Author: KIFI

News Release

AMMON, Idaho (KIFI) — The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) will open bids for the First Street Widening Project on November 10, 2026, with construction expected to begin in spring 2027.

For years, widening First Street has been one of Ammon’s most pressing transportation needs. As thecommunity has grown, so has the importance of this east-west connection for residents, commuters, and local businesses. Moving this long-planned improvement into construction is a significant step toward addressing that need, improving safety and traffic flow, and preparing the corridor to serve the community for years to come.

The $6.4 million project will improve First Street between 25th East (Hitt Road) and Ammon Road.

Supported by federal grant funding, the project required a $1,254,815 local match, which the City of Ammon remitted in full on July 8, 2026. The City of Ammon and Bonneville County both contributed toward the local share of the project.

At full buildout, First Street will be a five-lane corridor extending approximately one mile from 25th East (Hitt Road) to Ammon Rd. The finished roadway will include curb, gutter, and sidewalks, as well as traffic signals at the intersection of 1st Street and Curlew.

Landscaping and pedestrian safety enhancements are also planned.

The image above depicts the project at full buildout.

The current widening project is a step toward that larger corridor vision. Together, these improvements are designed to improve traffic flow, enhance pedestrian safety, and provide a more efficient route for residents, commuters, and local businesses well into the future.

“This project is about more than adding lanes. It’s about keeping First Street safe and functional as Ammon grows,” said Mayor Brian Powell. “Our goal is a corridor that serves residents, businesses, and commuters for years to come. We appreciate the support of Representative Simpson’s office, ITD, LHTAC, and Bonneville County in moving this important project forward.”

“We are always trying to make the most of taxpayer dollars. Cooperative projects like these are examples of how working together is a win for everyone,” said the Bonneville County Commissioners. “Our community is growing rapidly, and it takes cooperative efforts like this project to provide the services people expect.”

When officially advertised, full bidding documents and contract details will be accessible on the ITDContractor Bidding page.

For more information about the 1st Street Widening Project and other City of Ammon infrastructureimprovements, visit the City’s Construction Projects Map.

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Kaelyn Blessinger

BLACKFOOT, Idaho (KIFI) — Bingham County law enforcement and the Blackfoot Animal Shelter are asking for the public’s help after three dogs were found shot in the head near 1400 W and 1100 N near Blackfoot.

All three dogs were young female hounds, with the youngest being roughly 6 months old. None of the dogs had microchips or identification. Now, police and the Blackfoot Animal Shelter are asking for your help in identifying these dogs and who was responsible.

The photo below shows deceased animals and may be disturbing to some viewers.

“One of these girls was only a puppy. She had barely begun her life. She deserved the chance to grow up, learn, play, and be loved. The two adult dogs deserved compassion and a future, too,” The Blackfoot Animal Shelter stated in a Facebook post.

Local authorities and animal welfare staff are hoping someone in the community recognizes the hounds or notices animals matching their description missing from a nearby property.

“We are asking our community to help us identify these dogs and find their owners. Someone may recognize them,” the Blackfoot Animal Shelter stated. “Someone may know where they lived or have information that could help explain what happened.”

Anyone with information regarding the dogs’ identities, owners, or the circumstances surrounding their deaths is strongly urged to contact the Blackfoot Police Department at 208-785-1234.

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Kaelyn Blessinger

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – Open enrollment for Your Health Idaho insurance coverage began Thursday, Oct. 15th. Whether you’re in need of a new policy or want to renew your current one, now is your chance to explore your options.

Enrolling in health care is important because it can offer access to preventive services and ensures you get timely treatment for any illnesses or chronic conditions.

“We are actually seeing what we call net premiums,” Pat Kelly, the CEO of Your Health Idaho, said. “The net premium is what consumers pay and we’re actually seeing net premiums decline this year. Which in the face of affordability conversations is really rare. So we’re excited about the potential for Idahoans to not only get covered and have the peace of mind that comes with having health insurance, but also save a little bit of money.”

With the cost of health insurance going up, it is now more important than ever to make sure you do your research and shop around for the policy that best fits your needs.

Signing up for health insurance before the deadline can help you avoid waiting until the last minute to find the right coverage.

With over 140 medical plans available to choose from, Kelly encourages you to begin the enrollment process sooner, rather than later. “Please don’t wait. December 15th feels like a lifetime away. But, boy, it’ll go super quick. And before you know it, it’ll be Thanksgiving and then Christmas.”

Here is the link to Your Health Idaho to begin your enrollment.

You don’t have to enroll alone if you don’t want to. Your Health Idaho will have multiple enrollment opportunities near you. The list of upcoming events is available here. You can find a local agent at this link.

