Author: KIFI

Danielle Mullenix

We will observe this year’s Memorial Day with temperatures climbing into the lower 80s and isolated thunderstorms that will persist through the entirety of this week’s forecast. While most of these thunderstorms will be dry, a slight possibility of precipitation will sit in the air for most of this final week of May.

We start off the morning in the upper 40s and 50s with high clouds passing through the region. Some scattered thunderstorms will pass through on this Memorial Day with gusty winds as a result. High temperatures will be warm and above average, with the Snake River Plain reaching the mid 80s and more mountainous regions in the upper 70s. Dry humidity is expected throughout Monday, with chances of rainfall looking slim overall. Wind gusts will range between 15 and 25 mph for the afternoon hours.

Tuesday will be slightly cooler with extra cloud coverage expected. High temperatures will range from the 70s across the mountains and highlands to right around 80 for the Snake River Plain. Chances of rainfall remain small, but a slight increase in likelihood is expected toward Lemhi County and the Eastern Highlands. The Jackson area can expect around 75% chance of rain and storms.

Temperatures will remain above average but slightly cool off as we progress into the week. Expect isolated and scattered thunderstorms by Wednesday afternoon. Gusty winds to accompany the week’s overall forecast.

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Kaelyn Blessinger

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – Memorial Day is a time for us to honor the brave veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice and gave their lives for our freedom.

There are over 16,000 Veterans in Southeast Idaho, and thousands more across the state, all who are taking the time to remember their fallen friends this weekend.

“We don’t want to forget our veterans,” Robert “Bob” Skinner, a retired U.S. Navy Veteran, said. “The veterans have fought for our freedom. Some have even died for our freedom. And the veterans write a blank check when they start military service, payable up to and including their life.”

Idahoans are remembering the many veterans that are no longer with us. From placing American flags on their graves, to remembrance speeches, and many gathering together to remember the lives of the departed Veterans.

“I’d like to honor Staff Sergeant Daniel Kerr. He was one of our groomsmen that we served with in the Air Force at our first duty assignment was in our wedding, and he served for eight years,” Mindi Anderson, a retired U.S. AirForce Veteran reflected. “He came back with a lot of trauma from the war. We could see that he was struggling after he got out of the military. And unfortunately, just over time, it really was too much to bear for him and not getting the resources and the services that he needed. He ultimately ended up committing suicide.”

“I went to recruit training with Sean Cordell, he didn’t come back from Iraq,” Scott Brown a retired U.S. Marine Corps Veteran reminisced. “He was kind of the class clown of the platoon. He was always doing funny things. Wild, out of control things that if the drill sergeant ever found out what he was doing, we all would have got in trouble.”

Memorial Day is a day to remember but honoring and reflecting doesn’t always have to be somber.

“I don’t want Memorial Day to be just, you know, remembering those who have just paid the price,” Brown said. “Let’s celebrate the individuals themselves and remember who they were as a person, before they were in the service. And, you know, sharing stories of fallen service members is fantastic.

Telling stories, recounting memories, reliving moments; that is what Memorial Day is really about. Remembering our fallen veterans for who they were and the impact they’ve left on our lives.

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Hadley Bodell

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – Day two of the Bannock County PRCA rodeo brought more excitement, talent and fierce competition to Pocatello at the matinee show on Saturday afternoon. The PRCA team of announcers, bullfighters and of course, Dustin “The Jester” Jenkins as rodeo clown, bring the event to life. As the final results rolled in, Idaho cowboys made the top three in multiple competitions.

Rodeo announcer Kade Rogge is from Paul, Idaho and says it’s something special to bring pro rodeo back close to home in Pocatello. “It was always a big moment for me as a kid to come and see all my heroes,” Rogge said. “It means a little more to me this week that pro rodeo is back in Pocatello, I tell everybody that Idaho is the Texas of the north.”

He said pro rodeo can be overlooked in Idaho, but the local talent is truly inspiring. “In my humble opinion, the Wilderness Circuit is one of the toughest circuits in pro rodeo out of the 12, and they [Idaho cowboys] prove themselves time and time again at the national finals, NFR open, places like that,” Rogge said.

