Category: kifi-local-news

Seth Ratliff

YELLOWSTONE, Montana (KIFI) — The United States Geological Survey has released footage of a sizeable hydrothermal eruption at Black Diamond Pool. This latest event marks the second time the hydrothermal pool has erupted this week in what the USGA says is “perhaps the largest eruption of the pool since the 2024 explosion.”

On July 23, 2024, just before 10 AM, a massive hydrothermal explosion erupted from the Black Diamond Pool, sending steam and debris rocketing hundreds of feet into the air. Fortunately, no one was seriously injured, but the explosion destroyed the nearby boardwalk.

Following the explosion, the USGS installed a camera on the remnant of the boardwalk to track activity at the Black Diamond Pool. The webcam has allowed the USGS to capture small hydrothermal eruptions from the pool since 2025.

Tuesday, April 28, another eruption sent muddy water and steam towards the camera. On Wednesday, April 29, just before 12:28 PM, the camera captured a much larger eruption.

“This is perhaps the largest eruption of the pool since the 2024 explosion and is an important demonstration of hydrothermal hazards in Yellowstone National Park,” said the USGS in a Facebook post.

As of writing, the Biscuit Basin Trailhead area remains closed until further notice due to the July 2024 explosion. To view the area through the USGS’s webcam, click HERE.

Click here to follow the original article.

Hadley Bodell

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – Idaho State University has hundreds of majors and programs to choose from. One of the lesser known of these programs is robotics, nestled within the College of Technology. Several students in this program have won national competitions the past two years, and now, ISU Robotics is going for the three-peat!

“Our program is a three year associate’s program,” said Brody Holyoak, Senior Clinical Instructor for Robotics and Communications Engineering Technology. “The extra year actually gives students more experience and education, so that when you walk out of this program, you have the full associate’s degree to get into the industry plus some.”

The six-semester program features classes that build on one another, ultimately culminating in a robotics project, competitions, and the skills to be a technician in nearly any field. It begins with the basics of AC and DC circuits and controlling electricity. From there, students learn about the digital side of the technology, adding motors and sensors to apply their knowledge.

“We move into our fourth semester, which is our radio frequencies, we talk about different amplifiers and broadcast signals,” Holyoak said, while standing in the mock-TV studio in the College of Technology Building. The students learn about the broadcasting technology in this space and how equipment works to operate a TV station.

The fifth and sixth semesters of the program are where programming and robotics enter the scene. For some students, robots are a new concept. Others have been competing their creations in robotics competitions since high school.

“We have an electric ATV students are working on right now, we have a video game where they’ve taken Nerf guns and gutted them, put infrared blasters in them and set up a whole target with games,” Holyoak explained. “We also have a robotic bass guitar, so they really dig in and learn how to fix things and how everything works together.”

The robotics labs at ISU are filled with funky robots that look like people on wheels, R2D2’s that are 3D-printed, and even one that looks like WALL-E. Some are remote controlled, while some like the Nerf game are wired up to computers.

“We lift everybody up,” Holyoak said. “We bring everybody’s knowledge up and fill in gaps, no matter where they start. Everyone has the opportunity to learn and grow.”

The robotics program is also special in that it involves real-world employers visiting the students. In an industry low on employees, it’s an excellent opportunity for the students to meet with employers during their undergraduate. Holyoak says every student should leave the program with a job lined up.

To put their skills to the test, the robotics students go to a State Skills USA Competition every year. For the past two years, they’ve swept at state in three categories.

ISU students took home the top three spots in electronics technology, as well as technical math, and came away with a second place win in the mechatronics competition.

The state competition involves completing a series of tests to show students’ skills as technicians. They must build circuits, locate errors and fix them, as well as complete a troubleshooting section where they’re given a set of circuits and figure out what they do. The main idea is to give students a broken technology and see how accurately they can fix it, something they’ll be doing often in their careers as technicians.

