Category: kifi-local-news

Linda Larsen

BLACKFOOT, Idaho (KIFI) — The celebration for America’s 250th birthday is hitting a high note this weekend. On Saturday, May 2, at 2 p.m., the Blackfoot Performing Arts Center will play host to “We Are America,” a free patriotic showcase presented by the Tavaci School of Performing Arts.

Under the direction of Cindy Bowen, 75 local voices—ranging from energetic toddlers to polished teens — are bringing the vocal fireworks to the Blackfoot Performing Arts Center for a free patriotic celebration you won’t want to miss.

In the spirit of community and patriotism, Bowen and her team are making this a truly inclusive event.

The audience is enthusiastically invited to join the “Sea of Patriotism” by wearing their favorite red, white, and blue attire.

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Danielle Mullenix

Idaho Falls, ID (KIFI) – May 1st is National Heatstroke Prevention Day, dedicated to raising awareness of a danger that can be deadly in just a few minutes. As warmer weather approaches our region, Kids and Car Safety has provided Local News 8 with the latest tips and safety reminders that could save the lives of your loved ones.

In Idaho, the earliest recorded month for a hot car death has been reported as May, indicating that residents need to be aware of the danger sooner than expected. Since 1990, over 1,100 children across the United States have tragically lost their lives after being left behind in hot vehicles.

Many parents and caregivers are operating under misconceptions, often believing that a heat-related tragedy involving their child is something that could never happen to them. Alarmingly, in more than half of hot car fatalities, the individual responsible for the child unintentionally leaves them in the car. This situation commonly affects devoted, loving parents. It’s a scenario that has impacted individuals from all walks of life—teachers, dentists, social workers, police officers, nurses, clergy, soldiers, and even rocket scientists. It’s a risk that can touch anyone.

For nearly 30 years, Kids and Car Safety has worked to educate families and push for policy changes. But the group says the problem remains far from solved.

“After almost three decades of public education, children are still dying at alarming and devastating rates,” said Janette Fennell, the organization’s founder and president.

Groups like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Safe Kids Worldwide are joining the push for in-vehicle technology that can detect when a child is left behind and alert the driver. Modern cars already include reminders for seat belts, headlights, and fuel levels. Advocates argue similar systems should be standard for child safety.

“Technology can, and must, be an essential part of the solution,” Fennell said.

Simple Habits Can Save Lives

Until systems of progress become widespread, experts at Kids and Car Safety urge families to adopt simple, consistent routines.

One widely recommended strategy is the “Look Before You Lock” method—checking the back seat every time you exit your vehicle.

Another tip: place a stuffed animal in the child’s car seat, then move it to the front seat while the child is riding. The visual cue can serve as a powerful reminder.

Parents and caregivers are also encouraged to:

Place essential items like a phone or purse in the back seat

Ask childcare providers to call if a child doesn’t arrive as expected

They also stress that anyone who sees a child alone in a vehicle should act immediately: Call 911. That quick decision, experts say, could be the difference between life and death.

As Idaho heats up for the spring and summer, safety leaders hope National Heatstroke Prevention Day serves as more than a reminder—but as a turning point toward ending these preventable tragedies.

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Bailee Shaw

PROVO, Utah (KIFI) — Prosecutors in the case of the man accused of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk are pushing back against a defense motion to hold them in contempt of court over recent comments to the media.

Tyler Robinson faces charges of aggravated murder and multiple felony counts following the fatal shooting of Kirk at Utah Valley University.

In April, attorneys for Robinson filed a motion claiming Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray and his staff violated a standing gag order. The defense argues that the prosecution made improper comments to the media, pointing to coverage of a ballistics test that came back inconclusive.

In their motion, the defense argued that the Utah County Attorney’s Office is overstepping by publicly offering its opinion of Robinson’s guilt before a jury can deliberate, according to reports by ABC 4 in Utah.

“Declaring that the state has ‘ample evidence to demonstrate beyond a reasonable doubt that Tyler Robinson committed this murder’ is the functional equivalent of stating that Mr. Robinson is ‘guilty.'” stated the defense in its motion.

