Category: kifi-local-news

Dylan Carder

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI)- The Idaho Falls City Council voted unanimously Thursday to amend its contract with Flock Safety, prohibiting the company from using local camera data to train artificial intelligence.

The decision follows public opposition and privacy concerns regarding the original agreement established in 2025. The city’s legal department negotiated the change after residents expressed concern that the company would use captured data to improve its software effectiveness.

Law enforcement officers may continue to use the cameras for specific investigations authorized under Idaho law. These uses include investigating felonies, misdemeanors and traffic crashes. Officers also use the data to assist in searches for missing or endangered people.

The data will remain available for traffic flow analysis. However, the technology cannot be used for routine traffic enforcement unless the violation is directly connected to a traffic accident.

Chief Bryce Johnson said the Idaho Falls Police Department is updating how it documents the reasons for data access. Johnson said the department is changing these recording methods to provide more transparency for the public regarding how police use the camera system.

While the council supported the amendment, some members expressed ongoing concerns about the technology. These members have requested that the Police Department begin searching for a different system to eventually replace the Flock cameras in the future.

The contract addendum officially takes effect following the mayor’s signature.

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Curtis Jackson

BLACKFOOT, Idaho (KIFI)—Bingham County Coroner Jimmy Roberts has submitted his resignation and will step down from the office on Sept. 20, according to an announcement from the Bingham County Republican Central Committee.

Roberts’ departure creates a vacancy just a few months before the end of his current term. Roberts was defeated in the May Republican Primary by Scott O. Tweedy, who won the race by a wide margin. He’s expected to assume the office in January because no Democratic candidate filed for the position.

Under Idaho law, the central committee is responsible for submitting three names qualified to fill the position. The Bingham County Commissioners will then choose one of the three nominees to serve until the term expires in January.

The Republican Central Committee is currently accepting letters of interest and résumés from qualified candidates through Aug. 14. Applicants must be at least 21 years old, be U.S. citizens and have lived in Bingham County for at least one year preceding the appointment.

Individuals interested in being considered as an interim coroner should submit a letter of interest and resume no later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 14. Send your resume to Chairman Mark Bair at markbair@gmail.com.

The central committee will meet on August 19, 2026, to review applicants and nominate the three individuals.

Applicants must be at least 21 years old, be a citizen of the United States, and have been a resident of Bingham County for at least one year.

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Par Kermani

CODY, Wyo. (KIFI) — The Yellowstone Film Festival has rescheduled its 2026 event for Oct. 9 through Oct. 11 and extended its film submission deadline through Sept. 18.

The festival was originally scheduled for August but was postponed following the recent death of founder Jacob Graham, a lifelong Cody resident, filmmaker, actor and musician.

Organizers said the additional time will allow Graham’s family, friends and the Cody community to honor his memory while continuing the festival in a way that reflects his vision.

“We sincerely appreciate the understanding and support of our filmmakers, partners, sponsors and community,” Festival President Brett Straniere said. “By moving the festival to October, we can honor Jake’s legacy while continuing the celebration of independent filmmaking that meant so much to him.”

In recognition of America’s 250th anniversary, organizers said all films screened at the 2026 festival will be created by U.S.-based filmmakers.

“Outstanding filmmakers are creating remarkable work throughout Wyoming, Montana and Idaho, yet many do not have enough opportunities to present their films to audiences,” Straniere said. “The Yellowstone Film Festival was created to provide that opportunity while celebrating the creativity and stories of the American West.”

Filmmakers can submit entries through the Yellowstone Film Festival’s FilmFreeway page.

More information is available on the Yellowstone Film Festival website.

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Hadley Bodell

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – A group of young creatives in Pocatello is working to produce an independent film series titled Peripheral and is looking for local actors and crew members to help bring the project to life.

The eight-episode series follows investigative journalist Maya Bell as she solves missing persons cases in a fictional community. Filmed primarily in Old Town Pocatello, the production team is looking for local talent to join the project.

“It’s a thriller, suspense mystery,” said director and show runner Aurora Widdison. “Each episode is about 10-15 minutes long. Right now we’re opening auditions in person and virtually.”

