Category: kifi-local-news

Noah Farley

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — With more rain forecast for eastern Idaho and western Wyoming, the chance for flooding increases. Some homeowners’ basements could be flooded by the rain, which could pose more dangers than just destroyed property.

You may remember Idaho Falls saw plenty of flooding back in Spring 2023. Several homeowner’s basements were flooded, and they lost some of their belongings.

Local News 8 asked a local expert what homeowners should do if their basement gets filled with water.

“The biggest thing I would say initially is identifying just where that water is coming from. If it’s impacted any electrical circuits, to have those be inspected and verify that they’re safe for operation by an electrician,” said Emergency Services Vice President for Paul Davis Restoration, Trevor Dabb.

Dabb says the best thing to do if your basement floods is to call professionals who deal with flood damage regularly. If you don’t, there could be lingering issues like mold building up.

If you have a home built before the 1980s, there could be lead or asbestos in your walls that could be disturbed and made airborne.

“In trying to fix it yourself, you’re not sure what you’re dealing with and what you’re opening up or what other things that you could be spreading to your family.”

Dabb also says there are ways to keep your basement and yard from flooding throughout the year.

“Proper installation of rain gutters with the downspouts that are pointed away from the home…that keeps any of that moisture away from window wells or opening penetrations, things like that.”

The main thing is to keep water flowing away from your home’s foundation. It might not fully keep your basement from flooding, but it can definitely help.

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Seth Ratliff

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — On Friday, Governor Brad Little and the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare submitted a formal request to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for approval to restrict the purchase of junk food using Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, commonly known as food stamps.

The move comes after Gov. Little signed House Bill 109 into law in April. According to the USDA, approximately 20% of SNAP purchases overall are spent on sugary beverages and snacks.

According to the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (IDHW), HB 109 aims to encourage healthier eating choices by eliminating soft drinks and candy from the list of items that can be purchased with food stamps.

“My administration is committed to securing the necessary waiver as quickly as possible so we can improve lives and Idahoans’ overall health,” said Gov. Little while commenting on the formal request.

Similar legislation was introduced in at least ten states, including Utah, Missouri, Arkansas, and Indiana, during their legislative sessions.

The national push to limit junk food purchases on SNAP benefits has been highly encouraged by the federal government, especially through Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s “Make America Healthy Again” campaign. In March, Kennedy publicly stated he does not believe SNAP should pay for highly processed sugary food.

“I appreciate the support of USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., and the Idaho Legislature as we promote the MAHA movement in Idaho,” said Little.

Health and Welfare’s Division of Self-Reliance submitted the formal request Friday, May 16, 2025. Idaho is joined by less than a handful of states, including Arkansas and Indiana, that’ve submitted the waiver, a step that is required to implement the new law.

“Idaho supports the health and well-being of families who rely on SNAP,” said Self-Reliance Division Administrator John Bernasconi. “By aligning SNAP benefits with basic nutrition standards, we hope to reduce preventable chronic health conditions and encourage healthier habits across the state.”

HB 109, once amended by Idaho Senators, passed the Idaho Senate and House in a 25-10 and 48-20 vote, respectively. Critics of the bill argued that the legislation misses the mark in both health and combating the obesity epidemic.

“If we really wanted to address obesity, we would be providing more cash incentives for low-income folks so they could actually purchase foods that cost more, that are healthy,” said Sen. Melissa Wintrow, D-Boise, while debating the bill. “This is just one more way to control poor people, (and) show our disdain for their lack of good decision making.”

Once finalized, Idaho’s waiver request will ask the USDA to approve specific modifications to SNAP’s allowable food categories. If approved, SNAP benefits would no longer cover the purchase of soda, energy drinks, or candy. These changes reflect growing public health concerns over the role of added sugars and processed foods in contributing to conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

“This effort is not about limiting choice—it’s about encouraging better options for families and making sure public resources are supporting long-term health,” Bernasconi said.

