Category: kifi-local-news

Max Gershon

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — The Idaho Falls Spud Kings are at the center of a new lawsuit following their offseason move to the North American Hockey League.

According to a report by JuniorHockey.IO, the United States Premier Hockey League filed a lawsuit on June 22, 2026, in the Delaware Court of Chancery, claiming the Spud Kings and three other former mountain division teams secretly planned their departure to the NAHL while still under league contracts.

The report specifically names Spud King’s former General Manager, Erik Hudson, along with East Idaho Hockey Inc. President Kevin Greene. The lawsuit alleges that during his role as general manager, Hudson was privy to sensitive information as the only non-member invited to attend Executive Committee meetings.

“The lawsuit alleges that Hudson sat in these meetings, absorbing confidential blueprints, all while simultaneously conspiring to move his team to a direct competitor,” states the report.

The league is seeking more than $1 Million in damages and is petitioning the court to prevent the four teams from competing in the NAHL while the case moves forward. The Spud Kings previously competed in the NCDC, the top tier of the USPHL.

The lawsuit calls the future of the Spud King’s 2026-27 season into question, even while the team is actively announcing its new roster. Thursday, the team’s Instagram page announced the Spud Kings had Chase Buehler.

This is a developing story. Local News 8 has reached out to current Spud Kings management for comment and is actively attempting to contact former management. Updates will be provided as they become available.

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Curtis Jackson

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) – Idaho drivers will have new license plate options and significant changes to vehicle registration requirements beginning July 1, 2026. These updates include eliminating physical registration stickers and removing the mandatory 10-year license plate replacement cycle, aiming to offer convenience and cost savings.

The elimination of registration stickers, passed through House Bill 533 during the 2026 legislative session, is projected to save approximately $300,000 annually in materials and production costs for the Idaho Transportation Department. These savings will be reinvested to enhance DMV services for Idaho residents. Drivers will no longer need to apply new stickers for renewals, nor pay sticker fees for replacement registration documents, while still being required to maintain active vehicle registration.

Two new license plate designs will be available to Idaho drivers. ITD updated the Idaho Agriculture plate, which features a sunrise over farm fields, grazing cattle, and Idaho crops. Its tagline is “Harvest the Future.” Proceeds from this specialty plate support “Idaho Ag in the Classroom” with agricultural education and outreach.

The second option is a new standard white-and-black Idaho plate, which offers high-contrast lettering for improved readability and a minimalist design. Both plate options can be obtained at county offices and through the Idaho Transportation Department’s DMV portal.

Although registration stickers will no longer be required, drivers must still carry active vehicle registration and present related documents if requested by law enforcement. Law enforcement agencies can use multiple electronic systems to verify a vehicle’s current, valid registration status. ITD has informed local, state and other jurisdictions about this change, noting that law enforcement agencies nationwide can access the department’s database to confirm registration.

Drivers are not required to remove any registration stickers currently on their license plates. After July 1, 2026, individuals can choose to remove existing stickers if they prefer.

House Bill 577 eliminated the requirement to replace license plates every 10 years, allowing plates to remain in use as long as they are readable and legible. This change allows car owners to delay replacement costs until new plates are genuinely needed. A license plate will require replacement if it is stolen, damaged to the point it cannot be properly displayed, or is no longer clearly legible. The base fee to replace license plates is $11.80.

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Curtis Jackson

YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK(KIFI) – A 12-year-old was injured by a bison in Yellowstone National Park on Friday, June 26, 2026.

Park officials said the incident happened near Mud Volcano, just north of Fishing Bridge, at around 9:15 a.m. They said the visitor sustained injuries and was taken to a nearby hospital. They did not disclose the 12-year-old’s gender.

Park officials are still investigating the incident.

The incident is a reminder to stay at least 25 yards away from all large animals, including bison, elk, bighorn sheep, deer, moose, and coyotes, and at least 100 yards away from bears, wolves, and cougars.

