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3 injured after gunman opens fire on sheriff’s office in Idaho before being fatally shot in standoff, officials say

A shooter armed with several guns opened fire in the lobby of an Idaho sheriff’s office and the street outside Friday, injuring three people before being killed in a standoff with law enforcement, the local sheriff said.

The suspected gunman fired shots at a pickup truck outside the Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office in Wallace before entering the lobby and firing into the station toward the dispatch center, Shoshone County Sheriff William Eddy said at a news conference.

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SWAT responding to active shooter situation in Northern Idaho

Authorities in northern Idaho are responding to an active shooter at the Shoshone County Courthouse in Wallace, Idaho.

Preliminary details are still coming in, but the nearby Mineral County, Montana, Sheriff confirmed the online reports of the active situation on Facebook, asking the area residents to pray for all law enforcement.

“We are sending reinforcement to help our neighbor. Please pray for all law enforcement. And stay out of the downtown area in Wallace if possible,” states the sheriff’s post.

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“Buying, not returning” Idaho Falls shoppers support small business day after Christmas

While the day after Christmas typically marks a nationwide wave of holiday returns, small businesses in downtown Idaho Falls are seeing more shoppers buying than returning.

Despite National Retail Federation projections that 17% of holiday purchases will be returned this year, totaling an estimated $890 billion in retail reversals for the 2025 season, local shop owners say the atmosphere remains more “buy” than “bye-bye.”

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How a backroad discovery led to the arrest of Melodee Buzzard’s mother in the child’s ‘calculated’ killing

As the December sun set over central Utah’s sandstone peaks, a couple ventured down a nondescript dirt road to snap photos against the backdrop of a red rock vista. Instead, they stumbled across a grisly discovery among smattered shrubs and parched soil: the decomposed remains of a little girl.

When sheriff’s deputies arrived in the sparsely populated stretch of Caineville, it was clear they would be investigating a homicide. The unidentifiable girl had died from gunshot wounds to her head, authorities later said.

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Arizona man arrested in multi-state investigation for online enticement of minors

A 29-year-old Arizona man is in custody following a multi-state investigation into the inappropriate relationships with minors, including Idahoans, online.

Ahren Neil Heineman was arrested on Dec. 23 by Pinal County Sheriff’s deputies in Arizona City. The arrest was the result of a month-long collaborative effort between Arizona authorities and detectives from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office in Idaho.

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AAA and MADD Renew Push to Combat Impaired Driving Ahead of New Year’s Eve

Thousands of people lose their lives every year to impaired driving, a preventable crisis that has prompted a renewed safety push from AAA and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). 

With New Year’s Eve right around the corner, Public Relations Director for AAA Idaho Matthew Conde announced a partnership with MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) to increase public awareness and reduce fatalities on the roads.

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Melodee Buzzard’s mother arrested in connection with 9-year-old’s killing after her body is found

The multi-state hunt for Melodee Buzzard, a missing 9-year-old California girl, came to a close when her remains were discovered in a rural area of southern Utah, authorities announced Tuesday.

Members of the sheriff’s office and the FBI arrested Ashlee Buzzard, Melodee’s mother, Tuesday morning on a charge of first-degree murder, Santa Barbara County Sheriff-Coroner Bill Brown said Tuesday.

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Madison County Man dies in hospital following Bonneville County deputy-involved shooting

A Madison County man has died following a shootout with law enforcement last week. Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office has now identified the man as Landon Smith, who was officially declared deceased on Dec. 22, several days after a confrontation on North County Line Road left him with a life-threatening gunshot wound.

During the shootout, Smith suffered a life-threatening gunshot wound, but BCSO says whether or not the driver was struck by his own fired rounds or rounds from a deputy is under investigation.

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Kelly Maier Mugshot

41-Year-Old Canadian charged with felony child enticement of a child following undercover ICAC investigation

A Canadian truck driver is facing felony charges of enticing a child over the internet following an undercover sting operation by the Idaho Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. Attorney General Raúl Labrador announced Monday that 41-year-old Kelly Maier was taken into custody in Idaho Falls following a joint investigation involving multiple law enforcement agencies.

“Thanks to the strong partnerships we’ve built with law enforcement across Idaho, individuals like this are being arrested for these terrible crimes against children and families,” said Attorney General Labrador. “Madison County, Idaho Falls, Bonneville County, and Pocatello all worked together to make this arrest happen. When agencies coordinate like this, those who threaten our kids get removed from our streets. I am grateful for these partnerships and the commitment every officer brings to protecting Idaho’s children.”

