Author: KIFI

Sam Ross

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — The City of Pocatello has been awarded a $4.8 million grant from the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) to spearhead a five-year project aimed at dramatically reducing the Portneuf Valley’s significant wildfire risk.

The funding, officially $4,836,555, comes from the competitive Community Wildfire Defense Grant (CWDG) program and represents the largest of four projects funded in the entire Intermountain Region (Idaho, Nevada, and Utah), which collectively received nearly $9.5 million. The grants are intended to provide critical support to communities with limited resources but a high exposure to wildfire danger.

Over the next five years, Pocatello will use the federal grant to implement a comprehensive strategy focusing on fire mitigation and preparation.

“We are one of the higher-risk areas in Idaho,” explained Hannah Sanger, manager of the City of Pocatello Science and Environmental Division. “We have a lot of fuel around the city that will burn really hot and fast. We wanted to implement steps to reduce that risk.”

USDA Secretary Brooke L. Rollins emphasized the local impact of the federal investment.

“These grants are about putting resources in the hands of those that know their lands and communities best, so that they can better protect their families, businesses, infrastructure and the future of our shared landscape,” Rollins said. “Keeping forests healthy, resilient and productive doesn’t come from the top down, it comes from us standing alongside the people and communities we serve.”

USDA Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz stressed that collaborative effort is key to tackling modern fire conditions. “No single organization can tackle the severe fire conditions we face today. It is imperative that we work together to protect our forest and communities,” Schultz said. He added that for communities that already have plans in place, “these investments will enable immediate action to reduce wildfire risk.”

The funded proposals in Idaho, Nevada and Utah are as follows:

Recipient
Project Name
Grant Amount

City of Pocatello
Portneuf Valley Wildfire Risk Reduction and Education Project
$4,836,555

Glenbrook Homeowners Association (NV)
Glenbrook Community Defensible Space Projects
$2,979,732

Nevada Tahoe Conservation District
Upper Kingsbury Fire Adapted Community
$1,422,870

Utah Forestry, Fire and State Lands
Dammeron Valley Wildfire Fuels Mitigation & Community Education Program
$239,122

The Forest Service announced it will open a fourth funding opportunity for communities later this year. For more information, click HERE.

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News Team

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (KIFI) — The Leadership of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has announced a special global broadcast and public funeral services to honor Russell M. Nelson, the 17th President of the Church, who died at age 101.

RELATED: Global faith leader and medical trailblazer Russell M. Nelson dies at age 101

Global Tribute Broadcast: A special devotional will take place on Wednesday, October 1, at 10 a.m. MDT.

Public Viewing: The public is invited to pay their respects on Monday, October 6, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. in the LDS Conference Center in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Public Funeral Services: The funeral will be held at the LDS Conference Center on Temple Square in Salt Lake City, Utah, on Tuesday, October 7, at 12 p.m. MDT.

These services will follow the Church’s 195th Semiannual General Conference, which is scheduled for the weekend of October 4–5, 2025. For more information on the funeral services or the public broadcast, click HERE.

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News Team

TETON COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) — The Teton County Sheriff’s Office is actively seeking public assistance following an early morning vehicle crash that occurred in Driggs on Monday, September 29.

The incident took place at approximately 6:47 a.m.in front of the Marathon Gas station. Deputies responded to the scene and are working to identify everyone involved in the collision.

As part of their investigation, the Sheriff’s Office has released a security camera image captured at the gas station and is urging the public to help identify a person shown in the photo. The individual appears to be a man wearing a baseball cap.

The Teton County Sheriff’s Office shared the image on its Facebook page with a direct appeal: “If you know who this individual is, or if you are the individual shown, please call the Teton County Sheriff’s Office.”

Anyone with information regarding the identity of the individual in the photo or any details related to the crash is asked to contact the Teton County Sheriff’s Office at 208-776-8200.

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Sam Ross

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI)– The Idaho Walk Bike Alliance (IWBA) has partnered with national pedestrian-advocacy organization America Walks to bring a ‘Week Without Driving’ to the Portneuf Valley.

IWBA and America Walks are challenging Pocatellans to use their cars as little as possible from Monday, September 29, to Sunday, October 5, and opt, instead, for walking, biking, or public transportation.

“This week gives you a glimpse into how many things you can do without actually getting in your vehicle, and you still get to a lot of the places you want to get to,” said ‘Cowboy’ Ted Hallisey, with IWBA. “…We’re just encouraging people to give it a shot and see what it’s like to go one week without driving… if you can’t go one week, try a day, try a couple days, and just enjoy human-powered transportation in Idaho.”