The prosecution has formally requested that the court dismiss the contempt motion, maintaining that they did nothing wrong. According to their filing, the public statements were not an attempt to bias a jury, but a necessary move to correct what they termed “misleading” claims made by the defense.

Prosecutors argue that the defense omitted a crucial detail regarding the ballistics report.

“Defendant’s statement contained a material omission: that the ATF was unable to identify or exclude the bullet as having been fired from the rifle. As a result, Defendant’s statement was misleading,” the prosecution stated in its motion.

Prosecutors say they were just answering media questions and that state rules allow them to answer media questions to clarify public misconceptions about a case. The UCAO further argued that they were only asserting that they believe they have enough evidence to carry the meet the burden of proof at trial.

“A general statement that the prosecution believes that it has the evidence necessary to carry its burden at trial tells the public nothing more than what the prosecution’s decision to file and continue to pursue this case necessarily communicates—that the prosecution believes it can prove its case,” the prosecution’s motion states.

Judge Tony Graf has not yet ruled on whether the prosecution’s comments constitute a violation of the gag order or if the contempt motion will be dismissed.

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News Team

RIGBY, Idaho (KIFI) — The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office has released an update in the ongoing search for missing teenagers Rachelle and Allen Fischer, nearly a year after their initial disappearance.

Investigators announced via social media that the teens’ older sister, Elintra Dee Fischer, obtained a driver’s license in the state of Utah. Elintra had been listed as a missing person since 2023, after disappearing from the same home as her younger siblings.

As a result of this discovery, investigators have officially removed Elintra from the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database of missing persons.

“Our office is still interested in speaking with Elintra,” the department stated in the post.

Rachelle and Allen Fischer were first reported missing in June 2025. Shortly after their disappearance, an Amber Alert was issued, suggesting the teens might be traveling toward a Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS) community in Mendon, Utah. Their mother, Elizabeth Roundy, previously voiced concerns that Elintra may have been involved in their disappearance.

While Elintra is no longer considered “missing,” the investigation into the younger children’s whereabouts is ongoing.

Anyone with information regarding their disappearance should contact Detective Vernon with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office at 208-745-9210.

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CNN Newsource

Originally Published: 30 APR 26 14:56 ET

By Mike Anderson, KSL

Click here for updates on this story

    LOGAN, Utah (KSL) — Increases in temperatures around so-called urban heat domes, or heat islands, could apply to a massive data center that is proposed for the northwestern side of Box Elder County.

Project Stratos, headed by “Shark Tank” star Kevin O’Leary’s company, would span some 40,000 acres and produce up to 9 gigawatts of power at full scale, all to help serve artificial intelligence to the military and cloud-computing needs.

Wei Zhang is a professor of climate science at Utah State University and is part of a national panel studying extreme heat and developing models of rising temperatures, particularly in urban areas. He said the proposed city-sized data center could have effects similar to what they see in those areas.

“If that heat is strong enough, that can modulate the local circulations,” Zhang said. “(It) might create its own local circulation to cause something called urban heat island effect, or in urban climate field, what we call urban dome. So those heat by itself can cause some local circulation.”

Ultimately, those heat increases by 3 to 4 degrees could be enough to cause changes to the wind in the area, potentially impacting area storm systems. Zhang adds however, that the exact impact is unclear, and requires more study. He says the temperature changes could also be blown to other areas.

“It will affect the local climate, but I don’t know how how far that can be aggregated to a larger area,” Zhang explained. “That will need more evaluation.”

But he says it is enough of an impact to be concerned. In the meantime, Robert Davies, a professor of physics at USU, added that an even greater concern than the heat created, is the potential for a massive carbon footprint.

“Generating 9 gigawatts of power from natural gas will raise Utah’s current total greenhouse gas production by about 50%,” Davies said.

Patrick Belmont, a professor in watershed sciences added, “Every car, truck, bus, motorcycle, all of those emissions combined (in Utah). This plant will be putting out more than that.”

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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Bailee Shaw

HEYBURN, Idaho (KIFI) — A semi-truck and tanker trailer fire has caused a temporary shutdown and lane restrictions on Interstate 84 early Thursday morning near Heyburn, according to Idaho State Police.

Troopers say the crash happened around 1:50 a.m. on May 1, 2026, near milepost 217 on eastbound I-84.

