Author: KIFI

Sam Ross

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI)– The Idaho Department of Fish and Game’s annual ‘Free Fishing Day’ returns Saturday, June 14, and regional offices are hosting events to make it even easier to catch the big one.

Free Fishing Day has been an annual tradition on the second Saturday in June since 1992. Idahoans can fish without a license anywhere in the state open for fishing; bag limits, size restrictions, and area closures stay in effect.

“Free Fishing Day is just a great way to get the public engaged in fishing,” said Jennifer Jackson, communications manager for Fish and Game Southeast Region. “…It’s a great opportunity to get them outside and enjoying the outdoors and enjoying the sport of fishing, and maybe it will reconnect them to that or introduce them to a sport that can be with them for a lifetime.”

Idaho Fish and Game Southeast Region is hosting two Free Fishing Day events from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Edson Fichter Nature Area in Pocatello and the Grace Fish Hatchery in Grace. At the events, Fish and Game will provide help for first-time anglers and bait and tackle to use for the day until supplies last.

For more information, or to find Free Fishing Day events near you, visit the Idaho Department of Fish and Game website.

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Seth Ratliff

YELLOWSTONE (KIFI) — A 30-year-old man from Randolph, New Jersey, is recovering after being gored by a bison in Yellowstone National Park on Tuesday, June 10, underscoring the importance of keeping a safe distance from the wildlife.

According to the National Park Service (NPS), a large group of visitors had gotten too close to the animal, leading to the incident. Fortunately, the man only sustained minor injuries and was treated and transported by emergency medical personnel.

This marks the second reported incident of a person being injured by a bison in Yellowstone this year. The first occurred on May 7. There were also two reported incidents in 2024 and one in 2023, highlighting a persistent safety challenge for the park.

The Parks service reminds all visitors that “wildlife in Yellowstone are wild and can be dangerous.” For more information on how to stay safe while visiting the park, click HERE.

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Seth Ratliff

UPDATE:

FREMONT COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) — The intersection of 2900 E and Highway 20 near St. Anthony remains indefinitely closed following a train derailment. Eastern Idaho Railroad, the railroad company involved, informed Local News 8 via email that they currently have no timeline for the complete cleanup of the scene or for rebuilding the affected section of the railroad, due to the location.

However, Eastern Idaho Railroad anticipates the affected crossing will reopen in “3-4 days.”

With the intersection remaining closed, the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office is advising drivers who typically use this “cut-off road” to find alternate routes.

The cause of the derailment has not yet been released.

ORIGINAL:

FREMONT COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) — A train derailment near Chester has forced the indefinite closure of the intersection of 2900 E and Highway 20, around six miles north of St. Anthony, causing significant travel disruptions. While the incident has resulted in substantial damage, authorities confirm there are no reported injuries.

The Fremont County Sheriff’s Office announced the closure via a Facebook post, urging drivers who typically use this “cut-off road” to seek alternate routes.

Local News 8 is on the scene, where it appears at least four grain cars are visibly overturned, and sections of the train tracks may be heavily damaged.

The cause of the derailment has not yet been released. This is a developing story, and Local News 8 will provide updates as more details become available.

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Seth Ratliff

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — A Pocatello man is facing a slew of felony and misdemeanor charges after he allegedly escalated a traffic stop for erratic driving into a physical altercation, in a destructive attempt to flee from Idaho State Police. Monday night, ISP reportedly arrested 43-year-old Joshua Edward Maddock after he reportedly fled a traffic stop, crashed through two truck stop properties, and attempted to hide from law enforcement.

The incident began at around 8:28 p.m. when ISP dispatch received a call of a driver swerving from lane to lane, speeding, and almost hitting other vehicles on I-15. An ISP trooper found Maddocks’ vehicle, a 2023 white Toyota Camry, traveling northbound and initiated a traffic stop at a Love’s truck stop in Bonneville County.

During the stop, the driver, identified as Maddock, showed signs of impairment. As the trooper established probable cause for a vehicle search, Maddock reportedly became argumentative and tried to re-enter his vehicle.

ISP says a “physical altercation ensued,” and the trooper attempted to subdue Maddock with a taser multiple times, but it was reportedly “ineffective.” The 43-year-old then forced his way into the Camry and fled the scene, crashing through portions of the Love’s fueling facility.

ISP found the abandoned vehicle shortly after at Rush’s Truck Repair, where Maddock had reportedly crashed through the entrance gate. With assistance from the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office and Shelley Police Department, Maddock was found hiding on the property.

