Health concerns prompt temporary closure of Pocatello Animal Shelter

KIFI on April 26, 2025

Seth Ratliff

UPDATE:

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – The Pocatello Animal Shelter has temporarily closed its doors due to a recent health concern affecting some of the animals.

According to a press release from the City of Pocatello, the closure and pause in animal adoptions come after four puppies tested positive for canine parvovirus.

“Despite their best efforts, these puppies were exhibiting severe symptoms and were humanely euthanized to prevent the spread of the virus and to protect the health of the remaining animals in the facility,” said the City of Pocatello in the release. “At this time, ten other puppies at the shelter have tested negative for parvo and are being closely monitored. Out of an abundance of caution, the shelter is temporarily closed to the public and volunteers to limit the risk of cross-contamination.”

Parvovirus is a highly contagious and potentially deadly virus that affects unvaccinated dogs, especially puppies. Animal Services staff is working diligently to disinfect all affected areas and implement strict isolation protocols to contain the virus and ensure the safety and well-being of the animals at the shelter.

“We appreciate the community’s understanding and support as we work to resolve this situation,” said the release. “Updates will be provided as more information becomes available and when it is safe to reopen.”

ORIGINAL:

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – The Pocatello Animal Shelter has temporarily closed its doors. The news comes from a post on the Pocatello Animal Services Facebook page.

According to the post, the closure is due to a recent health concern affecting some of the animals.

“For the health and safety of our animals and the community, our shelter will be temporarily closed to the public effective immediately,” said the post. “This decision comes as we take proactive measures to address a recent health concern affecting some of our residents.”

Animal Services has not indicated how long the closure will last or if the shelter animals have been moved to another facility.

“During this time, our team will be focusing on deep cleaning, medical care, and ensuring all animals are safe and well-supported,” continues Pocatello Animal Services in the post. “We will reassess the situation on Monday to determine our next steps.”

Local News 8 has reached out to the animal shelter for additional details and will update this story accordingly as Pocatello Animal Services provides updates.

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Partial closure on Anderson Street for waterline replacement begining Saturday

KIFI on April 26, 2025

News Team

The following is the press release from the City of Idaho Falls:

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – The City of Idaho Falls will be closing Anderson Street between Boulevard and Holmes Avenue beginning Saturday, April 26, to allow crews to access and replace a waterline near the intersection of Anderson & Holmes. The closure is part of a critical infrastructure project aimed at ensuring the continued reliability of the city’s water system.

Local businesses will remain accessible from the Science Center during the closure. Motorists are advised to reduce speeds, obey all traffic control signage, and remain alert for construction crews working in the area.

The City of Idaho Falls thanks residents and businesses for their understanding and support during this necessary improvement to the city’s infrastructure.

For further information, please contact the City of Idaho Falls Public Works Department at (208) 612-8250. 

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Idaho Falls hockey team wins a battle of kings in Dineen Cup game 1

KIFI on April 26, 2025

William Syslo

NEW JERSEY (KIFI) – Exciting news for all local hockey fans! The Idaho Falls Spud Kings won the first game of the Dineen Cup Final in overtime, 1 to 0.

Spud King’s Ronnie Wade scored the game-winning goal in overtime against the Foxboro South Shore Kings.

Spud Kings are set to play again tomorrow at 7:30 PM Eastern. If they win again, they’ll play on Monday. If they lose tomorrow, they’ll play on Sunday.

Local News 8’s Will Syslo is in New Jersey covering the Spud Kings. He’ll cover the details on all their games nightly on SportsLine on Local News 8 at 9 and 10.

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Dozens of people in Idaho Falls participate in a ride for Victor Perez

KIFI on April 26, 2025

Ashley Chilcutt

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Over 50 people showed up to ride for Victor Perez on Friday night. Victor is the autistic teen who was shot and killed by Pocatello police earlier this month.

Cars, trucks and motorcycles filled the parking lot by the Broadway Bridge in Idaho Falls beginning at 5:30 p.m. Many drivers in the group decorated their vehicles with blue ribbons and words like, “We ride for Victor” and “Justice for Victor.” A teal truck with blue balloons led the ride from the bridge to the Grand Teton Mall.

Organizers Michelle Perez and Tierra Harris say they are proud to expand support for Victor’s family in Idaho Falls.

“Our goal right now is to show them that they have the support,” Michelle said. “Not from just Pocatello, but Idaho Falls, Blackfoot, Rexburg, all the way to Saint Anthony.”

Victor was shot nine times by police on April 5 after a concerned neighbor witnessed a confrontation and called dispatch for help. Victor passed away on April 12. His funeral was three days later.

“We’re hoping by processing the Victor Project that, not only will his name go on to be something bigger, but it will save somebody else’s child in the end,” said Michelle.

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Lori Vallow Daybell reacts to guilty verdict in her first Arizona trial

KIFI on April 26, 2025

Ashley Chilcutt

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Lori Vallow Daybell spoke with an Arizona reporter shortly after being found guilty of conspiring to murder her fourth husband Charles Vallow.

She reacted to the jury’s verdict.

