Author: KIFI

Fox13

Originally Published: 29 JUN 26 13:59 ET

By Scott McKane

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    JUNCTION, Utah (KSTU) — With flames from the Cottonwood Fire now visible on the Piute County side, and smoke filling the valley below, residents gathered Friday to go over emergency plans in case the situation gets worse and evacuations are ordered.

The meeting at Piute High School in Junction began somberly, with an emotional apology from one of the first responders who was on scene Monday.

“We did everything we absolutely could. We called for every bit of help we could find. And about all we could do was get people out of the way of it,” said Nick Schenk with Great Basin Team 5.

But the dozens of people in attendance knew those responders were facing an uphill battle fighting the now historic Cottonwood Fire.

“Lots of anxiety, lots of worry, lots of stress,” said resident Laramie Leavitt of what this week has been like.

Leavitt is one of the lucky ones, as he went to check on his family’s cabin early Friday and was amazed that anything survived.

“From what I’ve seen, I think [firefighters] are working hard and I’m pretty happy with that,” he said. “Mother Nature is going to do what she’s gonna do.”

Like others, Leavitt realizes it’s not over yet.

“Friends and neighbors have come together. This is a great community. This is my home, this is your home, and by God we’re gonna defend it!” said Piute County Attorney Scott Burns.

Unfortunately, for everyone involved, things may get worse before they get better as the high, unpredictable winds are expected to kick up again throughout Saturday. It means it will be very difficult for crews on the ground and the planes and helicopters overhead to resume attacking the fire in earnest.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

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CNN Newsource

Originally Published: 29 JUN 26 13:39 ET

By Mike Anderson, KSL

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    BEAVER, Utah (KSL) — Saturday morning, Mo Larsen and her family were met by a small army of neighbors, ready to help them recover from their loss in the Cottonwood Fire. Larsen says she was hesitant at first to accept the help, but eventually agreed when offered by friends at church.

“I think it’s awesome,” Larsen said in gratitude. “It’s the most Christlike thing that I could think of, to be able to serve a neighbor in need; someone who did lose a home in the fire.”

Larsen and her family were in the process of moving into a home they purchased in Beaver a few months ago. Until a very recent, abrupt turn of events, their condo near the Eagle Point Ski Resort was also their primary home.

“There was still stuff and furniture and memories in that house,” Larsen explained. “And we were going to just be renting it out over the winter and in the summer.”

Larsen says her husband, a volunteer firefighter, happened to be near the condo when the fire erupted, but couldn’t gather their belongings.

“Instead of grabbing our stuff, my husband was knocking doors, making sure everyone else was evacuated because he’s a hero,” Larsen said.

Meantime, Larsen’s home in Beaver was not quite move-in ready. Volunteers on Saturday were helping bury a water main, sanding and painting wooden wall panels, and helping run wires for lighting. Neighbors like Nick Pray were eager to help.

“We’re all kind of a big family around here,” Pray said. “Even people that come from out of town, they notice that and that’s why they end up sticking around.”

Larsen also points out that the community around Beaver, Iron, and Garfield counties is raising funds for people who have suffered losses in the Cottonwood Fire, with accounts set up at Utah Independent Bank and the State Bank of Southern Utah.

“This is an amazing community, and we’re a really tight-knit community,” Larsen said. “And I know that if somebody needed help, then people would be there.”

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

The-CNN-Wire™ & © 2026 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved.

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Par Kermani

JACKSON, Wyo. (KIFI) — Wyoming health officials have confirmed a case of measles in an unvaccinated adult in Teton County and are warning the public about several potential exposure locations in northwest Wyoming.

“We are asking people who may have been exposed to watch for measles symptoms for 21 days past the exposure date and consider avoiding crowded public places and high-risk settings such as daycare centers,” said Dr. Alexia Harrist, Wyoming’s state health officer.

Officials said monitoring is especially important for people who have not received the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine.

Symptoms of measles include fever, cough, runny nose, red or watery eyes and a rash that typically begins on the face before spreading down the body.

According to the Wyoming Department of Health, people may have been exposed to measles at multiple locations in Grand Teton National Park and Jackson between June 17 and June 25.

Possible exposure locations include:

• Cafe Court Pizzeria and Ranch House Restaurant at Colter Bay Village in Grand Teton National Park from noon to 10 p.m. on June 17 and June 18.

• Colter Bay Convenience Store in Grand Teton National Park from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on June 20.

• Target Jackson Hole from 7 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. on June 25.

The Wyoming Department of Health recommends that anyone who develops symptoms call their healthcare provider before seeking care in person to help prevent additional exposures.

Babies too young to be vaccinated, pregnant women who are not immune and people with weakened immune systems face a higher risk of serious complications from measles. Health officials recommend those individuals contact their healthcare provider if they believe they may have been exposed.

The MMR vaccine provides long-lasting protection against measles, and state health officials are encouraging Wyoming residents to make sure they and their children are up to date on vaccinations.

