Firefighters respond to a fire at Life Care Center in Ammon 

News Team

AMMON, Idaho (KIFI) – Fire crews responded to a report of a fire at Life Care Center of Idaho Falls, Wednesday night. 

Ammon and Idaho Falls firefighters were called around 8 PM to the center, located on the 2700 block of east 17th Street in Ammon. 

An eyewitness says smoke could be seen, coming from the central part of the building.  

No injuries have been reported and the cause of the fire is unknown.   

Local News8 will update this story when more information is available.  

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Ammon community members repaint fire hydrants to boost neighborhood pride and public safety

Maile Sipraseuth

AMMON, IDAHO (KIFI)— Volunteers in Ammon have taken neighborhood improvements into their own hands to enhance the community, starting with fire hydrants.

Samuel Hancock, started a GoFundMe to support the initiative, as the cost of supplies began to rack up.

“My girlfriend Rachael and I are proud residents of Ammon, and we recently noticed that many of the city’s fire hydrants had become faded, chipped, and peeling. Wanting to make a difference, we took action by repainting several hydrants ourselves and quickly saw the impact,” Hancock said. “A fresh coat of paint not only restores civic pride, but also makes hydrants easier for firefighters to spot, saving precious seconds when it matters most.”

The mayor of Ammon, Sean Coletti, picked up on the cause and will be helping with the costs of repainting the fire hydrants.

“I love it when residents take it into their own hands to improve and beautify the community,” Coletti said.

Hancock’s Go Fund Me page emphasizes that the goal of the project is to also boost community pride.

To donate or learn more, you can visit the GoFundMe here.

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Suspect in custody following attempted stabbing in Shelley

Abi Martin

File: 2022

SHELLEY, Idaho (KIFI)– A suspect is in custody following an attempted stabbing in Shelley on Wednesday afternoon.

Around 4:30 p.m., Shelley Police officers responded to a report of an attempted stabbing at a residence on the 200 block of South Holmes Avenue. Officers secured the scene and launched a search for the suspect.

The Shelley Police Department was assisted by deputies from the Bingham County Sheriff’s Office, detectives with the Bingham County Joint Investigations Division, and aerial support from a thermal drone.

The suspect was later located on the 800 block of South Park Avenue. According to police, the suspect resisted arrest, but was taken into custody after being tased. They were then transported to the Bingham County Jail.

Authorities confirmed the victim was not injured in the incident.

Police say the investigation is ongoing and more details may be released.

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ISU debuts new associate degree program in science

Sam Ross

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI)– Idaho State University is offering a 60-credit Associate of Science degree covering dozens of different university science classes in different fields for the first time starting this fall semester.

University leaders designed the new degree program to cater to students wishing to pursue a future in the sciences without the field-specific commitment previously required in ISU’s associate degree paths in the past.

“I think the biggest thing is that we really designed it to be flexible,” said Dr. Shannon Kobs Nawotniak, professor and chair of ISU’s Geosciences Department. “We’ve had things like an associate in physics or in geology or in chemistry, and the problem is, with a two year degree, you’ve got to know so fast and sometimes you don’t; it’s not reasonable to know that fast. That’s why we really designed this one to maximize the flexibility and create pathways for students that then can go into any of these fields and get a foundation that will actually set them up successfully for that.”

Students in the Associate of Science degree program will still be required to complete general education courses along with their choice of dozens of lower and upper division courses in multiple disciplines in the College of Science and Engineering.

For more information on ISU’s degree programs, you can visit their website HERE.

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Second suspect released as Charlie Kirk shooting investigation continues, FBI Director Patel corrects earlier statement

News Team

UPDATE — 7:08 PM

OREM, Utah (KIFI) — The FBI has released a second suspect who was apprehended in the investigation into the fatal shooting of conservative political figure and social media influencer Charlie Kirk. The individual was released after a period of interrogation.

“The subject in custody has been released after an interrogation by law enforcement. Our investigation continues, and we will continue to release information in the interest of transparency,” FBI Director Kash Patel announced on X.

The news of the release follows an earlier statement from Patel, who confirmed on social media that an individual had been taken into custody in connection with what he called the “horrific shooting today that took the life of Charlie Kirk.”

