Category: kifi-local-news

CNN Newsource

By Clare Duffy, CNN

New York (CNN) — Instagram is further cracking down on what millions of young people can see on the platform, aligning its “Teen Accounts” safety settings with the guidelines for PG-13 movies.

The Meta-owned platform launched teen accounts last year, its most dramatic effort yet to protect young people following years of criticism from parents and lawmakers over the app’s impact on teens’ mental health and well-being. The settings implemented default privacy protections and content limits for many of Instagram’s teen users, restricting posts related to violence, cosmetic procedures or self-harm.

Tuesday’s update goes a step further. Instagram will not promote and may even hide posts featuring strong language, or those which could encourage “harmful behaviors” such as content featuring risky stunts or marijuana paraphernalia, the company said.

Teens also won’t be able to follow accounts that regularly share age-inappropriate content. If they already follow such accounts, they will no longer be able to see or interact with their content, send or receive direct messages from them or see that account’s comments under other posts. Instagram will block a wider range of search terms for teens, such as “alcohol” and “gore.” And Meta’s AI chatbot “should not give age-inappropriate responses that would feel out of place in a PG-13 movie,” the company said.

“Just like you might see some suggestive content or hear some strong language in a PG-13 movie, teens may occasionally see something like that on Instagram – but we’re going to keep doing all we can to keep those instances as rare as possible,” Meta said in a blog post.

The update follows a series of reports calling into question the effectiveness of the “teen accounts” protections. One study published earlier this month by a group of online safety and child advocacy organizations, for example, found that nearly 60% of 13- to 15-year-olds using Instagram’s teen accounts settings reported seeing “unsafe content and unwanted messages” within the last six months. Meta disputed the report, calling it biased and telling Time magazine that it ignored teens who have positive experiences on the platform.

Reuters and the Wall Street Journal also reported earlier this year that Meta’s AI chatbot would flirt and engage in romantic or sexual roleplay with young people. In response, the company said it was updating how its chatbot can interact with teens and limiting the AI characters young users can interact with on its platforms.

It also comes as a growing number of states and countries move to restrict or outright ban access to social media for some teens. Denmark’s prime minister announced last week that the country will ban social media for children under 15, although parents would have the option to approve its use for teens 13 and up.

Meta said the changes are a response to parents who have asked for clearer guidelines and more control over their children’s experiences on Instagram.

“We decided to more closely align our policies with an independent standard that parents are familiar with,” the company said.

The Motion Picture Association, which distributes film ratings, distanced itself from Meta’s announcement in a statement on Tuesday.

“The Motion Picture Association was not contacted by Meta prior to the announcement of its new content moderation tool for Instagram Teen Accounts,” Motion Picture Association Chairman and CEO Charles Rivkin said. “We welcome efforts to protect kids from content that may not be appropriate for them, but assertions that Instagram’s new tool will be ‘guided by PG-13 movie ratings’ or have any connection to the film industry’s rating system are inaccurate.”

Meta’s new content restrictions will be automatically applied to all users under 18, although teens can return to the previous settings with their parent’s permission if they have their accounts linked. (Previously, 16- and 17-year-olds could opt-out of all teen accounts’ protections without permission; they’ll still be able to do so for the default privacy settings.)

Meta says it uses artificial intelligence to estimate the ages of users, regardless of the birthdate they sign up with, in an effort to identify teens who might be intentionally skirting the protections.

Tuesday’s update will also allow parents whose accounts are linked to their teen’s to turn on a more restrictive setting called “Limited Content,” which will filter more types of posts and remove the child’s ability to see, leave or receive comments under posts. The setting will also restrict the types of conversations teens can have with AI, starting next year.

The restrictions will roll out gradually to teens in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia and Canada starting on Tuesday, and to the rest of the world in the coming months.

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Danielle Mullenix

RIGBY, Idaho (KIFI) — Thursday morning, Rigby High School teacher Laron Johnson received the surprise many educators only dream of: he was named the 2026 Idaho Teacher of the Year. The prestigious award was presented by the Idaho Department of Education and sponsored by the CapEd Credit Union.

Johnson was chosen from a pool of over 200 nominees of the most esteemed educators in the Idaho education system. After sitting in his classroom, it’s no wonder why.

After 28 years in the Jefferson School District, Johnson has taught thousands of students, building a reputation for his incredibly engaging teaching style and his genuine desire to connect with every person who walks into his classroom.

