Author: KIFI

Curtis Jackson

BLACKFOOT, Idaho (KIFI)—A burn ban has been issued for Bingham County beginning Friday, June 26, 2026.

The Bingham County Commissioners, along with the Blackfoot, Aberdeen, and Shelley/Firth Fire Chiefs issued the burn ban on Friday. The burn ban is effective through September 30, 2026.

BBQ grills and small backyard cooking fires in firepits can still allowed.

The ban will prohibit open burning, recreational fires, or fireworks within the Wildland-Urban Interface areas of Bingham County.

Currently issued burn permits are no longer valid and no new burn permits will be issued until further notice.

Any fires started during the burn ban are subject to fines, cost of damages and cost of fire suppression. Residents are asked to be extra vigilant, as one small mistake could quickly escalate into a fast-moving fire that could threaten the entire community. Residents who have questions regarding the burn ban or fireworks are encouraged to contact their local fire department or district.

Ban Details: 

Prohibited: No open burning, recreational fires, or fireworks are allowed within the Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) areas of Bingham County. 

Exemptions: Commercial gas fire pits and food preparation appliances (such as gas grills or charcoal briquettes) remain permitted when used strictly according to manufacturer instruction. 

Fireworks: Only non-aerial fireworks are permitted in non-WUI areas, which are generally defined as areas where homes or other infrastructure meets or intermingles with undeveloped wildland or other vegetation. 

Per Idaho State Code, aerial fireworks are strictly prohibited everywhere except for approved professional displays. 

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CNN

Originally Published: 26 JUN 26 11:26 ET

Updated: 26 JUN 26 12:02 ET

By Andi Babineau, Nicki Brown, CNN

(CNN) — A Utah judge in the case against the man accused of killing Charlie Kirk ruled Friday to hold a prosecutor in civil contempt for violating a pretrial publicity order but opted to leave the death penalty in place as a possible outcome in his murder trial.

The defense’s contempt motion stemmed from comments prosecutor Christopher Ballard, also a spokesperson for the Utah County Attorney’s Office, made to several media outlets this spring about an inconclusive ballistics report mentioned in a defense filing.

While attempting to clarify the results of the report to the media, Ballard also included comments referencing the strength of the state’s case against Tyler Robinson.

“Those additional public statements possessed a substantial likelihood of materially prejudicing the proceedings by communicating the prosecutor’s assessment of the defendant’s guilt,” Judge Tony Graf said while issuing his ruling Friday.

Still, Graf stopped short of granting a defense request that he prohibit the state from seeking the death penalty should Robinson be convicted.

Graf said he would consider additional measures during jury selection to address any potential effects Ballard’s comments could have on the jury pool. The defense will also be allowed to recoup legal fees related to the contempt proceedings, he said.

The decision to keep the death penalty on the table was a blow to Robinson, who faces charges of aggravated murder, felony use of a firearm, obstruction of justice, witness tampering and committing a violent act in the presence of a child in connection with the fatal shooting of Kirk, a high-profile conservative activist, on a Utah college campus last September.

Robinson has yet to enter pleas.

Graf’s decision was initially expectedMonday, when he ruled on separate motions related to the admissibility of hearsay evidence during Robinson’s upcoming preliminary hearing and a motion to quash a subpoena for a key out-of-state witness the defense wanted to call.

At the start of Monday’s hearing, Graf said because both parties had “submitted additional briefing” on the matter following a June 12 evidentiary hearing, “the court requires additional time to complete this thorough review.”

The documents filed related to the defense’s request during that hearing for Graf to eliminate the death penalty in the case if he found prosecutors in contempt for speaking to the media about ballistics evidence.

Prosecutors filed a written objection to the request, calling it “grossly disproportionate to the alleged misconduct.”

“To the extent the Court finds that the prosecution could have made a better statement, it certainly is not a misstep that warrants the drastic and never-before-imposed remedy of reducing the aggravated murder charge to a first-degree felony,” the document says.

