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Judge declines to dismiss prosecutors from the case against alleged Charlie Kirk shooter Tyler Robinson

A Utah County prosecutor’s office will be allowed to continue building its death penalty case against Charlie Kirk’s alleged killer, Tyler Robinson, despite the defense’s claims that it mishandled a potential conflict of interest.

Robinson’s defense attorneys had asked for the entire Utah County Attorney’s Office to be recused from the case, arguing that the presence of a lead prosecutor’s child at the event where Kirk was assassinated had tainted the office’s decisions. But a judge on Tuesday ruled the child’s attendance “did not materially influence” prosecutors’ actions.

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Boise woman faces federal charges after allegedly ramming stolen ambulance into Meridian office building

A 43-year-old Boise woman faces up to 20 years in federal prison after she allegedly stole an ambulance and intentionally crashed it into a Meridian office building housing Department of Homeland Security offices before attempting to set the vehicle on Fire.

Federal prosecutors have charged Sarah Elizabeth George with Attempted Destruction of Federal Property by Fire and Malicious Destruction of Property Used in or Affecting Interstate Commerce by Fire. During a press conference Monday evening, Meridian Police Chief Tracy Basterrechea confirmed that George was taken into custody following a five-day intensive investigation into the attack on the St. Luke’s Portico North building.

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Local LEGO Robotics Team Heads to Nationals

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – A local robotics team, Team PACK-Man, has gathered steam after winning both regional and state-level competitions. Now, they’re turning their gears toward the national stage. After months of teamwork, problem-solving, and hands-on STEM learning, these passionate programmers are taking their innovative ideas on the road. The enthusiastic engineering team stopped by

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Rigby Middle School claims $1500 in Idaho Environmental Coalition’s first-ever ‘Ecobots’ Challenge

Eighth graders from Rigby Middle School proved they are the masters of the machine this week, taking home the top prize and $1,500 for their school’s STEM programs at the Idaho Environmental Coalition’s (IEC) first-ever Ecobots Challenge.

“Our students worked very hard to prepare for this competition and their hard work paid off,” Rigby Middle School coach Lingpei Zou said. “The Ecobots Challenge not only strengthens students’ coding skills but also encourages them to deliver presentations that highlight their reasoning, teamwork, challenges and more. It is truly a valuable learning experience for all of us.”

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Kouri Richins’ sister-in-law testifies she was ‘dumbfounded’ by Utah mom’s behavior after husband’s death

By Nicki Brown, CNN (CNN) — Kouri Richins’ in-laws gave emotional testimony Monday in her murder trial, describing her behavior in the aftermath of her husband’s sudden death – which prosecutors allege occurred because of a fatal poisoning orchestrated by the Utah mother of three. Richins, 35, is accused of killing her husband Eric Richins

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Adult injured in Bear Lake County shooting involving child; Sheriff issues safety warning

The Bear Lake County Sheriff’s Office is issuing a stark reminder regarding gun safety this week following a shooting incident involving a child and an adult victim.

The incident took place on February 18. According to a BLCSO Facebook post, the child involved did not live at the home where the shooting took place. Fortunately, the victim’s injuries were non-life-threatening.

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Madison County Sheriff’s Office seeking information on ‘reckless’ motorcyclist

The Madison County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help finding a “reckless” motorcyclist who fled from an attempted traffic stop on Valentine’s Day.

On February 14, a deputy attempted to stop a green motorcycle for reckless driving within the City of Rexburg. The rider refused to yield, leading to a brief chase. Shortly after, the deputy called off the pursuit to ensure public safety.

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City of Idaho Falls to host public open house for Woodruff Avenue improvements

The City of Idaho Falls is planning improvements along Woodruff Avenue from Meppen Canal to U.S. 26 (Yellowstone Avenue) to enhance safety and improve traffic flow. The proposed project will address existing roadway conditions and make targeted upgrades to support continued growth and mobility in the area. Community members are invited to learn more about the project and share their feedback at an in-person public open house.

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Boise Woman Among Victims of Devastating California Avalanche

A Boise woman was among those killed in an avalanche near Lake Tahoe, California, earlier this week.