“I’ve had 9,000 kids, for goodness sake,” Johnson said, reflecting on his long career. “It’s cool to be kind of in a dad mode for that many.”

Rigby High School Principal Bryan Lords believes Johnson’s impact comes down to the deep relationships he forges, paving a way to success.

“The relationships he builds with students in class are what make those kids want to go back and take more classes,” Principal Lords told Local News 8. “Plus, he makes them feel like they’ve been heard. As kids are becoming adults, they don’t always get that. He gives that to them. And when he tells them he loves them, they know it and they feel it.”

Over his nearly three decades as an educator, Johnson has taught a variety of classes, including history, economics, and personal development. He says his greatest passion is for using historical events to enlighten young minds about the past.

Students Rowan Reese and Joshua Squires agree that Johnson has made a profoundly positive difference in their school experience.

“I look forward to coming to Mr. Johnson’s class because he really brings, like, everything,” said Reese. “He’s super nice. He calls everyone his friend. He makes sure he really greets everyone with kindness.”

Squires added, “He teaches things that surround the curriculum to build you up.”

Mr. Johnson’s lessons encourage students not just to accept education, but to explore it with curiosity, creativity, and a genuine love for learning.

As the newly named 2026 Idaho Teacher of the Year, Laron Johnson will now serve as the state’s representative in the National Teacher of the Year program. The program, which began in 1959, “focuses public attention on excellence in teaching that has a real impact on the students of Idaho.” For more information, click HERE.

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News Team

REXBURG, Idaho (KIFI) — Jason Chad Fleming, the man arrested September 11, 2025, for Felony Lewd Conduct with a Minor, has had his preliminary hearing pushed back to November 12, 2025.

The preliminary hearing was originally scheduled for October 8, but was changed to the 12 due to a scheduling issue with a witness.

Jason is currently facing two counts:

Count 1: Felony Lewd Conduct with a Child under the age of 16

Punishable by up to life in prison, and up to a $50,000 fine

Count 2: Felony Sexual Abuse of a Child under the age of 16

According to court documents, the 6-year-old victim told investigators that 19-year-old Jason Fleming had touched his genitals. He also told the detectives that after the molestation, Fleming said they had to wash their hands because they were “dirty.” Fleming and the victim then prayed together.

When Fleming was questioned, he admitted to touching the victim, as well as masturbating in front of them.

Fleming is out on bond after his parents put up $250,000. The conditions of the bond include a No Contact Order (NCO) for the victim, as well as any minor children, which has forced Fleming to find a new place of residence. The NCO is in place for a period of 3 years from September 12. The bond was reduced to $75,000, with the extra $175,000 returned to Fleming’s parents.

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CNN Newsource

Originally Published: 09 OCT 25 15:17 ET

By Don Nelson

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    EAGLE, Idaho (KIVI) — It’s that time of year to be on the lookout for wildlife crossing the highway as animals migrate from higher elevations into the valleys. So, what should you do if you come across roadkill?

If you’re an enterprising outdoorsman, you may consider “salvaging” the animal for its meat.

Close to Shadow Valley Golf Course, our crew noticed someone had just hit and killed a deer on Highway 55.

“My buddy makes dog treats out of roadkill,” said a driver who stopped at the site to salvage the deer carcass. He says that he regularly harvests roadkill.

This gentleman was not the one who hit the deer, but under Idaho State Law, he is legally within his rights to claim the carcass.

“I have carried deer bigger than this out of the woods myself,” he recounted.

Rick Ward, Fish and Game’s state wildlife manager, says if you happen to be involved in a roadkill accident, here’s what you do. “If everybody’s OK, pull off [to] the side of the road. Check to make sure everything is okay,” said Ward. “If that animal is dead and in the middle of the road, that’s creating another safety hazard.”

An Ada County Sheriff’s deputy stopped by to ensure the deer was completely off the road, which it was. The officer told us that drivers who hit wildlife on the road should call non-emergency dispatch immediately if the carcass is still in the roadway, so someone can come and pull it off to the side.

If you’re interested in salvaging the roadkill, you must fill out a salvage report with Idaho Fish and Game.

The man we met, who was salvaging the roadkill, followed all the right steps. “Me personally, I filled out a salvage report off IDFG’s website, which is Idaho Department of Fish and Game, and I just filled out the salvage report with the sex and time of day and everything like that, and I’m allowed to come out here and collect it.”

