Author: KIFI

David Pace

REXBURG, IDAHO (KIFI) – An ambassador of Hinduism, the oldest religion on Earth, visited the campus of Brigham Young University-Idaho to speak with students on Thursday in an act of interfaith outreach and good will. 

Rajan Zed, President of the Universal Society of Hinduism, met with BYU-Idaho’s Interfaith Leadership Academic Society.

“It is a wonderful occasion to mingle with other religions. So, I am grateful to them to have their students to be exposed to Hinduism, which is the oldest and the third largest religion,” said Zed.

Approximately 3.2 million Hindus live in the United States, out of a world population of 1.2 billion Hindus.

The student-led Interfaith Society is composed of about 400 members.

In an interview with Local News 8, Zed described the sacred texts of Hinduism.

“I usually read from Rig Veda, which is the oldest scripture of mankind, and then Upanishads and Bhagavad Gita. Those are the scriptures,” he said.

Zed travels the United States building bridges and sharing a message of love and respect.

He has offered opening prayers at the U.S. Senate, U.S. House, Idaho Senate, a Bonneville County Commissioner meeting and the St. Anthony, Arimo, Burley, Boise and Meridian City Councils.

“All the world is one,” Zed said. “That is in Hinduism’s message. We are all one.”

Rajan Zed teaches about Hinduism at Curry Pizza in Rexburg.

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David Pace

REXBURG, Idaho (KIFI) – Fifty years after a wall of water pulverized communities in the flood path of the Teton Dam, a new exhibit at Rexburg’s City Hall celebrates the resilience of residents whose lives and homes were forever altered by the dam’s collapse.

“People just feeling overwhelmed and devastated with our own flood, they said hope came when we saw people show up for us,” said Jed Platt, Cultural Arts director for the City of Rexurg.

A ribbon cutting for the “Just Add Water: The Dam that Broke Us and Built Us” exhibit on Thursday officially launched next week’s “Flood 50” of celebration and activities running from June 1 through June 6.

The brand-new exhibit digs into the flood’s impact on those directly in the water’s wake.

“If you want facts and figures, Google it,” Platt said. “If you want to go experience it, come to this exhibit.”

The interactive exhibition features stories, artifacts, models and artwork commemorating day the Teton Dam broke.

The exhibit has been moved to City Hall from the Rexburg Tabernacle as it prepares for renovations.

In addition to recognizing the past, Rexburg community members have raised more than $50,000 this year to assist people in Laie, Hawaii, who were devastated by flooding in March 2026.

“For our sister community in Laie, where homes were destroyed, there was about three or four feet of water in their homes at 1 AM,” said Kieiki Pouha, a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. “They woke up with water next to their beds. So many families were trapped in their homes, elderly that couldn’t get out, children that couldn’t get out. It was just immediate and devastating.”

The City of Rexburg will be hosting events daily next week. For a full list of activities, visit tetonflood50.org, or check out the list below.

“Next to potatoes, the best crop to come out of our soil are our stories,” Platt said. “This will be a place to share those stories. … Daily, I’m hearing new stories from people and they said, ‘I don’t think I’ve ever told anyone that story.'”

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Par Kermani

TREMONTON, Utah (KIFI) — Opponents of a Box Elder County data center project won’t get to reject the development outright on the November ballot, but are not giving up just yet. They say they are taking their fight to court after county officials rejected an effort to let voters weigh in on the development.

On Thursday, Box Elder County Attorney Stephen Hadfield ruled the referendum applications could not move forward.

The Box Elder Accountability Referendum, known as BEAR, filed applications earlier this month seeking to challenge county approval of the project through a public vote.

Hadfield said Utah law allows voters to challenge legislative actions that create new laws, but determined the resolutions approved by county commissioners for the project were administrative actions and therefore not eligible for a referendum.

“Accordingly, because I am obligated to interpret and uphold the law, I am legally bound to reject the applications for referenda of these resolutions,” Hadfield wrote.

The decision means organizers will not be allowed to collect signatures to place the issue on a future ballot.

BEAR leaders quickly pushed back against the ruling, arguing the county’s actions should qualify for a public vote because of the project’s long-term impact on Box Elder County.

The group announced plans to appeal the decision to Utah’s 1st District Court.

The proposed Stratos Project has become one of the most closely watched development projects in Utah. Supporters say it could bring jobs and economic investment to northern Utah, while opponents have raised concerns about water use, power demand and environmental impacts.

The project is backed by investor Kevin O’Leary, known for his role on ABC’s “Shark Tank.”

Despite Thursday’s ruling, referendum organizers say they are not backing down.

“This was plan A,” referendum sponsor Brenna Williams said earlier this week. “We’ve got many plans afterwards.”

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Par Kermani

JACKSON HOLE, Wyo. (KIFI) — A Jackson Hole firefighter who fell 20 feet while battling the Memorial Day fire at Teton Pines in Wilson has been released from the hospital.

According to Jackson Hole Fire/EMS, firefighter Charlie Crotteau was working toaccess fire burning in the roof when he fell approximately 20 feet from the platform of a laddertruck.

