Skip to Content

News

Chubbuck woman faces felony charges for allegedly stealing SUV with infant inside

A 37-year-old Idaho woman faces serious felony charges after allegedly stealing an SUV with a sleeping infant inside on Sunday night.

Rikki Johnson was arrested on January 25 by Chubbuck Police and charged with felony grand theft. She also faces charges related to an outstanding misdemeanor drug warrant. Chubbuck PD says additional charges are currently under review by the Bannock County Prosecutor’s Office.

Continue Reading

CEI nursing students sweep top leadership spots in Idaho Student Nurses Association

“Being elected to this role is a significant milestone in my journey as a nurse and a Latina mother,” said Silva. “It motivates me to continue breaking barriers, serve my community, and inspire others who face similar challenges to pursue their dreams.” Silva says she’s especially excited to deepen her knowledge of leadership, policy, and advocacy in nursing.

Continue Reading

6 people presumed dead in Maine plane crash, Bangor airport says

All six people on board a private jet that crashed during takeoff Sunday evening are presumed dead, the Bangor International Airport in Maine said Monday.

Earlier in the day, a preliminary report from the Federal Aviation Administration said seven people were killed, and one person was seriously injured. The FAA later told CNN it is deferring to the airport about the number of people on board and presumed dead.

Continue Reading

Idaho State Police Sergeant to be honored at 2nd annual Law Enforcement Appreciation Luncheon

An Idaho State Police Officer is being honored for a career that defines “going above and beyond.”

On Thursday, February 5, ISP Sergeant Amanda Ward will be recognized with the MVP Award during the 2nd Annual Law Enforcement Appreciation Luncheon. Hosted by the Greater Idaho Falls Police Foundation, the event celebrates the efforts of local law enforcement from the Idaho Falls Police Department, the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office, and the ISP.

Continue Reading

Chris Madel, a Republican running for Minnesota governor, ends his bid and criticizes ICE

By Jeff Zeleny, CNN (CNN) — Chris Madel, a Minneapolis lawyer who represented the immigration agent who fatally shot Renee Good, said Monday that he was ending his Republican campaign for governor of Minnesota after a second protester was killed by federal authorities. “I cannot support the national Republicans’ stated retribution on the citizens of

Continue Reading

After years of Russian denials, court accidentally admits Black Sea battleship was sunk by Ukraine

By Ivana Kottasová, Anna Chernova, CNN (CNN) — Russia has admitted for the first time that a Ukrainian missile sank its prized Black Sea flagship, later deleting the statement and returning to the official narrative that the guided-missile cruiser Moskva went down because of a freak accident. The Moskva was one of Russia’s most important

Continue Reading

5 things to know for Jan. 26: Minneapolis shooting, Winter storm, Government shutdown, Trump-NATO, Super Bowl

By Tricia Escobedo, CNN The American Academy of Pediatrics released its updated recommendations for childhood vaccines today. This year’s routine revision is significant because more states and doctors are relying on it instead of a controversial new schedule from the CDC. Here’s what else you need to know to get up to speed and on

Continue Reading

Officials say Alex Pretti ‘brandished’ a weapon, but have offered no evidence. Why that term matters

By Sydney Bishop, CNN (CNN) — Federal officials have claimed Alex Pretti, who was fatally shot by at least one Border Patrol agent in Minneapolis Saturday, “brandished” a firearm to officers. “This individual went and impeded their law enforcement operations, attacked those officers, had a weapon on him and multiple dozens of rounds of ammunition,

Continue Reading

Here’s the latest on the first trilateral talks between Ukraine, Russia and US as negotiators set plans for future meeting

By Mitchell McCluskey and Kosta Gak, CNN (CNN) — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Sunday highlighted progress made by Russian, Ukrainian and American negotiators in the United Arab Emirates capital of Abu Dhabi, even as the path to achieving peace remains unclear. “A lot was discussed, and it is important that the conversations were constructive,”

Continue Reading

Alexander bros: Another NY jury will soon weigh the fate of men accused of using their celebrity and money to assault women