Liz Clabaugh, 52, of Boise, and her sister Caroline Sekar, 45, from San Francisco, were part of an experienced group of backcountry skiers caught in a slide during a historic winter storm in the Sierra Nevada mountains. The disaster has been described by officials as one of the deadliest avalanches in the United States in decades.

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Nevada man sentenced to 17 years for eastern Idaho drug trafficking

A 45-year-old Nevada man will spend more than 17 years in federal prison for his role in a large-scale drug trafficking operation that funneled methamphetamine and fentanyl into Eastern Idaho.

U.S. District Judge David C. Nye sentenced Franklin Ryan, of Sparks, Nevada, to 210 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis announced today.

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Skyline and Idaho Falls students join statewide walkout over ICE actions

Students from Skyline and Idaho Falls High Schools walked out of class Thursday afternoon, joining a statewide wave of youth-led protests against recent U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions.

Organized through the Instagram account @skylineandifwalkout2026, the demonstration follows similar student-led actions that began earlier this month in Boise and Twin Falls. On Thursday, a crowd of students lined the Broadway Bridge in

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21-year-old Ukrainian refugee with Utah ties killed alongside boyfriend in N.C. shooting

A 21-year-old Ukrainian refugee with Utah ties was killed alongside her boyfriend on Valentine’s Day, and the family is seeking to bring her body back to St. George to be laid to rest.

Kateryna “Kate” Tovmash was fatally shot alongside her boyfriend, Matthew Wade, 28, who was a soldier stationed at Fort Liberty (formerly Fort Bragg), west of Fayetteville, North Carolina. The two were at Tovmash’s home in Vass, North Carolina, where she was living with her mom, stepdad and three younger siblings, according to area police. Reports also say that the two were allegedly killed by Tovmash’s ex-boyfriend, Caleb Fosnaugh, 25.

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Meridian Police: Suspect Attempted to Burn Ambulance Inside DHS Office After Crash

Meridian Police is searching for a suspect who crashed a stolen ambulance from a local hospital late Wednesday night before crashing it into a building currently leased by the Department of Homeland Security. Police have now learned the suspect attempted to set the vehicle on fire after the crash.

In an afternoon press conference, Meridian Police Chief Tracy Basterrechea revealed new details, stating that the suspect poured accelerant both inside and outside the ambulance after crashing it into the North Portico building. Investigators believe the suspect intended to ignite the vehicle but fled when interrupted by responding officers.

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State budget writers invoke recession concerns amid cuts, sparking disagreements

A Republican lawmaker is criticizing Idaho’s top budget writers after they claimed on television that 26 states are in a recession — a figure they could not immediately source as legislators debate spending cuts and whether to tap the state’s rainy day fund.

The co-chairs of the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee made their stance clear in a roundtable discussion last week on Idaho Reports, but one data point they shared didn’t sit well with a representative from Shelley.

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Kitchen fire sparks $20K in damages; Firefighters issue safety warning

A local family is safe this morning after a kitchen fire broke out in their duplex on Wednesday night, Feb. 18. While the blaze caused significant smoke damage, the quick response of the Idaho Falls Fire Department prevented the flames from spreading to the rest of the home.

In the wake of the fire, IFFD is reminding residents to use caution when cooking, keep flammable materials away from heat sources, and ensure working smoke alarms are installed on every level of the home.

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F-16s may soon replace A-10s at Gowen Field — environmental impact analysis underway

The A-10 Thunderbolt II, affectionately known as the ‘Warthog’, has been flying out of Gowen Field for three decades.

“It’s the longest serving aircraft we’ve had here at Gowen Field,” said Lt. Col. Chris Borders with the Idaho National Guard.

Soon, this beloved aircraft that Idahoans have seen soaring over the Treasure Valley for 30 years may be replaced with something new — the F-16.

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Victims Identified in Sunday Night Stabbing; Suspect in Custody

Following the arrest of their alleged attacker, authorities have identified the victims of a violent Sunday night stabbing. The victims have been identified as Rajah Keller, 32, and Starla Keller, 49, both of Pocatello.

Marita Gonzales, a 32-year-old woman from Pocatello, has been booked into the Bannock County jail on one charge of attempted murder and one count of aggravated battery related to the attack.

