Author: KIFI

Seth Ratliff

BONNEVILLE COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) —A 21-year-old Ammon man is in custody facing felony drug charges after Sheriff’s Deputies discovered a large cache of narcotics while responding to a domestic disturbance Saturday morning.

Jorge Ruiz-Gomez was booked into the Bonneville County Jail on April 4th, on felony charges for Drug Trafficking and a misdemeanor charge for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

According to the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office, Deputies were called to a home in the 3000 block of Chasewood Drive around 8:00 a.m. following reports of a domestic dispute. As they arrived on the scene, the officers discovered Ruiz-Gomez and an unnamed woman fighting.

Investigators later determined the pair had been in a previous relationship. The fight reportedly broke out when the woman arrived at the home unexpectedly and refused to leave.

While deputies detained the pair—along with two other adults present at the scene—they spotted a large amount of marijuana, THC products, and drug paraphernalia in plain view.

After obtaining a search warrant, investigators uncovered a virtual cache of illegal drugs inside the home and in Ruiz-Gomez’s vehicle. In all, Deputies seized more than 6lbs of Marijuana and THC edible and vape products, cash, and various other items signaling a drug trafficking operation belonging to Ruiz-Gomez.

While the investigation began as a domestic call, BCSO says Ruiz-Gomez did not want to press charges against the woman involved for illegal entry.

Ruiz-Gomez remains in custody pending his initial court appearance.

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CBS2 Staff

BOISE, Idaho (KBOI) — New signs and lights are on display outside Boise City Hall showing support for the LGBTQ+ community. Crews were finishing the work early Tuesday morning outside City Hall.

This comes after Idaho Gov. Brad Little signed a bill that fines cities for flying flags that aren’t on the Legislature’s pre-approved list.

The city of Boise took down an LGBTQ+ pride flag that flew in front of its City Hall last week.

CBS2 reached out to the Mayor’s office and Governor’s Office for a response.

The city released a statement to CBS2 saying, “The art additions to city hall demonstrate our unwavering commitment to the people that call Boise home and to the values that we uphold every day of being a safe and welcoming city for everyone.” We have asked the city if it plans add any additional art and will share their response.

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Kaelyn Blessinger

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – The Idaho Falls Zoo is officially reopening Thursday, April 16th.

This is about a week earlier than the 2025 season. Due to the favorable weather this year, they invite all to once again experience the Zoo’s wildlife and educational opportunities.

The Zoo has also updated its operating hours.

Monday-Sunday: 9:30 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.

Tuesday: 9:30 A.M. to 8:00 P.M

Tuesday’s hours have been extended to later. Last admission is 30 minutes before closing.

Visitors can explore a diverse collection of more than 230 individual animals representing over 90 species from around the world.

“We’re thrilled to open our gates early this year and welcome everyone back to the Zoo,” said Zoo Executive Director David Pennock. “By expanding access through updated hours, we’re making it easier for families and visitors to spend time with wildlife, learn something new, and create lasting memories together.”

General admission rates for 2026:

Adults (13–61): $12.50

Seniors (62+): $11.00

Children (3–12): $9.50

Toddlers/Infants (2 & under): $0.50

Military (with valid ID): $9.50

Zoo Members (with valid membership): Free

For more information about the zoo, go to the Idaho Falls Zoo webpage.

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Fox13

Originally Published: 07 APR 26 14:28 ET

By Caroleina Hassett

Click here for updates on this story

    RIVERTON, Utah (KSTU) — Three families are now picking up the pieces after a devastating car crash in Juab County.

“It’s been unfathomable. I mean, it’s just been something that is the worst nightmare you could ever go through,” said Ava’s father, Aaron Olivarez. “My heart just absolutely breaks for Xander and Ava. I mean, I don’t know how I’m going to move on.”

Last Thursday, 17-year-old Ava Olivarez was driving 15-year-old Xander Hover and 15-year-old Corey Wayman along Weiss Highway when they came up to a turn.

