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Pocatello Animal Shelter’s annual marathon event to take place Saturday

The Pocatello Animal Services Department and Friends of the Pocatello Animal Shelter will host the 28th annual ‘Run with the Big Dogs’ marathon event on Saturday, April 19.

The event will have a 2k walk/run and 5k run available for people (and their pets) along with vendors, raffle prizes, a silent auction, splash pools for dogs, and refreshments for participants and dogs.

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Local young woman chosen to represent the U.S. at World Expo in Japan

Samantha Carrell, of Pocatello, is one of 88 youth ambassadors from the USA chosen to represent the nation at the 2025 Osaka World Expo in Japan this summer.

“Each country gets to show off some of their culture, some of the cool things they’re doing in science, in the arts,” said Carrell. “Then people get to interact both with those exhibits and with each other. So it’s a really great chance for connection, for kind of meeting people from all over the world.”

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Idaho Falls Zoo announces lion leaving for cross-country breeding program

The Idaho Falls Zoo at Tautphaus Park’s lion, Hondo, is heading to a zoo in Pittsburgh as part of a nationwide breeding program to preserve animal populations.

The Idaho Falls Zoo is part of a ‘species-specific program’ connecting them to breeding programs at zoos around North America and Europe, and because of Hondo’s strong genes, the lion will be sent to breed with two lionesses on the East Coast.

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Pocatello Catholic school celebrating Easter with annual all-student play

Holy Spirit Catholic School invites the community to their annual K-5 student Easter play on April 25.

“When you watch children presenting this play, it gives you hope,” said Margie Gabiola, principal of Holy Spirit Catholic School. “When you see the kids that are playing the disciples and playing Mary and Jesus, you’re filled with this hope, and it’s the best story ever–the story doesn’t end with Jesus dying, the story is that he’s resurrected.”

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“It’s going to take a very long time for our community to heal from this,” – City of Pocatello releases video related to fatal Police shooting

Mayor Brian Blad is providing updates on the case of the police shooting that led to the death of 17-year-old Victor Perez of Pocatello.

The move comes after a prominent California-based civil rights firm, known for representing Rodney King in his case against Los Angeles Police officers, filed a wrongful death and civil rights violation claim against the city on behalf of the family of Victor Perez.

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American Falls man convicted of embezzeling $129K from Housing Authority

72-year-old Bruce Hauber of American Falls is sentenced to 5 years of probation for stealing over $129,000 from the American Falls Housing Authority (AFHA). The news comes from the Acting U.S. Attorney Justin Whatcott.

Between 2019 and 2023, Hauber was responsible for paying bills, managing rent, and handling the authority’s bank accounts.

But instead of sticking to official business, prosecutors say Hauber started using AFHA credit cards for personal purchases. According to court records, Hauber used the cards to pay for meals, airplane tickets, utilities for his home, medical expenses, and purchases at retailers.

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Gabriel Perkins pleads guilty to manslaughter in connection to Compass Academy shooting

20-year-old Gabriel Perkins pleaded guilty Wednesday to Voluntary Manslaughter in the death of Alex Barber and Aggravated Battery in the shooting of an Idaho Falls man at the Compass Academy in Idaho Falls, in February 2024. 

Under a plea agreement, the parties will recommend that Perkins face up to 40 years in prison, according to Bonneville County Prosecuting Attorney Randy Neal.

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Civil rights firm files wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of Victor Perez’s family

Only a day after the funeral of the disabled 17-year-old shot by Pocatello Police officers, a major civil rights firm, Burris Nisenbaum Curry & Lacy (BNCL), has filed a wrongful death and civil rights violation claim against the city of Pocatello on behalf of the family of Victor Perez.

“The family wanted the police to help their son, not kill him,” said John Burris, an attorney with 40-plus years of representing victims of police abuse, including representing Rodney King in his case against Los Angeles Police officers. “The officers’ conduct shocks the conscience of all families needing assistance with developmentally disabled kids.” 

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Idaho Falls Regional Airport adds new flight to Chicago

“American looks forward to welcoming customers on our new service between Idaho Falls Regional Airport and our Chicago O’Hare hub,” said Joe Hughes, Managing Director, Government Affairs at American. “This new flight will offer customers convenient access to all that Chicago has to offer and shorter travel times with American to destinations like New York, Washington, D.C., and global cities such as London and Barcelona.” 

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11 Idahoans convicted for their roles in major fentanyl trafficking conspiracy

11 Idaho defendants have been convicted on federal drug trafficking charges after attempting to distribute large amounts of fentanyl in southern Idaho, according to a release by Acting U.S. Attorney Justin Whatcott.

According to court documents, the group had recruited recent parolees during their time in prison in a conspiracy to traffic fentanyl from the United States/Mexico border to distribute in Idaho.

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Explosion of a building at Northrop Grumman in Promontory, UT.

Explosion at Northrop Grumman’s Rocket Ranch

An early morning explosion destroyed a building at Northrop Grumman’s “Rocket Ranch” in Promontory, Utah.

