Author: KIFI

Seth Ratliff

REXBURG, Idaho (KIFI) — Madison County officials are sounding the alarm following a recent spike in scams related to passport applications.

Spokesperson Teri Aldrich says reports that Madison County staff have recently encountered a growing number of residents who mistakenly believe they have already paid for their passports online through unofficial websites.

“Residents should be cautious of websites that request online payment for passport processing services, as these may be misleading or fraudulent,” said Aldrich in an email to the media.

Madison County does accept and process passport applications, but Aldrich emphasises that the U.S. Department of State never accepts online payments for new passport applications.

When applying for a new passport, passport fee must be paid by check or money order made payable to the U.S. Department of State and mailed to the passport processing center as part of the application. For more information, click HERE.

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News Release

The following is a news release from the City of Pocatello:

POCATELLO, Idaho — The City of Pocatello is excited to announce the launch of a new video series, Mayor’s Minute, featuring Mayor Mark Dahlquist. The series is designed to provide residents with short, engaging, and informative updates about City of Pocatello departments, projects, and services.

Mayor’s Minute serves as a positive and educational platform to highlight the important work happening throughout the City. Each episode focuses on City initiatives, infrastructure improvements, public safety updates, and other projects that contribute to the quality of life in Pocatello.

“This series is a great way to connect directly with our community,” said Mayor Mark Dahlquist. “Mayor’s Minute allows us to highlight exciting things happening within our City organization while also helping residents better understand how City departments and services work.”

Each approximately one-minute episode is designed to be positive, informative, and educational, helping residents better understand how City programs and services benefit the community as well as address important issues that residents have on their minds. Mayor’s Minute will be released monthly, with the potential for additional videos as needed.

Residents are encouraged to watch the introductory video today. The video received more than 15,000 views on the City’s Facebook page in its first week, demonstrating strong community interest.

Episodes can be viewed at: pocatello.gov/979/Mayors-Minute

Submit ideas for future episodes by email: mayor@pocatello.gov

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Par Kermani

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Idaho State Police are warning motorists to prepare for dangerous driving conditions through the weekend after a massive dust storm triggered a 10 to 14 car pileup on Interstate 15 on Thursday.

The crash occurred at approximately 3 p.m. near milepost 113 in the Melaleuca area, situated between Idaho Falls and Shelley. Master Corporal Chris Jones of the Idaho State Police reported that high winds swept across open fields, carrying topsoil onto the roadway and creating a localized “blackout” for about a mile.

“Those fields have a lot of topsoil, and right now there’s nothing holding it down,” Jones said, noting a lack of winter vegetation or snow cover to keep the dirt in place.

While the roadway has since been cleared, officials have not yet released updates on the conditions of those involved in the pileup.

The disruption was caused by a significant variance in vehicle speeds. While some drivers slowed down to navigate the low visibility, others continued at high speeds and rear-ended the slower traffic. Some motorists were reportedly traveling up to 80 mph at the time of the collision.

Meteorologists and law enforcement expect similar hazards to return on Saturday, March 14. High winds are forecasted to impact the same stretch of I-15, as well as areas near Roberts and Highway 26.

“If you do run into one of these conditions, don’t stop in the roadway.” said Jones “Turn on your flashers. Continue to navigate through the roadway as best you can. And just be aware of what’s ahead of you. Kind of look farther down the road. A lot of drivers tend to look a short distance down the road, but you can kind of see these hazards if you’re paying attention a long distance down the road, maybe 12 to 14 seconds, as opposed to 5 or 10 seconds.”

Jones urged drivers to exercise extreme caution and avoid using mobile phones during these events. 

“A few extra minutes on your commute is not a big deal,” Jones said. “It’ll help everybody out and hopefully it’ll save you from seeing one of us”.

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News Release

The following is a news release from the Idaho Falls Police:

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho — The Idaho Falls Police Department recently welcomed Molly, a police therapy dog in training, to the team. Molly, a two-year-old golden retriever, is partnered with Officer Eric Lyke, who is serving as a school resource officer at the Alturas Academy schools.

Molly was previously owned by Brian Walker, former director of the 3B Juvenile Detention Facility. Walker started Molly’s training, including earning her Basic Canine Good Citizen certification, and utilized her within the facility, working with juveniles and staff. When Walker retired, he still wanted Molly to have the opportunity to serve in a similar capacity and offered her to the Idaho Falls Police Department. 

