Category: kifi-local-news

News Release

BOISE, Idaho (News Release)- Idaho’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased between June and July, from 3.7% to 3.6%.

July’s labor force decreased by 1,523 (-0.2%) people to 998,870 while the labor force participation rate – the percentage of people 16 years or older who are either employed or looking for work – decreased by 0.2 percentage points between June and July to 61.6%.

Total employment decreased by 1,007 (-0.1%) to 962,626 and unemployment decreased by 516 (-1.4%) to 36,244.

Idaho’s nonfarm jobs had a net increase of 1,200 (0.1%) for a total of 886,800 in July. Industry sectors with the greatest over-the-month gains included Information (2.3%); Natural Resources (2.2%); Real Estate and Rental and Leasing (1.7%); Finance and Insurance (1.0%); Other Services (1.0%); Local Government (0.8%); Private Educational Services (0.5%) and Professional, Scientific and Technical Services (0.5%).

Industries that experienced job decreases in July included Administrative, Support and Waste Management Services (-1.7%); Arts, Entertainment and Recreation (-1.4%); Nondurable Goods Manufacturing (-0.6%); Transportation, Warehousing and Utilities (-0.6%) and Accommodation and Food Services (-0.5%).

Two of Idaho’s six Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) had over-the-month nonfarm job gains in July. Boise and Coeur d’Alene both saw an increase of 0.1%. Lewiston and Idaho Falls experienced decreases of 0.7% and 0.2%, respectively. Pocatello and Twin Falls experienced no change.

Year over Year

Idaho’s 3.6% unemployment rate for July 2026 was the same as in 2025. The labor force declined by 8,416 (-0.8%), as the number of employed Idahoans decreased by 8,277 (-0.9%). The number of unemployed Idahoans decreased by 139 (-0.4%).

Total nonfarm jobs increased by 0.5% (4,200). Most major industry sectors gained jobs except Arts, Entertainment and Recreation (-11.2%); Administrative, Support and Waste Management Services (-6.5%); Federal Government (-6.3%); State Government (-5.5%); Accommodation and Food Services (-2.4%); Information (-2.2%); Nondurable Goods Manufacturing (-2.2%) and Wholesale Trade (-0.3%).

Three of Idaho’s MSAs had year-over-year nonfarm job gains in July. Lewiston had the greatest increase at 0.7%, followed by Boise (0.6%) and Coeur d’Alene (0.5%). Idaho Falls and Pocatello both experienced a decrease of 1.5%, while Twin Falls saw a decrease of 1.0%.

National Comparisons

Nationally, the unemployment rate decreased between June and July, down to 4.1%. The number of unemployed decreased by 178,000 (-2.5%) to 6.9 million. Total nonfarm payroll employment decreased by 23,000 to 158.9 million.

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Curtis Jackson

SALMON, Idaho (KIFI) — The U.S. Department of Energy has awarded a Salmon company $100 million to produce cobalt sulfate and related materials.

The announcement was made on Thursday and is part of a $500 million national effort by the Trump administration to secure domestic critical mineral supply chain.

DOE said Salmon-based Formation Holdings US, Inc., doing business as Jervois, will use the money to build a commercial cobalt refinery at a selected industrial site.

Cobalt is a material used for batteries and battery storage. China has dominated the global cobalt supply chains, and the Trump administration is trying to change that.

Once operational, this refinery will establish long-needed domestic processing capabilities for cobalt, supported by a completed feasibility study and extensive industry experience.  

“For too long, America has depended on foreign actors for critical materials essential to modern life that underpin our economy, energy security, and national security,” said U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright. “President Trump is reversing that dependence by securing our critical supply chains, unleashing American industry, and bringing critical materials production and processing back to the United States.”

Click here to learn more about the award.

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Seth Ratliff

REXBURG, Idaho (KIFI) — Beasts of engineering are rumbling into the Madison County fairgrounds for a high-octane weekend of wheelies, racing, and action-packed competition.

Crews spent Friday prepping the dirt track for the Monster X Tour. Founded in 2008, the Monster X Tour is one of the largest independently owned monster truck tours in the country.

“It’s literally the thrill of a lifetime,” said driver Paul Craighead. “I bet I’ll have you standing on your feet just as much as your son or daughter.”

Craighead pilots the iconic Carolina Crusher, one of five 10,000-pound trucks competing in Saturday’s lineup. He says behind the spectacle lies a relentless work ethic that spectators rarely see.