Another Week Without Driving will be going on in Boise at the same time as the Pocatello event, but Hallisey said anyone in Idaho can participate in the initiative.

There is no formal requirement to start the challenge, but participants can visit either the Idaho Walk Bike Alliance or America Walks website to register.

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News Team

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (KIFI) — In a time of profound grief for members of the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, President Dallin H. Oaks, President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, has released a statement addressing two major events: the passing of the church’s global leader, President Russell M. Nelson, and the deadly attack at a Michigan chapel.

RELATED: “Targeted attack” on Michigan LDS Church leaves four dead, explosive devices found at the scene

His statement expresses profound sorrow in the wake of this weekend’s events and offers a message of comfort to the worldwide membership. Local News 8 has included Oak’s full statement below.

“Our hearts are heavy with sorrow. Millions of us are mourning the passing of our beloved Prophet and President, Russell M. Nelson. He was a dear friend and a cherished leader. His timeless teachings continue to guide us and help us find comfort amid suffering, especially in the wake of the recent violence aimed at members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Michigan this past Sunday.

“The awful tragedy that took place in Grand Blanc, Michigan, on September 28, reminds us of our sacred responsibilities as followers of Jesus Christ. We mourn with our members who have lost loved ones, and we join in prayer for comfort with others around the world who are suffering from similar tragedies. We all seek answers and understanding in the wake of trauma, shock, and grief. We are grateful to all who are reaching out with service, prayers, and words of support during this difficult time.

“May we all remember the truth that each of us is a beloved child of God. Our Savior Jesus Christ, through His infinite Atonement, overcame death and gives us the joyful assurance that each of us will be gloriously resurrected. On behalf of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I extend this expression to the family and friends of those affected by this recent tragedy and all others who may be experiencing loss and heartache at this time.” — President Dallin H. Oaks, President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

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News Release

The following is a news release from the Office of the Attorney General of Idaho, Raúl Labrador:

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — Attorney General Raúl Labrador filed a response with the U.S. Supreme Court opposing plaintiff Lindsay Hecox’s suggestion that Little v. Hecox should be dismissed as moot. Hecox filed a “suggestion of mootness” — a formal legal claim that no active dispute remains and the case should be dismissed — with the U.S. Supreme Court after the Court agreed to review Idaho’s Fairness in Women’s Sports Act.

“After five years, Idaho’s law protecting women’s sports has finally reached the U.S. Supreme Court. Now, the ACLU wants to drop the case because they know the strength of our argument,” said Attorney General Labrador. “But the legal arguments of one male athlete do not change the facts: Under Ninth Circuit precedent, girls across Idaho can still be forced to compete against boys. That’s not fair, it’s not safe, and it strips young women of equal opportunities. We’re urging the Court to affirm that states have the authority to preserve and protect women’s sports.”

Idaho’s response to the Court outlines three key legal arguments for why the case should proceed to a Supreme Court decision on the merits rather than being dismissed. First, Hecox cannot dismiss the case because their dismissal notice violates the court-ordered stay of all proceedings that Hecox requested and agreed to, which specifically prohibited any court activity while the Supreme Court reviews the case. Second, the case isn’t moot because Hecox remains enrolled at Boise State University and could resume playing women’s sports at any time, maintaining a legal interest in the outcome. Third, the Supreme Court has an interest in preventing parties from manipulating the judicial process by dismissing cases only when they face potential unfavorable rulings.

The Supreme Court will now decide whether to accept Hecox’s mootness claim or proceed with a decision that could protect women’s sports nationwide. If the Court agrees the case is moot, the lower court rulings would likely be vacated, potentially allowing Idaho’s law to take effect but leaving unresolved the broader legal questions about states’ authority to preserve women’s sports. If the Court rejects the mootness claim and hears the case on the merits, it could issue a definitive nationwide ruling on whether states can protect female athletics based on biological sex.

Idaho’s Fairness in Women’s Sports Act was the first law of its kind when enacted in 2020, establishing the principle that female athletics should be reserved for biological females. Attorney General Labrador continues defending the law as it faces ongoing legal challenges.

Idaho’s response has been included below:

20250926161250258_Response to Suggestion of Mootness with Appendix ADownload

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News Team

BONNEVILLE COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) — The Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office is urging all water enthusiasts to wear their life jackets while on the water following a water rescue on the Palisades Reservoir this past Saturday.

The incident occurred when a boat was reportedly capsized by large whitecaps, throwing three people into the frigid mountain water.