“We’re very, very proud of our students for doing that,” Holyoak said. “Now, we’re gearing up to go our National Skills USA Competition in Atlanta, and we are the two-time national champion for electronics. We’re preparing to make it three in a row.”

No school has ever won the same competition three years in a row, making this an unmissable opportunity for Idaho State students. The national competition is similar to state Skills USA, but with bigger circuits and more advanced technology. Plus, the students will compete against the best robotics programs across the country.

Importantly, the students change each year, meaning ISU is represented by new technicians at every competition.

“It’s not just that the students are brilliant and doing great on this,” Holyoak said. “But it’s also the education they’re receiving in this program and they’re getting the opportunity to say, ‘I have the knowledge,’ no matter who it is, and ‘I can go and compete.'”

The students will head to Skills USA in Atlanta in mid-May. Local News 8 will continue following this story and provide updates on how the students place in their competition.

Holyoak says they’re looking to show more people the robotics program at ISU. For more information about getting a tour and the classes offered, you can visit isu.edu/tech and find them on Facebook.

Click here to follow the original article.

Seth Ratliff

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — The Idaho Transportation Department is sounding the alarm as a new wave of fraudulent text messages sweeps across the Gem State. These messages are impersonating local courts, law enforcement agencies, and the DMV to intimidate Idahoans into surrendering personal information.

ITD says these fraudulent messages often include official-sounding case numbers, threats of warrants or asset seizure, but the links do not lead to government websites.

“As a reminder, ITD will not send unexpected texts demanding payment, threatening legal action, or directing customers to non-government links,” said ITD in a news release. “If a message does not end in a .gov address, it is not from ITD.”

If you receive a suspicious text message, ITD says you should report the message to your mobile carrier and delete it. DO NOT make a payment, share personal information, or click links. For more information, click HERE.

Click here to follow the original article.

Fox13

Originally Published: 30 APR 26 14:03 ET

By Scott McKane

Click here for updates on this story

    OREM, Utah (KSTU) — Better late than never, family reunion and learning is fun.

All three of those phrases apply to a trio of ladies receiving their college degrees this week from Utah Valley University.

2026 marks UVU’s largest ever graduating class.

But three of the new grads have a special bond and said they had no prior plans to “flip their tassels” during the same ceremony.

Before the May pomp and circumstance, Hadley Davis said there was a casual, family conversation in late December.

“And I was like; Oh, I’m graduating. And my grandma was like; I’m graduating too. Then my mom said; I’m also graduating. I’m like oh my! Just pure chance, we did not plan this at all,” said Hadley Davis.

Her mom, Melissa Davis, who received a degree in public health, said the timing was total coincidence.

“We were talking to each other and just realized; oh I’m graduating! Oh, I’m graduating and we just put it together and it just kind of happened!”

Hadley is earning her psychology degree in what most would consider the normal timeframe of four years.

Her mom, Melissa, who already has an undergrad and a master’s degree in English, decided to earn a public health degree while working at UVU.

But for matriarch and grandmother Diana Flygare, she said it took a little longer to earn her psychology degree.

“Quite honestly I think I’ve been trying to get a degree for nearly 40 years.”

Flygare said she actually graduated high school at 16 and began taking community college courses at 17.

But then she said, life happened.

“Got married, had babies and life and things come up. And I just would take an occasional class here and there figuring it would all add up someday.”

Flygare said something that kept her motivated to keep working towards that big day was something small she kept on her desk.

“It’s just a little Christmas ornament, and I thought when I graduate, I’ll put this on my tree.“

That will now happen next Christmas, when all three will gather under Diana’s tree.

Sharon Turner is the Public Relations Director for Utah Valley University.

Turner said this was definitely a unique set of graduates.

“We have 14,000 graduates and change. And so these three are definitely special!”

And after the assassination of Charlie Kirk, which happened near the beginning of the school year, Hadley Davis said this is a nice way to close out the year.

