.

Click the player above to watch along.

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KSL

Originally Published: 26 AUG 26 13:28 ET

By Emma Benson

Click here for updates on this story

    SALT LAKE CITY (KSL) — Five years after the disappearance and death of Gabby Petito, her case continues to have an impact on domestic violence awareness and policy.

Petito was 22 when she disappeared in 2021 while traveling across the country with her fiancé, Brian Laundrie. Her body was found weeks later in Wyoming, and her death was ruled a homicide.

“I can’t think of another family that’s been more dedicated to policy change than the Petitos,” said Steve Jensen, partner at Parker & McConkie and one of the attorneys representing the Petito family.

Jensen said the family has worked to turn the attention surrounding Gabby’s case into lasting change.

“It’s not like they carry this animosity toward anyone,” Jensen said. “They just genuinely want to effect change.”

In Utah, that work has included a 2023 law, known as SB117, requiring law enforcement officers responding to domestic violence calls to use a lethality assessment. The assessment is designed to help officers identify victims who may be at particularly high risk of serious harm or death.

Under Utah law, officers who identify a high-risk situation are required to connect the victim with a local emergency shelter hotline.

Similar lethality-assessment laws or programs have been adopted in states across the country, including Florida and New York.

The Petito family also created the Gabby Petito Foundation, which works to support victims of domestic violence and raise awareness about warning signs.

“Any time you have a policy change, it doesn’t happen overnight,” Jensen said.

Jensen said Gabby’s story has helped more people recognize the warning signs of domestic violence.

“I think there are steps that have been taken that will, and have, helped domestic violence victims … but there’s obviously much more that can be done,” he said. “Education is going to continue to be really important.”

Meanwhile, the Petito family’s wrongful-death lawsuit against the Moab City Police Department is still moving through the courts.

The family sued the department, alleging officers failed to properly handle a domestic violence incident involving Gabby and Laundrie weeks before her death. The department has denied wrongdoing.

The Utah Supreme Court is considering the family’s appeal, and attorneys expect the court to set a date for oral arguments in the coming weeks.

This story was initially reported by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. KSL verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

The-CNN-Wire™ & © 2026 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved.

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Megan Lavin

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Sometimes, it’s good to get a reminder that simple acts of kindness can mean so much more, as shown by this local family.

For six years, Max and Logan have spent every Friday afternoon at a local diner. Along the way, they’ve built much more than a weekly routine.

Dixie’s Diner promises food, fun and the ’50s. But at this Idaho Falls location, the Van Orden family says it offers connection, love and belonging.

For Max, that connection has become an important pillar of his week.

His mom, Amanda, says the weekly tradition is motivating for him.

“When he knows he’s coming to Dixie’s Diner, he gets up and he gets ready to go without having to encourage him.”

Max is 27, autistic and mostly nonverbal. His cousin, Logan, is his caregiver.

“It feels like a job that matters. So I’m very grateful for it.”

Fridays at Dixie’s have been a tradition for about six years, with the same order every time: grilled cheese, French fries and Pepsi. On special occasions, there’s a chocolate shake.

What started as a place Max liked has become a place where people know him — and pay attention to him.

“They’re always interested in how he’s doing,” Logan said. “If anything seems like something’s off, they’re very attentive to his needs and want to make sure he’s comfortable.”

And one of the people who knows Max best is waitress Christy Anderson, who has worked at Dixie’s for 18 years.

Christy says the relationship between Max and Logan is special.

“Their interaction and the love that I see between them, even without words, is absolutely amazing and phenomenal.”

Amanda agrees.

“He just gets Max. They have a pretty special bond.”

Max and Christy have developed a special greeting of their own, and Anderson says it has evolved over the years as Max has become more comfortable with her.

“His handshakes have progressed over the last six years. It was just that, that was what he was comfortable with. And we were great with that. And then it progressed to a really cool handshake … and then it progressed to letting me, you know, tickle his palms.”

Recently, someone else noticed the connection between Max and Logan.

“We had already paid,” Logan said. “We were about to leave, and Christy stopped me … saying that she had a gift for us.”

A fellow customer had offered to pay for their meal. But because Logan had already paid, the anonymous diner gave them a gift card instead.

“It’s hard to put to words gratitude for things that are selfless like that,” Logan said.

When asked what he would do if he could see the person who gave them the gift card again, Logan said he would probably give them a hug.

Christy can see why the family caught the other diner’s attention.

“They’re just a light every time they come in. They’ve been a blessing, both of them, in my life. And I feel like people come into your life for a reason and at the time you really need them.”

Dixie’s has a fun vibe and cool music, but the cherry on top? It’s the way this group smiles, chitchats and talks about each other. It’s clear the feeling goes both ways, as Anderson tells them, “I love you.”

Six years of Fridays have created a routine, a friendship and a language of their own.

The relationship is a reminder that kindness doesn’t always have to be a grand gesture. Sometimes, it looks like simply knowing someone, noticing them and making sure they know they’re welcome.

Christy sums it up simply:

“You don’t need words to communicate love.”

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Maile Sipraseuth

VICTOR, Idaho (KIFI)– The 19th annual Tin Cup Challenge in Teton Valley raised a record $4.5 million for local nonprofits and brought together donors, businesses and nonprofits to support local organizations across Teton Valley.

Dan Verbeten, the Executive Director of Teton Valley Trails and Pathways says the event serves as an opportunity to celebrate both the financial contributions and the community opportunities made possible across Teton Valley.

“The Tin Cup Challenge is a huge community fundraising event. Really helps all of the nonprofits in the community raise unrestricted funds to be able to better achieve their mission,” Verbeten said.