“She turned too wide and it was all silent. Next thing you know, I was on the floor looking at the roof, and it blacked out, and then I woke up with paramedics around me,” Wayman said.

The three teens, all from the Riverton area, were ejected from the car. Wayman was the only one to wake up.

“I don’t think it’s fully hit me yet,” Wayman said. “I hate to think about it, because they’re my best friends, best ones I’ve ever had… The thought that I was with them and they’re gone and I’m still here — sucks.”

All three met through the racing community and were attached at the hip.

“That gives me comfort… just the three of them, they were together,” said Xander’s dad, Jessie Hover. “They were inseparable in life and would talk on the phone and joke around. I mean, it was the old married couple kind of, is what it seemed like to us.”

The families just want parents to educate their kids on seatbelt safety, so no child has to become a memory.

“The most heart-wrenching thing right now is we all taught our kids to wear seat belts,” Olivarez said. “Ava was so insistent on always having a seat belt on, and that’s the thing that we have to talk about here is just keeping our kids safe because it only takes that one second.”

“Buckle up and always be cautious, because I don’t know how, but it’s a miracle that I’m here today. I’m standing here; the other two aren’t,” Wayman added.

Every parent had an answer to the question: how do you want your child to be remembered?

“For exactly who she was: a champion. She was a fierce competitor on one hand, [but] she was so good to people. She treated people so well, and just had a genuine love for people,” Aaron Olivarez said through tears.

While Wayman still has a long road to recovery with a broken collarbone, broken nose and brain bleeding, he believes there’s a reason why he’s still here.

“Everybody’s told me that there’s a reason I lived. I think it’s, don’t know what it is yet, but it’s probably just to carry on Xander and Ava’s legacy,” he said.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

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

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Seth Ratliff

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — On Tuesday morning, Governor Brad Little signed House Bill 652, designating hunting as Idaho’s official state sport—thanks to the hard work of a determined fourth-grader from Twin Falls.

Nine-year-old Betty Grandy stood alongside the Governor for the signing ceremony, marking the end of a legislative journey that saw the young homeschooler advocate for her idea in front of seasoned Idaho lawmakers.

RELATED: Senate Committee backs 9-year-old’s push to make hunting the official state sport

Governor Little had already met with the homeschooler to encourage her to pursue the proposal.

On March 4th, 9-year-old Betty persuaded the members of the Senate State Affairs Committee to endorse the bill. Introduced by Senator Treg Bernt as the “star of the show,” Betty had to stand on boxes just to reach the microphone.

Introduced to the Senate State Affairs committee by Senator Treg Bernt as the “star of the show,” Betty quickly won the committee members over. She told the lawmakers that Idaho already has a host of state symbols, but no state sport.

Despite her stature, she confidently stood before the lawmakers and told them that while Idaho boasts a long list of state symbols, it lacked a sport that truly defined its spirit.

“Making hunting the official state sport would simply recognize something that has shaped our state and is still important today,” Betty told lawmakers.

Sponsored by Representative Don Hall, Grandy’s bill passed the Idaho Legislature with unanimous support before reaching the Governor’s desk. The new law is set to officially take effect on July 1, 2026.

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Seth Ratliff

UPDATE:

WEST YELLOWSTONE, Montana (KIFI) — A West Yellowstone man reported missing since Sunday has been safely found and reunited with his family, ending a multi-day search.

Police in West Yellowstone shared the news that Ron Henderson had been found in an enthusiastic post on social media.

“Thank you to our community for your vigilance, shares, and tips it truly makes a difference,” states the post. “We also want to extend our sincere appreciation to all assisting law enforcement agencies in the Blackfoot, Idaho area for their coordination and quick response.”

WEST YELLOWSTONE, Montana (KIFI) — Police in West Yellowstone are looking for a man who went missing over the weekend. 

Ron Henderson was last seen on Sunday at the Blackfoot Walmart. He was reportedly wearing a grey hoodie, khaki pants, and black Nike shoes.