“I’ve been telling my friends and they’re like; that’s so cool! We really need to hear a story like this that’s so positive. Just because people need to hear it,” she said.

Melissa Davis, who works on campus on a daily basis, said she completely agrees with her daughter.

“It’s been a really, tough year and so I, personally, have been glad to find some joy here. We’ve got great students, faculty, staff. We’ve all tried to move forward and focus on education, so it’s a good end to kind of a hard year.”

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.

Click here to follow the original article.

Fox13

Originally Published: 30 APR 26 14:13 ET

By KSTU News Staff

Click here for updates on this story

    SALT LAKE CITY (KSTU) — A University of Utah student, just days away from graduation, has been arrested by ICE officials, according to his attorney.

Lisandro Pantaleon Pacheco, whose attorney Adam Crayk said has no criminal history, was taken into custody by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents earlier in the week while on his way to a new job.

FOX 13 News has confirmed that Pacheco is currently being detained in Evanston, Wyoming.

It’s not known why the 22-year-old was arrested, with Crayk claiming Pacheco only has a traffic citation in his history.

Crayk said Pacheco was brought to the country from Mexico by his mother when he was just one year old, and that it was not a lawful entry.

Following graduation ceremonies on Friday, Crayk shared that Pacheco was planning to propose to his girlfriend.

Dozens of friends, family, and supporters gathered in front of the media on Thursday, stating their support for Pacheco.

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.

Click here to follow the original article.

Seth Ratliff

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — The ACLU of Idaho filed a federal lawsuit Thursday challenging House Bill 752, an expansion of Idaho’s existing trans bathroom ban that criminalizes the use of public restrooms and locker rooms that do not align with an individual’s biological sex.

The law takes effect on July 1, 2026. Representing six transgender Idahoans, the ACLU of Idaho argues the law violates the plaintiff’s constitutional rights to due process, equal protection, and privacy, characterizing it as an “unconstitutional intrusion on the fundamental rights of Idahoans.”

Understanding House Bill 752

House Bill 752 marks a significant expansion of Idaho’s 2023 school bathroom ban, Senate Bill 1100. The new legislation covers nearly all public spaces, including libraries, rest stops, airports, and hospitals.

Under the statute, anyone who “knowingly or willfully” enters a bathroom not corresponding to their biological sex could face criminal charges. A first-time offense is a misdemeanor, while a second violation is classified as a felony.

The ACLU of Idaho argues that the new law is the most restrictive in the nation. While nine states and Puerto Rico have enacted trans bathroom bans, Idaho is the only state to apply the restriction to private businesses. Meanwhile, of the three states with criminal penalties attached to their bans, Idaho’s ban carries the steepest criminal charges in terms of prison sentences for violations.

Paul Carlos Southwick, legal director for the ACLU of Idaho, argues that the bill has a “clear discriminatory intent.”

“The law invites intrusive stops, questioning, and even detention based on appearance alone. It also pushes the government into one of the most private areas of our lives, undermining the basic Idaho value that people should be left alone in matters of personal privacy,” said Southwick.

Governor Brad Little signed the bill following landslide victories in the legislature, where it passed 54-15 in the House and 27-7 in the Senate.

While critics have argued the bill targets trans Idahoans, the bill’s sponsor, Senator Ben Toews (R-Pocatello), defended the measure as a “common-sense” protection for women and girls.

“Actually, what we are trying to solve here is not targeting any group of people or one person. It’s dealing with sexual predators and very real issues,” Toews told lawmakers.

Impact on Transgender Residents

For the plaintiffs named in the lawsuit, the new law presents a choice between criminal risk and potentially leaving the state entirely. Diego Fable, a transgender man, argues that the law would cause suspicion and conflict for Idahoans who’ve transitioned.

“I’ve been enjoying life as a man, and using the men’s restrooms hasn’t been a big deal. But this law would force me to use the women’s facilities, and doing so would only invite suspicion, questions, and raised eyebrows,” said Fable. “I would have to face tough choices every time I leave my home.”