The crew has already been working on scripting, marketing and promoting the series for months. Widdison and her friend wrote all eight episodes and are onto the casting part of the process. There are roles for all ages, genders, and commitment levels, with some characters recurring and others only in one episode.

“We’ll see every range of everybody,” said executive producer Mandilyn Groneman. “We’re just really excited to meet people, and we don’t want to cut anyone. So if you have the availability and want to be involved, we’ll try to make sure you’re a part of the project.”

Widdison said the “Peripheral” crew is made up of camera operators, sound designers and producers, plus a marketing manager to help promote the series. Everybody is a volunteer from the community.

“We found everyone in this project through social media or through parts we’ve done with them in the community, like in community theatre,” Groneman said. “We’re hoping to get as many people as possible.”

“Peripheral” character concept poster, courtesy of Mandilyn Groneman

The crew emphasized that lack of experience is no issue when it comes to joining the project. The point is for creatives wanting to get into the industries of acting, filmmaking, or film editing to get experience on a local level.

“You don’t need any experience, it’s just to help gain experience for others who want to pursue that career. I think it’s a win-win for both sides,” Widdison said. “The actors get experience acting and the crew gets experience helping out, so if you want to be part of the crew and the show, that’s a possibility too,” Groneman added.

Showrunner Widdison has always had a passion for storytelling and is excited to see the project come to life in the next several months of production. “I’ve always been interested in storytelling, I’ve written short stories before,” she said. “But me and my friend had written the script a while back and sort of pushed it off to the side. Recently, she wanted to bring it to life and I helped her out by bringing the crew together.”

Groneman has already created “Peripheral” social media accounts on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok to spread awareness about the project and garner an audience before the first episode drops next spring on YouTube. Widdison said if the series performs well on YouTube, the team hopes to pitch it to Tubi or other independent streaming platforms.

Following auditions, the cast will do a full read-through of the scripts and rehearsals before filming in the fall.

“Even though it’s set in modern day, we just want something that’s kind of, antique almost, to help give that mystery thriller suspense,” Widdison said. “We’ll be in other places for some scenes but mostly Old Town.”

Groneman explained they aren’t murder mysteries, rather an intertwined web of missing persons cases all connected by one common, supernatural thread. If the parts are filled following the open call audition, Widdison said others can still be involved in the project via background extras or crew members.

“We could definitely use a few more people on our crew just like assistants to help with filming,” Widdison said.

Audition instructions poster for “Peripheral”, courtesy of Mandilyn Groneman

Posters for the independent film project can be seen all around Pocatello, especially on the ISU campus, with more information.

Auditions will be held on Saturday, August 8 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Miss Tiffin’s Ballet in Pocatello. Invitational callbacks will be on August 11 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. You can sign up for a spot to audition at this link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4EABA92EA4FACE9-64945264-peripheral

Groneman emphasized if all the spots on the sign-up sheet are filled, you can still show up between the open audition hours. If you’re not able to come to Pocatello for the audition, you can send in a virtual audition tape following the instructions on the poster above. You can also find Peripheral Showcasting on social media platforms.

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Kaelyn Blessinger

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – The Roving Rabbis and Chabad Lubavitch of Idaho want to invite the Jewish community of Southeastern Idaho to their Shabbat dinner tomorrow.

Shabbat is the Jewish day of rest and celebration. It begins on Friday night before sunset.

The celebration will begin late in the afternoon with candle lighting and prayers, then guests will feast on braided bread and various other delicacies to commemorate the celebration.

“Friday night, we’re going to be having a Shabbat meal, which is pretty much on our Sabbath,” Rabbi Yossi Bistritzky, one of the Roving Rabbis hosting the dinner, said. “We don’t use any electricity, and we unplug from the world so that we can sit and spend time together with family and with friends. So we’re welcoming any Jew in the area who would like to come and celebrate Shabbat with us.”

Idaho has one of the lowest Jewish populations in the country, which is what inspired the group to visit Southeast Idaho.

“We try bringing everyone together, gathering, finding whoever we can so that every Jew knows and feels that they are seen and that they matter infinitely, and that they have a part of God within them, and to come together as a community,” Rabbi Bistritzky said.