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Sam Ross

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI)– The Friends of Edson Fichter Nature Area are hosting a citizen-science Bioblitz on Saturday, May 17.

During the Bioblitz, participants will catalogue the 40-acre Edson Fichter Nature Area’s plants, birds, and mammals using the iNaturalist smartphone app, which identifies species and records sightings in a worldwide database.

“The more information we have, the better able we’re able to detect conservation problems and the better able to manage them,” said Dr. Charles Peterson, member of the Friends of Edson Fichter Nature Area. “…So a lot of different ways that the data can be used, both for practical things and then just for basic scientific research, basic understanding of nature.”

The Bioblitz will have naturalist-led nature walks and resources for people to learn more about local science and conservation efforts.

The event will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Edson Fichter Nature Area on Saturday, May 17.

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Ariel Jensen

FREMONT COUNTY, Idaho – The Fremont County Coroner’s Office has identified the international tourists killed in the Island Park fiery crash. Next of kin have been notified. 

The following individuals have been identified as the crash victims:

Ivana Wen, age 28, of Milan, Italy

Jianping Li, age 71, of Guangxi, China

Li Nie, age 64, of Arcadia, California, USA

Aifeng Wan, age 53, of Arcadia, California, USA

Xiaoming Jiang, age 66, of Guilin, Guangxi Province, China

Yu Zhang, age 30, of Eastvale, California, USA (identified as the van’s driver)

Isaih Moreno, age 25, of Humble, Texas, USA (previously identified as the Dodge Ram driver)

“This tragic incident required thorough coordination and careful attention to detail,” said Fremont County Coroner Brenda Dye. “I’m grateful to the Ada County Coroner’s Office and Idaho State Police Forensic Services for their professionalism and support. Their collaboration was essential to ensuring accurate identification and proper documentation for the families of those lost.”

On Thursday evening, May 1, on eastbound U.S. Highway 20 near Henry’s Lake, reports of the head-on crash that went up in flames and left seven people dead swept the nation.

The collision involved a Dodge Ram pickup and a Mercedes passenger van. The van had 14 occupants and was reportedly transporting a tour group by Ctour Holiday.

Those killed in the crash included six occupants of the van and the driver of the pickup. 

Based on the evidence, the Idaho State Police determined the driver of the Dodge Ram crossed the center line and collided with the eastbound Mercedes van.

“While ISP responds to many collisions, this was especially traumatic due to the challenging scene and number of lives affected,” said Captain Chris Weadick, Idaho State Police District 6. “I commend Sgt. Higley and his team for their professionalism and dedication. This investigation required immense time and precision to gather the right information and respectfully serve the families.”

“We’re deeply grateful to the passersby who stopped to help and Sheriff Bart Quayle and his deputies from Fremont County who responded immediately. Their quick actions undoubtedly saved lives. This is what law enforcement looks like in Idaho—we work together when it matters most,” Weadick added. “We want to thank Fremont County EMS and Fire, many of whom are volunteers, for their quick deployment, arrival, and critical role in triaging and assisting the wounded. Their response made a significant difference in the immediate aftermath.”

“We also thank Coroner Brenda Dye for her leadership throughout this challenging case. Her immediate coordination with the DNA experts at Idaho State Police Forensic Services and the forensic pathologists and investigators at the Ada County Coroner’s Office allowed for a timely, thorough, coordinated, and comprehensive identification of the decedents.”

“Given the dynamic nature of the crash, the number of casualties, and the involvement of foreign nationals, this has been a highly complex investigation. We appreciate the public’s patience and understanding as we’ve worked to confirm facts and provide verified information.”

The reason the pickup crossed the center line is still under investigation. ISP reports that crash reconstruction is ongoing, and troopers are working to determine all factors contributing to the crash.

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Maggie Moore

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – On Friday, May 16, Dutch Bros is hosting its annual Drink One for Dane celebration to raise awareness for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).

ALS is a disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to the loss of muscle control.

