Author: KIFI

Par Kermani

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — A Caldwell woman is among hundreds of people charged in what federal officials are calling one of the largest healthcare fraud enforcement actions in U.S. history.

On Tuesday, the Department of Justice announced charges against 455 defendants nationwide as part of its 2026 National Health Care Fraud Takedown. Federal officials allege the schemes involved more than $6.5 billion in false claims submitted to Medicare, Medicaid and other healthcare programs.

Among those charged is 47-year-old Niki Rashel Cook of Caldwell.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Idaho, Cook was charged by indictment with wire fraud and aggravated identity theft in connection with an alleged scheme to obtain nursing jobs by falsely representing herself as a licensed healthcare professional.

Federal prosecutors allege Cook used the names and nursing licenses of other individuals to apply for and obtain jobs at several healthcare facilities, including a behavioral health hospital, a rehabilitation hospital, a skilled nursing facility and businesses providing hospice services.

According to the indictment, Cook earned more than $22,000 through the alleged scheme.

The Idaho case was announced as part of a nationwide healthcare fraud crackdown involving federal and state law enforcement agencies in 45 states. The Department of Justice said the operation resulted in the seizure of more than $182 million in cash, luxury vehicles, jewelry and other assets.

Officials said approximately 90 doctors and other licensed medical professionals were among those charged in the nationwide investigation.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Idaho and Idaho’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit participated in the enforcement effort.

The case against Cook was investigated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General and the Boise Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Darci Crane is prosecuting the case.

An indictment is an allegation of wrongdoing. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

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Seth Ratliff

JACKSON, Wyo. (KIFI) — Teton Interagency Fire crews are battling the Kinky Creek Fire, a fast-moving, 350-acre wildfire burning in the Bridger-Teton National Forest east of Jackson.

The fire broke out around 4:00 PM on Tuesday, June 23, in the Gros Ventre Wilderness on the Jackson Ranger District, according to a news release from the Bridger-Teton National Forest. Originally estimated at just 5 to 20 acres, the blaze grew rapidly overnight. Fire officials report that the flames are actively spreading through dense timber along a steep slope near upper Gros Ventre Falls, roughly three miles west of Darwin Ranch.

Yesterday, smokejumpers established a secure anchor point to build a fireline at the rear of the fire. Crews are now working to keep the flames on the west side of the Gros Ventre River, while additional resources set up structure protection around Darwin Ranch.

More than 50 personnel, including smokejumpers, fire engine crews, support staff, and air assets like a Type 3 helicopter, are currently on the scene. Fire crews expect additional reinforcements to arrive today to bolster containment efforts. A Type 3 Incident Management Team will arrive on Wednesday evening to assume command, bringing in a multi-agency group of specialists equipped to handle moderately complex, longer-term incidents.

According to the release, fire managers are currently using two strategies to contain the blaze. Currently, crews are using a combination of direct extinguishment, tackling the active flame front head-on, and indirect confinement, building firelines ahead of the flames to steer and trap the fire.

The public is strictly urged to avoid Kinky Creek Road; the Kinky Creek and Clear Creek trails; and Brewster, Lunch, and Chateau lakes so emergency crews can operate safely. The U.S. Forest Service is expected to announce a formal closure order for the area in the coming hours, according to the release.

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Danielle Mullenix

ISLAND PARK, Idaho (KIFI) – More than three months after an arson fire damaged Island Park City Hall, city leaders are continuing to serve residents from a temporary location while investigators work to determine who set the blaze.

Facebook / City of Island Park

The fire, which occurred in March, forced city officials to evacuate the building and disrupted normal operations. Today, city business is continuing as usual…but not from City Hall.

Island Park Mayor Bruce Ard said he and his wife were the first to discover the fire.

“We’re the ones that found it,” Ard said. “My wife and I noticed there was a light on upstairs, and I thought that shouldn’t be. When I opened the door, the smoke and the heat just came billowing out. I stepped out and yelled at her to call the fire department.”