Robinson’s defense fired back a day later, calling the state’s objection “uninvited” and saying the court did not request nor authorize “any written post-hearing briefing.”

This is a developing story and will be updated.

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

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Kaelyn Blessinger

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) —The Museum of Idaho is marking America’s 250th birthday in a very historic way. 

The museum has a new display titled “The Saga of the American Revolution”. 

The Museum of Idaho wants to fully capture the spirit of the American Revolution with various pieces of history to explore.  From copies of the Declaration of Independence to the museum’s lesser-known treasures.

“There are a series of Bible pages. The German Bible that Sauer printed was known as the Gunshot Bible because they got into the warehouse and they were using it to create cartridges,” Rod Hanson, Director of Exhibitions, said.

The goal is to have museum go-er’s experience the lifestyle of people in this time period.

“There are some pieces here from what is now known as Independence Hall, a reproduction of the ink. Well, there are a couple of pieces of the gavel that were made from wood from what’s known as Independence Hall. There are a few pieces there and just an interesting representation of that period and sort of what they were going through,” Hanson said.

And the museum didn’t have to look far for many of the exhibit’s artifacts. 

“Most of the pieces in here are from a private collection from southeast Idaho. A gentleman by the name of Todd Crump was gracious enough to loan us some of these pieces. There are a few pieces from the museum and a few independent collectors, but for the most part, this all came from his collection, which is extraordinary that it came West, this far, and helps us to tell the story as much as we can,” Hanson said.

Hanson hopes the exhibit will help people open a door to our country’s past ahead of this year’s Fourth of July. 

The exhibit will be open during the Museum of Idaho’s regular hours. 

You can visit their website at https://museumofidaho.org/.

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Danielle Mullenix

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – Shower and thunderstorm developing this Friday morning in the mountains will continue to grow across the region, heading into a wet weekend. Gusty winds will increase on Friday morning, with a wind advisory taking effect for the afternoon and evening. Cooler temperatures and rain showers will take over, with some snow falling in some higher elevations.

A Red Flag Warning remains in effect for the southeast highlands and Sawtooth National Forest until midnight due to the chance of some dry and wet thunderstorms and gusty winds.

A very active weather day is on the docket for Friday. Around a 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms in the morning and early afternoon. A wind advisory will go into effect for the Snake River Plain at noon and will last until 9 pm.

Winds blowing in from the southwest in the afternoon will be around 23 to 28 mph, with gusts up to 35-50 mph in the Snake River Plain. The daytime high will be near 79 under mostly cloudy skies.

The shower chances pick up Friday night, going up to 50 percent overnight under mostly cloudy skies. The low will land around 50. Wind gusts could remain near 39 mph, while overall wind speeds should decrease to 13 to 18 mph.

The rain will continue to fall Saturday morning, with a 90 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Wind gusts will remain above 30 mph, with sustained speeds around 13 to 20 mph. High near 65. Shower chances drop to 30 percent Saturday night with the overnight low around 41.

Some lingering shower chances into Sunday before a warmer week ahead.

…RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT MDT TONIGHTFOR SCATTERED THUNDERSTORMS FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONE 413…

The National Weather Service in Pocatello has issued a Red FlagWarning for scattered thunderstorms, which is in effect from noonFriday to midnight MDT Friday night.

* AFFECTED AREA…Fire Weather Zone 422 Sawtooth Range/NorthernSawtooth NF. Coverage will be highest from near Galena Summitnorthward.

* IMPACTS…Critical fire weather conditions are expected.Lightning may generate new fire starts. Any new fire starts orexisting fires may spread rapidly

* THUNDERSTORMS…A mix of wet and dry thunderstorms with 20 to 35percent coverage.

* OUTFLOW WINDS…Gusts over 30 mph possible.A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditionsare either occurring now, or will shortly, based on these criteriafor Southeastern Idaho:

– Relative humidity at or below 15 percent and wind gusts of atleast 25 mph in the mountains, or 30 mph in the Snake Plain.

– Thunderstorm coverage of 25 percent, without specific rainfallcriteria.

