Brief lockdown lifted at Pocatello City Hall after reports of armed individual

KIFI on April 8, 2026

Hadley Bodell

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — Pocatello police responded to a report of an armed individual in the City Hall parking lot at around 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 8.

Officials tell us the report stated a male subject made threats to harm department employees and was believed to be in the parking lot of the Pocatello Police Department.

According to City of Pocatello Public Information Officer Marlise Irby, employees in the City Hall were instructed to lock down and stay inside while police investigated the threat. Any people in the parking lot were taken inside the building by officers.

“Due to the seriousness of the threat and the subject’s reported proximity, both the Pocatello Police Department and the City of Pocatello offices were placed on lockdown as a precautionary measure,” stated the Pocatello Police Department as of 4:52 p.m.

Pocatello police were reportedly able to locate the threat in Chubbuck, and the lockdown was lifted at approximately 11:50 a.m. The public was asked to avoid the area during this time.

The investigation has since been passed to the Chubbuck Police Department.

Click here to follow the original article.

Man given probation in alleged road-rage incident gets rehired at MoDOT

KMIZ on April 8, 2026

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A man who was accused and charged in an alleged road-rage incident in September is once again employed with the Missouri Department of Transportation.

Harry Adrian IV, of Tuscumbia, pleaded guilty on Jan. 6 to misdemeanor reckless driving. He was originally charged with unlawful use of a weapon, but the charge was reduced in December, according to previous reporting. He was sentenced to a year of probation.

Adrian was the state safety coordinator for MoDOT when he was accused of pulling out a gun during a September incident in Cole County. Adrian had disputed the allegations, claiming he held a cellphone during the incident, though deputies wrote in court documents that a gun was found in his vehicle.

MoDOT had told ABC 17 News on Jan. 6 that he was no longer employed with them.

However, MoDOT spokeswoman Marcia Johnson confirmed in a Wednesday email that Adrian is once again employed with them as a senior safety specialist. Johnson could not confirm the date of his new employment on Wednesday.

Click here to follow the original article.

Gas myth or money saver: Debunking common savings suggestions with an analyst

KMIZ on April 8, 2026

Haley Swaino

Haley Swaino, weekend morning anchor and reporter at KMIZ, is finding ways to help you cut back on monthly bills and giving other money-saving suggestions. This time, she looks at ways to save on gas.

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Drive slower. Don’t brake hard. Turn off the A/C and roll your windows down.

As drivers are faced with rising gas prices amid the conflict in the Middle East, common fuel-saving tips like these often surface. However, experts warn that some widely accepted pieces of advice are mere myths.

According to GasBuddy, as of Monday, the average cost of gas was $3.60 a gallon, up about 16 cents from the week before and 61 cents more than in March.

I sat down for a virtual chat with Patrick De Haan, an analyst at GasBuddy, to see what’s a money saver and what’s a mere myth.

Gas is cheaper to buy on certain days of the week.

Money saver, though volatility from Middle East tensions has made timing less predictable. De Haan said that gas prices can be lower on certain days. Typically, Sundays tend to have lower prices because energy markets are closed, giving stations flexibility to discount fuel and attract customers on a slower day. He said Thursdays are often more expensive due to midweek energy reports and rising prices as markets are active during the week.

But in the current environment, with prices climbing rapidly, De Haan said buying gas sooner rather than later may be the better option.

Filling up in certain weather conditions can give drivers more bang for their buck.

Myth. Weather doesn’t make much difference when it comes to saving money at the pump, De Haan said. While colder temperatures can slightly increase fuel density, the benefit is minimal. Many stations also adjust for temperature — especially in warmer weather — by correcting fuel volume. Overall, there’s no specific weather or time that reliably gives drivers significantly more gas for their money.

It’s cheaper to buy gas with cash than with a card.