“Initial reports indicate that there are no injuries or fatalities at this time. However, as with all ongoing investigations, details may change. There is no further information available for release at this time. We advise the public to avoid the area.” – Press Release from Box Elder County Sheriff’s Office.

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Gov Little approves SNAP benefits ban on soda and candy

Governor Brad Little has signed House Bill 109 into law, under which the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare will seek a waiver from the federal government to ban candy and soda from being purchased using food stamps, or SNAP benefits.

“Idaho welcomes the MAHA movement. It is all about looking for creative ways to improve nutrition and increase exercise, the two main factors that influence overall health,” Governor Little wrote in a statement to the press. “Secretary Kennedy said it so well: we need to take better care of ourselves and each other. He said it is an act of patriotism, and the future of our nation depends on it. Idaho couldn’t agree more.”

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Idaho attorney general to review investigation of Pocatello officer-involved shooting

The Idaho Attorney General’s Office has agreed to review the investigative findings regarding the officer-involved shooting that led to the death of 17-year-old Victor Perez of Pocatello.

“As with all such matters, the Office of the Attorney General will conduct a thorough and impartial review once the Eastern Idaho Critical Incident Taskforce completes its investigation,” said Attorney General Labrador. “Given the seriousness of the matter and the ongoing investigation, our office will not be making further public comment at this time.”

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“This decision wasn’t made lightly, nor was it sudden” – Pocatello City Councilman Josh Mansfield resigns

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – Pocatello City Council representative Josh Mansfield has announced he’s resigning effective May 1, 2025. In a letter announcing his intentions, Mansfield shared that he has been accepted into the law program at BYU as a J. Ruben Clark Scholar Recipient, which he says will allow him to continue serving in the

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Bonneville County imposes Emergency Moratorium on applications for recharge-related mining operations

On April 7th, the Bonneville County Commissioners passed an Ordinance Imposing an Emergency Moratorium on the processing of applications for mining operations associated with water recharge facilities.

The move comes with the support of a representative from the Idaho Board of Water Resources, to “create a better path forward.” The Bonneville County Commissioners announced their preliminary decision on the Moratorium during a public hearing on April 1, 2025.

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Sticks out 4 Carter: Local hockey fans honor youth player Carter Barnes

Local Hockey enthusiasts and the Idaho Falls Spud Kings are expressing their condolences to the family of a youth hockey player who died in a tragic car accident over the weekend.

Hockey fans and players across the region have joined an online movement, #sticksoutforcarter, placing their hockey sticks outside their doors to honor Carter and express their condolences for the Barnes family.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Carter’s family and the entire local youth hockey community during this incredibly difficult time,” wrote the Idaho Falls Spud Kings and Mountain America Center in a post on Facebook.

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Wyoming Department of Transportation announces brief traffic hold for bridge work

The Wyoming Department of Transportation will begin paving the new bridge deck on the Snake River Bridge on Wyoming State Highway 22, Tuesday, April 15. In order for a loader and concrete truck to access the area, crews will hold traffic at 10 a.m. for roughly 5-10 minutes near the bridge.

Crews are encouraging travelers to avoid the construction area during that time if possible, or expect delays around the morning hours and plan accordingly.  The brief closure should only last 5 to 10 minutes, but traffic could potentially see slower speeds following the closure.

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How to survive spring allergies, according to a local allergist

Warmer weather means spring allergy season is around the corner in East Idaho, and it may be time for allergy sufferers to start taking precautions.

Dr. David Parry, allergist and immunologist at Pocatello Allergy and Asthma Clinic, said spring pollen may start hitting the air soon, and, when coupled with mold left over from winter, it could be time to start thinking about dosing up on antihistamines.

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Portneuf District Library to host annual accessible Easter egg hunt on Saturday

“Children need to feel included and seen regardless of their circumstances,” said Amanda Bowden, children’s librarian at the Portneuf District Library. “This gives those children who may not be able to participate in a traditional Easter egg hunt with lots of candy, lots of chaos, the opportunity to participate in a community event that really just caters to their strengths and their abilities.”

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New ruling broadens exceptions to Idaho’s abortion ban

On Monday, an Idaho state court issued a ruling allowing more exceptions to the state’s total abortion ban.

Idaho’s current abortion law previously allowed for abortions only when necessary to prevent the death of the mother.

The ruling broadens the exception, allowing pregnant women to access abortion care if they have a health condition or pregnancy complication that would put the mother at risk of death.

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Pocatello Mayor Brian Blad addresses public concerns regarding recent officer-involved shooting

“We are addressing this matter with the seriousness and thoroughness it deserves and with the appropriate respect for the gravity of the situation,” said Blad. “The criminal, external, and internal investigations regarding the officer-involved shooting are underway, which is why we cannot answer questions out of concern of interfering with or compromising the investigation.”

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Idaho’s new immigration law faces further legal setbacks

A federal judge has extended the Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) blocking the enforcement of Idaho’s new immigration enforcement law, House Bill 83.