This year’s total set a new record for the highest donation amount ever raised through the initiative, surpassing the $3.8 million collected last year.

A key element of the Tin Cup Challenge is the Challenger Fund. The fund is made up of contributions from individuals or businesses that donate $1,500 or more.

The Challenger Fund provides matching grants on the first $25,000 raised by each participating organization. Money raised through the fund supports community programs including affordable housing, youth philanthropy and mental health services.

One Challenger at the event, Rose Hendricks, says the donations do more than fund the livelihoods of people who live and work in Teton Valley.

“This is a complex time. It’s a dynamic time. It’s a really challenging time in our society. And I think people feel isolated and divided, and there’s so much partisanship. And I think events like this and community efforts like this play such a powerful role and showing us that that doesn’t have to be the only truth and that we can really join together with like, minds and hearts is to make a huge difference regardless of who you are, where you come from, what your background is, what you believe,”

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David Pace

JACKSON HOLE, Idaho (KIFI) – U.S. Vice President JD Vance is in town in Jackson Hole, according to the Wall Street Journal, sparking a rally on public land near Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.

Local News 8 was on the ground in Jackson Hole to document reactions to the Vice President’s visit.

Twenty protesters gathered for three hours in the hot sun Wednesday, with signs opposing the Vice President’s appearance in Wyoming.

While the motorcade did not pass by near the rally, Vance is said to be in Jackson Hole raising funds for the Republican National Committee ahead of the midterm elections.

“It’s just taking money out of people’s pockets. It’s not sharing,” said Jackson Hole resident and protester Molly Harris. “You’ve got the billionaire class who just makes a whole lot of money. Now we have, what, a $40 trillion deficit because of the tax cuts that this Administration — including JD Vance — supports.”

However, Eric Amundson, a tourist visiting from Minnesota, said he will be supporting the Republican Party and its priorities in the midterm elections – highlighting support for public lands and protecting the unborn.

“I would say maintain the morality that I think our country was born with — not be distracted by popularity of what cultural trends happen to be coming, but maintain strong morals,” Amundson said.

Vance’s reported visit to Jackson Hole comes after a trip to Southampton, New York where supporters raised an estimated $5 million for the Republican National Committee.

🚨New: Vice President JD VANCE is heading to Jackson Hole, Wyoming today, where he will raise $2 million for the RNC, per person familiar.

Comes as VP is ramping up his travel ahead of the midterms. He raised $5 million last week in Southampton.

— Natalie Andrews (@natalieandrews) August 26, 2026

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Curtis Jackson

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — Idaho will receive between $89.2 million and $127.7 million as part of a landmark multistate settlement with Meta valued at up to $18 billion. The agreement resolves claims from 47 states, the District of Columbia and multiple U.S. territories alleging the company intentionally designed Instagram and Facebook with addictive features that harmed young users’ mental health.

The settlement follows a bipartisan, nationwide investigation launched in 2021 by attorneys general into social media industry practices targeting children and teens. Investigators found that Meta engineered platform features to hook young users while internally documenting the resulting mental health harms and failing to warn parents. Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador announced the state’s payout allocation after the trial, which began in federal court on Aug. 18, reached a resolution mid-trial.

Labrador emphasized his office’s commitment to holding tech companies accountable for product design. “Protecting children in Idaho is one of the most critical responsibilities of my office,” Labrador said. “Intentionally engineering any product to addict children is unconscionable. Meta’s design was a cynical attempt to create a lifetime user, regardless of the psychological damage and harm our children were exposed to. When this trial began, I said we would hold Meta accountable and today I’ve kept that promise.”

Under the terms of the settlement approved by U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers, Meta will pay 70% of the settlement fund to states in annual installments over the next decade. The remaining 30% is contingent on whether competing platforms YouTube and TikTok agree to make similar financial payments and app modifications.

The agreement mandates sweeping safety adjustments for users ages 13 to 17 across Instagram and Facebook. Meta must enforce a cumulative two-hour daily time limit with mandatory pauses after 15 minutes of continuous use, as well as additional pauses at 60 and 90 minutes.

Platforms must also institute a nighttime block restricting access from midnight to 6 a.m. and a school mode that mutes push notifications on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. during the school year.

Additional mandated features include hiding visible like and reaction counts on posts by minors, blocking cosmetic surgery and extreme makeup filters and expanding age assurance tools to verify young users.

Meta must also strengthen parental controls and provide content safeguards against bullying, content promoting eating disorders and content related to suicide and self-harm.

Meta did not admit to any wrongdoing as part of the agreement and has long denied that its platforms harm children. The company stated in a blog post that ensuring teens have a safe and productive experience is an absolute imperative, adding that it partnered with state attorneys general to establish a new industry standard.

Legal experts and youth safety advocates offered varying perspectives on the resolution. Matthew Bergman, founding attorney of the Social Media Victims Law Center, called the agreement a “watershed moment in holding the tech giant accountable for designing products it knew were harming children and fueling a nationwide youth mental health crisis.”

Meanwhile, Maurine Molak, co-founder of ParentsSOS, called for broader legislative action across the entire industry. “We need a duty of care to ensure that Meta stops designing for addiction both now and in the future and that our children are protected no matter what platform they use,” Molak said.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta stated that the required platform changes are expected to go into effect within months. Both the implementation and ongoing efficacy of the new safety features will be regularly evaluated by an independent auditor and the settling states.

Editor’s Note: This story was adapted from an original on-air broadcast report with the assistance of AI. All content is thoroughly reviewed and verified for accuracy by the Local News 8 editorial team.

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