🌱 INL Granted $4M For Clean Energy Tech + Jimmy Fallon Visits Store

Hello all. I'm back with your new edition of the Idaho Falls Patch newsletter. Here's all the local news you need to know right now.

But first, your local weather:

• Thursday: Times of clouds and sun. High: 79 Low: 47.
• Friday: Mostly sunny and delightful. High: 84 Low: 51.

Here are the top three stories today in Idaho Falls:

1. The U.S. Department of Energy has announced that the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) in Idaho Falls will receive $4 million to advance commercial clean energy technology. The funding is part of a $21 million investment distributed among 30 projects across 16 national laboratories to enhance market access to clean energy technology. The INL will utilize the funding to accelerate the commercial development of nuclear energy, hydrogen and fuel cell technology, and electricity technology, contributing to the Biden Administration's decarbonization goals and promoting a clean energy economy. (East Idaho News)
2. Jimmy Fallon, the multi-talented entertainer, made a surprise visit to Mike's Music in Idaho Falls and purchased a guitar earlier this week. The store owner, Linda Doggett, initially had doubts about his identity until she lifted his sunglasses and recognized him. Fallon interacted warmly with Doggett and her family, bought a Guild 12-string acoustic guitar, and even played it outside the store. This isn't the first time a celebrity has visited Mike's Music, as actor Harrison Ford had previously rented a piano from the business. (East Idaho News)
3. Professional Bull Riding is Coming to Idaho Falls
4. The Mountain America Center in Idaho Falls has announced a multi-year partnership with the PBR Touring Pro Division, bringing a thrilling bull riding event to the venue on Apr. 12-13, 2024. The event, known as the Teton Auto Group Idaho Falls PBR, has been highly anticipated by fans and will be organized by Libby Productions. Tickets will be available for purchase starting Jul. 7 at TicketMaster.com and the Bingham Healthcare Box Office. The collaboration is expected to bring significant economic impact to the community. (KPVI News 6)

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Today and tomorrow in Idaho Falls:

Thursday, June 29

• Special City Council Meeting At Civic Center For The Performing Arts (7:30 PM)

Friday, June 30

• Colt Ford At The Gem Venue (7:00 PM)

In partnership with T-Mobile:

Father's Day has come and gone, but that doesn't mean we have to stop celebrating rad dads, past and present. Patch partnered with T-Mobile to shine a light on exceptional fathers in communities like Idaho Falls. Click here to meet 13 awesome dads and learn more about the legacies they're leaving behind.

From my notebook:

• The City of Idaho Falls unveiled Heritage Park, a new 14-acre park located on the banks of the Snake River, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, Jun. 28. This phase one completion of the park includes grass, trees, pathways, rockwork, and a stream/small pond. The park is part of the city's larger trail system and aims to celebrate the community's heritage and natural beauty while providing a place for outdoor activities and family enjoyment. (Post Register)
• Are you looking for a new family member with four paws? Check out the list of adoption-ready pets in the Idaho Falls area at the link! (Idaho Falls Patch)
• New homes have been listed for sale in the Idaho Falls area. Available properties range from a 1,696-square-foot, two-bed, one-bath home for $259,900 to a $769,500 home with three beds, three baths, and 3,394 square feet. Get all the property details at the link. (Idaho Falls Patch)

You're all caught up for today! I'll be back in your inbox soon with a new update.

— Sean Peek

About me: Sean Peek is a writer and entrepreneur with a degree in English Literature from Weber State University. Over the years, he has worked as a copywriter, editor, SEO specialist, and marketing director for various digital media companies. He currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.