“We literally work on our trucks every single day—morning, noon, and night,” Craighead explained. “We’re also the semi-truck drivers. What you see during the main event is only a fraction of the job. We put in about 60 hours a week per truck just maintaining them and driving to the next venue. I mean, it is a whole lifestyle.”

That dedication feeds directly into the intense rivalry on the track. Stanley Hernandez, driver of Werewolf, admitted the banter behind the scenes can get heated, even if it stays friendly.

“We are really, really competitive guys, so we are trash talking a lot between us before the show,” Hernandez said with a grin. “We give it 100%. We’re taking racing really, really seriously.”

Saturday’s showcase features two separate action-packed performances:

Matinee Show: Starts at 12:00 p.m.

Evening Show: Kicks off at 7:00 p.m.

Fans wanting to get closer to the action can purchase $20 ride-along passes to climb aboard a real monster truck during the Pit Party or Intermission.

For more information about Saturday’s event or to purchase tickets, click HERE.

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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Curtis Jackson

SALT LAKE CITY (KIFI) — Those wanting to get an inside look at the renovated Salt Lake Temple can make reservations beginning Sept. 1, 2026.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced that people can begin making reservations for the open house scheduled to begin on April 5, 2027 and runs through October 1, 2027.

The six-month celebration marks the temple’s reopening and will welcome visitors in person and through online virtual experiences. Alongside temple tours, guests can participate in exhibits, performances and activities across Temple Square.

For Latter-day Saints, temples serve as sacred houses of worship where members make religious promises and perform ceremonies, distinct from local meetinghouses used for weekly Sunday services.

Individual guests may reserve up to six tickets starting Sept. 1 at 11 a.m. MDT through TempleSquare.org and the Temple Square app. Groups seeking tickets for larger parties, such as family reunions, church groups or community organizations, can submit a formal reservation request. Church officials noted that additional tickets will be made available through future releases if initial dates or times sell out.

Tour times during the six-month celebration are scheduled from 8:40 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from noon to 8 p.m. on Sundays. The venue will provide accessibility accommodations, including language support, assistive listening options and services for guests with mobility, vision, hearing and other needs.

Reservations are required for the open house tours but are not necessary to attend the broader Salt Lake Temple Celebration. Individual guests may access and participate in many of the exhibits, performances and activities on Temple Square without making a prior reservation.

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Seth Ratliff

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — The Idaho Falls Motor Vu Drive-In, the Gem State’s oldest drive-in theater, is wrapping up its summer season with a free community night. Gates open at 7 p.m. tomorrow night, August 22nd, for the season’s final event.

The evening will feature a big-screen showing of the classic 1980s movie “Clue.” Free tickets for the event are available online or at the box office.

“We are grateful to everyone in Idaho Falls who have been champions of the Motor Vu!” says Brett Harris, co-director of the Motor Vu. She adds, “We hope people will enjoy our final movie of the season. We wanted to hold a community-wide event that celebrates our long history in this town we love.”

In addition to the film screening, the event will feature a “Clue” board game tournament, trivia, and a costume contest. Attendees will also have access to bouncy houses, snack bar specials and other activities throughout the evening.

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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Bailee Shaw

AMMON, Idaho (KIFI) — Deprived Chick-fil-A fans, the wait for “more chicken” is just about over. 

The Chick-fil-A location in Ammon is scheduled to reopen next Tuesday, August 25th, following a major makeover that kept the restaurant closed for most of the summer.

“We can’t wait to welcome you back! Thank you for your patience, support, and love while we’ve been working to get back open. See you Tuesday!” the restaurant posted in a renovation update to its Facebook page.

The restaurant will return to normal business hours from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., where customers will have access to dine-in, carry-out, mobile ordering and delivery services.

The reopening coincides with the introduction of new fall menu additions at the location. Customers will be able to order a chicken and waffle sandwich along with a s’mores milkshake.

However, the restaurant’s drive-thru will still be undergoing renovations during the initial reopening next Tuesday. Chick-fil-A ownership expects to have the drive-thru back up and running in a few weeks.

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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David Pace

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – Greater Idaho Falls Chamber Interim CEO Steve Hunter is leading the way as the Chamber searches for its new, permanent leader.

Local News 8 spoke with Hunter about the transition process.

Hunter is a local business owner who has previously served on the Chamber’s Board, as interim CEO and has been involved with the Chamber for 40 years. He is a strong advocate for the Chamber’s work and role in the community.

He was appointed after previous Chamber CEO Paul Baker stepped down in July.

