Category: kifi-local-news

Noah Farley

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — Idaho universities and colleges are planning to reorganize, eliminate programs, and reduce their staff after Governor Brad Little made 3% budget cuts permanent.

Governor Brad Little signed executive order 2025-05 in August, which implements a 3% reduction in general fund spending and prepares for upcoming tax cuts by the Trump administration.

The governor asked Idaho’s colleges and universities to submit new budget plans for 2026-27 that reflect a 3% cut in their budgets—including Idaho State University.

ISU has to cut $3 million from its budget. In documents made public last week, ISU says the budget cuts will likely include a reduction in staff, but says their commitment to students, their success, and Idaho’s workforce and economy remains unshakable.

Local News 8 has reached out to Idaho State University for further comment and we are waiting to hear back. 

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Ariel Jensen

LAVA HOT SPRINGS, Idaho (KIFI) — A popular Idaho tourist attraction is shutting down for a time to renovate and upgrade the facility.

The hot pools at Lava Hot Springs are getting a facelift. Managers say they’re making it better for visitors. The hottest hot pool is the one under construction.

“So that pool was done in the early 1980s, and there is no foundation structure under to support the earth moving all the time. So that pool was buckling and failing. The steps were moving steps, broke off, and it was just falling into itself,” said Tyson Koester, Executive Director of the Lava Hot Springs Foundation.

Managers tell us the hot pool area is tightly confined for the majority of the construction. As a result, they had to use special tools and equipment to keep this project going.

“We run two and a half million gallons a day of water through this facility. So there are no valves, there’s no on and off,” said Koester. “So, it’s how do we control the water? What do we do with the water to get the facility back open, and also do water where we need to put the supporting foundation, and for the new pool?”

Despite the challenges of working with moving water, they plan to open the four other pools by November 7th, but the hottest pool is not expected to be open for another seven months.

“That’s a big project. It’s, you know, state of the art. It’s not an easy task. We’ve got a great team on it, and hopefully we can provide a product that will last for a long time and there’ll be some great improvements for ADA access,” said Koester.

They plan to have a grand re-opening once the first phase of renovations is complete in November.

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Seth Ratliff

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — An exciting new service is coming soon to the Idaho Falls Regional Airport. The airport is adding another nonstop seasonal flight from Idaho Falls to Chicago O’Hare International Airport. The flight will be operated by United Airlines.

“This adds even more travel options and convenience for our passengers heading east and beyond,” the airport posted to social media.

The news comes a little over 6 months after the airport added a similar service by American Airlines. Commenting on the addition in April, Idaho Falls Regional Airport Director Ian Turner said it was a route “the Idaho Falls Regional Airport has been after for a number of years.”

The new service is expected to start in May 2026.

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News Team

AMERICAN FALLS, IDAHO (KIFI) — American Falls Joint School District #381 is celebrating a major achievement by a group of local educators. The American Falls Early Learning Collaborative has earned first place in the Idaho Association for the Education of Young Children (Idaho AEYC) statewide “Shark Tank” competition at the Early Learning Collaborative Symposium.

The collaborative’s presentation was recognized by judges as the most fundable project due to its creativity and passion for strengthening early learning opportunities in the community. The winning presentation was delivered by team members Abi Hawker, Whitney Lankford, and Kim Jackman.

In addition to securing the top prize overall, the American Falls team also received the award for Best Display for their visually appealing presentation materials.

D381 says the judges assessed presentations on six key areas: presentation quality, impact on children and families, systems-building through the Six Buckets Framework, collaboration and partnerships, response to judges’ questions, and innovation and creativity. The American Falls team achieved the highest total score, with judges specifically praising their strong impact narrative and powerful examples of community collaboration.

Reflecting on the recognition, Abi Hawker shared, “This recognition really belongs to our entire community. The American Falls Early Learning Collaborative is successful because so many people—schools, parents, businesses, and organizations—work together to give every child the best possible start in life.”

The American Falls Early Learning Collaborative is a joint community effort supported by several local preschools, including Hillcrest Preschool, St. John’s Preschool, Baby Bee Daycare and Preschool, Buttercups Learning Center, and American Falls Head Start.

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Seth Ratliff

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — The City of Pocatello is celebrating the newest addition to the Pocatello Fire Department’s arsenal. Next week, the city is hosting a traditional push-in ceremony next week to officially welcome the department’s new tractor-drawn aerial (TDA) ladder truck, designated Truck 1.