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CNN

Originally Published: 15 OCT 26 16:57 ET

Updated: 15 OCT 26 18:24 ET

By Emma Tucker, CNN

(CNN) — Three children and one adult were killed in a shooting at an elementary school in Bend, Oregon, on Thursday, according to preliminary information from a law enforcement source.

The shooter had already been shot and killed inside the school when police arrived at the scene at about 1 p.m., police said. At an earlier news conference, police did not specify the number of victims.

It’s not yet known who killed the shooter, but it “may have been a bystander,” said Sheila Miller, spokesperson for the Bend Police Department.

Medics transported at least two people to the hospital, according to police.

The first 911 call indicated an “unknown man had shot into a car,” moments before multiple calls to police reported a person had entered the school and started shooting, police said.

Silver Rail Elementary School was placed on lockdown, and the Bend Police Department set up a reunification point for student families.

“We are stunned and heartbroken by this senseless tragedy,” said Bend-La Pine Schools Superintendent Steven Cook in a statement. “We extend our deepest sympathy to the families and to everyone affected by this violence. No words can adequately express the grief our community is experiencing.”

A large crowd of parents and concerned community members gathered outside the school Thursday afternoon as they waited for updates about the situation. There was a large police and emergency personnel response, including police vehicles, ambulances and a fire truck.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

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

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Hadley Bodell

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – The Pocatello Animal Shelter is teaming up with Phil Meador Subaru for the second vaccine and microchip clinic of the year. On Saturday, October 17, pet owners can get their furry friends vaccinated and microchipped for ten dollars each.

October is Subaru Loves Pets Month, and they’re celebrating by hosting the vaccine clinic at Phil Meador Subaru in Pocatello. This is the first time Pocatello Animal Services has hosted outside the shelter, with prices remaining unbeatable for animal vaccinations.

Microchipping your pet gives them a permanent ID so that if lost, a vet clinic or shelter can scan them and reunite the pet with their family.

There will be several vaccines offered at this weekend’s clinic, including the required rabies vaccine. Sarah Moore, Animal Services Supervisor with Pocatello Animal Services, says to bring the paperwork if your pet has been vaccinated for rabies prior, they can write a three-year rabies vaccine instead of one-year at the clinic.

“We’re offering the dog vaccine, which covers things like distemper and Parvo,” Moore said. “We’ll have the core cat vaccine which covers things like panleukopenia.”

Moore said the shelter has seen panleukopenia passing through the cat population in Pocatello this year. She said the disease can spread very quickly, and it’s important to keep your cat up-to-date on their vaccine.

“We’re very excited to partner with Phil Meador Subaru and extend the love to help our community take care of their pets,” Moore said. “So that hopefully we see less of them have to come here to us.”

Once pet owners are at the clinic, they’ll recieve paperwork to fill out regarding their pets’ history and vaccination needs. Moore says the actual microchipping and vaccinations will be a matter of minutes.

The clinic is at Phil Meador Subaru in Pocatello from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 17. Bring any vaccine documents for your pet as well as a valid driver’s license.

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Hadley Bodell

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – October 15 is International Pregnancy Loss Awareness Day, and the Wave of Light events will honor lost loved ones across the world at 7 p.m. with the lighting of candles. Portneuf Health is bringing the tradition to Pocatello with the Wave of Light at 6 p.m. at the Portneuf Wellness Complex.

Each attending parent/family will decorate a lantern for their lost baby. Candles are lit inside the lanterns at 7 p.m. in each time zone across the world, honoring those gone too soon.

All supplies will be provided at the event, with treats from Shay’s Pie Place. Two nurses from Portneuf Health are spearheading the project in its second year at the Wellness Complex.

“We started a support-based group here at Portneuf,” said Natalie Anderson, RN and Wave of Light Event Organizer. “We’ve been able to spread the support into the community so people aren’t alone in their grief.”

Michelle Hedstrom, fellow RN and event organizer, said she has seen through her work in the postpartum sector at Portneuf how devastating the loss of a baby can be. Parents and families can feel alone as they navigate the loss of their family member.

“I felt like this was so important to help bring our community and those families together on their loss and know they’re not alone,” Hedstrom said. “The most important thing we can do is help them know that we remember their babies. In my 14 years of experience with these babies, I remember every one of them.”

The support-based program, called Portneuf Share, has been active for two years in Pocatello. Now, the nurses are excited to host their second annual Wave of Light.

“We’ve had great support from the community, including a lot of different local vendors,” Anderson said. “Last year I was able to meet a lot of families through this event and was able to facilitate our support group. It was so wonderful to connect with those families, and I’m excited to help people feel like their babies are remembered.”

Hedstrom said the main goal is for families to know their babies are remembered and to feel loved and connected to one another. Pregnancy loss can be an isolating experience when people don’t know what to say or how to act regarding the death.

