Category: kifi-local-news

Travis Richards

UPDATE:

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI)—Travel along 25th E. (Hitt Road) has been reopened after a gas leak late Wednesday night.

The Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office says late last night, April 9, crews were able to shut down the gas leak. They say crews will be out making repairs today, April 10, but the road is open for travel.

ORIGINAL:

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI)–A gas leak caused by a vehicle that hit a junction line is affecting traffic at N. 25th E. (Hitt Road) between 49th N. and 81st N. in Idaho Falls.

Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office and the Idaho Falls Fire Department are currently on the scene. They are working with people who live in the immediate area so they can evacuate safely.

The road is expected to be closed through the night, according to BCSO. Impacted natural gas customers can check any service issues directly with Intermountain Gas.

There are no further details available at this time.

Local News 8 will update this story as more info becomes available.

Linda Larsen

UPDATE:

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – Overnight, the GoFundMe supporting a disabled Poctello teen shot 9 times in an officer-involved shooting has nearly doubled in donations.

The family of Victor Perez organized the fundraiser on his behalf, following the April 5th shooting that left the 17-year-old, who has autism and cerebral palsy, in critical condition. As of 11:30 PM April 10, the GoFundMe has raised $12,948, more than double the family’s initial goal.

ORIGINAL:

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – Victor Perez, a Pocatello teen diagnosed with autism and cerebral palsy, remains in a medically induced coma after being shot 9 times in an officer-involved shooting on April 5.

Following the shooting, Perez’s extended family organized a fundraiser on his behalf, leading to an outpouring of support for the disabled teen.

In the 24 hours since the GoFundMe was organized, the campaign has already surpassed its initial goal of $6,000. As of 5:30 PM, Wednesday, the fundraiser has raised $6,724 toward supporting the Perez family.

For more information on the GoFundMe, click HERE.

Family barbeque turned officer-involved shooting

The Saturday afternoon shooting has captured national attention, as videos capturing the officer-involved shooting went viral on social media.

To view the initial video, click HERE. The video contains graphic content that may be inappropriate for some viewers.

The event has sparked online outrage, accusations of police brutality and excessive use of force, as police were caught on camera only taking 18 seconds to assess the situation before using lethal force.

For more information on the protests in response to the shooting, click HERE.

According to the Perez family, Victor had the intellect of about a 5-year-old due to his disabilities prior to the shooting. They say the 17-year-old’s physical disabilities made it difficult for him to walk, and he would often have behavioral outbursts.

The family says Victor was having a similar outburst during their family barbecue, as the teen took a kitchen knife and threatened family members. They repeatedly tried to get the knife away from him. Because of his inability to walk, he was mostly lying on the ground. 

The knife from the April 5th incident: Courtesy Pocatello Police

A neighbor who recorded the incident on video saw what was happening and tried to help, calling 911, thinking the police could help them safely get the knife from the 17-year-old.

The 911 caller told dispatchers Victor was drunk and armed with a knife. During a Monday afternoon press conference, Pocatello Police Chief Roger Schei said the officers gave repeated commands for the 17-year-old to drop the knife, but instead, he stood up and advanced toward the officers “while still armed.”

“In this case, two individuals were within a few feet of an armed, noncompliant individual,” said Chief Schei. “The risk was immediate and the situation rapidly evolving.” For more information on the press conference, click HERE.

Victor’s aunt, Ana Vazquez, says her nephew moved toward the officers out of a childish love for police.

“He was not going after police…He can barely walk,” Vazquez told Local News 8. “Every time he sees the police, he always does this (runs up to them) because he likes the police.”

Local News 8 has reached out repeatedly to the Pocatello Police Department for further comment, including a public records request for body camera footage from the responding officers. Those requests have been denied.

Candlelight Vigil

Members of the Pocatello community have organized a candlelight vigil to take place Saturday night outside of the Portneuf Medical Center.

Michelle Perez, the vigil’s organizer, is not related to Victor’s family. She tells Local News 8 she felt like she and the community had to support them.

“I decided to get involved when I saw the heartbreak in the family,” Michelle Perez told Local News 8. “I understand their pain. So I decided that I needed to do something for them.”

The vigil will take place at 6 PM on Saturday, April 12, at 777 Hospital Way, Pocatello, Idaho.

For more information about the candlelight vigil, click HERE.

Seth Ratliff

THE FOLLOWING IS A PRESS RELEASE FROM THE NATIONAL PARKS SERVICE:

MAMMOTH HOT SPRINGS, Wyoming (KIFI) – Beginning at 8 a.m. On Friday, April 18, 2025, select entrances and roads in Yellowstone National Park will open for the summer season, weather permitting, as part of the annual spring opening.

Entrances Open on April 18

North Entrance (Gardiner, Montana)

West Entrance (West Yellowstone, Montana)

From either entrance, visitors may access the following destinations:

Mammoth Hot Springs

Lamar Valley

Norris Geyser Basin

Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

Old Faithful

Silver Gate and Cooke City, Montana

Additional roads within the park will open throughout May, weather permitting. Specific routes and directions can be found at Park Roads.