The Wyoming Department of Health maintains a list of measles cases and exposure locations on its website.

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Megan Lavin

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – For America’s 250th birthday, Ancestry wants you to get in touch with your ancestors that helped shape America.

Genealogy is a very popular past time in our area, boasting even our own Family History Center.

For those that haven’t picked up the hobby, Ancestry offers a few tips to help you get started.

Nicka Sewell-Smith, a professional genealogist, says many people get involved in genealogy to try prove they’re related to someone famous. But, recommends looking at everyone in your family tree, and seeing how their lives shaped yours, and America’s past.

To learn more, see the interview above, or check out Ancestry.com/stories-of-us.

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Par Kermani

AMMON, Idaho (KIFI) — A Firth man is facing felony charges after Bonneville County Sheriff’s deputies say he threatened people with a gun while trying to force his way into a home Saturday night.

According to the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a residence in the 2000 North block of Ammon Road just after 10 p.m. on June 27 after receiving reports of a disturbance.

Dispatchers were told a man was attempting to force entry into the home, had pointed a gun at someone and was making threats to kill people inside.

When deputies arrived, residents identified the suspect as 36-year-old Shawn Alan Cochran of Firth. They told deputies Cochran had run toward the back of the property and said they believed he was armed with firearms and knives.

While searching the area, deputies noticed lights turning on and off inside a nearby camper that was not supposed to be occupied.

According to the sheriff’s office, deputies ordered anyone inside the camper to come out but received no response. An Idaho Falls Police Department K-9 was then used to search the camper.

Authorities said Cochran eventually identified himself after being bitten by the K-9 and surrendered to deputies.

Deputies and Idaho Falls Ambulance personnel treated Cochran for a dog bite to the arm before he was taken to a hospital for medical clearance and later booked into the Bonneville County Jail.

Cochran was booked on charges of felony aggravated assault and attempted burglary, along with a misdemeanor charge of resisting arrest.

As in all criminal cases, charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

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Curtis Jackson

WASHINGTON (KIFI) – The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service issued a public health alert for certain raw boneless chicken breast products sold at Fred Meyer stores due to misbranding and an undeclared allergen. Officials said the product contains eggs, a known allergen, was not listed on the label.

According the FSIS announcement, the product is “Private Selection Honey Dijon Boneless Chicken Breasts with Rib Meat.” It was produced on June 2, 2026 in 21-oz. vacuum packed packages. Printed on the label is “BEST IF USED BY: JUN 28 2026” and a lot code “15326A.”

The produce also bears the establishment number “P-452888B” on the packaging.

Labels found on the mislabeled chicken package.

The items were shipped to Kroger and Fred Meyer stores in Alabama, Alaska, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Oregon, and Washington.

“The problem was discovered by a retailer after a store employee identified that the correct label was applied to the front of the product but the incorrect label, which contained the ingredients statement, was applied to the back of the product. The retailer reported the issue to the producing establishment, and the establishment notified FSIS,” the release said.

They said a recall was not requested because the product is no longer available for purchase. There have been no reports of adverse reactions to the product.

FSIS is concerned the product may be consumers refrigerators or freezers. If consumers have purchased the product they are urged not to consume them. They should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.

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Danielle Mullenix

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – Drivers across eastern Idaho can expect more delays this summer as the Idaho Transportation Department begins a series of scrub seal projects designed to extend the life of several major highways.

Work is scheduled to begin today, June 29, and will continue through mid- to late August as crews move through several roadways throughout the region.

The projects will take place on one roadway at a time in the following order:

U.S. Highway 26 from Swan Valley to the Wyoming state line

State Highway 31 over Pine Creek Pass from Swan Valley to Victor

The intersection of SH-31 and SH-33 in Victor

SH-33 from Newdale to Sugar City

The U.S. 20 Sugar City half interchange

U.S. 20 south of St. Anthony

SH-47 from Ashton to Warm River

U.S. 20 on Ashton Hill

Each section of roadway is expected to take approximately one week to complete.

“Surface treatments like this are essential for long-term performance of a roadway,” ITD Materials Engineering Manager Mark Hayes said in a release. “Especially considering budgetary constraints, preserving our existing transportation system is vital, and scrub sealing is a great way to help ensure that.”

Construction crews will generally work Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., with some Saturday work possible. The department says all work and traffic control will be suspended July 3 through July 5 for the Independence Day holiday.

Motorists should expect lane reductions, cones, and active crews in active work zones. Because many of the affected highways serve popular recreational destinations, transportation officials are asking drivers to plan ahead and be patient.

Photos courtesy of the Idaho Transportation Department

Unlike traditional chip seal projects, scrub sealing uses a process that works oil into the pavement before applying fine crushed gravel. The treatment fills cracks and surface weaknesses, helping extend the roadway’s lifespan while reducing future maintenance costs.

After the material is applied, crews remove excess gravel, compact the surface with rollers, and add a final oil treatment to help create a smoother driving surface and reduce loose rock.