Investigators say a 2025 International semi-truck driven by a 37-year-old man from El Paso, Texas, was traveling eastbound when it left the roadway, hitting a guardrail and a concrete barrier. The truck then crossed both lanes of the interstate and struck the north side of an overpass wall near N 950 E, where it caught fire.

The semi was pulling an empty 2008 Brenner tanker trailer at the time.

Both the driver and a 37-year-old passenger, who was in the sleeper cab, were able to get out safely. No injuries were reported.

Multiple fire departments from the area responded and were able to put out the flames without further incident.

As a precaution, both directions of I-84 were initially closed while crews assessed the scene. Officials later confirmed the tanker was empty and did not pose any additional hazard.

Westbound lanes have since reopened, along with the right lane of eastbound I-84. The left lane remains closed as crews work to remove the damaged semi and trailer. Drivers are being asked to check 511.idaho.gov for the latest updates.

Idaho State Police were assisted by the Declo Fire Department, East End Fire Department, North Cassia Fire Department, Cassia Medics, Declo QRU, Idaho Transportation Department, Cassia County Sheriff’s Office, Heyburn Police Department, and Minidoka County Sheriff’s Office.

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David Pace

Editor’s Note: The second candidate in the video was unintentionally misidentified. He is Chad Christensen – Legislative District 35 Seat A Candidate.

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – Six candidates squared off during a second round of Legislative debates Thursday, organized with the Greater Idaho Falls Chamber.

With less than three weeks until the May 19 primary elections, three races in District 33 and 35 are drawing significant attention. 

Candidates Mike Veile and Chad Christensen, Jilene Burger and Marco Erickson, and Barbara Ehardt and Connor Cook took the debate stage on Thursday.

The election for Legislative District 35 Seat A features incumbent Mike Veile facing two-time legislator Chad Christensen. District 35 covers Bear Lake, Teton, Caribou and portions of Bannock and Bonneville counties.

Mike Veile: “My highest priority is education. Education is our future. I am very interested in moving education to that next step – taking our public education, innovating it, figuring out how we can solve some of our challenges around special needs and behavioral issues. We live in Idaho for our public lands. Our public lands need to remain public. … Lastly, local control. I want to make sure that we’re not pushing unfunded mandates down to our cities and our counties and our school districts and our sheriffs.”

Chad Christensen:  “I served two terms in the House, and I enjoyed that thoroughly. I told my constituents when I ran for office that I would stand on the Constitution, freedom, limited  government, free market. And I went to Boise and did just that. I did what I said I was going to do. I have integrity. I didn’t campaign over here as a conservative and go to Boise and do the opposite like so many do. When I was in Boise, you know, I was very outspoken against COVID mandates, you know, I stood up for that, stood up for God-given rights.”

In the race for District 33 B in Idaho Falls, challenger Jilene Burger drew contrasts with incumbent Marco Erickson on issues such as Medicaid Expansion.Marco Erickson: “I’ve done nothing but protect your ability to have your health care needs met through Medicaid, through Medicaid expansion. That’s what our voters in Idaho Falls asked for, and that’s why I was sent there. And I did that. I protected it year after year. I think people probably have no idea how many hours we have spent having conversations and having to have compromises to keep that stable.”

Jilene Burger: “About the Medicaid expansion, I believe that as the ‘voice of the taxpayer,’ we need to cut spending in the Legislature. Fred Birnbaum has said that there’s not a revenue problem, there’s a spending problem. Since I know that the budget has increased 60 percent over the last six years, and it’s increasing every session. That’s unsustainable, we cannot keep that kind of spending.”

In a closely-watched race, incumbent Barbara Ehardt and Idaho Falls Firefighter Connor Cook presented competing visions to voters in the race for District 33 Seat A. 

Connor Cook: “We’re at a crossroads, as a state, and a true battle is being unfolded in front of us – a battle for the heart and soul of our state versus authoritarianism, the battle for true freedom or a ruse of freedom fed to you by freedom scores – Freedom Foundations that are stripping away our autonomy Legislative year after Legislative year. I want an Idaho where my stepson’s education is free of mandatory minutes of silence that we can’t even articulate why it was enacted. I want him to have educators that feel empowered to challenge him to learn and grow.”

