Author: KIFI

Linda Larsen

POCATELLO, ID (KIFI) — If you’ve grabbed a Coke or a burger at the Pocatello McDonald’s at any point over the last three decades, chances are you’ve been greeted by the city’s unofficial ambassador of smiles.

Delynn Wilson is known for his pristine and infectious optimism, but recently, a hurdle with his transportation threatened the independence he has worked so hard for.

That’s when the Gate City decided it was time to give back.

“He keeps the restrooms clean, he keeps the tables clean, and he visits with our customers,” said Diana Dancil, the manager of the McDonald’s where Wilson works. “He’s our little lobby ambassador.”

The mission to help Wilson started with a simple Facebook post by a local bike rescue charity. Bicycles for Recovery reached out to the community, asking if anyone had a used three-wheeled trike tucked away in their garage. Well, the response wasn’t just a yes, it was an avalanche of support.

“The community is a good community,” said Richard Roberts with Bicycles for Recovery. “Pocatello is a great place to live, and things like this happen when you ask for help. This community really reaches out and gives a hand whenever it can.”

Within days, the post went viral, leading to an unexpected turn of events.

Sam Casper, a local businessman, stepped up to provide a brand new motorized trike, and local motorcycle club Rolling Rogue RC also rode in to help.

 “Just want to, just want to see a smile on his face,” said Trauma with Rolling Rogue RC. “He’s always putting smiles on everybody else’s face. It’s about time to give back to him.”

After finishing some last-minute adjustments, it was time to load it up and move it out for the big reveal. The team didn’t just drop it off. They gathered in force, engines revving to cheer Delynn on as he took his first ride.

While there has been a bit of a learning curve, switching from a traditional pedal bike to a motorized trike takes some practice, Wilson is tackling the challenge with his signature optimism. With his new three-wheeler, the commute to the job he has loved for 36 years is secure.

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Seth Ratliff

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — The Idaho Department of Correction is searching for a convicted felon who failed to report to his parole officer earlier this month.

57-year-old Michael Poole was last seen on March 12, 2026, during a routine check-in with his parole officer. Authorities say he failed to show up for his next scheduled appointment on March 1.

Poole is 6’ 1” tall, weighs approximately 225 pounds, has gray hair, and was last seen wearing a brace on his left foot. 

Poole is currently under supervision for a Grand Theft conviction out of Ada County and was scheduled to remain under supervision until the completion of his sentence on June 28, 2026.

Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts is asked to call 911 or contact local law enforcement.

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Seth Ratliff

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Damaging winds gusting between 30 and 40 MPH are wreaking havoc across Eastern Idaho today. A High Wind Warning remains in effect for the region until 9:00 PM tonight, as reports of downed trees and utility poles, and structural damage continue.

Major Travel Alert: I-15 Closure

As of 1:06 PM, hazardous driving conditions and low visibility have forced the closure of Interstate 15 in both directions from Idaho Falls to State Highway 33. ITD has not provided an estimated time for reopening, citing extreme gusts and blowing dust.

As of 4:50 PM, hazardous driving conditions and low visibility have forced a closure along I-15 in both directions from S. Idaho Falls Exit 113 to Shelley Exit 108. Travelers and commuters are being directed to use US-91 as an alternate route. For updates, click HERE.

Multiple Crashes Along I-15 South of Idaho Falls

Idaho State Police Troopers are responding to multiple crashes along I-15 due to low visibility from the high winds.

In a post on Facebook, the ISP shared footage of a crash near milepost 113, just south of Idaho Falls. IFFD and other emergency responders are on the scene. According to Jessica Clements with the Idaho Falls Fire Department, the crash took place around 3:04 PM and involved several vehicles.

According to Kimberly Felker, acting PIO for IFFD, emergency responders evaluated those involved in the crash, and one person was taken to a local hospital for further evaluation. No further details on their condition are available at this time.

Local News 8 is reaching out to the ISP and Idaho Falls Police for more details on the crash. For updates on road closures, click HERE.

Idaho Falls: Outages and Damage

In Bonneville County, the winds have caused multiple power outages, including in the Tautphaus Park area. Idaho Falls Power is on-site near the Joe Marmo/Wayne Lehto Ice Arena, where a downed tree and utility pole have severed power to the arena and surrounding residential blocks. Rogers Street off S Boulevard into Tautphaus Park is currently closed due to downed power lines and a tree.