Credit: Jackson Hole Fire/EMS

A Mayday call was issued at 4:22 a.m. Fellow firefighters and a Rapid Intervention Crew immediately responded and began providing aid.

Medical personnel stabilized Crotteau at the scene before transporting him to St. John’s Health in Jackson, where he underwent surgery for fractures in his left leg. He has since been released from the hospital.

“There has been overwhelming support from fellow firefighters, family, and friends,” Deputy Fire Chief Brian Coe said in a statement. “Charlie has been in good spirits and is prepared for a long road to recovery.”

A volunteer firefighter at Station 1 in downtown Jackson since 2023, Crotteau is the first Mayday for the Jackson Hole Fire/EMS since February 2016.

The fire was first reported shortly after 3 a.m. when crews responded to what was initially believed to be a gas leak near the Teton Pines Clubhouse. Firefighters later discovered smoke and flames coming from an office building across from the clubhouse, prompting a full structure fire response.

Fire investigators with the Wyoming State Fire Marshal’s Office said they do not suspect any criminal activity. Investigators determined the fire originated within the floor assembly between the first and second floors before spreading into the roof through concealed void spaces.

Crews from all six Jackson Hole Fire/EMS stations and the Teton Village Fire Department worked through the morning to bring the fire under control. The fire was declared contained at 10 a.m. and the building was ultimately deemed a total loss.

“We are incredibly grateful that no additional injuries occurred during this complex and fast-moving incident, and we’re relieved to see Charlie on the road to recovery,” Coe said.

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Kaelyn Blessinger

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – Two teams from Westside Elementary School are going to Washington, D.C., this weekend to compete in the SeaPerch Competition. More than 130 international teams will compete, trying to navigate their robots through an obstacle course to earn the most points in 20 minutes.

The two teams heading to Washington are the Soaring Sharks (McKenna Taggart, Claria Ence and Everlee Graham) and the Underwater Conquistadors (Bentley Boucha, Cullen Rainey and Thomas Jones).

“It’s just a fun experience. I think it’s kind of cool,” the Soaring Sharks said. “Just the fact that we made it through regionals and are going. It’s also kind of cool because we’re one of the only elementary teams, and we beat out seventh- and eighth-graders.”

The SeaPerch Competition is an opportunity for students to experience STEM in a hands-on learning environment. Teachers help students navigate the designing, building and competing involved.

“The obstacle course is a set of five hoops going horizontally or vertically that we have to go through,” the Underwater Conquistadors said. “Once we get to the other side, we have to stop. Then we have to go back through the hoops, and we’re trying to get the fastest time possible through those hoops. The mission course is basically a series of tasks that you need to complete, and each one gives you a certain amount of points. You’re trying to get the most points possible in 20 minutes.”

However, getting to the competition could be a challenge, as the team still needs support to make the trip.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime thing,” the teachers explained. “We’ve contacted Sen. Mike Crapo. We get to tour the Capitol building. There are a lot of really exciting things that kids get to experience, but we are still fundraising. We’re not quite at our goal at this point. If we got about $4,000 more, I think we’d be able to cover all of our expenses.”

Community members interested in supporting the students’ trip can contribute through the team’s Venmo account.

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Par Kermani

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — A spike in drug overdoses has officials issuing an overdose spike notice for Bonneville County.

In a social media post, the Eastern Idaho Public Health and Safety Team reported a spike in overdoses across eastern Idaho within the last 48 hours.

Officials are encouraging residents to lock up prescription and over-the-counter medications and safely dispose of unused or expired medications.

Officials also stressed the importance of carrying naloxone, commonly known as Narcan, which can temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. Free Narcan boxes are available through the Center for Hope in Idaho Falls and Rexburg.

“If you suspect an overdose, call 911 right away, even if you administer naloxone,” officials said in the alert.

The alert also encouraged the public to “check in with friends and family,” especially if they are concerned about someone.

Recovery and support services are also available through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or HELP4U, a free confidential substance use treatment referral service. Residents can text their five-digit ZIP code to 435748 (HELP4U) to access services.

The Eastern Idaho Public Health and Safety Team includes the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office, Bonneville County Coroner’s Office, Idaho Falls Police Department, Idaho Falls Fire Department, Idaho State Police and Eastern Idaho Public Health. The group regularly meets to monitor overdose trends and work to reduce overdose deaths in the community.

More information can be found on the EIPH website

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Par Kermani

DRIGGS, Idaho (KIFI) — The U.S. Forest Service has issued a draft decision for the proposed Grand Targhee Resort expansion and is now opening a formal objection period for the project.

According to the Caribou-Targhee National Forest, the agency will publish notices in the Federal Register announcing the availability of the final environmental impact statement for the Grand Targhee Resort Master Development Proposal.

A legal notice published in the Post Register will begin a 45-day objection period for the project and its five project-specific amendments. A separate 60-day objection period will also begin for the programmatic amendment connected to the proposal.