Investigators say someone broke into City Hall, spray-painted graffiti inside the building, and then intentionally set a fire on the second floor near the porch. Damage was extensive, including all windows broken, smoke damage throughout the interior and exterior, and all technology destroyed. Federal investigators, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, have joined the investigation.

No arrests have been announced, and authorities continue to ask anyone with information to come forward. Despite the damage and disruption, Ard said the community has rallied behind the city.

“We’ve had some really good support,” Ard said. “We’ve made a lot of progress. We’ve still got some stuff to get put together and get back up and running. We’re not on a smooth tilt yet, but we’re getting there.”

Immediately following the fire, city operations were temporarily run from the mayor’s home.

“We kind of just set up at my house and tried to start piecing things back together,” Ard said.

The city has since moved its temporary offices to the Island Park Charter School while classes are out for the summer. Ard said the idea came from the city’s new clerk, who suggested using available space at the school after students left for the summer break.

City leaders say they continue working to restore services and determine the long-term future of the damaged building.

The investigation into the arson remains active. We will continue to bring the latest updates on this developing story.

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Fox13

By: Jeff Tavss

ST. GEORGE, Utah — A man who previously served as a church youth pastor has been charged with the murder of his wife, nearly 20 years after she fell to her death from Angels Landing in Zion National Park.

David Vander Meer was charged Tuesday with murder and insurance fraud by the Washington County Attorney’s Office. The charges came after the investigation into the death of Bernadette Vander Meer was reopened following a tip sent to the office.

In the early morning on August 22, 2006, the couple had hiked to the top of the popular spot in Zion to allegedly take sunrise photographs when David claimed he turned around and then heard his wife “scream as she was falling.”

David Vander Meer told detectives that he was moving backpacks when Bernadette allegedly fell, and then ran through the trail to find someone with better cell service to call 911.

Bernadette’s body was found hours later by detectives at the base of Angels Landing.

Documents from the investigation into Bernadette’s death note that the couple, who lived in Las Vegas, had purchased a home together, at which time they each had life insurance policies that totaled approximately $150,000 each. They later increased the policies to insure them for approximately $600,000.

Following the death, a coworker of Bernadette’s at the New York New York Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas contacted police and “was concerned with some of the circumstances surrounding” what had happened.

The coworker said that although she had worked with Bernadette for 6 years, she had only met David Vander Meer once, and only for a few minutes. She added that David never attended work functions with his wife or parties with her work friends.

According to the coworker, after the couple sold a condominium years earlier, David purchased a $50,000 Cadillac SUV, which was stolen months later, with insurance paying off the loan.

A search of the couple’s hotel room following Bernadette’s fall found no evidence of violence, and no signs of struggle appeared on the items found on her body after it was located.

In a release announcing the charges filed against David Vander Meer, the Washington County Attorney’s Office did not share additional details on what led them to pursue an arrest nearly two decades later, but asked anyone with information “relevant to this case” to reach out.

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News Release

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — The Bannock County Prosecutor’s Office is investigating potential financial irregularities at the Portneuf Valley Soccer Club following an internal forensic audit.

The PVSC Board of Directors announced the investigation in a June 17 news release, stating they forwarded the matter to Prosecuting Attorney Ian Johnson after uncovering evidence of potential misuse of assets.

After discovering the discrepancies, the board took decisive action, retaining an independent forensic accounting firm to review the club’s financial records and transactions. The findings were then handed over to the county prosecutor for evaluation and potential legal action.

The release does not name any individuals or detail the amount of money involved.

“Because the matter is under review by the Prosecutor’s office, PVSC will not make comments on individuals, evidence or potential legal proceedings,” PVSC President Mary Keller said in the release. “PVSC recognizes that all parties are entitled to due process and will not engage in further public discussion that could interfere with the investigative process.”