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Idaho Falls Fire Department officially opens Fire Station 6 on North side

“The opening of Fire Station 6 represents a critical investment in the safety and well-being of our growing community,” said Interim Fire Chief Paul Radford. “As development continues to the north, this station ensures our residents receive the rapid, professional, life-saving services they expect and deserve. Station 6 strengthens our operational readiness, reduces response times, and reflects our ongoing commitment to protecting lives and property.”

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District 32’s search begins for new Representative following Wendy Horman’s resignation

Following Representative Wendy Horman’s resignation from the Idaho House of Representatives, Legislative District 32 leadership is taking steps to fill her seat for the remainder of the legislative term. This formal selection process, scheduled for January 6, 2026, follows Horman’s recent announcement that she is stepping down to join the federal government as the Director of the Office of Child Care within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

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Quadruple murder suspect, Benjamin Roy Naylor, pleads guilty, avoids death penalty

The man accused of killing four people across two southern Idaho counties has accepted a plea agreement to avoid the death penalty, the Cassia County and Minidoka County Prosecuting Attorney’s Offices announced today. On December 22, 2025, Benjamin Roy Naylor, 56, pleaded guilty to four counts of first-degree murder for a killing spree that spanned two southern Idaho counties in exchange for four consecutive life terms without the possibility of parole.

“This plea agreement represents justice for the victims and their families. While no outcome can undo the devastating loss these families have endured, this resolution ensures that Benjamin Roy Naylor will never walk free again. The victims’ families showed tremendous courage throughout this process, and their input was critical in reaching this agreement,” said Cassia County Prosecuting Attorney McCord Larsen.

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ISP Dispatchers receive Distinguished Achievement Awards for role in kidnapping descue

Two Idaho State Police Regional Communications Officers are being recognized for their pivotal role in rescuing a kidnapped woman and capturing a suspect in Lewis County earlier this year. Regional Communications Officer Thomas Conrad and Senior Regional Communications Officer Jamielyn were honored with Distinguished Achievement Awards, recognizing them for their investigative work that allowed law enforcement to locate a victim being held under dangerous circumstances in Kamiah.

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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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A ‘self-inflicted’ crisis: Sheriffs and providers warn lawmakers about dangerous mental health cuts

Law enforcement and mental health specialists are sounding the alarm after state cuts are eliminating services for individuals with serious mental illness.

“The truth is, if we can’t keep people stable in the community, then they’re going to end up in the crisis services – that means the emergency rooms, that means our jails, and that puts an increased burden on law enforcement,” said Bonneville County Sheriff Sam Hulse.

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From Four Bulbs to a Brighter Future: Celebrating 75 Years of Nuclear Power at EBR-1

December 20th, 1951, was a big day for the United States and southeast Idaho. On that day 75 years ago, EBR-1, the experimental breeder reactor at the Idaho National Laboratory, became the world’s first nuclear reactor to generate usable electricity from atomic energy, initially powering four light bulbs, then an entire building, and eventually the town of Arco.

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Labrador and 7 state AGs push back against Trump administration’s efforts to reschedule marijuana

Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador is leading a coalition of state prosecutors in voicing sharp opposition to the Trump Administration’s recent move to reschedule marijuana.

The pushback comes just hours after President Trump signed an executive order intended to expedite medical cannabis research—a move the administration claims will revolutionize treatment while stopping short of full federal legalization.

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Wyoming Senator Cynthia Lummis announces retirement, will not seek re-election in 2026

U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) announced Friday that she will not seek re-election in 2026, retiring at the end of her first term in the Senate. The 71-year-old veteran of Wyoming politics cited the physical and mental demands of the office.

In a heartfelt statement, the Senator described her tenure as “an incredible honor,” noting that representing the people of Wyoming has remained her “one-and-only priority.”

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Quadruple homicide suspect Benjamin Naylor expected to enter guilty pleas

Benjamin Roy Naylor is expected to plead guilty to four counts of murder stemming from a July quadruple homicide that spanned Cassia and Minidoka counties, according to court records.

Under the agreement, Naylor would plead guilty to two counts of murder in each county — four total — in exchange for prosecutors not pursuing the death penalty. If accepted by the judge, sentencing will be left to the court, though prosecutors and the defense are jointly recommending four life sentences without the possibility of parole.

