Author: KIFI

CNN Newsource

Originally Published: 25 SEP 25 14:28 ET

By Amy Nay

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    CHESTER, Utah (KSTU) — Many families will venture out to find a pumpkin patch this fall, but what you may not realize is that the fun weekend activity may actually be going a long way toward helping save a local family farm.

In Chester, Sunder Creek Farms owners Brett and Jenna Madsen were busy getting ready on Wednesday for the weekend kickoff to their pumpkin patch.

“Farming here, especially here in Sanpete County, it’s tough. We’ve got limited water, limited resources. You know, we have good years. But the last few years have been pretty challenging financially,” said Brett.

Born and raised in the northern part of the county, Brett married into Sunder Creeks Farms nearly two decades ago.

“I am third generation. My grandpa was a dairy farmer in Lehi, and my dad continued, and they moved here to Chester, and I get to carry on with my 4, almost 5 boys,” said Jenna. “I am the fourth daughter of a dairy farmer, so I deserved to have 5 boys!”

The Madsens were featured on the History Channel’s “American Farmer” series in 2019.

“It was quite the experience,” Brett said, “Telling our story about agriculture and the challenges. And there are a lot of misconceptions. You know, the majority of food in the U.S. comes from small family farms like ours.”

Brett worked for Jenna’s dad on the farm while in high school. After they married and moved back from college, they eventually added the holiday activities to help keep them afloat.

“You can make a little money to make up for your losses,” explained Brett. “And at the end of the day, we were able to make our farm payments and make things happen because of the agri-tourism part of our farm.”

“It keeps us going,” Jenna added. “Gives you hope for the future and it’s fun!”

The farm offers a corn maze, fun for the kids, and plenty of homegrown pumpkins of all shapes and sizes.

Sunder Creek mainly produces alfalfa and hay, and since selling their turkey operations and dairy cattle, they now focus on feed and some beef cattle, and also host weddings and other special events.

“It’s not big, it’s not extravagant. It’s low-key, a slower pace, and you don’t have thousands of people,” said Jenna. “We’ve had a lot of people from the Wasatch Front come down and really enjoy coming to the pumpkin patch.”

While the farm is an hour-and-a-half drive from Salt Lake City, Jenna shared, “Our valley is so beautiful, it’s worth the drive.”

The Madsens say this year has been one of their hardest, hoping visitors coming to get a taste of the country this fall will help their bottom line and allow them to continue to do what they love for generations to come.

“It’s definitely a family farm, and we try to keep that feel on the pumpkin patch,” Jenna said.

“We’re living the dream and loving it,” Brett shared. “There’s still a lot of challenges. It’s hard every day, and we’ve got to think outside the box and thank goodness [Jenna’s] sharp enough to find ways to make money.”

Sunder Creek Farms kicks off their special pumpkin patch and fun family activities on Friday and will be open from noon to dark Fridays and Saturdays, and then mid-October, the gates will be open weekdays starting at 3 p.m.

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By Meg Tirrell, Deidre McPhillips, Jamie Gumbrecht, CNN

(CNN) — The US Food and Drug Administration is reviewing evidence about the safety and efficacy of one of the drugs used in medication abortion to investigate how it can be safely dispensed, US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary wrote in a new letter to 22 Republican attorneys general.

Kennedy and Makary said the FDA would conduct “its own review of the evidence, including real-world outcomes and evidence, relating to the safety and efficacy” of mifepristone.

“This Administration will ensure that women’s health is properly protected by thoroughly investigating the circumstances under which mifepristone can be safely dispensed,” they wrote in the letter, sent September 19.

The letter is driving concern among abortion advocates that the federal government may put new limits on access to medication abortion, which has been more broadly available through telehealth in recent years.

Kennedy already told senators earlier this month that the FDA is collecting new data for a safety review of mifepristone and said “those studies are progressing and that they’re ongoing.” Kennedy claimed in the hearing that the Biden administration “twisted the data” on mifepristone to “bury one of the safety signals,” but didn’t provide additional details about what the safety issue could be.

