Idaho
Bryan Kohberger update: Idaho quadruple murder trial gets new date
The quadruple murder trial of Bryan Kohberger in Boise, Idaho, will be pushed back two months, a judge ruled on Wednesday.
Kohberger, 29, faces four counts of first-degree murder and one count of felony burglary, charged in the fatal stabbings of University of Idaho students Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin in an off-campus residence in 2022.
The trial was originally scheduled to begin in June 2025. District Judge Steven Hippler set the new start date for August 11, with jury selection beginning July 31. The trial is expected to run through November 7.
Kai Eiselein/New York Post via AP, Pool
The change follows concerns raised by Hippler at a September 26 hearing that the initial trial schedule interfered with the entire summer vacation period, which could pose difficulties for jurors. The proceeding was the first time Kohberger appeared in an Ada County courtroom.
At the hearing, Hippler suggested moving the start date to May or September. Prosecutors favored the earlier date while the defense preferred the later date.
The June start date was set by Judge John Judge, of Idaho’s 2nd Judicial District in Latah County, who was initially presiding over the case. The trial was relocated from Latah County to Ada County last month after a ruling by Judge in the defense’s favor. Hippler took over the case when it was moved.
Hippler also set the daily schedule for the trial, which will begin each day at 8:30 a.m. and conclude around 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. There will be a lunch break each day of around 45 minutes. Hippler noted that some weeks could be shortened due to “other obligations of the court.”
Kohberger could face the death penalty if convicted. The defense has argued that the sentence would be unconstitutional in a series of motions.
Prosecutors have said they intend to seek the death penalty if Kohberger is found guilty. In one court filing, they said they had “not identified or been provided with any mitigating circumstances” to bar them from considering capital punishment.
A hearing on the subject is scheduled for November 7, and proceedings on additional motions will be held on January 23 and April 3. Deadlines for submitting experts and trial materials were also set.
Kohberger is being held in Ada County Jail in Boise as he awaits trial. Ada is the largest county in the state, with a population of nearly 495,000.
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Idaho
Idaho politicians respond to Trump authorizing U.S military force in Iran
On Saturday, the United States and Israel launched major strikes in Tehran, with President Trump calling for an Iranian regime change.
RELATED | Trump announces ‘major combat operations’ in Iran, reportedly killing hundreds
President Trump authorized the U.S military operation without congressional approval, a decision that Democrats in Congress are arguing is unconstitutional.
RELATED | Trump’s Iran attack raises legal concerns among Democrats in Congress
Idaho Democratic Party Chair Lauren Necochea says Democrats are “demanding answers and accountability on behalf of the American people, who are being dragged toward another open-ended war they do not support.”
Necochea says her greatest concern lies with American troops, contractors and civilians who she says “did not choose this conflict.”
“Idaho has thousands of active-duty servicemembers, National Guard members, and military families who live with the consequences when leaders make reckless choices,” she says.
However, not all lawmakers share Necochea’s sentiments.
Idaho Republican representative Mike Simpson commends President Trump’s “decisive action” in Iran.
Idaho News 6
“Iran was given every opportunity to resolve this peacefully through negotiations but chose not to,” Simpson said in a post to Facebook. “I commend President Trump for taking decisive action against a regime responsible for decades of terror. May God protect our men and women in uniform on this vital mission.”
Idaho
Town Hall to address future of Medicaid expansion in Idaho – Local News 8
POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – Nearly two-thirds of Idaho voters approved Medicaid expansion, but local leaders say that coverage is now at risk.
According to the organizers of a town hall set for Saturday, February 28, proposed changes could severely impact Idaho’s rural hospitals and leave thousands of residents without access to healthcare.
The town hall, titled “Protecting What Works: Medicaid Expansion in Idaho,” will take place at Chubbuck City Hall from 10:30 a.m. to noon.
A panel of representatives from across the healthcare sector — including home health, hospitals, and public and community health — will answer questions about how Medicaid expansion works in Idaho and how potential cuts could affect communities. Organizers say there will also be time for audience questions.
One of the event organizers told Local News 8 why the discussion is important:
“There have been conversations in the last couple of legislative sessions about either fully repealing Medicaid expansion or making significant cuts to Medicaid,” Shantay Boxham, the organizer, said. “This is an educational forum to ensure voters and community members have the information they need about what the program is, what’s at stake, and how it supports Idaho and Idahoans.”
There are limited seats available for the meeting. To reserve a spot, visit members.pocatello.com.
Local News 8 will continue to follow this story and have updates tomorrow.
Idaho
Idaho CBD retailers navigating uncertainty under new hemp rules
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