UPDATE:

OREM, Utah (KIFI) — “The subject for the horrific shooting today that took the life of Charlie Kirk is now in custody. Thank you to the local and state authorities in Utah for your partnership with @fbi. We will provide updates when able,” FBI Director Kash Patel wrote on X.

ORIGINAL:

WASHINTON D.C (KIFI) — President Donald Trump has directed that all national and state flags at public buildings and grounds be flown at half-staff as a mark of respect for the memory of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The order, which was issued on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, will remain in effect until sunset on Sunday, September 14, 2025.

The directive comes just hours after Kirk, 31, was fatally shot at a public event at Utah Valley University. Authorities are actively searching for the suspect in what multiple regional news outlets have described as a targeted attack.

Authorities in Utah are hosting a press conference at 4 PM to update the public on the shooting investigation. Local News 8 is livestreaming the conference above.

RELATED — Charlie Kirk, a prominent conservative activist and Trump ally, dies after shooting at Utah campus event

President Trump, a longtime supporter and ally of Kirk, shared a personal tribute on his social media platform, Truth Social. “No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie,” Trump wrote in part. “He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us. Melania and my Sympathies go out to his beautiful wife, Erika and family. Charlie, we love you!”

Reactions from Lawmakers:

The attack has prompted a wave of condemnation from across the political spectrum. Regional and national lawmakers and regional religious leaders have shared their condolences and called for an end to political violence.

Senator Cynthia Lummis – Wyoming

Wyoming Senator Cynthia Lummis states in part, “Today’s assassination of Charlie Kirk in Utah is sickening and horrific. Charlie Kirk was a young leader, a husband, a father, and someone who had visited the University of Wyoming earlier this year to talk and engage with our students about the future of our country. Political violence is completely unacceptable. The perpetrator must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. I hope you will join me in praying for Charlie’s wife, young kids, family, and friends. John 13:34.”

Representative Mike Crapo – Idaho

Representative Mike Crapo posted on X, “Charlie was a leader in the conservative political movement with many promising years to come. His assassination is a vile and reprehensible act of political violence. Charlie promoted open dialogue and invited conversation from people of all backgrounds, especially with those with whom he disagreed. This loss to the conservative movement is deep.”

Senator Jim Risch – Idaho

Senator Jim Risch posted to Facebook, “Rest in peace, charlie kirk. Horrific acts of political violence must come to an end. Please join me and vicki in praying for charlie’s family, loved ones, and the countless people impacted by this tragic loss.”

Representative Mike Simpson – Idaho

Representative Mike Simpson posted to Facebook,”May god be with Charlie Kirk’s family. Kathy and I send our deepest condolences to his wife, their daughters, and all his loved ones. Every American should be outraged. Political violence has become far too common. Today’s sickening assassination must be condemned at every level. The radical rhetoric fueling this political mental illness must stop now.”

Idaho Democratic and Republican Parties

The Idaho democratic party posted this statement on their Facebook, “At moments like this, we must come together as Americans to reject hate and division. The death of Charlie Kirk is a tragic reminder that violence can never replace dialogue or democracy. Our hearts go out to the children who lost a father, the wife who lost a husband, and the rest of Mr. Kirk’s family.”

The Idaho Republican Party shared President Trump’s post announcing Kirk’s death and then added this statement saying, “May god have mercy on his soul, bless and protect his family, and may justice be done.”

Utah-based religious groups respond

The Utah-based Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints issued the following statement: “It is with great sadness that we learn of the shooting that took place at Utah Valley University, resulting in the death of Charlie Kirk. Our prayers go out to his family at this time. We condemn violence and lawless behavior. We also pray that we may treat one another with greater kindness, compassion, and goodness. For members of the Church, we reaffirm that the Savior’s teaching and admonition is to love our neighbor.”

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Charlie Kirk, a prominent conservative activist and Trump ally, dies after shooting at Utah campus event

CNN Newsource

Originally Published: 10 SEP 25 16:43 ET

By Eric Bradner, CNN

(CNN) — Charlie Kirk, a conservative political activist and co-founder of Turning Point USA, was killed Wednesday after being shot at an event at Utah Valley University, President Donald Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. He was 31.

As Trump remade the Republican Party, Kirk embodied the party’s newfound populist conservatism in the social media age. Trump has credited Kirk with galvanizing and mobilizing the youth vote for him.

“No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie,” the president wrote. “He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us.”

