Category: kifi-local-news

CNN

Originally Published: 23 MAY 26 18:15 ET

Updated: 23 MAY 26 20:25 ET

By Alejandra Jaramillo, Evan Perez, Julia Benbrook, CNN

(CNN) — Secret Service officers shot and killed a person who the agency said approached a security checkpoint Saturday near the White House and fired at them.

Shortly before 6 p.m. ET, an individual approached a checkpoint just outside the White House complex and began firing at officers, a Secret Service spokesperson said, citing a preliminary investigation.

Secret Service officers returned fire and hit the suspect, who later died at an area hospital, the spokesperson said.

“During the shooting, a bystander was also struck by gunfire. It remains unclear whether the bystander was struck by the suspect’s initial gunfire or during the subsequent exchange of gunfire,” the spokesperson added.

Secret Service personnel were not injured, and President Donald Trump was in the residence and unaffected, the spokerson said. He’s been briefed on the incident by the Secret Service, a White House official said.

The bystander is in critical condition, according to a law enforcement official.

CNN reporters heard what appeared to be dozens of gunshots near the White House shortly after 6 p.m. ET, triggering a roughly 40-minute lockdown for the press on the grounds and a rapid response from the Secret Service.

The sounds of gunfire broke out nearly an hour after a press lid had been called at 5:06 p.m. — a signal that reporters were not expecting to see Trump again for the remainder of the day. By that point, many journalists and White House press staff had already departed the complex.

Members of the press corps on the North Lawn were rushed into the White House briefing room, where they were told to shelter in place as Secret Service agents shouted “get down” and warned of “shots fired.” CNN counted roughly two dozen journalists sheltering inside the briefing room during the lockdown, including photographers, producers, photojournalists and correspondents.

Secret Service agents carrying rifles could be seen moving through the North Lawn area following the incident and blocking the White House press briefing room. The lockdown was lifted just after 6:45 p.m. ET.

The incident unfolded after several top administration officials, including White House chief of staff Susie Wiles, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Vice President JD Vance, were captured by CNN cameras leaving the White House grounds.

Trump remained in Washington this weekend after canceling a planned trip to his golf club in New Jersey.

CNN has reached out to the White House, DC Metropolitan Police, and the DC Fire and EMS Department for comment.

FBI Director Kash Patel said on X that the agency “is on the scene and supporting Secret Service responding to shots fired near White House grounds – we will update the public as we’re able.”

Selina Wang, ABC News’ chief White House correspondent, posted a video on X showing the moment the apparent shots rang out and she ducked for cover.

“I was in the middle of taping on my iPhone for a social video from the White House North Lawn when we heard the shots. It sounded like dozens of gunshots. We were told to sprint to the press briefing room where we are holding now,” she posted.

The incident comes less than a month after the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, where reporters and Trump administration officials ducked for cover as shots rang out.

The suspect in that shooting, Cole Tomas Allen, sprinted through a security checkpoint with a shotgun in hand, exchanging fire with Secret Service agents who chased behind him, according to security footage. He has pleaded not guilty to attempting to assassinate Trump and to other charges.

This story and headline have been updated with additional developments.

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

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Par Kermani

BLACKFOOT, Idaho (KIFI) — Memorial Day weekend traffic is already causing major slowdowns and dangerous driving conditions across East Idaho as thousands of travelers head out for the holiday weekend.

Multiple Accidents Stall Traffic Along I-15 Northbound

RVs, trailers, and campers packed Interstate 15 on Thursday as drivers made their way toward campgrounds, mountains, and holiday destinations across the region.

According to the Idaho State Police, the trailer of a semitruck overturned along Interstate 15 around 1:11 p.m. Thursday.

There was another crash involving two vehicles near the I-15 Blackfoot rest area. The two vehicles came to a stop in the median, backing up traffic for miles and causing major delays through the area.

Troopers are reminding drivers to slow down, stay alert, and prepare for increased congestion throughout the holiday weekend.

