Author: KIFI

Seth Ratliff

AMERICAN FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — An American Falls man is in the hospital with life-threatening injuries after a stabbing late Wednesday night.

Police were called to the Grand Cascade Apartment complex around 11:35 p.m. on a report of a stabbing. Officers arrived to find an adult male with serious stab wounds. The man was immediately taken to a local hospital.

Investigators later identified a single suspect who was taken into custody without further incident. The American Falls Police Department has confirmed there is no ongoing threat to the public, as the incident is believed to be isolated.

Police are actively investigating the stabbing. Local News 8 is keeping track of this developing story and will provide updates as more details are released.

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CNN Newsource

Originally Published: 04 SEP 25 11:35 ET

By Pat Reavy

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    BEAVER, Utah (KSL) — A man awaiting trial in California for allegedly stealing a car was arrested in Utah on Tuesday after police say he led officers on a 60-mile chase in a stolen vehicle — 25 miles of which he drove the wrong way on the freeway.

Adarian Deantae Murrell, 25, was booked into the Beaver County Jail and charged on Wednesday in 5th District Court with possessing a stolen vehicle, a second-degree felony; two counts of aggravated assault and two counts of failing to stop for police, third-degree felonies; reckless driving, marijuana possession and possession of drug paraphernalia, class B misdemeanors; using license plates registered to another vehicle, a class C misdemeanor; and four traffic infractions including driving on the wrong side of the road, speeding, illegally crossing the median and entering or exiting the highway illegally.

The incident began when Murrell, who was driving a Lexus SUV, was spotted by a Utah Highway Patrol trooper speeding near 600 S. Main in Beaver, according to a police booking affidavit. The trooper attempted to pull the vehicle over, but the driver kept going.

“I observed the vehicle traveling at an estimated speed of 70 mph in the 40 mph zone on Main Street as it approached the north interchange of I-15, displaying disregard for the safety of the persons who were in the area. The subject then entered I-15 … heading north and accelerated to a speed of over 120 mph,” the arresting trooper wrote in the affidavit.

At one point, Murrell traveled north in the southbound lanes of I-15, according to the arrest report.

“The vehicle continued traveling the wrong way until it reached the I-70/I-15 junction,” the affidavit states. “The vehicle then crossed the median area and continued northbound in the northbound lanes at speeds of over 100 mph.”

Several miles later, Murrell again crossed into oncoming traffic and drove the wrong way on the freeway. He was stopped when a UHP patrol vehicle intentionally hit the fleeing vehicle head-on, according to the affidavit.

The UHP added in a prepared statement that after crossing into oncoming traffic for the final time, Murrell “began driving on the far shoulder of the northbound lanes, still heading southbound at about 25-35 mph.” A trooper then “pinned the vehicle at low speeds while it was off the road on the far shoulder, and the suspect was taken into custody.”

Investigators discovered that the vehicle Murrell was driving was reported stolen in Southern California on Aug. 30. Drug paraphernalia and marijuana were located throughout the vehicle, and Murrell was still wearing an ankle monitor from a prior case, the affidavit says.

“The subject has multiple charges in his criminal history of grand theft auto and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. The subject was located and stopped in a reported stolen vehicle,” troopers wrote in the affidavit. “The subject failed to stop for multiple law enforcement officers. The suspect vehicle had to be crashed in order to get him to stop. The suspect fled approximately 60 miles and drove (the) wrong way on I-15 for approximately 25 miles.”

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CNN Newsource

By John Fritze, CNN

(CNN) — A transgender woman who was challenging Idaho’s ban on trans athletes told the Supreme Court on Wednesday that she is withdrawing her high-profile case, citing intense “negative public scrutiny” because of the litigation and a desire to focus on “academic and personal goals.”

Lindsay Hecox, a 24-year-old senior at Boise State University told the high court that she is dismissing her case – and, in an unusual move, she asked the justices to throw out a ruling from the 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals that was decided in her favor.

Even if the Supreme Court grants the request, it will still have an opportunity to decide this term whether states may ban transgender students from playing on sports teams that align with their gender identity. That’s because the court granted a second case, involving a transgender student from West Virginia, that raises the same issue.