“The Board takes its obligation to the Club and the community seriously and is committed to protecting PVSC and its resources,” states the release. “PVSC will review all financial oversight measures and internal controls to safeguard organizational assets going forward.”

Despite the active investigation, the board assured families that the club’s daily operations, leagues, and programs will continue as scheduled. Moving forward, the board stated it intends to review all financial oversight measures and internal controls to safeguard organizational assets going forward.

“The Board is committed to our community and serving its players, families, coaches, volunteers, and the soccer community,” states the release.

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David Pace

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – With millions of eyes riveted on the World Cup, one local soccer club is taking their talents to the highest level.

The Idaho Falls Futball Club’s top squad is on its way to nationals to compete against the best eight teams in the U.S.

“We won the Saint George tournament, the I.F. Shootout, and then we took second at State Cup,” said Kai Redd, the attacking midfielder. “That qualified us to go to regionals, which was in Boise, where we played against teams from Oregon, Montana, Washington, Alaska, Wyoming. We ended up winning that, coming on top and punching our ticket to nationals.”

Eighteen young men have qualified to compete at the highest levels of U.S. Youth Soccer.

“I think it’s bigger than soccer. I think it’s bigger than futball. I think here when we step on the pitches together, we’re playing as a team together,” said Memphis Lopez, IFFC left back. “We’re playing for our brothers on our right and our left, and I think we just really want to compete for each other and represent Idaho.”

The team has been playing together for eight years and feels like a family.

“I just love the camaraderie we have. I feel like we’re all brothers out here. We play for each other,” Redd said. “My favorite thing about this team is how much heart we play with, and it’s really a special thing to be a part of that.”

Nationals brings together the best 18 and 19-year-olds in America to compete for U.S. Youth Soccer’s National Presidents Cup.

“There’s eight different regions in the U.S., and we’ll be representing the Northwest Region,” Redd said. “We’re all playing each other in Wichita, Kansas – so top eight teams.”

The team has overcome numerous obstacles, instilling resilience and critical life lessons in competition and practice.

“No matter how many times you fall down, it’s how you react to everything,” Lopez said. “I think this season especially, we went through a lot of adversity as a team – from our defense, from our midfielders to our strikers – everyone on the team. … We stuck together like glue as a team. That’s what I think I will take with me forever as I continue my journey wherever I end up going.”

The young men are seeking to raise $25,000 to cover travel costs, hotels, food and competition fees.

If you would like to help send the team to nationals, you can visit www.givesendgo.com/kansas to make a contribution.

The team is revved up and confident about competing at the highest levels of U.S. Youth Soccer.  

“We’re going to kick butt in nationals,” said center Tristan Howell.

“We’re going to win the whole thing,” Redd added.

The Idaho Falls Football Club U18 and U19 team has qualified for nationals in Wichita, Kansas on July 7.

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Fox13

By: Scott McKane , Jeff Tavss

BEAVER COUNTY, Utah — After exploding in size in just hours, the Cottonwood Fire burning near Beaver slowed overnight, but “extreme fire behavior” resumed Tuesday, and helped the fire double in size.

As of 5 p.m. Tuesday, the fire has burned over 24,000 acres and 0% contained, while all evacuation orders are still in effect, and its cause is still undetermined.

“The lack of moisture recovery prevented the fire from moderating overnight,” officials said in a release.

The Beaver County Sheriff’s Office said the extent of any damage, if any, to cabins, trailers, and vehicles is not yet known.

The Cottonwood Fire was discovered at 3:36 p.m. after sparking near milepost 5 on State Route 153, then spread to Beaver Mountain almost directly east of the town. It quickly grew to 10,000 acres by 10:45 p.m., according to Utah Fire Info.

Beaver County Emergency Management said evacuations were ordered for people in the HiLo area east of the city, Arrowhead Summer Homes, Merchant Valley, and Eagle Point.

SR-153 is closed in both directions between mileposts 2 and 25.