Possible money saver. Paying cash for gas can sometimes be cheaper than using a credit card because some stations offer cash discounts or charge a higher price for credit. De Haan said using a credit card may still be worthwhile if it offers rewards or rebates that exceed any cash discount. Loyalty programs can also lower prices by 5 to 10 cents per gallon. Ultimately, he said the best option depends on the station’s pricing, available discounts, and the benefits of your credit card.

Tire pressure plays a role in gas costs.

Money saver. Proper tire pressure has a direct impact on gas mileage. De Haan said underinflated tires create more friction and rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and reducing fuel efficiency. If the tire pressure warning light is on, at least one tire may be too low. Keeping tires properly inflated—typically around 35 PSI — helps reduce resistance and improve fuel efficiency.

LINK: Find current, local fuel prices on the ABC 17 Fuel Finder page

Having a clean air filter will get you better gas mileage.

Myth. De Haan said having a clean air filter has only a minor impact on gas mileage, making it somewhat of a myth. While a severely clogged air filter can cause problems and slightly reduce fuel efficiency, routine replacements don’t significantly improve gas mileage. Despite frequent upselling at service shops, De Haan said air filters usually just need to be replaced every one to two years, not at every oil change.

Rolling the windows down is better than running the A/C.

Money saver, depending on speed. De Haan said that at low speeds or in stop-and-go traffic, running the air conditioner makes the engine work harder, so rolling the windows down can save gas. At highway speeds, however, using the A/C has little impact on fuel efficiency because the engine is already working hard, and open windows can actually increase drag. Prolonged idling with the A/C on should be avoided, as it significantly reduces fuel efficiency.

Taking extra weight off your car can improve your fuel economy.

Money saver. Removing extra weight from your vehicle can improve fuel economy. Every additional 100 pounds can lower fuel efficiency by about 1 to 2 miles per gallon, De Haan said. Items like bike racks, cargo boxes, or large objects on the roof create drag, forcing the engine to work harder and use more fuel. He said roof racks and cargo carriers are especially harmful because they increase wind resistance and disrupt a vehicle’s aerodynamics, potentially cutting fuel efficiency by 20–25%.

Avoiding idling while not driving helps to save fuel.

Money saver. Idling delivers 0 miles per gallon and wastes gas. If you expect to be stopped for more than about a minute, De Haan said, turning the engine off can save fuel. That is why many newer vehicles use start-stop technology to automatically shut the engine off when the car isn’t moving.

Putting the pump in all the way ensures you get as much gasoline as possible, avoiding vapors.

Myth. Inserting the nozzle further does not help you get more gasoline. De Haan said gas stations use vapor recovery systems, and gas vapors don’t affect how much usable fuel you receive. What matters is the liquid fuel, not the vapors.

While no money-saving tips will likely make up for the significant price hikes the U.S. is facing amid the conflict in the Middle East, some could save you a few bucks at the pump and add up to measurable savings.

AAA has multiple Mid-Missouri stations on its list for the best gas rewards programs.

Its top pick is the Shell Fuel Rewards Program. New members who join by Apr. 30 can save 35 cents a gallon on their first fill-up at participating locations. Outside of the limited-time offer, new members would save 30 cents a gallon on their third fill-up. After that, regular gold status saves drivers 5 cents a gallon. Frequent drivers can reach platinum status and save 10 cents a gallon.

Shopping with a Hy-Vee PERKS card can stack savings with a Shell Fuel Rewards card.

Savings can also be found with popular apps like Upside. Users just need to download the free app, claim a discounted gas offer, and scan their receipt for cash back. According to Upside, on average, users save up to 25 cents per gallon and nearly $300 a year. Scanning that same receipt on the Fetch app can earn drivers points towards gift cards.

Some companies are rolling out additional savings.

Uber is significantly expanding discounts through Upside and Shell. Drivers and couriers can save up to $1 off per gallon using Upside, up from a maximum of 25 cents. And Shell users are now offered up to 21 cents off per gallon, up from a maximum of 7 cents.