The Idaho Falls Police Department adopted her and placed her with Officer Lyke, with the support of the administration at Alturas Academy. Being paired with a school resource officer means that Molly spends her days interacting with kids and staff, both at Alturas Preparatory Academy (grades 6-12) and Alturas International Academy (grades K-5), and generally assisting her handler, Officer Lyke. 

School resource officers (SROs) have unique roles within law enforcement agencies. Like any other police officer, SROs investigate crimes and respond to safety concerns within their assigned areas. SROs also work to build rapport and familiarity between students and law enforcement, often acting as informal mentors and role models for students. Through the positive relationships they build, SROs often learn about safety or criminal issues from students that may otherwise go unreported. 

Officer Lyke, whose position at Alturas is new as of the 2025-2026 school year, calls Molly a ‘cheat code,’ making him even more approachable and helping him to connect with students who may otherwise be nervous around police officers. 

According to Officer Lyke, it is very common for students to stop by his office, in the halls, or wherever he may be, just to take a few minutes to pet and play with Molly. While often those interactions are casual, on occasion, students have sought comfort from Molly while grieving the loss of a family pet or processing school, social, or home stress. 

Molly has become a popular fixture at Alturas, as a subject for art and photography projects, an incentive and reward for good test scores and positive behavior, and with periodic appearances on the Alturas social media accounts. The Idaho Falls Police Department thanks the administration and staff at Alturas Academy for supporting Molly’s placement with Officer Lyke and for welcoming her into the schools. 

Officer Lyke has also utilized Molly on patrol, responding to calls for service and investigations within the larger community. While assisting with the response to a car accident, Officer Lyke was able to introduce children involved in the crash to Molly, helping them to process the stress of the crash and shift their focus to something positive. In another case, Molly was able to interact with a child at the center of a child abuse investigation, distracting the child while other officers spoke with the parents. 

During a recent political protest, Officer Lyke was nearby when officers were called to respond to a disturbance. After officers addressed the initial concern, Officer Lyke retrieved Molly from his patrol vehicle and spent a few minutes walking through the crowds. According to Officer Lyke, Molly’s presence helped to lower tensions from the disturbance. 

Officer Lyke and Molly also serve as part of the Idaho Falls Police TRUST team, an internal department resource that offers peer support to police officers and other staff. Molly is one of three dogs who are part of the IFPD wellness dog program, including one who is already a certified therapy dog. 

Thanks to the generosity of the Greater Idaho Falls Police Foundation and their $3,000 donation, Molly and her handler are receiving additional training through Idaho Elite K-9. With the help of Idaho Elite K-9, Molly is currently working towards completing her Advanced Canine Good Citizen and Urban Canine Good Citizen certifications. IFPD hopes to continue her training and certify Molly as a therapy animal in the future. 

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Megan Lavin

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — As gas prices soar nationwide, Idaho’s trucking industry is sounding the alarm. They say the pain at the pump will soon turn into pain at the checkout line.

The surge is being driven by escalating tensions in the Middle East. Following U.S. and Israeli air strikes on Iran and the subsequent retaliatory strikes, global oil markets are shuddering.

In the Gem State, AAA says the average price for a gallon of regular is now $3.51, 55-cents more than last month.

Executives at Doug Andrus Distributing say they saw diesel jump by a dollar per gallon in the first week of the conflict. When you’re buying 400-thousand gallons a month, that’s a massive hit to the bottom line.

Jason Andrus says ultimately, those costs will trickle down to everyday Idahoans.

“80% of the goods in the United States are moved by truck. And so, you know, all of those prices will be affected by the cost of gas and energy,” said Andrus. “Not only do the consumers see (the spike in prices) at the gas pump, but they’re going to see it in the price of groceries and everything else they buy that gets moved by trucks.”

The spike in prices shows no signs of slowing. As global shipping traffic stalls in the Middle East, AAA warns oil prices could climb even higher.

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Par Kermani

AMMON, Idaho (KIFI) — Crews with the Bonneville County Fire District and the Idaho Falls Fire Departments are on the scene of a potential structure fire at the Regal Edwards movie theater.