“We’re getting data in all the time — new data that we’re reviewing,” Kennedy told the US Senate Committee on Finance.

The Republican attorneys general cited a report from the Ethics and Public Policy Center — which describes itself as “pushing back against the extreme progressive agenda while building a consensus for conservatives” — as evidence that mifepristone is risky and requires more oversight.

Kennedy and Makary said in their new response that the report indicates “potential dangers that may attend offering mifepristone without sufficient medical support or supervision.” But many experts consider the report to be “junk science,” and it has not been peer-reviewed or published in a medical journal.

Lack of transparency is a key concern, said Dr. Ushma Upadhyay, an associate professor in the department of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive science at the University of California, San Francisco, who put together a 10-point review of major flaws in the report. There’s very little information provided about the source of the data, she said.

The level of risk the report found to be associated with mifepristone is overstated, she said. Any visit to an emergency room was counted as a serious adverse event, including those visits that did not require any treatment; other research suggests that about half of abortion-related emergency department visits are for observation only.

The Society of Family Planning, a nonprofit organization focused on research related to abortion and contraception, has urged the FDA to dismiss the paper for its lack of scientific standards.

“In short, this paper is not a methodologically rigorous, evidence-based resource, and does not warrant consideration, particularly in scientific spaces,” the group wrote in a letter to Makary.

Mifepristone is commonly used along with another drug, misoprostol, for medication abortion in the United States. The FDA approved mifepristone in 2000, and it has long been shown to be safe and effective. It is cleared to end a pregnancy through 10 weeks of gestation.

Clinical studies and decades of use have established the drug’s safety and effectiveness. Since its approval in the US in 2000, there have been 5 deaths associated with mifepristone for every 1 million people who used it, according to the FDA. That means the death rate is 0.0005%. Mifepristone’s safety is on par with those of common over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen and acetaminophen, studies show.

Major medical groups, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, have repeatedly called for more mifepristone accessibility. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the Biden administration began allowing certified providers to prescribe the drug via telehealth and ship it by mail, which significantly expanded access, particularly in rural areas with few abortion clinics.

But anti-abortion advocates have claimed that the drug is not safe and that the FDA didn’t study it enough. Republican officials have repeatedly called for the government to rescind the telemedicine policy for mifepristone and restrict distribution to in-person visits only. The US Supreme Court declined in June 2024 to block the drug’s availability but left the door open for future regulatory changes, placing the spotlight back on federal agencies such as the FDA.

In 2024, there were more than 1 million abortions in the US for the second year in a row, according to the Guttmacher Institute, a research and policy organization focused on sexual and reproductive health that supports abortion rights.

Since the US Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision revoked the federal right to abortion in June 2022, 20 states have enacted bans or severely restricted access, and some have implemented new protections for abortion care. Expanded access to clinics that provide medication abortion through telehealth has contributed to the rise in abortions in the US, according to Guttmacher: About 14% of abortions in 2024 were provided by online-only clinics, up from 10% in 2023 – or an increase of about 40,000 abortions.

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CNN’s Jacqueline Howard contributed to this report.

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News Team

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Tonight, the Idaho Falls Fire Department is inviting the public to its annual Fire Prevention Block Party from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. This free, family-friendly event will be held at Station 1, located at 343 E St., to kick off Fire Prevention Week.

The event aims to provide the community with essential fire safety education in a fun and engaging environment. This year’s theme is “Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home,” which will be highlighted throughout the evening.

” (It) just gets us out with the community. Allows the community to come in and see our station. They can see all the different rigs we use INL partnered, central fires is here. Food basket chaplains are here. Red cross, forest service. All these people are here. Shows our support for the community, and we want them to see that,” Idaho Falls Fire Marshal Jim Newton said.

The block party will feature a variety of activities for all ages, including: free food provided by the Community Food Basket, fire engine tours, face painting, kids’ training challenges, and more!

For more information on the IFFD and upcoming events, click HERE.

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News Team

UPDATE:

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — As of 12:20 p.m., Idaho Falls Power crews have the power back up and running after an outage impacted parts of the downtown area.

