Category: kifi-local-news

Tucker Robertson

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – The Transportation Security Administration said on Facebook that an inert mortar was found in one Idaho Falls Regional Airport passenger’s checked bag. 

The Idaho Falls Regional Airport was evacuated on January 11. Officials said it was evacuated because of a suspicious device, but they didn’t say what.

On Friday, Idaho Falls Public Information Officer Eric Grossarth confirmed that the mortar was the device that prompted the evacuation.

If you plan to fly, just remember explosives are not good flight companions and are prohibited, inert or otherwise.

Sam Ross

CHUBBUCK, Idaho (KIFI)– The Portneuf District Library will host an early Valentine’s Day Party with crafts and cookies on Monday, February 3.

Every year, the library hosts a Valentine’s Day event, but Portneuf District Library director Cresta Craner said this is the first year they have hosted a party on this scale.

“Having this space available and then having activities that people can do, provide that resource for the community. It’s a fun thing that everybody can participate in,” said Craner.

The party will give guests the opportunity to decorate and enjoy Valentine’s Day cookies and make Valentine’s cards that will be delivered to local seniors.

The Portneuf District Library’s Valentine’s Day party will run from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at their building on ​5210 Stuart Ave. in Chubbuck.

Curtis Jackson

The following is a news release from the City of Pocatello.

POCATELLO, Idaho (City of Pocatello)—The 1st Avenue Storm Sewer project will begin mid-February. 

The construction work includes installing a new storm sewer system along 1st Avenue from East Clark Street to East Whitman Street. The purpose of the project is to mitigate flooding issues around the Center Street Underpass. 

The project was made possible through funding the City received under the American Rescue Plan Act. During the first phase of construction, South 1st Avenue will be closed from East Center Street to East Whitman Street for approximately six weeks. Phase two will follow on North 1stAvenue and is projected to be completed in ten weeks.

Thank you for your patience while crews update the storm sewer. If you have any questions or comments, please contact the Engineering Department at 208-234-6513.

News Team

The following is a press release from the Wyoming Department of Transportation.

Wyoming (WYDOT) – The Wyoming Department of Transportation has scheduled a closure of US 191/189 through Hoback Canyon for Sunday, February 2, 2025 at 5:00 a.m. for avalanche mitigation. Additional closures may be necessary depending on weather conditions. Reduced visibility, winter driving conditions, and increasing avalanche hazard may force an earlier closure. 

Dial 511 or go to www.wyoroad.info for updated weather and road conditions. Sign up for automated email and text alerts with 511 notify at www.wyoroad.info. 

Noah Farley

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho — Downtown Idaho Falls became the scene of protest Saturday afternoon as people in southeast Idaho gathered to voice their concerns about current U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) policy.

Hundreds of demonstrators gathered at Broadway Bridge with homemade signs, each with a message denouncing ICE enforcement taking place across the county. Several drivers on the road honked and cheered in support of the protest.

“I think right now there’s a lot of blame and negative [talk] on immigrants,” said protester Jennifer Vidales. “People fail to realize that we’re people. We’re out here, we’re family members, we go to school, we’re neighbors. I think that’s really important to what our message today is.”

The protest’s organizers worked with the City of Idaho Falls and the police department so everyone would be safe. Protesters were instructed to avoid violence, especially if people of opposing views tried to anger them.

“We want to take a stand against systemic racism and unjust immigration policies,” said Shantelle Duran, one of the protest’s organizers. “We invite the community to stand with us and show support for our neighbors who are likely to be targeted under increased ICE raids and detentions.”

Protesters say this demonstration is only the first step.

“We’re going to keep fighting. I’m going to keep fighting,” said Vidales. “I’ve always cared for immigrant rights. I’m an immigrant advocate and I will continue to use my voice as much as I can for those who can’t.”

CNN Newsource

By Jessica MacAulay, Ben Payne

Click here for updates on this story

    PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania (KYW) — Emergency crews are responding to an explosion in Northeast Philadelphia after a small medical jet crashed in the area of Roosevelt Boulevard and Cottman Avenue, Philadephia police confirmed to CBS News Philadelphia.

The plane was going from Philadelphia to Springfield, Missouri, leaving the Northeast Philadelphia Airport when tragedy struck.

Two people were aboard the plane, according to police. It’s unclear at this time if they were ejected or able to escape. There are several injuries reported on the ground, police added.

Multiple rowhomes on fire

Multiple homes are on fire in the area of Cottman Avenue and Roosevelt Boulevard following the crash, fire officials said.

Police sources told CBS News Philadelphia’s Chief Investigative Reporter Joe Holden that parts of the plane hit cars in the area. Some businesses near the Roosevelt Mall are on fire, sources said.

The area, where the crash happened, especially near Cottman and Roosevelt Boulevard is a densely residential neighborhood and packed with rows of rowhomes.

Neighbors in the Northeast Philadelphia area have called CBS Philadelphia reporting their homes shook when the plane went down.

It’s unclear at this time what led to the crash or where the plane was coming from and heading toward. The status of those who were injured was also not immediately available.

This is a developing story. Refresh for updates.

Please note: 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.

Curtis Jackson

SHELLEY, Idaho (KIFI)—Idaho State Police are investigating a three-vehicle crash that blocked US 91 north of Shelley Monday morning.

Idaho State Police said a 44-year-old Shelley woman driving a 2018 Ford Explorer was traveling north when it veered into the southbound lane, hitting head-on a 2000 Pontiac Grand Am driven by a 17-year-old Idaho Falls girl.

The Grand Am came to rest on the north shoulder. The Explorer spun around, came to rest facing south, and was hit in the rear by a 2013 GMC Sierra driven by a 51-year-old Idaho Falls man.

The drivers of the Explorer and the Grand Am were taken to the hospital. Their conditions are unknown.

The road was blocked for a couple of hours.

Curtis Jackson

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI)—A high avalanche danger has been issued by both the Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center and the Sawtooth Avalanche Center for most area mountains in central and eastern Idaho, southern Montana, and western Wyoming.

Keith Richey, coordinator for Fremont County Emergency Management, said heavy snowfall and strong winds are rapidly adding weight to weak layers in the snowpack and creating very dangerous avalanche conditions. He urges people to avoid traveling on and underneath slopes steeper than 30 degrees.

The Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center posted on its website that slabs 1 to 3 feet in depth will react to a skier’s or snowmobile’s weight. Natural avalanches are possible in wind-loaded mid- and upper-elevation terrain and low-elevation terrain where the snowpack is saturated from rain. Traveling in, near, or under avalanche terrain is not recommended for Monday.