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Linda is an anchor and reporter for Local News 8.

In-N-Out Owner ‘heartbroken’ over deadly Twin Falls In-N-Out Shooting; Police to hold 2 P.M. briefing

Four people are dead, including the gunman, and five others are recovering after violence erupted at the new Twin Falls In-N-Out Burger on Saturday. In-N-Out owner Lynsi Snyder expressed heartbreak over the loss of an associate, stating the company is “mourning with the families” during this painful time. Authorities are working to determine the suspect’s identity and motive, with Twin Falls Police set to hold a live news conference at 2 p.m. Sunday to provide updates on the investigation.

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“It was very preventable”: Boise greenbelt murder suspect was acquitted of separate knife assault just months prior

As Ross Allen Wardlaw of Boise faces first-degree murder charges for the deadly July 6 stabbing of Jordan Harbst on the Boise Greenbelt, a voice from his past is warning that the tragedy could have been prevented.

Hannah French, who allegedly survived a violent encounter with Wardlaw less than a year ago, is speaking out about his criminal past, arguing that the system failed both her and the 25-year-old victim.

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Eastern Idaho marks 50 years since Teton Dam Collapse – Local News 8 special airs Friday

The city of Rexburg and other communities in southeast Idaho are hosting a week-long commemoration, named Flood 50, to remember the Teton Dam disaster that occurred 50 years ago. The collapse of the dam unleashed 80 billion gallons of water, killing 11 people, displacing thousands, and leaving a sea of mud. The event focuses on remembering, connecting, and serving, aiming to honor the legacy of those who rebuilt the region. Local News eight will provide coverage of the events throughout the week and present a special presentation titled “Teton Dam: The Failure and Future” this Friday.

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One year later: Pocatello community to gather in honor of non-verbal teen killed in police shooting

Civil rights attorneys will host a public vigil on April 4 to honor Victor Perez, a non-verbal autistic teen who was shot and killed by Pocatello Police nearly one year ago. The memorial vigil will take place at 11:00 a.m. at 703 N. Harrison Ave. in Pocatello.

“Victor was shot by Pocatello police on April 5, 2025,” the firm stated in a news release. “In the year since, his family has continued to live with the profound loss of his presence in their daily lives.”

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Critchfield outlines second-term vision, vows to protect school funding amid state budget crunch

As the 2026 legislative session enters its final stretch, the race for Idaho’s top education post took center stage in Pocatello on Wednesday. State Superintendent of Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield met with parents and educators at the Magnolia Mansion to outline a second-term vision focused on “the basics,” even as school districts brace for a tightening financial belt.

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Community rallies to give Pocatello’s ‘Ambassador of Smiles’ a new set of wheels

If you’ve grabbed a coke or a burger at the Pocatello McDonald’s at any point over the last three decades, chances are you’ve been greeted by the city’s unofficial ambassador of smiles.

Delynn Wilson is known for his pristine and his infectious optimism, but recently a hurdle with his transportation threatened the independence he has worked so hard for.

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Idahoans Challenged to Complete 250,000 Acts of Service for America’s 250th Birthday

Recently, Idaho made history as the nation’s first JustServe State, in recognition of the state’s high level of community volunteerism.

Governor Little, joined by state leaders, accepted the award at a recent Capitol celebration honoring Idaho’s dedicated nonprofits and volunteers. To mark the occasion, the Governor issued a special challenge: 250,000 acts of service across the Gem State by Independence Day 2026, in honor of the nation’s 250th birthday.

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Back to school with Adam Reader, “The Professor of Rock”

The hallways of Snake River High School have seen thousands of students come and go, but few return with a title quite like “Professor.”

Adam Reader isn’t an academic in the traditional sense, but to millions of music fans across the globe, he is the Professor of Rock. Recently, the Professor walked back through the familiar doors of his alma mater to reflect on a journey that didn’t begin in a high-tech recording studio, but in the front seat of his father’s pickup truck.

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Local Detectives honored by the Idaho Attorney General for their work keeping kids safe from internet predators

Two dedicated law enforcement officers from the Idaho Falls area received awards from the Idaho Attorney General for their work protecting children from online exploitation. Detective Jared Mendenhall of the Idaho Falls Police Department and Detective Korey Payne of the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office were honored for their outstanding work with the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. (ICAC)

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Officers in Victor Perez Shooting will not face criminal charges, Pocatello Mayor responds

Following an investigation by the Eastern Idaho Critical Incident Task Force, the Idaho Attorney General’s Office has determined that the four officers involved in the fatal shooting of Victor Perez, an autistic teenager with cerebral palsy, will not face criminal charges.
The investigation was led by the Bannock County Sheriff’s Office, a neighboring agency to the Pocatello Police Department. In a statement, Attorney General Raúl Labrador’s office stated that it could not prove “beyond a reasonable doubt” that the officers committed a crime and found that their use of force was justified under Idaho law.

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Prior Encounters, Known Disabilities: Perez family attorney says Pocatello Police mishandled fatal shooting

Lawyers representing the family of Victor Perez are arguing the fatal shooting of the disabled teen by Pocatello Police was a preventable tragedy, saying the officers were aware of the 17-year-old’s autism diagnosis, significant mental health struggles, and physical disabilities.

The new development comes after a Local News 8 investigation broke the news that Pocatello police had previously interacted with Victor Perez on two separate occasions before the April 5 shooting that led to his death.

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GoFundMe donations double overnight to support teen shot by Pocatello Police officers

Victor Perez, a Pocatello teen diagnosed with autism and cerebral palsy, remains in a medically induced coma after being shot 9 times in an officer-involved shooting on April 5.

Following the shooting, Perez’s extended family organized a fundraiser on his behalf, leading to an outpouring of support for the disabled teen.

In the 24 hours since the GoFundMe was organized, the campaign has already surpassed its initial goal of $6,000. As of 5:30 PM, Wednesday, the fundraiser has raised $6,724 toward supporting the Perez family.

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Disabled teen shot in Pocatello officer-involved shooting fighting for his life in a coma

An autistic teen with physical handicaps continues to fight for his life after being shot nine times by Pocatello Police Officers over the weekend.

According to his family, 17-year-old Victor Perez is currently in a coma and hooked up to a ventilator. They say doctors are testing his brain function, but the 17-year-old has died twice and had to be revived.

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Family: Teenage shooting victim out of surgery

An officer-involved shooting in Pocatello has ignited a firestorm of controversy, as people claim police brutality after a video surfaced online showing police shooting a teenager with a knife only seconds after they arrived on the scene.
As of 10 AM on April 7, the family of the autistic teen shooting victim said he is going into surgery again after having his left leg amputated over the weekend as a result of his injuries.

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