In addition, Beaver City announced that the public is not allowed to use the pressurized irrigation system until further notice, because firefighting crews will be taking water from the pressurized irrigation pond.

“This is probably the worst I’ve seen since I’ve been down here,” said Beaver resident David Long. “We get some pretty good fires down here and we do prescribed burns from year to year, but this one has really taken off.”

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Maile Sipraseuth

IIDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — One year ago, Anna and Jacob Ames faced unimaginable uncertainty when their son, Logan, was born at just 22 weeks and one day of gestation. Today, Baby Logan Ames is celebrating his first birthday.

“It’s kind of an end of a chapter. Just a nice milestone to capture that. He survived. He made a wonderful little celebration,” his mother, Anna Ames, said.

Logan Ames was born on June 22, 2025, four months before his actual due date, weighing only 1.3 pounds. Due to his extreme prematurity, Logan spent 169 days in the Level III neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center before finally going home with his parents, Anna and Jacob Ames, on Dec. 8, 2025.

According to EIRMC, Logan is the youngest surviving NICU baby in the hospital’s history.

“When baby’s born at 22 weeks, the chance of survival, we usually don’t give families their survival, meaning the baby lives. But that doesn’t necessarily mean they have a good quality of life, that’s around 30%. And then babies surviving with a good quality of life is usually about 12%. So it’s pretty low for 22 weeks. That’s why we call him the miracle baby,” Dr. Jordan Simpson, a NICU physician and medical director at EIRMC, said.

For Logan’s parents, the birthday celebration represents far more than cake and presents. It marks a year filled with uncertainty, hope and perseverance.

“Not to get too religious, but I would emphasize what a miracle he is,” his father, Jacob Ames, said. “I want him to remember that he has a purpose here.”

Logan’s story continues to inspire the staff at EIRMC, many of whom still talk about the tiny patient who defied the odds.

“Whenever we talk about little babies, we’re always bringing up Logan,” Dr. Simpson said. “He was a miracle baby, and everybody still loves him.”

His parents hope their son’s journey can offer encouragement to other families currently facing long days and sleepless nights in the NICU.

“There’s hope at the end of the road,” Anna said. “It’s hard, but it gets better.”

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Hadley Bodell

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – As the Fourth of July holiday draws closer, people are preparing to celebrate by purchasing fireworks, while local fire departments are urging people to follow safety precautions.

Warnings from the Fire Department

“We see people lighting fireworks off near dry weeds, open fields, next to vehicles, which is a big problem, or next to structures like sheds or their homes,” said Brian Curtis, fire chief with the North Bannock Fire District. “Typically, we want people to light fireworks off in an open space where they have a clearing with no shrubs, trees, bushes or grass to burn.”

Aerial fireworks are prohibited in the city of Pocatello, with ground-safe fireworks and sparklers permitted.

“We really hope people will proceed with caution, be safe and adhere to the recommendations of not doing aerials,” Curtis added. “Everything is so dry and there’s no moisture in the fuels around right now. It’s going to be super dangerous.”

Eastern Idaho has already seen an active fire season due to dry conditions and high winds. One ember from a rogue firework can start a wildfire in the area, making it more important that people follow the rules for celebrating on the Fourth of July.

“We’re pleading with the public to really take into consideration the dangers of the aerials. Please do not light them,” he said.

For sparklers and smaller fountain fireworks permitted in the city, the fire department says people should have a bucket of water or a hose nearby. After the firework is done, spray everything down with water or place it in a bucket of cool water.

“We want everybody to count the cost,” Curtis said. “What we mean is that a sparkler can reach 1,200 degrees and cause third-degree burns very fast. Count the cost of a trip to the emergency room. Count the cost of a surgery if you have to have one on your eye for getting too close to a firework.”

Most of the North Bannock Fire Department’s resources will be at the Bannock County Fairgrounds on the Fourth of July, with other trucks stationed throughout the area to respond to emergencies. Firefighters commonly see dumpster and garbage can fires on the holiday because fireworks are thrown away before they are completely extinguished.

