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CNN

Originally Published: 16 MAR 26 13:53 ET

By Brenna Donnelly

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    SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (KSL) — A Utah mother is raising awareness about the heightened suicide risk among military veterans after losing her own son, Private First Class Bowden Hunter of Saratoga Springs.

Utah currently ranks second in the nation for veteran suicide (adjusted for population), with 78 deaths reported last year, according to the U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs. Because the state has a smaller-than-average veteran population, the numbers are especially alarming to families like the Hunters.

The statistics have motivated Janaea Hunter to launch “Bowden’s Brigade,” a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating safe, community-centered spaces for veterans returning to civilian life.

Hunter said her message is especially important as more American military members are heading overseas. The United States is in the midst of its largest Middle East deployment since 2003, according to Center for Strategic and International Studies statistics. This week, military officials confirmed 5,000 more marines will deploy and join the 50,000 American soldiers already in the Middle East.

A memorial held Friday in Bluffdale honored Bowden with a “Battle Vest” ceremony — an event designed both to remember his life and to spotlight the ongoing crisis of veteran and emergency responder suicide. James Collins, president of “Heroes in the Sky,” explained the vest displays 19 names of service members who died by suicide, including seven from Utah.

It is one of several similar vests traveling the country thanks to “Heroes in the Sky.” The one dedicated in Bluffdale Friday will remain in Utah with “Bowden’s Brigade.”

“Veterans need to be around other veterans,” Hunter said. “There are so many organizations people don’t know about, and we want them to know there’s a place they can go when they get home — where they can still be with their veteran brothers and sisters. So they don’t have that sense of loss; it’s like moving to a different base.”

Bowden’s Brigade, together with Heroes in the Sky, hope to shift public understanding of post‑traumatic stress disorder, describing it not as a weakness but as a nervous system injury that results from trauma. Through awareness and increased access to resources, both groups aim to reduce veteran suicides in Utah.

“This just so happens to come right at a time where there’s international conflict that sits heavily on a lot of us combat veterans’ minds as we process what’s happening overseas right now,” Collins said. “Whether or not you deployed or not, the commitment of veterans or first responders service involves significant sacrifice.”

Hunter said she also hopes to see a behavior change in the community members the soldiers will return home to.

“My biggest concern, honestly, is the political stance that people have, and they hold it against the veterans,” she said. “They’re just doing what they’re told. They signed up because they love our country and they want to protect us. And whether you agree with the conflict or not, you shouldn’t hold it against them.”

The organization’s next major effort is a Salute to Service Gala on May 9 at Club Paddock in American Fork. The public is invited to attend and contribute to the group’s ongoing veteran meetups, which are designed to build connection and prevent isolation among Utah veterans

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News Team

FORT HALL, Idaho (KIFI) — A string of juvenile vandalism over the weekend has left a local training facility and several tribal vehicles damaged, according to the Fort Hall Police Department.

The incident began Sunday afternoon, March 15, when police were alerted to a break-in at the Fort Hall Fire Department’s training house on Shoshone Drive.

Later that evening, police received reports of a group attempting to scale the fence at the tribal fleet yard near the BIA irrigation office. Upon arrival, the officers caught four teenagers at the scene along with two tribal trucks with several windows and mirrors smashed in.

During the investigation, the teens admitted to both the damage to the Fire Department’s training house and the damaging of two tribal trucks. All four suspects were cited and subsequently released into the custody of their guardians.

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News Team

SALT LAKE, Utah (KIFI) — The Department of Homeland Security has officially purchased a massive warehouse on the west side of Salt Lake City, confirming months of speculation and marking the establishment of the first ICE detention center in the state of Utah.

The federal government purchased the nearly 25-acre property for $145 million. According to CNN, the deed of sale identifies the seller as the holding group R-REEF CPIF.

In a formal statement, ICE confirmed its intentions for the site, stating:

“These will be very well-structured detention facilities meeting our regular detention standards. Sites will undergo community impact studies and a rigorous due diligence process to make sure there is no hardship on local utilities or infrastructure.”

Federal officials are leaning heavily into the economic benefits of the project. ICE projections suggest the facility’s construction and operation will generate nearly 10,000 local jobs, contribute $1.1 billion to the regional GDP, and bring in approximately $239 million in tax revenue.

However, local leaders remain staunchly opposed. The facility, an 833,000-square-foot warehouse located near the Salt Lake City International Airport, is rumored to house up to 7,500 beds, according to ABC4 in Utah.

Friday, Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson issued a sharp rebuke following the confirmation of the sale.

“I am deeply disturbed to learn that a 833,000-square-foot warehouse… has reportedly been purchased by the federal government to what would likely become a massive ICE detention facility,” Wilson said. “The idea of 7,500 detainees being held in the heart of our capital city is simply unacceptable and must never be realized.”

The purchase follows a wave of “Beehive State” protests that began earlier this year when rumors of a potential federal site first surfaced.

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Seth Ratliff

CHALLIS, Idaho (KIFI) — An unnamed person is recovering Monday after a weekend shooting in Challis sent them to the hospital.