The Hecox filing underscored the difficulty plaintiffs and advocacy groups have experienced in sustaining legal challenges to a wave of laws enacted by states across the country intended to roll back transgender rights. Gains made by LGBTQ Americans in past decades have faced renewed skepticism, with President Donald Trump moving to unwind federal policies intended to shield trans Americans from discrimination.

Attorneys for Hecox told the Supreme Court that she had faced “significant challenges that have affected her both personally and academically,” including her father’s death in 2022.

“Ms. Hecox has also come under negative public scrutiny from certain quarters because of this litigation, and she believes that such continued – and likely intensified – attention in the coming school year will distract her from her schoolwork and prevent her from meeting her academic and personal goals,” her attorneys told the Supreme Court.

“While playing women’s sports is important to Ms. Hecox, her top priority is graduating from college and living a healthy and safe life,” the attorneys said, adding that Hecox would not try out for any teams covered by the state’s law.

Transgender advocates are still reeling from the 6-3 ruling earlier this year in US v. Skrmetti, which upheld Tennessee’s ban on trans youth from accessing puberty blockers and hormone therapy. Challenges to the sports bans are almost certain to face a high degree of skepticism from several of the Supreme Court’s conservatives.

In Idaho, Republican Gov. Brad Little signed the state’s sports ban in 2020, the first of its kind in the nation. Hecox, then a freshman at Boise State, sued days later, saying that she intended to try out for the women’s track and cross-country teams and alleging that the law violated the 14th Amendment’s equal protection clause.

A federal district court blocked the law’s enforcement against Hecox months later and the San Francisco-based 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed that decision last year. Idaho appealed to the Supreme Court in July.

Idaho officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The high court is still on track to hear the case of Becky Pepper-Jackson, who is challenging West Virginia’s ban. Gov. Jim Justice, a Republican, signed the “Save Women’s Sports Act” in 2021, banning transgender women and girls from participating on public school sports teams consistent with their gender identity.

Pepper-Jackson, a rising sixth grader at the time, who was “looking forward to trying out for the girls’ cross-country team,” filed a lawsuit alleging that the ban violated federal law and the Constitution.

The Richmond-based 4th US Circuit Court of Appeals ruled last year that West Virginia’s ban violated Pepper-Jackson’s rights under Title IX, a federal law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex at schools that receive federal aid. The court also revived her constitutional challenge of the law.

The Supreme Court is expected to hear arguments in that case sometime next year and issue a decision before the end of June.

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Curtis Jackson

BLACKFOOT, Idaho (KIFI) – The food at the Eastern Idaho State Fair is one of the things that draws people back every year. From cheeseburgers and nachos to deep-fried cheesecakes, vendors at the fair offer a variety of cuisine options. However, with all these indulgent choices, it can feel hard to stick to a healthier diet. 

Today, Local News 8 scouted out some tasty fair foods that won’t derail your diet. Jordynne Austin works at Creamy Creations where they offer a fruit smoothie. She estimates their smoothies are between 300 and 500 calories.

Mango fruit cu at Morales Homemade.

“Our smoothies start with the cream base and then we add some ice, and some 7 up and some fruit puree,” said Austin.

You can also find chocolate-covered strawberries, lemonades and fruit cups for a refresh on a hot, summer day. Juan Morales is the owner of Morales Homemade.

“This is one of our bestsellers. It’s our mango fruit cup, “ said Morales. “It is what we consider fresh, no added nonsense, natural sugars and really tasty.”

If you’re looking for a more filling meal, you can choose from a selection of rice bowl with meats like chicken or shrimp. There’s also fried trout and Mexican street corn. While being healthy is a good goal, one customer at the Good Wok said the fair is a time to indulge.

“You don’t come to the fair to get a low calorie food when you get deep fried stuff,” Wyn Seeley,” It’s once a year. Who cares?”

