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Heartbreaking moment parents of Idaho quadruple murder victim accept posthumous degree

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Heartbreaking moment parents of Idaho quadruple murder victim accept posthumous degree


The parents of Idaho quadruple murder victim Madison Mogen forced back tears as they accepted her posthumous degree – six months after she was butchered along with three other students at their off-campus home. 

Posthumous bachelor’s degrees were awarded to the families of Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves, who were both seniors at the time of the November 13 slayings. Certificates were provided for Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin.

Mogen’s heartbroken parents tried to hold it together as they walked the stage to accept the posthumous bachelor’s degree in marketing on their daughter’s behalf at the school’s spring commencement ceremonies on Saturday, NBC News reported. 

The bodies of Mogen, Goncalves, Kernodle and Chapin were found on November 13, 2022, at their off-campus house near the University of Idaho campus in Moscow. 

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Bryan Kohberger, 28, was arrested after a six-week manhunt and charged with four counts of first-degree murder and burglary. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for June 26.

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The parents of Idaho quadruple murder victim Madison Mogen (left) forced back tears as they accepted her posthumous degree on Saturday

Posthumous bachelor's degrees were awarded to the families of Madison Mogen (pictured) and Kaylee Goncalves, who were both seniors at the time of the November 13 slayings

Posthumous bachelor’s degrees were awarded to the families of Madison Mogen (pictured) and Kaylee Goncalves, who were both seniors at the time of the November 13 slayings

The four students were recognized during the university’s May 13 graduation ceremonies, along with another student who recently died in a car accident, and nearly 3,000 new graduates.

‘Madison’s family will always be members of the Vandal family,’ University President Scott Green said during the ceremony. 

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‘So, thank you for joining us today to celebrate her academic achievements and contributions to the University of Idaho.’ 

Goncalves’ family received a posthumous bachelor’s degree in general studies on behalf of their daughter during the second commencement ceremony later in the day on Saturday. 

Chapin, who was a freshman, was awarded a certificate in recreation, sport and tourism management, and Kernodle, who was a junior, was awarded a certificate in marketing. Certificates acknowledge credit toward degrees in progress. 

Maddie Mogen (top) Kaylee Goncalves (second from left) Xana Kernodle (second from right) and Ethan Chapin (center) - all students at the University of Idaho - were stabbed to death on November 13 in the quiet, college town of Moscow

Maddie Mogen (top) Kaylee Goncalves (second from left) Xana Kernodle (second from right) and Ethan Chapin (center) – all students at the University of Idaho – were stabbed to death on November 13 in the quiet, college town of Moscow

Bryan Kohberger was arrested was arrested after a six-week manhunt and charged with four counts of first-degree murder and burglary. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for June 26

Bryan Kohberger was arrested was arrested after a six-week manhunt and charged with four counts of first-degree murder and burglary. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for June 26 

‘The University of Idaho continues to amaze us with its unwavering support,’ Stacy and Jim Chapin said in the statement. 

‘We appreciate the school awarding a posthumous degree to Ethan. We also want to recognize the thousands of kids graduating and the hard work they’ve put in to earn their diplomas. Our family wishes them all the best.’ 

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The four students were found dead on November 13 at a house where Mogen, Goncalves and Kernodle were roommates. Kernodle’s boyfriend, Chapin, was staying overnight at the time.  

Green announced in February that the residence will be demolished as a ‘healing step’ for the community. 

‘We will never forget Xana, Ethan, Madison and Kaylee, and I will do everything in my power to protect their dignity and respect their memory,’ Green said in a statement at the time.

Scholarships at the University of Idaho have been established and the school is also working to create a memorial.

Mogen's posthumous bachelor's degree in marketing was accepted by her parents

Mogen’s posthumous bachelor’s degree in marketing was accepted by her parents

The four University of Idaho students stabbed to death in their off-campus home will be awarded posthumous degrees and certificates. Goncalves, 21 and Mogen, 21, were months away from receiving their degrees. They will receive a general studies and marketing degree

The four University of Idaho students stabbed to death in their off-campus home will be awarded posthumous degrees and certificates. Goncalves, 21 and Mogen, 21, were months away from receiving their degrees. They will receive a general studies and marketing degree

Xana Kernodle (right), who was a junior, will be issued a marketing certificate. Meanwhile, Ethan Chapin (left), a freshman, will be granted a recreation, sport and tourism management certificate

Xana Kernodle (right), who was a junior, will be issued a marketing certificate. Meanwhile, Ethan Chapin (left), a freshman, will be granted a recreation, sport and tourism management certificate

Kohberger, who was pursuing a PhD in criminal justice, is charged with four counts of first-degree murder and burglary in connection with the stabbing deaths. Prosecutors have yet to reveal if they intend to seek the death penalty. 