With so many nationally ranked cowboys, the competition is fierce right in Bannock County.

Sage Allen, from Blackfoot, Idaho, riding “Most Wanted” in bareback competition

Hundreds came to the Bannock County Fairgrounds both for the evening show on Friday night and the matinee on Saturday. The afternoon show also featured a horse race following the rodeo, which many fans were excited for.

Big Bucks Pro Rodeo doesn’t just give away money prizes to the winners of each competition, they give away custom belt buckles.

“Not very many people give away belt buckles anymore,” Rogge said. “And not only for the contestants, but if you show up and you’re the wildest, craziest fan and you have the most fun out of anybody, you got a shot to win a belt buckle.”

The crowd and the announcer alike both love the bareback riding competition, when the energy in the stands is high and the stakes on the riders are higher. Rogge said the cast of bucking bulls in Bannock County with Big Bucks and Summit Pro Rodeo bulls is top-notch.

Dalton Allred, 1st place in Bull Riding on “Crunch Time” with a score of 86 points.

“This town is a big time rodeo town, and it’s been over a decade since we’ve had a professional rodeo, we want to keep it here,” Rogge said. “You do that in your town by buying a ticket, come support it.”

Pocatello Mayor Mark Dahlquist was in attendence at the Saturday afternoon show, stating it’s incredibly exciting to have pro rodeo back in Pocatello after such a long hiatus.

“I’m just really pleased and excited that PRCA Rodeo is back in Pocatello,” Mayor Dahlquist said. “I know the organizers have done a really great job of putting this together, so I’m out here to support it. I think it’s going to grow and grow and it’s exciting for our community.”

Kate Flitton, 19, trick riding cowgirl of Big Bucks Pro Rodeo

Several Idahoan cowboys placed in their respective competitions. Details and photos are below.

Kelton Maxfield, from Nampa, Idaho, placed 2nd in bareback riding

Rugar Jarvis, from Challis, Idaho, tied for 4th place in Bull Riding

Lucas Cruz out of New Mexico took the All Around Cowboy first place prize. The PRCA gave out a total of just over $42,000 in prize money over the weekend.

All photo credits to Greg Westfall, pro rodeo photographer.

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David Pace

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – Cars are streaming into the Motor Vu Drive-In for the theater’s opening weekend in Idaho Falls.

“We’re really excited to be premiering ‘The Mandalorian and Grogu.’ It’s paired with ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’ – two of the biggest movies in the country right now,” said Motor Vu Drive-In Co-Director Jennifer Spalding.

The Motor Vu is one of less than than 275 drive-in theaters remaining in America.

“To have a theater that is a drive-in theater in your hometown is such a treat. It’s such a rarity,” Spalding said. “Because we have this beautiful projector and this gorgeous screen, we’re able to play new features, and you really get a large screen experience.”

The enormous movie screen is one-of-a-kind. It has been lovingly restored by the drive-in’s current owners.

“This screen is a very special screen. The screen is the largest outdoor drive-in screen in the country. It’s over 6400 square-feet,” Spalding said. “It is a labor every year to keep it looking pristine.”

The drive-in has been entertaining East Idaho audiences for generations.

“So this is our 79th year as a drive in theater. We were built in 1947, so we’re getting ready for a big anniversary next year,” Spalding explained. “This is going to be a really amazing summer. There are a lot of good films coming out.”

Visiting the theater provides a fun, nostalgic taste of American cinema at its finest.

Only four drive-in theaters are still operating in Idaho. The Motor-Vu is the only one showing film in the southeast part of the state.

Spalding’s family purchased the theater in 2019.

“We had to buy a brand new 4k RGB laser projector. So we converted to digital. Drive-in theaters who couldn’t make that conversion to digital weren’t able to stay open,” she said.

They’ve also renovated the concession stand – selling delicious cheeseburgers made with locally-sourced beef, famous grilled cheese sandwiches, popcorn, soda and more!

