Category: kifi-local-news

Dylan Carder

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Twenty-five years ago today, the United States changed forever.

September 11, 2001, remains ingrained in the memory of millions who watched the tragedy unfold in real time. Among the first broadcasts was a radio transmission from an anonymous firefighter in New York: “The World Trade Center, Tower Number One, is on fire.”

As flags flew at half-staff across the nation, news anchors Jay Hildebrandt and Karole Honas delivered the painful reality to local viewers in Southeast Idaho. “Good evening, everyone,” Hildebrandt said. “The immediate shock is now starting to wear off, but now an incredible sadness is settling in America.”

In the years that followed, the public learned more about the victims and their final moments. Among the most poignant was a voicemail left by Brian David Sweeney, a 38-year-old former U.S. Navy pilot, to his wife:

“Jules, this is Brian. Listen, I’m on an airplane that’s been hijacked. If things don’t go well… it’s not looking good. I just want you to know I absolutely love you. I want you to do good, go have good times. Bye, babe.” – Brian Sweeney, National September 11 Memorial & Museum

Unity in Uncertainty: How Southeast Idaho Reacted

With sadness, the country and Eastern Idaho community turned to each other for comfort. Across Eastern Idaho, residents and civic organizations mobilized to support relief efforts and find solace together. Local groups organized blood drives, heightened security protocols, and hosted community gatherings across the region.

At First Methodist Church in Pocatello, Pastor Tom Tate led an evening service as community members sought comfort in numbers.

 “I think that it is a natural response in times of natural and national duress, to want to be together. And the church seemed a good place to do that,” one woman told then Newswatch 3.

Red Cross offices across the region saw an overwhelming surge of volunteers. The Pocatello Red Cross office received up to three times its typical number of blood donors, forcing the agency to extend operating hours and reschedule some donations for later in the week.

Public agencies responded swiftly. The Idaho National Engineering Laboratory—now the Idaho National Laboratory—placed its facilities on high alert and instructed personnel to report any suspicious activity.

Meanwhile, federal aviation authorities grounded air traffic nationwide, forcing unexpected landings at regional hubs. A commercial flight from Calgary, Canada, bound for Salt Lake City, was diverted to Idaho Falls Regional Airport.

“I think we’re all in shock right now and you just kind of don’t know what’s going to happen,” one traveler told Local News 8 that day.

In local schools, routine instruction gave way to historic reality. As events unfolded on the TV in front of them, students sat staring at the screen, left to reflect on the nightmare happening on the other side of the country. 

“I think it’s scary because you never know—we could be next,” one student told Local News 8 shortly after the attacks. “And if there’s a war, I turn 18 pretty soon, so that’s pretty scary for me.”

Never Forget: Remember how you felt the day after?

As the decades pass, local leaders emphasize the importance of preserving these memories. A permanent 9/11 memorial monument now stands at the downtown Idaho Falls Fire Station to honor those lost and educate future generations.

“We’re getting generations that are young enough to not remember 9/11,” said Kayla Fielder of Idaho State University. “It’s important to keep the memory alive so that we maintain that strength, unity, and resilience.”

In many ways, we will never be the same as we were before. 9/11 reshaped American life, from airport security procedures to Real ID requirements on driver’s licenses. But the hope of many is that the spirit of unity that followed the attacks endures.

“Remember how you felt on September 12th? Remember the spirit of September 12th,” said former Ammon Mayor Sean Coletti. “Are you living up to that spirit? We all helped each other a little bit more. We all loved a little more. We need to do that again.”

Editor’s Note: This story was adapted from an original on-air broadcast report with the assistance of AI. All content is thoroughly reviewed and verified for accuracy by the Local News 8 editorial team.

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Danielle Mullenix

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – Communities across Eastern Idaho are coming together Thursday to mark 25 years since the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks with memorial ceremonies, stair climbs, tributes and opportunities for service.

Several events are planned throughout the day to honor the nearly 3,000 people who lost their lives, as well as the first responders, military members, and ordinary Americans who stepped up in the aftermath of the attacks.