An ALS diagnosis can change every aspect of a person’s life, from their ability to walk, talk, eat, and breathe.

Dutch Bros started their annual celebration in 2009 after co-founder Dane Boersma died from ALS. This year, Dutch Bros will donate $1 million to the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) for the event.

Customers can get a free Drink One for Dane sticker when they pick up a drink while supplies last. Those who want to donate can click here to learn more.

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Ariel Jensen

CUSTER COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) — Custer County Sheriff Levi Maydole has suspended the search for the remains of 47-year-old Patrick Shelton.

Katherine Rodgers, Custer County Sheriff’s Office PIO, tells Local News 8 that search and rescue did seven runs along the Salmon River yesterday, Thursday, May 15, but were unable to discover any further evidence.

Due to Alan Douglas Bruce’s gruesome confession of how he disposed of the 47-year-old Patrick Shelton’s body, makes the search efforts more difficult, according to Rodgers.

Specifics of what the search and rescue teams are looking for will not be shared with the public do to its graphic nature. 

The search will resume once the water level reduces and conditions are safe for divers. 

“They are dedicated to trying to find something to help the family find some closure,” said Rodgers.

While the search is currently suspended, the insertion is still ongoing. 

The news comes after murder suspect, 70-year-old Alan Bruce, confessed to shooting Shelton and dismembering his body, according to court documents.

Bruce told law enforcement he disposed of Shelton’s remains in the Salmon River. Investigators have been searching the river over the past few days, but had to stop due to high water runoff from the spring melt.

“The conditions are not safe for our responders to continue searching the Salmon River at this time,” wrote the Sheriff’s Office in a press release.

This is a developing story that Local News 8 will continue to update throughout the day.

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Seth Ratliff

YELLOWSTONE, Wyo (KIFI) — An aspiring online rapper from California could be heading for hot water after posting a video of himself ignoring federal law and walking to the edge of a thermal pool in Yellowstone National Park.

The rapper, who goes by the name Doeboi909, posted the video on YouTube earlier this month. While the rapper identified the location as Mammoth Hot Springs, a commenter suggested it was more likely Beryl Spring, situated along the Grand Loop Road.

At one point in the video, the aspiring rapper acknowledged the water was “over a thousand degrees.”

A torrent of online commenters attempted to inform the San Bernardino rapper that the water from Yellowstone’s thermal fissures is not just incredibly hot, but also that walking away from the boardwalk is illegal.

One commenter wrote, “It’s truly astonishing how someone can be this oblivious. Just when you think you’ve witnessed the lowest point, someone always manages to raise the bar with an incredibly foolish action.”

Others commented, “I hope the NPS prosecutes you,” and “Darwin award -in-training.”

In a statement to the SFGATE, which alerted park officials to the video, a spokesman wrote that the video has been forwarded to law enforcement, who “will determine what action can be taken.”

Local News 8 has contacted the park for comments regarding the investigation and whether the man will face charges. As of this publication, we have not yet received a response.

In the past, violators have faced serious fines or even jail time for leaving the boardwalk. In 2024, actor Pierce Brosnan was hit with multiple fines after uploading pictures to his Instagram page of himself standing on a Yellowstone National Park thermal feature in the same area as Doeboi909’s video.

According to the National Parks Service (NPS), more than 20 people have died from burns suffered after they entered or fell into one of Yellowstone’s hot springs since the park was established in 1872. “Boardwalks and trails protect you and delicate thermal formations,” wrote the NPS on the Yellowstone safety page. “Water in hot springs can cause severe or fatal burns, and scalding water underlies most of the thin, breakable crust around hot springs.”

The rapper has not responded to requests for comment from Local News 8 or news outlets in his region.

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Seth Ratliff

The following is a press release from the Idaho Transportation Department:

REXBURG, Idaho (KIFI) — The Idaho Transportation Department, in partnership with Union Pacific Railroad, will close highways near several railroad crossings in May.