By Kara Scannell, CNN (CNN) — Federal prosecutors accuse two of New York’s top real estate brokers, and their brother, of sexually assaulting over a dozen women and young girls over a period that spanned more than a decade. During the trial’s opening statements, which are scheduled for Monday, prosecutors are expected to describe to

Continue Reading

Videos appear to show federal officer took gun away from Alex Pretti just before fatal shooting, CNN analysis finds

CNN By Thomas Bordeaux, Yahya Abou-Ghazala, Casey Tolan, CNN (CNN) — A CNN video analysis appears to show a federal immigration officer removing a gun from Alex Pretti just prior to officers fatally shooting him. Bystander video shows one agent reaching into the scrum of other officers seeking to restrain Pretti and retrieving a weapon

Continue Reading

Videos appear to show federal officer took gun away from Alex Pretti just before fatal shooting, CNN analysis finds

By Thomas Bordeaux, Yahya Abou-Ghazala, Casey Tolan, CNN (CNN) — A CNN video analysis appears to show a federal immigration officer removing a gun from Alex Pretti just prior to officers fatally shooting him. Bystander video shows one agent reaching into the scrum of other officers seeking to restrain Pretti and retrieving a weapon that

Continue Reading

Videos appear to show federal officer took gun away from Alex Pretti just before fatal shooting, CNN analysis finds

CNN By Thomas Bordeaux, Yahya Abou-Ghazala, Casey Tolan, CNN (CNN) — A CNN video analysis appears to show a federal immigration officer removing a gun from Alex Pretti just prior to officers fatally shooting him. Bystander video shows one agent reaching into the scrum of other officers seeking to restrain Pretti and retrieving a weapon

Continue Reading

Trump praises British troops after drawing outrage at comments downplaying NATO’s role in Afghanistan

By Kevin Liptak, Lauren Kent, CNN Washington, DC, and London (CNN) — US President Donald Trump praised British troops Saturday after sustained outrage over comments he made this week downplaying the sacrifices of NATO forces in Afghanistan. “The GREAT and very BRAVE soldiers of the United Kingdom will always be with the United States of

Continue Reading

Voices of the Venezuelan diaspora after Maduro’s ouster: How millions live abroad as they wonder if it’s time to return

By Karen Esquivel. Graphics by Jhasua Razo (CNN) — Years of economic and social crisis, political repression, insecurity, and collapsing institutions forced millions of Venezuelans to leave their country and rebuild their lives abroad during Nicolás Maduro’s rule. “I left Venezuela in 2017 due to political persecution of my family. I was afraid and desperate

Continue Reading

Prosecutors have twice charged law enforcement officers for inaction during school shootings. Juries aren’t buying it.

By Elise Hammond, CNN (CNN) — Since the mass shooting at Columbine High School in 1999, the law enforcement protocol for responding to active shootings is to stop the attacker as quickly as possible. Yet twice in recent years — in Parkland, Florida, and in Uvalde, Texas — school police officers have allegedly failed to

Continue Reading

Danish troops who fought alongside US forces feel betrayed, as Trump threatens Greenland and denigrates NATO

By Lauren Kent, CNN (CNN) — “It’s very disrespectful.” That’s how Danish veteran Gerth Sloth Berthelsen, who grew up in Greenland, said he feels about the United States’ recent behavior. Berthelsen served alongside American forces in a peacekeeping mission to North Macedonia in 1996 and 1997. Now, he is one of several veterans saying they

Continue Reading

Ukraine hails first trilateral talks with Russia and US as ‘constructive’ as Washington says mood ‘very upbeat’

By Jessie Yeung, Kosta Gak, Victoria Butenko, Sophie Tanno, Kit Maher, CNN (CNN) — The first trilateral talks between Ukraine, Russia and the United States concluded in Abu Dhabi on Saturday, as all sides struck an optimistic tone following two days of discussions. US officials described the talks — which saw officials from all three

Continue Reading

Celebrating 65 Years of Broadcasting: Governor Brad Little proclaims Jan. 23 as “KIFI Local News 8 Day”

Today marks a historic milestone for the region’s airwaves. January 23, 2026, officially marks the 65th anniversary of KIFI Local News 8, celebrating over six decades of dedicated service to southeast Idaho and western Wyoming.