Kirk, himself a college dropout, was influential with college students and young voters — not only in helping to elect Trump to the presidency but also to inspire a new movement of conservative activists. His involvement began in the wake of the tea party movement and grew with Trump’s ascendance.

Having co-founded Turning Point in 2012 at the age of 18, Kirk was a prominent supporter of Trump who courted young voters and used his network of nonprofits to seek to turn out voters on campuses and churches for Trump in 2024.

Kirk frequently traveled to college campuses, speaking and taking questions from audience members in exchanges that often led to viral videos. Kirk’s appearance at Utah Valley University on Wednesday was the first of a 14-city fall “American Comeback Tour.”

Kirk was answering a question at the event when a single pop was heard. Video taken by attendees shows the crowd screaming as Kirk recoiled in his seat and appeared to reach for his neck.

Among those in attendance was former US Rep. Jason Chaffetz, a Utah Republican. He said on Fox News he was at the event with his wife, daughter and son-in-law. He said Kirk “came out, he was throwing hats, riling up the crowd,” and then started taking questions before the shot rang out.

“I was watching Charlie. I can’t say that I saw blood. I can’t say that I saw him get hit, but I did see him fall immediately backwards into his left,” he said.

The American Comeback Tour had Kirk’s signature “Prove Me Wrong Table,” where he would urge those who disagreed with him to debate an issue.

Kirk traveled with a private security contingent, a Turning Point USA aide traveling on the tour told CNN, whether he was speaking to large rallies like the one in Orem, Utah, or at smaller events.

Kirk most recently appeared in the Oval Office in May, attending the swearing-in ceremony of Judge Jeanine Pirro.

The president and dozens of other Kirk allies – as well as Democrats who had sharp disagreements with him – posted well-wishes and calls for prayer online in the wake of the shooting.

Kirk got his first experience in politics as a student at Wheeling High School in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, when he volunteered for the winning 2010 Senate campaign of Republican former Sen. Mark Kirk.

He earned national attention in 2012 when, as a high school senior, he wrote in Breitbart News that high school students were being indoctrinated by liberal textbooks. He briefly attended Harper College, but dropped out to become a full-time conservative activist, and went on to argue that college is unnecessary for many people.

Kirk and retired businessman and conservative activist Bill Montgomery co-founded Turning Point USA in 2012. The two had met when Kirk was 18, at a speaking engagement at Benedictine University that followed his Breitbart piece. The organization was quickly backed by a roster of major Republican donors, including Foster Friess.

He went on to become a best-selling author and well-known media personality who hosted a daily three-hour show.

In 2021, Kirk married Erika Frantzve, with whom he shared two young children.

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At least 3 people shot at a Denver-area high school, officials say

CNN Newsource

(CNN) — Three people are in critical condition after a shooting at Evergreen High School in Evergreen, Colorado, according to St. Anthony’s Hospital.

At least two of the victims are students, according to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. Evergreen is located roughly 28 miles southwest from Denver.

The school has been placed on lockdown, according to Jefferson County Public Schools, which is urging people to stay away from the area as law enforcement responds.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

The-CNN-Wire™ & © 2025 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved.

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Here are the events to honor Patriots Day, 9/11 on Thursday

Curtis Jackson

EASTERN IDAHO (KIFI) – A number of events are scheduled to honor Patriots Day and the remembrance of 9/11 across eastern Idaho. Below is a list of some of them.

REXBURG

The Madison Fire Department Pipe Brigade will celebrate Patriot Day on September 11, 2025 7:00 a.m. – Flag raising and tolling of the bell at Station #1 (26 North Center Street) 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. – Memorial Walk at Porter Park. A self-guided tour of the 9/11 events.

POCATELLO

Bannock County Veteran Services to host the 9/11 Patriot Day Commemoration. 5:30 p.m. – Flag raising ceremony, Bannock County Courthouse front steps, 624 E. Center St.

Sixth District Judge Rick Carnaroli will read ‘The Events As They Unfolded,’ a chronological recount of what happened the morning of Sept. 11, 2001. Carnaroli, who was 100 miles from New York during that time to bury his father with military honors, said it is an important responsibility of older generations to remember these events.

“We hold this ceremony to remember the souls lost and the acts of bravery by ordinary Americans and first responders,” said Melissa Hartman, Bannock County Veteran Services Coordinator.

