Category: kifi-local-news

Seth Ratliff

EASTERN IDAHO (KIFI) — Calling all caped crusaders and pop culture enthusiasts: this Saturday, May 2nd, marks the 24th annual Free Comic Book Day, and several locations across Eastern Idaho are suiting up for the action.

For over two decades, comic shops around the world have opened their doors to welcome fans old and new, offering a wide selection of special edition comics at no cost. The tradition began in 2002—the same weekend Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man swung into theaters—and has since grown into a massive community “thank you” to fans.

This year, fans can swipe an issue of titles like Avatar: The Last Airbender, The Amazing Spider-Man, and Dungeon Crawler Carl. For more information on Free Comic Book Day and a full list of available titles, click HERE.

Pocatello: Marshall Public Library & Captain Bengal’s

In the Gate City, the Marshall Public Library is once again teaming up with Captain Bengal’s Comic Cove to offer a number of this year’s titles. The library credits Bob Benson, the owner of the local comic book store, for providing the comics for the giveaway.

The event is open to all ages. Giveaways will begin at 10 a.m. when the library opens and continue while supplies last. Along with the giveaway, the library’s Exploration Center will host comic-themed craft projects and a community Spider-Man puzzle.

Captain Bengal’s will also be participating in the event directly at their storefront. Doors at the shop, located at 348 N 3rd Ave, will open at 12:00 PM, giving fans another chance to swipe one of the special titles and browse the local collection.

Rexburg: Firefly Books and Comics Joins the Fray

Further north, Rexburg’s Firefly Books and Comics, which opened last November, is participating in its very first Free Comic Book Day. For fans in America’s Family Community, this means finally having a local “home base” for the festivities.

In a Facebook post, the store owners expressed their excitement to join in the fun!

“Our team is sorting and organizing everything now so the day runs as smoothly as possible,” states the post. “We’ve even added extra display tables to make browsing easier and to showcase the huge variety of titles available.”

Everyone who visits the Rexburg location can select up to five free items from the special selection, with a limit of one copy per title per person. The event kicks off at 10 a.m. at 29 College Ave.

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Fox13

Originally Published: 28 APR 26 15:19 ET

By Caroleina Hassett

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    SALT LAKE CITY (KSTU) — Brian White and his family are from Idaho but have been long-time Vegas Golden Knights fans. They recently found out they’d be getting a new addition.

“Jenna and I found out this last fall that we were pregnant again,” White said. “We found out that our baby had an ARID1B genetic mutation, which often leads to a Coffin-Siris Syndrome diagnosis.”

It can often target the function of major organs and create severe feeding difficulties.

“We ended up getting to a place where they said they think she’s got brain damage, and she’s not going to have quality of life,” White said.

They were recommended treatment at Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake. Baby Kaida was born on March 31 at the University of Utah Hospital and has been in the NICU ever since.

“She was not able to wean off oxygen successfully for quite a while, and so we thought our biggest nightmare, sorry, was happening,” White said while getting choked up. “I just kept telling my wife, like, ‘It’ll work out, right? Like, we’ll figure it out.’ And I just kept telling her, ‘We’re going to let Kaida show us who she is.’”

And Kaida showed everyone who she is: a fighter.

“Through a series of — I don’t know how to say it, other than miracles, she stopped having tremors. We were able to wean off oxygen,” White said. “She’s proving everybody wrong.”

White and his family have been away from home for about a month, spending hours in the NICU and staying at the Ronald McDonald House.

“The Ronald McDonald House knew that we were Vegas fans and knew that it was the playoffs. We actually had never been to a game, and so they were kind enough to get us tickets through a grandparents fund,” White said.

Despite them being in a sea of Mammoth fans, they felt included, which White said speaks to how supportive the hockey community is in Utah.

“I had a lot of people who reached out, and they were like, ‘Listen, hockey family is family. Like, of course, we root for different teams, right? But we’re all family,’” White said. “It took a really trying time, and it just gave us a reprieve that was really needed.”

In a few weeks, they’ll be able to take Kaida home to Idaho.

“The past couple months have been really hard because there is a lot of unknowns, and it’s really hard to wrap your head around the fact that you just, there is no yes or no answer, or maybe even, but it’s really cool,” said big sister Charlie Bradshaw.

However, Utah will always have a special place in their heart.

“The biggest piece of me is at the NICU, and so right now, the Ronald McDonald House feels more like home to me because we’re here with her,” White said.

And if anyone has spare tickets for Monday night’s game, White said you know where to find him.

“If somebody needs a kidney you know I’ll sell one,” White joked. “We would love to go to the game tomorrow. It was such a great experience.”

