Author: KIFI

Seth Ratliff

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — The Idaho National Laboratory (INL) has been tapped for a crucial role: it will now serve as the chief digital officer for a new national initiative called SMART USA (Semiconductor Manufacturing and Advanced Research with Twins USA Institute). This significant project, launching in 2025 and funded by the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s CHIPS for America program, aims to bring computer chip (semiconductor) manufacturing back into the United States.

The overarching goal is to create a digital backbone in the Mountain West Region, ensuring the nation has a strong supply of these essential computer components and maintains a competitive edge in the global tech industry.

Why INL Was Chosen

INL’s selection for this vital role wasn’t by chance. As Chris Ritter, INL’s Division Director of Scientific Computing and AI, explained, “INL was selected for its vast expertise in digital twinning, high-performance computing, digital engineering, artificial intelligence, and advanced manufacturing.”

The Power of Digital Twins

A key aspect of INL’s role will be to use digital twin technology to develop a perfect virtual copy of their design. A digital twin is essentially a high-tech way to monitor and improve a design through constantly updated real-time information to test ideas, predict problems, and make better decisions without actually touching the real thing.

INL computer scientists are pros at using this technology, even creating a digital twin of the AGN-201 nuclear reactor in partnership with Idaho State University. Ultimately, using digital twins aims to significantly reduce the time and costs associated with designing and manufacturing semiconductors (computer chips).

Building a Skilled Semiconductor Workforce

Beyond its technological contributions, INL will also lead efforts to cultivate a skilled workforce for the semiconductor industry in the Rocky Mountain region. Through the Rocky Mountain region’s Digital Innovation Semiconductor Centers, INL will collaborate with regional Universities, National Labs, and Mountain West-based semiconductor companies.

This broad collaboration aims to build a highly-skilled semiconductor workforce across the region, ensuring that the Mountain West remains at the forefront of technological innovation and benefits from the growing opportunities in the industry, according to the INL.

Todd Younkin, executive director for the SMART USA Institute and president and CEO of Semiconductor Research Corporation, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “Collaborating with Chris Ritter and the team at INL opens up incredible opportunities for innovation and advancement in our field.” He emphasized that “INL’s pioneering work in digital twins, which integrate physical assets with computational capabilities, is set to revolutionize semiconductor manufacturing.”

INL’s leadership in this initiative is pivotal for strengthening domestic manufacturing competitiveness, ultimately bolstering U.S. economic and national security interests, according to the release.

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CNN Newsource

By Audry Jeong, CNN

(CNN) — The Department of Justice has abruptly dropped all charges against a Utah doctor and three of his associates who were accused of destroying Covid-19 vaccines and falsifying records, Attorney General Pam Bondi said Saturday in a post on X.

Dr. Michael Kirk Moore Jr., a certified plastic surgeon in Utah, was initially charged in 2023 after federal prosecutors alleged he and some members of his staff organized a scheme destroying more than $28,000 worth of government provided Covid-19 vaccines and distributed almost two thousand fraudulent vaccination cards in exchange for cash.

Prosecutors further alleged Moore and his associates administered saline shots to minors so children would think they were receiving the vaccine, according to a 2023 US Attorney’s Office news release and court documents.

The case has been a focus for the MAGA base as Bondi thanked Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene for bringing the case to her attention and Sen. Mike Lee “who has been a champion for advocating to end the weaponization of government.”

Saturday’s announcement comes as Bondi faces increased anger among the GOP base over her handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files, with calls for her to resign.

“Dr. Moore gave his patients a choice when the federal government refused to do so. He did not deserve the years in prison he was facing. It ends today,” Bondi posted to X.

The case had been highly scrutinized by high profile Republican leader including US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. who has particularly been a loud advocate against vaccines, dismissing all members of The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s vaccine advisory committee just last month.

CNN’s Evan Perez contributed to this report.

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News Team

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — A tense early morning situation on Horizon Drive ended peacefully Sunday, July 13, after Pocatello Police successfully negotiated with occupants of a home where firearms had reportedly been discharged. No injuries were reported.