Police are asking you not to approach him — but to call local law enforcement right away if you see him. For more information, click HERE.

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Seth Ratliff

UPDATED:

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — An Idaho Falls man, Logan Dakota Stephens, will spend up to the next 20 years in prison for shooting a 35-year-old bystander during a confrontation at the Melaleuca building parking lot in June 2024.

Seventh District Judge Michael J. Whyte handed down a unified sentence of 20 years, with at least five years fixed before Stephens is eligible for parole. The sentencing comes after Stephens pleaded guilty to felony aggravated battery and a deadly weapon enhancement earlier this year.

Shooting Background

The shooting took place just before midnight on June 30, 2024, near the Melaleuca building on 330 North Capital Ave. According to court records, Stephens was walking with his girlfriend when they were approached by another woman.

A fight broke out between the three, and several bystanders attempted to separate them. One bystander, the 35-year-old shooting victim, told police he’d attempted to pull Stephens away from the woman when Stephens brandished a knife.

The man backed away and began recording the incident on his cell phone.

Rather than leaving, court records say Stephens went to his vehicle, retrieved a handgun, put it in his waistband, and returned to the scene. Walking toward the man, he fired multiple rounds, striking the victim in the leg, abdomen, and arms. Stephens, however, later told officers the man was threatening him and challenging him to a fight.

The shooting victim was rushed to the Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center for treatment, and the Bonneville County Prosecutor’s Office has confirmed the victim survived the attack.

Court Details

Stephens was initially charged and pleaded not guilty to aggravated assault and two counts of use of a deadly weapon in the commission of a Felony.

In early 2026, Stephens entered a change of plea, pleading guilty to felony aggravated battery.

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News Release

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho — The Idaho Falls Zoo is inviting the community to its annual Community Clean-up Day on April 11, to help prepare the zoo for the new season. Volunteers of all ages are welcome to join and assist in refreshing the zoo grounds after winter.

The event runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., with check-in available between 9 a.m. and noon at the William J. Maeck Education Center, near the zoo entrance.

Participants will help with raking, cleaning, and general grounds maintenance to get the zoo ready for opening day. Individuals, families, schools, and volunteer groups are welcome to attend and contribute as much time as they can.

“We are incredibly grateful for the continued support from our community, both this year and in years past,” said Zoo Director David Pennock. “Clean-up Day has become a wonderful tradition, and the dedication our volunteers show year after year makes a lasting impact on the zoo. Their efforts help us create a welcoming environment for our guests and provide the best possible care for our animals.”

Volunteers are asked to bring their own supplies if possible, including work gloves, brooms, grass rakes, large shovels, and wheelbarrows. Volunteers are encouraged to wear comfortable clothes suitable for outdoor work and to be ready to get a little dirty while helping.

“Why should the community come out? Why not? You know, that’s the big question. Why not? … it’s just fun to be in the zoo,” Pennock said. “It’s fun to do a little community service and, know that the service that you offer is to an institution that the city loves and the city uses and our citizens use.”

Each participant must complete and submit an individual City of Idaho Falls Volunteer Release of Liability form before volunteering. Forms are required for every volunteer and cannot be shared. Volunteers under 18 must be part of a family or organized group, and their form must be completed and signed by a legal guardian. Group leaders or supervisors must remain with all youth participants while at the zoo.

For questions about Community Clean-up Day, contact the volunteer team at ZooVolunteers@idahofallszoo.org.

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Seth Ratliff

BANNOCK COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) — Bannock County authorities have released the names of two Pocatello residents killed in a violent shooting incident on Friday afternoon, April 3rd, in northern Power County.

Bannock County Coroner Torey Danner identified the victims as 40-year-old Brandon Lee Madden and 36-year-old Amanda Ann Christian, both of Pocatello.

“My heart goes out to the families involved and Power County community affected by this tragedy,” said Bannock County Coroner Torey Danner.

Community Support and Family Tribute

In the wake of the shooting, Jocelyn Baker, Madden’s sister-in-law, set up a GoFundMe campaign to support Madden’s wife and children.