Governor Little signed the bill into law on March 27, 2025. Only hours afterward, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Idaho filed a lawsuit, IORC v. Labrador, to prevent statewide enforcement of the bill.

Despite the lawsuit, on March 31, Governor Little, law enforcement officers, and supportive legislators celebrated the bill’s passage. Governor Little said the bill reinforces Idaho’s support of President Trump’s immigration policies.

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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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Crews to begin work on West Broadway Street water valve repairs Thursday

Work is scheduled to begin at 8 a.m. and is anticipated to be completed around 5 p.m. Water service for residents and businesses in the immediate area will be interrupted for an approximate four-hour period during the repair. The actual duration of the water being shut off to nearby properties will depend on the conditions encountered. Everyone whose water service is being impacted is being personally notified by Water Division staff.

Traffic on Broadway will also be shifted to one lane in each direction in the immediate work zone. Please reduce speeds, obey posted traffic control signage, and watch for construction crews throughout the work zone.

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Visiting Rabbis to lead Southeast Idaho Jewish community in the Fourth Annual Passover Seder

The Local Jewish community is marking the start of one of the most important holidays in the Hebrew calendar. Saturday, April 12, visiting rabbis will lead the city of Idaho Falls and surrounding Jewish communities in the region’s Fourth Annual Passover Seder.

The seder will be led by Rabbi Sholom Smith, a visiting rabbi from Miami, and joined by Rabbi Ari Sasonkin and Rabbi Mendel Berghoff of Brooklyn.

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An alternate theory, Amazon searches and a new tip: This is what we learned at the latest hearing in the Idaho killings case

By Lauren del Valle and Jean Casarez, CNN (CNN) — A judge in Idaho is set to make decisions about what evidence can and cannot be submitted at the upcoming death penalty trial of Bryan Kohberger, who’s accused of murdering four University of Idaho students in November 2022. Kohberger faces four counts of first-degree murder

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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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Multi-agency task force hosts event to honor survivors of sexual assault

The Southeast Idaho Task Force on Domestic and Sexual violence hosted an event on Tuesday to honor survivors of violence and raise awareness for resources in the area.

The task force is a joint project between area agencies, including Pocatello and Bannock County law enforcement, local healthcare providers, mental health providers, public housing officials, and other community leaders who came together in an effort to centralize resources for survivors of domestic and sexual violence.

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Bonneville County man found guilty of sexually enticing a child online

A Bonneville County man is facing up to 15 years in state prison and a $50,000 fine after being found guilty of enticing a child on the internet.

In August 2023, 27-year-old Anthony Calderon, using the pseudonym “Alex Davis,” engaged in a Snapchat conversation with a 10-year-old girl from Attleboro, Massachusetts. According to court records, Calderon asked the victim to engage in and watch lewd acts via FaceTime.

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Family of the Pocatello Police shooting victim share their grief

After surviving being shot nine times by Pocatello Police, loved ones of 17-year-old Victor Perez are hoping for a miracle.

According to family members, Victor Perez is still in critical condition at the Portneuf Regional Medical Center after undergoing three surgeries, including a leg amputation. They say these surgeries are just the latest in a series of tragedies that started on Saturday evening when the incident with police first happened.

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Pocatello PD hosts press conference addressing officer-involved shooting

On Monday, the Pocatello Police Department held a press conference regarding Saturday’s officer-involved shooting, which left a 17-year-old with autism, Victor Perez, in critical condition.

Pocatello Police Chief Roger Schei says they are aware of the videos on social media and the effect on the public but argues that the video only shows one angle of the full picture.

“In situations like this, officers must make decisions in seconds. They assess threats not just to themselves but to those nearby. In this case, two individuals were within a few feet of an armed, noncompliant individual. The risk was immediate, and the situation rapidly evolving,” said Schei.

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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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Professional Bull Riding community honors fallen Wyoming bull rider

A former state champion bull rider and Jackson Hole High School graduate lost his life Thursday after competing in a Texas arena.

24-year-old Dylan Grant of Pavillion, Wyoming, passed away after sustaining injuries Wharton County Youth Fair Xtreme Bulls event in Wharton, Texas. According to the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA), Grant was injured after being bucked off by a bull during the second round of the Wharton County event.

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ITD urges drivers to zipper merge for smoother construction traffic

“One thing that really helps with traffic control is if people will do what’s called zipper merging,” said Buffat. “It’s in our inclination when we see the lanes closed ahead, we want to move over as quickly as we can. It’s just the kind of the people that we are in eastern Idaho, we’re courteous that way. But It actually really helps if you’ll stay in both lanes for as long as you can.”

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Idaho House and Senate wrap up 2025 legislative session

The sun has set on the 2025 Idaho Legislative session as both the House and Senate adjourned “Sine Die” Friday, after 89 days in session, excluding weekends.

“America wants what Idaho has – safe communities, bustling economic activity, increasing incomes, tax relief, fewer regulations, fiscal responsibility, and common sense values,” said Governor Little.

“I thank my partners in the Idaho Legislature for working so hard for the people of Idaho,” said Little.

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