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🌱 Patch AM: Which Idaho Falls neighborhood is under extra school safety watch this week?

And check out Idaho Falls Spud Kings vs. Rock Springs Miners on the Idaho Falls Patch calendar

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Thursday December 18th Patch AM
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Hi there, Idaho Falls! We've got your morning read ready! Read on to stay connected. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Which Idaho Falls neighborhood is under extra school safety watch this week?
  • Why two Idaho Falls schools just topped national rankings
  • How Idaho Falls filled an ambulance and kids’ wish lists

Also on today's calendar: Arrival from Sweden: The Music of ABBA and 5 more events.

Find out what's happening in Idaho Fallsfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: My brother swallowed a box of firecrackers. - Is he all right now? 🤔 (Answer below!)

From our Partner
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Find out what's happening in Idaho Fallsfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Weather forecast:

  • Thursday: Cloudy, p.m. snow, up to 1", with a high of 40 and low of 36 degrees.
  • Friday: Very windy; rain, temps: high: 47, low: 30.
  • Saturday: Mostly cloudy and windy, with a high of 39 and low of 31 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. District 91 school administrators investigate safety concern for Idaho Falls schools (localnews8.com) — Idaho Falls School District 91 and Idaho Falls Police are investigating concerning comments reportedly made by a registered sex offender about watching children in a west-side neighborhood. Families north of Broadway and south of Grandview are urged to review safety practices, with administrators monitoring bus stops and encouraging students to travel in groups and report suspicious activity immediately.
   

2. Two local schools get top marks in national rankings (eastidahonews.com) — Idaho Falls High School and Compass Academy have been named the top-performing high schools in the Idaho Falls area by U.S. News & World Report, backed by strong graduation and AP results. District 91 leaders explain how a four-day week intervention model, new deans of students, and expanded dual-credit options aim to boost graduation rates even higher.
   

3. Idaho Falls firefighters celebrate 'Fill the Ambulance' toy drive success (localnews8.com) — Idaho Falls firefighters just wrapped up their Fill the Ambulance Toy Drive, collecting hundreds of new toys for local families in need. Donations fully stocked Ronald McDonald House Charities of Idaho through 2026 and helped Idaho Falls Rescue Mission fulfill every child’s wish list, capping off the effort with a festive light parade and ugly sweater car show.
   

4. Skate Idaho donates 29 skateboards to local youth through holiday partnerships (idahostatejournal.com) — Kids in Idaho Falls and Pocatello are getting brand-new skateboards this Christmas thanks to Skate Idaho’s annual Christmas Skateboard Build Day. The nonprofit, backed by ICCU and local skate brands, assembled and donated 29 complete boards through Angel Tree and Toys for Tots, aiming to build confidence, community, and inclusive spaces for young skaters across southeast Idaho.
   

5. AI in the Classroom: Legislation proposed to create AI Framework statewide (localnews8.com) — A state lawmaker from Idaho Falls is drafting an “AI in Education Framework” that would guide how Idaho schools safely use artificial intelligence while protecting student privacy and teachers’ roles. Senator Kevin Cook plans to introduce the proposal in January, aiming to prepare students for AI-driven jobs without locking schools into a rigid curriculum.
   

📸 Around Idaho Falls

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Please share & repost to help reunite this lost dog!
    Kiko was LOST on December 5, 2025 in Bonneville County, ID 83401 near Wilson Drive Ammon Sharing for a neighbor. For the latest information or to… (Nextdoor Hoopes)
  • Does anyone know who’s pup this is ?
    I live in pinewood estates and he’s always sleeping on my porch or in my yard , which I don’t mind but when I have to let my dogs out to the restroom… (Nextdoor Pinewood Estates)
  • Kroger posted a job opening for Courtesy Clerk/Grocery Bagger in Idaho Falls. Apply here.
  • Costco Wholesale Corporation posted a job opening for Stocker in Idaho Falls. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Idaho Falls here.

Ok Idaho Falls! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I don’t know. I haven’t heard the last report.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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