Gov Little announces new partnership between Idaho State Police and ICE

KIFI on June 6, 2025

Seth Ratliff

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — The Idaho State Police (ISP) has entered into an agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) under the 287(g) program, allowing ISP to transport hundreds of convicted criminal immigrants directly from Idaho jails to ICE detention facilities for deportation. Governor Brad Little announced the partnership on Thursday, emphasizing the program’s focus on removing “dangerous illegal alien criminals” from Idaho communities.

The agreement, known as the Jail Enforcement Model, authorizes ISP to identify and transport individuals who have been arrested on criminal charges, convicted, and completed their sentences in state or local detention facilities. This initiative aims to prevent the release of these individuals back into the community when ICE lacks the immediate resources for their transport.

“Idaho is stepping up to help the Trump administration transport dangerous illegal alien criminals to ICE facilities instead of being released back into our communities. These are people who pose the greatest danger to Idaho families,” said Little.

Little noted that on his first day in office, President Donald Trump declared a national emergency at the southern border. He added that Idaho is strengthening its partnership with the Trump administration to address “the national emergency posed by years of reckless border policies under the Biden-Harris administration.”

Under the 287(g) program, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) allows ICE to delegate specific immigration officer functions to state and local law enforcement under ICE oversight and direction. Little says Idaho will utilize this authority to transport the most violent and dangerous individuals.

Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons commended Idaho’s participation, saying, “I’m really encouraged to see Idaho making its communities safer by signing on with our 287(g) program.”

“You have to remember that we’re talking about criminals,” said Lyons. “And often, they won’t take an arrest sitting down — so when local jails are allowed to turn them over to ICE in a safe setting, we don’t need to send dozens of federal law enforcement officers into the public to make arrests. Partnerships like this one keep offenders out of communities and protect our families, friends, and neighbors.”

ISP coordinated with DHS and ICE to develop this partnership following Governor Little’s Executive Order 2025-03, the Border Security and Immigration Enforcement Act. The agreement authorizes ISP to spend up to $300,000 over the next 12 months to carry out up to 100 transports.

Each transport will involve multiple individuals, primarily to the ICE detention facility in Jefferson County. For higher-profile and more dangerous criminals, ISP is authorized to transport them to out-of-state ICE detention facilities.

Little states that the new agreement also follows the spirit of House Bill 83, the Idaho Immigration Cooperation and Enforcement Act, which he signed on March 27. HB 83 has faced significant backlash since passing the Idaho legislature. In late April, a federal judge blocked the enforcement of the bill in light of a lawsuit by the ACLU of Idaho. For more information, click HERE.

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Shoshone-Bannock Casino Hotel warns public about online gambling scam

KIFI on June 6, 2025

Seth Ratliff

FORT HALL, Idaho (KIFI) — The Shoshone-Bannock Casino Hotel is urging the public to be vigilant against a widespread online scam falsely advertising that the casino now offers online gambling. These deceptive ads, circulating on social media platforms, are using the casino’s name and logos without authorization to scam people.

The Fort Hall-based organization first alerted the public to these fake advertisements in early April via a Facebook post.

“Be careful! We do not offer online gambling or have an app of any kind! Online Gambling in Idaho is illegal,” the casino stated in a recent Facebook post, reiterating its warning.

The Shoshone-Bannock Casino Hotel is actively asking for the public’s help in combating this scam. They advise anyone who encounters these ads to report them immediately and strongly caution Idaho residents against providing any personal or credit card information.

The casino emphasizes that all official announcements and exciting news regarding the Shoshone-Bannock Casino Hotel will always be shared first on their verified Facebook page.

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Rexburg Police Department finds new home, Voters to consider bond for completion

KIFI on June 6, 2025

Ariel Jensen

REXBURG, Idaho (KIFI)– A location for the new Rexburg Police Department has been decided on by the mayor and city council leaders. The potential location is just off Pioneer Road near Highway 20.

Many factors went into this decision. They wanted a spot that would be accessible for the officers and the community.

The mayor says they have outgrown the old police department, and it’s time to get a new building that will last several lifetimes.

“We just appreciate our entire police department and all they do to keep the Rexburg citizens safe and the outreach they do to build trust. I think our citizens have a high level of trust for our police department, as does all of the staff here at City Hall and the administration. We feel like this is something that is really worthwhile and worth going after,” said Mayor Merrill.