“I feel like this is a time when they can come and remember their babies safely, and I just hope that they can get that out of the experience,” Hedstrom said.

The event is open to the public, and everyone is welcome, whether they’ve experienced a pregnancy or infant loss or not. Anderson said many people come to support their family or friends who have experienced the loss of a baby.

“It’s another grief experience to watch a friend or family member go through that loss, and sometimes you don’t know how to help them,” Anderson said. “This is a great way for them to feel loved and supported by you. Everyone is there to remember somebody that mattered to them.”

Supporting Those Navigating Loss

Miscarriage or loss of an infant affects countless families every year. An estimated 20% of known pregnancies end in miscarriage, according to the March of Dimes. Meanwhile, stillbirth affects about 1 in 175 births nationally, according to the CDC.

Because loved ones often struggle to find the right words, Our Idaho Stories offers the following advice for both grieving families and their support networks.

For Families Experiencing Loss:

Allow yourself to grieve. The length of a pregnancy doesn’t determine what loss means to you. There is no deadline for grieving, and you don’t have to explain your feelings. Remember in your own way. You may want to talk about your baby, the hope you had, say their name, write a letter, or mark a meaningful date. You may prefer privacy. Choose what feels right to you. Find support. A peer group or grief counselor can offer a place to share your experience and even help others not feel so alone.

For friends and loved ones:

Acknowledge the loss. A caring message is more helpful than silence. Don’t search for a silver lining or minimize grief with words like “at least…” Invite storytelling and listen. Ask whether they want to share about their pregnancy, their hopes for the baby, the name they chose. Respect their answer and follow their lead. Keep showing up. Offer specific help, such as a meal, an errand, or a night in. Remember anniversaries and check in even when loss happened months or years ago. Click here to follow the original article.

David Pace

UPDATE:

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — Dalance Leavitt has been located safely and is being reunited with his family, according to an updated public safety alert.

ORIGINAL:

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – An Endangered Missing Person Alert has been issued for 20-year-old Dalance Benjamin Leavitt, who was last seen at his home on Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026, in Pocatello.

Pocatello Police reported that Smith was last seen at 6 A.M. walking near 1080 Walnut Street.

He was last seen wearing an orange jacket, green polo shirt and gray sweatpants. He is a white man, 5 feet 10 inches tall, approximately 200 pounds, with short brown hair, brown eyes and facial hair.

Leavitt has low-functioning autism and developmental communications delays, police stated. He may need help communicating and finding his way in areas he’s not accustomed to. 

His family is urgently seeking help.

He had said he may go to a homeless shelter. However, police have searched at Helping Hands Alameda Park and Helping Hands without locating him.

If you have any information about Leavitt, you’re asked to call Pocatello Police at 208-234-6121.

Residents are encouraged to share this message so that Leavitt can be united with his loved ones.

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Danielle Mullenix

SHELLEY, Idaho (KIFI) – Local artists, spooky season enthusiasts, and community supporters can come together Thursday night for a fundraiser supporting the arts in Shelley.

The Shelley Supporters of the Arts is hosting Haunted Fantasy, a wine tasting and art show from 5 to 9 p.m. Oct. 15 at the Hospital of the Lost Souls, located at 172 S. State St. in Shelley.

The event combines Halloween-themed entertainment with a fundraiser to support local artists and community art projects.

The Shelley Supporters of the Arts helps fund and supply local creative projects. Recent efforts include covering the cost of paint for a Shelley mural and providing chalk for the annual Spud Day community art competition.

Organizers hope Thursday’s event will help continue that support while giving residents a unique way to experience local art.

Guests can browse and purchase artwork from several local artists, including Josh Petty, whose work was featured on A&E’s Inked.

The evening will also feature a wine tasting, a dirty soda bar for designated drivers, and an opportunity to meet Liz Rivera, known as the Gem State Medium. Rivera will discuss how she facilitates communication with those who have passed away.

Guests are also encouraged to get into the Halloween spirit. A costume competition with prizes is planned, giving attendees another way to participate in the festivities.

Tickets and Information

The Haunted Fantasy fundraiser is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 15, from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Hospital of the Lost Souls in Shelley.

Location: 172 S. State St., Shelley, Idaho Wine tasting tickets: $50 Designated driver tickets: $35, including access to the dirty soda bar Age requirement: Attendees must be at least 21 years old and bring identification. Entertainment: Local art for purchase, a costume competition, and an opportunity to meet the Gem State Medium

Proceeds from the fundraiser will support the Shelley Supporters of the Arts and its efforts to help local artists and community art initiatives.

For further questions, organizers can be contacted at shelleyartsidaho@gmail.com.