Bison have injured more people in Yellowstone than any other animal, park officials said in a new release. They are unpredictable, can run three times faster than humans, and will defend their space when threatened.

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News Team

DRIGGS, Idaho (KIFI) — Teton County Idaho Search and Rescue is urging caution after responding to two river rescues in the past week.

On Wednesday, June 24th, TCISAR received a distress call from a group of kayakers trapped in a strainer, a dangerous obstruction formed by fallen trees or debris, on the Teton River. Volunteers successfully rescued all individuals from the river and transported them safely to the Bates Boat Ramp.

Sadly, the dog involved in the incident did not survive, despite wearing a life vest.

“Our condolences go out to the family of the deceased dog—we know dogs ARE family too,” stated the agency on Facebook.

Search and rescue volunteers stress that even the seemingly calm, mild stretches of the Teton River can hide serious hazards.

To ensure a safe trip on the water, TCISAR is stressing that everyone recreating on the river wear a life vest and be aware.

“And if you get in trouble, call 911, we will be there to help you,” states the post.

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ABC4

By: Ava Hart

Originally Published: Jun 26, 2026 / 10:04 AM MDT

SALT LAKE COUNTY, Utah (ABC4) — Nicholas Rossi, the man who was extradited from Scotland to Utah and found guilty of rape twice, has died.

Rossi, whose legal name is Nicholas Alahverdian, is convicted of faking his death to escape rape charges in Salt Lake County and Utah County. Rossi insisted that prosecutors had the wrong man, and that he was actually a man named Arthur Knight. Nicholas Rossi sentenced to five years to life in second rape case

In October 2025, Rossi was found guilty of first-degree felony rape of a 24-year-old woman. He was sentenced in Salt Lake County to five years to life in prison.

One month later, in November 2025, Rossi was sentenced to five years to life in prison for a second rape conviction in Utah County, to be served consecutively with his first conviction.

The Utah Department of Corrections confirmed that Rossi died in a local hospital on June 25, 2026, at 8:32 p.m. at age 38. He passed away from complications of an existing medical condition after choosing to discontinue medical treatment.

Rossi was serving a cumulative sentence of 10 years to life for two counts of First-Degree Felony Rape.

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KIVI Staff

By: KIVI Staff

Originally Posted 2:11 PM, Jun 25, 2026

BOISE, Idaho (KIVI) — The family of a young girl injured when windows shattered during the 2026 Idaho Potato Drop fireworks show has filed a tort claim against the City of Boise and others, alleging officials allowed the event to continue despite years of concerns about planning and permitting.

The claim, filed on June 9 by Richard and Daryl Ratto on behalf of their daughter, I.R., says the child was severely injured by glass and debris after a fireworks explosion during the New Year’s celebration in downtown Boise.

READ MORE | Child injured by broken glass during Idaho Potato Drop fireworks

According to the notice, the family alleges city officials had documented concerns dating back to at least 2018 involving event planning and execution by the Idaho New Years Commission, which organizes the Idaho Potato Drop. The claim alleges officials knew of repeated issues involving event plans and permit requirements but continued allowing the event to move forward.

The family claims I.R. suffered serious injuries and is seeking compensation for medical expenses, psychological and counseling costs, pain and suffering and mental anguish.

The claim says the incident happened shortly after midnight on Jan. 1 near North 6th Street and West Bannock Street during the Idaho Potato Drop celebration.

The notice was directed to the City of Boise Council Office, Boise City Attorney Jamie Sullivan, the Boise Office of Community Engagement and the Boise Special Events Team. The claim also names several Boise police officers and other individuals as persons involved.

RELATED | Investigation underway into NYE fireworks explosion as accountability comes into question

The family is seeking $10 million in damages against each respondent individually, or another amount that could be determined at trial.

A tort claim is typically a required step before a lawsuit can be filed against a government entity in Idaho.

Read the full tort claim below —

2026-06-11-ratto-claimfordamageDownload

This story was initially reported by a journalist and has been, in part, converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

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Curtis Jackson

BLACKFOOT, Idaho (KIFI)—A burn ban has been issued for Bingham County beginning Friday, June 26, 2026.