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Livestock

Anthrax cases in Idaho livestock raises concerns, risk to public remains low

A recent anthrax outbreak in southern Idaho livestock has triggered concern among residents, but a local veterinarian says the risk to the general public is low if handled correctly by responsible owners.

The recent cases involve livestock in the Cassia County area near Burley. Dr. Tony Parsons, a veterinarian at Blackfoot Animal Clinic who has worked with cattle and small animals in eastern Idaho for nearly two decades, said anthrax has long existed in Idaho, particularly in soil and dust.

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ISP investigates Thursday’s multi-vehicle crash north of McCammon

Idaho State Police are investigating a chain-reaction collision that snarled traffic on southbound I-15 last Thursday.

The crash occurred at approximately 5:20 AM on February 12, 2026, near milepost 50, just north of the McCammon exit. According to an update from ISP investigators, the sequence of events began when a 2017 Honda Accord, driven by a 46-year-old Pocatello man, rear-ended a 1992 Toyota pickup, which was towing a flatbed trailer loaded with vehicles.

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From Idaho peaks to ocean deeps, local photos head undersea

Area photographers are looking forward to some of their photographs being displayed in the USS Idaho.

The commissioning of the new Navy submarine is scheduled for April. Event planners asked Idahoans to send them their best photos representing Idaho to be a part of history. Over two-thousand photos were sent in. Out of those, about 40 were chosen to be displayed in the USS Idaho submarine.

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Idaho State University in Pocatello, ID

‘A difficult moment’: ISU announces sweeping changes amid budget constraints 

Idaho State University is reshaping itself with sweeping changes in the face of current and looming state budget cuts.

That includes merging colleges, restructuring programs, “modest” student fee hikes and a range of other changes starting July 1 to try and save and generate millions by year’s end. The university released a complete budget restructuring plan Wednesday. ISU President Robert Wagner overviewed the changes in an accompanying video.

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Lookout Credit Union donates $125,000 for Ammon park upgrades

Lookout Credit Union is donating $125,000 to the City of Ammon to fund a new playground in McCowin Park. The investment aims to modernize the city’s recreational infrastructure and provide enhanced play spaces for local families.

“This is a meaningful investment in Ammon families,” Mayor Brian Powell said. “Parks are where our community gathers, where kids play, and where memories are made.”

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Anthrax confirmed in Cassia County beef herd

The Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) confirmed Thursday afternoon that a beef herd in Cassia County has tested positive for anthrax. State officials are currently working alongside local producers and veterinarians to contain the spread and minimize human exposure.

“The risk to the general public from this event is very low,” said Dr. Christine Hahn, medical director in the Department of Health and Welfare’s Division of Public Health. “We are working with the local health department to notify anyone who had direct contact with the infected cattle and offer antibiotics for their protection.”

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Idaho Olympian Breezy Johnson Caps Gold Medal Run with an Engagement

Victor, Idaho’s golden girl, is returning home from the Olympics with more than just a gold medal!

Just days after clinching a gold medal in the women’s downhill at the 2026 Winter Olympics, Breezy Johnson capped off her historic run with a life-changing milestone: an engagement. Following her final race on Thursday, Johnson’s longtime boyfriend, Connor Watkins, met her at the base of the super-G run to pop the question.

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Little Reinstates Idaho Governor’s Trophy: Boise State and U of I to Revive Rivalry in 2031

One of the most storied rivalries in Idaho college football is officially back on. On Thursday morning, Governor Brad Little signed Executive Order 2006-02, officially reinstating the Idaho Governor’s Trophy after a two-decade hiatus.

While the pen hit the paper today, fans will need to pack their patience: the Idaho Vandals and Boise State Broncos aren’t scheduled to meet on the gridiron until Sept. 6, 2031, at Boise’s Albertsons Stadium.

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Star BYU receiver charged with rape in Utah

A standout wide receiver at Brigham Young University is being charged with rape for an alleged incident that occurred last year.

The Washington County Attorney’s Office announced that it filed a first-degree felony rape charge against 21-year-old Parker Trent Kingston on Tuesday. He was arrested and is being held in the Washington County Jail without bail.

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