Up to 60 MPH gusts have also stripped paneling from the facade of the Tru by Hilton hotel on Lindsay Blvd.

The City of Idaho Falls says Idaho Falls Power and Idaho Falls Fiber crews will continue working until service is restored to all affected customers, starting with the most affected areas.

“Strong wind events like this can cause widespread damage to trees and power infrastructure,” said Stephen Boorman, Interim General Manager of Idaho Falls Power. “Our crews are out in the field working as quickly and safely as possible to restore power to impacted areas. We appreciate the community’s patience while they work through these outages.”

To report a power outage in your area, visit the Idaho Falls Power website or your utility provider.

City leadership urges residents to stay indoors if possible and exercise extreme caution if travel is necessary:

Idaho Falls Power provides the following Safety reminders during high winds and power outages:

Use caution around trees, power poles, and other tall objects that may be affected by strong winds.

Be patient and alert while driving. Debris in the roadway, signal outages, and emergency responses may cause unexpected delays.

If an object falls into power lines, do not approach it. Downed power lines can still be energized and extremely dangerous.

When reporting power line issues, please let dispatch know if there is a fire or simply an obstruction on the line.

Never cross downed power lines, including walking or driving near, on, or under them.

Report emergencies such as fires or immediate safety hazards to 911.

Local News 8 is tracking the wind’s impact across the region. Follow this story for continuous updates as the situation develops.

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Seth Ratliff

MOSCOW, Idaho (KIFI) — Turning Point USA (TPUSA) is hitting the road this April as part of a newly announced nationwide campus tour honoring the legacy of its late founder, Charlie Kirk.

CEO Erika Kirk announced the “This is the Turning Point Tour” on Thursday, confirming that the University of Idaho will be one of the final stops in the initial launch. The tour aims to prepare students against what the organization describes as “leftist indoctrination” while promoting free speech on college campuses.

The tour comes in the wake of Charlie Kirk’s passing, with each stop featuring high-profile conservative figures intended to champion Kirk’s history of civic discourse.

“Stand up for the truth, defend life, love your family fearlessly… and don’t think that it’s someone else’s role to do it,” Erika Kirk said in a statement. “You do it. Do it for Charlie.”

The Moscow Stop: What to Expect

The University of Idaho event is scheduled for April 28, 2026. The Moscow stop is set to feature two of the most prominent voices in the conservative media landscape, Matt Walsh, Author and host at The Daily Wire, and Michael Knowles, Commentator and host of The Michael Knowles Show.

The tour encourages students to participate in “open mic” sessions to challenge prevailing campus biases and engage in public debate.

While more dates are expected to be added, the confirmed initial stops include:

April 2, 2026 – George Washington University with Erika Kirk and Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt

April 14, 2026 – University of Georgia with Erika Kirk and Vice President JD Vance

April 21, 2026 – Ohio State University with Vivek Ramaswamy, Lawrence Jones, and Savannah Chrisley

April 22, 2026 – Baylor University with Donald Trump Jr., Border Czar Tom Homan, and Benny Johnson

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Par Kermani

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — High winds and seasonal dust storms are prompting safety warnings from the Idaho State Police as spring weather creates hazardous driving conditions across the region.

Troopers are monitoring forecasts calling for wind gusts of approximately 60 mph this weekend, which pose a significant risk to high-profile vehicles.

“We’ve seen some vehicles, because of the wind, usually semis, larger vehicles like that, have tipped over,” said Trooper Adam Anderson with the Idaho State Police, a 12-year veteran of the agency. Anderson added that passenger cars are also at risk, often experiencing sudden gusts when passing larger vehicles that previously acted as windbreaks.

To lower these risks, law enforcement encourages drivers to slow down, increase following distances, and keep both hands on the steering wheel to prepare for sudden wind shifts.

Beyond the wind, spring marks the beginning of “dust season” in Eastern Idaho. As farmers begin plowing and planting fields, the loose topsoil—which has not yet been secured by new vegetation—can be swept up by strong winds.