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Par Kermani

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Idaho Falls Pride organizers say this year’s celebration is about more than music, vendors and a parade. It’s about creating a place where people feel like they belong.

The 2026 Idaho Falls Pride celebration, themed “Many Roots, One Rainbow,” will take place Friday and Saturday with events designed to bring together members of the LGBTQ+ community, allies and families.

Mer Riah Goodsell-Hall, president of Idaho Falls Pride, said the theme was chosen to recognize people from all backgrounds while emphasizing inclusion.

“I just want everyone to feel included. And especially with the current political climate, you know, I just want to reach out to our folks of different ethnicities and different backgrounds and be like, we hear you. We love you. We accept you,”

According to Goodsell-Hall, Pride gives everyone a sense of belonging, family and community.

The weekend begins Friday with an 18-and-older drag show at the Elks Lodge. Doors open at 7 p.m., and the show begins at 8 p.m.

Saturday’s celebration begins with a parade. Lineup starts at 9 a.m., followed by the parade at 10 a.m. The Pride Festival opens at 11 a.m. and continues until 5 p.m. at the Greenbelt. Organizers say the festival will feature nonprofit organizations, community vendors, live entertainment, drag performers and educational presentations from groups including the ACLU and Trans Affirm.

Goodsell-Hall said Idaho Falls Pride also provides private security throughout its events to help attendees feel safe.

“We always have private security at all of our events… it just makes people feel at ease when there’s security there,” she said.

Looking beyond the festival itself, Goodsell-Hall hopes young people throughout eastern Idaho hear one message.

“It gets better,” she said. “Know that there is your chosen family, that you are loved and accepted for who you are. We are here for you. We are proud of you.”

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Hadley Bodell

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – The Bannock County Fairgrounds are welcoming back the Mystic Realms Fantasy Fair in Pocatello, with new vendors, entertainers, and fan favorite food trucks to enjoy all weekend.

Most people are familiar with the term “Renaissance Fair,” but organizers with Mystic Realms wanted to open the event to a wider audience and include all fantasy. Some costumes seen at the fair include pirates, fairies, elves, or favorite movie characters from franchises like Star Wars or Star Trek.

“We have a wide variety of vendors and entertainments that bridge the gap of historical and musicians, magicians, fire breathers, all things like that,” said Michael Collins, co-owner of Mystic Realms. “We wanted it to be more all-encompassing, not so strict, to give people the chance to come out and enjoy themselves however they want to be for the weekend.”

This is the fourth year of the fantasy fair, with last year’s event drawing out more than 4,000 people. The organizers said they hope to break that personal record this year. There will be 84 different vendors selling a wide variety of goods like costumes and props, as well as toys and games for families.

There are four different stages at the venue this weekend, with performances happening all day Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

“We’ll have music, magic shows, the Buhurt fighters, which is armored combat like MMA in armor, so that’s crazy to watch,” said Deneb Edwards, co-owner of Mystic Realms.

Another new attraction at the fair this year is workshops in Hema, or historical European martial arts. Collins compared the craft to fencing, but with long sword sabers. A teacher will be present at the fair to help attendees learn the fighting techniques.

The fair is the only event of its kind in the area, and the organizers said their goal is to bring the fun to Pocatello. Mystic Realms travels around to Utah and Montana, hosting fantasy fairs, and it has become one of the most beloved events during the summer for Pocatello residents.

“The biggest change is in the entertainers, but we also have a bunch of new vendors,” Edwards said. “We have a lot of returning vendors, but new ones as well, so every year it’s a little bit different. Every year you come, you’ll see new things.”

Whether people want to dress in costumes or not, organizers assure the event is for everyone.

“It’s not at all a requirement,” Collins said. “I ran into people dressed like Star Trek characters and Jedi; it’s not just fantasy, it can be everything. It’s a place to come and feel welcome to do that [dress up], there aren’t many places that you can go and dress up besides Halloween, but if you come not in a costume, you’ll still have a lot of fun.”

