Las Vegas Raiders draft Boise State star Ashton Jeanty

KIFI on April 25, 2025

Travis Richards

BOISE (KIFI)- The Las Vegas Raiders selected Boise State star Ashton Jeanty as the number six overall pick in this year’s NFL Draft.

Jeanty is the highest-picked Boise State player in NFL Draft history.

The former Bronco finished second in Heisman voting behind two-way player Travis Hunter from Colorado.

During his time at Boise State, Jeanty rushed 4,769 years and 2,601 yards in his 2024 season, which is a Boise State record.

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Judge rules autism diagnosis won’t shield Bryan Kohberger from Death Penalty if convicted

KIFI on April 24, 2025

Seth Ratliff

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) – Bryan Kohberger’s recent autism diagnosis will not affect the prosecutor’s decision to seek the death penalty if he is convicted in his upcoming quadruple murder trial.

In a new ruling Thursday, Steven Hippler ruled that the state of Idaho can pursue the death penalty against Bryan Kohberger despite his autism diagnosis.

Bryan Kohberger has been charged in the stabbing deaths of four University of Idaho Students, Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Ethan Chapin, and Xana Kernodle, at an off-campus home in Moscow, Idaho, on Nov. 13, 2022.

The recent ruling follows the defense’s request for Judge Hippler to eliminate the death penalty as an option in the case. They cited Kohberger’s diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder as a key reason. His attorneys argue that the media coverage of his diagnosis could bias the jury against him.

“These widely viewed and highly prejudicial media reports, draped in the language of ‘expertise’ and ‘analysis,’ demonize Mr. Kohberger for his disability,” write Kohberger’s defense team in court documents.

In response, the prosecution has argued that the media attention and Kohberger’s “social impairment” do not warrant striking the death penalty.

Judge Hippler’s new ruling also follows an additional decision surrounding arguments regarding Kohberger’s autism diagnosis. On April 18, the judge ruled that Kohberger’s legal team won’t be able to tell a jury in his upcoming death penalty trial about his diagnosis unless he takes the stand in his own defense.

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Bingham County Republicans avoid paying state GOP’s attorney fees

KIFI on April 24, 2025

Seth Ratliff

BINGHAM COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) – Members of the Bingham County Republican Central Committee (BCRCC) will not have to pay attorney fees to the state GOP after a lengthy lawsuit between the two groups.

In an order published April 23 by Judge Darren Simpson, the Bingham group’s Motion to Dissallow was granted, meaning each party shall bear its own attorney fees and costs.

“We are pleased that this chapter is now behind us. The court has ruled that each side will bear its own legal costs and attorney fees, affirming what we have believed from the beginning—that this was a complex dispute in which neither side fully prevailed,” the BCRCC, in part, in a written statement.

“We are, however, disappointed that the leadership of the Idaho Republican Party chose to escalate this matter to such lengths. What should have been resolved through transparent internal processes instead became a protracted legal battle.”

The bad blood between the State and Bingham County GOP began with a mismanaged election in June 2023. State GOP leadership said the Bingham County Republicans did not follow party rules in their election, and GOP chair Dorothy Moon would have to come to Bingham County to redo the election.

After lengthy miscommunication between the county and state party, the Bingham County Republican Central Committee filed a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction against state party leadership. For more information, click HERE.

Before the end of last year, the BCRCC filed a motion to dismiss their original lawsuit. The move came after a judge ruled that their 2023 election had, in fact, broken party rules.

In February, Bryan Smith, attorney for the Idaho GOP, filed a memorandum for the Bingham County Republican Central Committee (BCRCC) to pay his attorney’s fees, which could add up to $82,000.

“We were particularly surprised by the request for attorney fees made by Mr. Bryan Smith, especially in light of multiple documented instances where it was stated—publicly and privately—that he was representing the party pro bono. Party leadership had repeatedly affirmed that Mr. Smith was not charging for his services. It was therefore concerning to see sworn affidavits submitted to the court asserting the opposite,” writes the BCRCC.

In a February interview with Local News 8, Bryan Smith said, “Under Idaho law, a prevailing party is entitled to file a memorandum of attorney’s fees and costs.” For more information on Smith’s comments, click HERE.

The decision by Judge Darren Simpson has helped the BCRCC avoid the hefty legal fee.

“In summary, both parties prevailed in part on BCRCC’s claims. Where both parties are partially successful, it is within this Court’s discretion to decline an attorney fee award to either side…neither party prevailed, and each shall bear its own attorney fees and costs,” said Darren B. Simpson in the written decision.

Local News 8 reached out to attorney Bryan Smith for comment on the order.

“The fact that the Bingham County Republican Central Committee thinks it won something after avoiding an award of attorney’s fees shows precisely how distorted their view of reality is,” Bryan Smith told Local News 8 in a written statement. “We just got the [judge’s] opinion and we’re evaluating on how to proceed further.”

View Judge Simpson’s full order below:

Order granting Plaintiffs Motion to Disallow Costs and FeesDownload

Statement by the BCRCC

Local News 8 has included the complete statement by the Bingham County Republican Central Committee below.