Amelia Milette, a transgender woman and fellow plaintiff, echoed these fears.

“I now have to evaluate every social activity I participate in against the risk I’ll experience if I need access to a bathroom facility,” said Milette. “This new law does not protect anyone. It only puts people like me in danger.” 

A Continuing Legal Battle in Idaho

This lawsuit marks the second major legal confrontation between the ACLU and the state over bathroom access. In 2023, the group challenged SB 1100, which requires K-12 public schools to maintain separate bathrooms, showers, and dressing areas based on a student’s sex assigned at birth.

In March 2025, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals rejected a preliminary injunction, citing that the plaintiffs were “unlikely to succeed on the merits”of their objection to the law, according to reports by the Idaho Capital Sun.

Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador applauded the move to allow Idaho to enforce the law.

“Idaho’s law reflects common sense and biological reality, protecting all students’ privacy and safety in spaces like locker rooms and showers,” Labrador said in a written statement. “Every day, we see more examples of the harms of gender ideology, particularly to women and girls.”

Click here to follow the original article.

Danielle Mullenix

Rigby, Idaho (KIFI) – The spirit of the Old West is alive and well in eastern Idaho—but today, it’s being assisted in the reign by a group of women riders redefining the sport.

The Gem State Gunslingers, a mounted cowboy shooting group, is gearing up for its next competition this Saturday, May 2, at Wind River Arena in Rigby.

Mounted cowboy shooting blends speed, precision, and horsemanship. Riders race through a timed course on horseback, using blank ammunition to shoot balloon targets along the way. The result is a fast-paced, high-energy event that demands both control and coordination.

For many of the women involved, the sport offers more than just competition.

“Isn’t everybody’s childhood dream to shoot off the back of a horse?” Gina Weymiller joked. “If you come out to these events, you’ll always see big families and kids watching… and usually the kids will go on to fly through the course and outrun us!”

The Gem State Gunslingers regularly host practices and competitions across eastern Idaho, building a growing community of riders who share a passion for the sport and western tradition.

“This is the coolest community that I’ve ever found in the horse world,” Rider Hailey shared. “I’ve done all kinds of competitions, and the horse people in this group are just so much fun, and they’re willing to help. You can have the worst run of your life, and someone’s going to be giving you a high five and telling you how great you did.”

Saturday’s event is part of a larger series of shoots planned throughout the season. Organizers say it’s also an opportunity for the public to get an up-close look at a unique and often overlooked sport.

“If you like watching anything in the horse world, just come out once and watch,” Rider Bailey Lee said, “Everyone always has so much fun.”

Facebook / Gem State Gunslingers

Spectators are welcome to attend, with food vendors expected on site and events running throughout the day.

Whether you’re a seasoned equestrian or just looking for something different to do this weekend, organizers say the event offers a chance to experience a modern-day version of the Wild West—right here in eastern Idaho.

For more information about the Gem State Gunslingers and this weekend’s event, visit their Facebook page here.

Click here to follow the original article.

Kaelyn Blessinger

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Employees of the Idaho Falls Shilo Inn are left scrambling after finding out they were shut down Tuesday morning.

On his way to work, David Rail, the owner of the restaurants and bars in the hotel, received a call from the manager of the hotel, informing him that the hotel was being shut down that morning.

“I was on the way down here from Rexburg. And [the manager] said the hotel is being shut down right now by the courts. And I said, oh, that’s interesting. I, I hadn’t heard a thing. And then I went to shock for a second,” Rail recounted.

The shutdown stems from the Inn’s parent company, which is undergoing Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Chapter 7 means someone who can’t pay their debts and sells some of their property to repay what they can. Then, the rest of the debt is usually cleared, allowing them to start over.

