Author: KIFI

Noah Farley

AMMON, Idaho (KIFI) — Spring has sprung, and so has a new flower that glows in the dark.

The Firefly Petunia is a flower genetically modified to give off a soft, greenish light. This is the first year the plant is available to the public through garden centers.

The entire flower glows, including its roots and leaves. This is made possible through bioluminescence, just like how certain mushrooms glow.

“This was developed with the genes from the mushroom. So they spliced the genes from the mushroom, [and] genetically modified it into a petunia, and that’s where the bioluminescent glowing comes from,” said Sunnyside Gardens Owner, Aaron McCracken.

McCracken says even though the flower glows, it should be cared for like any other petunia. You can have it in your house or on your patio. It does better in a pot than in the ground.

“It’s an annual, just like a normal petunia. So it will die during the winter. So have it outside, enjoy it during the spring and summer, and then, before freezing temperatures in the fall, bring it inside and enjoy it as a houseplant for years to come.”

If you’d like to see the firefly petunia, Sunnyside Gardens has a dark room where you can go in, let your eyes adjust to the dark, and see the flowers in their glowing glory.

You can find Sunnyside Gardens’ location and hours here.

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Sam Ross

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI)– The 2025 Portneuf Valley Environmental Fair, featuring booths and activities all centered around sustainability, will be at Lookout Point on Saturday, April 26.

The annual environmental fair showcases local businesses and government departments’ ongoing efforts to protect the environment and promote community health.

The fair will also have live music and free food, as well as opportunities for free lead testing, nitrate testing for well water, and recycling stations for electronics and lithium batteries.

The 2025 Portneuf Valley Environmental Fair will run from 11 am to 3 pm at Lookout Point, 426 West Lewis Street. For more information, you can visit the city’s Environmental Fair website.

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Seth Ratliff

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – The Marshall Public Library is taking a page out of the world of Comic Books in a celebration local superhero and science fiction fans won’t want to miss.

In collaboration with Pocatello’s Captain Bengal’s Comic Cove, the library is participating in the 24th annual Free Comic Book Day on Saturday, May 3, 2025.

“This event is absolutely free and welcomes everyone, no registration needed. Along with your free comic book, enjoy a comic-themed craft project, challenge yourself with a fun puzzle, and capture the moment at our hero-themed photo spot,” writes the library staff. “The library thanks Bob Beason, owner of Captain Bengal’s Comic Cove, for his help and support with this event. Mr. Beason helped provide the comics for giveaway as well as the hero cutouts for the photo spot.”

Free Comic Book Day is a worldwide event where comic book shops and libraries open their doors to new and longtime fans, offering a selection of special edition comics at no cost.

The event began on the same weekend as the premiere of Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man in 2002, where over two million books were given away.

This year, the official Free Comic Book Day Retailer Selection Committee has chosen forty-six exciting titles, including popular franchises like Star Wars, Godzilla, Transformers, Mega Man, and Street Fighter. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just discovering the world of comics, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

For more information on the worldwide celebration and a full list of available titles, click HERE or contact the Marshall Public Library at (208) 232-1263.

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News Team

The following is the press release from the City of Idaho Falls:

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – The City of Idaho Falls will be closing Anderson Street between Boulevard and Holmes Avenue beginning Saturday, April 26, to allow crews to access and replace a waterline near the intersection of Anderson & Holmes. The closure is part of a critical infrastructure project aimed at ensuring the continued reliability of the city’s water system.

Local businesses will remain accessible from the Science Center during the closure. Motorists are advised to reduce speeds, obey all traffic control signage, and remain alert for construction crews working in the area.

The City of Idaho Falls thanks residents and businesses for their understanding and support during this necessary improvement to the city’s infrastructure.

For further information, please contact the City of Idaho Falls Public Works Department at (208) 612-8250. 

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Seth Ratliff

UPDATE:

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – The Pocatello Animal Shelter has temporarily closed its doors due to a recent health concern affecting some of the animals.

According to a press release from the City of Pocatello, the closure and pause in animal adoptions come after four puppies tested positive for canine parvovirus.

“Despite their best efforts, these puppies were exhibiting severe symptoms and were humanely euthanized to prevent the spread of the virus and to protect the health of the remaining animals in the facility,” said the City of Pocatello in the release. “At this time, ten other puppies at the shelter have tested negative for parvo and are being closely monitored. Out of an abundance of caution, the shelter is temporarily closed to the public and volunteers to limit the risk of cross-contamination.”

Parvovirus is a highly contagious and potentially deadly virus that affects unvaccinated dogs, especially puppies. Animal Services staff is working diligently to disinfect all affected areas and implement strict isolation protocols to contain the virus and ensure the safety and well-being of the animals at the shelter.

“We appreciate the community’s understanding and support as we work to resolve this situation,” said the release. “Updates will be provided as more information becomes available and when it is safe to reopen.”

ORIGINAL:

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – The Pocatello Animal Shelter has temporarily closed its doors. The news comes from a post on the Pocatello Animal Services Facebook page.

According to the post, the closure is due to a recent health concern affecting some of the animals.

“For the health and safety of our animals and the community, our shelter will be temporarily closed to the public effective immediately,” said the post. “This decision comes as we take proactive measures to address a recent health concern affecting some of our residents.”

Animal Services has not indicated how long the closure will last or if the shelter animals have been moved to another facility.

“During this time, our team will be focusing on deep cleaning, medical care, and ensuring all animals are safe and well-supported,” continues Pocatello Animal Services in the post. “We will reassess the situation on Monday to determine our next steps.”

Local News 8 has reached out to the animal shelter for additional details and will update this story accordingly as Pocatello Animal Services provides updates.

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