The resulting dust storms often reduce visibility to zero, creating conditions similar to dense fog. Key areas of concern include:

Interstate 15: Between mileposts 119 and 135 near Roberts.

State Highway 33 and 32: Specifically, the farm fields stretching toward Ashton and the Parker-Chester area.

In extreme cases, the Idaho Transportation Department may close sections of the highway. Motorists are warned that bypassing road closures is illegal. While Idaho does not have specific fines for vehicles tipping over, drivers who ignore roadblocks can be cited for failing to obey a traffic control device or a lawful order.

As temperatures rise, police also cautioned drivers to be more vigilant of motorcycles returning to the road after the winter off-season. Travelers are encouraged to check real-time road and weather reports at 511.idaho.gov before heading out.

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News Team

ARCO, Idaho (KIFI) — The City of Arco has issued a mandatory boil water order for all residents effective immediately, Thursday, March 12, 2026. The strict boil order follows a computer monitoring malfunction earlier this morning that caused a drop in water pressure throughout the city’s distribution system.

While the computer issue has been resolved, the temporary loss of pressure creates a risk of “back-siphonage,” which can allow contaminants to enter the water supply. City officials are currently conducting testing to ensure the water meets safety standards.

The Arco Public Works anticipates the issue will be resolved within 5 to 7 days. In the meantime, the City has provided the following safety instructions:

DO NOT DRINK THE WATER WITHOUT BOILING IT FIRST. Bring all water to a boil. Let it boil for one minute and let it cool before using, or use bottled water. Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, and food preparation until further notice. Boiling kills bacteria and other organisms in the

You may continue to use your water to wash your hands using soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Alternatively, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

Inadequately treated water may contain disease-causing organisms. These organisms include bacteria, viruses, and parasites, which can cause nausea, cramps, diarrhea, and associated headaches. If you experience any of these symptoms and they persist, seek medical advice. People at increased risk should seek advice about drinking water from their health care

For more information, visit the City of Arco’s official website HERE.

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Devin Bodkin

Originally posted on IdahoEdNews.org on March 12, 2026

By: Devin Bodkin

BOISE, Idaho — State leaders are nearly two months into the legislative session, and much of the noise still surrounds the state’s budget deficit. Cuts are happening. School leaders and parents are watching. So what’s on the chopping block and what’s not? What factors shape the debate? And what about that big rainy day fund some people keep mentioning?  Here’s a rundown of where things stand — and five takeaways to help clear the smoke.

1. Yes, Idaho faces a deficit

There’s a roughly $40 million gap this fiscal year. 

Projections peg next fiscal year’s imbalance at $555 million. 

So … 

2. Lawmakers are cutting spending

The Legislature last week approved a bill to cut $131 million from the current state budget. 

Most of the cuts came from a 3% reduction Gov. Brad Little ordered last summer. But lawmakers added another $15.3 million in new cuts beyond the governor’s order. 

The cuts affect this fiscal year, which ends June 30.

K-12’s brick-and-mortar schools have been largely spared, and budget-writers have reversed cuts for community colleges and career-technical programs.

Still, Idaho’s four-year colleges and universities are poised to face a disproportionate share of the pain.  

3. Idaho has a big reserve fund

State leaders have built up around $1.3 billion (yes, with a “b”) in savings since the Great Recession. 

That’s about 23% of the state’s general fund spending, and puts the state in a strong position for “rainy day” situations. 

4. So, isn’t it raining? 

Depends on who you ask.

Lawmakers have had three options heading into a tough financial year: 

Cut spending 

Tap rainy-day funds

Increase revenue by raising taxes

Raising taxes is politically unlikely after multiple tax cuts in recent years.

So the debate has swirled around the other options: cutting spending or using reserve funds. 

Some lawmakers say it is raining — and the right time to tap funds. 

Others say the funds should be used only during a major economic downturn. 

For now, lawmakers appear inclined to keep reserve funds intact. But as they finalize next year’s budget, the question lingers: How long can Idaho keep cutting spending while sitting on more than a billion dollars?

5. School leaders are watching closely

K-12 is mostly exempt from the current round of cuts. Funding for these schools remains flat heading into the new year. 

Around 87% of Idaho’s public school funding comes from the state. So flat funding feels more like a cut as costs rise, some local leaders say.  