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He is due to make an appearance for this preliminary hearing on June 26. 

Last week, the suspect’s lawyers filed a motion to delay a May 22 hearing on the media gag order in place. The attorney’s argue that they won’t to bring in an expert witness for the hearing but that he won’t be available on the scheduled date. 

The Goncalves family has also asked the lower court judge to lift the gag order, saying their attorney should be allowed to speak about the family’s opinions on the case on their behalf. A hearing on the Goncalves’ request has been set for May 25. 

Media organizations have argued that a gag order enforced in the case violates the First Amendment rights of a free press.

The order prohibits attorneys, prosecutors, law enforcement agencies and others involved in the case from talking to the news media unless they are quoting directly from a court document.

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The university where Bryan Kohberger worked was only a little over eight miles from the scene

The university where Bryan Kohberger worked was only a little over eight miles from the scene 

Kaylee Goncalves' family leaves Latah County Court after Kohberger's first court appearance

Kaylee Goncalves’ family leaves Latah County Court after Kohberger’s first court appearance

But last week the Idaho Supreme Court unanimously denied the request, saying the news groups should have first asked the lower court to have the order lifted.

The Supreme Court justices did not weigh in on whether the gag order violates First Amendment rights.

‘This Court has long respected the media’s role in our constitutional republic, and honored the promises in both the Idaho Constitution and First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution,’ Justice Gregory Moeller wrote in the high court’s decision.

Still, Moeller wrote, the balancing act between the First Amendment protections afforded to the press and the Sixth Amendment fair trial rights promised to defendants has become increasingly difficult with the advent of the internet and social media.

High-publicity cases often present a conundrum for judges, who work to protect the defendant’s right to a fair trial.

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Courts sometimes feel that controlling the flow of information around the case — by forbidding those involved from talking about it — is an effective way to limit publicity.

But gag orders can infringe on the First Amendment rights of the public and of the people involved in the case. News organizations that cover the courts serve a watchdog role, keeping the public informed about how the judicial branch operates.

During the investigation into the University of Idaho students’ slayings, news organizations’ interviews with investigators and law enforcement officials often worked to quash misinformation spread online by people who styled themselves as sleuths on social media sites.



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Idaho

Meridian State of the City: Transportation and public safety challenges take center stage

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Meridian State of the City: Transportation and public safety challenges take center stage


MERIDIAN, Idaho — Meridian Mayor Robert Simison took to the stage Wednesday to address his community in the annual State of the City. He outlined his vision for Idaho’s second-largest city, emphasizing investment in public safety, transportation, and economic development amid the rapid growth in Meridian Neighborhoods.

“We have been taking steps to address these issues where possible, with my direction of reducing or holding our spending flat on discretionary expenses over the last several years. Yet expenses continue to grow, and the revenues aren’t able to keep up,” said Mayor Simison.

96th annual Meridian Dairy Days returns to Storey Park

Transportation remains a top concern, as the Linder Road Overpass project breaks ground, Eagle Road is expecting slower speeds in the fall, and ITD continues progress on Highway 16.

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With over 4,500 new residents in 2024, Simison is looking to strengthen public safety departments. He proposed a levy for the November ballot to fund police recruitment, firefighter positions, and new in-house prosecution services.

“If we are going to attract the best talent from the start and retain the people who we have made huge investments in the Meridian Police Department, we need to increase the wages to our sworn officers,” said Mayor Simison.

The public safety levy needs to be approved by Meridian’s City Council before voters can see it on their ballot in November. Mayor Simison says the community will have the chance to weigh in on the levy’s details in the coming months.