“This new aerial truck represents a major investment in public safety and emergency response,” said Pocatello Fire Chief Ryan O’Hearn. “We’re excited to show the community what it can do and to carry on a proud fire service tradition with this ceremony.”

The welcoming event is scheduled for Wednesday, October 29th, at 5:15 PM at Pocatello Fire Department, Fire Station #1, 408 E. Whitman Street

The event will include brief remarks from city officials, a ribbon-cutting ceremony, and an open house, giving community members a chance to explore the station, meet their local firefighters, and see Truck 1 up close.

The celebration will culminate in the time-honored push-in ceremony. This unique fire service tradition dates back to the days of horse-drawn fire equipment when firefighters had to physically push the heavy apparatus back into the bay. Today, PFD says it symbolizes the commitment of firefighters to protecting the community and formally placing the truck into service.

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News Release

The following is a press release from Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador’s Office:

BOISE, Idaho — Attorney General Raúl Labrador filed a motion for summary judgment asking a federal court to dismiss a lawsuit challenging Idaho’s Defense of Life Act. The motion reveals that Dr. Stacy Seyb, the physician bringing the challenge, never understood Idaho’s law nor read the January 2023 Idaho Supreme Court decision clarifying the state’s abortion laws when he transferred pregnant women out of state.

Dr. Seyb, a maternal fetal medicine specialist at St. Luke’s Health System, sued Idaho, claiming the state’s abortion restrictions are unconstitutional. But his own deposition testimony undermines his claim because he referred patients out of state without learning what Idaho’s laws allow. He admitted he didn’t understand Idaho’s law, which permits physicians to perform abortions when the doctor, in good faith medical judgment, believes an abortion is necessary to prevent the woman’s death—without requiring certainty or imminence.

Dr. Seyb testified he never read the Idaho Supreme Court’s 2023 decision in Planned Parenthood v. State that clarified doctors may use “good faith medical judgment” without “objective certainty” or requiring death to be “imminent.” He also claimed that he received no training on the Defense of Life Act from St. Luke’s. When asked how close to death a woman must be before he can perform an abortion, he testified: “I wish someone would answer that for me”—even though the Idaho Supreme Court answered that question a year before he airlifted patients out of state.

“The Idaho Supreme Court told doctors in 2023 they have broad clinical judgment to provide necessary care,” said Attorney General Labrador. “Dr. Seyb did not educate himself on what Idaho law permits, which is required of every doctor in Idaho. His patients suffered from his lack of understanding, not because of our laws.”

The case is Seyb v. Members of the Idaho Board of Medicine, pending before Judge B. Lynn Winmill in the U.S. District Court for the District of Idaho.

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Seth Ratliff

IDAHO/WYOMING (KIFI) — An Idaho semi-truck driver is facing DUI charges after an early morning crash in central Wyoming that severely injured his female passenger. The truck, which was hauling potatoes, reportedly crossed the median of I-80 near Elk Mountain and crashed into the Medicine Bow River.

The driver, identified as Matthew Berggren, 40, of Idaho, was arrested by the Wyoming Highway Patrol for DUI. Following an initial hearing, Berggren was released on bond.

According to the Wyoming Highway Patrol, the crash happened along milepost 228 of I-80, just outside of Elk Mountain. The preliminary investigation suggests the eastbound semi-truck veered off the road, crossed the median, and plunged into the river, spilling hundreds of Idaho potatoes into the river and ditch beneath the roadway.

The female passenger in the truck sustained injuries in the crash and was airlifted to a medical facility in Colorado. No further details on her condition have been released.

The truck and trailer were later recovered from the Medicine Bow River. The EPA also assessed and cleared the scene following the truck’s removal.

The Wyoming Highway Patrol took the opportunity to issue a safety reminder: “Let’s make sure we all get to our destinations safely, make smart decisions before getting behind the wheel. Don’t Risk It, Drive Sober!”

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Seth Ratliff

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — Ahead of local elections on November 4th, Idaho Secretary of State Phil McGrane is encouraging all Idaho residents to finalize their plans to vote. With important deadlines fast approaching, he’s reminding residents they have until 5 PM tomorrow to pre-register to vote and request an absentee ballot.

Secretary McGrane stresses that pre-registering is the simplest path to a smooth Election Day experience. “Pre-registering at VoteIdaho.gov is quick and straightforward, and it’s the best way to ensure you’re prepared,” he noted in a press release. “For those voting absentee, this Friday is especially important, as it’s also the deadline to request your ballot.”