“When we got here, I talked to the court facilitators,” Rail said. “They’re the ones that came down here and had everybody check out, and then they walked through. I don’t know if they did while I was in my office, because we were busy trying to figure out what we’re going to do, but basically, the hotel is shut down.”

According to news sources in Oregon, their Shilo Inn locations experienced a similar shutdown, with their employees getting no notice before the doors were shut.

And with no hope of operating in the near future, David Rail had to let go of his employees, “We had 18 employees. I think they had 10 or 12 or the hotel. But, I have to lay off all 18 people.”

The Shilo Inn will still have events this weekend, if you are interested in going out there one last time.

“Come to Cinco de Mayo this weekend,” Rail encouraged, “It starts Saturday, goes through Sunday, and it’s going to be big. We’re setting up a massive stage inside and then a smaller stage outside. There’s going to be food vendors and dancing and performances by the community.”

As for future events, the decision is up to the Courts.

Click here to follow the original article.

David Pace

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – Two candidates for the Seventh District Judicial Court took to the stand tonight and answered questions from the community.

Incumbent District Judge Steven Boyce is being challenged by Bonneville County Prosecuting Attorney Randy Neal.

In their opening arguments, Boyce laid out his extensive experience on the bench, while Neal primarily emphasized that judges should be elected officials, not just appointed officials.

Steven Boyce: “Currently I was voted unanimously by our district judges as the administrative judge. There’s seven of us in the state. We’re in charge of all assignments of other judges and administrative matters for the entire district. So I spent a lot of time in the Supreme Court working on those administrative issues, and I was with them last week.”

“I’m also the chair of the magistrate commission for our district,” he said. “So when we select new magistrates, we recently selected three new magistrates in Jefferson County. I chair that commission with a group of attorneys, citizens, county officials, mayors, etcetera.”

Randy Neal: “I think all of you know that currently I’m the prosecuting attorney here for Bonneville County. I’ve been elected twice to that position. I’ve been an attorney now for 23 years, and I was in law enforcement for 18 years before that. Law is my second career. 

“What do I think you have to bring to the bench?” he asked. “I think that the fact that we have, a principle embodied in our state constitution that our judges are elected, we bring the idea that we are accountable to the community.”

The forum was hosted by Stand Up for Idaho at the Snake River Events Center.

While judges at the district level are appointed by the Governor in case of a vacancy, voters will directly choose who will serve as judge at the ballot box next month. 

Usually, these non-partisan, judicial races go uncontested. 

However, that will not be the case for the Seventh District Judicial Court on May 19th, which is holding its first contested race since 2014.

You can watch the full debate at Stand Up for Idaho’s website to hear the judicial candidates respond to audience questions.

Bonneville County Prosecutor Randy Neal and incumbent Judge Steven Boyce are on the ballot for Idaho’s Seventh District.

Click here to follow the original article.

Maile Sipraseuth

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI)– Governor Brad Little is set to officially declare May as Wildfire Awareness Month this Friday, calling on Idahoans to begin preparing now before the fire season. This is especially important for Southeast Idahoans as this year’s season could be especially intense due to above-average temperatures, strong winds, and a lack of snowpack, factors that can quickly dry out vegetation and fuel fast-moving fires.

Corey Child, fire chief of the Madison County Fire Department and President of the Eastern Idaho Fire Chiefs Association, is urging residents to follow the “Ready, Set, Go” wildfire preparedness program, especially since the Snake River fire prompted evacuations.

“Study up on it and be at the ready for evacuation of all hazards. One of the hazards that’s most threatening to us on a yearly basis is wild land fire. And perhaps ready, set, go is most often used, with wildland fire,” Child said.

The program outlines three critical steps:

Ready: Have a plan in place and be prepared for possible evacuation.

Set: Pack your vehicle with essential items ahead of time.

Go: Leave immediately when evacuation orders are given.

For more information on the ‘Ready, Set, Go!’ program, click HERE.

Click here to follow the original article.