Author: KIFI

News Team

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — University of Idaho murderer Bryan Kohberger is reportedly making complaints to prison guards that he is facing verbal abuse and taunts from fellow inmates.

The 30-year-old former Washington State University criminology Ph.D. student pleaded guilty to the murders of four undergrads at the nearby University of Idaho last month – Madison Mogen, 21, Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Ethan Chapin, 20.

The deal – which allowed Kohberger to avoid the death penalty – ensured that the convicted killer would be housed in a secure housing unit with individual cells called J Block, at the Idaho State Correctional Complex in Kuna, Idaho. Although he is separated from other inmates in J block, it’s reported that inmates are yelling at him through grates, taunting him through vents in his cell.

According to a report by the Daily Mail, which broke the story, the inmates are taking turns yelling at the convicted killer through a grate. “They are literally getting up into the grate and yelling at him,” Chris McDonough, a former detective who is now with the Cold Case foundation, told the outlet. “The inmates are taking turns doing it. It’s relentless.”

Kohberger is also reporting to guards that he cannot sleep amidst the harassment. However, it seems the convicted killer is receiving little sympathy from former convicts, prison officials, or the community at large. In an interview with Fox News Digital, former prison pastor Keith Roverea said Kohberger is, “lucky it’s only verbal abuse right now.” He believes Kohberger is only making the situation much worse by complaining.

“I have no doubt he’s contemplating suicide already because he’s not even a month in, and he’s losing control,” Rovere told the outlet. “Most serial killers tend to be control freaks. Throw autism on top of that, and the chaos that the inmates are causing him is making him lose his mind. And it’s only going to get worse.”

In response to the reported complaints, the Idaho Department of Corrections said in a statement, “Incarcerated individuals commonly communicate with each other in prison. Bryan Kohberger is housed alone in a cell, and IDOC security staff maintain a safe and orderly environment for all individuals in our custody.” 

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News Team

 IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) —A 49-year-old Madison County man has died following a fatal motorcycle crash on 160th E. near Old Ririe Highway. The rider, identified as Jeremy Paul Hurst, was pronounced dead at the scene after his motorcycle collided with a parked garbage truck.

Bonneville County Sheriff’s Deputies, along with an Idaho Falls Ambulance and Jefferson Central Fire, were dispatched to the scene around 12:30 p.m. Upon arrival, emergency responders found the motorcycle rider trapped underneath the truck. Air Idaho Rescue was called to assist, and emergency responders worked to free him from the truck and began life-saving measures. Despite their efforts, Hurst succumbed to his injuries.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, the preliminary investigation suggests Hurst was traveling north on 160th E. when he failed to notice the garbage truck parked on the side of the road in time to maneuver around it safely. Witnesses reported that Hurst had laid his motorcycle on its side just before the collision. He was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, and no other individuals were injured.

Bonneville County Sheriff’s Deputies are continuing to investigate the crash.

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News Team

OGDEN, Utah (KIFI) — The 745-acre Willard Peak Fire continues to threaten homes and has forced evacuations in North Ogden, Utah. The fire started around 3 p.m. Wednesday in the foothills near North Ogden and grew to over 700 acres overnight.

Over 150 homes are under an evacuation order, though fire crews made significant progress overnight and have successfully protected all structures so far, according to the North View Fire District. The American Red Cross has set up an evacuation shelter at 3602 North 500 West, Pleasant View.

The fire is currently 0% contained, and fire crews are working in steep, rugged terrain, according to Utah Fire Info. Multiple helicopters were dropping water on the blaze last night, and additional hand crews have been requested to help with suppression efforts today.

The North Ogden Divide remains closed to allow fire crews to work safely. The Northern Utah Type 3 Incident Management Team is scheduled to take command of the incident later today. Authorities warn that today’s critical fire weather could make conditions more challenging for firefighters.

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Curtis Jackson

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – Bonneville School District 93 celebrated the opening of its new Transportation Center. 

With the support of board members and the superintendent, the school district’s transportation director, Pam Cripps, cut the ribbon for the new bus maintenance building on Wednesday night. 

District leaders said the new facility will centralize their fleet maintenance and streamline operations, as well as enhance safety. 

Superintendent Scott Woolsenhulme said they have been working for a long time to get the new building. 

Funding for the new facility came from savings when building Black Canyon Middle School. 

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Ariel Jensen

REXBURG, Idaho (KIFI) — School is in session for some, while others are getting ready to head back.  That means school buses will be on the road as well. The Madison School District is reminding drivers is asking drivers to pay attention to their surroundings as they are moving around 3,200 kids every school day.

“We just want the general public to be aware that the school buses are going to be out on the roads delivering our students, and our goal is to get them there as safely as we can. And we want to make sure that they’re watching out for the buses so that students aren’t getting hit or injured,” said Brandon Caldwell, Transportation Director for Mandison School District 321.