“This all started with a phone call. A concerned citizen reported a driver speeding and swerving, which quickly turned into something much more serious. This is a powerful reminder that when the public and law enforcement work together, we can keep our communities safer. If you see something suspicious or dangerous on the road, don’t hesitate to call *ISP (*477) or 911,” Captain Weadick said.

Maddock was booked on multiple charges, including felony eluding in a vehicle, malicious injury to property (for both Love’s Truck Stop and Rush’s Truck Repair), possession of methamphetamine, and destruction of evidence. Misdemeanor charges include resisting and obstructing, driving under the influence, leaving the scene of a property damage crash (for both locations), trespassing, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

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Sam Ross

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI)– Reconnect Southeast Idaho, a nonprofit community group created during the COVID-19 pandemic, is hosting their annual ‘Constitution Day Camp’ where kids have a chance to experience American history firsthand this week.

At Constitution Day Camp, kids take on the role of early American colonists and learn about life in the nation’s formative years through hands-on activities like making bread, putting wax seals on their own copies of the Hanover Resolves, and conducting military drills like the colonial Virginia militia.

“Constitution Camp is an immersive place where kids come and they learn lessons,” said Michele Holyoak, an elementary school teacher and camp director of Constitution Day Camp. “…But the most important part of what they learn here is to love our country… We are hoping to just build these kids to have a love of our country and to have patriotism and to be able to stand up for what’s right and to stand up for their rights and hopefully carry that into adulthood.”

The day camp started on Monday and welcomed over 70 kids, and more than 50 volunteers to their historically educational week of activities, which culminates in a patriotic musical performance on Friday evening for families and members of the community.

The musical performance will be 6 p.m. at the Calvary Chapel at 1633 Olympus Drive in Pocatello. For more information, you can visit Reconnect Southeast Idaho’s website.

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Sam Ross

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI)– Pocatello city engineers are hosting an open house on Tuesday to discuss plans for their ‘North Portneuf Crossing Project’, which would improve accessibility for pedestrians on busy roads downtown.

The North Portneuf Crossing Project aims to add a traffic light to the intersection of North Kraft Road and North Main Street, add new paved paths near the Portneuf River, improve medians, crosswalks, and bike lanes in the area, and more.

The city said this open house is the first phase of the project, where they will collect public input before they move into designing and building. The project is funded by a $7.75 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation.

The open house will run from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Pocatello Water Department Main Office at 1889 N. Arthur Ave on Tuesday, June 10.

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News Release

The following is a press release from the Idaho Democratic Party:

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — Today, the Idaho Democratic Party announced the launch of All In for Idaho, a bold new strategy that marks a historic step toward ending one-party control and lays the groundwork to compete in races across the state in 2026. The initiative focuses on recruiting local candidates, investing in grassroots party infrastructure, expanding the electorate, and holding honest conversations with Idahoans about the future of their communities.

“For too long, Republican politicians have taken this state for granted, and the result is a set of laws that are completely out of touch with working Idahoans,” said Idaho Democratic Party Chair Lauren Necochea. “After a long day of work, you ought to be able to put food on the table and afford a home for your family. But the math doesn’t pencil for too many Idaho families, and the Republican supermajority refuses to do anything. Instead, Republican rule is making it even harder for the next generation by gutting education funding and closing doors to career training for good jobs. All In for Idaho is how we start turning the page.”

The campaign builds on progress made in 2024, when Idaho Democrats ran legislative candidates in all 35 districts for the first time in decades. Now the goal is to go further: contest every statewide office, expand the slate of local candidates, and make sure no community is left behind. Already, more than 2,000 Idaho Democrats have expressed interest in running for office, including teachers, veterans, small business owners, and parents who are ready to serve their communities.

To support those candidates, the party is expanding its investment in local organizing. Democrats now have active organizations in all 44 counties and all 35 legislative districts. Through All In for Idaho, local teams will receive new tools, training, and year-round support to help candidates run competitive, community-rooted campaigns.

“People are tired of feeling like no one’s on their side,” said Necochea. “These candidates are stepping up because they want to solve problems and be the leaders their communities deserve.”

The campaign also includes a major voter registration push, including in rural, tribal, and Latino communities that have long been overlooked. With tens of thousands of eligible but unregistered Idahoans, Democrats are working to bring new voters into the process and ensure Idaho’s electorate better reflects the people who live here.

At the same time, the party is launching a statewide effort to talk with more than 10,000 voters by the end of the year. These conversations will happen in person, on the phone, and at community events. They are focused on listening to what people care about most.

“We’re not just asking people to vote,” said Necochea. “We’re asking what matters to them and actually listening.”