The Bingham County Commissioners, along with the Blackfoot, Aberdeen, and Shelley/Firth Fire Chiefs issued the burn ban on Friday. The burn ban is effective through September 30, 2026.

BBQ grills and small backyard cooking fires in firepits can still allowed.

The ban will prohibit open burning, recreational fires, or fireworks within the Wildland-Urban Interface areas of Bingham County.

Currently issued burn permits are no longer valid and no new burn permits will be issued until further notice.

Any fires started during the burn ban are subject to fines, cost of damages and cost of fire suppression. Residents are asked to be extra vigilant, as one small mistake could quickly escalate into a fast-moving fire that could threaten the entire community. Residents who have questions regarding the burn ban or fireworks are encouraged to contact their local fire department or district.

Ban Details: 

Prohibited: No open burning, recreational fires, or fireworks are allowed within the Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) areas of Bingham County. 

Exemptions: Commercial gas fire pits and food preparation appliances (such as gas grills or charcoal briquettes) remain permitted when used strictly according to manufacturer instruction. 

Fireworks: Only non-aerial fireworks are permitted in non-WUI areas, which are generally defined as areas where homes or other infrastructure meets or intermingles with undeveloped wildland or other vegetation. 

Per Idaho State Code, aerial fireworks are strictly prohibited everywhere except for approved professional displays. 

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CNN

Originally Published: 26 JUN 26 11:26 ET

Updated: 26 JUN 26 12:02 ET

By Andi Babineau, Nicki Brown, CNN

(CNN) — A Utah judge in the case against the man accused of killing Charlie Kirk ruled Friday to hold a prosecutor in civil contempt for violating a pretrial publicity order but opted to leave the death penalty in place as a possible outcome in his murder trial.

The defense’s contempt motion stemmed from comments prosecutor Christopher Ballard, also a spokesperson for the Utah County Attorney’s Office, made to several media outlets this spring about an inconclusive ballistics report mentioned in a defense filing.

While attempting to clarify the results of the report to the media, Ballard also included comments referencing the strength of the state’s case against Tyler Robinson.

“Those additional public statements possessed a substantial likelihood of materially prejudicing the proceedings by communicating the prosecutor’s assessment of the defendant’s guilt,” Judge Tony Graf said while issuing his ruling Friday.

Still, Graf stopped short of granting a defense request that he prohibit the state from seeking the death penalty should Robinson be convicted.

Graf said he would consider additional measures during jury selection to address any potential effects Ballard’s comments could have on the jury pool. The defense will also be allowed to recoup legal fees related to the contempt proceedings, he said.

The decision to keep the death penalty on the table was a blow to Robinson, who faces charges of aggravated murder, felony use of a firearm, obstruction of justice, witness tampering and committing a violent act in the presence of a child in connection with the fatal shooting of Kirk, a high-profile conservative activist, on a Utah college campus last September.

Robinson has yet to enter pleas.

Graf’s decision was initially expectedMonday, when he ruled on separate motions related to the admissibility of hearsay evidence during Robinson’s upcoming preliminary hearing and a motion to quash a subpoena for a key out-of-state witness the defense wanted to call.

At the start of Monday’s hearing, Graf said because both parties had “submitted additional briefing” on the matter following a June 12 evidentiary hearing, “the court requires additional time to complete this thorough review.”

The documents filed related to the defense’s request during that hearing for Graf to eliminate the death penalty in the case if he found prosecutors in contempt for speaking to the media about ballistics evidence.

Prosecutors filed a written objection to the request, calling it “grossly disproportionate to the alleged misconduct.”

“To the extent the Court finds that the prosecution could have made a better statement, it certainly is not a misstep that warrants the drastic and never-before-imposed remedy of reducing the aggravated murder charge to a first-degree felony,” the document says.

Robinson’s defense fired back a day later, calling the state’s objection “uninvited” and saying the court did not request nor authorize “any written post-hearing briefing.”