One of the biggest issues they are seeing is that people are ignoring a very important sign.

“They run the stop signs. I’ve had that happen several times,” said Les Hill, Driver/Safety supervisor and Trainer.

In 2024, in the Madison school district alone, they had over 100 stop arm violations with cars illegally passing our school buses. 

“They’re not only endangering themselves and the public around them, but I’ve got a bus full of kids that I’m responsible for,” said Hill.

Local news 8 did a ride-along on a school bus; we made over 10 stops to see how drivers respond. Local news 8 caught two drivers breaking this rule, and we’re told this was actually a good day for them.

If you run the bus’s stop sign and you think you got away with it, think again. 

“Currently, we have about a quarter of our fleet outfitted with stop arm cameras. We currently have 12 brand new buses that we’ve received in the last year, and all of those are outfitted with forward-looking dash cameras out the windshield and stop arm cameras as well on the sides of the bus,” said Caldwell.

The same rules used at stop lights apply to school buses. Yellow means slow down, and red means stop.

As of last year, Idaho increased the fine to $300 for the first offense, but you can’t put a price on a child’s life.

The three main trouble spots they see in Rexbug are Pioneer Road, where they see on average 6 to 8 stop arm violations a day, Highway 33 going out west of town, and then 12th West between Main Street and University. 

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News Release

The following is a news release from Acting U.S. Attorney Justin Whatcott’s office:

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — Caleb Sickinger, 45, of Rigby, was sentenced to 108 months in federal prison for receiving child pornography, Acting U.S. Attorney Justin Whatcott announced today.  

According to court records, in November 2023, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents in Alabama arrested an individual on charges of coercion and enticement and possession of child pornography. In a post-arrest interview, the individual told FBI agents that he had received images of child pornography from a “woman” in Idaho. His communications with the “woman” revealed her name and included images of her. FBI agents in Idaho received this information and began an investigation. Agents identified the “woman” and also identified the child depicted in the child pornography. Agents obtained and executed a search warrant at the woman’s residence in Rigby, Idaho. However, none of the electronic devices recovered or email addresses used by the woman matched the evidence from the investigation.

Agents eventually learned that the woman had not been involved in the crime. Caleb Sickinger, who was a police officer at the time, ultimately admitted to falsely assuming the woman’s identity—without her knowledge—by utilizing images from her social media account. Sickinger also admitted to obtaining images of the child from social media and having the images digitally altered to appear as child pornography. Sickinger then distributed those altered images to the individual in Alabama. 

Chief U.S. District David C. Nye also ordered Sickinger be placed on supervised release for the remainder of his life following his prison sentence. Sickinger will be required to register as a sex offender. Sickinger pleaded guilty to the charge on April 8, 2025.

“This defendant victimized a child and her mother in committing this horrible crime,” Acting U.S. Attorney Whatcott said. “I commend the cooperative efforts of the federal, state, and local law enforcement agents who identified him as the perpetrator and held him appropriately accountable.”

“Every image and video created and shared perpetuates the abuse of a child who will carry that trauma for the rest of their lives,” said Special Agent in Charge Mehtab Syed of the Salt Lake City FBI. “The FBI is unwavering and united with our partners in the fight to protect our children from predators who seek to exploit and harm them.”

“I want to thank my ICAC investigators, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and our local and federal law enforcement partners for their efforts in securing today’s outcome,” said Attorney General Labrador. “Idahoans are safer today because of their hard work and dedication to protecting our state.”

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Pocatello, the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office, the Idaho Falls Police Department, and the Idaho ICAC Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Paskett prosecuted this case.

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Seth Randal

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Teachers lined the sidewalks outside of the Idaho Falls school district office this afternoon to bring attention to the ongoing negotiations over teacher pay. At least 75 teachers and supporters gathered outside the district’s regular school board meeting.

Several were carrying signs, with others wearing shirts saying “use your teacher voice.”

The move comes a week after the Idaho Falls Education Association (IFEA) voted to reject a proposed salary and benefits agreement. Lengthy negotiations between the IFEA and the Idaho Falls School Board have dominated the weeks ahead of the new school year.

The lengthy negotiations between the association and the Idaho Falls School Board have dominated the weeks ahead of the new school year. Many teachers say they feel like they are not being valued and supported.

In our past discussions, district officials have emphasized their dedication to fostering a positive environment for both teachers and students. As the new school year approaches, the board and teachers’ union are expected to resume negotiations to secure a sustainable agreement.

For more details on the ongoing negotiations, click HERE. 

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News Team

UPDATE:

MADISON COUNTY, Montana (KIFI) — State Highway 87 has reopened this morning near the Idaho/Montana border as crews continue to fight the Horn Fire. The fire, which was started by a lightning strike on Wednesday afternoon, has burned an estimated 2,000 acres, according to the Montana DNRC.