AAA: High Pump Prices Don’t Deter Travelers

The busy travel weekend is also expected to come with higher costs at the pump.

Gas prices in Idaho are hovering around $4.70 per gallon heading into Memorial Day weekend. Despite the higher fuel prices, AAA says travel demand remains strong, with nearly 268,000 Idahoans expected to travel during the holiday weekend.

Fortunately, AAA Idaho spokesman Matthew Conde says gas prices in the Gem State won’t hit your wallet nearly as much as in other destinations.

“We’re not in the top ten for the most expensive. California is sitting at $6.15 a gallon today,” says Conde. “So good news, bad news. But the interesting thing, I think we did some research and we found that hotel prices, car rental prices this time around, are actually a little cheaper than they were last year. And so you have to keep in mind that a lot of folks were making those purchases, making those reservations well before all this conflict happened. And so, right now, we would say that the Memorial Day trips are pretty much locked in.”

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Hadley Bodell

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – The Bannock County PRCA Rodeo is finally back in Pocatello, bringing intense competition, clown comedy, and stellar trick riding cowgirls to the community.

“It’s the best show on dirt. Rodeo is the number one sport in America,” stated Dustin Jenkins, rodeo clown for PRCA. “It’s the reason why sporting events go on today.”

The show is partnered with Big Bucks Rodeo to bring nationally ranked and competitive cowboys to perform and compete in many events. Attendees can look forward to 15 bull riders each night, bronco riding, trick riding, team roping and an Indian relay race.

“There’s some NFR stock here, some NFR guys too,” said Lelo Garcia, PRCA bullfighter. NFR means national finals rodeo, meaning cowboys from there compete at the highest level and showcase their top-notch talent. “It’s going to be epic, especially in the bullriding with 15 bull riders each night.”

Something special about the shows is the award given to one lucky fan by Jenkins as the rodeo clown. The “Fan of the Night” Big Bucks Buckle is awarded to the loudest fan in the crowd.

“Each night gets a buckle and I’ll give it away, they can take this thing home, it’s gorgeous,” Jenkins said. “So that’s the fun thing about the performance is getting to give stuff away.”

Jenkins added no matter where he is, the crowd is his favorite part of every show. He not only saves lives by distracting the bulls once they’ve tossed off the rider, but provides entertainment throughout dead spots in the show.

“It’s me and him [the announcer] all night long, we try to put on a performance to make sure everybody’s happy that’s here,” Jenkins said.

The rodeo world isn’t for the faint of heart, but these two have been at it for years, and wouldn’t have it any other way.

“I’ve always liked mean cattle,” Garcia said. “Since I was a little kid, it didn’t make sense to me that everybody sells them and gets rid of them, I love them. There’s some mean ones that will be out at the shows.”

For tickets and showtimes for this weekend’s shows, visit https://www.bannockcountyprcarodeo.com/.

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Seth Ratliff

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — The Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25 Board of Trustees is actively seeking applications to fill an upcoming vacancy following the resignation of long-time board member Jim Facer.

On Thursday, May 21, the board accepted Facer’s resignation, which will take effect on June 8, 2026. Facer served two separate tenures on the board—first from 2012 to 2015, and again from 2020 to the present—culminating in more than nine years of combined service.

According to District 25, Facer has been a staunch advocate for public education. During his tenure, he guided the district through major initiatives, including the development of the Pocatello Valley Technical Education Center (PV-TEC), and was widely recognized for his thoughtful leadership and unwavering commitment to students.

“Jim has served this district with integrity, consistency, and genuine care for learners and families,” said Board Chair Raymond Knoff. “His leadership and dedication to public education have made a lasting impact on our district and community.”

Timeline for Filling the Vacancy

Following the acceptance of Facer’s resignation, the Board adopted a resolution declaring a vacancy for the Zone #3 trustee seat. Under Idaho code, the Board has up to 90 days to appoint a qualified replacement to serve out the remainder of Facer’s term.