This is a developing story and will be updated.

The-CNN-Wire™ & © 2026 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved.

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Kaelyn Blessinger

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) —The Museum of Idaho is marking America’s 250th birthday in a very historic way. 

The museum has a new display titled “The Saga of the American Revolution”. 

The Museum of Idaho wants to fully capture the spirit of the American Revolution with various pieces of history to explore.  From copies of the Declaration of Independence to the museum’s lesser-known treasures.

“There are a series of Bible pages. The German Bible that Sauer printed was known as the Gunshot Bible because they got into the warehouse and they were using it to create cartridges,” Rod Hanson, Director of Exhibitions, said.

The goal is to have museum go-er’s experience the lifestyle of people in this time period.

“There are some pieces here from what is now known as Independence Hall, a reproduction of the ink. Well, there are a couple of pieces of the gavel that were made from wood from what’s known as Independence Hall. There are a few pieces there and just an interesting representation of that period and sort of what they were going through,” Hanson said.

And the museum didn’t have to look far for many of the exhibit’s artifacts. 

“Most of the pieces in here are from a private collection from southeast Idaho. A gentleman by the name of Todd Crump was gracious enough to loan us some of these pieces. There are a few pieces from the museum and a few independent collectors, but for the most part, this all came from his collection, which is extraordinary that it came West, this far, and helps us to tell the story as much as we can,” Hanson said.

Hanson hopes the exhibit will help people open a door to our country’s past ahead of this year’s Fourth of July. 

The exhibit will be open during the Museum of Idaho’s regular hours. 

You can visit their website at https://museumofidaho.org/.

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Danielle Mullenix

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – Shower and thunderstorm developing this Friday morning in the mountains will continue to grow across the region, heading into a wet weekend. Gusty winds will increase on Friday morning, with a wind advisory taking effect for the afternoon and evening. Cooler temperatures and rain showers will take over, with some snow falling in some higher elevations.

A Red Flag Warning remains in effect for the southeast highlands and Sawtooth National Forest until midnight due to the chance of some dry and wet thunderstorms and gusty winds.

A very active weather day is on the docket for Friday. Around a 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms in the morning and early afternoon. A wind advisory will go into effect for the Snake River Plain at noon and will last until 9 pm.

Winds blowing in from the southwest in the afternoon will be around 23 to 28 mph, with gusts up to 35-50 mph in the Snake River Plain. The daytime high will be near 79 under mostly cloudy skies.

The shower chances pick up Friday night, going up to 50 percent overnight under mostly cloudy skies. The low will land around 50. Wind gusts could remain near 39 mph, while overall wind speeds should decrease to 13 to 18 mph.

The rain will continue to fall Saturday morning, with a 90 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Wind gusts will remain above 30 mph, with sustained speeds around 13 to 20 mph. High near 65. Shower chances drop to 30 percent Saturday night with the overnight low around 41.

Some lingering shower chances into Sunday before a warmer week ahead.

…RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT MDT TONIGHTFOR SCATTERED THUNDERSTORMS FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONE 413…

The National Weather Service in Pocatello has issued a Red FlagWarning for scattered thunderstorms, which is in effect from noonFriday to midnight MDT Friday night.

* AFFECTED AREA…Fire Weather Zone 422 Sawtooth Range/NorthernSawtooth NF. Coverage will be highest from near Galena Summitnorthward.

* IMPACTS…Critical fire weather conditions are expected.Lightning may generate new fire starts. Any new fire starts orexisting fires may spread rapidly

* THUNDERSTORMS…A mix of wet and dry thunderstorms with 20 to 35percent coverage.

* OUTFLOW WINDS…Gusts over 30 mph possible.A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditionsare either occurring now, or will shortly, based on these criteriafor Southeastern Idaho:

– Relative humidity at or below 15 percent and wind gusts of atleast 25 mph in the mountains, or 30 mph in the Snake Plain.

– Thunderstorm coverage of 25 percent, without specific rainfallcriteria.

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