Another driver stopped and helped him load the roadkill into his jeep.

With deer season opening this weekend, Ward says Fish and Game will have check stations throughout the state for hunters to identify C.W.D. Chronic Wasting Disease in their harvested wildlife. “It’s great to get CWD samples from roadkill animals because we know CWD animals are more susceptible to roadkill just because of the condition they’re in.”

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News Team

UPDATE:

SWAN VALLEY, Idaho (KIFI) — All lanes of U.S. Highway 26 are currently shut down west of Swan Valley following a serious motorcycle crash near the Snake River Bridge.

Emergency crews are on the scene, and traffic is stopped in both directions.

The crash involved a motorcycle with two occupants. A man, identified as being over 60 years old, was life-flighted from the scene by air ambulance, according to the Swan Valley Fire Department. The motorcycle passenger was transported by ground ambulance to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center (EIRMC).

There is no indication at this time as to the cause of the crash. Motorists are being advised by ITD and law enforcement to expect delays and to use caution in the area.

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

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Abi Martin

RIGBY, Idaho (KIFI) — Every year, the Idaho Library Association awards the men and women working to support and improve libraries across the Gem State. This year, a woman from Rigby was named as Idaho’s top school librarian.

Heidi Robbins, librarian for Rigby High School, has spent the last three years working tirelessly to apply for and receive numerous grants to provide new books for students to read. 

“I get there early in the morning before I even need to be there,” Robbins said. “And I always have kids waiting outside. They come in, they get books, but they also play games and they interact. And it’s great.”

And now, she’s using that experience to run a writing conference in East Idaho this Saturday, October 11. Robbins hopes the conference will help anybody who’s interested in writing find more resources.

Her desire to run a conference like this originated with her students.

“A lot of my students are readers.” Robbins said. “And because they’re readers, they want to be writers. I just want to facilitate that for them. I think it’s a need for our community. It’s the need for our side of the state. And I’m really excited to provide it.”

Keynote speakers at the Idaho Storytellers Summit will include Cynthia Hand, author of the My Lady Jane Series, and Jeff Wheeler, a Wall Street Journal bestselling author of over 30 fantasy novels.

The event will also feature over 30 other local published authors.

Beginning at 9:00 am, those attending can expect over 30 classes on a variety of topics from all steps along the writing journey, including how to develop ideas, writing exciting action scenes, and working with a publisher.

Aspiring authors will also be able to attend a writing lab, where authors and editors can help their story seeds flourish.

And Robbins has included a benefit for teachers attending the conference as well. By attending the Idaho Storytellers Summit, you can earn 1 – 2 credits from Northwest Nazarene University. 

Registration is still open. Tickets are $25 dollars and can be purchased here or be bought at the door.

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News Team

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — After a four-day jury trial, a Rigby man has been found guilty of a serious sex crime in Bonneville County.

23-year-old Eden Avery Danvers was convicted of one count of Forcible Penetration by Use of Foreign Object related to sexually assaulting someone back in November 2024, Bonneville County Prosecutor Randy Neal announced late Thursday night.

The jury found Danvers *not guilty on a separate count of rape.

Danvers will be sentenced on December 15th and could face up to life in prison, a $50,000.00 fine, and restitution

He’ll also be required to register as a sex offender.

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News Team

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — The Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce has officially announced the impressive lineup of nominees for the 2025 Hall of Fame Awards, an annual ceremony celebrating local businesses.

“The Hall of Fame Awards celebrate the businesses, organizations, and individuals who embody the spirit of the Greater Idaho Falls area, those who build, serve, and inspire,” said Paul Baker, CEO of the Chamber of Commerce. “It’s a chance to honor the legacy of community builders and spotlight those shaping our future.”

The 2025 Hall of Fame Nominees

The following businesses and organizations have been nominated for induction into the prestigious 2025 Hall of Fame class:

Idahoan foods

Teton Toyota

The Museum of Idaho

Oswald’s repair

Broulim’s fresh foods

Barrett Business Services

Mountain View and Idaho Falls community hospitals

Reed’s dairy.

In addition to the main Hall of Fame inductees, the ceremony will announce winners in three distinct special categories:

4 Under 40 Awards, recognizing emerging leaders under the age of 40

Community Hero Award, celebrating extraordinary service and civic contribution

Rize X Leadership Award, honoring individuals demonstrating visionary leadership and innovation in business

The winners for all categories will be announced at the official ceremony on Thursday, November 6th, held at the Downtown Events Center in Idaho Falls.

