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Teen son of slain Saratoga Springs woman had gunshot residue on his clothing, police say

Clothing worn by the 15-year-old son of a Saratoga Springs mother who was shot and killed in her home had gun residue on it.

That’s according to a series of search warrants recently unsealed in 4th District Court that provide more insight into the evidence collected by Saratoga Springs police in their ongoing investigation into the shooting deaths of Jessica Orton Lyman, 44, and her 8-year-old son, Eli Painter. No arrests have been made in the killings and no suspects have been named.

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Attorney General: Seven sentenced for child exploitation; Three from Bonneville County face decades in prison

In the last two months, seven individuals, including three from Bonneville County, were sentenced to prison after being convicted of crimes against children, Attorney General Raúl Labrador announced Tuesday.

“I’m proud of our ICAC prosecutors and investigators, as well as our local law enforcement partners who worked tirelessly to bring these individuals to justice and deliver sentences that protect Idaho families from this evil,” said Attorney General Labrador in a news release. “Their hard work and dedication is resulting in the arrest and sentencing of dangerous criminals from our communities and ensuring children across our state are safer.”

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Know your rights: What to do if ICE comes to your home

As immigration enforcement continues to raise questions and concerns for families across Idaho, the ACLU of Idaho is reminding immigrants of their rights if ICE or other law enforcement officers come to their home.

“Immigrants have most of the same rights that US citizens do. So they have freedom of speech. They have the freedom to be free of unlawful search and seizures. They have constitutional rights because they are living inside the United States,” Immigration Attorney Tim Jones said.

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Two injured in separate snowmobile accidents on Granite Creek Road Friday

Teton County Search and Rescue volunteers responded to two simultaneous snowmobile accidents that left two riders with serious injuries on Granite Creek Road this past Friday.

According to a post on TCSAR’s Facebook page, the first call came in just before 4 PM, indicating a 39-year-old man had crashed and rolled about 30 feet down an embankment. The man had seriously injured his leg in the crash. Due to the severity of the man’s injury, TCSAR mobilized both a helicopter and a ground team to the trailhead.

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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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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.”

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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.

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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.

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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.”

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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.

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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.

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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.

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250 Trucks, One Mission: LDS Church donates 31,000 pounds of food to Eastern Idaho Community Action Partnership

In an effort to combat local food insecurity, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has delivered 31,000 pounds of food to the Eastern Idaho Community Action Partnership in Rexburg on Wednesday.

The donation is part of a nationwide collaboration with America 250, a celebration of the United States’ 250 years of independence. As part of the celebration, the Church has pledged to send 250 trucks of food to pantries across the country. Rexburg was chosen as one of the cities chosen for this donation.

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State lawmakers set public forum on invasive “Eagle Rat” surge spike in Southern Idaho

In response to a spike in sightings of invasive Norway rats across Southern Idaho, state lawmakers are hosting a public forum to address the rise in pests.

“While these rats are currently concentrated in the Treasure Valley, experts warn they will continue to spread across Idaho if not addressed,” Senator Carrie Semmelroth warned in a press release.

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Husband and wife dead in apparent murder-suicide near Idaho-Wyoming border

Multiple people are dead following a domestic disturbance at a remote property along the Idaho-Wyoming border that drew a large-scale police response on Wednesday morning.

“Once we got to the scene, we found that it was relatively contained to an area just off the road around a couple of vehicles,” said BCSO Sgt. Bryan Lovell. “We did discover deceased persons. And so right now we’re, we’re working on gathering evidence and investigating that scene.”

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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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Where are they now? Netflix revisits Elizabeth Smart and key figures in her kidnapping case

“I’m not just that girl that was kidnapped. That happened to me, but I’m so much more,” Elizabeth Smart told CNN’s Anderson Cooper in 2013.

A new Netflix documentary premiering January 21 has renewed interest in one of the most closely followed kidnapping cases in American history. Smart was 14 when she was kidnapped from her Salt Lake City home in 2002 and rescued nine months later.

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Idaho gas prices drop below national average for first time in months

Idaho drivers are enjoying a rare break at the pump this January, with gas prices sitting below the national average and about 25 cents cheaper than this time last year.

Nationally, the average price of gasoline is about 30 cents lower than a year ago. In Idaho, prices are roughly 25 cents cheaper. While Idaho typically ranks in the top 10 for the most expensive fuel in the nation, it is currently ranked 23rd.

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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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Boise hospital ambush suspect reaches plea deal to avoid death penalty

Nicholas Umphenour, the man accused of engaging in a deadly hospital ambush to free a white supremacist inmate, has reached a plea deal with prosecutors to avoid the death penalty.

Court documents filed on January 13, 2026, reveal that Umphenour, 30, will enter an Alford plea for the killings of 83-year-old James Mauney and 72-year-old Gerald “Don” Henderson.