For those who miss tomorrow’s pre-registration deadline, you can still register and vote in person both at early voting locations and on election day.

To register, voters must bring an accepted form of photo ID and proof of residence. For most residents, a current Idaho driver’s license will be enough. Voters can check VoteIdaho.gov for specific early voting sites in their county.

The Secretary of State also reminds Idahoans that local taxing districts have varied election schedules and boundaries, meaning not every resident will have a contest on their ballot. Before heading out to the polls, McGrane urges voters to visit VoteIdaho.gov to check their sample ballot.

“VoteIdaho.gov is your trusted resource to get the information you need and to make your voice heard in your community,” said Secretary McGrane.

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Seth Ratliff

CHUBBUCK, Idaho (KIFI) — A large cow moose that took an unexpected detour into a Chubbuck neighborhood was safely captured and relocated Wednesday morning thanks to a joint effort by Idaho Fish and Game (IDFG) and City of Chubbuck Animal Control.

Wednesday morning, the massive animal wandered into the backyard of a home on Whitaker Road, in a suburban area of Chubbuck. Fish and Game staff were able to successfully tranquilize the moose at the home. Once sedated, the cow was carefully loaded and transported to a more suitable, remote habitat, far from homes and traffic.

Idaho Fish and Game staff Erik Bartholomew (standing over tranquilized moose) and Houston Kimes (foreground) were two of the responders helping to relocate a moose from a Chubbuck neighborhood on Oct. 22.

This incident highlights the potential danger when large wildlife strays into populated areas. IDFG warns that despite their seemingly awkward appearance, moose are powerful, quick, and known to charge people or pets, particularly when they feel threatened.

“If you encounter a moose on the trail or in your neighborhood, remember to give them plenty of space—never approach moose, and keep your pets from doing the same,” advises IDFG.

This is the second such relocation in southeast Idaho in less than two weeks, following an incident where another moose was removed from a Blackfoot neighborhood on October 10.

Regional Wildlife Manager Zach Lockyer of the Southeast Region Fish and Game explained the decision-making process: “Sometimes when moose find their way into developed areas, we can wait it out and see if the animal moves back to where it came from, away from people. However, when moose are in the heart of neighborhoods or commercial areas near busy roads, it is sometimes necessary to relocate the animal in the interest of both public and wildlife safety.”

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News Release

The following is a news release from Idaho Fish and Game:

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho — Idaho Fish and Game has issued a salvage order for irrigation canals within the Upper Snake and Southeast Regions, effective Oct. 31, 2025, through Nov. 30, 2025.

Local canals in the Upper Snake and Southeast Regions will be shut off as irrigation season ends for the year, and it is expected that many fish will be stranded as canals go dry.  Rather than letting them go to waste, Idaho Fish and Game has issued a salvage order effective Oct. 31 – Nov. 30, 2025, and encourages the public to salvage and utilize these fish during this timeline.

Canals from the Upper Snake Region included in the salvage order are:

Anderson, Burgess, Butte and Market Lake, Chester, Clark and Edwards, Consolidated Farmers, Crosscut, Danskin, Dry Bed, Eagle Rock, East LaBelle, Egin, Fall River, Farmer’s Friend, Harrison, Idaho, Independent, Island, Marysville, Osgood, Palisades, Parks and Lewisville, Porter, Reid, Rexburg Irrigation, Rigby, Rudy, Salem Union, St. Anthony, St. Anthony Union, Teton Island Feeder, Teton Irrigation, West LaBelle, Wilford, and Woodville canals.

In the Southeast Region, the salvage order includes the canals and laterals of:

Aberdeen Springfield, Blackfoot, Cedar Point, Corbett Slough, Great Western, Highline, Lavaside, Low Line, New Lavaside and People, Peoples, Reservation, and Snake River Valley canals.

During the salvage order period for the previously mentioned canals:

All bag, possession, and size limits are suspended.

A valid Idaho fishing license is still required.

Fish may be taken by any method except firearms, explosives, chemicals, or electrical current.

Sturgeon may NOT be retained, must be immediately released alive, and must be reported to the Upper Snake Regional Office by calling (208) 525-7290.

No live fish may be transported from the place of capture.

Anglers are reminded that some segments of these canals are on private property and permission must be obtained from the landowner prior to fishing in those areas.

For more information about this salvage order, contact the Southeast Region Fish and Game office in Pocatello at 208-232-4703 or the Upper Snake Region Fish and Game office at 208-525-7290.

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