Skip to Content

Local News

Gov Little approves SNAP benefits ban on soda and candy

12:41 PM

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.”

Continue Reading

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

11:16 AM

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.”

Continue Reading

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

5:17 PM

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

Continue Reading

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

4:20 PM

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.

Continue Reading

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

3:30 PM

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.

Continue Reading

Wyoming Department of Transportation announces brief traffic hold for bridge work

12:17 PM

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.

Continue Reading

How to survive spring allergies, according to a local allergist

2:48 PM

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.

Continue Reading

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

2:49 PM

“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.”

Continue Reading

New ruling broadens exceptions to Idaho’s abortion ban

11:13 AM

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.

Continue Reading

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

4:09 PM

“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.”

Continue Reading

Idaho’s new immigration law faces further legal setbacks

3:39 PM

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.

Continue Reading

GoFundMe donations double overnight to support teen shot by Pocatello Police officers

6:36 PM ,

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.

Continue Reading

Local non-profit invites you to Casino Night Fundraiser Saturday, April 12

11:09 AM

“The Community Food Basket is excited to announce its upcoming Elvis-themed Viva Las Vegas Night Fundraiser, an event designed to raise critical funds to support the increasing number of families relying on our services. With a 30% surge in demand over the past few years, this fundraiser is more important than ever in ensuring that no family in our community goes hungry in addition to also supporting 30 other nonprofit agencies, schools, senior centers, soup kitchens, and shelters.”

Continue Reading

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

12:44 PM

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.

Continue Reading

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

10:41 AM

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.

Continue Reading

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

2:00 AM

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

Continue Reading

Disabled teen shot in Pocatello officer-involved shooting fighting for his life in a coma

4:38 PM , ,

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.

Continue Reading

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

2:48 PM

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.

Continue Reading

Bonneville County man found guilty of sexually enticing a child online

11:09 AM

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.

Continue Reading

Family of the Pocatello Police shooting victim share their grief

10:25 PM

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.

Continue Reading

Pocatello PD hosts press conference addressing officer-involved shooting

5:38 PM ,

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.

Continue Reading

Family: Teenage shooting victim out of surgery

3:52 PM ,

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.

Continue Reading

Professional Bull Riding community honors fallen Wyoming bull rider

6:10 PM

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.

Continue Reading

ITD urges drivers to zipper merge for smoother construction traffic

5:46 PM

“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.”

Continue Reading

Idaho House and Senate wrap up 2025 legislative session

5:22 PM

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.

Continue Reading
Zoo Idaho

Zoo Idaho opens April 5th

5:17 PM

The following is a press release from Zoo Idaho: POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – Zoo Idaho is back for the 2025 season, showcasing our amazing native species. The zoo will be open weekends in April and weekdays starting May 1. Zoo Idaho is an indigenous zoo exhibiting only native species found within the Intermountain West. The

Continue Reading

City of Idaho Falls announces Frontier Center renovations

2:23 PM

As part of ongoing efforts to modernize the facility, the renovation will triple the size of the lobby, improve pick-up and drop-off areas, and include essential ADA upgrades, such as accessible restrooms and a ramp for easier access. These improvements are designed to enhance the overall experience for guests and to ensure the Frontier Center continues to be a vital cultural hub for the community.

Continue Reading

Fish and Game looking for landowners willing to let hunters on their property this season

12:22 PM

Through the Managed Hunt program, private landowners agree to allow hunters access to their property to hunt in-season game, with property owners able to set rules for how and when hunters can use the land.

Fish and Game manages hunters’ use of the private land while also acting as the primary contact for hunting requests, eliminating any interaction between the hunters and the landowners.

Continue Reading

U.S. 20 Construction causing traffic delays

4:57 PM

“The weather’s a little bit warmer, which allows us to get back and maintain and improve the road. So that’s what’s going on now. We’re going to be working from this rigby area all the way north to Saint Anthony, trying to repair the worst spots in the road as much as we can,” said Sky Buffat, Idaho Transportation Department Public Information Officer.

Continue Reading

Potential “Jackpot Crew” linked to ATM theft in West Yellowstone

4:28 PM

The West Yellowstone Police Department is investigating a theft from an ATM that took place earlier this week.

The incident appears to be connected to a technologically advanced group of criminals, commonly referred to as a “Jackpot” crew, according to a post on the West Yellowstone Police Department’s Facebook page. Police say this group has been targeting financial institutions across Montana and broader regions.

Continue Reading

Construction continues on new Bannock County Fairgrounds exhibit hall

3:13 PM

“Bannock County, in recent years, has been investing in the facilities down here at the fair because this is a true gem of the community,” said Emma Iannacone, public information officer for Bannock County. “The Bannock County Fair has been a tradition for families for decades, and so seeing something new come into these fairgrounds is really exciting because it just shows the commitment to maintaining this fair for the community.”

Continue Reading