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David Pace

ROME and SALT LAKE CITY (KIFI) – As Pope Leo XIV recovers from a successful lung surgery following his diagnosis with lung cancer, the first American pope sent a message to Catholics gathered at the Vatican Wednesday.

“As you know, I have been unable to be among you during these days.  I thank you warmly for your prayers and for the work you have done together.  Your sharing of experiences and attentive listening are indeed a gift to the whole Church. I am especially grateful to the families who have spoken of their joys, struggles and hopes,” Pope Leo wrote. “… Entrusting each of you to the protection of the Holy Family of Nazareth, I ask you please to pray for me, as I pray for you. To all of you I gladly impart my Apostolic Blessing.”

The message was written to celebrate 10 years since Amoris Iaetitia, which affirms Catholic teachings on the family. Issued by Pope Francis, the document “opens the door to the possibility for divorced or remarried Catholics to receive communion,” CNN reports.

The Pope’s diagnosis prompted outpourings of support from global religious leaders.

Halfway around the world, the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints sent a message of faith and hope to the Vatican in Rome.

“We express our heartfelt concern for Pope Leo XIV as he confronts health challenges and extend our sincere wishes for his comfort, strength, and a swift recovery,” the LDS prophet President Dallin H. Oaks and his counselors Henry B. Eyring and D. Todd Christofferson wrote. “We join with people of faith around the world in praying that heaven will bless and sustain him during this time. May he feel the peace and healing power of our Savior, Jesus Christ.”

Likewise in London, the Church of England’s Archbishop of Canterbury Sarah Mullally posted on X, “I pray that the Holy Spirit – the Comforter, Healer and Giver of Life – will sustain him in the days and weeks ahead, and that his recovery will be swift and complete.”

Viktor Eichner, a representative of the World Jewish Congress to the Holy See, posted, “On behalf of the World Jewish Congress, I wish Pope Leo XIV a successful surgery and a speedy recovery. May he return to full strength soon.”

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Dylan Carder

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI)- The Early Learning Collaborative in Idaho Falls is working to expand access to quality child care and eliminate financial barriers for local working families. Organizers aim to ensure no child is turned away from center-based or home-based care due to a family’s inability to pay.

Sponsored by the Idaho Association for the Education of Young Children, the collaborative has been operating since approximately January. The initiative brings together boots-on-the-ground child care providers, non-profit partners and community groups to coordinate early education services and improve program availability.

The organization held a community open house Wednesday at United Way of Eastern Idaho. The gathering allowed local leaders, educators and state officials to review ongoing initiatives aimed at expanding child care resources.

Child care providers in Idaho Falls face severe capacity constraints, leaving many parents on waiting lists. High enrollment costs often exceed monthly family earnings, prompting some parents to leave the workforce entirely. Katie Francis with the United Way of Idaho Falls highlighted how child care expenses directly impact employment choices.

“Right now the barrier is so huge because the cost of a child care seat, it’s sometimes easier to just stay home because the cost of the care for my one or two kids, I don’t even make enough to cover that,” Francis said.

Financial support programs play a critical role in keeping care accessible for local families. The Idaho Child Care Program provides grants to lower-income households to help cover child care fees. At the YMCA of Idaho Falls, approximately 60% of participating families receive financial assistance or subsidies through state programs and organizational support.

Julie Heaton from Small World daycare expressed concern about potential funding reductions to grant programs.

“Our biggest concern is that as monetary funds decrease, then less people are able to get the grant money needed to help – especially those who are in the lower income area – to meet the needs of those kids,” she said.

To elevate early education standards, child care providers rely on specialized training initiatives. Facilities across Idaho Falls use Idaho Stars to assist staff members with certifications and program improvements. Grant funds and stipends also help cover teacher wages while they complete professional development courses. Organizers hope these investments in training will reduce staff turnover rates and improve overall instruction for young children.

The collaborative gathers local facility directors and community organizations once a month to address shared challenges and prevent service duplication. Francis emphasized that local feedback guides these efforts.

“We make all of our decisions based upon the input of our community, and that’s what the collaborative does,” she said.

The monthly meetings allow leaders to discuss safety, curriculum and staff resources.

Francis added, “It gives us an opportunity to bring together the people who never get to meet. Everybody gets together and share resources… Those are conversations we never get to have.”

Members of the collaborative are also engaging with lawmakers to recommend policy adjustments. Organizers hope to adjust eligibility requirements for assistance programs so more working parents qualify for financial aid.

Francis stressed the group’s constructive approach when speaking with officials, “So our hope is really first that they listen and to are willing to take into consideration some of the things that we are offering.”

“As a suggestion, we really believe in coming to the table with solutions, not just problems,” she said.

Learn more about the Idaho Falls Early Learning Collaborative and resources available here.

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