They would also like to extend their invitation to non-Jewish people as well,

“We’re here to bring the Jewish community together. But if a non-Jew would like to come in and take part, they’re welcome,” Rabbi Bistritzky said. “You don’t have to be Orthodox. You don’t have to be religious. If you’re Jewish, then you’re a part of the of the community. You’re more than welcome to join us, it’s going to be food, singing words of inspiration, and really just bringing the community together.”

To ensure the safety of all Shabbat dinner guests, the location and time of the dinner is not to be disclosed. If you are interested in taking part in this community celebration, please reach out to the www.rovingrabbis@jewishidaho.com to learn the location and time of the celebration.

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KIVI Staff

Originally Published: 30 JUL 26 15:43 ET

By Victoria Rodriguez

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    CANYON COUNTY, Idaho (KIVI) — A new winery taking shape in Idaho’s historic Sunnyslope Wine Region is blending tradition with technology.

Gem 73 Winery, expected to open in August, is incorporating renewable energy and innovative vineyard practices designed to reduce energy use, conserve water and protect its grapes—all while minimizing its impact on the surrounding environment.

Owners Joel and Cindy Poppen invited Idaho News 6 to tour the facility, which is still under construction. While the winery will soon welcome visitors, much of its technology is already hard at work in the vineyard.

The vineyard uses sensors to monitor soil moisture and temperature, allowing a drip irrigation system to deliver only the amount of water each vine needs. Poppen says the approach helps conserve water while improving efficiency.

To naturally manage pests, the vineyard also features owl and kestrel nesting boxes. The birds of prey help control rodent populations without the need for additional intervention.

New Sunnyslope winery uses solar power and innovative technology to build a more sustainable future As grapes begin to ripen, another piece of technology takes over.

Three solar-powered laser systems sweep across the vineyard, reflecting light off strategically placed strips to deter birds from feeding on the fruit.

“It hits little reflective strips. Those little pings of light scare away the birds,” Poppen said. “It doesn’t harm them at all. It just makes it unpleasant for them to be around, so they go other places.”

Rather than covering the vineyard with costly bird netting, the lasers provide a wildlife-friendly alternative that protects the harvest while allowing birds to remain part of the area’s natural landscape.

Innovation extends beyond the vines.

The winery itself is built into a hillside, providing natural insulation that helps reduce heating and cooling demands. Its roof is covered with 210 solar panels capable of generating about 86 kilowatts of electricity—enough, Poppen says, to power the facility during peak operating season and potentially send excess energy back to Idaho Power.

For the Idaho Wine Commission, projects like Gem 73 represent the future of Idaho’s wine industry.

“I think it’s so great. It’s progressive,” said Moya Delaney with the Idaho Wine Commission. “It’s using the resources that we have to maximize to be better.”

This story was initially reported by a journalist and has been, in part, converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. KIVI verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

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.

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Par Kermani

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — National Ice Cream Sandwich Day is just around the corner, and one local grocery expert is encouraging families to put a creative spin on the classic frozen treat.

Jessie Smith with Fred Meyer stopped by Local News 8 to share a few easy, homemade ice cream sandwich ideas using ingredients shoppers can find at the store.

Among the creations were a doughnut ice cream sandwich made with vanilla bean ice cream and rainbow sprinkles, a peanut butter cookie sandwich filled with chocolate ice cream and Reese’s Pieces, a croissant stuffed with a chocolate-coated ice cream bar and a s’mores-inspired version featuring graham crackers, chocolate ice cream, marshmallows and caramel.

Smith said the desserts are simple to make at home and can be a fun activity for family reunions, weekend gatherings or a summer treat with the kids.

National Ice Cream Sandwich Day is celebrated annually on Aug. 2.

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Curtis Jackson

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI)—Three southern Idaho residents over age 55 have died during a recent stretch of extreme heat, prompting warnings from the public health officials about the dangers of high temperatures.

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare reported the first heat-related deaths of the year after three people died during the past week with temperatures exceeding 90 degrees. The three individuals lived in different communities across southern Idaho.

