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‘Extreme’ hazing allegations force fraternity suspension, investigation at major US university

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‘Extreme’ hazing allegations force fraternity suspension, investigation at major US university

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The University of Colorado Boulder has suspended its Phi Kappa Sigma fraternity chapter after receiving what officials describe as a “credible report” of hazing, prompting an immediate halt to all chapter activities.

According to the university, the initial report was received on Dec. 1 and formally logged with campus officials the next day. Since then, at least two additional anonymous reports alleging “extreme or severe hazing” have surfaced, CU Boulder said in a campus safety alert issued Thursday night.

No other details on the allegations were available.

The fraternity will remain suspended while the investigation proceeds. In the meantime, the university is urging anyone with information related to allegations of hazing, whether involving Phi Kappa Sigma or any other campus-affiliated organization, to submit a report through Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution, Safe2Tell, or Metro Denver Crime Stoppers.

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The CU Boulder campus is seen as officials probe hazing allegations that prompted the suspension of the Phi Kappa Sigma fraternity. (David Zalubowski/AP Photo)

A CU Boulder spokesperson underscored that the credible report triggered the interim suspension, but said the additional anonymous reports are also being reviewed.

“I want to make it clear that the university has received one credible report of hazing involving Phi Kappa Sigma, which has prompted the interim suspension,” the spokesperson told Fox News Digital. “CU Boulder has also reported this to and is in communication with the Phi Kappa Sigma national organization.”

“Additionally, the university has received at least two other, anonymous reports of extreme or severe hazing this week,” the spokesperson continued. “We are seeking information about any instances of hazing involving CU Boulder students, including Phi Kappa Sigma and the anonymous reports, and are asking people to report information to Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution.”

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The University of Colorado Boulder said one of its fraternities was suspended Thursday after receiving a “credible report” of hazing. (Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images)

The spokesperson added that privacy laws prevent the university from discussing case specifics, but emphasized that CU Boulder “takes all allegations seriously” and investigates them “to the fullest extent possible.” Hazing is prohibited under both Colorado state law and university policy.

Boulder Police also addressed the situation, noting that the department has no substantiated hazing reports in the city. A police spokesperson told Fox News Digital that since August, officers have taken three hazing reports involving CU Boulder fraternities on University Hill, all of which were investigated and either determined to be unfounded or closed.

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The University of Colorado Boulder announced it is investigating a “credible report” of hazing involving the Phi Kappa Sigma fraternity. (University of Colorado Boulder Police)

The department emphasized its ongoing relationship with the campus community, including assigning a liaison officer to every fraternity. Police encouraged anyone with information about possible criminal activity to contact Boulder Police at 303-441-3333.

Phi Kappa Sigma’s national headquarters also addressed the suspension.

“We will be partnering with the institution to investigate the alleged behaviors from our Chapter at the University of Colorado–Boulder. Phi Kappa Sigma does not tolerate hazing or hazing-like behaviors and will continue to strive to eradicate it from the Greek System,” the fraternity’s executive director said in a statement to Fox News Digital.

Phi Kappa Sigma, known nationally as “the Skulls,” joined CU Boulder’s Interfraternity Council in spring 2022, according to the school’s website. The fraternity has described its values as centered on academic achievement, respectful conduct and strong brotherhood.

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The investigation remains ongoing.

CU Boulder said future updates will be posted on its alerts page. The safety alert also offered guidance to students on recognizing possible hazing, including coercion, unsafe or degrading activities, or tasks presented as mandatory for joining a group. The school encouraged students to trust their instincts, intervene only when safe and report concerns to campus authorities.

Fox News Digital has reached out to the school’s Phi Kappa Sigma chapter and CU Boulder Police for comment.

Stepheny Price covers crime, including missing persons, homicides and migrant crime. Send story tips to stepheny.price@fox.com.

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Montana

California woman sentenced for smuggling attempt at border in Montana

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California woman sentenced for smuggling attempt at border in Montana


A California woman who tried to smuggle her husband into the United States through northwest Montana has been sentenced to six months of probation, according to U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme.

Tracy Routh Lautenslager, 54, pleaded guilty in August 2025 to conspiracy to bring an alien into the United States at a location other than a designated port of entry. U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided over the case.

Court documents allege Lautenslager entered the U.S. through the Roosville Port of Entry on April 1, 2025, then drove to the Swisher Lake area near Lake Koocanusa. Border Patrol agents later learned a man had crossed the border on foot nearby. Canadian authorities eventually apprehended the man, identified as Lautenslager’s husband, a citizen of Great Britain with no legal status in the U.S.

Investigators say Lautenslager admitted the couple planned to avoid the port of entry by having her husband cross illegally while she drove into the U.S. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Katy Stack and investigated by the U.S. Border Patrol as part of Operation Take Back America.

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Nevada

Centennial vs. Liberty: Watch Nevada girls high school basketball showdown live

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Centennial vs. Liberty: Watch Nevada girls high school basketball showdown live


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The defending 5A state champion Centennial Bulldogs (7-3) open conference play with a challenging road test Wednesday night when they travel to Henderson to face the Liberty Patriots (10-7) in a Nevada 5A Southern basketball clash.

Coach Karen Weitz’s Bulldogs, seeking their second consecutive state title, will rely on their formidable frontcourt duo of forwards Nation Williams and Inieye Oruh, complemented by standout guard Sanai Branch. They will face a Patriots squad that has shown marked improvement under head coach Lorenzo Jarvis, powered by senior leaders Samantha Chesnut and Kiana Harworth alongside junior standout Neviah Nick.

With Liberty’s home court advantage potentially neutralizing Centennial’s championship pedigree, this early conference matchup could set the tone for both teams’ title aspirations in the competitive 5A Southern division.

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Opening tipoff is set for 6:30 p.m. PT on Wednesday, January 7 with a live TV broadcast on NFHS Network.

• WATCH: Centennial vs. Liberty basketball is livestreaming on NFHS Network

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How to watch Centennial vs. Liberty basketball livestream

What: Defending champ Centennial faces resurgent Liberty in 5A Southern showdown

When: Tipoff is set for 6:30 p.m. PT on Wednesday, January 7

Where: Liberty High School | Henderson, Nevada

Watch live: Watch Centennial vs. Liberty live on the NFHS Network



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New Mexico

New Mexico maintains full childhood vaccine recommendations despite HHS rollback

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New Mexico maintains full childhood vaccine recommendations despite HHS rollback


SANTA FE, N.M. (KFOX14/CBS4) – The New Mexico Department of Health says it will continue to recommend the full schedule of childhood vaccines.

State officials announced the move Tuesday, directly defying a new federal policy that scaled back routine immunization guidance.

The announcement comes after U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS), under Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., reduced the number of vaccines it recommends for all children.

The New Mexico Department of Health stated the federal changes were “not based on new scientific evidence or safety data.”

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“New Mexico will not follow the federal government in walking away from decades of proven public health practice,” said Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham. “Our recommendations remain unchanged.”

State health officials sought to reassure parents, emphasizing that vaccines remain widely available and covered by insurance.

“We know this is confusing for parents, but the science is clear: vaccines are safe, effective, and save children’s lives,” said Dr. Miranda Durham, chief medical officer for NMDOH.

All childhood vaccinations will continue to be covered under programs like Medicaid and the federal Vaccines for Children Program.

The state encourages parents to consult their healthcare providers using the American Academy of Pediatrics’ immunization schedule.

RECOMMENDED: CDC cuts childhood vaccine list, sparking healthcare professionals’ concerns

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