The Board has established a preliminary timeline to review applications, conduct interviews, and swear in the new trustee.

Residents of Zone #3 have until Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. to submit their resumes and letters of interest. Following a review of residency and qualifications, the Board will host candidate interviews on June 25 and Monday, June 29, in the East Fork / West Fork Board Rooms. If a candidate is selected at the completion of this process, they will be sworn in and administered the Oath of Office at the regular board meeting on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at 5:30 p.m.

To be eligible for the role, applicants must permanently reside within the boundaries of Trustee Zone #3. Prospective candidates are highly encouraged to review the district’s interactive zone boundary map online HERE.

For more information or to submit an application, click HERE.

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Hadley Bodell

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – Starting on Friday, May 22 at 10 a.m., the Century High School soccer fields are no longer for sports, but are a reverent sanctuary and monument for fallen military members and veterans through this Memorial Day weekend. The field was dedicated by community officials and Pastor Doug Smith with American Legion, Post 4 present to post the colors.

The Dedication Ceremony is just the beginning of activities this weekend at the Field of Heroes. It’s not only a place to remember fallen veterans and walk through the 7,086 individual markers, but a place to celebrate hard-fought freedom and liberty.

“It ceases to be a sports field and it becomes a sanctuary, a memory, a landscape of gratitude and a living monument of the ultimate sacrifice,” said Pastor Doug Smith in the dedication address. This year’s program included musical performances by Hiedi Young and the reading of the Joint Federal Delegation Letter by Regional Director for Senator Mike Crapo, Farbana Hibbert.

“They put themselves between us and danger, and threats to our precious republic,” Hibbert read in regards to the fallen soldiers. “They chose bravery and patriotism over their own safety.”

Several veterans were present, including founder of the Field of Heroes, John Rogers. He was honored during the ceremony by Bannock County Commissioner Ernie Moser.

“We are pledged to never forget the bravery of those who fought for the freedoms of the United States of America,” Moser said. “And to remember the families whose lives were forever changed.”

Military families and Gold Star Families were also recognized at the ceremony. Moser officially declared the Field of Heroes 2026 open to the public. Family and community members decorated markers of loved ones, especially those with larger crosses in the Idaho losses section of the field.

A local pushes a veteran through the Idaho Fallen monument at the Field of Heroes.

Schedule of Activities

Friday, May 22

10 a.m. Dedication Ceremony

6 p.m. Youth Ceremony

Saturday, May 23

9 a.m. Run to Remember

12-2 p.m. Children’s Activities

2 p.m. USO Show

3:30 p.m. Stasia Acrobats

Sunday, May 24

5 p.m. Concert – Shawn Barnby

8 p.m. Candlelight Vigil

Monday, May 25th

5:15 p.m. POW*MIA Thunder Run Tribute

5:30 p.m. Closing Ceremony

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Par Kermani

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — The Pocatello Police Department is honoring Captain Chad Higbee as he steps into his retirement after 32 years of service with the department.

Thursday, City leadership, family, and law enforcement came together to celebrate Higbee’s years of service.

Photo Credit: Kyle Riley via Pocatello Police Department

According to PPD, Captain Higbee began his career with the department in 1994 and served as an instructor in multiple specialties throughout his career. Police say he also became a key member of Idaho’s Drug Recognition Expert, or DRE, program.

“Thank you for your years of service, leadership, and commitment to our department and community,” the Pocatello Police shared on Facebook. “We wish you all the best in your future adventures—congratulations on your retirement!”

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Par Kermani

INKOM, Idaho (KIFI) — The Idaho Transportation Department will temporarily close the Interstate 15 West Inkom interchange beginning May 26 as construction crews continue work on a major bridge replacement project in the area.

According to ITD, Exit 58 at West Inkom will close for about three weeks while contractors perform extensive work at the interchange.