Idaho Falls 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb

The Idaho Falls Police Department is partnering with Anheuser-Busch for the fourth annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb.

First responders are climbing the stairs at the Idaho Falls Malting Facility, recreating the 110-floor climb of the World Trade Center’s Twin Towers.

The climb represents more than 2,000 steps for each tower.

The stairs will remain open around the clock through September 11, allowing first responders to participate when their schedules allow.

The stair climb is not open to the public. However, community members can support the cause by donating to one of five local charities that assist first responders.

Rexburg Pipe Brigade holds final 9/11 performance

In Rexburg, the day begins at 7 a.m. at Station One with a flag raising and bell tolling.

The Rexburg Pipe Brigade will also hold a Patriot Day memorial ceremony at 6 p.m. at Porter Park, featuring bagpipe music and a tribute to September 11.

This year’s performance carries additional significance as the Pipe Brigade prepares to retire following its final performance.

The brigade says it is grateful for 17 years of community support.

Snow King Hill Climb in Jackson

In Jackson, participants will take part in the annual Snow King Hill Climb, beginning at 4 p.m.

Participants will climb 1,500 feet — representing the equivalent of the 110 stories of the World Trade Center.

Each participant will carry an Idaho badge honoring a first responder who served on September 11, 2001.

A community barbecue will also be held at the base of Snow King, with free water and T-shirts available while supplies last.

New this year, participants can listen to actual NYFD radio communications from the day of the attacks.

Jackson Hole memorial ceremony

The community’s 9/11 memorial ceremony begins at 8:30 a.m. at Town Square in Idaho Falls.

The ceremony will provide an opportunity for members of the community to gather and remember those who lost their lives on September 11, as well as honor those who responded.

Bannock County Patriot Day commemoration

The annual 9/11 Patriot Day Commemoration begins at 5:30 p.m. on the front steps of the Bannock County Courthouse.

This year’s ceremony will include a flag-raising ceremony and a chronological recounting of the events of September 11 by Sixth District Judge Rick Carnaroli.

Organizers say the ceremony will honor the lives lost, as well as the first responders and ordinary Americans who stepped up that day.

Following the ceremony, local veterans groups will host a community dinner at the Bannock County Veterans Memorial Building.

The event is open to everyone.

America-250 Freedom Festival

Also Thursday evening, the America-250 Idaho Freedom Festival begins at 6 p.m. at the Bonneville County Fairgrounds, with doors opening at 5:30 p.m.

Family-friendly activities begin at 5 p.m. and will include a look at the Idaho Liberty Bell, children’s activities, and other events.

The evening will feature a veterans tribute, flag ceremony, and history trivia competition, along with live music from Jay Osmond and Eagle Rock Pipes and Drums.

Organizers are also encouraging residents to participate in the America-250 Act of Service Challenge by completing an act of kindness or service in their community.

For many communities across Eastern Idaho, the events offer different ways to pause and remember 25 years after September 11 — from honoring first responders through physical challenges and ceremonies to finding ways to serve others in their own communities.

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David Pace

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – As food and housing prices continue to rise, hunger is increasingly an uninvited guest at family dinner tables in Idaho.

“You’re not going to do your best work if you don’t have any food. And if from a parent perspective, if you’re going home and you have kids at home and a family to feed and there’s not enough there, same thing – everybody suffers,” said Idaho Foodbank Board Member Julie McMurtrey. “So we help make that basic need.”

283,630 Idahoans don’t have enough food to eat, according to the Idaho Foodbank. One in six Idaho kids do not have access to reliable food.

Here in eastern Idaho’s 16 counties, 20,640 kids or 17 percent are food insecure.

“So we serve over 200,000 individuals each month throughout the year and this last fiscal year, we delivered enough food for 22 million meals, and that’s 26.5 million pounds of food,” said Idaho Foodbank President and CEO Randy Ford.

The Idaho Foodbank hosted its annual fundraiser Thursday at Snake River Landing to raise food insecurity awareness and remind that everyone deserves a seat at the table.