ITD tested the treatment west of Idaho Falls in 2024 and says the project proved successful, with no vehicle damage claims reported despite Idaho’s varying weather conditions.

Drivers can find updated information on project locations, traffic impacts, and delays through the Idaho 511 app and at 511.idaho.gov.

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Abi Martin

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – Zoo Idaho was evacuated this morning following the report of a possible bomb threat.

The Pocatello Police Department is on scene and actively investigating this report. Out of an abundance of caution, all visitors and staff were safely evacuated from the facility.

People are being asked to avoid the area while law enforcement conducts its investigation.

Zoo Idaho posted on their Facebook Page that they will be closed for the remainder of the day. Pocatello City officials have also told Local News 8 that the Zoo will be closed Monday, June 29.

Pocatello Municipal Band’s concert at the Ross Park Bandshell has also been cancelled for tonight. City officials say they will work to reschedule the event.

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David Pace

WASHINGTON, D.C. (KIFI) – The U.S. Supreme Court released a consequential decision Thursday in Monsanto v. Durnell for America’s agriculture industry.

“This is a landmark ruling from the Supreme Court. They ruled 7 to 2 in favor of Monsanto,” said Snake River Sugarbeet Association Executive Director Samantha Parrott.

The case centered around John Durnell, a Missouri man who was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. He argued the cancer was caused by spraying parks with Roundup for almost two decades in his neighborhood.

Durnell filed a “failure-to-warn” claim, stating “Monsanto should have included a cancer warning on Roundup’s label,” court syllabus states.

He sued Monsanto in 2019 and was awarded $1.25 million in damages by a Missouri jury. 

However, in a 7-2 decision, Justice Brett Kavanaugh wrote for the majority that federal law overrides “Durnell’s state law failure-to-warn claim because the claim would require Monsanto to add a cancer warning to Roundup’s label.”

Parrott called the ruling a victory for farmers.

“The court case is not about whether Roundup causes cancer or not. That’s not what this ruling is about. It’s just simply about who has the authority to determine what goes on those pesticide labels,” Parrott said. “Our opinion is that it should be EPA that is the law of the land, and that we have the federal government making this decision, and so that we don’t have a patchwork of states having different requirements in each state.”

Since 1974, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has approved Roundup for use as a herbicide.

“Because EPA has repeatedly concluded that glyphosate is not likely to cause cancer, the agency has not required a cancer warning on Roundup’s label,” Kavanaugh wrote in the court’s decision. “Importantly, EPA’s regulations require a pesticide manufacturer such as Monsanto to use the EPA-approved pesticide label—here, the Roundup label without a cancer warning—unless and until EPA approves or requires a different label. Moreover, to ensure ‘[u]niformity’ in labeling, the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA)’s preemption clause prohibits States from imposing any pesticide labeling requirements that are ‘in addition to or different from’ the federal labeling requirements.”

In opposition to the ruling, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson was joined by Justice Neil Gorsuch in her dissent.

“The Court misunderstands FIFRA’s requirements, misinterprets the scope of FIFRA’s preemption, and ultimately leaves Durnell without a remedy for the significant harms he has suffered,” she wrote.

Deep Idaho Roots

Monsanto’s parent company, Bayer AG, owns a mine in Soda Springs that is a major employer in the region.

“It’s the country’s only elemental phosphorus mine,” Parrott said. “That is basically the beginning ingredient in Roundup. We’re really proud that’s here in Idaho, and it provides lots of jobs in that rural community.”

She emphasized that the herbicide is essential for improving yields and fighting weeds in agriculture, and that no trace of glyphosate is found in the final sugar product produced by sugarbeet growers in Idaho.

“It’s safe to use it when you use it as directed. Our farmers jump through a lot of hoops to ensure that they are applying this product correctly, and our farmers would not do anything that would harm the consumer,” Parrott said. “The same product that they grow on their farm, they feed to their family too. So I just really hope that folks can trust our farmers.”

Local News 8 has reached out to individuals opposing herbicide use and companies selling both conventional and organic products, and will update this story as additional information is received.

Tune in tonight for our 10 PM broadcast.

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Abi Martin

DRIGGS, Idaho (KIFI) – One man was injured after a hard helicopter landing at the Teton County Airport Friday Morning.

According to Teton County Fire and Rescue, crews were dispatched to the airport at approximately 10:23 a.m. When they arrived, they found that a helicopter attempting to land had made a hard landing.

There was no fire, and everyone on board was able to get out of the aircraft on their own. One person was taken to the hospital with minor injuries. No other injuries were reported.

The cause of the hard landing has not yet been released.

The Teton County Airport is a general aviation airport and does not offer commercial airline service.

Because of that, Federal Aviation Administration regulations do not require the airport to have dedicated aircraft rescue and firefighting personnel on site.

However, Teton County Fire and Rescue said it remains committed to providing the best emergency response possible despite its limited resources.

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