Local Veteran Services Organizations will host a community dinner at the Bannock County Veterans Memorial Building, 300 N. Johnson, immediately following the program.

For more information about the event, please contact Bannock County Veterans Services at (208)282-4245.

Institute of Rural Health Hosts Second Annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at ICCU Dome

The Institute of Rural Health is hosting the second annual 9/11 Remembrance Week event series, a community-centered set of gatherings designed to honor the lives lost, recognize the heroism of first responders, and promote resilience and preparedness in Southeast Idaho.

One of the cornerstone events of the series, the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb, will be held on Thursday evening, September 11, 2025, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the ICCU Dome. Participants will climb the equivalent of 110 flights of stairs, symbolizing the heroic journey taken by first responders in the Twin Towers. The event is open to the public and invites individuals, teams, and families to honor sacrifice through action. This event is also looking for volunteers.

The remembrance series will conclude with a Community Emergency Preparedness Fair on Saturday, Sept. 20 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The fair will feature emergency response demonstrations, preparedness resources, and interactive activities to help families and individuals plan for unexpected situations.

AMMON

9/11 Monument Unveiling

Bonneville County Fire District 1 will unveil a permanent monument honoring the first responders who courageously answered the call on September 11, 2001.

7:30 p.m. – Bonneville County Fire District, 2137 S. Ammon Rd. Parking available at City of Ammon Building, 2135 S. Ammon Rd. or the LDS Church, 2055 S. Ammon Rd.

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Right-wing influencer Charlie Kirk shot at Utah Valley University event

Seth Ratliff

ORIGINAL:

OREM, Utah (KIFI) — Right-wing influencer and Trump ally Charlie Kirk has been shot during an event at Utah Valley University in Orem. The extent of his injuries is unknown at this time.

Video from the event posted to social media shows Kirk on stage underneath a canopy as an unidentified gunman opens fire and Kirk falls. Immediately, shouts to run are heard in the video.

According to multiple regional media outlets, the 31-year-old appeared to have been struck in the neck. UVU campus is on lockdown.

Charlie Kirk was reportedly at the university as part of his “The American Comeback Tour.” The right-wing influencer planned to host his “Prove Me Wrong” table, debating with the members of the audience.

The move comes after thousands signed a petition to block his USU appearance, citing Kirk as “a highly polarizing figure, does not align with the core values and ideology that Utah State University strives to epitomize.” According to a report by KSL,

Senator Lee posted to Twitter shortly after the shooting, “I am tracking the situation at Utah Valley University closely. Please join me in praying for Charlie Kirk and the students gathered there.”

This is a breaking news story. Local News 8 will provide additional updates as new information becomes available.

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Red Cross urges disaster readiness during National Preparedness Month

Sam Ross

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI)– The Red Cross of Idaho and East Oregon are urging people to get their homes and loved ones ready to respond to disasters during National Preparedness Month through September.

Matt Ochsner, regional communications director for the Red Cross of Idaho, Montana, and East Oregon, said the most important things people can do to prepare for a disaster are make a family plan with evacuation routes and meeting places and make sure family members have stocked ‘go bags’ complete with medications, food, water, chargers, and specialized necessities like baby formula or pet supplies.

“You just never know when that siren may sound and there may be a disaster in your neighborhood,” said Matt Ochsner, regional communications director for the Red Cross of Idaho, Montana, and East Oregon. “…Not only knowing where you’re going, but what you’re bringing as well, that really will take some of the panic out of a really stressful situation.”

The Red Cross responds to nearly 200 disasters in Idaho and Eastern Oregon every year, including wildfires, floods, and severe winter storms, but the most common disaster is house fires.

Ochnser said having an escape plan that accounts for every family member is essential in case of a house fire, and keeping a working smoke alarm will cut the risk of death in a fire down 50%.

After making sure your household is taken care of, Ochsner said the next step is keeping track of people nearby who might need assistance in the event of a large-scale emergency.

“Red Cross is all about neighbors helping neighbors,” said Ochsner. “It’s always a good idea in your neighborhood to know which neighbors might be able to help you if you need help, and which neighbors might need your help during a disaster as well.”

People can download the Red Cross’ free emergency app for weather updates and preparedness tips. For more information on National Emergency Preparedness Month, you can visit the Red Cross website.

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