Public schools will be forced to cut budgets even if state funding remains flat. One of East Idaho’s largest districts is already weighing staff cuts and upping its request for local funds to boost depleted savings and address its budget crunch.

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CNN Newsource

Originally Published: 11 MAR 26 15:38 ET

By Tim Vandenack

Click here for updates on this story

    ROY, Utah (KSL) — A Roy man has been charged with manslaughter in the shooting death of another person while the two were practicing drawing handguns from holsters.

Benjamin Garrett Davis, 24, is charged with manslaughter, a second-degree felony; reckless endangerment, a class A misdemeanor; and committing a violent offense in the presence of a child, a class B misdemeanor in the incident last Sunday.

Roy police were called to Davis’ apartment on Sunday after receiving a report a male had been shot in the head. On arriving, they found Davis kneeling over the other person’s body repeatedly saying “the shooting was his fault,” according to charging papers filed Tuesday. Security video footage in Davis’ apartment shows the incident.

“Both individuals are seen drawing handguns from holsters and pointing the firearms toward one another. During one of the drills, Davis draws his handgun, points it toward (the other male), and pulls the trigger. The firearm discharges and (the other male) is immediately struck in the head and collapses to the floor,” charging papers read. Davis later told authorities he and the victim were practicing firearm-draw drills but that he thought his gun was not loaded.

A 2-year-old was in the apartment when the incident occurred and visible in the video authorities retrieved, leading to the charge for committing an offense in the presence of a child. “The child is seen walking within several feet of Davis and (the other person) while the firearms were being drawn and manipulated,” charging papers read.

According to the police booking affidavit in the case, video taken from the apartment shows Davis after the shooting. “Benjamin is seen with a panicked expression, and he drops the gun,” the affidavit reads.

The apartment complex where the incident occurred is at 4608 S. 1900 West. Davis is being held without bail in the Weber County Jail.

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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Par Kermani

Roberts, Idaho (KIFI) — In a bedroom filled with sketches of apex predators and prehistoric giants, 12-year-old Caellum Hebdon is reclaiming a voice that cancer nearly took away.

For Hebdon, a middle-schooler from Idaho Falls, the last year has been defined by a battle more formidable than the dinosaurs he draws. After being diagnosed with brain cancer in 2025, his journey has been marked by emergency life-flights, life-saving surgeries, and a grueling recovery process that forced him to relearn the most basic human functions.

“They were able to tell us that he had a tumor that was bleeding,” said Jayc Hebdon, Caellum’s father. “They life-flighted him down to Primary Children’s Hospital. They performed the first surgery, which saved his life.”

The medical crisis was compounded by a stroke that occurred during his treatment, resulting in a loss of mobility on his right side and the loss of his ability to speak. What followed was three weeks of hospitalization and seven weeks of combined radiation and chemotherapy.

Through months of intensive speech and physical therapy, Hebdon began the slow process of recovery. He has since regained his ability to speak and, perhaps most importantly to him, his ability to draw.

“I drew that Spinosaurus drawing after my surgery,” Caellum Hebdon said. “It’s scary, but it’s also pretty… I’d say that he’s probably the strongest predator.”

While he often sketches to pass the time at home, his artwork is now vying for a national title. Hebdon is currently a finalist in the “America’s Most Artistic Kid” competition. For the Hebdon family, the contest represents more than just a trophy; the prize money would provide a significant dent in the mounting medical expenses accumulated over a year of emergency care and rehabilitation.

Despite the weight of the past year, those around him say he has maintained a positive outlook.

“I try to keep as happy as I can be,” Hebdon said when asked about hearing his parents discuss the hardships of his diagnosis.

The family reached a significant milestone in October 2025 when Hebdon was finally able to return home. Now, in March 2026, the focus has shifted from daily treatment to a pivotal moment of hope. This Friday, the family is scheduled to receive the results of a follow-up MRI. It is the first scan since the post-treatment inflammation has subsided, and it will determine if Hebdon is officially cancer-free.

“The weight is all the time,” said Kaylene Hebdon, Caellum’s mother. “Friday he has his first MRI since all the inflammation should be gone… we should get a clearer reading in a couple days. It’s highly stressful.”

As the community waits for the medical update, they can support Hebdon by voting for his prehistoric artwork in the national competition.