Details surrounding the suspected fire and impact are limited. However, Local News 8 can confirm that fire crews have climbed to the roof to access the upper part of the building.

Kimberly Felker, spokesperson for IFFD, says that Idaho Falls Fire responded with an ambulance to provide EMS support.

Local News 8 has a reporter on the scene and is reaching out to the Ammon Fire Department for additional details.

This is a developing story; we’ll continue to update as we learn new information.

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Seth Ratliff

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — As Idahoans gear up for St. Patrick’s Day 2026 celebrations this weekend through Tuesday, March 17, the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) has a sobering reminder: Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving.

While the holiday is known for green beer and parades, the statistics are anything but celebratory. Between 2019 and 2023, nearly 38% of all St. Patrick’s Day traffic fatalities involved drunk drivers. In 2023 alone, 63 people died in alcohol-related crashes during the holiday—over two-thirds of those cases involved drivers with a blood alcohol concentration of .15 or higher.

As Idahoans head out to St. Patrick’s Day 2026 celebrations this weekend and into Tuesday, March 17, the Idaho Transportation Department urges drivers to plan for a safe ride home.

“Embracing traditions is one thing; getting behind the wheel while impaired is a deadly choice,” says Josephine Middleton, Highway Safety Manager. “We see the devastation these crashes leave behind in Idaho communities every year. Drinking and driving is never an option.”

ITD and local law enforcement are urging everyone to celebrate the holiday safely, planning for a safe ride home. Before the first drink is poured, ensure you have:

A Designated Driver: Someone who stays 100% sober.

A Digital Lifeline: Pre-load your rideshare apps or save a local taxi number.

ITD also encourages Idahoans to report suspected impaired drivers to local law enforcement. For more information, click HERE.

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Kevin Richert

Originally posted on IdahoEdNews.org on March 12, 2026

By Ryan Suppe and Kevin Richert

BOISE, Idaho — Two bills that would amend the state’s “harmful materials” library law are heading to the full House.

The House State Affairs Committee passed the bills Thursday. 

Sponsored by Rep. Jaron Crane, R-Nampa, and backed by Attorney General Raúl Labrador’s office, the bills would align Idaho’s law with recent federal court rulings. The Children’s School and Library Protection Act, which Idaho lawmakers enacted in 2024, imposes penalties on libraries and schools that don’t restrict material deemed  “harmful” to minors. 

The recent court rulings include a Texas decision that found regulating library books is a form of government speech — not a regulation of private speech. The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear the case, allowing the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals’ decision to stand. 

“In public schools and public libraries, the State of Idaho is exercising its own First Amendment rights through its selection of curriculum and library materials,” reads House Bill 819’s statement of purpose. “Those choices constitute ‘government speech.’”

Rep. Jaron Crane, R-Nampa. (Darren Svan/EdNews)

Most people who testified during a public hearing Thursday opposed HB 819. This included representatives from the city of Boise, Idaho Library Association, Community Library in Ketchum and Library Alliance of North Idaho.

Kathy Griesmyer, Boise’s director of policy and government affairs, said the bill “inappropriately” asserts that the “government speech doctrine” — a Supreme Court precedent that holds the government can express the views it favors — allows the state to “regulate private expression” by censoring library material. 

“Applying the government speech doctrine to public libraries would fundamentally undermine the role of the public library and society, and instead allows a legislature to decide what is suitable reading material for all library users,” Griesmyer said. 

Michelle Lippert of the Library Alliance of North Idaho argued that a proposed new definition of “sexually explicit” material is broad and will have a “chilling effect” on library collections. “People often avoid lawful speech or materials out of fear of punishment,” Lippert said. “Libraries may remove or avoid perfectly lawful books simply to avoid risk.”

The House State Affairs Committee voted 10-2 to advance HB 819. Reps. Stephanie Mickelsen, R-Idaho Falls, and Annie Henderson Haws, D-Boise, opposed it.

Rep. Annie Henderson Haws, D-Boise (Photo courtesy of Holland & Hart)

“I want our Idaho kids to have the ability, through the guidance of their parents, to explore ideas, to develop empathy for people that are different than themselves, that may have different experiences,” Haws said. “I see this as an additional step toward censoring particular ideas in our state.”

No committee members other than Crane, the sponsor, debated in favor of the bill. 

