Abi Martin
IDAHO FALLS, Idaho – Skyline High School will remain closed for the third day in a row as maintenance continues on the school’s air conditioning system.
According to a press release from District 91, All water from the AC system has been removed.
Local News 8 will continue to follow this story.
David Pace
Newdale, Idaho (KIFI) – Idaho Transportation Department employee Brandon Bates flew into the air, blacking out instantly, as a speeding car barreled into him at more than 50 miles per hour a year and a half ago in Newdale.
“I was waving my arms, jumping around, trying to get him to slow down and stop. And he never touched the brakes,” Bates said. “He hit me. … From the time I saw him come across the tracks to when he hit me, he never looked up from the center of his car.”
Construction season is back in session, and Bates is sharing his harrowing story of survival as part of National Work Zone Awareness week, after coming face-to-face with death at the hands of a distracted driver.
“Ended up getting life flighted. I had a brain bleed. I am 100 percent deaf on my left side now,” Bates said. “I still have a few surgeries I have to get done to fix my left shoulder and my left arm.”
After sustaining bleeding on the brain and serious trauma, he was airlifted to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center in Idaho Falls.
But he’s back on the job, plowing roads Wednesday night near Palisades until 4:30 in the morning.
Hundreds of transportation workers throughout the state place their lives on the line every day – hoping a distracted driver doesn’t spiral into a disaster as they repair roadways, direct traffic and ensure the public’s safety.
“Basically [follow] rules of the road. Don’t be texting and driving. No distracted driving,” said ITD Transportation Technician Colby Norlund. “The biggest thing is when you enter a work zone, pay attention to your signs. “
“Pay attention to what it’s telling you. Try and watch for cues such as lights on a truck, arrow boards,” he said. “We have pictures being shown – diamonds, signaling caution. We have arrows signaling to move over.”
Drivers should move over to the opposite lane if possible, when crews are on the road.
“Don’t get complacent,” Bates said. “ You might drive it every day, but things change all the time. Just pay attention and stay off your devices and just make it so everybody can go home at night.”
Fox13
Originally Published: 23 APR 26 16:49 ET
By Ben Winslow
Click here for updates on this story
SALT LAKE CITY (KSTU) — Utah’s contributions to a national time capsule to be opened 250 years from now were laid out on a table.
“It’s a collection of things representing events and individuals that helped shape Utah,” said historian Ron Fox, who helped gather some of the items.
The items were briefly on display Wednesday at the Utah State Capitol before they were packed up to be shipped off to the nation’s capital for events marking the 250th anniversary of America’s founding. On the table were cards of numerous Utah historical figures and their biographies. Those will be printed on cotton so they can withstand the ravages of time.
“We have silver dollars from 1896, the year of our statehood,” Fox pointed out. “The silver from many of these coins came from Utah’s mountains. Park City, specifically.”
There were old tickets from the early days of Lagoon, Liberty Park and Saltair; collectible pins from the 2002 Winter Olympics and the upcoming 2034 Games; coins from executive branch offices and legislative branches of government; a collection of signatures of lawmakers, the Utah Supreme Court and congressional representatives.
Fox’s personal favorite?
“A gold medal that was actually presented to people at the wedding of the rails, May 10th, 1869 in Promontory, Utah,” he said.
Utah’s tribes will also be contributing items. They will all be packed into a small box that will be Utah’s part of the national time capsule. Every state and territory in the United States is contributing something.
Some 4-H students who stopped by the Capitol on Wednesday got a glimpse at the items and were fascinated.
“I thought it was amazing,” said Ethan Barton, a Box Elder County student. “I love to see all the things they could see in 250 years from now. I was just trying to imagine what that would be like, what the world would be like.”
Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.
The-CNN-Wire™ & © 2026 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved.
KIVI Staff
Originally Published: 23 APR 26 16:10 ET
By Barclay Idsal
Click here for updates on this story
BOISE, Idaho (KIVI) — Albertsons has reached a settlement to resolve any federal, state, or tribal-based legal claims involving opioids.
In a news release, Albertsons Companies, Inc. clarified that the settlement, which totals $774 million, “is not an admission of wrongdoing or liability.”
Meanwhile, Purdue Pharma, the creator of the prescription opioid OxyContin, is working to reach a settlement to resolve the thousands of lawsuits that name the company as a defendant regarding its role in the opioid crisis. The Associated Press reports that U.S. District Judge Madeline Cox Arleo will soon order the company to forfeit $225 to the Department of Justice before it can finalize a settlement.
“[Albertsons] is continuing its ongoing commitment to patient safety, responsible pharmacy operations, robust training and tools for pharmacy teams, and being a constructive partner in addressing the opioid crisis,” concludes the company statement regarding the settlement.
Albertsons currently operates 2,244 grocery stores and 1,713 pharmacies across 35 states.
Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.
The-CNN-Wire™ & © 2026 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved.
Kaelyn Blessinger
IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — If your days have been filled with coughing, sneezing, scratching, and sniffling, you may have the weather to blame.
Allergists tell us the frequent shifting of temperatures, the constant blowing winds, and the spreading of pollen have been forcing our bodies to work harder to adapt, causing stress to our systems. And with more irritants in the air, we could be in for a rough allergy season.
“Extreme temperatures, I mean, cold, dry air is a known airway irritant,” Dr. David Petty, of Idaho Allergy and Asthma Clinic, stated, “And so when we have that spill, like decent weather now or get into freezing cold Idaho weather again. That’s something that can be a big trigger.”
Our unusually dry winter has more dust and pollen in the air, leading to more allergens as well.