The project includes lowering the roadway beneath the I-15 bridges, installing new drainage structures, rebuilding the off-ramp and constructing a new extended on-ramp designed to meet modern safety standards.

During the closure, drivers will be detoured to Exit 63 at Portneuf Area and directed along Old Highway 91 to access I-15. The detour is expected to remain in place through mid-June.

Transportation officials are urging drivers to slow down, watch for crews and use caution while traveling through the work zone.

The construction is part of a multi-year project to replace the I-15 bridges over Main Street, Rapid Creek Road and the Union Pacific Railroad.

Last year, crews replaced the three southbound bridges. This construction season, work is focused on the northbound bridges, with the overall project expected to be completed in late October 2026.

More information and construction updates are available through the Idaho Transportation Department at ITD Inkom Corridor Project Page. Current road conditions are also available at 511 Idaho.

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Par Kermani

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — A federal jury in Pocatello has convicted a man whose true identity remains unknown after prosecutors say he spent more than two decades using the identity of a deceased teenager to fraudulently obtain nearly $300,000 in government benefits.

Following a three-day trial, the jury found the man guilty of wire fraud, theft of government funds, aggravated identity theft, and related charges. U.S. District Judge David C. Nye presided over the trial, which concluded May 21.

According to court records and evidence presented during the trial, Carlos Ramon Obregon was born in Los Angeles in 1963 and died in 1977 at the age of 14 after being shot in a drive-by shooting.

Prosecutors say the defendant applied for a replacement Social Security card in 2000 using Obregon’s Social Security number, birth date, and parents’ names, more than 20 years after the boy’s death.

During the trial, Obregon’s mother testified that her son died in 1977 and told jurors the defendant was not her son and that she did not know him.

The unknown man also obtained a U.S passport under the deceased’s name and an Idaho state identification card, most recently a star card using Obregon’s birth certificate as proof of identity that was submitted to the Idaho Transportation Department.

Federal prosecutors say the defendant used Obregon’s identity for more than two decades to fraudulently apply for, and receive, $177,000 in Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, $91,000 in Medicaid benefits, $12,000 in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, and $3,200 in Economic Impact Payments during the COVID-19 pandemic to stimulate the economy.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the man’s true identity is still unknown.

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CNN Newsource

By Brad Lendon, CNN

(CNN) — The crash of two US Navy jets at an Idaho air show last weekend is raising questions about why the Pentagon risks multimillion-dollar warplanes – and their crews – for entertainment.

“Those calls are almost always part of the noise surrounding an accident,” said John Venable, a senior resident fellow at the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies and a former US Air Force fighter pilot.

Sunday’s accident during the Gunfighter Skies Air Show at Mountain Home Air Force Base involved two Navy EA-18 Growlers, an electronic warfare aircraft based on the F/A-18 fighter jet platform.

The jets were assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron 129 from Whidbey Island, Washington, and crewed by members of the Growler Airshow Team, according to a Navy statement.

After the two jets collided mid-air, the four air crew ejected successfully, with only one requiring hospital treatment for non-life threatening injuries, the statement said.

Growlers cost around $68 million apiece, according to a 2021 Navy fact sheet, but replacement costs would be much higher. Production of the EA-18 jets has ended, although Boeing still has F/A-18s under construction.

Operating costs for jets in the F/A-18 family run about $20,000 an hour, according to a 2022 Boeing press release.

So why burn through that amount of money while risking multimillion-dollar hardware and the lives of skilled crew simply to delight the crowds?

Feats of daring

The Growler Airshow Team is just a small part of the US military’s lineup of demonstration teams, who perform daring maneuvers at air shows year-round.

The most well-known are the Navy’s Blue Angels and the Air Force’s Thunderbirds, which have headlined dozens of events each year for decades flying with their distinctive liveries.

Annual budgets for each team are not publicly disclosed, and the Pentagon did not provide figures after several CNN requests.