For more information on tickets or to attend, click HERE.

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CNN Newsource

Originally Published: 09 OCT 25 18:17 ET

By Robyn Oguinye

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    HOLLADAY, Utah (KSTU) — It is legendary: the daughter of Martin Luther King Jr. helping break ground on not only Utah’s first Black-owned bank, but the first Black-owned bank to open in the western U.S.

Redemption Bank is the only Black bank in the history of the country that’s not physically located within an economically underserved community, and it’s also currently the only one located in the Black-banking desert that stretches from California to Texas.

“It’s very personal because most people, when they think of my father, they only think about him as being a civil rights leader, but my father talked about the importance of economic justice along with racial justice. In fact, he called them inseparable twins,” said Bernice A. King, the youngest child of Martin Luther King Jr. “So, this is an opportunity for me to continue part of that legacy.”

King will serve as Redemption’s senior vice president for corporate partnerships and community impact.

The building is unassuming, sitting on East Murray Holladay Road. If it looks familiar, that’s because it’s been a mainstay in Holladay for more than 40 years, formerly known as Holladay Bank.

And while Salt Lake has a Black population under 3 percent, Redemption’s founder and executive chairman says Utah is the perfect location for a bank of its kind.

“There’s really no better state in America to do business than Utah, so if you’re an investor of any background, you’re looking for a place to do business, you want to go where the regulations are great for what you want to do — which Utah has the best return on assets for banks — it’s amazing,” said Ashley Bell. “And then you stay because of the people. I think our journey to purchase Holladay Bank and Trust has really been highlighted by the amazing investors and collaborators that we found locally.”

The bank is what’s called a Minority Depository Institution, MDI for short. MDIs were formed in the 1800s when Black people couldn’t get loans from traditional banks, so they formed their own banks.

Redemption is only the 24th MDI in the nation.

“While Redemption is a Black-owned bank, it’s certainly not only for Black people,” said Brandon Comer, a managing partner with Alterity Capital. “I think the Black community will certainly benefit from its presence, but I think the community at large will benefit from its presence.”

Comer is one of the bank’s investors and says mission-driven enterprises like Redemption shouldn’t be viewed purely through a philanthropic lens. He says their goal is to do well and do good at the same time, focusing on helping small businesses and budding entrepreneurs get their start.

Last month’s report from LendingTree shows that 39 percent of Black-owned businesses were denied a loan, line of credit or merchant cash advance in 2024 — the highest by race. Hispanic-owned businesses followed at 29 percent, while just 18 percent of white-owned businesses were denied. Twenty-one percent of all businesses that applied in 2024 were denied.

Redemption is striving to be a solution.

“We are excited about extending these new resources and new opportunities to people who are looking at growing their small business, and we think that is what is key; we want to be a part of growing Utah,” said Bell. “We want to be a part of growing Salt Lake City‘s entrepreneurial horizons.”

“The gaps in terms of home ownership, gaps in terms of wealth creation and also just gaps in terms of financial literacy, I’m hoping that we will be able to break some of that as an institution,” said King.

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News Team

UPDATE:

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — The Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that Brekyn has been located and is safe.

ORIGINAL:

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — The Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office is urgently appealing to the public for help in locating a missing and endangered runaway juvenile, Brekyn Stultz. The 15-year-old left his home yesterday morning and has since sent messages indicating he is not coming home and may harm himself.

BCSO confirmed that Brekyn Stultz was last seen yesterday morning, Thursday, October 9th, near his home on Cordell St. He was reportedly heading toward school but never arrived. Brekyn then contacted his home this morning and made statements to his family suggesting self-harm. 

Brekyn is described as a white male, approximately 5’7” tall and weighing around 120 lbs. He has brown hair and brown eyes. At the time he went missing, Stultz was last seen wearing a black hoodie and carrying a skateboard.

The Sheriff’s Office has received an unconfirmed tip that Brekyn may have been spotted overnight near the intersection of Fanning and Garfield. The BCSO is asking residents in that area and others to remain vigilant and report any information immediately.

The Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office asks that anyone who knows of Brekyn Stultz’s current whereabouts, or has seen a teen matching his description, IMMEDIATELY contact Bonneville County Dispatch at: 208-529-1200. 

EDITOR NOTE: Brekyn Stultz’s name was updated with the correct spelling.

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