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How much tech is too much? Idaho hunters debate proposed legislation

Idaho Fish and Game is proposing new regulations to the Idaho legislature this session that would restrict hunters’ use of advanced technology during big game season, after concerns about advancements in hunting equipment.

The regulations stem from recommendations provided by a group of 23 hunters, bear baiters, trappers, long-range shooters and wolf hunters, who advised Fish and Game on fair hunting practices in Idaho. After a public comment period, the agency is now presenting the proposal to state lawmakers.

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Severe solar storm to put Northern Lights over Idaho tonight, forecasters say

Under the current forecast, the northern lights may be visible across much of the northern half of the United States, and even as far south as northern California. The only question is – will residents in southeastern Idaho be able to see the lights, considering the overcast skies in Monday night’s forecast?

If you manage to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights through a break in the weather, we want to see it! Send your photos to Local News 8 for a chance to be featured on our social media pages and during our evening broadcast.

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Convicted murderer accused of brutal attack on Idaho prison guard

An Idaho Department of Corrections staff member has been hospitalized following a brutal assault by a convicted murderer at the Idaho Maximum Security Institution over the weekend.

On Saturday, January 17, 2026, the 56-year-old staff member, whose name has not been released, was attacked Saturday morning by inmate Robert David Pompa. Following the assault, the corporal was transported to Saint Alphonsus Medical Center in Boise for treatment. IDOC officials have confirmed that the staff member is in stable condition.

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Idaho-Falls native filmmaker screening his award-winning documentary around Eastern Idaho

Eastern Idaho (KIFI) – Get ready for an adventure next week as award-winning Idaho filmmaker Dusty Hulet brings his riveting documentary “Bears of Durango” to screens across eastern Idaho. Audiences will have a rare opportunity to experience the wild drama of human-bear encounters and the quest for conservation, all through Hulet’s captivating lens. Dusty Hulet

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Tribal Members encouraged to carry identification cards after reported ICE activity

Amid growing concerns over recent ICE operations in Southeast Idaho, Shoshone-Bannock tribal leadership is advising all members to carry valid tribal identification with them at all times.

The urgent statement from the Shoshone Bannock Tribe’s Business Council comes after confirmed ICE enforcement activities in Idaho Falls. However, leaders also said the sighting is expected due to an ICE field office in Idaho Falls, and said the move to carry identification cards is out of an abundance of caution.

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Tyler Robinson speaks with his attorneys before a hearing in Provo

Alleged Charlie Kirk assassin Tyler Robinson appears in court as defense pushes to disqualify prosecutors from the case

By Andi Babineau, Nick Watt, CNN Provo, Utah (CNN) — Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old man accused of killing Charlie Kirk, appeared in a Utah court Friday afternoon as his attorneys pushed for prosecutors to be pulled from the case over what they allege is a conflict of interest. Robinson’s defense attorneys are arguing the entire

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Boise man who fled Iran shares perspective as protests escalate overseas

As tensions in Iran escalate, policymakers in Washington are weighing whether the United States should get involved. For most Idahoans, the debate can feel worlds away. But for some Iranians now living in Boise, the stakes are far more personal.

Sami, who asked that his last name not be published for safety reasons, said the images coming out of Iran are not just headlines – they are home.

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Driver uninjured in rollover crash near Jefferson Lake

A 32-year-old driver escaped without injury after a single-vehicle rollover crash near Jefferson Lake late Thursday night. The crash drew a large police response to the area visible from U.S. highway 20.

According to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, the accident took place just after 10:00 PM at 441 N. 4000 E., about half a mile from the lake. Despite the significant police response at the scene, officials confirmed the driver was not hurt.

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Two men arrested for masked burglary and aggravated battery on local homeowner

Two Idaho Falls men were arrested late Wednesday night after an alleged masked burglary at a Bonneville County home, where they’re accused of attacking the homeowner with a hammer.

Brian A. Grimes, 19, and Kaden R. Taylor, 23, are currently being held in the Bonneville County Jail on felony charges of burglary and aggravated battery following the violent encounter in the 9000 South block of 5th West.

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“Leadership, Humility, and Grit”: Teton County Idaho Search and Rescue mourns longtime teammate killed in snowmobile crash

The Teton County Idaho Search and Rescue team is mourning the loss of a long-standing member after a fatal snowmobiling accident over the weekend. In a deeply moving Facebook tribute shared on Thursday, the volunteer organization identified the victim as Mark Bostleman, a dedicated teammate who had served as a leading advisor since joining the group in 2018.

The fatal crash happened on Sunday in the Big Hole Mountain Range, where it appears Bostleman was recreating at the time, according to the TCISAR Facebook page. TCISAR says his passing leaves a void in the team he served with for over seven years.

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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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