On Friday, kids in the audience were thrilled to catch the latest Star Wars film.

Beckett Autrey instantly identified his favorite character as “R2-D2.”

His sister Sheridan had a different choice.

“My favorite character is Grogu – Baby Yoda,” she said. “It’s because Baby Yoda has a song. ‘Where’s my chicken nuggies gone?’ And that he is just such a cute alien type thing.”

The theater – located at 2095 N Yellowstone Highway – is open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through the end of August.

The Motor Vu Drive-In will also be offering free Throwback Thursday movies this summer, films anyone in the community can come enjoy with their family and friends.

Gates open at 8 PM, and the movie starts 30 minutes after sunset.

“We really hope people will come out and see,” Spalding said.

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CNN

Originally Published: 23 MAY 26 18:15 ET

Updated: 23 MAY 26 20:25 ET

By Alejandra Jaramillo, Evan Perez, Julia Benbrook, CNN

(CNN) — Secret Service officers shot and killed a person who the agency said approached a security checkpoint Saturday near the White House and fired at them.

Shortly before 6 p.m. ET, an individual approached a checkpoint just outside the White House complex and began firing at officers, a Secret Service spokesperson said, citing a preliminary investigation.

Secret Service officers returned fire and hit the suspect, who later died at an area hospital, the spokesperson said.

“During the shooting, a bystander was also struck by gunfire. It remains unclear whether the bystander was struck by the suspect’s initial gunfire or during the subsequent exchange of gunfire,” the spokesperson added.

Secret Service personnel were not injured, and President Donald Trump was in the residence and unaffected, the spokerson said. He’s been briefed on the incident by the Secret Service, a White House official said.

The bystander is in critical condition, according to a law enforcement official.

CNN reporters heard what appeared to be dozens of gunshots near the White House shortly after 6 p.m. ET, triggering a roughly 40-minute lockdown for the press on the grounds and a rapid response from the Secret Service.

The sounds of gunfire broke out nearly an hour after a press lid had been called at 5:06 p.m. — a signal that reporters were not expecting to see Trump again for the remainder of the day. By that point, many journalists and White House press staff had already departed the complex.

Members of the press corps on the North Lawn were rushed into the White House briefing room, where they were told to shelter in place as Secret Service agents shouted “get down” and warned of “shots fired.” CNN counted roughly two dozen journalists sheltering inside the briefing room during the lockdown, including photographers, producers, photojournalists and correspondents.

Secret Service agents carrying rifles could be seen moving through the North Lawn area following the incident and blocking the White House press briefing room. The lockdown was lifted just after 6:45 p.m. ET.

The incident unfolded after several top administration officials, including White House chief of staff Susie Wiles, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Vice President JD Vance, were captured by CNN cameras leaving the White House grounds.

Trump remained in Washington this weekend after canceling a planned trip to his golf club in New Jersey.

CNN has reached out to the White House, DC Metropolitan Police, and the DC Fire and EMS Department for comment.

FBI Director Kash Patel said on X that the agency “is on the scene and supporting Secret Service responding to shots fired near White House grounds – we will update the public as we’re able.”

Selina Wang, ABC News’ chief White House correspondent, posted a video on X showing the moment the apparent shots rang out and she ducked for cover.

“I was in the middle of taping on my iPhone for a social video from the White House North Lawn when we heard the shots. It sounded like dozens of gunshots. We were told to sprint to the press briefing room where we are holding now,” she posted.

The incident comes less than a month after the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, where reporters and Trump administration officials ducked for cover as shots rang out.

The suspect in that shooting, Cole Tomas Allen, sprinted through a security checkpoint with a shotgun in hand, exchanging fire with Secret Service agents who chased behind him, according to security footage. He has pleaded not guilty to attempting to assassinate Trump and to other charges.

This story and headline have been updated with additional developments.

The-CNN-Wire™ & © 2026 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved.

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Par Kermani

BLACKFOOT, Idaho (KIFI) — Memorial Day weekend traffic is already causing major slowdowns and dangerous driving conditions across East Idaho as thousands of travelers head out for the holiday weekend.