In honor of this achievement, Idaho Governor Brad Little has officially proclaimed January 23, 2026, as “KIFI Local News 8 Day.” The declaration honors the station’s unwavering commitment to excellence in broadcast journalism, providing essential coverage in news, weather, and sports.

Continue Reading

CEI new tech building update

If you have driven past College of Eastern Idaho lately, it would be hard to miss the construction of the brand new Battelle Energy Alliance Future Tech building that is nearing completion. 

“We are very excited that both Frontier Credit Union and Battelle Energy Alliance came together to name this building, and it’s going to house some of our most high-tech programs here on campus,” says CEI President Lori Barber.

Continue Reading

US-Mexican influencer abducted at gunpoint in viral video found ‘alive and well’ in Sinaloa state

By Rocío Muñoz-Ledo, Avery Schmitz, Michael Rios, Mauricio Torres, CNN Mexico City (CNN) — A US-Mexican influencer who disappeared in the northwestern Mexican state of Sinaloa on Tuesday has been found alive and in good health, the Sinaloa Attorney General’s office said Saturday. In a post on social media, the prosecutor’s office thanked the public

Continue Reading

Idaho Supreme Court weighs constitutionality of Private School Tax Credits

The Idaho Supreme Court heard oral arguments today to determine whether Parental Choice Tax Credits, a program that provides public funds to families for non-public education expenses, are constitutional.

Lawyers representing the Idaho Education Association (IEA) and the Moscow School District argue that it drains resources from Idaho’s public school system. On the other side, supporters say the bill simply returns tax dollars to families choosing to use options outside of the system.

Continue Reading

Bad Bunny Fast Facts

CNN Editorial Research (CNN) — Here is a look at the life of musician Bad Bunny. Personal Birth date: March 10, 1994 Birth place: Bayamón, Puerto Rico Birth name: Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio Father: Tito Martínez, truck driver Mother: Lysaurie Ocasio, English teacher Education: University of Puerto Rico at Arecibo Other Facts Derived the name

Continue Reading

Gov. Little signs proclamation recognizing Community Risk Reduction Week across Idaho

“Community Risk Reduction is the process fire departments use to identify risk before tragedy occurs and to take intentional action to reduce it,” Meridian Fire Department community risk reduction manager Carly Shears said. “As Idaho continues to grow, Community Risk Reduction provides the strategic framework and mindset shift from reactive to proactive.”

Continue Reading

The deal to secure TikTok’s future in the US has finally closed

The joint venture acquiring TikTok’s US assets has been formally established and has announced its leadership team, according to the company, one day before the deadline set by President Donald Trump for the app’s US assets to be spun off by Chinese parent company ByteDance.

The transaction’s close concludes a yearslong effort to secure TikTok’s long-term future in the United States and address concerns that it posed a national security risk.

Continue Reading

State and local leaders reflect on the life and service of former Rep. Linden Bateman

The Idaho political community is mourning the loss of a former state representative and historian. Linden Bart Bateman, of Idaho Falls, passed away on January 22, 2026, at the Lincoln Court Retirement Community. He was 85 years old.

“Linden Bateman was a close friend of mine and a true statesman. Linden was passionate about Idaho history and played a key role in establishing March 4 as Idaho Day. He listened thoughtfully, led with principle, and always sought to do what is right. Idaho is better because of his work, and his legacy of character and public service will not be forgotten.”  — Governor Brad Little.

Continue Reading
President Donald Trump

Trump angers allies with claim NATO troops ‘stayed a little back’ from front lines in Afghanistan

By Christian Edwards, CNN (CNN) — US President Donald Trump has once again questioned whether NATO allies would “be there” if the United States “ever needed them,” baselessly claiming that the alliance’s troops “stayed a little back” from the front lines in Afghanistan. “I’ve always said, ‘Will they be there, if we ever needed them?’

