Author: KIFI

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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Kaelyn Blessinger

BLACKFOOT, Idaho (KIFI) – Frontier Credit Union donated $800,000 to two non-profits, The Blackfoot Community Food Pantry (Community Dinner Table) and The Village, so they can purchase their building.

“They’re making an $800,000 donation and we’ve already paid $100,000,” Jacque Burt, the President of Idaho Foster and Adoptive Parent Association, stated. “So we just have another $100,000 to go and we will own this. And once we own this building and we’ve got all our renovations done, then we are self-sufficient. So no matter what happens in the economy or in the world or whatever, we will still be able to have our doors open.”

Burt said this gives both organizations stability in maintaining their building without having to spend much-needed donations on it.

“We just thought it was a great opportunity to step in,” Dan Thurman, the CEO of Frontier Credit Union stated. “We got to make a big impact, help them make an even bigger impact in the community. And we’ll be opening a branch in the middle of this building as well.”

According to Feeding America, almost 13%, over 6,000 people, in Bingham county experience food insecurity. The Blackfoot Community Food Pantry hopes to continue providing meals for those in need across the community.

“We feed probably between 250 to 300 people every Tuesday night during the winter,” Jackie Young, President of the Community Dinner Table, said. “And we give out between 180 to 200 food boxes every Wednesday here at the pantry.”

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare states that there are over 1,000 children in Idaho who are currently in foster care.

The Village provides various resources for the foster children and their foster care-takers in the Southeast Idaho region.

“We provide for about 350 children here in southeast Idaho in foster care,” Burt said. “They can come into the store and shop for free. They can come in and get clothing and toys and shoes and things like that that they didn’t already have. And so really, it’s easing that transition for them to be able to just have their basic needs met.”

Once these two nonprofits own their building, they can focus even more of their resources on the needs of the community.

“I love this community, and I love what these nonprofits are doing in this community,” Thurman said. “And it is really inspiring how they came together and the things that they’re doing and the impact that they’re having. Trying to help lift people up. And so for us to be a part of that and be able to contribute in any way is awesome.”

To find out about upcoming events with these nonprofits, check out these links:

Blackfoot Community Dinner’s website

Idaho Foster and Adoptive Parent Association

The address for the nonprofits is 250 W. Judicial St. Blackfoot, ID 83221

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Curtis Jackson

WHITE HOUSE (KIFI) – President Donald Trump is expected to deliver a primetime address Thursday evening.

Sources tell ABC News he will discuss detailed information he recently received from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence related to the 2020 election.

Sources tell other news agencies, he plans to concentrate on voting machine security and alleged Foreign influence elections.

Election integrity has been one of Trump’s core talking points since he lost the 2020 Presidential contest.

The speech is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. MT.

You can watch the address below once it begins.

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Hadley Bodell

UPDATE 4:50 PM: As of 4:50 p.m. power has been restored to ISU campus.

ORIGINAL:

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – A transformer failure near the Rendezvous building knocked out power to several buildings of Idaho State University’s lower campus on Thursday afternoon.

The outage began just after 2:00 p.m. on July 16, with ISU Public Safety broadcasting a campus-wide emergency alert shortly after at 2:30 p.m.

Idaho Power and ISU Facilities Services are currently on-site investigating and making repairs. While work is actively underway, university officials warn that there is no clear estimate for the return of power; however, it could remain off for several hours.

“At this time, we ask that staff and faculty check on any sensitive equipment or materials that may be impacted by the lack of power,” said the university in an updated alert. “Students should coordinate with their instructors for any impact to class or research activities.”

The following buildings are currently impacted by the power outage:

POND Student Union Building

Physical Science Complex

Public Safety

McIntosh Manor

Business Administration

Liberal Arts

Early Learning Center

Lillibridge Engineering Building

Fine Arts

Museum Building

Grounds

Shops

Student Health

Dental Hygiene/Science

Administration Building

Frazier Hall

University Courts

Many of the impacted facilities are on the lower campus or near the ISU Quad. Noted buildings on campus not included are Turner Hall, Rendezvous, Reed Gym, and other upper campus structures.

This is a developing story and Local News 8 will update this article as new details become available.

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Seth Ratliff

YELLOWSTONE (KIFI) — Extreme summer heat has forced park officials to issue emergency, full-time fishing closures on three of Yellowstone’s most iconic rivers.

Effective Wednesday, July 15, all fishing is temporarily banned on the Firehole, Madison, and Gibbon rivers, including all of their tributaries. The restrictions come as water temperatures climb to 86°F, which park biologists warn is lethal to trout. The National Park Service (NPS) confirmed they have already received multiple reports of dead fish along the Firehole River over the past week.

Coupled with high air temperatures, the National Park Service says these conditions are lethal to trout. In the past week, the NPS has received several reports of dead fish in the Firehole River.

The closures will protect the park’s native and wild trout fisheries and will remain in effect until conditions improve. Park staff will continue to monitor water temperatures daily. Depending on how the weather behaves, the NPS may lift the bans or enact further restrictions.

Currently, there are no restrictions on fishing other park lakes, rivers, and streams due to high water temperatures and low river flows.

Currently, there are no temperature-related restrictions on other park waters. Anglers are welcome to fish the following areas as long as they follow standard park rules:

Yellowstone Lake

All other lakes within the park boundaries

All other rivers and streams not explicitly listed in the closure notice

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Par Kermani

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — The Mountain America Center will host its second annual Summer Market Days on Friday and Saturday, bringing more than 100 vendors, food trucks, live entertainment and family-friendly activities to Idaho Falls.

The free community event returns after its debut in 2025 and will feature small businesses, artisans, boutiques, food vendors and local organizations from across the region.

Some vendors include Wild West Hat Bar, Castaway Ceramics, Thor’s Chocolate, Idaho at Heart LLC, Melissa K. Hillman Fine Art and Turtle Island Turquoise.

Visitors will also find specialty food and dessert vendors, including Jocelyn’s Brownies, Caramel Tree, Sweet Talk Bakery, Cook’s Cotton Candy, Buttercrunch and Bite Me Protein Cookies.

Several community organizations will also participate, including the Community Food Basket, Idaho Falls Area Humanitarian Center and Champ’s Heart.

Organizers say this year’s event will offer an expanded vendor footprint and additional activities for attendees.

A new addition is a special edition of Alive After 5 on Friday evening in partnership with the Idaho Falls Civitan Club. While the indoor market will close at 6 p.m., food trucks, a beer garden and outdoor attractions will remain open during the concert from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Guests can also explore Adventureland, an outdoor attraction. The area is designed to resemble a campground and will feature Toyota vehicles, RVs and trailers, outdoor recreation equipment and interactive activities.

Activities include a free basketball hoop trailer available throughout Friday, side-by-side off-road rides from noon to 3 p.m. Friday and a free 32-foot rock climbing wall from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

Additional displays will include kayaks, paddleboards and off-road gear.

Food trucks scheduled to attend include Pinoy Streets Fry N Grill, Wiki-licious, Taqueria El Pollo Loco Jr., Copacabana, Rose Marie’s Gluten Free, The Corn Dog Company and The Grub Shack.

Burger Smithy is scheduled for Friday, while 208 Food Hub is scheduled for Saturday.

Summer Market Days will take place at the Mountain America Center, located at 1690 Event Center Drive in Idaho Falls.

Event Schedule

Friday, July 17

Summer Market Days: Noon to 6 p.m.

Alive After 5: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Saturday, July 18

Summer Market Days: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Admission is free. More information, including a full vendor directory, is available through the Mountain America Center.

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