Madden and Family, Courtesy GoFundMe

She confirmed the victims were siblings and characterized Madden as a devoted father and the heart of his family. Baker says the funds they gather will go toward funeral services and allowing the victim’s family to grieve.

“This was not just a loss—it was a violent, sudden tragedy that has left an entire family shattered,” wrote Baker. “We are asking for support to help lift some of the overwhelming burden during this incredibly difficult time.”

As of April 7, the fundraiser has collected $1,407 toward a $20,000 goal. For more information, click HERE.

Shooting Details

The violent incident took place along Tank Farm Road. According to the police, Sheriff’s Deputies were called to the area around 2:40 p.m. to reports of gunfire. Upon arrival, law enforcement discovered Madden and Christian dead at the scene and located a third victim suffering from gunshot wounds. The surviving victim was treated at the scene and rushed by ground ambulance to a local hospital.

While securing the perimeter, investigators heard additional shots fired nearby. A fourth victim—a bystander in a boat—was struck by gunfire as the suspect attempted to escape police. Emergency responders stabilized the man at the scene, and he was airlifted to the Portneuf Medical Center for further treatment.

Surviving Victims and Ongoing Investigation

As of Saturday, Bannock County Public Information Officer Emma Iannacone confirmed that both surviving victims are in stable condition, with one already released from medical care. The identity of the shooter is being withheld pending the notification of their next of kin.

According to Iannacone, the identity of the shooter will be released pending next of kin notification.

Power County Sheriff’s Office continues to be assisted in the homicide investigation by Idaho State Police and Bannock County Coroner’s Offices. The Idaho Falls Police Department will lead the Eastern Idaho Critical Incident Task Force investigation into the officer-involved shooting.

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Danielle Mullenix

Yellowstone National Park, WY (KIFI) – While this winter has been relatively warm across eastern Idaho and parts of Wyoming and Montana, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors—including a unique opportunity inside Yellowstone.

Inside the Yellowstone National Park, April 2026.

For a few weeks each spring, before the park fully reopens to vehicle traffic, Yellowstone looks a lot different. Roads that are typically packed with cars become quiet, open pathways—creating ideal conditions for cyclists.

According to the National Park Service, bikes are allowed on select park roads during this early-season window, until the roads reopen to vehicles later in the spring.

That means visitors can ride past geysers, rivers, and even wildlife in a way that’s nearly impossible during peak tourist season.

“The craziest thing I’ve seen in springtime biking is baby bison being born,” said local cyclist Kelli Hart, as she poured an espresso shot for the new customer who listened to her across the small bike shop cafe countertop.

Just outside the park’s entrance in West Yellowstone, MT, Freeheel and Wheel Bike Shop is helping visitors make the most of the short biking season. Shop owners Kelli Hart and Melissa Alder say this time of year offers a completely different Yellowstone experience.

Freeheel and Wheel Bike Shop, located in West Yellowstone

“My favorite part about biking in Yellowstone this time of year is being able to just go in there without the cars,” Hart said.

She says the experience is all about slowing down and taking in the natural surroundings.

“We tell people—it’s so calm. You can ride side-by-side with somebody and not feel the danger of cars and vehicles,” Hart said.

From bike rentals and repairs to gear and local expertise, the shop sees more visitors eager to hit the road during this limited window.

While biking is typically limited to April, warmer weather and clearer road conditions this year have allowed cyclists to get an early start, with some already riding in March.

Still, conditions can change quickly. Park officials encourage visitors to check current road conditions before heading out and to be prepared for limited services inside the park this time of year.

Cyclists are also reminded to stay alert, share the road with wildlife, and plan ahead for changing weather conditions.

Yellowstone is set to reopen to vehicle traffic on April 17th, bringing this quiet biking season to a close.

As more people look for unique outdoor experiences, spring biking in Yellowstone is quickly becoming a must-do adventure—offering a rare chance to see the park in near silence before the crowds return.

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