Category: kifi-local-news

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.

Click here to follow the original article.

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.”

Click here to follow the original article.

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.

Click here to follow the original article.

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.

Click here to follow the original article.

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.

Click here to follow the original article.

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.

Click here to follow the original article.

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.

Click here to follow the original article.

Stephanie Lucas

ISALND PARK, Idaho (KIFI) — New court documents in the ongoing Fremont County voter fraud case reveal that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has been involved in the investigation since at least April 2024. This information comes from a probable cause affidavit filed by the Fremont County sheriff’s office for one of the three individuals charged on September 2, 2025. Local News 8 first broke the news of the additional arrests on Tuesday, September 9th.

RELATED: Three more charged in Fremont County voter fraud case

FBI’s Role Confirmed in Affidavit

The affidavit, filed in the case of Teara Gailbraith, states that on April 26, 2024, Detective John Harding assisted “Special Agent Almeda from the Federal Bureau of Investigation.” According to Detective Harding’s sworn statement, the FBI agent was investigating an alleged voter fraud incident that occurred during the May 16, 2023, election in Island Park. This election included a ballot measure regarding the formation of the Island Park Community Auditorium District, to be funded by a lodging tax.

The affidavit further details that on May 2, 2024, Detective Harding obtained a list of challenged voters from the Fremont County clerk. According to the affidavit, Gailbraith’s name was included in that list. She is accused of using a short-term rental address in Island Park, found on the website https://visitislandparkidaho.com, to vote in the election. The affidavit also notes that Gailbraith’s driver’s license, issued on December 26, 2023, lists a North Ogden, Utah, address.

While the exact number of names on this list is not disclosed, ten individuals have been arrested in connection with the investigation so far. According to arrest and property records, their primary addresses are in cities like Rigby, Ashton, Idaho Falls, and Herriman, Utah. Despite the subject matter, the arrests received little attention outside of Fremont County.

RELATED: 7 arrested for voter fraud in Fremont County

FBI’s Role in Election Investigations

Local News 8 has reached out to the FBI field office in Salt Lake City for comment and is awaiting a response. However, the FBI’s website provides insight into its role in such cases. The site states that the “DOJ’s role is limited to investigating and prosecuting violations of federal election laws and deterring criminal conduct.” It adds, “DOJ generally does not engage in overt criminal investigative measures in matters involving alleged ballot fraud until the election in question has been concluded, its results certified, and all recounts and election contests concluded.”

For more information on the FBI’s role in voter fraud investigations, click HERE.

Click here to follow the original article.

News Team

SMOOT, Wyoming (KIFI) — After an effort spanning over two and a half weeks, Wyoming firefighters are on the verge of fully containing the Willow Creek Fire. As of Wednesday, September 10, the blaze is 96% contained.

Scattered showers largely missed the area, but according to the US Forest Service – Bridger-Teton National Forest, this allowed crews to continue patrolling the fire’s edge and gain ground on containment. Today, firefighters are monitoring the edge for any hot spots that could threaten the containment line.

Fire crews are also being allowed to return home after finishing their 14-day assignment, as fire management shifts to begin repair work on roads, trails, and fire lines used during suppression.

All previous evacuations have been lifted, and no evacuations are currently in effect. To stay informed of the most current evacuation and emergency updates, click HERE.

Click here to follow the original article.

Curtis Jackson

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI)—Bonneville County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested a man late Tuesday night after he allegedly drove head-on into a patrol car.

Deputies were dispatched to Trevor Allen Clark’s residence in Bonneville County on the 1000 block of Swan Valley Highway around 11:30 p.m. after reports that he was behaving erratically and causing property damage. Deputies had responded to the same location earlier in the day for similar behavior, but Clark had fled before they arrived.

New information from a witness indicated Clark was parked in his vehicle about a mile away on a nearby road. Deputies found him on McMurtrey Road and attempted a traffic stop. Clark responded by swerving off the road, bypassing one patrol car, and then deliberately driving head-on into another. He attempted to reverse and struck the first patrol car again, but his vehicle was disabled in the process.

Clark then exited his vehicle armed with a rifle, shouting at deputies to shoot him. Despite repeated commands to drop the weapon, one deputy was able to de-escalate the situation and convince Clark to surrender peacefully.

Clark was transported by ambulance to a local hospital for evaluation and treatment of minor injuries. He was later booked into the Bonneville County Jail on multiple felony charges, including Eluding, two counts of Aggravated Assault, and Malicious Injury to Property. Deputies also learned Clark had fired shots at a building and damaged household items. They suspect illegal drug use may have contributed to his behavior.

Deputies involved in the crash sustained minor injuries. The investigation remains ongoing.

Click here to follow the original article.