Author: KIFI

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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Seth Ratliff

PHOENIX, Arizona (KIFI) — Lori Vallow Daybell’s third murder conspiracy trial resumed Monday, and court minutes, along with new filings, suggest she was reluctant to appear.

A court order filed on June 10 revealed Judge Justin Beresky authorized the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office to use ‘any means necessary, including force,’ to ensure her attendance at trial on Monday, June 9, 2025.

Vallow Daybell has already been convicted of the murders of her children, JJ Vallow and Tylee Ryan; her husband Chad Daybell’s first wife, Tammy Daybell; and her fourth husband, Charles Vallow. She is now accused of conspiring with her brother, Alex Cox, in an attempt to murder her niece’s former husband, Brandon Boudreaux.

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Maggie Moore

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – With the start of the 100 deadliest days, Idaho’s Office of Highway Safety is encouraging drivers to buckle up this summer with a seatbelt mobilization.

During certain times of the year, the Office of Highway Safety gives out grants to law enforcement agencies to put extra officers on the road.

Right now, those grants are helping law enforcement keep an extra eye out for seatbelt violations for the 100 deadliest days.

There’s a good reason to push seatbelts. SHIFT Idaho says a person is 50% more likely to avoid serious injury or death in a car crash when wearing a seatbelt.

Sgt. Bryan Lovell with the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office said that using those extra resources to educate people is much better than having to respond to a fatal crash for something preventable.

“Some of the biggest factors in the crashes that we’re going to are speed, inattention, distracted driving, those kinds of things,” Lovell said. “Putting that seatbelt on is, a small decision you can make right from the get go, as soon as you get in the car. That just eliminates that part of that risk from other people that may not be paying attention or driving aggressively.”

Lovell also says driving defensively and being patient with other drivers is a great way to stay safe this summer.

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Chris Nestman

UPDATE:

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — A fire tore through a home on Lornwood Avenue Monday afternoon, completely destroying the garage and back deck and causing an estimated $200,000 in damages. Quick action by the Idaho Falls Fire Department kept the blaze from fully engulfing a neighboring house.

Idaho Falls firefighters, supported by the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office, rushed to the scene at 3:17 PM after getting the initial call. They reportedly arrived to find the home fully engulfed in flames, with the fire actively threatening the house next door. The crews quickly “knocked down” the fire threatening the second home and then focused on the main house.

Crews managed to extinguish the bulk of the fire by 4:00 PM. However, they were called back to the home at 6:46 PM after a hot spot flared up inside. Firefighters quickly put out the remaining embers by 7:00 PM.

While the garage and back deck of the main home were a total loss, a camper parked in the driveway also sustained significant damage.

The neighboring home sustained limited damage to the exterior sheeting and siding, along with smoke and heat damage to vehicles in its driveway. IFFD estimates damages to that second residence are around $50,000.

IFFD has not confirmed the cause of the fire at this time.

ORIGINAL:

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Multiple fire crews are actively responding to a residential structure fire that broke out Monday afternoon at 3676 Lorna Avenue in Bonneville County.

As of 3:50 PM MDT on June 9, 2025, the scene remains active, with firefighters surrounding the home. Thick smoke could be seen billowing from the home in the early afternoon.

The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, and it is unclear when the fire initially ignited. No information regarding potential injuries or displacements is available at this time.

Photos taken at the scene show extensive damage to the property. The home’s garage appears to be completely destroyed, with only charred remains of studs visible. A trailer parked in the driveway also sustained noticeable damage. From what we can see in the photos, it looks like the fire might have impacted a neighboring house.

Local News 8 is closely monitoring this developing story and will provide further updates as details emerge.

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News Team

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Individuals in Eastern Idaho grappling with addiction and mental health challenges are set to receive crucial support on their journey to recovery, thanks to a new initiative launched by Eastern Idaho Public Health (EIPH). In a partnership with Greater Idaho Falls Transit (GIFT), EIPH has introduced “Rides to Recovery,” a program designed to eliminate transportation barriers to treatment and recovery services within Idaho Falls.

“Transportation plays a crucial role in substance misuse treatment and recovery program participation,” said Mallory Johnson, Health Educator at Eastern Idaho Public Health. “Reliable transportation influences an individual’s ability to attend recovery meetings, treatment sessions, and other important parts of their recovery process.”

Through the partnership, EIPH has allocated Idaho opioid settlement funds to GIFT. These funds will directly cover transportation costs for individuals seeking treatment and recovery programs for Opioid Use Disorder and other co-occurring substance use disorders or mental health conditions.

The “Rides to Recovery” program is a one-year pilot project, commencing today, June 9, 2025, and running through June 30, 2026. This pilot period will allow EIPH to closely monitor the program’s utilization and effectiveness.

Participating Treatment and Recovery Locations:

The “Rides to Recovery” program offers free transportation to and from the following key facilities:

Behavioral Health Crisis Center – 1650 N Holmes Ave, Idaho Falls ID, 83401

Brick House Recovery – 1020 Landbank St., Idaho Falls, Idaho, 83402

Center for Hope – 530 E. Anderson Street, Idaho Falls, Idaho, 83402

District 7 Treatment – 254 E. Street Suite B, Idaho Falls, Idaho, 83402

Full Spectrum Psychology – 675 E. Anderson St., Idaho Falls, Idaho, 83401

Ideal Option – 380 N. Capital Avenue Suite 1, Idaho Falls, Idaho 83402

Stewards of Recovery – 685 1st Street, Idaho Falls, Idaho, 83401

Additionally, free transportation will be provided to and from Eastern Idaho Public Health – 1250 Hollipark Dr, Idaho Falls, ID, 83401 for community members seeking public health services during the pilot project.

People participating in recovery or treatment services at any of the listed locations are encouraged to reach out to their case manager, counselor, or peer support representative to learn more about the program and how to access transportation services.

For more information on GIFT, including how to schedule a ride, click HERE.

For questions regarding the “Rides to Recovery” program, please contact Mallory Johnson, Eastern Idaho Public Health’s Drug Overdose Prevention Program Coordinator, at mjohnson@eiph.idaho.gov.

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Seth Ratliff

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — Pocatello Mayor Brian Blad and the City Council are holding a Town Hall meeting near the end of June to discuss fireworks safety and enforcement. The discussion comes as the region prepares for the upcoming July festivities, including Independence Day and Pioneer Day, both periods when fireworks use is common.

The meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, June 25, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM. It will take place in the City Council Chambers, located at 911 North 7th Avenue.

There will be a question-and-answer session for those attending. Speakers are instructed to sign up before 6 pm and will be allotted two minutes.

The Town Hall Meeting will be available the following day on the City’s YouTube channel, HERE.

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