Fan favorite Wild Noodles announced it will be the last year of participation at the Mystic Realms Fantasy Fair. Organizers are encouraging people to come and get their delicious food while it’s here. The events will continue all weekend, rain or shine.

If you’re unable to visit the fantasy fair this weekend, Mystic Realms has a storefront open year-round near Outer Limits in Pocatello.

For a schedule of the events and more information on vendors, click HERE.

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Hadley Bodell

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – It’s Pocatello’s turn to enjoy Chipotle Mexican Grill since the Idaho Falls location opened earlier this month. Today, Chipotle announced the Pocatello store will open on Tuesday, June 30.

This location will also feature the “Chipotlane” for quick drive-thru pickup orders. The location is on Alameda road near the Winco and Fred Meyer at 299 E Alameda Rd, Pocatello, ID 83201. It will open every day from 10:45 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Chipotle Mexican Grill on Alameda in Pocatello, Idaho, June 25

Chipotle also announced that both the Idaho Falls and Pocatello locations are hiring employees. Each store will need approximately 30 jobs. For more information about applications and full-time benefits, click HERE.

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Jeff Roper

WEST YELLOWSTONE, Montana (KIFI) — For decades, West Yellowstone’s historic theatre building has been home to a cherished summer tradition. Now, after an extensive renovation, the curtain is rising once more. Performers at the newly formed Westgate Theatre are set to take the stage and step into West Yellowstone’s long tradition of live entertainment while creating new experiences for future generations.

Honoring a 100-Year-Old Legacy

The road to reopening has been a massive undertaking, building upon a rich history that dates back more than a century. The 100-year-old building has been a staple of family entertainment since 1961, when Lynn Benson, alongside partners from Ricks College and family, transformed a rundown West Yellowstone drugstore into a small theatre.

Originally built on a “shoestring budget” of just about $600 apiece from the original partners, the theatre faced tough times early on. In the weeks of renovation, Lynn’s grandson, Kyle Benson, previously shared that the first ten years were incredibly rough, noting that his grandmother would regularly ask if each season would be their last. Lynn’s response was always, “Let’s try it one more time.”

That perseverance paid off. Over the decades, the venue grew into a landmark destination treasured by residents and the thousands of tourists who pass through West Yellowstone annually. Before the current grand reopening, crews gutted the 100-year-old building down to the bare studs for a hefty facelift—even unearthing historical remnants of the theatre’s past hidden within the walls during construction.

A Labor of Love

Inside the theatre, the sounds of construction have finally given way to opening week prep as crews put the final touches on the facility.

“These are the seats in the boxes that these guys are so gung-ho on installing,” said Westgate Theatre Production Director Jeff Carter, pointing to the newly upgraded seating areas designed to give audiences a whole new view.

For the Carter family, who work to develop the productions inside the historic theatre, the project is about much more than just modernizing a building. It is about reviving a community cornerstone.

“This location means a lot to a lot of people, and we wanted to honor and elevate what that meant,” explains Westgate Theatre stage manager Cam Carter.

Standing on the brand-new Lynn Benson Stage, creative director Lisa Carter emphasized that the renovation preserves West Yellowstone’s deep historical roots while creating something for future generations to enjoy.

“West Yellowstone has had a long history of theatre and live performance,” said Lisa. “In the early part of the twentieth century, Las Vegas performers would come to West Yellowstone in the summer when it was too hot to perform in Las Vegas.”

“It’s really wonderful to have it back”

Even before opening night, local residents and longtime visitors expressed their excitement over the return of live performances to the area.

“I think it’s fantastic,” one visitor remarked. “It’s always fun to come into town and see the show, and they’re doing such a great job. We love it.”

“It’s always been part of the community, and we missed it when it was gone,” a local resident added. “It’s just really wonderful to have it back.”

More than just a summer job

The revival has also struck a chord with the cast members, many of whom traveled from across the country. For them, the Westgate is more than just a summer job, it’s a rare and special place to work.