Even fire chiefs are “astounded” by how dry the area is this year and are concerned about an increased fire risk.

“It’s dangerous out there, so we’re asking that people remain vigilant,” Curtis said.

Fireworks Stands on Having Fun Safely

Several fireworks stands in Idaho Falls have already opened for the season, while Pocatello stands will open next week. Pow-Wow Fireworks in Fort Hall is already selling thousands of fireworks ahead of next month’s America250 celebration.

Owner Karri H. Deschine said they take safety precautions seriously.

“We give every client or patron that comes through a punk,” Deschine said. “We give them the safety of using it, and if it’s a family, we’ll give them a few.”

A punk is a long bamboo stick that smolders slowly, allowing people to light fireworks from a safer distance.

Deschine also said the reservation is available for people who want to use aerial fireworks, which are illegal within city limits. The rodeo grounds and the area behind Shoshone-Bannock High School are popular locations.

“The tribe has officially approved those. Just make sure that you bring a trash bag or box, make sure to clean up after yourself,” she said. “Out of respect for the land, this is a sovereign place, and it’s a great way to save yourself a $700 fine.”

She said about half of her customers choose to set off their fireworks on the Fort Hall Reservation. She added it is common practice to place spent fireworks, including sparklers, into a bucket of water immediately after use.

Choosing age-appropriate fireworks is also important, according to Deschine.

“We don’t encourage sparklers for the really young kids, but we have plenty of other alternatives like swords and ones for the princesses,” Deschine said. “We have some that are bamboo and paper, which parents tend to prefer over the old-school metal ones.”

The stand also features a children’s section with smaller fireworks and a separate section for “Safe and Sane” fireworks.

“Everybody thinks they come out for artillery and they always come home with 80% safe and sane fireworks, so we’re doing our job to make sure that families are getting what they want,” Deschine said. “Artillery will say ‘shoots flaming balls with report’ and the safe and sane ones will say ’emits showers of spark.'”

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Hadley Bodell

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – The Tabernacle Choir is celebrating 100 years since its first performance at the Hollywood Bowl, and communities across the country are being invited to join the celebration through special screenings and watch parties.

In Pocatello, the Portneuf Health Amphitheatre will host a free watch party on Friday, June 26. The event will include food trucks, school donation opportunities benefiting districts in Pocatello and American Falls, and live entertainment before the concert broadcast.

The Lava Flow Fire Show, featuring lava dancers from Lava Hot Springs, will kick off the evening, followed by singer and comedian Emily Pack. Gates open at 5 p.m., and the pre-shows begin at 5:45 p.m.

The Tabernacle Choir’s performance will feature several special guests, including music producer David Foster and his wife, Katharine McPhee. Fan favorite Donny Osmond will also perform, along with Broadway performers Sebastian Arcelus and Stephanie J. Block.

“It’s the 100-year celebration of the first time they performed there, and they wanted everyone to be a part of that,” said Ross Hughes, area coordinator for the Tabernacle Choir Watch Party. “So they’re broadcasting it one time across the United States for others to come together to celebrate the culmination of their tour.”

Hughes said the tour, titled “Songs of Hope and Love,” comes at a time when people are looking for opportunities to gather as a community. He added that the choir was once known as “America’s Choir,” making the event open to everyone, regardless of background.

“It’s free to the public, and there will be food trucks available to buy food from,” he said. “You’ll be able to come and have confidence this is going to be a wonderful event for a family to enjoy some great entertainment.”

Hughes and his wife have helped organize the watch party in Pocatello. They have worked alongside volunteers to set up chairs and prepare the venue for the event.

The broadcast begins at 7 p.m. and will be shown on a high-definition screen with a concert-quality sound system. Free parking will be available at the Portneuf Wellness Complex.

The Mountain America Center in Idaho Falls will also host a screening on Saturday, June 27. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the broadcast begins at 6:30 p.m.

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