With a distribution center in Pocatello, the Idaho Foodbank supplies much of the food for the Community Food Basket Idaho Falls, Idaho Falls Rescue Mission and Valley Mission in Pocatello.

“We serve all 44 counties in the state, but we’re community anchored. We have a branch in Pocatello, and we serve eastern Idaho. We serve 45,000 people a month [in this region] through our partner agencies that we have,” Ford explained.

The Idaho Foodbank is a non-profit, and is not government-funded, relying instead on the donations of individuals and corporations, Ford said.

The Foodbank partners with more than 400 agencies across the state to help meet critical food needs.

93 percent of all donations go directly to food and programs, according to its website.

To learn more about how you can contribute, volunteer or make a difference, visit idahofoodbank.org.

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Abi Martin

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – Idaho State Police is investigating multiple crashes that happened Thursday, September 10, on eastbound U.S. 20 near milepost 313 in Idaho Falls.

According to ISP, a 25-year-old man from Rigby was driving a 2017 Audi A4 when the vehicle left the roadway, went through a fence and came to rest near railroad tracks.

While emergency crews were at the scene, a 34-year-old woman from Rexburg was driving by and slowed down for the emergency response. ISP says her car was then rear-ended by a 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by a 68-year-old woman from Idaho Falls.

The woman from Rexburg was transported by ground ambulance to a local hospital.

ISP says all drivers involved were wearing seatbelts.

The crashes remain under investigation.

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Kaelyn Blessinger

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – As children adjust to their school schedules, parents may notice another issue affecting their child: their vision.

In class, teachers may notice students having trouble reading the board or hear complaints about blurry text.

“Teachers don’t know how to diagnose it necessarily because they’re not a doctor, but it is nice that they can see the underlying issues,” Rick Fletcher, the Idaho Falls Eyemart Express General Manager, said.

In school, kids usually need to look to the front of the classroom to read what’s on the board, which could reveal vision issues they didn’t have to confront before. In response, they may strain their eyes or decide it’s not worth the effort to pay as much attention.

“A lot of times it’s the focus,” Fletcher said. “A lot of teachers come in here and I talk to them and say, ‘what are you seeing when your students are in the classroom?’ And they say, ‘it’s always a non willingness to pay attention to the board and just not being able to see because they don’t have the vision.'”

When Fletcher was is school, his parents discovered his need for glasses in Kindergarten.

“I just didn’t pay attention and wasn’t focused,” Fletcher recalled. “And teachers were like, ‘hey, we don’t know what’s going on with him. But he’s not able to focus and he’s complaining about not being able to see what we’re writing on this board.’ And then this was a way for me to go in and get my eyes checked. And now I’ve had glasses since Kindergarten.”

If the teacher notices, they will likely bring it to the parents’ attention, but parents should also watch for signs such as frequent headaches, sitting too close to the TV, covering one eye to see better, and tilting their head.

You can speak with your child’s general practitioner to discuss next steps.

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Kaelyn Blessinger

AMMON, Idaho (KIFI) – H. Davis Salon in Ammon is hosting a benefit event this Saturday, Sept. 12, offering discounted haircuts to raise money for the Idaho Falls Community Food Basket.

The salon will offer $20 dry haircuts with no appointments or reservations required. All money earned from the discounted haircuts will be donated directly to the local food bank.

The fundraising event takes place from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at 3544 East 17th Street, Suite 101, in Ammon. Walk-ins are welcome throughout the day for dry haircuts, which do not include washing or styling.

Charlotte Finck, the salon’s lead hairstylist, emphasized why they’re doing it.

“It’s amazing to be able to financially help in that way because the dollar goes a really long way with this charity,” Finck said. “We love that we are able to give back with our talents. You know, we are all career hairdressers here, but it’s so important to give back when we can and give our gifts back to the community.”

Along with the discounted haircuts, the salon is holding multiple raffles featuring various local goods. All money collected from raffle ticket sales will also go to the Idaho Falls Community Food Basket.

The grand prize for the raffle is an electric guitar autographed by all members of the all-women glam metal band Vixen. The signed guitar was donated by the Shoshone-Bannock Casino Hotel.