On Friday, Amazon Prime announced members can save 20 cents per gallon at BP, Amoco and participating ampm and Thorntons locations, every Friday through May 29. To claim the offer, Prime members just have to connect their Amazon accounts to the free Earnify app.

Click here to follow the original article.

Kellogg City Council unanimously passes ordinance to ban Kratom sales

KIFI on April 8, 2026

Danielle Mullenix

UPDATE:

KELLOGG, Idaho (KIFI) — The Kellogg City Council unanimously passed an Ordinance banning the sale of Kratom within city limits, making it the first in the Gem State to do so as efforts to regulate or outlaw the substance continue to gain traction across Idaho.

Ordinance 645 is effective immediately for new retailers. The Chief of Police, Paul Twidt has given existing retailers until May 8th to remove it from their inventory.

This vote could encourage other cities to follow suit, with several nearby communities signaling efforts to enact similar ordinances.

ORIGINAL:

Kellogg, ID (KIFI) — A small North Idaho city could soon become the first in the state to ban the sale of kratom, as broader efforts to regulate or outlaw the substance continue to gain traction statewide.

As of April 7th, the Kellogg City Council is proposing a resolution to prohibit the sale of kratom within city limits, a move that could catalyze similar actions in other Idaho communities.

Kratom is a plant-based substance derived from the leaves of Mitragyna speciosa, indigenous to Southeast Asia. It is primarily used to relieve muscle pain, boost alertness and energy, and reduce stress. Currently, it is sold without specific regulation in Idaho and many other states. However, concerns over its safety and lack of regulation are fueling renewed scrutiny at both the local and state levels.

“The problem is that there are no state or federal regulations on this, on this stuff,” explains Kellogg Police Chief Paul Twidt. “There are some safer versions, and there are some synthetic, higher doses that are really, in my opinion, dangerous. There’s a reason why they nicknamed it the gas station heroin.”

In East Idaho, officials have already linked kratom to multiple deaths. According to Bonneville County Coroner Shante Sanchez, the county has documented six kratom-related deaths within a year, prompting calls for stricter oversight and public awareness.

Kellogg city officials and law enforcement are weighing the ban amid growing concerns about potential health risks and accessibility. If approved, the ban would make Kellogg the first city in Idaho to take such action, signaling a shift toward tighter local control over the substance.

While details of enforcement and penalties are still under discussion, the proposal reflects increasing pressure on local governments to address substances that currently fall into regulatory gray areas.

The Kellogg City Council will make its final decision on the proposed ban at its meeting this evening. If Kellogg moves forward with a ban, it could pave the way for similar ordinances in other Idaho cities.

Click here to follow the original article.

District 28 face-off: Major David Worley challenges veteran Senator Jim Guthrie

KIFI on April 8, 2026

Sean Dolan

By: Sean Dolan

Originally posted on IdahoEdNews.org on April 8, 2026

BOISE, Idaho — Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador has endorsed David Worley, a District 28 Senate candidate, in his Republican primary bid against Sen. Jim Guthrie, who is seeking a ninth term in the Legislature.

Worley is a major in the Idaho National Guard. He ran for Senate in 2022 but lost in the general election to Sen. James Ruchti, D-Pocatello.

Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador

In a press release, Labrador said Worley will fight for Idaho families, support strong border security and hold government accountable.

“Voters are tired of politicians who campaign one way at home and govern another when they are in Boise,” Labrador stated. “David is different. He’ll bring integrity, courage, and common sense to the Senate. I encourage Republicans in District 28 to support David Worley on May 19.”

Guthrie, R-McCammon, was first elected in 2010. He chairs the Senate State Affairs Committee and has faced criticism this session from hardline Republicans for not allowing hearings on immigration bills. Guthrie tops the Stop Idaho RINOs PAC list of Republicans who vote with Democrats.

In response to an EdNews candidate survey, Worley wrote Idahoans deserve honest government where bills are heard in public.

