🌱 MMA Gym Hosting Benefit For Teen + Accidental Shooting Kills Child

Hello there, Idaho Falls. I'm here in your inbox this morning to get you caught up on everything you need to know about what's going on around town.

But first, your local weather:

• Saturday: Plenty of sun. High: 92 Low: 51.
• Sunday: Mostly sunny and very hot. High: 97 Low: 57.

Here are the top three stories today in Idaho Falls:

1. Team Lionheart MMA Gym in Idaho Falls is organizing its second annual benefit car wash in partnership with multiple food vendors, including Kanaka Maoli Hawaiian Grill and Shaved Oasis Snow Cones, to raise funds for 17-year-old Kayden, who is battling Hodgkins lymphoma. The car wash will take place on Saturday, Jul. 22, and all proceeds from the event, including a portion of the food vendors' earnings, will go toward Kayden's medical expenses. Last year, Team Lionheart raised around $700 for the Idaho Falls Rescue Mission, and they hope to surpass that amount this year with the addition of food vendors. (East Idaho News)
2. Tragedy struck when a child died as a result of an accidental discharge of a firearm at a residence on 12th Street in Idaho Falls. According to authorities, it seems that one juvenile was handling the firearm and unintentionally fired it, striking another juvenile. The injured child was rushed to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center but sadly succumbed to the injuries. The Idaho Falls Police Department is currently investigating the incident; due to the ages of those involved, no additional details are anticipated to be released. (KMVT)
3. The Greater Idaho Falls Police Foundation, through a $2,000 grant from the Idaho National Laboratory, donated 23 new cooling vests to Idaho State Police District 6 in Idaho Falls. The vests are meant to help troopers stay cool while on duty, especially during hot summer days when pavement temperatures can reach 120 degrees. The cooling vests are designed to be worn over T-shirts and under the ballistic vests, allowing air circulation and helping the troopers cool down while responding to crashes and other demanding situations. The foundation, a nonprofit organization formed in 2021, aims to support law enforcement by providing equipment and resources that enhance their safety and job performance. (East Idaho News)

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Today and tomorrow in Idaho Falls:

Saturday, July 15

• Idaho Falls Farmers' Market At Memorial Drive (9:00 AM)

Sunday, July 16

• Sunday Makebreak: Friendship Bracelets At Ashment Shopping Center (2:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Chip Cookies will open in nearby Ammon at 2725 East Sunnyside Road inside Hillcrest Plaza on Jul. 29! This will be the franchise's fourth location in Idaho. (East Idaho News)
• Thinking of dipping your toes into the housing market? Check out the list of open houses happening this week in the Idaho Falls area at the link. (Idaho Falls Patch)
• The Idaho Falls Fire Department responded to a house fire on Creekside Drive on Wednesday, successfully extinguishing the blaze. Although the homeowners were not present at the time, the firefighters rescued their two dogs, with one of the dogs requiring resuscitation by the homeowner. (LocalNews8.com)

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Saturday off right! See you soon for your next 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.