Police were called to a home on the 2300 block of Horizon Drive around 6:44 AM after receiving reports that several firearms had been fired inside, according to a post by the Pocatello Police. Officers quickly established a perimeter around the home and issued a shelter-in-place order for nearby residents, urging them to stay clear due to the potential danger.

The successful negotiations led to the occupants leaving the house, and the shelter-in-place order was lifted around 9:02 AM. The Pocatello Police Department is investigating the incident.

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Noah Farley

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — People gathered in Russ Freeman Park on Saturday for a car show and to raise suicide awareness and prevention.

Everyone came together to enjoy the cars and each other’s company. They also had an open mic so people could share their experiences related to suicide, whether they involved themselves, their friends, or their family.

“We have a lot of faith, lot of hope, lot of love to give to people and let people know they’re not alone. And we just want to be together and unite,” said the event’s organizer, Joshua Worrell.

Worrell says there are plenty of places to turn to if you’re struggling with mental health, like the Behavioral Health Center or Center for Hope.

If you or a loved one is having thoughts of suicide, contact the 9-8-8 hotline for professional assistance.

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News Team

UPDATE 6:44 p.m. Tatiana Fuentes has been located in Colorado and is safe, according to the Idaho Falls Police Department..

The suspects are in custody.

Update 4:57 p.m: An amber alert with details has now been sent out.

Idaho Falls (KIFI) — The Idaho Falls Police Department is searching for a missing 12-year-old girl who is believed to have left home in the middle of the night with two adult men.

Tatiana Fuentes was last seen at her Idaho Falls home around 11 p.m. on Saturday, July 12. Tatiana was reported missing shortly after 11:00 a.m. when family couldn’t find her.

Authorities believe Tatiana is traveling with Marvin Juan Godoy Castillo, an 18-year-old man possibly from Texas, and another unidentified man believed to be around 20 years old.

Law enforcement says the group may be in a dark blue 2012 Ford Focus with Texas license plate WBP6759.

The suspect vehicle has a distinctive spoiler on it, pictured here.

A potential sighting occurred Saturday morning around 9 a.m., when a Bonneville County Sheriff’s Deputy stopped the vehicle for speeding in the Swan Valley area. Tatiana was reportedly in the back seat during the stop, but at that time had not yet been reported missing. After her disappearance was circulated to law enforcement later in the day, the deputy recognized her and shared the information with investigators.

Tatiana is described as a Hispanic female with dark brown hair and brown eyes. She is 5 feet 2 inches tall, weighs approximately 75 pounds, and has pierced ears. She may also have a temporary butterfly tattoo on her left forearm and could be wearing pink Air Jordans.

Godoy Castillo is described as having dark brown or black hair and dark eyes. The second man was last seen wearing a black shirt and black hat.

Anyone with information about these three individuals or the car they are traveling in should immediately contact their local law enforcement agency or the Idaho Falls Police Department at (208)529-1200.

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News Team

UPDATE 9:02 p.m.

EJ has been safely located. Due to tips from the community, Idaho Falls Police Officers were able to find EJ at the Ammon Walmart. 

IDAHO FALLS (KIFI)-The Idaho Falls Police Department is searching for a missing 12-year-old child who has autism.

“EJ” Emerson Murray was last seen around 6:50 p.m. in the 3000 block of Hartert Drive.

EJ was riding his orange and black bike.

He was wearing a brown shirt and denim shorts. EJ is 4′ 10″ and 90 pounds. He has hazel eyes and light brown hair.

Anyone with information about EJ’s whereabouts is asked to immediately contact the Idaho Falls Police Department at (208)529-1200.

(The following information is from an Idaho Falls Police Department news release)

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Noah Farley

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — The Art Museum of Eastern Idaho brought artists of all ages together for its annual Chalk Fest Community Day on Saturday.

Visitors got to draw on the sidewalks, learn techniques, and see professional artists make colorful creations.

Some of the artists were working on their chalk art since Friday.

“I usually work off of what’s called a grid system. So I have an image that has a grid on it, and then I can put a grid on the ground, and then use the grid from my image to get it to the larger size in proper proportion,” said Artist, Sara Nybo.

