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Pocatello

Nevada man sentenced to 17 years for eastern Idaho drug trafficking

A 45-year-old Nevada man will spend more than 17 years in federal prison for his role in a large-scale drug trafficking operation that funneled methamphetamine and fentanyl into Eastern Idaho.

U.S. District Judge David C. Nye sentenced Franklin Ryan, of Sparks, Nevada, to 210 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis announced today.

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Victims Identified in Sunday Night Stabbing; Suspect in Custody

Following the arrest of their alleged attacker, authorities have identified the victims of a violent Sunday night stabbing. The victims have been identified as Rajah Keller, 32, and Starla Keller, 49, both of Pocatello.

Marita Gonzales, a 32-year-old woman from Pocatello, has been booked into the Bannock County jail on one charge of attempted murder and one count of aggravated battery related to the attack.

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ISP investigates Thursday’s multi-vehicle crash north of McCammon

Idaho State Police are investigating a chain-reaction collision that snarled traffic on southbound I-15 last Thursday.

The crash occurred at approximately 5:20 AM on February 12, 2026, near milepost 50, just north of the McCammon exit. According to an update from ISP investigators, the sequence of events began when a 2017 Honda Accord, driven by a 46-year-old Pocatello man, rear-ended a 1992 Toyota pickup, which was towing a flatbed trailer loaded with vehicles.

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Idaho State University in Pocatello, ID

‘A difficult moment’: ISU announces sweeping changes amid budget constraints 

Idaho State University is reshaping itself with sweeping changes in the face of current and looming state budget cuts.

That includes merging colleges, restructuring programs, “modest” student fee hikes and a range of other changes starting July 1 to try and save and generate millions by year’s end. The university released a complete budget restructuring plan Wednesday. ISU President Robert Wagner overviewed the changes in an accompanying video.

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Bannock County announces property tax relief Open Houses for eligible residents

The Property Tax Reduction (PTR) program, formerly known as the “circuit breaker,” helps lower property taxes for qualifying Idahoans, including seniors, widows and widowers, recognized disabled individuals, disabled veterans, former prisoners of war, and those who are vision impaired. To qualify, applicants must have an annual income of $39,130 or less.

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Museum of Natural History to host event on cartographic encounters and a rediscovery of the far west fur trade

Experience an evening honoring Indigenous Resilience as Dr. S. Matthew DeSpain presents traditional Far West fur trade history at Frazier Hall on January 28 from 6 to 8 p.m.

Throughout the event, DeSpain will reconceive traditional Far West fur trade history and emphasize how the mountain men and rendezvous are still heavily rooted in American expansionism, discovery, and exceptionalism. Therefore, encounter and centrality of Native peoples become the better means in rediscovering and rebalancing the history of the Far West fur trade.

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Sen. Ruchti to host three-part 2026 Legislative Town Hall series

Looking to bridge the gap between the Statehouse and the community, State Senator James Ruchti (D-Pocatello) has announced three town halls for District 29 residents and surrounding community members during the 2026 legislative session. Ruchti says these forums are designed as a nonpartisan space for Idahoans to discuss the future of Medicaid, ask questions about policy priorities, and share concerns directly with leadership.

“Our democracy works best when the people are heard,” said State Senator Ruchti. “These events give folks the chance to speak directly with their elected representative, and for me to better understand how the decisions we’re making in Boise are affecting everyday Idahoans.”

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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.

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Six displaced after overnight apartment fire in Pocatello

The fire was first called in just after 11 PM from an apartment at 335 North Hayes Avenue. Only 4 of the 6 apartments were occupied at the time, and all 6 residents evacuated safely, according to Kim Stouse, public information officer for the Pocatello Fire Department.

“We reached out to the American Red Cross, and they’re working to connect them to resources, as well as the landlord who put them up in the day’s inn last night,” said Stouse. “The tenants are now working with the Red Cross and the landlord to get long-term placement.”

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Pocatello seeks public input on city entryway and roadway redesign

“This feedback will help guide future beautification efforts for our city’s roadways and entryways,” said Jim Anglesey, Pocatello’s Long-Range Senior Planner. “The goal is to enhance the City’s appearance while selecting landscaping better suited to our semi-arid environment. These designs will be used as funding becomes available to support landscape and irrigation improvements at various locations across the city.”

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Bannock County Coroner identifies 51-year-old killed in Tuesday’s US 30 crash

Authorities in Bannock County have released the identity of the 51-year-old man killed on Tuesday after his vehicle struck a detached semi-trailer on US Highway 30.