On the economic front, Meridian reports adding over 1,800 jobs last year, with average wages rising nearly 5%. Simison also outlined a bold vision to make the city Idaho’s healthcare education hub, citing investments from Grand Canyon University and Idaho State University.

Closing his speech, Simison stressed the importance of investing in youth, businesses, and infrastructure to ensure Meridian’s continued success.

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“As we look to the future, we will see the need for more transportation projects, rising costs, and shrinking revenue. We will also see growing healthcare needs, public safety challenges, legislative changes, and more. When that happens, I will say “Challenge Accepted,” said Mayor Simison.





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Idaho City food bank leans on the community under the threat of federal cutbacks

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Idaho City food bank leans on the community under the threat of federal cutbacks


IDAHO CITY. IDAHO — Like the food banks in Horseshoe Bend and Parma, the folks who run the food pantry in Idaho City are concerned about federal cutbacks.

Theresa Teneyck runs the Food Pantry at the center and says she tries to remain positive, but is also realistic about what USDA cutbacks would mean for her neighbors who need food assistance.

“People are concerned,” Teneyck said. “We hear ‘I can’t do anymore if I lose my insurance, if I lose my food.’ It’s a concern.”

Sherry Crowell has been coming to the Idaho City Senior Center for years. “I get a thousand dollars a month and I have to live that.”

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Crowell comes to exercise, play games, laugh with friends, and, yes, get food assistance. I asked her where she and her husband would be without it. “We would be hurting,” she said. “We’d be hurting more. We get a lot out of here — in the senior boxes, they give you meal plans and ways to cook food, you get ideas.”

Teneyck echo’s what we showed you in recent weeks in Parma, and Horseshoe Bend — smaller rural food pantries are limited.

“People in Idaho City have one choice, people in Boise can have a little more choice,” Teneyck said. “People in Idaho City have no means of transportation and they don’t own cars. I have people who come on their bicycles, or they walk with a backpack to get to the foodbank.”





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Idaho Falls 'Alive After 5' is back and playing music in a new location – East Idaho News

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Idaho Falls 'Alive After 5' is back and playing music in a new location – East Idaho News


IDAHO FALLS — After years of music and mingling at Civitan Plaza, “Alive After 5,” a summertime tradition, is turning up the volume at a new location.

The popular concert series and social gathering have moved to the Greenbelt Bandshell on Memorial Drive, offering a scenic new backdrop along the Snake River. The weekly event runs from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. every Wednesday through Aug. 31.

Hosted by the Civitan Club of Idaho Falls, “Alive After 5” (often casually referred to as “Alive at 5”) has become a summer staple in the community, known for its live music, local food and drink vendors, welcoming atmosphere, and it’s free to the public.

According to McKayla Matlack, organizer and treasurer of the Civitan Club, the move to the Greenbelt Bandshell allows for more space, parking, shade, and visibility while continuing to celebrate the local culture and musical talent that “Alive After 5” has offered the community through the years.

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“While a lot of blood, sweat, and tears have been put in the Civitan Plaza through the years, ‘Alive After 5’ outgrew it,” Matlack said. “We secured a new spot in the city that allows for more parking and more room for food trucks.”

Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets and settle in for an evening of music and connection.

More than just a good time, “Alive After 5” is also the Civitan Club’s primary fundraiser, supporting various local causes. Proceeds help fund playgrounds, scholarships, accessibility initiatives, and programs for individuals with disabilities across the region.

This year’s 2025 lineup features a mix of local favorites and fresh faces:

Keep this schedule handy. 2025 “Alive After 5” Concert Schedule:

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  • June 4 – The Bonneville Flats
  • June 11 – Scratch
  • June 18 – Altered Edge
  • June 25 – Perfect Chaos
  • July 2 – Blue Caribou
  • July 9 – Papa Stitch
  • July 16 – OCD
  • July 23 – Borrowed Time
  • July 30 – EllieMae Millenkamp (at the War Bonnet Rodeo)
  • Aug. 6 – Two Bald Guys
  • Aug. 13 – Pre-Dawn Flight
  • Aug. 20 – Blanco Perfecto
  • Aug. 27 – Gas Food & Lodging

For more information on upcoming performances or to learn about the Civitan Club’s community impact, follow “Alive After 5” on Facebook.

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