The proposed decision would expand the resort’s special use permit boundary by 694 acres, bringing the total permitted area to about 3,000 acres. Forest officials say the expansion and facility upgrades are intended to support year-round recreation opportunities and boost local jobs and businesses in surrounding communities.

The Forest Service says it received more than 2,100 substantive public comments before the draft environmental impact statement comment period ended in June 2025. Agency officials reviewed those comments while refining the proposal and evaluating potential environmental impacts and alternatives.

“The Caribou-Targhee National Forest reviewed all comments received to help refine the final environmental impact statement and draft record of decision,” Forest Supervisor Kim Pierson said in a statement. “These comments provided specific information about the proposal, suggested corrections, and identified information that assisted in reaching my draft record of decision.”

According to the Forest Service, only individuals or organizations that previously submitted timely written comments during the public comment process are eligible to file objections.

Objections can be submitted electronically through the project website, by mail, or by email to the Caribou-Targhee National Forest.

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Fox13

Originally Published: 28 MAY 26 12:11 ET

By Jeremy Tombs

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    BRIGHAM CITY, Utah (KSTU) — More than three weeks after the Box Elder County Commission decided to green-light a massive data center, hundreds came to Brigham City to voice their continued frustration over the Stratos Project.

Those opposed to the proposed data center showed up on Wednesday from across northern Utah.

“I’m a single mother from Eagle Mountain. I made a rant [on social media] to meet up here at one of their meetings, and it just kind of exploded!” said protest organizer Tiffany Larson.

Many of those who protested outside the courthouse were from diverging ideological backgrounds.

“I look around here, this is probably not my type of crowd. So what do we all have in common? We don’t like being treated poorly,” shared former Utah State Rep. Phil Lyman.

The protesters coalesced around a general feeling of being unheard.

“Together, we can make them listen,” shouted Brigette Cottam to a cheering crowd.

Having grown up in nearby Willard, Cottam is part of the Box Elder Accountability Referendum group (BEAR), and hopes the listening happens through the possibility of a referendum that currently hangs in the balance of county officials.

“Tomorrow, we should be hearing back on approval or denial of the referendum,” said Cottam. “Tomorrow, no matter what they say, we hit the ground running.”

At the rally, protestors took their concerns into the county commission chambers, where many first learned of the 40,000-acre plan.

“Every year we pray for rain… we’re worried about our water. We live it in the desert. Utah’s a special place, and we need to treat it with the love and respect it deserves,” said Box Elder County resident Elizabeth Hulbert.

As the commissioners listened to an hour’s worth of comments without reply, the angry locals made sure their message got across to county leaders and those behind the project.

“I didn’t see any buses. I’m trusting none of you got paid to show up,” BEAR organizer Farrah Pliley asked the crowd. “You woke up all the ‘BEARS’. An entire state of them. All these angry BEARS against one shark. Good luck, you’ve got quite the fight ahead of you.”

Earlier Wednesday, a water rights change application for the Stratos Project had been pulled for the second time. Murray Hollow L.C. withdrew the application that had about 700 official protests written against it. All of that money will again go to the state’s general fund, and none will be refunded to the protesters who filed them.

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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Par Kermani

FORT HALL, Idaho (KIFI) — The Fort Hall Business Council of the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes has issued a statement opposing the development of data centers on the Reservation and in surrounding treaty-protected areas.

In the statement, tribal leaders said they are concerned about the impact large-scale data centers could have on water supplies, energy resources, culturally significant lands, and tribal sovereignty.

The council said it also opposes development within ceded lands or other locations where projects could negatively affect the reservation or its residents.

“This position reflects the Tribes’ sovereign obligation to protect the health, welfare, natural resources, cultural integrity, and future of the Shoshone-Bannock people,” the statement reads.

The Tribes cited growing concerns over the amount of water and electricity required to operate data centers, especially as regional resources become increasingly strained.

“Water is not merely a commodity. Water is life,” the statement said. “Its protection is fundamental to the health of our communities, ecosystems, and future generations.”

According to the statement, tribal leaders believe any development affecting tribal lands, treaty rights, or resources should involve “early, meaningful, and ongoing government-to-government consultation” with the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes.

The council also raised concerns about Idaho’s energy capacity, noting the state imports much of its electricity. Leaders said increased power demand from data centers could contribute to higher utility costs and strain the regional electrical grid.

The Tribes said they support economic development projects that are sustainable and respectful of environmental and cultural resources, but warned economic interests should not come at the expense of tribal lands and water.

The Fort Hall Business Council said it will continue advocating for environmental stewardship, protection of treaty rights, and tribal sovereignty as discussions surrounding data center development continue across the region.

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Seth Ratliff

BLACKFOOT, Idaho (KIFI) — The City of Blackfoot has approved a name change for a portion of South Fisher Avenue, effective June 15, 2026.

The 1300 block of South Fisher Avenue, located between Clifford Street and Last Street, will be renamed S. Elderberry Avenue.

According to city leadership, the change is designed to improve public safety and emergency response times.

“This update helps eliminate addressing inconsistencies and ensures quicker, clearer response from emergency services,” city leadership stated in an official Facebook post.

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