Category: kifi-local-news

CNN Newsource

By Jordan Valinsky, CNN

New York (CNN) — Girl Scouts of the USA is debuting a new cookie for its upcoming season.

The organization announced Tuesday that “Exploremores,” a Rocky Road-inspired cookie, is being added to the lineup when its annual sales begin in January. Like the Girl Scouts’ other cookies, which include the popular Thin Mints, Samoas, and Tagalongs, the Exploremores will be sold both online and in-person at booths by local troops.

The new chocolate cookie, which has a creamy filling with notes of chocolate, marshmallow and toasted almond–flavored crème, reflects “the spirit of exploration at the heart of every Girl Scout,” according to a press release. Nearly 700,000 scouts participate in the cookie sale each year

Earlier this year, the Girl Scouts of the USA revamped its cookie lineup, announcing the discontinuation of the “S’mores” and “Toast-Yay!” cookies after several years on sale.

Prices, which are based on several factors, are determined by councils and have risen in recent years. Chapters across the country announced price increases from $4 to $5 a box in 2014 and 2015, and to $6 in 2023. Some chapters sold boxes for $7 last year.

However, “all proceeds stay local to help power amazing experiences for Girl Scouts in your community,” a spokesperson said.

“In some instances, councils are faced with the tough decision to raise prices, though prices have remained steady in many areas for a number of years,” a Girl Scouts of USA spokesperson previously told CNN.

The financially distressed 113-year-old organization recently voted to hike membership prices by 160% over the next few years to help keep the group afloat.

Membership dues are the Girl Scouts’ largest source of revenue. Despite supplementing dues with philanthropy and licensing deals, the organization is losing money, projecting operating losses of $5.6 million in 2024.

Last year, the National Council voted to hike dues to $45 for the 2026 membership year and again to $65 in 2027. However, that’s a smaller increase than the $85 per scout originally proposed.

Membership dues generated $38 million in 2023 from nearly 2 million total members.

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Sam Ross

CHUBBUCK, Idaho (KIFI) — This year, residents of Pocatello, Rexburg, and Idaho Falls have a new way to give back for the upcoming holiday season. For the first time ever, the globally recognized Light the World Giving Machine initiative, sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is making its way to southeast Idaho.

This November and December, these unique vending machines will be set up in Pocatello, Rexburg, and Idaho Falls, allowing residents to “purchase” donations for local and international charities.

“The Giving Machine provides…an opportunity to show that Idahoans take care of each other,” Elder Kirt L. Hodges, Area Seventy for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. “And we can do that here to our local charities and needs. And we can also do that to those around the world.” 

Since its launch in 2017, the initiative has raised nearly $50 million, with hundreds of thousands of people worldwide donating essential items, including meals, services, and clothing, to those in need. The machines offer a tangible way to give, letting donors select specific items they wish to contribute.

This year, east Idahoans will have three opportunities to participate:

Pocatello-ICCU Headquarters: November 15—30, Hours: 10 AM to 9 PM

Aid for Friends

Bright Tommorows Child Advocacy Center

South Eastern Idaho Community Action Agency

United Way Southeastern Idaho

Bannock Youth Foundation

Rexburg-Hemming Village: December 1—14, Hours: 10 AM to 9 PM

Eastern Idaho Community Action Partnership

Family Crisis Center

Idaho Falls Humanitarian Center

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Idaho

Idaho Falls Rescue Mission

Idaho Falls-Grand Teton Mall: December 15—January 1, Hours: 10 AM to 9 PM

Eastern Idaho Community Action Partnership

Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Center

Idaho Falls Rescue Mission

The Village

Community Food Basket, Idaho Falls

Friends In Service Here (FISH)

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News Release

 The following is a news release from Yellowstone National Park:

MAMMOTH HOT SPRINGS, Wyo. (KIFI) — Effective immediately, select rivers and streams that were partially closed to fishing due to warm water temperatures and low flows are now open without restrictions. There are currently no temperature-related restrictions in place parkwide.

The partial closure was necessary to protect the park’s native and wild trout fisheries when water temperatures exceeded 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) and flows were low. These conditions can be lethal to trout.

Staff continued to monitor the rivers and streams throughout the partial closure, and have determined that factors such as cooling temperatures, recent precipitation, and the extended forecast for cooler weather and a chance of rain allowed for the restrictions to be lifted.

Which rivers and streams are now open to fishing without restrictions?

The Madison River and all associated tributaries.

The Firehole River and all associated tributaries.

The Gibbon River and all associated tributaries downstream of Norris Campground.

What remains open?

Yellowstone Lake and other lakes will remain open to fishing from sunrise to sunset as specified in the 2025 Fishing Regulations booklet.