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Rep. Wendy Horman accepts role in Trump Administration as Director of the Office of Child Care

Representative Wendy Horman (R-Idaho Falls) announced that she has accepted a position to serve as the Director of the Office of Child Care in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families.

“I first ran for elected office because I want every child to have the opportunity for an excellent education. This is an opportunity to continue that work,” Horman said in a release. “The principles of limited government, individual liberty, and fiscal responsibility that guide Idaho will continue to inform my work at the national level.

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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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Over 200 American Falls homes still without power Thursday, local High School reopens as warming shelter

More than 200 homes in American Falls remain without electricity Thursday following yesterday’s powerful storm, prompting officials to reopen American Falls High School as a warming shelter. Idaho Power says its crews are currently working around the clock to restore power to the area, though the utility provider has not yet released an estimated time for full restoration.

According to the neighboring Bingham County Sheriff’s Office, the local high school will be available to residents starting at 6:00 PM tonight, once all scheduled school activities conclude.

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ISP’s 10 Counties of Christmas to deliver holiday meals to over 700 families this week

“I know how much a warm meal with family gathered around the table means to me, so being able to help provide that for other families is an incredible feeling,” Sgt. Blake Higley said. “We serve in these communities, we live in these communities, and we want our neighbors and friends to know they’re seen, supported and cared for during a time of year that can be difficult.”

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Power restored in Ammon following Thursday morning outage

More than 150 homes in Ammon are facing a cold Thursday morning following a power outage reported late this morning.

Rocky Mountain Power confirmed the service disruption began at approximately 11:08 AM on Thursday, December 18. As of now, it is unclear if the outage is weather-related or due to an equipment issue, but the utility provider confirms the cause is under investigation.

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Idaho’s efforts to confront prison sexual abuse hampered by Federal cuts

**Content Warning: The following article discusses topics of Sexual abuse and assault.**
As Idaho reckons with revelations of widespread sexual abuse by women’s prison staff, the Trump administration has cut off support meant to help states combat that kind of abuse.   

Funding for the National Prison Rape Elimination Act Resource Center was abruptly cut by the U.S. Department of Justice in April, shuttering the 15-year-old program that helped jails and prisons implement federal standards designed to protect incarcerated youth and adults from sexual exploitation and ensured facilities complied with those standards.

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District 91 school administrators investigate safety concern for Idaho Falls schools

On Tuesday night, the Idaho Falls School District 91 released a statement regarding a potential concern about student safety. An individual on the sex offender registry reportedly made comments about observing children in their neighborhood An individual on the sex offender registry reportedly made comments about observing children in their neighborhood.

The area of concern is north of Broadway St. and south of Grandview Dr., between Skyline Dr. and Bellin Rd. The Idaho Falls Police Department is investigating the situation. District administration is sharing this information with parents and guardians, along with a few reminders about student safety.

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Driggs sex offender facing federal child exploitation charges pleads not guilty; released on home confinement

A 68-year-old Driggs man and registered sex offender is facing federal charges after allegedly sharing and promoting child sexual abuse material. Dennis J. Empey has pleaded not guilty and was granted pretrial release from jail under stringent conditions.

The case was elevated to federal authorities after Teton County investigators reviewed evidence for potential violations of federal law.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Raymond E. Patricco released Empey from jail, placing him under home confinement with GPS monitoring while he awaits trial. His release is contingent upon strict adherence to several rules, including limited internet access, a total prohibition on contact with minors, and third-party supervision. Any violation of these terms will result in his immediate return to custody.

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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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Light the World Giving Machines arrive at Grand Teton Mall

Heads up, Idaho Falls! The globally recognized Light the World Giving Machines have arrived in Idaho Falls, offering a unique opportunity to give back to the community this holiday season. The ‘reverse vending machines’ are officially launching today, Monday, December 15th, at noon at the Grand Teton Mall.

The Grand Opening event will be emceed by Local News 8’s First Alert Forecaster, Jeff Roper, and feature a live performance by singer Jay Osmond.

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Challis outfitters receive combined 6 Years probation, $49,000 in fines for illegal Bighorn Sheep hunts

Jerrod Randall Farr, 54, a licensed outfitter and owner of White Cloud Outfitters, and Michael Timothy Scott, 68, a licensed guide, were indicted for facilitating and guiding illegal bighorn sheep hunts in a restricted area of the Salmon-Challis National Forest. The illegal transportation of the bighorn sheep carcasses spanned across state lines from Idaho to Utah and Alaska.

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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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