The city has enough to make a down payment for the building, but not enough to finish the project.

The city will be asking voters to support a bond for the building during an election this fall. 

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Anniversary of Teton Dam collapse 49 Years Later, memories remain vivid

KIFI on June 6, 2025

Ariel Jensen

REXBURG, Idaho (KIFI)– June 5th, 2025, marks the 49th anniversary of the Teton Dam flood. The collapse of the dam greatly impacted Madison and other nearby counties.

Locals who were around during the flood tell Local News 8 they remember that day vividly.

The failure of the dam impacted several towns, killed 11 people, drowned over 15,000 head of livestock, and damaged over 2 billion dollars of property in the area.

One local tells us she was 15 when she lived through the flooding and says it is important to remember this day. 

“First of all, to make sure it doesn’t happen again. And then the gratitude for all those people who just came by busload every day to try and help us out. It was unbelievable,” said Catherine Stanton of Rexburg.

The Teton Flood Museum in Rexburg is currently closed for renovations.

If you would like to show your support for that day, there will be a Teton Dam marathon this Saturday at Smith Park.

For more information on the marathon, visit HERE.

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Vacant city council seat filled in Pocatello

KIFI on June 6, 2025

Sam Ross

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — A vacant seat in the Pocatello City Council has officially been filled.

Dakota Bates was sworn in as a council member at a meeting tonight.Bates was recommended by Pocatello Mayor Brian Blad over 17 other applicants up for seat number 4.

The position was left vacant after City Councilman Josh Mansfield resigned in early May.

Bates will sit on the city council for the unexpired term through December.

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Problem Solvers: As Think Wild animal hospital raises the alarm on poisoning deaths, a look at the issues, benefits of using lead ammunition

KTVZ on June 6, 2025

Harley Coldiron

(Update: Adding video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Central Oregon’s largest hospital for wildlife is encouraging hunters to change to non-lead ammunition, as they’ve treated over 85 animals for poisonings in the past 4 years, almost all of which passed away from the illness. But the cost, availability, and accuracy of the bullets are major hurdles for hunters.

Sally Compton, the executive director for Think Wild, says most poisonings come from eating the carcass of an animal killed by lead ammunition.

“As it permeates through their system, gets to their brain, gets to their internal organs, that’s when they start to really feel those symptoms,” she said.

When lead ammunition enters an animal, it usually splinters, sometimes up to 12 feet. When it does this, it infects the animal’s carcass with lead, which can sometimes lead to these poisonings.

During a visit to Think Wild, the Problem Solvers observed a routine test for the United State’s official bird, the bald eagle, whose recovering from lead poisoning. The results brought good news, but for most animals, this isn’t the case. “Usually, they pass away,” Compton told the Problem Solvers. 

Of the 85 animals brought to Think Wild for lead poisoning over the years, three of them have been bald eagles. Almost all died from the illness.

So why would hunters use lead?

Nathan Wismer, who owns a wood and steel company, says lead bullets are more lethal and make for a better shot. He said last time he went hunting he was able to bag a deer with just one shot.

Kenneth Brown, who founded Liberation Firearms training in Redmond, agrees, “At the end of the day, you’re just going to get a better shot. It’s going to travel more consistently,” Brown told the Problem Solvers.

The other reason… dollars and cents.  

Brown, who buys and sells ammunition regularly, says non-lead ammunition is always more expensive, sometimes costing up to 50% more. 

The Problem Solvers went to his gun range, where non-lead ammunition is used, so customers aren’t exposed to lead fragments.  

It’s similar to why Think Wild says lead bullets can contaminate carcasses.

“Lead is going to be harmful to the body. You know it just is. Non-leads not,” Brown said, “You’re inside of a shooting platform, inside of the bay, and I don’t want you to have a bunch of lead all over the place”. 

So what’s the solution to getting more hunters to make the switch? 

Most seemed to agree: getting that cost down, and raising awareness.

“Hunters are typically one of the greatest conservationists, like hunters love fish and wildlife,” Compton said. “So I think the more that we can educate and make accessible opportunities for not using lead, the better.”

Wismer, who hunts once a year, said, “If it became more affordable and you could buy them in bulk, yeah, I have no problem with it.” 