“In Boise, too many decisions are controlled by procedure and closed-door gatekeeping, and that undermines trust,” Worley wrote. “I am running to uphold immigration law, defend Idaho family values, and restore integrity and transparency so the people’s business happens in daylight.”

Worley submitted responses to the EdNews candidate survey, but Guthrie has not. Neither Worley nor Guthrie have responded to multiple requests for phone interviews for an election profile.

Jim Guthrie and David Worley

On his campaign website, Worley stated that he believes “Cultural Marxism” has no place in public schools, and schools should not “promote hatred of their nation.” He is committed to driving “radical Leftist ideology” from Idaho’s education institutions.

Also on his website, Worley said Christian morality is the “foundation of Western Civilization” and the state plays a legitimate role in supporting public and private morality.

If elected, Worley has committed to banning the use of government resources to “advance the LGBTQ agenda or support sexual immorality generally,” according to his website.

Worley in January 2025 filed a religious discrimination lawsuit against leaders of the Idaho National Guard. U.S. District Court Judge David C. Nye dismissed the suit in February.

According to the lawsuit, Worley claimed leaders of the Idaho National Guard affirmed a “No Christians in Command” policy.

Nye, in a memorandum and order to dismiss the case, wrote that it’s not clear to the court that such a policy exists.

Click here to read Worley’s lawsuit and here to read Nye’s order to dismiss.

Guthrie’s history

Guthrie is a former trustee for Marsh Valley School District and former Bannock County Commissioner. According to his website, he champions the principle that local governments know their communities best.

He voted against the $50 million Parental Choice Tax Credit last year and prioritizes “robust funding and support” for Idaho schools, according to his website. That means pushing for “restored and increased” education budgets.

In 2023, he was a legislative co-sponsor of the bill that established the Idaho Launch grant program for graduating high school seniors.

On social issues, Guthrie was the sole Senate Republican who voted last month against a bill that regulates which bathrooms transgender people can use.

Click here to follow the original article.

Smoke alert: Prescribed burns set near Bend and Sisters this week

KTVZ on April 8, 2026

Harley Coldiron

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — If conditions are favorable on Thursday, the Deschutes National Forest plans to continue prescribed burning operations on the Bend-Fort Rock and Sisters Ranger Districts.

Firefighters on the Bend-Fort Rock Ranger District plan to conduct up to 365 acres on the Tiddlywinks 4 and 2B Prescribed Burn units located one mile west of Bend on the west side of Forest Service Road (FSR) 41 and south of the Cascade Lakes Highway.

Ignitions are planned for 9:30 a.m. A pilot car will be in place on FSR 41 providing escorted access through the prescribed burn area. The following trail and road closures will be in place:

Storm King from the junction with Tiddlywinks and Funner east to FSR 41

Catch & Release from the Cascade Lakes Welcome Station south to the junction with FSR 41-600

FSR 41-100

FSR 41-530

Closures will remain in place for multiple days while mop-up and patrol operations continue after the prescribed burn is complete. Firefighters will reopen trails once conditions have been assessed and are determined safe for the public.

Smoke will be visible from FSR 41, Cascade Lakes Highway, Bend and the surrounding area. Residents in Bend and along the Deschutes River drainage including Sunriver and La Pine are encouraged to keep doors and windows closed to minimize smoke impacts. Smoke impacts are most likely overnight and in the early morning hours.

Sisters Ranger District firefighters plan to conduct 40 acres of ignitions on the Flymon 7 Prescribed Burn located 10 miles northeast of Camp Sherman and six miles southeast of Lake Billy Chinook. While no road or trail closures are anticipated, FSR 11 will serve as the western control line of the prescribed burn. People driving in the area should slow down and use caution as firefighting personnel will be working in the area.

Ignitions are planned for 10 a.m. Residents in the Three Rivers subdivision and surrounding area are encouraged to keep doors and windows closed to minimize smoke impacts. Smoke impacts are most likely overnight and in the early morning hours.