State Highway 33 from Rexburg to Sage Junction will close Monday through part of Tuesday as needed (May 19-May 20) as Union Pacific Railroad replaces crossings along this route. Motorists can take State Highway 48 to Roberts and Interstate 15 to Sage Junction as an alternative.

SH-48 through the town of Roberts will close through the weekend of May 31-June 3 as three parallel railroad crossings and paving are conducted there as well. I-15 can be accessed at the Osgood Interchange south of Roberts as an alternative.

Digital message boards will be in place along both routes prior to these closures to give motorists advance warning time for making alternative travel plans. Updates regarding these closures will be posted on the Idaho 511 app and at 511.idaho.gov.

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Phillip Willis

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — The Idaho Falls Library has a new hands-on technology experience for children. Coding for Kids teaches youth how to build a program from the bare bones.

They use block-based coding, so instead of typing out the code, functions come prepackaged and are easier to use.

“I like making it from this coding program called scratch,” said Joseph, a participant. “You use blocks and then you drag it.”

The 6-week series of classes are on Tuesdays through Saturdays from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Children can start from scratch and level up until they can make all sorts of fun games.

Caden is the ‘Coding for Kids’ teacher. While he says instructing and keeping track of all the coding components is difficult, it is also rewarding.

“Just seeing the kids excited when they are playing the game that they’ve made, it’s pretty rewarding seeing that and enjoying it,” he said.

Sessions are limited to 10 students, from ages 8 – 12. Classes are free, but attendees must have an active library card. If you want to practice your skills at home, websites like Scratch and Microsoft’s MakeCode are used in the class, and have online tutorials to follow.

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Phillip Willis

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Gang-related graffiti has been appearing across the city. Law enforcement look for leads while the participating gangs are playing a game of one-upmanship, a game where the local community foots the bill.

Some gangs have been tagging local small businesses and residences. The drive to tag something comes from the desire to be seen, to leave a mark on the world. That’s according to Bryan Lovell with the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office. The scrawl appears in the numbered and lettered streets, in alleys and out for all to see.

Due to city ordinances, property owners are required to quickly remove or cover up the tags. This can take time and cost money. Law Enforcement reaches out to those who are victims to set up a time table of getting graffiti down fast.

“We follow what’s called the broken window theory,” says Jessica Clements, spokesperson for the Idaho Falls Police. “That basically says that if there’s a broken window in an area or graffiti or other type of vandalism, it makes the area look rundown and it leads people to additional graffiti, vandalism, and people not taking care of the area which leads to areas becoming more unsafe.”

Types of graffiti

Law enforcement tends to separate graffiti-related vandalism into two different groups. The first is graffiti creation done by and motivated by a single person. A recent example of this came to a close in March, when Richard Steacy was arrested for tagging the word “slendo” all over Bonneville County.

As for the second group, it’s thought if as graffiti made by and motivated by gangs. The drive is similar to that of the first group, to have the gang be seen. But when a given gang is seen, it’s validated, and this causes many secondary effects.

What some tags mean

One reason a gang might tag a building is to claim an area, like a no trespassing sign to rivals. It lets people in a city, including other gangs, know that a gang is here, and to make space for them. Another reason can be to raise awareness of the gang to recruit members, with specifically placed tags to get the attention of a targeted demographic.

Another reason a gang may tag a location is if another gang has already put a tag up. If a tag is crossed out, it can be a sign of disrespect, an explicit threat from one gang to another. It can indicate rising tensions and that violence is coming soon.

One gang’s tag on top of another gang’s tag can have a similar meaning, but claims ownership. There can be layers upon layers of tags upon tags, each layer a different threat.

Reporting tagging to the police is important and can potentially help those who get tagged. If caught, a person who tagged property could need to pay restitutions to offset the cost of fixing the graffiti.

Crime Stoppers has agreed to offer a $500 cash reward for any tips that lead to a successful graffiti related arrest. People can come forward anonymously and still receive the reward.

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