“They receive all this information and then they make up a story that goes along with whatever information that they have,” Vallow Daybell said. “Right? They make it up. It’s a made up story. They weren’t there. They didn’t experience it.”

She is scheduled to go on trial again in early June for a different murder conspiracy charge. When asked if this verdict will affect her plea in that case, Vallow Daybell had this to say.

“This will have zero effect on me in eternity,” she said.

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Woman arrested, accused of smuggling nearly 120 pounds of meth at Highway 86 border checkpoint

KESQ on April 26, 2025

Cynthia White

WESTMORELAND, Calif. (KESQ) – Authorities say a 42-year-old Mexican citizen is in custody after being arrested by El Centro Sector Border Patrol agents for allegedly smuggling nearly 120 pounds of methamphetamine into the United States.

The woman was stopped shortly after noon Tuesday at an immigration checkpoint on Highway 86, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. In a statement, authorities say that a K-9 unit alerted agents to the possible presence of concealed people or drugs. Agents found 120 packages of a “crystal-like substance wrapped in cellophane and hidden in a vehicle compartment.”

The substance tested positive for methamphetamine, and the drugs had an estimated street value of $105,000, border patrol officials said.

Authorities say the woman, from Bakersfield, admitted to law enforcement that she was in the country without legal documentation. The vehicle and the 119.5 pounds of drugs were seized, and the woman was arrested, according to border patrol officials.

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Local veterans rally against proposed Department of Veterans Affairs layoffs

KESQ on April 26, 2025

Cynthia White

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – Dozens of local veterans gathered near the VA Clinic in Palm Desert on Friday to rally in opposition to the proposed layoffs at the Department of Veterans Affairs.

An internal memo obtained by the Associated Press mentions plans that would cut more than 80,000 jobs from the department. The memo went on to state the layoffs would return the staffing levels in the department to the pre-pandemic number of about 400,000 employees.

Local veterans are saying these cuts could disrupt their healthcare by increasing wait times on telephone calls to make healthcare appointments, as well as making wait times longer to visit a healthcare provider.

The group also held a rally in March.

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Desert Winds Take Center Stage This Stagecoach Weekend

KESQ on April 26, 2025

Katie Boer

Windy Weekend Ahead for the Coachella Valley

Happy Stagecoach and Desert Rodeo Weekend! We’ve been talking about winds all week and winds remain the main topic of discussion into the weekend.

The First Alert Weather Team is issuing a First Alert Weather Alert for gusty winds, reduced visibility and poor air quality through 11:59pm Saturday.

This afternoon winds have ramped up across the valley, especially through our mountain passes. We’ve already seen peak gusts between 50-60 mph so far today. Air Quality will continue to be something we continue with poor conditions expected into the evening.

Expect these strong southwest to west winds to continue across our mountains and desert through Saturday night.

Like the last few days, gusts will continue to peak during the afternoons and evenings, 45-55 mph — up to 60 mph in along desert slopes and below the passes–our more wind-prone areas. Obviously a lot of travelers are coming into town this weekend. If you’re driving across the San Gorgonio Pass watch for gusty conditions, especially if you’re driving high-profile vehicles and RVs. We could see some reduced visibility due to blowing dust.

Cooler Weekend, Then a Warming Trend

Sunday and Monday will stay on the cooler side as a weak trough lingers over the region. Highs on Sunday will be about 10 degrees below normal for inland areas, moderating a tad Monday with temperatures a little warmer, but still 3-5 degrees below normal.

By Tuesday, a ridge builds in from the west, bringing warmer temperatures — even slightly above normal. Another weak system could swing through midweek, keeping temps moderate before a second ridge brings a little bit of warming again late next week.

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I-Team: The Plantation – Men Only

KESQ on April 26, 2025

Cynthia White

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – The Plantation Golf Club on Monroe Street in Indio is one of the few men-only clubs remaining in the country.  

Now, it’s the target of a lawsuit by JCM Farming, Inc. alleging the policy is discriminatory and a violation of California’s Unruh Civil Rights Act.

News Channel 3 I-Team Investigator John White will bring you a look inside the dispute between the two sides that also includes a disagreement over the growing of date palm trees.

Also, hear from multiple sides, including the woman who challenged Augusta National Golf Club on the issue over 20 years ago, and someone else who’s faced litigation from the same company that he says damaged his business.

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International Students will have Legal Status Restored after Visa Termination

KEYT on April 26, 2025

Alissa Orozco

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – The Federal Government is reinstating F-1 visas for many international students around the country after the Trump administration had their visas revoked or terminated.

Associated Press reports that more than 1,200 International students will have their legal status restored after many court challenges against the administration.

On April 8th, UC Santa Barbara made a statement to staff and students that seven current students and three recent graduates had their visa records terminated with no advanced notice. According to the UC system, about 50 students and recent graduates across several UC campuses had their visas terminated recently with no coordination in advance from the federal government.

Associated Press says “at least 1,220 students at 187 colleges, universities and university systems have had their visas revoked, their legal status terminated or both, since late March…”

A statement from a UC Santa Barbara spokesperson says though the situation remains fluid, seven students have had their visa returned to active status.

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