The utility company expressed its appreciation to the local lineman for their quick response.

ORIGINAL:

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Idaho Falls Power crews are on the scene of a power outage affecting the downtown area, specifically near Capitol and A Street. The cause of the outage has not yet been released by the utility company.

In a Facebook post, Idaho Falls Power asked for patience from affected residents and businesses, stating, “Thank you for your patience as we work to restore power safely and as quickly as possible.”

Local News 8 will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more information becomes available from the power provider.

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Ariel Jensen

REXBURG, Idaho (KIFI)– A Las Vegas company has moved its business to eastern Idaho. Grand Teton Energy Systems has begun manufacturing lithium-ion batteries in Rexburg. 

Currently, they’re located near the development workshop on Second East. The manager says there are about six to seven other lithium manufacturers in the country, and the one in Rexburg is the first in eastern Idaho. The company says they wanted to bring more sustainable jobs to Rexburg. 

“So there’s not a lot of manufacturing in southeast Idaho, and Idaho has been growing, as you can tell, with population and with the university getting bigger. They really do have a really good mechanical and chemical engineering program. And so we wanted to bring it here to be able to almost tap into that university as well as provide higher-paying jobs for the area that has been struggling for quite some time,” said

Next week, they will be hosting an invite-only demonstration for local police, firefighters, and other first responders on how to put out a lithium fire.

Local news 8’s Ariel Jensen will be there to show us how it’s done. 

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Noah Farley

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Air Idaho Rescue is celebrating 35 years of lifesaving service. The team has transported thousands of patients across the region — from trauma cases to critical medical emergencies.

Five Air Idaho Rescue bases (located in Idaho Falls, Driggs, Salmon, and West Yellowstone, Montana) are meeting together to celebrate the anniversary.

Representatives from Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center, Bonneville County Sheriff’s Department, and Air Idaho Rescue will share insights on how the program has benefited the community throughout the years.

Air Idaho Rescue is a division of Air Methods, the leading provider of air medical transport services in the U.S.

“Their helicopters and fixed wing aircraft function as flying ICUs, carrying industry-leading clinicians who are trained to provide critical care to patients suffering from trauma due to accidents, cardiac and stroke events, and more,” said Dianne Daniels, Corporate Communications Specialist for Air Methods. “The crews also carry whole blood and are trained to administer it in flight, providing hospital-level care in the air.”

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News Team

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — The Snake River Animal Shelter (SRAS) is set to celebrate a significant milestone this October. On Saturday, October 4th, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., the shelter will host a full day of family-friendly activities to commemorate its 10-year anniversary.

“This event is not only about celebrating ten years of saving lives but also about honoring the people and animals who make our mission possible,” says Michelle Ziel-Dingman, Executive Director of Snake River Animal Shelter. “We’re looking forward to honoring SRAS’s past and celebrating its future with our community!”

The anniversary celebration will feature a wide variety of attractions for both pets and their people, including complimentary treats like pup cups, cotton candy, pastries, and a special appearance by Reginald, the World’s Largest Dog.

Guests will also get to see some exciting new additions to the shelter, including the newly renovated Project Liebe Play Yard and the Carrie Scheid Humane Education Project, a new self-guided educational experience for animal lovers.

The event will also feature a Mini Mutt Strut for four-legged guests, offering a chance for dogs to participate in a short, easy-paced walk from 4 to 6 p.m. Leashed, dog-friendly dogs are invited to join, with pre-registration encouraged but not required.

For a complete schedule of events and to register for activities, click HERE.

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News Release

The following is a news release from the City of Idaho Falls:

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) —  After nearly three decades of service with the Idaho Falls Fire Department, Fire Chief Duane Nelson has announced his retirement, effective Oct. 17, 2025.

Chief Nelson began his career with the department in 1997 as a firefighter and steadily advanced through the ranks, serving as Interim Fire Chief in 2014, Deputy Chief from 2015 to 2019, and Fire Chief from 2019 to 2025. His tenure reflects a lifetime of dedication to public service, leadership and innovation in the fire and emergency medical fields.