Details on how to vote for Hebdon and support the family’s medical fund

If you want to help Caellum bring home that national title and help his family with those medical bills, there are a few ways to get involved. The “America’s Most Artistic Kid” contest relies on community support. You can cast one free vote every 24 hours by heading to the contest website.

https://artistickid.org/2026/caellum-3f31

There is also an option to make a donation to “Blood Cancer United” through his profile page—those donations not only support cancer research, but they also act as “double votes” for Caellum. Every bit helps as he tries to maintain his spot at the top of the leaderboard.

https://www.crowdfunder.com/p/caellums-medical-fund

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David Pace

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – Idaho law enforcement associations continue to oppose an immigration enforcement bill that passed the Idaho House of Representatives on Friday.

The Idaho Chiefs of Police Association and Idaho Sheriffs’ Association testified against the measure during committee.

House Bill 659 would require “each law enforcement agency in this state to make an application for a section 287(g) program for which the local or county law enforcement agency is eligible.”

“You have the state government telling the local government to do the job of the federal government,” said Bonneville County Sheriff Sam Hulse, immediate past president of the Idaho Sheriffs’ Association. “It’s just the wrong pathway. Now, we should certainly support the law. We should work with the federal partners to make sure that we help them in their efforts, but make no mistake, these are federal efforts.

“That’s where this is going to be resolved. It should be resolved by federal resource in cooperation with local resource,” he said. “Having the state government tell the local government that you’re going to enforce federal law, I think is setting a precedence that we do not want to be on as the state of Idaho.”

You can watch our full 32-minute interview with Sheriff Hulse below for more information on immigration and law enforcement.

Section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act “enables specially trained local peace officers to perform specific functions relating to the investigation, apprehension or detention of noncitizens during a predetermined time frame and under federal oversight by immigration and customs enforcement,” the bill states.

The three distinct programs Section 287(g) includes are:

Warrant Service Model

This allows Sheriff’s deputies to “serve administrative warrants inside the jail facility,” on illegal immigrants, Hulse explained.

Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office is already cooperating with Immigration and Customs Enforcement on this program.

Jail Enforcement Model

This provides additional training for jail personnel, providing further access to immigration systems so personnel can “research and place warrants themselves, without as much federal involvement,” according to Hulse.

His office is also participating in this program.

Task Force Model

This involves sending officers or deputies out in the community to find individuals who are not in the United States lawfully and taking action against them.

Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office is not currently involved in this program.

Hulse said this third program is more controversial than the other two.

“(Illegal immigrants) are not here lawfully, but they may not be committing any other crimes,” Hulse said. “So for a lot of communities, they see that as problematic. They feel like that is causing their local law enforcement to do things that are not really the focus of local law enforcement. We recognize that it’s certainly the focus of Immigration and Customs Enforcement and/or border protection, but it’s not really the job of local law enforcement to be on the front lines of that.”

While the Bonneville County Sheriff’s office currently participates in two 287(g) programs, the office will implement the law if the current bill passes.

H.B. 659 also obligates local law enforcement agencies to “participate in any future program or successor to an existing program,” without specifying what those programs are or what the requirements would be.

“Now we’re seeing a situation where the state government feels like the proper thing is to force local enforcement entities to just do this in a blanket approach. I think that’s a mistake, and I don’t think we need that law,” Hulse said. “I think the majority of sheriffs are doing what they can within their resources to cooperate and enforce the law.”

If this bill does become law, agencies that could not fully participate will be required to publish a statement declaring why.

Despite law enforcement’s opposition, the measure sailed through the House on a 41-27 vote.

Local News 8 reached out to the bill’s sponsor Rep. Dale Hawkins, R-Fernwood in north Idaho, for comment, but did not receive a response in time for this report.

Local legislators Reps. David Cannon, Barbara Ehardt, Marco Erickson and Rod Furniss voted for the bill.

Reps. Erin Bingham, Rick Cheatum, Ben Fuhriman, Dustin Manwaring, Stephanie Mickelsen (via William Athay), Britt Raybould, Jerald Raymond, Michael Veile, Jon Weber, and Josh Wheeler voted against it.

The bill now advances to the State Affairs Committee in the Idaho Senate.

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