Multiple Accidents Stall Traffic Along I-15 Northbound

RVs, trailers, and campers packed Interstate 15 on Thursday as drivers made their way toward campgrounds, mountains, and holiday destinations across the region.

According to the Idaho State Police, the trailer of a semitruck overturned along Interstate 15 around 1:11 p.m. Thursday.

There was another crash involving two vehicles near the I-15 Blackfoot rest area. The two vehicles came to a stop in the median, backing up traffic for miles and causing major delays through the area.

Troopers are reminding drivers to slow down, stay alert, and prepare for increased congestion throughout the holiday weekend.

AAA: High Pump Prices Don’t Deter Travelers

The busy travel weekend is also expected to come with higher costs at the pump.

Gas prices in Idaho are hovering around $4.70 per gallon heading into Memorial Day weekend. Despite the higher fuel prices, AAA says travel demand remains strong, with nearly 268,000 Idahoans expected to travel during the holiday weekend.

Fortunately, AAA Idaho spokesman Matthew Conde says gas prices in the Gem State won’t hit your wallet nearly as much as in other destinations.

“We’re not in the top ten for the most expensive. California is sitting at $6.15 a gallon today,” says Conde. “So good news, bad news. But the interesting thing, I think we did some research and we found that hotel prices, car rental prices this time around, are actually a little cheaper than they were last year. And so you have to keep in mind that a lot of folks were making those purchases, making those reservations well before all this conflict happened. And so, right now, we would say that the Memorial Day trips are pretty much locked in.”

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Hadley Bodell

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – The Bannock County PRCA Rodeo is finally back in Pocatello, bringing intense competition, clown comedy, and stellar trick riding cowgirls to the community.

“It’s the best show on dirt. Rodeo is the number one sport in America,” stated Dustin Jenkins, rodeo clown for PRCA. “It’s the reason why sporting events go on today.”

The show is partnered with Big Bucks Rodeo to bring nationally ranked and competitive cowboys to perform and compete in many events. Attendees can look forward to 15 bull riders each night, bronco riding, trick riding, team roping and an Indian relay race.

“There’s some NFR stock here, some NFR guys too,” said Lelo Garcia, PRCA bullfighter. NFR means national finals rodeo, meaning cowboys from there compete at the highest level and showcase their top-notch talent. “It’s going to be epic, especially in the bullriding with 15 bull riders each night.”

Something special about the shows is the award given to one lucky fan by Jenkins as the rodeo clown. The “Fan of the Night” Big Bucks Buckle is awarded to the loudest fan in the crowd.

“Each night gets a buckle and I’ll give it away, they can take this thing home, it’s gorgeous,” Jenkins said. “So that’s the fun thing about the performance is getting to give stuff away.”

Jenkins added no matter where he is, the crowd is his favorite part of every show. He not only saves lives by distracting the bulls once they’ve tossed off the rider, but provides entertainment throughout dead spots in the show.

“It’s me and him [the announcer] all night long, we try to put on a performance to make sure everybody’s happy that’s here,” Jenkins said.

The rodeo world isn’t for the faint of heart, but these two have been at it for years, and wouldn’t have it any other way.

“I’ve always liked mean cattle,” Garcia said. “Since I was a little kid, it didn’t make sense to me that everybody sells them and gets rid of them, I love them. There’s some mean ones that will be out at the shows.”

For tickets and showtimes for this weekend’s shows, visit https://www.bannockcountyprcarodeo.com/.

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Seth Ratliff

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — The Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25 Board of Trustees is actively seeking applications to fill an upcoming vacancy following the resignation of long-time board member Jim Facer.

On Thursday, May 21, the board accepted Facer’s resignation, which will take effect on June 8, 2026. Facer served two separate tenures on the board—first from 2012 to 2015, and again from 2020 to the present—culminating in more than nine years of combined service.

According to District 25, Facer has been a staunch advocate for public education. During his tenure, he guided the district through major initiatives, including the development of the Pocatello Valley Technical Education Center (PV-TEC), and was widely recognized for his thoughtful leadership and unwavering commitment to students.