Prescribed burns can protect homes from tragic wildfires. Fire management officials work with Oregon Department of Forestry smoke specialists to plan prescribed burns. Prescribed burns are conducted when weather is most likely to move smoke up and away from our communities. While prescribed fire managers take significant preventive measures, it’s likely that communities may experience some smoke during or immediately after a prescribed burn.

What does this mean for you?During prescribed burns, smoke may settle in low-lying areas overnight and in the early morning hours. 

All residents are encouraged to close doors and windows at night to avoid smoke impacts.

If available, use a portable air cleaner. Air cleaners work best running with doors and windows closed. You can also create a DIY air cleaner.

If you have a central air system, use it to filter air. Use high-efficiency filters if possible.

When driving in smoky areas, drivers should slow down, turn on headlights and turn air to recirculating.

If you have heart or lung disease, asthma, or other chronic conditions, pay attention to how you feel and if symptoms of heart or lung disease worsen, consider contacting your health care professional.

Go to centraloregonfire.org to learn more about smoke safety and prescribed burning in Central Oregon and visit centraloregonfire.org/protect-your-health for more smoke preparedness resources.

For more information on prescribed burning in Central Oregon, visit centraloregonfire.org and for information specific to the Deschutes National Forest visit fs.usda.gov/deschutes. Follow us on X @CentralORFire. Text “COFIRE” to 888-777 to receive wildfire and prescribed fire text alerts.

About the Forest Service: The USDA Forest Service has for more than 100 years brought people and communities together to answer the call of conservation. Grounded in world-class science and technology– and rooted in communities–the Forest Service connects people to nature and to each other. The Forest Service cares for shared natural resources in ways that promote lasting economic, ecological, and social vitality. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, provides assistance to state and private landowners, maintains the largest wildland fire and forestry research organizations in the world. The Forest Service also has either a direct or indirect role in stewardship of about 900 million forested acres within the U.S., of which over 130 million acres are urban forests where most Americans live.

Click here to follow the original article.

St. Charles Health System opens new cancer center in Redmond, making care more accessible

KTVZ on April 8, 2026

Harley Coldiron

REDMOND, Ore. – St. Charles Health System celebrated the opening of its new 53,000 square-foot Cancer Center in Redmond Thursday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The facility, located at 180 NW Kingwood Ave., will expand access to nationally recognized cancer care for Central Oregon residents. The new center officially opens to patients on Monday, April 20, providing comprehensive services closer to home for those living in Redmond, Madras, Prineville, Sisters, Warm Springs, Culver and surrounding areas.

The new facility represents a significant expansion in local cancer treatment capabilities, designed to serve up to 300 patients a day. This development aims to reduce the need for patients to travel long distances for care, with some previously commuting up to 50 miles daily for treatment at St. Charles’ facility in Bend.

Dr. Steve Gordon, President and CEO of St. Charles Health System, expressed enthusiasm for the opening.

“After years of planning and construction, we are thrilled to celebrate the opening of this state-of-the-art Cancer Center, which will be a place of hope and healing for patients, loved ones and caregivers alike,” Gordon said. “This major expansion brings care closer to home for many of our cancer patients, some of whom are traveling 50 miles a day for treatment at our Cancer Center in Bend.”

Dr. Linyee Chang, executive medical director for the St. Charles Cancer Institute, highlighted the long-term vision behind the project.

“The opening of this center is a dream more than a decade in the making,” Chang said. “For years, we have planned for this, as we saw the population of Central Oregon growing and the need for services expanding. I’m thrilled to see this project through to completion, knowing how many patients will receive exceptional care within these walls.”

The 53,000 square-foot center includes dedicated clinical space for radiation oncology, surgical oncology, medical oncology and integrative therapies. It also houses top-tier technology, such as a brand-new True Beam Linear Accelerator for targeted radiation, a CT Simulation and a brachytherapy suite. Patient comfort and healing were emphasized in the facility’s design.