But, according to a 2012 cost-benefit analysis by three Navy officers attending the service’s post-graduate school in California, the Blue Angels budget was about $98.6 million. That amount covered personnel, travel expenses, aircraft and equipment maintenance, operations and support costs.

Congress in 2024 required the Pentagon to perform a new cost-benefit study, but to date the military has not released any public figures.

The 2012 paper found an extremely lopsided cost-benefit balance from the Navy’s Blue Angels team.

For more than $98 million spent on the Blue Angels in a year, the Navy came away with less than $1 million in recruiting benefits, a negative 99% return on investment, the officers concluded.

If “goodwill” – things like the economic benefit of air show spending to nearby communities – the cost-benefit ratio narrows considerably, but still yielded a negative 41% return on investment, the study found.

“The costs outweigh the benefits,” the study said.

The tens of millions spent by the Blue Angels and the Thunderbirds are only part of the Pentagon’s community outreach though.

Venable said the two teams combined can only do around 70 of the 325 to 350 air shows put on in North America every year.

That’s where demonstration units like the Growler team come in.

“Both the Air Force and the Navy really value smaller venues that can’t get a major jet team, which is why teams like the EA-18G Growler Demonstration Team exist,” Venable said.

“The services have created small demonstration teams that, when requested, can serve those communities” that otherwise wouldn’t get to see military flying, he added.

Though the Thunderbirds were on the program for the Mountain Home show, the military will sometimes add smaller demonstration teams like Growlers, if the schedule allows, Venable said.

Uniting communities

No matter if it’s the full-time demonstration teams or smaller teams like the Growlers, air show flying involves risk. The aircraft fly close together – formation flying – and close to the ground while traveling at hundreds of miles an hour.

Deadly accidents have occurred, including the infamous 1982 “Diamond Crash” in Arizona, when four Thunderbirds pilots were killed during a practice flight while rehearsing for their upcoming show season.

In 1994, a B-52 bomber crashed during a practice flight for an air show in Washington state. An investigation concluded the pilot tried unsafe maneuvers not suitable for an eight-engine bomber.

More recently an Air Force major was killed during a practice session in 2018, and in 2016, a Blue Angels pilot was killed in a crash before a show in Tennessee.

Despite the dangers and the numbers shown in the 2012 study, Venable said the military sees the demonstrations as worth the risk.

“Most (people) can’t see or heavily discount the public affairs and recruiting benefits, but both are sizable,” Venable said.

Air shows can draw tens or even hundreds of thousands of spectators on a weekend. That can provide “connective tissue” between the community and the services, and an appreciation of the work military members do, he said.

“The real purpose of a military air show is to give people a sense of the precision and professionalism of the military to people who wouldn’t otherwise have an opportunity to see it and, in a special few, spark the urge to serve,” Venable said.

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

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Seth Ratliff

REXBURG, Idaho (KIFI) — A 23-year-old Rexburg man, William S. Messer, has been charged with two felony counts of distribution of child sexually exploitative material (child pornography) following an mutli-month Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) investigation.

The investigation began on Feb. 11 after the Rexburg Police Department received a CyberTip from the Idaho Attorney General’s Office ICAC Task Force.

On Wednesday, May 20, detectives executed a search warrant at Messer’s apartment near 5th West and University Blvd. Following a search of the residence and subsequent follow-up investigation, Rexburg police took Messer into custody.

Messer was arraigned in Madison County Court on May 21st. If convicted on the felony charges, Messer faces a maximum of 30 years in state prison and a possible fine of up to $50,000.

The operation involved a massive multi-agency effort. Rexburg police were assisted by the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, Idaho Falls Police Department, Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office, the Idaho ICAC Task Force, the Rocky Mountain Information Network (RMIN), the Madison County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, and the Idaho Attorney General’s Office.

In a news release, Rexburg PD highlighted the inter-agency partnership that led to the arrest.

“Cases involving the exploitation of children are taken extremely seriously, and this investigation highlights the strong partnership between local, state, and regional agencies working together to protect vulnerable individuals.”

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