We are pleased that this chapter is now behind us. The court has ruled that each side will bear its own legal costs and attorney fees, affirming what we have believed from the beginning—that this was a complex dispute in which neither side fully prevailed.We are, however, disappointed that the leadership of the Idaho Republican Party chose to escalate this matter to such lengths. What should have been resolved through transparent internal processes instead became a protracted legal battle.We were particularly surprised by the request for attorney fees made by Mr. Bryan Smith, especially in light of multiple documented instances where it was stated—publicly and privately—that he was representing the party pro bono. Party leadership had repeatedly affirmed that Mr. Smith was not charging for his services. It was therefore concerning to see sworn affidavits submitted to the court asserting the opposite.These inconsistencies have only deepened our concern and eroded our confidence in the current leadership of the state party. Based on information brought forth by the group known as Party Watch, we are very skeptical of anything our current party leadership says or does. Trust is foundational to good governance, and it is difficult to place trust in those who do not act transparently or in the best interests of those they represent.We remain committed to serving our community and look forward to a brighter day—one where the Idaho Republican Party is once again led with honesty, integrity, and accountability.

—Bingham County Republican Central Committee

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Habitat for Humanity prepares to build affordable housing project

KIFI on April 24, 2025

Phillip Willis

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – After a long setback, Habitat for Humanity is clearing trees and old buildings from 11.5 acres of land in preparation for the construction of affordable housing.

The project was finally greenlit to use government funds a year past the proposed groundbreaking.  Karen Lansing and Randy Hubbard of Habitat for Humanity anticipated they would be able to begin building back in March of 2022 when the location was confirmed.

“This is a bigger project than Habitat Idaho Falls has ever done, so we have to ramp up all aspects of our organization, which includes fundraising and grant writing,” said Karen Lansing, Habitat for Humanity Executive Director.

The land is next to the Butte Soccer Complex. For now, Ernest Drive ends in a road block, but past that road block is a dirt road that passes through the middle of the planned neighborhood. Trees and grass will soon be transformed into a residential area with craftsman-style homes.

According to the Habitat for Humanity website, the project seeks to “put God’s love into action” and attempts to empower families to build a new life. Those who qualify based on financial readiness, an interview process, and do at least 300 hours of “sweat equity” will be able to own a home. 

“We’re looking for as much community support as we can get, and if you’ve got any questions, you can call our main office and inquire about what we’re doing out here,” said Randy Hubbard, Head of Construction.

For more information or the office number, click HERE.

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ISP investigates deadly crash near Fort Hall

KIFI on April 24, 2025

Seth Ratliff

UPDATE: 5:27 PM

The following is a press release from the Idaho State Police:

FORT HALL, Idaho (KIFI) – Idaho State Police is investigating a two-vehicle fatality crash that occurred on Thursday April 24, at 1:55 p.m., on southbound I-15 at milepost 74.5, north of Pocatello.

A 2000 Subaru Legacy, driven by a 48-year-old male out of Inkom, was driving southbound on I15 when traffic slowed.  The Subaru then struck the back of a 2019 Audi A6, driven by a 60-year-old male out of Idaho Falls and was also occupied by a 59-year-old female passenger out of Idaho Falls.

The driver of the Subaru was not wearing a seatbelt and succumbed to their injuries at the scene of the crash.  The occupants of the Audi were wearing seatbelts and were transported to a nearby hospital.

The southbound lanes of I-15 were blocked for approximately three hours to allow emergency responders to assist those involved.

Idaho State Police was assisted by Chubbuck Police Department, Fort Hall Police Department, Fort Hall Fire Department, and the Pocatello Fire Department.

This incident remains under investigation by the Idaho State Police.

UPDATE: 4:53 PM April 24, 2025

FORT HALL, Idaho (KIFI) – The Idaho State Police is investigating multiple crashes along I-15 between Fort Hall and Pocatello.

The crashes temporarily blocked traffic on all southbound lanes Thursday afternoon.

No information on the cause of the crash or possible injuries has been released at this time. Local News 8 is heading to the scene and will update this developing story with more information as the details become available.

ORIGINAL:

FORT HALL, Idaho (KIFI) – The Idaho Transportation Department is reporting multiple crashes along I-15 between Fort Hall and Pocatello. All southbound lanes of traffic have been blocked, according to ITD 511 alerts.

ITD and first responders are telling drivers to prepare to stop, drive with extreme caution, and follow the posted detour.

No information on the cause of the crash or possible injuries has been released at this time. Local News 8 is heading to the scene and will update this developing story with more information as the details become available.

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Local theater seeking donations to preserve nearly 100-year-old building

KIFI on April 24, 2025

Sam Ross

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI)– The Westside Players are racing against time this season to raise enough money for much-needed repairs to their 90-year-old theater, the Warehouse.

The historic warehouse-turned-theater has been a home for Pocatello’s Westside Players since the dinner theater started out of the building in 1986. Since then, the volunteers that make up the cast and crew have run hundreds of shows, but revenue from years of ticket sales has not been enough to keep up with the mounting repairs needed for the building’s infrastructure.