Mari Shay, service line administrator for Cancer Services at St. Charles, noted the inclusion of natural light and natural materials. A highlight of the center is a second-story infusion room, offering large picture windows with views of the Cascade Range.

“For the majority of all of our patients in Central Oregon that are diagnosed with cancer, we can treat them here,” Shay said.

She added that St. Charles’ medical oncologists are sub-specialized, enabling them to treat various cancers, including breast, GI and lung cancer.

“Our goal is to not have any patient leave our area that doesn’t have to.”

The new facility is a substantial increase in capacity compared to the previous St. Charles Cancer Center in Redmond, which occupied only 2,500 square feet. The expanded center ensures that the level of care provided in Redmond is consistent with that offered in Bend, with doctors and staff rotating between both locations.

Mike Caccavano, a former engineer with the City of Redmond and a cancer patient treated at the old Redmond cancer center, performed the ceremonial ribbon-cutting.

“I’m still kind of amazed by that,” Caccavano said. “It means a lot. And it’s it’s really an honor to be part of this.”

The St. Charles Cancer Center will begin treating patients on Monday, April 20.

Click here to follow the original article.

Man accused in summer 2025 Miller County standoff indicted by federal grand jury

KMIZ on April 8, 2026

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

An Eldon man accused of being in a standoff with law enforcement last year in Miller County was indicted by a federal grand jury on Tuesday.

Lawrance J. Giddens, 44, is now charged in federal court with being a felon with a gun and having an unregistered gun. Charges still appear in Miller County for four counts of illegal gun possession and single counts of unlawfully having an illegal weapon and resisting arrest. He is charged in another case with drug possession. He is being held at the Miller County Jail.

Previous reporting indicates Giddens was involved in a standoff with law enforcement on June 30, 2025, at a home in the 100 block of Witt Road.

Officers were serving a failure-to-appear warrant and Giddens refused to come out of his home, court documents in previous reporting says. Someone who talked to law enforcement allegedly told them Giddens had multiple guns and was willing to fire.

Giddens came out of the home after law enforcement sent a gas canister into the home, previous reporting says.

Click here to follow the original article.

Man accused of pointing gun at Jefferson City Dollar General shoppers indicted by federal grand jury

KMIZ on April 8, 2026

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A man who was accused of using a gun to threaten several people at the Madison Street Dollar General in Jefferson City has been indicted by a federal grand jury.

Willie Banks, 28, of Jefferson City, is now charged in federal court with being a felon with a gun on Dec. 21. Information on Casenet shows he pleaded guilty on March 3 in Cole County to unlawful use of a weapon and illegal gun possession. He is being held at the Cole County Jail. An entry of appearance and withdrawal of counsel was filed by the state on Wednesday.

Police were called at 11:35 a.m. Dec. 21, 2025, after Banks allegedly pointed a gun at several people, court documents in previous reporting say. Officers found him while he was running away from the store, the statement says. Two witnesses allegedly told police they saw Banks outside the Dollar General with a gun, the statement says.

Police found a bag and with a 9 millimeter handgun and Banks’ ID, the statement says.

Click here to follow the original article.

Man shot by Jefferson City police in February indicted by grand jury

KMIZ on April 8, 2026

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A man who was shot by Jefferson City police officers in February was indicted by a grand jury on Tuesday.

Joey Hampton, 40, of Jefferson City, is charged with two counts of first-degree assault and single counts of shooting at a vehicle, armed criminal action and illegal gun possession. He is being held at the Cole County Jail without bond. An arraignment is scheduled for 9 a.m. Monday.

Court documents in previous reporting say Jefferson City police officers were trying to contact Hampton “in relation to reports that had received that Hampton was involved in the sale and use of illegal drugs, was in possession of a stolen firearm, and had brandished a firearm and/or threatened person(s) with a firearm.”

Hampton allegedly fired shots at the officers, hit a patrol vehicle and officers returned fire. The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control is investigating.

The names of the officers involved in the shooting have not been released.

Click here to follow the original article.