Barbara Ehardt: “I’ve been a families first person. A lot of legislation I’ve done has been to protect our families and that means a lot of parental rights. … Protecting girls and women in sports was just heard at the Supreme Court – absolutely amazing. Centering and voting on things to absolutely reduce your property taxes – and not just property, all of your taxes. And then finally, let’s just say, I absolutely support our energy, the INL, hydropower and all things water.”

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Dylan Carder

RIGBY, Idaho (KIFI) – Jefferson County Lake is starting to fill up. While other recreational bodies of water in east Idaho are struggling to get filled this year, Jefferson County Lake is not slowing down this year.

“I’d say we’re pretty much on pace.” Jefferson County Parks and Recreation Director Martin Jones says the current water rights issues and drought situation will not impact the water level at Jefferson County Lake.

“It should be at about full capacity. I’d say hopefully by about early to mid-June.” 

Jones says there is a misconception that the county fills the lake every year. He says that’s not the case. There is nothing to turn on or off. 

“Once the irrigation starts, the water starts coming up from the ground, so it fills naturally.”

The park and campground will open for the summer on Friday. While the lake won’t be ready, there is still plenty to do while people wait for the water. 

On Saturday at 10 am, it will host a brand new event, a fun run called the “Cinco de Mile,” a play off of the Cinco de Mayo holiday. In addition to the run, there will be food trucks and pinatas for the kids. Several other fun runs and events are also planned for the summer. 

Also new this year is a second gate to the right of the main entrance. It will serve as an express lane for those who have season passes or are paying with cash. It will only be open on days with larger crowds to get the lines to move faster.

This year the Freedom Celebration fireworks show will be back. It is scheduled for June 27th. 

“It is going to be the 250 year anniversary [for the country],” teases Jones. “So we’re looking to go a little bigger this year.”

For those eager to see the lake fill up, the county is offering you a way to track its progress. Jones says there will soon be a meter that updates as the water rises on the county’s website and Facebook page.

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Kaelyn Blessinger

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Many shelter pets across southeast Idaho have found their home with you, but there are thousands of pets still in need of their fur-ever homes.

Thursday, April 30th, is National Adopt a Shelter Animal Day, spreading awareness about the various pets currently in shelters that need new homes.

Whether surrendered, abandoned, or a stray, these various pets have found their way into an animal shelter and are looking for their new home.

“We just celebrated, actually, six years ago. A beautiful husky named Sakura was adopted from a family out of Arizona who came here and picked her up. And they have now traveled around the country with her. She is an honorary Silverton member in her home state of Arizona,” Michele Ziel-Dingman, the executive director of the Snake River Animal Shelter. “And it’s just a great reminder about how, these little, you know, souls, really can become a part of the community, a part of your work life for your family.”

Stories of Shelter Adoptions in SE Idaho

Courtesy Photo: Alex and Apollo

On Local News 8’s Facebook page, several Idahoans responded to our call for photos of their adopted furry friends!

Alex Kingler shared his foster fail, a cat named Apollo. “How were we supposed to let the little love bug go when we just love him so much?” wrote Kingler.

Courtesy Photo: Blaze the senior dog

Kylie Danielson Mobley shared her fur-baby—or in this case, fur-senior— an 11-year-old Springer Spaniel named Blaze. Mobley and her family adopted Blaze 3 years ago from the Snake River Animal Shelter.

“Senior dogs are the best dogs to adopt! Give them a chance,” implores Mobley. “Blaze loves riding in the pickup, rubber chickens, and following mom around the house.”

If you are interested in adopting a new fur-ever friend, be sure to check out your local shelters!

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News Team

AMMON, Idaho (KIFI) — Local firefighters are on the scene of a structure fire near Ammon on 4832 E Ririe Highway. Multiple units with the Idaho Falls Fire Department are on the scene.

The initial call came in just after 4 p.m., according to IFFD Pulsepoint. Earlier in the afternoon, a billowing pillar of smoke was visible from the Local News 8 skycam.

Local News 8 has a team on the scene and will provide additional updates on this developing story throughout the afternoon.

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