“Chief Nelson has dedicated his career to strengthening the safety of our local firefighters. He has focused on modernizing our department and adopting sustainable management practices. Consequently, our department’s standing across the state has never been greater. He is also a terrific colleague who has a great mind for numbers. Under his leadership, we are preparing to dedicate a third station,” Mayor Rebecca Casper said. “We are deeply grateful for his commitment to both the community and the men and women who serve alongside him. Idaho Falls is a stronger city because of his nearly 28 years of service.”

During his career, Chief Nelson secured more than $8.5 million in grants to expand personnel, improve equipment and modernize fire stations. He oversaw the construction of Fire Station 6 on the south side of town and the acquisition of Station 7 on the north side of town, led upgrades to existing facilities, and advanced the department’s fleet with new engines, ambulances and critical-care medical technology. He also guided the department through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and established the TRUST Team, a peer-support program for firefighter mental health and wellness.

Chief Nelson also served in the Idaho Army National Guard for 22 years, retiring in 2019. In 2024, he was honored with the Patriot Employer Award for his support of deployed Guard members and their families.

“Serving the people of Idaho Falls has been the honor of my life. I am proud of what we have accomplished together — growing the department, caring for one another and preparing for the future,” Chief Nelson said. “I will always be grateful to the firefighters, city leaders and community members who have supported me along the way. It has been a privilege to wear this badge and to serve this city.”

According to city statutes, the Idaho Falls Fire Chief is an appointed position selected by the Mayor. Mayor Casper recognizes the need to establish permanent leadership in the department while also being mindful that the incoming Mayor may want to help select the new department leaders he or she will work with.

“We will balance these competing needs as we name an Interim Chief and establish the hiring schedule moving forward,” Casper said.

The City of Idaho Falls extends its gratitude to Chief Nelson for his years of service to the community and wishes him well in retirement.

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News Team

WESTERN WYOMING (KIFI) — Starting in late September, the Jackson Ranger District of the Bridger-Teton National Forest will begin a series of prescribed fire operations in the Upper Gros Ventre area near Slate Creek, about 25 miles northeast of Jackson, Wyoming. The project is set to run through early October, weather permitting.

According to the U.S. Forest Service, controlled burns are a proactive forest management strategy designed to reduce the risk of large, destructive wildfires. By systematically removing overgrown vegetation, the operations help protect local communities, infrastructure, and natural resources while also improving the overall health of the forest ecosystem.

The planned burn area covers 557 acres in the Slate Creek area. While there are no expected area closures, residents near Jackson may encounter temporary traffic delays as fire personnel work to ensure public safety. The Jackson Ranger District is directing all residents to watch for warning signs along roads near all prescribed fire areas before and during burns. 

Residents can also expect to see and smell smoke in the area. Drivers are being told to slow down and turn on their headlights when they encounter smoke on the road. For more detailed information on air quality, click HERE.

To stay up-to-date on the prescribed burn schedule, click HERE.

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Maggie Moore

The following is a press release from Idaho Falls School District 91

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — School will be cancelled at Skyline High School, Eagle Rock Middle School, and Boyes Elementary today, Thursday, September 25th.

Last night, a student made a comment about a threat with a gun. The comment was reported to the SRO. An investigation was conducted, and the threat was found to be noncredible. The student will be facing disciplinary action in accordance with board policy. 

In a separate report, last night during the dance, a rumor was reported of a car in the area with a person that had a gun. The Idaho Falls Police Department is investigating this rumor. Out of an abundance of caution, school will be cancelled Thursday, September 25th.

Any student who may have heard or seen something is encouraged to report it to the Idaho Falls Police Department at (208) 529-1200.

Idaho Falls School District 91 takes these matters seriously. As a district, we are committed to keeping students and staff safe.

I am grateful for the quick response by Skyline High School and the Idaho Falls Police Department. I appreciate the cooperation and understanding of our families as we work together to keep our schools safe.

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