Nybo says there’s a beauty in the fact that chalk art is not permanent. She feels the art doesn’t need to be perfect. When they eventually wash away, it’s like giving the art back to the universe.

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News Team

UPDATE:

FREMONT COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) — As of 7:37 Sunday evening, July 13, crews in Fremont County have contained the Grassy Fire near St. Anthony. The fire, which started Friday afternoon, 14 miles northeast of Hammer, burned an estimated 2,018 acres according to the Bureau of Land Management.

The official cause of the fire is still under investigation.

UPDATE:

FREMONT COUNTY (KIFI)-The Grassy Fire is estimated to be at about 2,018 acres on Saturday morning, according to the South Fremont Fire Department.

Fire Chief Chris Hill says crews are working on fully containing the fire and taking care of hot spots in the area.

He also reminds everyone to be mindful of fire danger and red flag warnings.

Local News 8 will continue to provide updates if we receive more information.

FREMONT COUNTY (KIFI)-A fire named the Grassy Fire has grown to 4,400 acres north of St. Anthony according to the Fremont County Emergency Management.

The fire is located near St. Anthony and Hamer.

A number of aircraft including large air tankers are assisting.

Local News 8 will continue to monitor the Grassy Fire and provide updates if more information is released.

ST ANTHONY, Idaho (KIFI) — Emergency responders in St. Anthony are on the scene of a fire near the Siddoway Elk Ranch off Red Road in the Sand Dunes area. Witnesses have photographed a pillar of smoke rising from the area, visible from the Ashton area.

Multiple agencies, including the South Fremont Fire District, Hamer Fire District, and BLM, responded initially. Madison County Fire and Central Fire District are also responding.

Fremont County Sheriff’s deputies are asking people to avoid the area so responders can do their jobs.

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News Team

UPDATE:

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Idaho State Police is currently responding to a single-vehicle rollover crash on US-20 near Exit 313. Witness video from the scene reportedly shows an overturned Road Ranger RV, which was being towed by a red SUV.

According to ISP, the SUV was occupied by two adults and three children, all of whom have been transported to a local hospital for evaluation.

No details have been released at this time regarding the cause of the crash. The northbound left lane of US-20 is currently blocked, per Idaho 511.

This is a developing story, and Local News 8 will provide updates as more details become available.

ORIGINAL:

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — The Idaho Transportation Department is reporting a crash on US-20 near 105th N. in Idaho Falls. The left lane is currently blocked, according to Idaho 511.

The Idaho Transportation Department is directing drivers to consider an alternative route, expect delays, and use caution.

No details have been released at this time regarding potential injuries or the cause of the crash.

This is a developing story. Local News 8 will update with more details as they become available.

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Ariel Jensen

REXBURG, Idaho (KIFI) — In light of what’s happening in Texas, local emergency responders and managers are reminding the public of a few things to consider if you plan on going into Idaho’s great outdoors.

When a public emergency strikes, we get alerts on our phones, we hear it on the radio, and we pop-up on our TV. But this could be a challenge if you are in an area where you don’t have these resources, like campgrounds. 

“I’ve been working with our Parks and Rec director for the county [Madison county], and with all of their payment boxes, they’re putting up a reminder that for updated alerts, you can turn to the weather radio from NOAA to get any emergency alerts. And our 911 center, when we trigger a reverse nine on one, actually triggers that radio channel too,” said Robert Kohler, Emergency Manager for Madison County.

Take a look at this photo of the radio.

We are encouraged to have something like this if you’re out in the wilderness.

It’s hand-chargable and it has a specific channel for the weather broadcasting, it’s called NOAA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

“Have a second means of communication other than your cell phone. Now, that can be the weather radio that we talked about, or a hand operator license, or a small two-way radio to communicate with other parties. Have some way to communicate out and in,” said Kohler.

If you are in a remote area, emergency responders say it is still your responsibility to go prepare.  

“Know your terrain and the location you’re in. If you’re traveling somewhere, study it out. Find out where the danger zones are and look and pay attention to the forecast as you’re planning your trips,” said Kohler.  

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