Michael Hon, a Meridian resident and former city council candidate who led an unsuccessful effort to dissolve the Meridian Library District, supported the bill. 

“What librarians seem to forget is that taxpayers are the ones that pay their salaries, keep their doors open, keep their lights on,” Hon said. “I would guarantee that a large percentage of taxpayers would not approve of this type of material in the libraries.”

State Affairs members also passed House Bill 795, a less controversial proposal that would remove a clause in the existing law that’s part of a provision shielding content with “serious literary, artistic, political or scientific value.”

Currently, the provision reads: “Nothing herein contained is intended to include or proscribe any matter which, when considered as a whole, and in the context in which it is used, possesses serious literary, artistic, political or scientific value.”

HB 795 would remove “in the context in which it is used.”

Michael Zarian, solicitor general for Labrador’s office, said removing this phrase responds to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeal’s recent decision on Idaho’s library law. The federal court partially reversed a district court decision upholding the law.

In January, the Ninth Circuit ruled that a coalition of private schools and libraries and their patrons showed a “likelihood of success” because the bill’s context clause is “overbroad on its face” and threatens to regulate expressive activity, EdNews previously reported.

Lance McGrath, president of the Idaho Library Association, said the group was neutral on HB 795 while it opposed HB 819.

Both bills now head to the full House.

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Danielle Mullenix

Idaho Falls, ID (KIFI) – The Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce will host a special community leadership event on Friday afternoon featuring three of Idaho’s top elected officials.

Gov. Brad Little, Lt. Governor Scott Bedke, and Congressman Mike Simpson are scheduled to appear together for a moderated discussion at the Downtown Event Center in Idaho Falls.

The event will begin at 2:30 p.m., with doors opening at 2 p.m.

Unlike a traditional town hall or luncheon, the event will feature a moderated leadership conversation led by Chamber CEO Paul Baker. Baker will guide the discussion and interview the three leaders, focusing on current issues affecting Idaho and the region.

Organizers say the event comes at a key time, as lawmakers continue their work during Idaho’s legislative session. Topics expected to be discussed include budget priorities, economic development, and policy decisions that could impact communities across the state.

Federal policy discussions and international developments are also expected to play a role in shaping Idaho’s economic and political landscape, according to event organizers.

“This is a rare opportunity to hear directly from three leaders who have dedicated years of service to the people of Idaho,” Baker said in a statement. “With both federal and state legislative sessions underway and many important policy and budget decisions being considered, this conversation will provide valuable insight into the direction of our state and nation during an election year.”

The event is open to Chamber members, business leaders, and community stakeholders.

Event Details:

Date: Friday, March 13

Doors Open: 2:00 p.m.

Program Begins: 2:30 p.m.

Location: Downtown Event Center

Tickets: $20

To purchase tickets through the Chamber, click here.

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David Pace

RIGBY, Idaho (KIFI) – Just in time for the 250th anniversary of America, one Rigby family has constructed a gigantic display of patriotism in the heart of Idaho.

Trevor Schroeder has created a 39-foot-by-74-foot United States flag on the ceiling of his stand-alone shop or “barn” adjacent to his home.

“I actually came across a video on TikTok, and I saw a video of a garage ceiling like this, and I fell in love with it,” Trevor Schroeder said.  “I showed my wife and she was like, Trevor, you gotta figure out how to do that – make it happen.”

Schroeder and his extended family are handy with their hands as they own and operate Rock Solid Granite and Tile in Idaho Falls.

“Everything is dimensional, so everything’s to scale,” Schroeder said. “Like I said, it just worked out, and it was meant to be.”

The flag is constructed entirely of steel from Teton Steel with custom-made stars.

It was assembled last week in two days by a team of four – Trevor, two brothers and a brother-in-law from Utah.

“It was a fun project to do, especially with those I love and are always in my corner,” Schroeder said. “So it was awesome. It was a good experience.”

With the one-week old Star-Spangled Banner flying proudly overhead, Schroeder expressed gratitude for those sacrificing for the red, white and blue at home and abroad.

“I’m grateful for those that are out risking their lives and for us and and the families of those soldiers and military personnel that are out there,” Schroeder said. “I think at this time we need to buckle up and be one nation under God and stand for our country.”

The Schroeder family smiles under a massive American flag display in their shop.

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