All other rivers and streams not listed as closed.  

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News Team

BINGHAM COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) — Idaho’s judicial system is facing online threats following a wave of misinformation that has spread across social media. The Idaho Judicial Branch has issued a public statement condemning the actions, which are centered on the plea deal of former BYU baseball player Candon Dahle.

The Candon Dahle Case

Candon Dahle, a Blackfoot native, was originally charged with one felony count of lewd conduct with a minor child under 16. During his sentencing, his alleged victim, a now 15-year-old girl, told the court how Dahle had sexually assaulted her from the age of 7-12, according to a report by KSL.

The case was settled through a binding plea agreement, a common legal tool where the defendant and prosecution agree on a specific resolution. In this instance, Dahle pleaded guilty to two felony counts of injury to a child, a charge that, under Idaho law, does not carry the requirement to register as a sex offender, according to the Idaho Judicial Branch.

“Both sides agreed that Dahle would be sentenced to probation with potential prison time if he violated it…” states the Idaho Judicial Branch in the release. “This was a “binding” plea agreement, meaning the sentencing judge could accept or reject the agreement, but could not alter its terms.”

The judge, in a move that exceeded the requests of both sides, also added 180 days in jail. The judge’s decision was based on a variety of factors, including arguments from both parties, a victim impact statement, and other legal considerations.

Misinformation and Escalating Threats

The controversy began when social media posts distorted the facts of the case, leading to the false claim that a judge had chosen not to sentence a “rapist” to prison. This widespread misinformation has incited a nationwide campaign of threats against the local court.

The Idaho Judicial Branch reports that the threats have become increasingly graphic and detailed, requiring additional security precautions at public expense. In one alarming incident, people believed they saw the judge at a local fair and urged others to “track him down,” according to the release. Court staff have reportedly been told to expect a group coming to “get” the judge, and some online messages have even called for the judge and his children to be sexually assaulted.

A Call for Judicial Independence

In their official release, the Idaho Judicial Branch stressed the importance of judicial independence and urged the public to “pause and become acquainted with the facts” of the case. They emphasized that criticism of judicial decisions is a fundamental part of a free society, but that threatening violence is unacceptable.

“It is never acceptable to threaten harm to a judge or to intervene in the independent, impartial handling of a case. If courts decided matters based on public opinion instead of evidence and legal standards, the consequences would reach far beyond this case — affecting business disputes, criminal prosecutions, and even the ability of citizens to challenge government actions in court,” states the release.

Local News 8 has included the entire release from the Idaho Judicial Branch below.

20250907-threats_0Download

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Sam Ross

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — Supporters of Victor Perez are planning to gather at the Pocatello City Council meeting tonight to speak out after the investigation into his shooting concluded.

On Wednesday, the Idaho Attorney General’s office announced its determination based on an investigation by the Eastern Idaho Critical Incident Task Force: the four officers who shot Perez would not be criminally charged.

In response, moderators of the “Justice for Victor” Facebook page have organized what they are calling a “peaceful community gathering” for this evening. Online posts have also encouraged people to sign up to speak at the regular city council meeting.

Local News 8 is keeping track of this developing story and will provide updates from the meeting.

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News Release

The following is a news release from the Acting U.S. Attorney for Idaho’s office:

POCATELLO – Acting U.S. Attorney Justin Whatcott announced the results of three separate drug distribution cases in eastern Idaho today.

In one case, Andrea Nichole O’Brien, 38, of Pocatello, was sentenced to 70 months in federal prison for possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it to others. After law enforcement officers stopped O’Brien for a traffic violation, a dog, which was trained and certified to detect the odor of illegal drugs, alerted to the odor of narcotics in the vehicle. During a search, police officers located 106.3 grams of methamphetamine under the driver seat and a loaded Glock 43 handgun in the driver’s door.

Andrea Nichole O’Brien, courtesy Bannock County Sheriff’s Office

Senior U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill also ordered O’Brien to serve five years of supervised release following her prison sentence. O’Brien pleaded guilty to the charge in May 2025.

Acting U.S. Attorney Whatcott commended the Pocatello Police Department for their investigation that led to the charges in this case. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Zoie Laggis prosecuted this case.

In the second case, Curtis Lee Campbell, 40, of American Falls, was sentenced to 143 months in federal prison for the distribution of methamphetamine. According to court records, in April and June 2024, Campbell sold methamphetamine to another person on three occasions in eastern Idaho. The first sale consisted of 7.24 grams, the second 27.23 grams, and the third was 28.62 grams, totaling 63.09 grams of methamphetamine. At sentencing, the Court determined that Campbell was a career offender because he had at least two prior felony convictions for controlled substance offenses.