Crews worked through the night, taking advantage of easing winds to slow the rapid spread of the fire. Despite this progress, the Madison County, Montana, Sheriff’s Office has issued a warning of possible evacuations for residents on both sides of the highway.

ORIGINAL:

FREMONT COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) — Crews in Madison County, Montana, are actively combating the Horn Fire, a 30-acre brush fire burning along the Idaho/Montana border. According to the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office, Highway 87 is closed in all directions. Montana authorities are directing travelers to use alternate routes.

“Do not stop along the highway, and please do not use or operate any drones in the area. Any personal drones will require air suppression helicopters to leave the area and will hamper firefighting activity,” said the Madison County, Montana, Sheriff’s Office on Facebook.

The fire began around 2:24 PM, according to the National Interagency Fire Center, and is reportedly visible from the Henry’s Lake area of Island Park. Fremont County Sheriff’s Deputies are directing residents near Island Park and the surrounding area not to report the fire to 911, as emergency services are already aware and are being overwhelmed.

For updates on the Hwy 87 closure, visit https://511.idaho.gov/#:Alerts. This is a developing story. Local News 8 will provide more updates as new details become available.

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News Team

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — The Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office is actively investigating a rash of recent thefts reportedly targeting storage units, vehicles, and small buildings.

Deputies have received multiple reports from the Idaho Falls, Ammon, and Swan Valley areas. Thieves have allegedly made off with valuable items, including a 1980s Honda CR60 motorcycle from a storage unit, as well as tools and fishing gear from unlocked vehicles and small buildings, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

1980s Honda CR60 motorcycle, Courtesy Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office

Authorities are urging residents to lock and secure all vehicles and buildings, including sheds, homes, and storage units.

While deputies are continuing to follow up on leads and suspect information, anyone with information is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office or submit an anonymous tip to East Idaho Crime Stoppers at www.IFcrime.org. The Sheriff’s Office is also asking the public to report suspicious activity as soon as possible to Bonneville County dispatch at 208-529-1200. 

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News Release

The following is a news release from Attorney General Raúl Labrador’s office:

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — Attorney General Raúl Labrador launched Operation Robocall Roundup, a multistate effort by the Anti-Robocall Litigation Task Force to crack down on robocalls across the country. Attorney General Labrador and a bipartisan coalition of 51 attorneys general are sending warning letters to 37 voice providers demanding that they act now to stop illegal robocalls being routed through their networks.  

“Idahoans are sick of scammers targeting their families through illegal robocalls,” said Attorney General Labrador. “We’re putting these telecommunications providers on notice that they must follow federal rules immediately.”

These providers haven’t complied with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules about responding to government traceback requests, haven’t registered in the FCC’s Robocall Mitigation Databases, or haven’t filed a plan that describes how they will reduce illegal robocalls on their network. By disregarding these simple rules, these companies are allowing robocallers onto their phone networks and then passing their calls on to other downstream providers until they reach the phones of Idahoans.

The task force is also sending the letters to 99 downstream providers that accept call traffic from the 37 companies, so that they know they’re doing business with bad actors that are not willing to follow the rules that apply to everyone equally. 

The FCC is also taking a close look at several of these companies. It announced yesterday that it will be removing seven of these providers from the Robocall Mitigation Database, which means that other providers will no longer be allowed to accept and route any calls from their networks.   

The voice service providers receiving warning letters are: 

Advantage Investors LLC 

Alpha Stream 

Ananya Traders LLC 

Ariyan Khan 

BBT Voice Private Limited 

Belthrough 

BPO VoIP 

Collection 3 LLC 

Communications and Telephone Systems Co. 

Dial Vista Corp. 

DigitalOcean, LLC 

Dtel Network LLC 

End Zone Financial Services 

EON Telecom Inc. 

Family Communication Inc. 

Fiber Flux VOIP 

First Tele Communications Inc. 

Flow VOIP LLC 

Globe Tech Solutions 

Higher Response Marketing, Inc. 

HK KwaiFong Group Limited 

Infinity SIP LLC 

Lexico Telecom LTD / Lextel LTD 

Mexico IP Phones LLC 

Nexusphere VOIP LLC 

Pleedex LLC 

Quantum Link VOIP LLC 

Ringnition 

SK Teleco LLC 

SkyPulse VOIP 

Stacy Newsome LNCC LCC 

Telnextrix LLC 

Terra Voip 

TheVisionConnect 

Tiera Enterprises LLC 

Voip Torque 

 Whisl Telecom, LLC / Telconus / Telcon US / Telcon Voice 

In 2022, 51 attorneys general joined forces to create the Anti-Robocall Litigation Task Force, which is led by North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson, Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita, and Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost. The Task Force investigates and takes legal action against companies responsible for significant volumes of illegal and fraudulent robocall traffic routed into and across the United States. 

In April of this year, Attorney General Labrador notified nine voice service providers that they may be violating state and federal laws by continuing to route allegedly unlawful robocalls across their networks.

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