“Unfortunately, things are going awry with some of the stuff in this building,” said Karen Suess, vice president of the Westside Players board of directors. “We had already decided we were going to replace this stage as a big project coming up because the stage has been here for 38 years, and there’s so many coats of paint and lacquer and wax and who knows what else on the stage that we can hardly even staple anything into it anymore. So we were going to start this big project, then the heaters went out.”

Suess said five of their decades-old heating units kicked the bucket last October, plunging the backstage areas into the cold and stretching thin the theater’s already limited seasonal funds.

Two months ago, the Westside Players’ board decided to take action, and established their ‘Spotlight Campaign’–a fundraising drive to collect money to replace the building’s heating system and give the players a new stage to continue their popular performances.

Suess and her colleagues set the Spotlight Campaign’s goal at $30,000, enough for state-of-the-art industrial heaters and a new stage. But Suess said the fundraising campaign is about more than preserving the building, it is about maintaining a space for people to do what they love and continue a tradition of local entertainment.

“We are the oldest dinner theater in town–people have been coming here for years, and it’s a place where people can come together [and] have fun,” said Suess. “If you’re in the production, you become family. And if you’re the audience, you just enjoy good entertainment. We have people who have been coming here forever… we are a fantastic source of community and of entertainment, and we don’t want it to die.”

Along with the ongoing Spotlight Campaign, the Westside Players are hosting a ‘Spotlight Gala’ on May 3 featuring local entertainment, food, and drinks, with ticket proceeds going to building repairs.

For more information on the Spotlight Campaign, how to donate, and the upcoming fundraiser gala, you can visit the Westside Players website.

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Idaho Falls Zoo opening day

KIFI on April 24, 2025

Noah Farley

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — The Idaho Falls Zoo opened for its 2025 season Thursday, April 24.

Visitors are excited to see over 90 different animal species.

Dozens of volunteers helped clean the zoo the weekend before to get the zoo ready for opening day.

Now that the zoo is open, it will also provide special events and education programs to promote wildlife education and conservation.

The zoo’s hours and ticket prices can be found here.

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Bonneville County Jail holding open house event this Friday and Saturday

KIFI on April 24, 2025

News Team

The following is a press release from the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office:

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – The Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) will be holding an open house event at the new Special Housing Unit (SHU) addition to the Bonneville County Jail April 25th and 26th from 10am to 2pm each day. With the finishing touches nearing completion, the Sheriff’s Office team wanted to provide an opportunity for our community to tour the facility and learn more about how the jail serves our area. BCSO Deputies work hard to maintain a safe environment and facilitate available resources based on a wide variety of individual inmate needs.  

     This new addition significantly expands the ability of the jail to manage inmates with medical, mental health, and other developmental needs. The expanded space includes additional medical facilities and monitoring technology to help increase the effectiveness of inmate care. Staff breakroom, training, and exercise areas were also added adjacent to the new housing units to help Deputies maintain their own mental and physical wellness needs.

     The BCSO Team is excited to meet with our community and answer questions about the facility. As the SHU prepares to become operational, the hiring of new Deputies and staff is also underway. This open house is a great opportunity for anyone interested in a Law Enforcement career to explore what our Detention Deputies do and the career paths available right now. For more information about starting your career with the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office, visit www.BonnevilleSheriff.com/join/ to fill out the online application and contact a Recruiting Deputy!

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Irving Middle School celebrates 100 years

KIFI on April 24, 2025

Sam Ross

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI)-Irving Middle School in Pocatello is celebrating a major milestone, an entire century of serving students.

Irving Middle School saw its first students all the way back in 1925.

Since then, thousands of young people have passed through the doors of the now historic building.

Irving Middle School’s Principal says this year is a time for students and staff of past and present to reflect on all the lives touched by the school.

“100 years of 700 kids a year. Man, that’s, that’s a lot of kids that have come through these halls and have been impacted by teachers, administrators, coaches,” Stuart Johnson said. “I really love just the thought of of 100 years of kids coming through here and to know the stories of some of those kids.”

Irving Middle School hosted a ‘100 year celebration open house’ on Wednesday night.

The open house included school tours, stories from former staff and alumni, and student made displays explaining the school’s history through the decades.

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The Idaho Department of Education hosts Teacher Career Fair

KIFI on April 24, 2025

Ashley Chilcutt

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — The Idaho Department of Education is hosting a series of educator career fairs throughout the state, and they were in Idaho Falls Wednesday night.

People from the department were on hand to answer applicant questions about certifications and among other requirements.

School Principal Bryan Jensen said it was nice to meet with applicants and help them learn about what makes their district a good place to work.

“We take every opportunity we can to brag about our town and try to attract people there, because it’s a wonderful place to live,” he said. “I originally came thinking i would teach here a year or two, and I’ve been in Caribou County for 29 years now.”

There are a few more career fairs happening around the state. If you didn’t get a chance to attend the fair you can always check with the school districts to learn how to apply.

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