There is a group out of the Oregon Zoo called the North American Non-Lead Partnership. They raise awareness and educate hunters on the issue, but bringing down the cost is still a major hurdle 

States like New York have created incentives for non-lead ammunition, which is something Think Wild would like to see in Oregon. The Federal Fish and Wildlife Service also briefly had an incentive program.

The Problem Solvers have reached out to our federal representatives to see what, if anything, they may support.

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Salmon season opens temporarily in Monterey; June 7 and 8

KION on June 6, 2025

Jeanette Bent

MONTEREY, Calif. (KION-TV) — Salmon season is opening for recreational fishing starting Saturday for the first time in years.

But — it’s only for a limited time.

Recreational fishing will only be open Saturday, June 7 and Sunday, June 8 and the time could shrink further.

A harvest limit of 7,000 salmon has been set, and if it isn’t reached this weekend, more weekends could open up for fishing in July and August until the limit is reached.

Ahead of the fishing season, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is asking boaters to slow down and keep an eye out for otters.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife say they expect high boat traffic in Moss Landing and the Elkhorn Slough, raising the chances of crafts striking otters and other wildlife.

The aquarium is also telling people to follow designated “no wake” zones and to appoint an Otter Spotter to avoid crashes.

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Seaside remains strict with safe and sane fireworks ahead of July 4

KION on June 6, 2025

Jeanette Bent

SEASIDE, Calif. (KION-TV) — With the 4th of July fast approaching, the City of Seaside is reminding locals about its firework curfew policy this year.

The city only allows safe and sane fireworks, and they are only authorized for use and purchase between June 28 and July 5 before 10 p.m.

During this period, the city is enforcing a 10 p.m curfew for the use of those fireworks.

Those caught using illegal fireworks or using safe and sane fireworks past the curfew, can be fined $1,000 or more for more violations.

Seaside Fire Department with updates to firework enforcement ahead of the 4th of July

SEASIDE, Calif. (KION-TV) — The Seaside Fire Department held a presentation for the City Council tonight on firework enforcement ahead of the 4th of July.

Officials say that there is a zero tolerance policy for illegal fireworks in the City of Seaside. They say that they plan to use more drones this year and police bodycam footage to catch people in the act for both administrative and criminal citations.

Authorities are also proposing no parking on General Jim Moore Boulevard between Hilby Avenue and Coe Avenue.

They are also proposing closing a portion of Laguna Grande Park.

Local authorities also say they are working to educate the community about the illegal fireworks through outreach as well as a partnership with T-N-T Fireworks to help get the word out to local schools.

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California braces for gas price hike

KYMA on June 6, 2025

Adrik Vargas

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) – Starting July 1, Californians will see a new hit to their wallets, gas prices are going up by about 65 cents per gallon. It’s part of the state’s push to fight climate change by requiring cleaner fuel at the pump.

The new rule comes from California’s Air Resources Board, which is trying to get the state to carbon neutrality by 2045. This means fuel companies have to start using more low-carbon blends like biofuels and renewable diesel and those are more expensive to make.

While the goal is to help the planet, drivers are asking: Why should they be the ones paying the price?

“I think it should be taken care of 50/50,” said Yax Covarruvia-Joshi, a local resident. “Gas companies should provide relief to the customers who are just trying to get through these conditions.”

Lawmakers had a chance to block the hike with a bill called SB2, but it didn’t pass. So the increase is moving forward.

And for some, it’s just too much.

“I think we pay a lot for everything already,” said Elizabeth Galvez, another local. “We can’t afford increases in a lot of things, especially gas.”

Working families say the bump at the pump may seem small, but it adds up fast.

“65 cents doesn’t seem like a lot,” Yax added, “But then again, if you look at the overall budget of the household.”

Especially for people like Jennifer Favela, who commute every day for work.

“I travel a lot for my job,” she said. “So just getting to work will cost me more.”

California’s green goals are big, but so is the price tag. For many in Imperial County, the cost is hitting close to home.