Baker’s departure followed public scrutiny regarding his link to Cristie Stone, the former Portneuf Valley Soccer Club president recently charged with felony grand theft.

No charges have been filed against Baker.

Hunter reiterated the board’s statement that to date there is no evidence of any financial mismanagement during Baker’s time at the Chamber, adding that an independent financial audit by Wipfli is still underway.

Hunter said the Chamber is moving full steam ahead with its mission to strengthen area businesses and provide opportunities for growth and support.

“We are always there to educate and network and be proactive in helping those businesses succeed,” he said.

The Chamber is actively looking for a new permanent CEO and hopes to select a new leader by the end of this year.

Hunter didn’t apply for the role himself.

“They’re in the process now. They have some candidates and they’re working through that,” he said. “Once they work through the candidates, then they’ll start interviewing, and then we’ll get there.”

He expects the next CEO will likely be a local business leader.

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David Pace

RIGBY, Idaho (KIFI) – Jefferson School District 251 officially unveiled the brand-new, 60,000-square-foot Broulim’s Field House at a ribbon-cutting – just in time for the first bell.

“Dad and I said, ‘We got to do something here to help these kids stay in southeastern Idaho.’ So, we’re just proud of this track and this field house,” said Broulim’s Fresh Food CEO Robert Broulim, who graduated from Rigby High School in 1986. “It will encompass and help all of the spring sports.”

Traditionally, Rigby athletes have had to dig out their tennis courts and track from underneath the snow and ice.

“At the beginning of track season, we have had to shovel our track outside just so that we could use it and access it,” said Head Track Coach Monica Seward. “I had 194 kids on the track team last season. So having that large amount of students to be able to use this facility and use it to its fullest potential will be a game changer for our team and our program.”

The Fieldhouse features state-of-the-art facilities for “pole vault, high jump, long jump, baseball, two batting cages, softball, football, soccer, shotput and discus,” said Vonnie Lue Broulim, wife of Richard ‘Dick’ Broulim, whose father founded the grocery chain. ”It also has retractable nets for multiple sports, a track with five lanes – two for sprinting – three tennis courts, and six pickleball courts.”

The community can also access or rent the Broulim’s Fieldhouse in mornings, evenings and on weekends.

Students are motivated to perform at their peak levels in the new Broulim’s Fieldhouse.

“We’re going to be able to throw here all year round and especially in the winter months,” said Easton Hammer, a senior aiming to set a school record in discus and shot put. “It’s really going to benefit us and it’s obviously going to be awesome. I’m super excited.”

The coaches are just as thrilled.

“It’s going to be a huge game changer – being able to be inside all the time when it’s cold and windy and snowy and just being able to train all the athletes that we have in the program,” Seward said.

The Fieldhouse is a gift that will bless generations of Rigby student-athletes.

“It’s been a blessing to me to be able to get to know the Broulim’s family and to see their vision,” said Jefferson School District 251 Superintendent Chad Martin.

With the doors officially open, Trojan athletes are pumped to train in their new home.

“Thank you so much! I feel like this is like, this is the best thing that happened all of my high school years,” said Dieter Short, a Rigby High School senior and 100M, 200M and 400M sprinter.

Classes start next Monday, August 24th.

Jefferson School District 251 and Broulim’s family members cut the ribbon on a state-of-the-art, 60,0000 square-foot Broulim’s Fieldhouse Thursday.

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Curtis Jackson

DUBOIS, Idaho (KIFI)— Visitors to the Caribou-Targhee National Forest should plan for road and trail closures beginning next week. Crews are making infrastructure improvements in Dubois and Island Park areas.

The U.S. Forest Service announced that a portion of Forest Road 195, also known as Medicine Lodge Bench Road will be closed from Aug. 25 through Sept. 4. Crews are replacing a culvert at the North Fritz Creek crossing.

The closure will affect the section of Forest Road 195 between its intersections with Forest Road 199 (Fritz Creek) and Forest Road 171 (Fritz Cabin). Officials said the work requires a full closure of the roadway to protect both construction crews and the public.

Despite the closure, visitors will still be able to access surrounding public lands using alternate routes. Those traveling to areas north of North Fritz Creek should use Forest Road 199, while access to lands south of the creek will remain available via Webber Creek Road.

Forest officials said signs will be posted in advance of the closure and are asking visitors to plan ahead and obey all posted road closure notices.

Anyone with questions about the project can contact the Dubois Ranger District at 208-374-5422.