“They’re keeping live theatre alive in this town, which I think is a really beautiful thing,” said cast member Liberty Miller. “For the Bensons and the Carters to rebuild this theatre, make it safe, and bring it back the way it should be—it’s a beautiful thing, and I’m grateful to be a part of it.”

Another member of the company, Madison Stensrud, echoed that sentiment, noting the significance of the venue’s history.

“It’s so cool to be part of the legacy of this town and this theatre, and to continue that legacy of the arts in this community. It’s really important,” said Stensrud.

Bringing the historic theatre back to life required a true team effort and transforming the renovation into a labor of love.

“Lynn Benson said, ‘If you want to have a happy life, make beautiful memories.’ That’s what we’re trying to create here—beautiful memories for us, for our cast, and especially for our audience,” said Lisa.

The Westgate Theatre is currently open with performances of “Annie Get Your Gun,” held Monday through Saturday nights at 7 p.m. For more information about the theatre, click HERE.

Editor’s Note: This story was adapted from an original on-air broadcast report with the assistance of AI. All content is thoroughly reviewed and verified for accuracy by the Local News 8 editorial team.

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Par Kermani

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (KIFI) — Utah Gov. Spencer Cox signed an executive order Thursday declaring a new state of emergency aimed at reducing wildfire risk during the upcoming July fireworks season.

The order temporarily expands the authority of the state forester, allowing fireworks to be prohibited within city and town boundaries when fire conditions are considered extremely hazardous. Previously, the state forester could only impose broader fireworks restrictions on state and unincorporated lands.

“Nothing about this decision was easy,” said Gov. Spencer J. Cox in a statement. “Utahns love celebrating the Fourth of July with family, friends and fireworks. I do too. But this year is different. We are seeing fire behavior that even our most experienced firefighters say they’ve never witnessed before. This is a temporary measure for an extraordinary year. It protects lives and homes while allowing local leaders, working alongside their fire officials, to identify areas where fireworks can be used safely.”

A Ring camera captured the moment flames engulfed the area surrounding a cabin in Beaver, Utah, as wildfires burned nearby. Video: CNN

According to the executive order, 94% of Utah remains in severe or extreme drought. So far this year, 354 wildfires have burned 141,743 acres, with human activity responsible for at least 75% of those fires.

The order immediately suspends a portion of state law that prevented the state forester from restricting fireworks within municipal boundaries during a state of emergency. State officials said the change is intended to give the forester the authority to take every measure necessary to help prevent wildfire disasters during the Independence Day holiday.

According to the executive order “Using the full scope of her authority under Utah Code § 65A-8-212, with Subsection 5 of that provisionsuspended, the state forester shall issue an order or orders closing extremelyhazardous areas in the state to the discharge of fireworks”

Under the order, municipalities may still designate specific areas where fireworks will be allowed after coordinating with the state forester. Licensed public fireworks displays permitted by local governments are exempt from the restrictions.

The expanded authority will apply to the Independence Day fireworks period from July 2 through July 5. State officials will reevaluate fire conditions afterward to determine whether similar restrictions are needed for Utah’s Pioneer Day fireworks period, July 22 through July 25.

The executive order took effect immediately and will remain in effect for 30 days unless extended by the Utah Legislature.

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Par Kermani

PRESTON, Idaho (KIFI) — A special fundraiser featuring Author Glenn Beck supporting two local nonprofits preserving history and expanding educational opportunities.

The fundraising event will benefit two local projects: the restoration of the historic Oneida Stake Academy, preserving an important piece of southeastern Idaho’s history, and the construction of a new addition to the Larsen-Sant Public Library, expanding educational opportunities for future generations.

The event will take place Saturday at 3:30 p.m. and will raise money for the restoration of the historic Oneida Stake Academy and the construction of a new addition to the Larsen-Sant Public Library.

During the event, Beck will share stories from American history while showcasing rare historical artifacts and discussing the people and events that helped shape the nation.

courtesy of https://www.oneidastakeacademy.org/

Tickets are still available and can be purchased through the Oneida Stake Academy Foundation’s website

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