Public health officials are urging Idahoans to take precautions and recognize the signs of heat-related illness, particularly among vulnerable population.

Know the warning signs

Heatstroke is a medical emergency

Heatstroke is the most severe heat-related illness and requires immediate medical attention.

Symptoms may include:

High body temperature

Hot, red skin

Confusion

Seizures

Nausea

Dizziness

Fainting

If someone shows signs of heatstroke, call 911 immediately.

While waiting for emergency responders:

Move the person to a cooler location.

Apply cool, wet cloths or ice to the head, neck, armpits and groin.

Soak clothing with cool water or provide a cool bath if possible.

Use a fan to speed cooling.

Health officials advise not giving fluids to a person experiencing heatstroke, as they may have difficulty swallowing and could inhale liquids.

Heat exhaustion can progress to heatstroke

Symptoms of heat exhaustion may include:

Fatigue

Weakness

Irritability

Excessive thirst

Headache

Nausea

Muscle cramps

Cold, clammy skin

Anyone experiencing these symptoms should:

Move to a cool location.

Loosen clothing.

Use cool cloths or take a cool bath.

Sip cool water frequently.

Medical attention is recommended if vomiting begins, symptoms worsen, or symptoms last longer than an hour.

How to stay safe in the heat

With hot conditions expected to continue, health officials recommend:

Wearing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing

Limiting outdoor activity to early morning or evening hours

Staying in shaded areas when possible

Taking frequent breaks

Drinking water regularly, even before feeling thirsty

Avoiding alcohol and beverages high in caffeine or sugar

Replacing lost electrolytes with low-sugar sports drinks when appropriate

Monitoring weather forecasts and heat alerts

Officials also emphasized never leaving children or pets unattended in a parked vehicle, noting that temperatures inside cars can rise rapidly to dangerous levels even on relatively mild days.

Additional resources

CDC Extreme Heat Information: https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/index.html

CDC Heat Risk Dashboard: https://ephtracking.cdc.gov/Applications/HeatRisk/

National Weather Service Heat Safety Resources: https://www.weather.gov/safety/heat

As Idaho’s summer heat continues, public health experts stress that preparation, hydration and early recognition of symptoms can help prevent serious illness and save lives.

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Par Kermani

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador is urging Idahoans to check their homes after 39 products were recalled nationwide in July because of serious safety hazards, including fire risks, choking hazards and products designed for infants and toddlers.

The recalls, issued by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, include household appliances, electronics, furniture and children’s products. Ten of the recalled items were made specifically for infants and toddlers.

“Idahoans need to know when everyday products put their families at risk,” Labrador said in a statement. “This month’s 39 recalls include ten products made for infants and toddlers, from baby loungers to dressers to pool drain covers. Check this list, check your home, and take action.”

Several recalls involve products that pose risks of fire, burns, suffocation, drowning, choking or tip-over hazards. State officials noted that some of the recalls involve products linked to reported injuries and deaths.

Consumers who believe they own one of the recalled products should stop using it immediately and review the manufacturer’s recall notice for instructions on obtaining a repair, replacement, refund or proper disposal.

Some of the most widely used recalled products include:

Galanz Retro Refrigerators (fire hazard)

Insignia gas ranges sold by Best Buy (fire hazard)

OCOOPA rechargeable hand warmers (fire hazard)

Cuisinart grill brushes (ingestion hazard)

Kobalt 24V and 48V yard power tools (fire hazard)

Several baby loungers, infant walkers and toddler towers (suffocation, fall and entrapment hazards)

The full list of recalled products is available through the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Consumers can also report unsafe products directly to the agency.

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Curtis Jackson

TWIN FALLS, Idaho (KIFI)— A young man’s body was recovered after he fell from the Snake River Canyon in Twin Falls on Thursday morning.

The victim fell while climbing canyon rocks near the Twin Falls Visitor Center, according to the Twin Falls County Sheriff’s Office. The Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue team helped recover the body with several other first responders.

Rope crews worked from the top of the canyon to lower the man’s body to a search and rescue boat below.

The identity of the man has not been released.

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