Electric guitar signed by Vixen, courtesy H.Davis Salon

“So we have really ramped up our raffle baskets this year with some very, very generous donations from the community,” Finck said. “Our star donation this year was an electric guitar signed by the glam rock band Vixen. So generously donated by the Shoshone Bannock tribe and we were so excited to have it. So that is our star donation this year.”

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Hadley Bodell

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – Drivers and pedestrians have navigated orange cones, cranes and lower speeds through the historic downtown district in Pocatello all summer. Yesterday, the city announced two of the projects are complete, with two others expected to wrap up before the end of the year.

The City of Pocatello has undertaken several major construction projects this year, all in the hopes of providing long-term safety for visitors. The projects support the City’s Comprehensive Plan 2040, a series of construction updates to the downtown infrastructure that more easily connects the community.

The Downtown Safety Improvement Project is now complete, with tangible differences in city sidewalks, crosswalks, and ramps. The project focused along North Main Street and North Arthur Ave and provides new curb extensions and ramps for enhanced accessibility.

“We installed some bulb outs, it’s a traffic calming device and it gives an island for pedestrians to stand,” said Tom Kirkman, Public Works Director for the City of Pocatello. “It helps with visibility as well as safety as they cross the road.”

Crosswalk with newly installed “bulbs” near Pocatello High School in Downtown Pocatello, Sept. 10

The Urban Forestry Improvements Project is also finished in historic downtown which inlcluded tree removals, pruning and replanting. The project was possible thanks to the Urban and Community Forestry Grant awarded in 2023.

“Some of the trees adjacent to the decorative light poles in downtown were in need of some help, some were in rough shape and some had died,” Kirkman explained. “We were able to use a grant that we got to go in and install new trees.”

Two other projects remain in the works that continue to effect driver and pedestrian traffic into historic downtown. The Portneuf River Bridge Replacement on West Benton Street has reached a new phase of construction, with crews focusing on the bridge deck.

They have installed all nine beams to form the structural framework of the bridge, and will make the bridge deck before final roadway improvements can reopen the road.

The Benton Bridge is expected to complete by October.

Benton Bridge project work, Sept. 10

“We got a bridge bundle grant and it was a little over two million,” Kirkman said. “It has been totally excavated and the new girders are in. So it’s moving along and now they’re going to start putting decking and concrete down.”

The Center Street Underpass project has also reached a new phase, reopening to pedestrian traffic. This is the largest and most significant of the current Pocatello improvement projects. Crews have successfully completed a sidewalk along the south side of the underpass for pedestrians to use while they shift focus to the north side.

“We’re hoping to have a year end completion, there have been delays in the process,” Kirkman said. “We’ve got the walls all poured and a new sidewalk on the south side which is now open for pedestrian traffic. We’re very optimistic that it’s picking up some speed.”

Work on Center Street Underpass, Sept. 10

The city is also encouraging people to stay informed throughout the construction process on the remaining two projects through their website pocatello.gov/projects.

“We’re hoping with these new improvements and the reconstruction that we’ll get another hundred years out of the underpass and we appreciate all the patience from everyone,” Kirkman said. “We know it’s inconvenient, but we want to encourage everybody to support historic downtown.”

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Curtis Jackson

AMERICAN FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — The Power County Emergency Management Office warned residents in American Falls to remain indoors after a bull moose was spotted in a residential backyard on Thursday.

The moose was spotted early afternoon near the hospital.

Idaho Fish and Game officers were called in to help and captured the moose and have relocated it to a safer area.

No other details have been released.

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Abi Martin

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho – As the nation continues to mark 250 years of American history, this year also marks 25 years since the September 11th attacks.

This Friday, in Idaho Falls, there will be an event to honor veterans, remember those who lost their lives, and celebrate the nation’s history at the Idaho Freedom festival. 

Susan Stucki with America 250 Service Program visited the Local News 8 Studio to share details about the event. That interview is attached to this article.

It will be held at 6 p.m. at the Bonneville County Fair Grounds.

