Semi and Tanker Crash Causes Blockage on I84">Semi and Tanker Crash Causes Blockage on I84

Semi and Tanker Crash Causes Blockage on I84">

HEYBURN, Idaho (KIFI) — A semi-truck and tanker trailer fire has caused a temporary shutdown and lane restrictions on Interstate 84 early Thursday morning near Heyburn, according to Idaho State Police.

Troopers say the crash happened around 1:50 a.m. on May 1, 2026, near milepost 217 on eastbound I-84.

Investigators say a 2025 International semi-truck driven by a 37-year-old man from El Paso, Texas, was traveling eastbound when it left the roadway, hitting a guardrail and a concrete barrier. The truck then crossed both lanes of the interstate and struck the north side of an overpass wall near N 950 E, where it caught fire.

The semi was pulling an empty 2008 Brenner tanker trailer at the time.

Both the driver and a 37-year-old passenger, who was in the sleeper cab, were able to get out safely. No injuries were reported.

Multiple fire departments from the area responded and were able to put out the flames without further incident.

As a precaution, both directions of I-84 were initially closed while crews assessed the scene. Officials later confirmed the tanker was empty and did not pose any additional hazard.

Westbound lanes have since reopened, along with the right lane of eastbound I-84. The left lane remains closed as crews work to remove the damaged semi and trailer. Drivers are being asked to check 511.idaho.gov for the latest updates.

Idaho State Police were assisted by the Declo Fire Department, East End Fire Department, North Cassia Fire Department, Cassia Medics, Declo QRU, Idaho Transportation Department, Cassia County Sheriff’s Office, Heyburn Police Department, and Minidoka County Sheriff’s Office.

EXCLUSIVE: Sen. Risch on Kempthorne, Global Security, DHS, Midterms">EXCLUSIVE: Sen. Risch on Kempthorne, Global Security, DHS, Midterms

EXCLUSIVE: Sen. Risch on Kempthorne, Global Security, DHS, Midterms">

In a recent interview on Newstalk 107.9 with hosts Neal Larson and Julie Mason, U.S. Senator Jim Risch reflected on the legacy of the late former Idaho Governor Dirk Kempthorne and addressed several pressing national security and budgetary issues. Risch, who served as lieutenant governor during Kempthorne’s tenure, described his longtime friend as an exceptionally kind and attentive leader who possessed a natural ability to connect with people on a personal level.

Risch shared details regarding the recent commissioning of the USS Idaho, noting that he had worked closely with the Navy to ensure Kempthorne was honored. Despite facing a serious year-long illness, Kempthorne had prepared keynote remarks for the event, which Risch delivered on his behalf after the former governor’s health declined. Risch also revealed that he successfully advocated for a commemorative plaque to be placed in the submarine’s engine compartment, a tribute he noted required persistent communication with the Secretary of the Navy as it was not standard protocol. Kempthorne passed away just one day prior to the commissioning ceremony.

The discussion transitioned to international affairs, specifically the ongoing tensions involving Iran and the Strait of Hormuz. Risch maintained a firm stance, arguing that the Iranian leadership is untrustworthy and has a history of “lying and cheating” during negotiations. Regarding the impact on global energy markets, Risch noted that instability in the Strait has led to high insurance risks, which are currently dictating maritime traffic more than government policy. He stated that fuel prices must be reduced and mentioned that regional actors are increasingly looking toward alternative infrastructure, such as pipelines, to bypass the strategic waterway in the future.

Finally, Risch addressed domestic concerns regarding a Department of Homeland Security funding dispute. He criticized the current budget process, warning that political maneuvering could lead to a government shutdown as the October 1 fiscal deadline approaches. Risch argued that such shutdowns are dangerous and unfairly force essential personnel to work without pay. He advocated for the use of continuing resolutions to maintain government stability and expressed concern that a shutdown might be used as a political tool ahead of the midterm elections.

FULL DEBATE VIDEO: D33 Candidates Barb Ehardt and Connor Cook">FULL DEBATE VIDEO: D33 Candidates Barb Ehardt and Connor Cook

FULL DEBATE VIDEO: D33 Candidates Barb Ehardt and Connor Cook">

In a recent interview on News Talk 107.9, incumbent Representative Barb Ehardt and challenger Connor Cook squared off in the Republican primary for Idaho’s Legislative District 33. The debate, moderated by Neal Larson and Julie Mason, highlighted significant divisions between the two candidates regarding party loyalty, fiscal policy, and the role of social legislation in the state capitol.