In a separate project, the Forest Service announced that Railroad Grade Trail 001 in Island Park will close beginning Monday, Aug. 24.

The closure extends from Forest Service Road 291, also known as Chick Creek Road, on the trail’s southern end to Brook Road in the Rainbow Drive area on the north end.

Crews will be replacing bridge decking over the Buffalo River, a project expected to take several weeks. The trail will remain closed throughout construction to ensure the safety of workers and recreationists.

Forest officials encourage visitors to check current conditions and be prepared to use alternate routes while work is underway.

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Hadley Bodell

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — The Idaho Foodbank’s Back-to-School Campaign is underway for the 2026 school year, including programs such as school pantries and backpack meals.

Building on its success in 2025, when the program eliminated its waitlist, the Southeast Idaho branch of the food bank plans to continue serving every child in need this school year.

The food bank in Pocatello partners with 78 local schools to fight food insecurity among students. Once the backpack meals are packaged at the food bank, drivers deliver the boxes to schools across eastern Idaho.

“We work with the counselors, the teachers and school staff to identify the students who are in need,” said Cassey Leatham, regional director for The Idaho Foodbank. “It’s very discreet; kids go in and get their backpack, it just slides in super easy and they’re good to go for the weekend.”

The backpack meals are distributed to elementary school students and include a dietitian-curated menu of nutritious foods.

The food pantries, also stocked by The Idaho Foodbank, began after organizers realized some students were taking backpack meals home and trying to share them with their entire families.

“Sometimes it’s a closet or a shelf in a classroom, and they have a lot more options that are family-friendly varieties,” Leatham said. “There’s bigger portions, and most of the time they’re open and available at the schools for people to access them.”

Leatham said the campaign ends next week, but the food bank raises money for the programs throughout the year.

One backpack meal costs $12, and the Southeast Idaho branch distributed nearly 24,000 last year. This year, Leatham said the organization expects an increase of about 10,000 meals statewide.

“We cannot do this program without the support of the community; 95% of our funding comes from organizations and private individuals, because the food that we put in the backpacks is all purchased food,” she said.

The food bank does not use donated food for the backpack meals because the meals are specifically designed around students’ nutritional needs.

Leatham said organizers also have to consider that some children may be preparing food for themselves with limited access to kitchen equipment. Items such as dry goods, canned soups and “just add water” pasta that can be prepared in a microwave are often included.

Each backpack provides enough food for two breakfasts, two lunches, two dinners and several snacks over the weekend.

Leatham said the program would not be possible without volunteers.

“We have two to three volunteer sessions a day here, they’re two-hour windows,” she said. “We have thousands of volunteers each year, and last year was over 17,000 volunteer hours, which is the equivalent of about seven to eight full-time employees in this warehouse alone.”

One of those volunteers is Beth Kauffmann, who began volunteering last November and said she believes community members have a responsibility to help one another.

“Insecurity is something that we all face at times, and it’s important to help others,” Kauffmann said. “I know that what we’re doing is good. It’s a good thing. And at the end of my shift here volunteering, I feel like I’ve done something worthwhile in my day that has made a difference in the world.”

Volunteers range in age from retirees to students helping their own classmates.

Reed Hurst, 13, and Clara Hurst, 10, are local students who volunteer weekly at the food bank.

“I don’t really have a lot to do after camps are over in the summer,” Reed said. “It makes me feel happy that I can help here, and it looks good on my college resume.”

Reed said the food bank often sets up a conveyor belt around the stockroom to create an assembly line. On other days, volunteers walk through the warehouse filling plastic bags with packaged food.

“I break apart the boxes and throw them in a recycling box so it doesn’t get cluttered,” Clara said. “It’s something to do and it helps people with less food. It just feels good to know who you’re helping and why you’re helping.”

Leatham said 17.4% of children in eastern Idaho are food insecure, which continues to drive The Idaho Foodbank’s programs and mission to end hunger in the state.

“We always say we wish we could go out of business, because that would mean we’ve solved hunger and everybody has access to healthy, nutritious food,” Leatham said. “But unfortunately, it’s getting harder and harder for families to get by. So that’s really why we keep doing what we do.”

Organizers said they have also heard from teachers that students who are hungry can have lower test scores and a harder time focusing during the school day.

Leatham said families interested in the backpack program should first check whether their school participates, then contact the school counselor if they or someone they know could benefit from weekend meals.

The Idaho Foodbank relies primarily on community support to keep its programs operating. Anyone interested in donating or volunteering can visit idahofoodbank.org to learn more.

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