Senior U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill also ordered Campbell to serve three years of supervised release following his prison sentence. Campbell pleaded guilty to the charge in May 2025.

Acting U.S. Attorney Whatcott commended the Pocatello Police Department, the Idaho State Police, the Bannock County Sheriff’s Office, and the Drug Enforcement Administration for their investigation which led to the charges in this case. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Zoie Laggis prosecuted this case.

In the third case, Jessica Dona Elison, 44, of Pocatello, was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison for possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it to others. According to court records, Elison traveled to Mexico or Arizona to get methamphetamine from her supplier. Bingham County Sheriff’s detectives were granted a search warrant to place a tracking device on the vehicle that Elison was driving. Detectives observed her vehicle coming back to Idaho. After Elison’s vehicle broke down in Pocatello, she moved the methamphetamine from her vehicle to another vehicle. During a search of that vehicle, officers found a bag that contained 281.53 grams of methamphetamine and 68.5 grams of marijuana.

Jessica Dona Elison, Courtesy: Bannock County Sheriff’s Office

Senior U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill also ordered Elison to serve five years of supervised release following her prison sentence. Elison pleaded guilty to the charge in May 2025.

Acting U.S. Attorney Whatcott commended the Bingham County Sheriff’s Office, and the BADGES Task Force, which is a HIDTA-funded task force that includes the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Pocatello Police Department, the Idaho State Police, the Bannock County Sheriff’s Office, and the Chubbuck Police Department, for their investigation which led to the charges in this case. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Zoie Laggis prosecuted this case.

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Noah Farley

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — US-20 near Lindsay Boulevard has seen quite a few crashes, including the one on Friday, August 29. Four vehicles collided, but all passengers walked away with only minor injuries. 

Local News 8 asked the Idaho Department of Transportation if they plan to make improvements to the area. They say they are working to make the roads safer and less congested, as part of their plans to relocate the I-15 exit and US-20 and widen the roads.

“Because we know that area right in town in Idaho Falls is so busy, it has been on our radar for many years already to make a very large scale improvement,” said ITD Public Information Officer Sky Buffat.

There is no specific timeline just yet on when the project will be finished, but Buffat says we are closer to seeing the improvements they have in mind than ever before.

A lot goes into a road project. Every time ITD plans to start one, it has to present an Environmental Impact Statement, a 200-plus page-long document that lists all the things the project will affect.

“The noise, the cultural, historical, wetlands, so much more,” Buffat said. “All of those things have to be studied and analyzed and then put into a document for the Federal Highway Administration to overview, review and approve.”

Buffat says the public can help by being especially careful when driving through work areas to make sure no accidents put the road work on pause. 

More information about ITD’s plans involving US-20 can be found here.

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Seth Ratliff

REXBURG, Idaho (KIFI) — Crews in Rexburg are actively working to repair a gas leak along West 7th South, as of 6:10 PM. According to the Rexburg Police Department, West 7th South is closed between Center Street and 2nd West.

They’re asking residents to avoid the area to allow technicians room to work. The cause of the leak has not been released at this time.

Local News 8 is tracking this developing story and will provide updates as information becomes available.

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News Release

The following is a news release from AAA Idaho.

BOISE, Idaho (News Release) – AAA and the Idaho Association of School Resource Officers (IDASRO) are working together to promote school zone safety.  Governor Brad Little recently proclaimed the week of September 7 as School Zone Safety Week.

“School zones require drivers to slow down and watch for children on their way to and from school, but anytime kids and vehicles share the same space, it can be risky,” says AAA Idaho public affairs director Matthew Conde.  “As drivers, we take the lead in keeping others safe.”

Safety tips for drivers and students

For drivers

Look for signage and flashing lights that indicate the location of a school zone.  Slow down and actively scan the road for children.

Never overtake a stopped school bus with flashing lights.  It’s dangerous and illegal.

Follow directions from crossing guards and teachers.

If possible, design your route to avoid residential neighborhoods and school zones.

Ditch the distractions.

For students

Before crossing the street, look left, then right, and then left again.  The closest vehicles will usually come from the left.

Avoid darting between cars.  Cross at crosswalks.

Step back at least five feet from the street while waiting at a bus stop.

Never board or exit the bus until it comes to a complete stop.

If you’re biking or on a scooter or skateboard, please wear a helmet.

Parents may also coordinate a “walking school bus,” where adults trade off days or weeks accompanying children to and from school as needed.

“As the days grow shorter, bright clothing. backpack lights and reflectors are a big help,” Conde said.  “We ask drivers, including our newest group of young drivers, to keep safety top of mind.  Every child deserves a safe and successful school year, and no one wants to jeopardize that.”

School Zone proclaimationDownload

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