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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Fox13

Originally Published: 28 APR 26 15:13 ET

By Julia Sandor

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    WEST BOUNTIFUL, Utah (KSTU) — For over two hours Monday, the Davis County Bomb Squad removed explosives from a home in a West Bountiful neighborhood, throwing neighbors into a situation they’ve never had to deal with before.

“We’ve had lights flashing all weekend… and we weren’t sure what was going on yet,” said neighbor Lauren Paskett.

“I’ve been here for 15 years, this is a first for me in the city,” added West Bountiful Police Chief Brandon Erekson. “I’ve had other bomb incidents previously, but since my time here, it’s a first.”

On Saturday, while investigating another call, officers found decades-old explosive material, including dynamite, at a home near 1400 North 1100 West, leading to the arrest of 80-year-old Dwayne Hughes.

Over the next few days, police secured the area as the Davis County Sheriff’s Office Bomb Squad evaluated the explosives. At around 10 a.m. Monday, anyone living within 2,000 feet of the home was evacuated as the disposal process began.

“So I jumped in the car because I’m thinking, ‘What in the heck is going on?’, and I went across the bridge, and I saw about seven cars behind me, and I thought, something is up,” explained West Bountiful resident Joanne Parker.

When neighbors learned the reason behind the evacuation order, they were concerned.

“I talked to some neighbors, and they were a bit worried, and they live just down the street,” said Paskett. “The only thing we were worried about is there are three gas lines running through here. One is directly through our yard.

“If things went sideways, it could’ve been a lot worse.”

Bomb technicians successfully removed all explosives from the home.

Several viewers reached out to FOX 13 News, telling us the property has constantly been an issue in the neighborhood.

West Bountiful City Administrator Duane Huffman shared that the city has had long-standing issues with the property owners, even filing lawsuits against Hughes, although there haven’t been recent complaints.

Others said they’ve had nothing but kind interactions with Hughes and those who live at the house.

“We’ve never had any problems. He’s a friendly, friendly guy,” Paskett said of Hughes.

Neighbors were able to get back into their homes Monday afternoon, but the shock of the situation will stay with some of them.

“We just never know,” Parker said, “we just don’t know.”

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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Danielle Mullenix

REXBURG, Idaho (KIFI) — A traveling piece of American heritage made its way to eastern Idaho this Tuesday, giving people in Rexburg the chance to leave their mark on a major milestone ahead of America’s 250th birthday.

Today, the Madison Library District hosts a special appearance of a traveling replica of the Declaration of Independence, and people lined up to add their signatures to the document before it becomes a permanent display at the Idaho State Capitol in Boise.

The event is a part of the “America 250 in Idaho” initiative, a statewide celebration leading up to the nation’s 250th anniversary. The project has set an ambitious goal to collect 250,000 signatures from Idahoans across all 44 counties, serving as a symbol of unity and state pride.

Beyond the ink and parchment, organizers are focusing on the “spirit of the revolution” through a statewide service challenge. Idahoans are being encouraged to help reach a collective goal of 250,000 acts of kindness before the national anniversary.

While the replica is set to move on to its next destination, the mission is far from over. For more information, or to take part in the Idaho acts of kindness, click HERE.

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Seth Ratliff

AMMON, Idaho (KIFI) — The City of Ammon is preparing to be “Freezing for a Reason” to raise some cold, hard cash for a good cause. Registration is officially closing this Friday for the community’s annual polar plunge, with all proceeds from this year’s event benefiting the Shannon Wilker Foundation and local cancer patients.

The foundation was established to honor the memory of Shannon Wilker, a local woman who passed away from breast cancer in July 2011. According to the foundation’s mission, they focus on providing “immediate assistance to breast cancer patients and their families.”

This May, the City of Ammon is jumping in—literally—to help. On Saturday, May 16, city crews will fill the McCowin Park Pool with fresh water and top it off with 10,000 lbs of ice before inviting the community to take the plunge.

The action kicks off at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 16th. Registration is $15, with all proceeds benefiting the Shannon Wilker Foundation.

For more information or to register, click HERE.

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Bailee Shaw

PARK CITY, Utah (KIFI) — Convicted killer Kouri Richins will face sentencing as scheduled next month after a judge rejected a defense motion to postpone the hearing.

Richins was found guilty on March 13 of aggravated murder, attempted aggravated murder, two counts of insurance fraud, and one count of forgery. The conviction stems from the poisoning of her husband, Eric Richins, in March 2022.

Richins’ defense team had asked for more time, saying they needed additional preparation — and noting that one of her attorneys had a death in the family. But Judge Mrazik was not convinced.

In his ruling, Judge Richard Mrazik said the request did not clearly explain what still needed to be done or how much time was needed.

