Month: June 2026

Par Kermani

NATRONA COUNTY, Wyo. (KIFI) — A Wyoming judge has struck down a law requiring women to receive an ultrasound before obtaining medication abortion drugs, ruling the requirement violates the Wyoming Constitution.

In a decision issued Friday, Natrona County District Court Judge Thomas T.C. Campbell ruled House Bill 64, known as the Ultrasound Requirement, is unconstitutional. The law required women seeking a medication abortion to undergo an ultrasound at least 48 hours before receiving abortion medication.

The judge also struck down two other abortion-related laws passed by the Wyoming Legislature, including a law requiring abortion clinics to be licensed as ambulatory surgical centers and part of a law restricting protections for off-label prescriptions used to induce abortions.

The lawsuit was brought by abortion providers, physicians and advocacy groups, including Wellspring Health Access in Casper.

In his ruling, Campbell found the state failed to prove the laws were necessary to achieve a compelling government interest, as required under Article 1, Section 38 of the Wyoming Constitution, which guarantees adults the right to make their own health care decisions.

Supporters of House Bill 64 argued the ultrasound requirement would help identify ectopic pregnancies and protect women’s health. However, the court found the state did not provide sufficient evidence showing the law addressed an actual problem or improved patient outcomes.

The ruling comes months after the Wyoming Supreme Court struck down Wyoming’s abortion bans, finding they also violated the state’s constitutional protections for health care decisions.

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Par Kermani

DRIGGS, Idaho (KIFI) — Fire officials are urging residents and visitors to use extra caution after a Red Flag Warning was issued for Teton Valley for Tuesday, June 16.

According to emergency officials, warm temperatures, low humidity and gusty winds are expected to create critical fire weather conditions across the area.

A Red Flag Warning means conditions are favorable for the rapid growth and spread of wildfires.

Officials are asking the public to do their part to reduce the risk of human-caused fires by avoiding activities that could create sparks or open flames.

Residents are encouraged to properly dispose of cigarettes, avoid parking vehicles in tall dry grass and follow any local fire restrictions that may be in place.

Fire officials say even a small spark can quickly become a fast-moving wildfire under Red Flag conditions.

The warning is in effect Tuesday, June 16.

Anyone who spots smoke or a wildfire is encouraged to report it immediately to local authorities.

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David Pace

UPDATED:IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — The body of a missing 20-year-old man was recovered from a canal in Idaho Falls Monday afternoon, according to the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies identified the victim as Tayson Paul Thomas, who had been reported missing by friends and family last Wednesday after they had not seen him since the early morning hours of June 7.

Emergency personnel were called to the area near 1st Street and Southwest Bonneville Avenue around 1:30 p.m. Monday after receiving a report of a body floating in the canal.

Idaho Falls Fire Department personnel, Idaho Falls Police officers and Bonneville County Sheriff’s deputies responded and recovered the body near 9th Street and Southwest Bonneville Avenue.

According to investigators, Thomas was last seen near the On The Run Truck Stop on Iona Road and North Holmes Avenue during the early morning hours of June 7. Deputies said Thomas reportedly ran from the area after seeing a police vehicle because he wanted to avoid being arrested on an active warrant.

Friends later located Thomas’s cellphone at a nearby residence along Lewisville Highway.

Over the past week, deputies spoke with family members, friends and coworkers and conducted an extensive search of the area where the cellphone was found but were unable to locate him.

On Monday, a passerby notified police after viewing the body of a man floating in the canal. The west bank of the canal near 9th Street and Linden Drive, next to Linden Park Elementary School, was taped off while emergency crews recovered the body.

Deputies on scene Monday began notifying Thomas’s family. The Bonneville County Coroner’s Office also responded to assist with the investigation.

The Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office said the investigation remains ongoing. No additional information has been released at this time.

Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office deputies carry a body bag after retrieving a man’s body from the canal near 9th Street and Lincoln Drive.

A GoFundMe Campaign has been created for Thomas’ girlfriend, who is expecting their first child within seven weeks. To support or donate, use the direct link to the campaign here.

EDITOR’S NOTE: This story has been updated to remove video showing the recovery of the deceased individual from the canal.

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Par Kermani

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — Gate City Pride is returning to Pocatello this month with new leadership, a new location and a full day of family-friendly activities.

“This celebration is about community, inclusion, connection and supporting the many local businesses, nonprofits, artists and residents who make Southeast Idaho such a vibrant place to live.” the Gate City Pride Board said in a statement.

This year’s event is being organized by a newly formed Board of Directors, marking a new chapter for Gate City Pride in Southeast Idaho.

The annual event is scheduled for Saturday, June 20, at Centennial Park and will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This marks the first time the celebration will be held in Centennial Park.

According to Gate City Pride the one goal of the event is to connect community members with local nonprofits and organizations that provide services and resources throughout the region.

Gate City Pride is one of several Pride celebrations taking place across eastern Idaho this month. Rexburg Pride is also scheduled for June 20 at Porter Park, while Idaho Falls Pride will host its annual parade and festival June 27 along the Greenbelt.

Visitors are encouraged to park in the gravel lot adjacent to Pocatello Community Charter School and access the event by crossing the bridge into Centennial Park.

Additional information about the event is available at gatecitypride.org.

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