Bannock County Coroner Torey Danner has identified the man as Bradley Bassett of Pocatello, noting that Bassett’s next of kin have been notified. “My thoughts are with Bradley’s family and friends during this time of loss,” Danner said in a statement.

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Pocatello Police seek public’s help finding ‘critically missing’ endangered man

Matthew Stuart Apted left his apartment and belongings in a damaged state at the end of September 2025. However, he continued to speak with family on the phone through text and phone calls until December 16, 2025, when he said he would be boarding a plane to Colorado on December 23, 2025.

He has not been heard from since. According to the Police, Apted may be suffering from mental health issues and suicidal ideations.

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ISP searching for box truck driver invovled in Wednesday night I-15 semi crash

The Idaho State Police is investigating a semi-truck crash that occurred Wednesday night, January 7, on northbound I-15. The incident took place at approximately 8:46 PM near milepost 73, blocking a northbound lane and off-ramp for 3 hours.

According to investigators, a 47-year-old man from Brigham City, Utah, was traveling northbound in a 2022 white Kenworth semi-truck. A white box truck, driven by an unidentified individual, merged abruptly into the semi-truck’s path.

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New felony drug charges filed against suspect in fatal Pocatello DUI crash

A Chubbuck man already facing charges for a fatal DUI crash that killed 29-year-old Lena Phelps of Pocatello last month is now facing additional felonies related to drug trafficking and illegal weapons possession.

The crash took place on Saturday, December 27, around 7 PM at the intersection of North Arthur Avenue. Initial reports indicate that Guerrero allegedly ran a red light while driving under the influence, striking a passenger vehicle carrying Phelps and a male driver.

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United in Light: How Idaho’s Jewish Community is Finding Warmth in Hanukkahs glow

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — As the eighth and final night of Hanukkah arrives, families across Idaho light their menorahs, celebrating a miracle of light that dates back over 2,000 years. In a state with one of the smallest Jewish populations in the United States—ranking eighth from the bottom— the history of Judaism here is both deep-rooted and inspiring. From gold rush pioneers to the first elected Jewish governor in the nation, Idaho’s Jewish community has woven itself into the fabric of the state’s mountainous spirit.

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Pocatello Announces Open House Ahead of Center Street Underpass Construction

Construction on the Center Street Underpass Project is scheduled to begin in early January 2026. To help residents and businesses stay informed, the City of Pocatello and Historic Downtown Pocatello will host an open house on Monday, December 22, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Historic Downtown Pocatello offices, 435 W. Center Street. The event will provide a straightforward overview of the work planned and what the community can expect during construction.

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Outgoing Pocatello Mayor Blad to deliver State of the City address on December 18

The City of Pocatello will reflect on Fiscal Year 2025 during the annual State of the City address at the City Council meeting December 18.

Mayor Brian Blad will introduce the State of the City address, which is scheduled as the final agenda item of the evening. The presentation will highlight accomplishments and progress made by City departments throughout the past fiscal year. Mayor Blad will conclude the address with remarks focused on priorities and expectations for the year ahead.

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Violent crime is up … and also down

Early morning shooting in Pocatello under investigation

On December 14, 2025, at approximately 2:00 a.m., officers with the Pocatello Police Department located an adult male lying in the roadway near the intersection of 2nd Street and Center Street in Pocatello, Idaho. The male had suffered two gunshot wounds. Officers immediately rendered medical aid until emergency medical personnel arrived. The individual was then transported by ambulance to a local hospital.

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50-year-old Idaho man dies from Flu as officials urge immediate vaccination

This marks the second influenza-associated death of the season in the Gem State. Last flu season, 87 people were reported to have died from flu-related illnesses in Idaho. 

“It is important for all of us to take precautions to avoid influenza infection,” said SIPH officials in the announcement. “If you haven’t already, visit your health care provider, local public health district, or pharmacy to get vaccinated. Getting vaccinated today will help protect you and your family for the rest of the influenza season.”

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Pocatello crews battle two water line breaks; Repairs underway

Crews with the City of Pocatello are responding to multiple water line breaks across the area.

The initial incident took place early Friday morning, when a 12-inch water main break occurred at the corner of Pole Line Road and Eldredge Road. City of Pocatello crews arrived at 5:29 AM and initially instructed residents near the break to remain indoors as a safety precaution, as the leaking water flowed into a power grid area.