Judge Mrazik pointed out that Richins still has two other qualified attorneys working on her case and cited concerns that a delay in sentencing would cause “significant prejudice” to the victims—specifically, Eric Richins’ three children.

“The court concludes the minor victims, in particular, would endure significant prejudice if the sentencing hearing is continued beyond its current setting,” states Mrazik’s ruling.

Sentencing is now set for May 13th — what would have been her husband Eric’s 44th birthday.

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Seth Ratliff

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Utility construction work is underway along Lewisville Highway, south of 65th North, this week.

Crews with Bybee Excavation began work on Monday to install underground lines for nearby development.

The roadway will remain open to northbound traffic throughout the construction. However, southbound drivers are being detoured at 65th north to 5th west, then back around the work zone.

According to the City of Idaho Falls, the project is expected to last through June, depending on the weather. City Officials are asking drivers to “watch for crews and equipment, obey all posted traffic control signs, and reduce speeds in the work zone to ensure the safety of both workers and the traveling public.”

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Danielle Mullenix

Eastern Idaho (KIFI) – “I would walk 500 miles, and I would walk 5000 more…” A cross-country odyssey is making its way through Idaho—one determined step at a time.

Noah Coughlan is in the middle of a massive coast-to-coast run, his fifth and final journey across the United States. This time, his mission is tied to a milestone: honoring America’s upcoming 250th birthday through a 5,500-mile trek spanning 260 days.

courtesy of John Kucko & Noah Coughlan

“This is insane, what I’m doing. This is crazy. This is 5,500 miles,” Coughlan said.

Now past the halfway point of his journey, Coughlan continues to push forward through Idaho, running day after day across changing landscapes and long stretches of highway. While his determination remains strong, he admits his running shoes are starting to feel the wear.

“I’ve been through nine pairs of shoes and will swap out for my tenth tomorrow,” Coughlan said while glancing down at his once bright white New Balances.

The inspiration behind this Run for America is deeply personal. Coughlan says the journey began back in 2011, in honor of two friends who were diagnosed with a rare brain disease. 15 years later, the mission has grown into something larger—something he hopes all Americans can connect to.

“If you’re an American—350 million of us—no matter what state you’re in or even abroad, you can celebrate the fact that we’ve made it this far,” he said. “That’s the spirit of this run.”

As he makes his way through Idaho, Coughlan has faced windy conditions and shifting terrain, but he says the physical challenge is only part of the experience. For him, the journey is about bringing people together.

Facebook / Noah Coughlan

Along the route, he’s met countless Idahoans, sharing stories and encouraging others to pursue their own goals. A lover of filmmaking, Coughlan documents the World War II veterans he meets around the nation, in the hope of cementing their legacy as real-life heroes. One glance at his social media reels shows the hundreds of veterans Noah interviews for his thousands of followers to connect with. His message of unity resonates with many who stop to cheer him on or follow his progress online.

“I feel like I’m just a messenger,” Coughlan said as we jogged down the middle of Highway 33. “Social media has been such a gift, and I’ve been able to highlight others along the way of this experience. I’ve met so many families and kids that are interested in geography and veterans now, and I just want to continue to thank them.”

Coughlan is pushing everything he needs in a 90-pound jogging stroller, packed with food, gear, and even bear spray—something he joked about after recently passing through Island Park.

Facebook / Noah Coughlan

“Glad I didn’t see any,” he said with a laugh.

His route has already taken him through parts of eastern Idaho, including the stretch from Ashton to Rexburg. And it’s in these communities where he says the support has stood out the most.

“I did not expect this massive a response from the people of Idaho,” Coughlan said. “When I came down into Ashton, it really struck me how many people were pulling over—law enforcement, families, kids. It’s been overwhelming.”

From small towns to open highways, each mile brings new scenery—and new supporters.

“I’m no different than many other Americans,” Coughlan said. “I have three grandparents who came here from different countries. And, you know, this is the nation I love. This is a chance to not just run, but to celebrate the people around us, to celebrate the states, and to end it on America’s 250th birthday.”

With dozens of days still ahead, Coughlan says he has no plans of slowing down.

“We’re the American people. We’re brave. We reach for the stars,” he said.

Coughlan’s “Run for America” is less about speed and more about perseverance, unity, and the celebration of progress: some journeys are about the milestones met, one step at a time.

“I have to have a lot of faith in myself, in God, and in the people of the United States in order to pull this off,” Coughlan said. “This fifth and final run is my large thank you to the country and its support for me over the past 15 years.”

Coughlan plans to continue traveling through Idaho toward the Boise area. In time, he will complete his coast-to-coast trek on the Pacific with large crowds of supporters before ultimately finishing his journey on July 4th in Hawaii.

Those interested in following Noah Coughlan’s progress can find updates on social media or by visiting his official website here.