If you want to indulge in the fair food, Local News 8 has a deal for you. Thursday, we will be collecting school supplies for discounted entry until 1 p.m. If you bring a carton of crayons, a ream of paper, or even a package of pencils or pens, you can get into the fair for just $5.

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News Release

The following is a news release from the US Forest Service Caribou-Targhee National Forest:

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) —As the threat of wildfire danger has lessened over the past week, state and federal land management agencies will rescind Stage 1 Fire Restrictions on lands within the Eastern Idaho Fire Restriction Area effective September 4, 2025, at 12:01 a.m.

These restrictions were put into effect on August 7 when fire danger and burning conditions were unusually high. Current conditions no longer meet the necessary criteria outlined in the Idaho State Fire Restrictions Plan to remain in Stang 1 Fire Restrictions.

Visitors are reminded to continue to be careful when recreating on public lands. Although fire restrictions are rescinded, fire season is not over and there is still a threat of human caused wildfires. One of the leading causes of fall season wildfires in eastern Idaho is abandoned warming fires left in remote locations. Now is not the time to become complacent.

Follow these tips to help prevent wildfire:

NEVER leave a campfire unattended

Always keep water and a shovel near your fire

Make sure your fire is dead out and cold to the touch before you leave

Fireworks and exploding targets are not allowed on federal or state land

Burn bans and fire prevention orders may still be in place in some areas. Burn bans pertain to controlled burning activities such as debris burning, slash burning, or agricultural burning, and require a fire safety burn permit from Idaho Department of Lands. Visit http://burnpermits.idaho.gov/ for more information.

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Seth Ratliff

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — While four Pocatello Police officers have been cleared of criminal charges for the fatal shooting of 17-year-old Victor Perez, an autistic teenager with cerebral palsy, the civil battle has only just begun.

Related: Officers in Victor Perez Shooting will not face criminal charges

After the Idaho Attorney General’s Office announced its decision today not to file criminal charges against the four officers in the fatal shooting of Perez, the family’s attorneys expressed disappointment but stated they were not surprised. The law firm Burris Nisenbaum Curry & Lacy confirmed that they will continue to pursue a civil lawsuit on behalf of the family.

“We spoke to the Perez family right after speaking to the attorney general’s office and relayed the news to them. And said they were not surprised, of course. Disappointed. Definitely disappointed,” said Cook.

In June, the attorneys filed an expanded civil lawsuit for the life of Victor Perez and for the endangerment of his mother and sister, who were nearby when he was shot.

Cook said the firm is waiting to receive the official report from the Attorney General’s Office before filing an amended complaint for the civil lawsuit. He noted that they had only received the letter announcing the determination so far and added that it could take up to two months or longer for new developments to be announced. Once an amended complaint is filed, the firm plans to hold a press conference to update the public.

“That signifies that we just have a long road of litigation ahead. And that’s really what it comes down to,” Cook explained. “This case is going to go on for years. Litigation goes on for a long time, especially in federal court. And both sides have a chance. Just like we as plaintiffs get to make the allegations, the defendants have an opportunity to stick up for themselves as well.”

Local News 8’s full interview with Cook is included above.

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News Release

The following is a news release from the Bonneville County Commissioners’ Office:

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — The Bonneville County Board of Commissioners announced today that it will conclude its lease agreement with the Idaho Innovation Center, effective September 30, 2026.

The decision comes after years of evaluating the public benefits associated with the current lease, which originated July 27, 1988, and was most recently amended on October 25, 2022. County leadership determined that while the Idaho Innovation Center has provided valuable contributions to the community for many years, the County’s significant financial investment in the facility is no longer aligned with its economic development goals to unify and strengthen efforts across the broader community.

“We’re making this announcement well in advance of the lease’s end date to ensure a smooth transition and give the Innovation Center every opportunity to plan for future success,” the Commissioners stated.

The County also requested that no new subleases or lease agreements be signed that would extend beyond September 30, 2026.

The Bonneville County Board of Commissioners expressed its appreciation to the Idaho Innovation Center and its Board of Directors for their dedication to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the region. “We are grateful for their contributions and wish them the very best in their future endeavors,” the Commissioners added.