The festival will feature: an American Legion flag ceremony, a special tribute to veterans, an Early American and Eagle Rock history trivia competition, the creation of an America250in Idaho Time Capsule, and a special display of the Idaho Liberty Bell.

There will also be live Performances by Eagle Rock Pipes and Drums and Jay Osmond.

And America 250 in Idaho is continuing it’s act of service challenge. Even though Stucki have hit their goals of 250 thousand acts of service, she is still encouraging people to do acts of service throughout the year.

To record your act of kindness, you can visit idahokindness.com

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Danielle Mullenix

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – As Idaho’s summer travel season comes to an end, new data from the Idaho Transportation Department shows a decrease in fatal crashes during this year’s “100 Deadliest Days” period — but thousands of crashes were still reported across the state.

An ITD crash summary from District 6 Public Information Officer Sky Buffat, covering the period from May 25 to September 7, 2026, reports a total of 7,411 crashes statewide, including 59 that were fatal.

That’s a decrease from last year’s 87 fatal crashes, according to Buffat.

While fatal crashes declined, the overall number of crashes highlights the continued safety challenges Idaho drivers face during the busy summer travel season.

Top Contributors for 2026 Crashes

According to the ITD data, the most frequently documented contributing circumstance was failure to yield, involved in 1,270 crashes, or about 17% of the total.

Other leading contributing circumstances included:

Following too close: 1,070 crashes — 14.44% Inattention: 696 crashes — 9.39% Animals in the roadway: 622 crashes — 8.39% Failure to maintain lane: 385 crashes — 5.19% Improper lane change: 385 crashes — 5.19% Alcohol impairment: 275 crashes — 3.71% Improper turn: 270 crashes — 3.64%

The report also shows 1,243 crashes classified as distracted-driver-related, accounting for 16.77% of all crashes during the reporting period.

Buffat said the data reinforces the importance of drivers staying focused behind the wheel.

“Some of the highest contributors to accidents over this particular summer have been failure to yield, failure to stay in your lane,” Buffat said. “The fact that inattentive driving, distracted driving is such a high percentage of these severe crashes just tells us all that we can be better at putting our phones down, focusing on the road, slowing down.”

Most crashes happened during June, July and August

The ITD report shows June had the highest number of crashes during the summer reporting period, with 2,388 crashes, followed closely by July with 2,346 and August with 2,069.

Month Crashes May 542 June 2,388 July 2,346 August 2,069 September 66

The report’s data begins May 25 and ends Sept. 7, corresponding with the period surrounding Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Of the 7,411 crashes documented, 1,323 were classified as intersection-related, representing 17.85% of all crashes. Another 1,243 were classified as distracted-driver related.

Other notable crash categories included:

Fixed-object related: 704 Commercial motor vehicle related: 528 Wild-animal related: 387 Impaired-driver related: 378 Work-zone related: 330 Alcohol related: 279 Motorcycle related: 128 Bicycle related: 80 Pedestrian related: 59

The report shows 4,881 crashes resulted in property damage only, while 1,100 involved a possible injury or complaint, 1,038 involved a suspected minor or visible injury, and 333 involved a suspected serious

ITD urges drivers to prepare for winter

As summer driving season winds down, ITD says the focus is shifting toward winter driving safety.

Buffat said drivers should take the opportunity to refresh their knowledge of safe driving practices, particularly as Idaho continues to grow and more people become familiar with the state’s roads.

“Whatever level of familiarity you have, though, those courses can be a great reminder of the different things that are good to know,” Buffat said.

ITD recommends drivers slow down, increase following distance and remain aware of changing road conditions as temperatures drop.

Drivers should also remember that bridges and overpasses can freeze before other roadways and remain icy longer. ITD advises against using cruise control on ice or snow and recommends avoiding sudden movements or heavy braking if a vehicle begins to slide.

Drivers should also give snowplows plenty of room and avoid passing them too closely. ITD says the safest place to travel is behind the plow.

Drivers can check Idaho 511 for current road conditions, travel information, and upcoming driver’s courses.

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