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David Pace

ARCO, Idaho (KIFI) – Idaho National Laboratory’s first female fire chief took the helm today, protecting over 890-square miles of critical nuclear and energy infrastructure in southeast Idaho.

Chief Jennifer Porter will lead a team of 75 firefighters at three stations. She comes equipped with 18 years of experience fighting fires with the department.

“My main priority is to support my team. We are an all-hazards department, so I want to ensure that they have the tools and the equipment to respond safely to any hazards that may be thrown at them for whatever they respond to,” Porter said.

INL’s Fire Department includes five fire engines, a 3,000-gallon water tender, five ambulances, a haz mat truck and a rescue vehicle.

The new chief is an Eastern Idaho native and graduate of Madison High School.

At INL, she served as deputy chief of operations since 2022, and as a battalion chief for five years, including during the largest fire in the site’s history – the Sheep Fire in 2019.

The fire burned 112,000 acres, and firefighters successfully protected all major facilities, although some infrastructure was damaged.

That experience may prove invaluable as she leads the INL Fire Department during what is expected to be a severe fire season.

“We try to plan for the worst case scenarios this year because of low snowpack, warmer than average winter conditions, and the consistent drought,” Porter said. “We are preparing early for those conditions to be extreme fire behavior here on the INL on the desert.”

Firefighters at INL also receive specialized training to handle situations with hazardous or radiological materials.

“We do Hazmat; we respond to radiological emergencies. We do special operations, some rope rescue. We do wildland fires,” she said. “We do structure fires and respond to EMS events.”

Outgoing INL Fire Chief Jim Blair touts the laboratory’s overall safety record.

“Our hazmat team primarily is responding to the same things that you’re seeing in normal industry. You know, laboratory chemicals, fuel spills from semi trucks, semi trucks that have overturned, you know, normal chemicals,” he said. “But as far as radiological, it’s rare at the desert that we respond to radiological emergencies, just because the lab runs a very safe operation.”

Most often, INL firefighters respond to calls that are not related to wildfires.

Porter acknowledges she has big shoes to fill and says leadership “isn’t about a title – it’s about serving others and earning trust over time.”

“I’m really super excited that Chief Porter is taking over for me,” Blair said. “We have really, really super good people – Chief Porter amongst that group. I think that the lab did a very good job of selecting the next fire chief. She’s a strong candidate. She’s a strong leader. And most importantly, she cares about her people.”

To other women and men following in her footsteps, Chief Porter says, “Stay committed to your values, work hard, and be consistent in how you show up.”

Fire Chief Jennifer Porter will lead 69 firefighters and six battalion chiefs at Idaho National Laboratory.

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News Release

The following is a news release from the City of Idaho Falls:

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho – The City is gearing up for the annual Clean & Green citywide cleanup effort, a partnership between Idaho Falls Code Enforcement and Idaho Falls Sanitation Division. 

As part of this initiative, code enforcement officers and sanitation staff will host a series of neighborhood cleanup events throughout May, providing residents with a convenient way to dispose of unwanted items and help keep Idaho Falls a beautiful and safe place to live.

Cleanup sites around the city will be open to the public Thursday through Saturday for three consecutive weeks, starting May 7. Dumpsters will be available, and staff will assist community members with proper sorting and disposal of household goods, construction debris, and yard waste.

Community members are encouraged to bring unwanted items to the following locations:

May 7 – 9 (9 a.m. to 6 p.m.)

Sweeper Dump, at the intersection of Lake Avenue, North Boulevard, and K Street

Russ Freeman Park, access off Fremont Avenue (glass recycling bin)

May 14 – 16 (9 a.m. to 6 p.m.)

Aquatic Center parking lot, corner of 7th Street and Lee Avenue

Mel Erickson Sunnyside Park, north side of Sunnyside

May 21 – 23 (9 a.m. to 6 p.m.)

Garfield Substation, at the intersection of Northeast Bonneville Drive and Garfield Street

Old Butte Soccer Complex, maintenance shed at 425 N Old Butte Road

Certain types of waste, such as hazardous waste, demolition materials, tires, large appliances, and select metals, cannot be accepted and will require alternative disposal. See the attached flyer for more information on other disposal sites.

Household hazardous waste, such as paint thinner, batteries, fertilizer, and antifreeze, can be disposed of at the Bonneville County Transfer Station, 2455 Hemmert Ave., on May 9 and Sept. 12. 

The neighborhood cleanup events are part of the city’s broader Clean & Green initiative, which promotes community pride, environmental responsibility, and neighborhood revitalization.

For more information about the Clean & Green initiative and disposal guidelines, review the flyer below or visit www.idahofallsidaho.gov/1696/Clean-Green-Citywide-Cleanup.

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