On Saturday, April 19, entrance fees will be waived in celebration of National Park Week.

Plan Ahead

Check the park’s Current Conditions before arrival.

Bring appropriate footwear and clothing for winter conditions. Many trails and boardwalks are still snow-covered this time of year.

Anticipate possible road closures due to inclement weather and dangerous driving conditions. Temporary travel restrictions or closures can occur at any time without notice. Have flexible travel plans.

Delays of up to 30 minutes may occur due to road improvement projects.

Stay informed about up-to-date road conditions and delays in Yellowstone:

Visit Park Roads.

Call (307) 344-2117 for recorded information.

Receive Yellowstone road alerts on your mobile phone by texting “82190” to 888-777 (an automatic text reply will confirm receipt and provide instructions).

Expect limited services in spring and come prepared. Visit Operating Dates for area-specific information.

Reduce wait times at park entrances by purchasing a pass online ahead of time.

For additional details, visit the park website at www.nps.gov/yell or download the National Park Service App.  

During Your Visit and Wildlife Safety

Protect yourself and bears. Stay alert, carry bear spray and know how to use it.

Use caution when driving and watch for ice, snow and gravel on road surfaces.

Bison, elk, bears, and other wildlife use roads as travel corridors. Roadside snowbanks prevent them from easily moving off the roads. Do not crowd, harass, or push wildlife. Be mindful as wildlife endures this difficult time of the year.

Stay at least 100 yards away from bears and wolves and 25 yards from all other wildlife. It is your responsibility to maintain safe distances at all times.

Seth Ratliff

Below are the 2025 Easter celebration events going on in eastern Idaho and western Wyoming. Although the list is long, it is not complete. If you have information on an event that is not listed, share it with us at https://www.localnews8.com/share, and we will update this page as soon as possible.

IDAHO FALLS – AMMON

Saturday, April 12, 2025

The Great Easter Egg Hunt at Snake River Landing – 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Join us for the 10th annual FREE easter egg hunt event for the whole family, Saturday, April 12th at Snake River Landing. Age groups will be spread out across much of Snake River Landing by the Waterfront.   Times will be staggered to allow families to travel to the different areas starting with the first hunt at 9:45 am with the 1-2 year-old age group. (See below for all age group times.) With over 25,000 eggs, large egg-hunting zones, thousands of pieces of candy, over 250 prizes for kids, a visit from the Easter Bunny, and truly hidden eggs for older age groups, this year’s Easter Egg Hunt is also adding 10! Golden Anniversary eggs to the area’s. Age groups:1-2 years 9:45 am3-4 years 10:05 am5-6 years 10:25 am7-8 years 10:45 am9-12 years 11:05 am

Camp Hayden Easter Egg Hunt for Special Needs – begins at 11:15 a.m. at Snake River LandingThis will cater to individuals with developmental or physical disabilities and their families. There will be an accessible easter egg hunt, sensory games with prizes, yard games, balloon animals, and an All Access Physical Therapy tent, plus the Easter Bunny will be available for pictures and to meet the families. This event is free and open to the public, but we ask that only children with special needs (and their siblings) take part in the Camp Hayden activities. Special Needs Hunt: 11:25 am

“We have been blown away by the support we’ve received from our sponsors, partners, and the local community and how well everything ran last year,” said Amy Smith, Board President of Campy Hayden. “With their support, we will continue to make this a free, annual event in addition to the yearly Adventure Camp and numerous Mobile Adventures we create each year. It is so important to provide opportunities for the special needs community to enjoy experiences that the general population might take for granted and we’re honored to be able to provide this service to the community we serve.”

Saturday, April 19, 2025

Ammon Easter Egg Hunt – 10 a.m. at McCowin ParkCome join the fun. Thousands of eggs for different age groups. Candy and prizes! Don’t be late, it goes fast! Children will be divided up by age, up to 2 years, 3 to 5, 6 to 9, and 10 to 12 years.

Find the Easter Bunny, A Downtown Scavenger Hunt – 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Civitan Plaza

ISLAND PARK

Saturday, April 19, 2025

Island Park Community Easter Egg Hunt – 11:00 a.m. at the Island Park Golf Course Clubhouse. This beloved community event invites children ages 2 to 12 to partake in a fun-filled search for thousands of Easter eggs overflowing with candy and exciting prizes. The event also features an opportunity for families to capture memorable moments with the Easter Bunny. The Easter Egg Hunt will be held both indoors and outdoors, ensuring a delightful experience regardless of weather conditions. Attendees are encouraged to dress warmly and bring their Easter baskets to collect their treasures.

“Each year, the Island Park Community Easter Egg Hunt brings families together to celebrate and enjoy the spirit of the season,” said Patty Bithell, President at Mountain Life Charity. “We look forward to welcoming children and families for a day of fun and joy.”