All In for Idaho comes at a critical moment, as families across the state continue to feel the consequences of one-party control: wages that don’t cover costs, slashed access to health care, defunded public schools, and the GOP’s constant focus on culture wars instead of real solutions.

“We know it won’t be easy,” said Necochea. “But we also know this: when we recruit strong local leaders, listen to our communities, and register new voters, we can win. That’s what All In for Idaho is all about.”

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Maggie Moore

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — The driver accused of causing a drunk driving accident that killed six people last May has changed his plea. Luis Garcia-Diaz, 27, of Rexburg, appeared in court Tuesday, June 10, 2025, to formally alter his plea, pleading guilty to 2 counts of vehicular manslaughter, after signing an initial agreement on May 7, 2025.

Under the agreement, he will be required to pay all financial restitution. The state will recommend 6 years fixed and 9 years indeterminate for each count served consecutively, pushing for 30 years total. The defense will have an opportunity to ask for 3 years fixed and 4 years indeterminate for each count served concurrently. 

Garcia-Diaz was originally charged with six counts of vehicular manslaughter, along with felony charges of driving under the influence causing great bodily harm, permanent disability, or disfigurement.

The tragic collision occurred on May 18, 2024, on U.S. Highway 20 near the Lindsay Boulevard exit in Idaho Falls.

Court documents state that Garcia-Diaz was driving a Ram pickup when it struck a Chevrolet van carrying 15 passengers, confirmed to be agricultural workers from Mexico with H-2A Temporary Agricultural Worker visas, according to a report from the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The driver of the van and five passengers died in the crash.

Sentencing is scheduled for September 2, 2025.

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Seth Ratliff

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Get ready to honor Old Glory! The Idaho Falls Elks Lodge is inviting the community to its annual Flag Day Ceremony on Saturday, June 14, at 11:00 AM, at the lodge located at 640 East Elva Street.

The event not only commemorates the adoption of the Stars and Stripes as the official U.S. Flag in 1777 but also includes a special recognition of the U.S. Army’s 250th birthday. They say everyone is invited to join in this patriotic celebration.

The event will kick off with a flag-raising ceremony at the flagpole on the north side of the parking lot, performed by a local Boy Scouts troop. Following the opening ceremony, the American Legion will conduct “Taps” and a 21-gun salute.

Following the outdoor portion, attendees will move into the Lodge Ballroom for a brief indoor ceremony. This will include a commemoration of the U.S. Army’s 250th birthday. A light luncheon and cake, served by Army veterans, will conclude the event.

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News Release

The following is a news release from the Idaho National Laboratory:

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — The Idaho National Laboratory and Missouri University of Science and Technology have signed a new collaboration aimed at advancing research and educational opportunities. This partnership has been formalized through a memorandum of understanding highlighting their joint commitment to the Strategic Understanding for Premier Education and Research (SUPER) initiative.

The agreement outlines the intentions of INL and Missouri S&T to collaborate on various research and development projects of mutual interest, including integrated energy systems, advanced nuclear reactors, electric power and grid systems and security, and advanced materials and manufacturing for extreme environments. The agreement will provide expanded opportunities for students, faculty members and researchers from both institutions.

Todd Combs, INL’s deputy laboratory director for Science and Technology and chief research officer, said the partnership focuses on leveraging the strengths and common scientific interests of both organizations to perform innovative research activities.

“This collaboration underscores our shared commitment to scientific excellence and our dedication to addressing the world’s most pressing energy challenges,” Combs said. “Together, we are poised to make significant strides that will benefit both our institutions and society at large.”

Within the scope of this collaboration, INL and Missouri S&T will:

Collaborate in research areas of mutual interest.

Exchange academic and research materials.

Exchange visiting research scholars.

Hold cooperative symposia, seminars, workshops and conferences.

Establish a joint appointment program to enhance research and academic collaborations.

The partnership will target key research areas that align with INL’s vision to change the world’s energy future and secure our nation’s critical infrastructure. The identified research areas include:

Integrated energy systems

Advanced nuclear reactors

Electric and power grid systems and security

Advanced materials and manufacturing for extreme environments

The collaboration between INL and Missouri S&T is expected to foster significant advancements in these fields, promoting scientific and technological innovation. “Missouri S&T has been a proud partner with INL for years, and we are thrilled to take our collaborations to an even higher level with this agreement,” said Joseph Newkirk, professor and chair of nuclear engineering and radiation science at Missouri S&T. “With our strong foundation in nuclear research and education, it makes perfect sense for S&T to work alongside a premier national research laboratory. This partnership opens new pathways for our students and faculty to contribute to solving some of the world’s most critical energy challenges.”

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