“Jim has served this district with integrity, consistency, and genuine care for learners and families,” said Board Chair Raymond Knoff. “His leadership and dedication to public education have made a lasting impact on our district and community.”

Timeline for Filling the Vacancy

Following the acceptance of Facer’s resignation, the Board adopted a resolution declaring a vacancy for the Zone #3 trustee seat. Under Idaho code, the Board has up to 90 days to appoint a qualified replacement to serve out the remainder of Facer’s term.

The Board has established a preliminary timeline to review applications, conduct interviews, and swear in the new trustee.

Residents of Zone #3 have until Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. to submit their resumes and letters of interest. Following a review of residency and qualifications, the Board will host candidate interviews on June 25 and Monday, June 29, in the East Fork / West Fork Board Rooms. If a candidate is selected at the completion of this process, they will be sworn in and administered the Oath of Office at the regular board meeting on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at 5:30 p.m.

To be eligible for the role, applicants must permanently reside within the boundaries of Trustee Zone #3. Prospective candidates are highly encouraged to review the district’s interactive zone boundary map online HERE.

For more information or to submit an application, click HERE.

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Hadley Bodell

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – Starting on Friday, May 22 at 10 a.m., the Century High School soccer fields are no longer for sports, but are a reverent sanctuary and monument for fallen military members and veterans through this Memorial Day weekend. The field was dedicated by community officials and Pastor Doug Smith with American Legion, Post 4 present to post the colors.

The Dedication Ceremony is just the beginning of activities this weekend at the Field of Heroes. It’s not only a place to remember fallen veterans and walk through the 7,086 individual markers, but a place to celebrate hard-fought freedom and liberty.

“It ceases to be a sports field and it becomes a sanctuary, a memory, a landscape of gratitude and a living monument of the ultimate sacrifice,” said Pastor Doug Smith in the dedication address. This year’s program included musical performances by Hiedi Young and the reading of the Joint Federal Delegation Letter by Regional Director for Senator Mike Crapo, Farbana Hibbert.

“They put themselves between us and danger, and threats to our precious republic,” Hibbert read in regards to the fallen soldiers. “They chose bravery and patriotism over their own safety.”

Several veterans were present, including founder of the Field of Heroes, John Rogers. He was honored during the ceremony by Bannock County Commissioner Ernie Moser.

“We are pledged to never forget the bravery of those who fought for the freedoms of the United States of America,” Moser said. “And to remember the families whose lives were forever changed.”

Military families and Gold Star Families were also recognized at the ceremony. Moser officially declared the Field of Heroes 2026 open to the public. Family and community members decorated markers of loved ones, especially those with larger crosses in the Idaho losses section of the field.

A local pushes a veteran through the Idaho Fallen monument at the Field of Heroes.

Schedule of Activities

Friday, May 22

10 a.m. Dedication Ceremony

6 p.m. Youth Ceremony

Saturday, May 23

9 a.m. Run to Remember

12-2 p.m. Children’s Activities

2 p.m. USO Show

3:30 p.m. Stasia Acrobats

Sunday, May 24

5 p.m. Concert – Shawn Barnby

8 p.m. Candlelight Vigil

Monday, May 25th

5:15 p.m. POW*MIA Thunder Run Tribute

5:30 p.m. Closing Ceremony

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Par Kermani

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — The Pocatello Police Department is honoring Captain Chad Higbee as he steps into his retirement after 32 years of service with the department.

Thursday, City leadership, family, and law enforcement came together to celebrate Higbee’s years of service.

Photo Credit: Kyle Riley via Pocatello Police Department

According to PPD, Captain Higbee began his career with the department in 1994 and served as an instructor in multiple specialties throughout his career. Police say he also became a key member of Idaho’s Drug Recognition Expert, or DRE, program.

“Thank you for your years of service, leadership, and commitment to our department and community,” the Pocatello Police shared on Facebook. “We wish you all the best in your future adventures—congratulations on your retirement!”

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