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Prosecutor: Case against Palm Springs developer epitomizes ‘corruption’

KESQ on June 6, 2025

Garrett Hottle

BANNING, Calif. (KESQ) – An 86-year-old real estate developer accused of giving then-Palm Springs Mayor Steve Pougnet with six-figure bribes to win his support for projects violated the “public trust,” putting a politician in his pocket to satisfy his greed, a prosecutor said today, while the defense countered that the real corruption lies with a former business partner who testified against the defendant.   

“He acted with the corrupt intent to bribe,” Riverside County Deputy District Attorney Amy Zois said in her closing statement in the trial of John Elroy Wessman. “Who benefited the most to their pocket? It’s the defendant.”

Testimony in Wessman’s two-week trial at the Banning Justice Center concluded Wednesday, and the prosecution and defense presented final arguments to jurors Thursday afternoon. However, the defense did not complete its statement, and Superior Court Judge Samuel Diaz directed the jury to return Friday for the end of the attorneys’ summation.   

Wessman is charged with nine counts of bribery of a public official and one count of conspiracy to commit a felony.   

“This is not about a bribe,” Zois told jurors. “It’s about corruption and the public trust.”

She reminded the jury of evidence confirming Wessman’s signature on numerous checks issued against Wessman Development Inc. in 2012 and 2013. The money was part of the payoff scheme involving Pougnet, the prosecutor said.   

“He has said that he signed all of those checks without knowing what’s going on?” she said. “It’s ridiculous to believe that a CEO of a company wouldn’t follow the major decisions of his own company.”

She dismissed the defendant’s claims of ignorance about the flow of funds, telling jurors, “You know the truth: he’s guilty.”   

Zois said Wessman and fellow developer Richard Hugh Meaney, 59, conspired to favor Pougnet with high-dollar rewards for gaining the mayor’s support for the men’s redevelopment projects between 2012 and 2014.   

All the felony charges against Meaney were dismissed over a year ago. However, he pleaded guilty to a reinstated misdemeanor count of financial conflict in a government contract. He testified for the prosecution duringWessman’s trial, and defense attorney Elliot Peters pointed the finger of blameat him. 

“Mr. Wessman is not guilty,” Peters told jurors. “What you heard was speculation, guesswork and the false testimony of Mr. Meaney.”   

The attorney characterized the witness as a “dishonest, manipulative person.”

Peters affirmed his client took appropriate steps and remained within the bounds of the law to get his projects approved by the Palm Springs City Council.

“Who picked the amounts and the dates (for financial transactions) Meaney did,” the attorney said. “He choreographed and was at the center of this.”

He asserted that Wessman was steeped in business affairs, deferring to Meaney to handle smaller details, including direct email correspondence with the former mayor.

Zois said Pougnet’s $3,605-a-month salary during his two terms was “peanuts” compared to the hefty cash infusions into his bank account facilitated by the two developers.

She argued it was Wessman’s influence that landed Pougnet work on the Palm Springs International Film Festival, for which he received $150,000 in 2012. The festival board chairman ended the mayor’s consultancy when it didn’t net the kind of results the board had wanted.

Zois alleged the developers provided $225,000 in illicit payoffs to the mayor, all to ensure his active support for the downtown renaissance projects, which records allege included construction of The Dakota, the Desert Fashion Plaza, The Morrison and Vivante.

Pougnet reached a plea agreement directly with the court last month, admitting nine counts of bribery by a public official, eight counts of illicit financial interest in public contracts and one count of conspiracy, as well as no contest to three perjury counts.

All of the men are free on their own recognizance. Meaney’s sentencing is tentatively due Monday, but is expected to be postponed.   

Both the Pougnet and Meaney are expected to receive terms of probation.   

The defense underscored how Wessman relied on creative financing to contend with impacts of the Great Recession that started in 2008, seeking what amounted to a “public-private partnership” between Wessman Development Inc. and the city to move forward.   

The efforts led to Measure J being put before voters citywide in 2011. It passed, resulting in $43 million in municipal bonds going to the developer’s projects, which began in the winter of 2012.

Pougnet, Wessman and Meaney were criminally charged, for the first time, in 2017 and later indicted by a grand jury. The case began as a federal corruption probe until it was turned over to county investigators in 2016.   

A judge in December 2020 dismissed all counts against Wessman, characterizing them as baseless, but the charges were reinstated by the Fourth District Court of Appeals in Riverside less than two years later.

Pougnet was in office from 2007 to 2015.

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