Dr. Petty has some solutions for those suffering from their allergies, “I mean, nobody likes to wear masks, but, hey, if you’re out, if you have to be outside and it’s a crazy windy day or a really cold day having a little scarf or warming up your air, to filter it or warm it up with those can be really helpful in those two conditions.”
He also recommended an air purifier, over-the-counter allergy medications, and staying indoors to help prevent reactions. If none of those are working, you may want to consider visiting a Pulmonary doctor.
“If you’re trying stuff at home and if it’s not working, come see us,” Dr. Petty said, “We’re happy to help.”
Petty says this weather season has brought out the worst reactions in our systems, but find what works for you to feel your best during these sneezy times.
Seth Ratliff
POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — Classes will resume as scheduled at Hawthorne Middle School in Pocatello tomorrow, April 24, following a one-day closure due to an unexpected plumbing issue.
Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25 confirms that the issue that prompted Thursday’s closure has been addressed, and the school is ready to welcome learners and staff back to campus.
“All classes and activities will proceed as scheduled. We appreciate the community’s understanding as we work to ensure a safe and comfortable environment for all,” stated D25 staff in an update.
Maile Sipraseuth
RUPERT, Idaho (KIFI) — A longtime Idaho company is closing one of its processing plants in the Magic Valley. Idahoan Foods confirms it will shut down its facility in Rupert.
The food processing company, known for instant mashed and potato products, notified the state that the closure will impact 61 employees, according to documents from the Idaho Department of Labor.
The reason for their closure has not been released.
Local News 8 reached out to Idahoan for comment, and Idahoan President and CEO Dale Clemiss issued the following statement in response:
“Idahoan Foods has made the decision to permanently close its Rupert, Idaho, facility. The company has notified affected employees and is following all applicable notice requirements. Operations at the Rupert facility are expected to continue through the end of June 2026. Idahoan Foods is committed to supporting its employees through this transition and will continue to operate safely and reliably across all facilities.”
News Team
POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25 is inviting the community out to a special Fine Arts Exhibition celebrating the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States.
Friday, May 1st, 2026, District 25 will host “America Through the Eyes of Our Learners,” featuring more than 200 original works of art and live performances. According to D25, the event invites the community to explore national history and ideals through the eyes of local students.
“This event is about more than art—it’s about giving our learners a voice,” said Courtney Fisher, Director of Communications, Community Relations, and the Education Foundation. “Through their work, our learners are sharing their perspectives, their creativity, and what America means to them during this once-in-a-generation milestone. We’re proud to showcase that with our community.”
The special event will take place during the Historic Downtown Pocatello First Friday Art Walk from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Gate City Coffee (320 W. Center Street).
The event also features more than $2,000 in prizes, sponsored by the School District 25 Education Foundation, to recognize student achievement and creativity. Visitors are encouraged to participate by voting for the People’s Choice Awards during the gallery walk to help select the winning entries.
News Release
The following is a news release from the City of Idaho Falls Public Works Department:
IDAHO FALLS, Idaho — Beginning Monday, April 27, crews will begin a roadway improvement project at the intersection of St. Clair Road and John Adams Parkway.
The project will include replacement of the existing valley gutter on the south side of John Adams, which has settled over time and created a significant dip for southbound traffic on St. Clair. In addition, crews will upgrade pedestrian ramps to current standards and regrade St. Clair Road to improve the transition into the intersection, creating a smoother and safer ride for the traveling public.
Work will begin with removal of the existing valley gutter and pedestrian ramps, followed by regrading of St. Clair and installation of new concrete infrastructure. Once the new concrete has cured, the roadway will be repaved and reopened to traffic.
Construction is anticipated to be completed by Thursday, May 7.
During construction, St. Clair Road will be closed to through traffic at John Adams Parkway. A signed detour route will be in place to guide motorists around the closure using nearby parallel streets. Drivers traveling northbound on St. Clair will be required to turn prior to the closure and follow posted detour signs to reconnect with John Adams Parkway.
Traffic on John Adams Parkway will remain open. Access to nearby properties will be maintained as much as possible, though temporary disruptions may occur as work progresses.
This project is part of the City of Idaho Falls’ ongoing efforts to improve roadway safety and infrastructure throughout the community. The city appreciates the public’s patience during construction.
Motorists should watch for crews and equipment, follow posted traffic signs, and reduce speeds in the work zone.
For more information about the project, contact the City of Idaho Falls Street Division at (208) 612-8490.
Bailee Shaw
REXBURG, Idaho (KIFI) — As digital threats evolve, local law enforcement and community volunteers are joining forces to ensure parents aren’t left behind.
On Saturday, April 25, the Upper Valley SAFE Initiative will host a specialized workshop at Madison Junior High from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. to teach parents how to keep kids safe with modern technology. Founded by Dean and Kristin Coleman, SAFE (Safety, Awareness, Freedom, and Education) is a volunteer-led organization dedicated to helping families understand what’s really happening online—and what to watch for.
The workshop will feature representatives from the Rexburg Police Department and the Madison County Sheriff’s Office. Officers will share insights from local cases to illustrate the tactics used by online predators—tactics that officials say would surprise even tech-savvy parents.
Through a Facebook post with the Upper Valley SAFE initiative, Chief Josh Rhodes warned that the true risk is often hidden in plain sight: Direct Messaging (DM).
“Every social media platform has direct messaging, and that is where youth are being targeted,” Chief Rhodes explained. “(They’re) people who are posing as teenagers and fun and outgoing. And those those people are able to connect and they start communicating and direct messaging with the teenagers… As parents, we may overlook and think that they’re just communicating with other teenagers, when in reality there’s a lot of cases where they’re not.”