Island Park Easter Bingo Night – 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Lodgepole Grill

POCATELLO

SATURDAY, APRIL 19

EggCessible Easter Egg Hunt – 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Stuart ParkAn Easter Egg Hunt for individuals with special needs, and their families. Hunts include: sensory friendly, wheelchair/walker accessible, hunt for the blind/visually impaired, and general hunts by age group. All hunts have many candy alternatives, so this is a great event for those with dietary restrictions. Free event, but a ticket is required. Tickets will be available starting April 1 at the Portneuf Library and various therapy agencies.

BLACKFOOT

APRIL 14-19

The Living Christ – 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. at 623 N 675 E The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints invites you to bring your family to The Living Christ display that will feature events in Christ’s life, starting with His birth and finishing with His resurrection. You will see a wide-variety of pictures and artwork depicting His life and ministry.

APRIL 20

The Living Christ – 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. at 623 N 675 E

FIRTH

APRIL 16-17

The Living Christ – 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. at 623 N 675 E

REXBURG

SATURDAY, APRIL 19

Community Easter Egg Hunt – 10 a.m. at Porter ParkHosted in collaboration with the Rexburg Area Chamber of Commerce and the Rexburg Kiwanis Club, the itself hunt is for ages 0-12 years old. Local businesses continue to support the program by sponsoring bikes for kids!

ASHTON

SATURDAY, APRIL 19

Community Easter Egg Hunt – 10 a.m. at North Fremont High School

ST. ANTHONY

SATURDAY, APRIL 19

Easter Egg Hunt – 10 a.m. at St. Anthony Ball Diamonds (weather permitting)Ages 0-12 welcome. Only 0-4 age group can have a basket to gather eggs

SHELLEY

APRIL 14-18

The Living Christ – 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. at 675 South Milton Ave

April 19

The Living Christ – 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. at 675 South Milton Ave

APRIL 20

The Living Christ – 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. at 675 South Milton Ave

JACKSON, Wyo.

SATURDAY, APRIL 19

The Town Square Easter Egg Hunt – 10 a.m. at Jackson Hole Town Square Hop on over to the Jackson Hole Town Square for an egg-citing Easter Egg Hunt, presented by Austin O’Bryhim and State Farm Insurance! Join us for a family-friendly event where children can search for colorful eggs throughout the square. Enjoy a day of fun, laughter, and sweet surprises as we celebrate the joys of Easter together.

Seth Ratliff

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) – A federal judge has extended the Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) blocking the enforcement of Idaho’s new immigration enforcement law, House Bill 83.

Governor Little signed the bill into law on March 27, 2025. Only hours afterward, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Idaho filed a lawsuit, IORC v. Labrador, to prevent statewide enforcement of the bill.

For more information about the initial lawsuit, click HERE.

The ACLU of Idaho argues that H.B. 83 violates the U.S. Constitution by attempting to supersede the federal government’s oversight of immigration enforcement.

“This is a huge win for our immigrant community and the Constitution,” said Paul Carlos Southwick, ACLU of Idaho Legal Director, in a press release. “We are pleased that the court agreed our case is likely to succeed on the merits of our arguments, and that the court protected families from being torn apart by this cruel and unnecessary law.” 

Despite the lawsuit, on March 31, Governor Little, law enforcement officers, and supportive legislators celebrated the bill’s passage. Governor Little said the bill reinforces Idaho’s support of President Trump’s immigration policies.

“The historic presidential election can be viewed as a mandate: a mandate from the American people to reinstate common sense and keep America safe. The Trump Administration has been focused on tracking down dangerous criminals in our country illegally, and the State of Idaho is committed to helping in the effort,” Governor Little said.

The case for and against House Bill 83

The judge is expected to release a decision on the ACLU’s requested preliminary injunction in the coming weeks. If granted, the preliminary injunction would provide a long-term ban on the law while litigation continues. 

“The Constitution is clear that Idaho has no right to interfere with federal immigration laws. And we will defend the constitutional rights of everyone, regardless of their country of origin, as the Constitution guarantees,” said Emily Croston, ACLU of Idaho Staff Attorney.

House Bill 83 provides for two offenses: First, a misdemeanor charge for “illegal entry,” and second, “illegal reentry,” which would be a felony offense.

The legislation requires law enforcement to focus on illegal immigrants who are detained, investigated, or suspected of criminal activity, through which officers would record the documentation status of individuals arrested throughout their police work.

If not blocked by federal court, the ACLU of Idaho says the law would have impacted anyone stopped by the police or accused of a crime, even falsely, and subjected them to potential immigration enforcement even if there is no criminal conviction, meaning many innocent families would have been unjustly subject to deportation. 

“As we see an alarming rise in unconstitutional attacks on immigrant rights across the country, including on those with legal status, we applaud the court for upholding the rule of law and our Constitution,” said Leo Morales, ACLU of Idaho Executive Director. “We refuse to tolerate the dismantling of constitutional rights of anyone, and will defend those rights regardless of a person’s national origin.”