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Indian Hills closes early due to waterline break; Parents must pick up students at reunification site

UPDATE: POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) —  Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25 has issued an emergency closure for Indian Hills Elementary School due to a major waterline break on Cheyenne Avenue. With classes already started, parents must now make arrangements to pick up their children. Families of Indian Hills students are directed not to go to the school,

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Urgent Call to Action: Families of Kratom victims rally for awareness and change

Families of Kratom victims are taking a stand to expose the serious dangers of Kratom and advocate for awareness and change. Kratom products continue to be sold and marketed heavily around Idaho, despite the official FDA warnings of the drug’s life-threatening effects. Now, officials and the victims’ loved ones are speaking out.
In the last 18 months, the Bonneville County Coroner’s office has investigated six kratom-related deaths. A staggering four of the fatalities were determined to be solely due to the acute drug toxicity of mitragynine, the primary active compound found in Kratom. One of these four victims was 23-year-old Kielee Rustici of Idaho Falls.

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“We’re Heartbroken”: Zoo Idaho mourns the passing of beloved Mountain Lion, Sinbad

Tuesday, Zoo Idaho staff in Pocatello announced the passing of Sinbad, the beloved mountain lion who had been a resident at the facility for the last 13 years. Sinbad was humanely euthanized after his health rapidly declined, a difficult decision made by the animal care team and veterinarian.

Zoo Idaho staff stated on Facebook, “Although he had a full and happy life, we’re heartbroken that we had to say goodbye so quickly.”

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Missing Judge William Woodland has been found deceased

The Bannock County Sheriff’s Office has issued an Endangered Missing Person Alert for an unnamed 84-year-old man last seen at the intersection of Lone Pine Road and Gay Mine Road.

The man is believed to be in danger, according to the alert. He was last seen wearing a blue suit jacket, tan slacks, and cowboy boots. According to a post on the Facebook group Life in Pocatello, the man may be driving a dark red Lexus ES350 sedan, license # 1B G8404.

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Pocatello officer cited for hitting pedestrian

A Pocatello Police Officer has been cited for failure to yield after striking a pedestrian in a crosswalk with their patrol car on Thursday afternoon, December 4th.

A security camera at a neighboring business captured video of the incident; however, the business, wishing to remain anonymous, told Local News 8 they would no longer be releasing the video after conversations with Pocatello Police. The initial security video was released by an unnamed employee.

A Pocatello Police officer and a subsequent vehicle were spotted leaving the business as Local News 8 arrived Friday morning.

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Pocatello City Council approves Rich Morgan as new CFO/City Treasurer

After an extensive months-long search, the City of Pocatello has officially filled its Chief Financial Officer/City Treasurer position. During Thursday’s City Council meeting, Council Members voted to approve the hiring of Rich Morgan as the City’s next CFO/City Treasurer.

“I am excited and honored to step into this role and serve our community during this important transition,” said Morgan. “My focus will be strengthening the city’s financial foundation, supporting the dedicated staff in the Finance department, and ensuring that our work reflects transparency, accountability, and service to residents.  I look forward to working closely with Mayor-Elect Dahlquist, the council, and the entire Pocatello team as we move the city forward together.”

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Former Downard Funeral Home owner Lance Peck loses private counsel over $37K in unpaid legal fees

A major shake-up has taken place in the criminal case against Lance Peck, the former owner of Downard Funeral Home. Peck’s private attorney, Richard Blok, formally withdrew from the case on Monday, December 1, after the defendant accrued more than $37,000 in unpaid legal fees. A public defender has now been appointed to take over the high-profile case.

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Bannock County community gathers at Pearl Harbor Memorial Bridge this Sunday; Governor directs flags to half-staff

This Sunday, December 7th, the Bannock County community is taking the chance to remember, reflect, and stand together, while marking the 84th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. The community ceremony will take place at the Pearl Harbor Memorial Bridge on W. Fremont Street at 3:00 PM.

“Most of us were not alive when the horrors of the attack on Pearl Harbor unfolded 83 years ago, but it is so important this generation and future generations take the time to honor the thousands of men and women who lost their lives in that unprovoked attack on American soil. Idaho will also forever honor the brave service members who fought for our country and all of humanity during World War II in the years that followed the attack on Pearl Harbor,” Governor Little said.

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Idaho State University in Pocatello, ID

ISU expands international research footprint with new 5-year agreements in Asia and Latin America

“These partnerships connect ISU with leading global institutions, bringing new knowledge, innovation, and research opportunities that would benefit Idaho. From improving infrastructure and water management to advancing energy technologies and education, our collaborations help address challenges that matter to both parties.” said Mustafa Mashal, Special Advisor to the Vice President for Research and Economic Development and Professor of Civil Engineering at ISU. 

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