Air Idaho was able to locate all three people. The people were in the water for around thirty minutes to an hour before being brought ashore and treated on site for exposure to the cold water. 

Search and rescue volunteers, backcountry deputies, Swan Valley Fire, and an Idaho Falls ambulance all assisted with the rescue.

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News Team

ALPINE, Wyoming (KIFI) — Three individuals are safe and uninjured after their small plane made an emergency landing near Alpine, Wyoming, on Saturday night.

The incident happened on Saturday around 7:30 p.m. While official reports on the cause are pending, an eyewitness reported hearing the pilot indicate fuel issues led to the forced landing.

First responders, including a fire truck, were dispatched to the scene immediately and remained nearby as a precaution while officials from local law enforcement investigated and secured the area.

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News Team

MICHIGAN (KIFI) — In the aftermath of Sunday’s deadly attack on a Michigan branch of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, police have now confirmed that all individuals believed to have been inside the burning structure have now been accounted for.

The deadly attack on the house of worship left four people dead, not including the shooter, and 8 people injured. The two initial fatalities were victims of gunshot wounds. The final two bodies were recovered later from the severely damaged church after fire crews extinguished the massive blaze that had engulfed the building.

Officials are still in the process of clearing the building, which is considered a total loss.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer told members of the press her “heart is breaking by another mass shooting in a place that is supposed to be defined by togetherness.”

“We’ve seen gun violence in our schools, stores, parades, festivals, and our houses of worship. These are places that we go to feel connected, to feel safe, to be together,” Whitmer said Monday morning during a press conference.

The Democratic Governor said she had been in contact with President Donald Trump and has ordered all flags to be lowered to half-staff to honor the victims.

The gunman was killed within minutes in a police shootout. Investigators identified him as Thomas Jacob Sanford, who served with the Marines and was an Iraq War veteran. His family is reportedly cooperating as the FBI investigates the attack as an act of targeted violence, though they have not yet released any specific details on why the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was targeted.

Investigators have found improvised explosive devices (IEDs) at the scene of the attack, according to James Deir, acting special agent in charge with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives in Michigan.

Local Officials React

In the wake of the tragic act of violence, Idaho Governor Brad Little released a heartfelt statement in support of the local and national Latter-day Saint community.

“Our hearts are heavy to learn of the attack on an LDS church in Michigan. Such violence against any house of worship is intolerable. I stand with the Latter-day Saint community and all who are grieving. Idaho will continue to protect the right to worship in safety and ensure security and justice,” the Governor stated on Facebook.

ORIGINAL:

MICHIGAN (KIFI) — Authorities in Michigan are preparing to hold another media briefing at 10:30 a.m. MT this morning, where the Police are expected to deliver the latest details on the deadly attack at a branch of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Local News 8 is streaming the press conference live above.

Last night, police confirmed the death toll from the attack had risen to four. During a press conference, Police Chief William Renye announced that investigators have discovered two additional bodies in the burned-out remains of the church building in Grand Blanc Township, bringing the confirmed number of fatalities (not including the shooter) to four.

Police are working to identify each victim “as quickly and accurately as possible.” Due to the extensive damage, the church building is considered a total loss, and the search for more victims is ongoing. Officials currently do not have a confirmed number of people unaccounted for, but believe they may find additional victims as they continue to search the rubble.

The FBI has taken the lead in the investigation, treating the incident as an act of targeted violence. The deadly attack began when police say the gunman rammed a vehicle into the church, opened fire on the congregation, and then set the building ablaze during a Sunday service. The 40-year-old gunman, identified as Thomas Jacob Sanford of Burton, Michigan, was killed by responding police officers.

For more information on the shooting, click HERE.

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News Team

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — A 47-year-old Idaho Falls man was arrested last week for the alleged sexual exploitation of a child, Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador announced today.

Jason Roemmich was taken into custody by investigators with the Idaho Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit last Wednesday, September 24. He has been formally charged with 10 counts of possession of sexually exploitative material and is currently being held in the Bonneville County Jail.

The arrest was the result of a collaborative investigation involving multiple agencies. The Attorney General’s ICAC Unit received help from the Idaho Falls Police Department, Pocatello Police Department, Madison County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office in building a case against Roemmich.

“Every arrest we make is a step toward protecting Idaho children from exploitation,” said Attorney General Labrador. “I’m grateful for the hard work of our ICAC investigators and the partnerships we’ve built with law enforcement agencies across the state to protect children.”

Authorities encourage anyone with information regarding the exploitation of children to contact local police, the Attorney General’s ICAC Unit at 208-947-8700, or the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-843-5678.

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