Rep. Ehardt, seeking to defend her seat, emphasized her legislative record of prioritizing parental rights, protecting women’s privacy in sports and domestic shelters, and pushing for tax reform. She specifically advocated for a plan to eliminate property taxes on primary residences, suggesting a potential 1.75% sales tax increase to offset the estimated $932 million in lost revenue. Ehardt argued that property taxes prevent homeowners from truly owning their property and that her work is rooted in foundational conservative principles.

Connor Cook, a veteran firefighter and paramedic, framed his candidacy as a shift toward “servant leadership.” He criticized the current legislative focus on what he characterized as symbolic bills, such as regulations on school bathrooms or daily moments of silence, arguing that lawmakers should instead focus on pressing fiscal challenges. Cook expressed concern that recent tax-cut trajectories have gone too far, pointing to revenue drops that he claims risk undermining essential services like schools, prisons, and law enforcement.

The candidates also clashed over their relationship with the Republican party platform. Cook was questioned regarding his refusal to be “beholden” to party scorecards, which he defended by saying lawmakers must remain flexible and independent to meet changing needs. Ehardt rebutted this stance, characterizing Cook’s approach as more aligned with Democratic-style thinking and emphasizing that a strict commitment to established Republican principles is essential for a primary candidate.

The discussion concluded with exchanges on Medicaid and health care. Cook highlighted the need for better mental health access to reduce the strain on emergency rooms and jails, while Ehardt defended the implementation of work requirements for able-bodied Medicaid recipients to preserve the workforce. In their closing statements, Cook promised conservative leadership guided by empathy and collaboration, while Ehardt asked voters to rely on her established record of consistent representation and family-focused governance.

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4.29.2026 – Dems warmly greet a… KING, Supreme Court Redistricting Ruling, Idaho Primary Showdowns">4.29.2026 – Dems warmly greet a… KING, Supreme Court Redistricting Ruling, Idaho Primary Showdowns

4.29.2026 – Dems warmly greet a… KING, Supreme Court Redistricting Ruling, Idaho Primary Showdowns">

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Today’s show was one of those “hold on, a lot is happening” mornings. We kicked it off with the optics (and comedy) of King Charles showing up to Congress, the standing ovations, and the way President Trump and the White House lean into trolling narratives—because, like it or not, the left reliably takes the bait. From there, we dug into the bigger subtext: Americans can enjoy the ceremony without “welcoming a ruler,” but it also raised the question of why some on the left seem far more comfortable with centralized power than they admit—especially when they’re the ones holding the reins.

Then we got into what became the major policy headline of the day: the U.S. Supreme Court striking down Louisiana’s second majority-Black congressional district, with Julie and I unpacking the media framing and why we see race-based district engineering as discriminatory no matter how it’s marketed. We also talked Idaho politics at street level: an interview with David Worley (spelling note: **David Worley**) challenging long-time Senator Jim Guthrie in District 28, focusing on “desk drawer” gatekeeping in the legislature and votes on immigration and culture issues. We closed with some pure inside-baseball campaign talk—war chests, out-of-district money, how candidates brand themselves as “conservative,” and why voting records still matter more than glossy mailers (plus a detour into lawns, debates, and our ongoing talent for awkward transitions).

**Highlights:**  
– King Charles’ Congress visit, the “two kings” Trump/Charles social post, and why trolls work when people can’t resist reacting  
– Supreme Court voids Louisiana’s race-driven district map; we break down the AP vs. Fox framing and what “Section 2” arguments miss  
– David Worley vs. Senator Jim Guthrie: the “drawering bills” power problem and what constituents should expect from representation  
– Idaho campaign money snapshot: who’s sitting on the biggest war chests, and why name ID + cash still aren’t enough if the record stinks  
– Midterm outlook and strategy talk: why we’re less pessimistic than the “panic narrative,” and how campaigns can win cheaper with smarter media

Let’s talk advertising. When you want to advertise on the radio, you call the station, right? But what about Facebook, Instagram, Hulu, Disney+, Peacock, and other streaming platforms?

You could try clicking around, reading books, or taking online courses to figure it out—or you can let us handle it. At Sandhill Media Group, we’re your local experts in both radio and digital marketing.

Visit SandhillMediaGroup.com today.

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