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Seth Ratliff

UPDATED: 9 PM

TETON COUNTY, Idaho — A three-vehicle crash on Highway 33 near Tetonia caused major traffic delays for over six hours on Wednesday. The collision, which occurred between Newdale and Tetonia, involved two commercial trucks and a motorhome.

According to the Idaho State Police, a 22-year-old male from Tetonia was driving a 1998 Kenworth truck eastbound when he crossed the center line. His truck then collided with a 2022 Ford motorhome driven by a 64-year-old man from Orlando, Florida, who was traveling westbound. Debris from the crash also struck another westbound truck, a 2003 Kenworth driven by a 67-year-old male from Waterville, Kansas.

Both the Kenworth truck driver and the motorhome driver were taken to a local hospital by Teton County Fire & Rescue with unknown injuries. All individuals involved were reportedly wearing their seatbelts.

The crash blocked the highway for approximately six and a half hours while emergency crews worked to clear the scene. Officials expressed gratitude to several bystanders who stopped to provide aid to the injured drivers before first responders arrived.

The incident remains under investigation by the Idaho State Police.

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Michael Coats

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — In a move to improve student and staff safety, Bonneville Joint School District 93 cut the ribbon on a new office and security entry to Falls Valley Elementary in Idaho Falls on Wednesday. 

The renovation places the school office directly at the main entrance, creating a more secure and efficient entry point. The new setup features a single-point access system with locking security doors, ensuring all visitors must pass through the office before entering the school. This also provides a much larger workspace for staff and makes it easier for parents and visitors to pick up and drop off students without navigating the school’s hallways.

“This is more functional, it’s safer,” said school secretary Tiana Sautter. “Some of them [students and teachers] are not used to change… but for the most part, everybody loves it.”

The project was made possible by funding from Idaho’s House Bill 521, which is part of a broader, district-wide effort to improve school infrastructure without requiring a local bond or levy vote from taxpayers.

“It makes such a huge difference to be able to greet our community and our family members who come in to pick up the kids or drop the kids off,” said Falls Valley Principal Tina Orme. “To have that space to be able to do it has made a world of difference to a lot of our parents.”

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News Release

The following is a news release from the University of Idaho:

MOSCOW, Idaho (KIFI) — A team led by the Southwest Research Institute and including University of Idaho’s Matthew Hedman, a professor of physics, discovered a new moon orbiting Uranus. The team used imagery captured from NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) to visualize the planet’s 29th confirmed satellite, among the smallest known moons of Uranus.  

Using JWST’s Near-Infrared Camera, the scientists captured 10 40-minute, long-exposure images on Feb. 2, 2025, and spent the spring and summer processing and analyzing the images. The newly identified moon joins a fleet of smaller moons on tightly looping paths around the planet, while five larger moons circle farther from the ice giant.  

“This planet system pushes us to study its moons,” said Hedman, a co-investigator on the project. “This is the most densely packed satellite system we’re aware of, but there’s a few places where there aren’t many moons. We wanted to know, is that just because we haven’t found them yet? Or is that because the chaotic interactions among moons have led to one not being there?”   

Hedman said computer simulations of Uranus and its satellites show that the smaller moons orbit so close together that their gravitational pulls tug on each other, likely eliciting occasional collisions.     

Hedman’s primary contribution to the team was helping process the imagery from JWST.   

“One of the things that convinced us that we had a new moon was that we saw it in all 10 pictures, and it was roughly the same brightness in all 10 pictures,” Hedman said.  

In addition, the moon was moving around Uranus at the expected speed for a planet with Uranus’s gravity. Hedman and his colleagues estimate the moon to be only 6 miles in diameter.  

Hedman and his graduate students will continue to analyze the images, looking to understand how the moons interact and for other previously unseen satellites.   

“Understanding how this moon interacts with its neighbors and whether it has a role in sculpting the planet’s rings will be two big things that we’ll want to study,” Hedman said.   

The new moon is unofficially named S/2025 U1 until it is formally named by the International Astronomical Union — all of Uranus’s moons bear names from works by Shakespeare and Alexander Pope. 

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