Continue Reading

5 things to know for Jan. 23: Winter storm, Ukraine talks, Immigration crackdown, Maduro operation, TikTok deal

By Alexandra Banner, CNN Dozens of swastikas were painted on a children’s playground this week in a predominantly Jewish area of Brooklyn, New York. City and state leaders condemned the vandalism, pointing to a broader increase in antisemitic incidents nationwide. Here’s what else you need to know to get up to speed and on with

Continue Reading
Ghanem says his father

An Egyptian university student lost his visa after pro-Palestinian protests. He could be deported within days

By Sana Noor Haq, CNN London (CNN) — Usama Ghanem learned the stifling censorship that shrouded public spaces in Egypt early in life, and still recalls criticizing the “stupid” regime under former President Hosni Mubarak in elementary school. Immediately, his teacher hushed him. “Nobody was allowed to say anything,” Ghanem, now a 22-year-old student in

Continue Reading

How CEI is using AI and tech to fight the anticipated ‘Recession Baby’ enrollment cliff

It’s been 18 years since the 2008 recession, and 2026 will be the first year “recession babies” reach college age. However, there will be fewer students nationwide due to a significant drop in birth rates.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, colleges and universities collectively experienced a 15% decline in enrollment between 2010 and 2021 due to various contributing factors. In 2025, Inside Higher Ed reported that 16 nonprofit institutions announced closures, with similar numbers reported in 2024.

Continue Reading

West Idaho bus driver arrested on child exploitation charges

On Wednesday, January 21, Jeremy Wakeley, 42, was taken into custody on several counts of possession of child pornography and one count of child sexual exploitation, Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador announced today.

 “We’ve found no evidence of any local victims at this time, but parents deserve to know that my team is working overtime to protect Idaho’s children,” said Attorney General Labrador in a news release. “I want to thank our law enforcement partners for their help with this arrest.”

Continue Reading

Idaho Democrats mark Roe v. Wade anniversary with call for end to near-total abortion ban

On the anniversary of the landmark Roe v. Wade decision, Idaho Democratic legislators marked the date with a call to restore abortion access, reaffirmed their commitment to a 2026 ballot initiative aimed at ending the state’s near-total abortion ban.

In a joint statement released Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026, Senate Minority Leader Melissa Wintrow and House Minority Leader Ilana Rubel argued that Idaho’s current laws have created a healthcare crisis, forcing patients to leave the state for care and causing a healthcare shortage in the Gem State.

Continue Reading

Staff illnesses force temporary closure of Hazel Stuart Elementary

As a result of a significant number of staff absences due to illnesses and other unavoidable circumstances, Hazel Stuart Elementary has been closed today, Thursday, January 22. Superintendent Doug McLaren announced the decision Wednesday night, saying the overwhelming number of staff absences has left the school unable to open.

“Despite exhaustive efforts to secure coverage and adjust staffing, we are unable to ensure appropriate instruction, student supervision, and support services,” stated the announcement.

Continue Reading

Utah’s first-of-its-kind water reclamation facility transforms toilet water into water plants crave

A groundbreaking $51 million water reclamation facility is about to transform how southern Utah handles wastewater. The Confluence Park Water Reclamation Facility represents 20 years of planning and construction, and it’s the first of its kind in Utah.

“As a child, I always wanted to be a marine biologist. But I also wanted to live here. So those two things don’t work together very well,” said Bradley Johnson, who grew up in Hurricane and La Verkin and now works at the facility.

Continue Reading

Hank Aaron Fast Facts

CNN Editorial Research (CNN) — Here is a look at the life of Baseball Hall of Fame player Hank Aaron. Personal Birth date: February 5, 1934 Death date: January 22, 2021 Birth place: Mobile, Alabama Birth name: Henry Louis Aaron Father: Herbert Aaron Mother: Estella (Pritchett) Aaron Marriages: Billye Williams (1973-January 22, 2021, his death);

Continue Reading
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte (L) pictured speaking with Finland's President Alexander Stubb.

Trump’s posturing over Greenland has changed the transatlantic alliance forever, European officials say

By Issy Ronald, Nick Paton Walsh, Clare Sebastian, Joseph Ataman, CNN (CNN) — President Donald Trump’s posturing over Greenland has irrevocably changed the transatlantic relationship, even after he backed away Wednesday from his threats of a US takeover of the Danish autonomous territory, European officials told CNN. One European diplomat, speaking anonymously, described the last

Continue Reading