According to the Custer County Sheriff’s Office, the shooting took place on Friday, March 13th, around 11 PM in the Hot Springs area of Challis. Sheriff’s Deputies rushed to the area where they found the victim suffering from a gunshot wound, but otherwise in stable condition.

Few details are available surrounding the shooting. But the Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that one person was taken into custody without incident.

Authorities secured the scene overnight and assured residents that there is no threat to the public.

No further details have been released at this time. Local News 8 will provide additional updates as new information becomes available.

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David Pace

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – The Bonneville and Bingham County GOP honored long-time, former state legislator Dean Mortimer, who served for 14 years in Idaho’s Legislature, at the annual Lincoln Day dinner Saturday.

Mortimer received the “Bonneville County Republican Party Public Service Award.”

Idaho Sen. Dave Lent shared an original poem, “The Measure of a Good Man,” in tribute to Mortimer.

“In quiet ways a life is knownNot by noise and power shown,But steady work from year to year,A faithful voice that others hear.

“He walked the halls where our laws are madeYet never sought the grand parade.With careful thought and patient hand,He served the people of this land.”

(You can see the full poem at the end of this article.)

“I think that ultimately what this event tonight showed is that we have the ability to come together as Republicans under Reagan’s big tent, and that’s what we have emphasized,” said Michael Colson, Chairman of the Bonneville County Republican Central Committee. “That’s what we have promised to the voters that we were going to bring in more Republicans to Bonneville County to support the kind of conservative policies and principles that have made our state and our county great.”

Lt. Gov. Scott Bedke delivered the keynote address.

“Why is Idaho the best place to live, work and to raise a family?” he asked. “It’s because we always have paid attention to the fundamentals of government. We’ve always lived within the taxpayers’ means. We’ve always defended the Constitution. We’ve always supported the law enforcement and first responders in our community.”

But Rep. Mike Simpson acknowledged the complexity and discord present in politics as well.

“Yes, there’s arguments. There’s debates and fights – not fistfights – but there’s fights and all that kind of stuff. I wouldn’t have it any other way,” he said. “I would not want a government that was too easy, because a government that can do things easily – even if it’s something that makes sense – can do bad things easily.”

Overall, the event focused on commemorating America’s 250th anniversary and readying for the future.

The Bonneville County GOP will be holding multiple forums for the public to meet and learn the positions of candidates who are interested in running, Colson said.

Idaho’s primary elections are May 19.

Tribute to Former Idaho State Senator Dean Mortimer

The Measure of a Good Man

In quiet ways a life is knownNot by noise and power shown,But steady work from year to yearA faithful voice that others hear.

He walked the halls where our laws are madeYet never sought the grand parade.With careful thought and patient handHe served the people of this land.

Consistency is his wayThe same in word from day to dayNot swayed by winds that quickly turnBut guided by the truths he has learned.

His faith in God is clean and clear,A compass held both far and near.In moments calm and under strainsIt is the ground on which he remains.

At home, his truest place of pride,Where love and laughter does resideHis heart belongs first and always thereTo the wife with whom eternity he shares.

Through every season – side by side  Her steady love – his truest guide,A partnership built firm and trueIn quiet strength that always grew.

A father’s care, a grandfather’s graceWarm kindness written upon his faceFor family is his greatest workThe place from which no man should shirk.

He measures success not by acclaimNor by a spotlight on his nameBut by the lives he helped to riseNew doors opened to clearer skies.

Dean believes that helping others growIs the richest work a man can know.To lift a friend, encourage a startAnd plant good courage and mend a heart.

A Scout leader who showed the wayThrough campfire light and break of day,Not just in words, but life displayedThe Oath and Law – more than just Scouts he made.

And yes with humor, warm and plain,He loves his cheese without refrainA simple joy, a shared delightAt family tables late at night.

So let the record show it’s trueA life of service carried throughSteady in purpose – strong, yet kind,The measure of a faithful mind.

For some build towers – tall and grandAnd some leave quiet marks upon the land,But those like Dean, who served with heart and care,Leave something more precious, More precious everywhere.  

– Senator Dave Lent  

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Danielle Mullenix

Idaho Falls, ID (KIFI) – Broadway and film star Cheyenne Jackson recently returned to eastern Idaho, bringing his nationally touring show “Mid-Life Torso Tour” to the Colonial Theatre in Idaho Falls. But long before the bright lights of Broadway and Hollywood, Jackson’s story began in the small towns of northern Idaho.

From growing up in rural communities to appearing in the Oscar-nominated film “United 93”, Jackson’s career has taken him across the country and onto some of the entertainment industry’s biggest stages — all while maintaining a deep connection to the Gem State. Ahead of the 2026 Oscars, Local News 8’s Danielle Mullenix sat down with Jackson to discuss his time on the set of “United 93” and his journey from Idaho to the Academy Awards.

In conversation with actor Cheyenne Jackson at the Local News 8 Newsroom

Small-Town Beginnings in Idaho

Jackson spent much of his childhood in Oldtown, Idaho, growing up in a modest environment that helped shape both his work ethic and his creativity.

“We lived out in the woods. We had no running water and an outhouse,” Jackson recalled. “I grew up singing in the church, and my mom raised my brothers and me to enjoy music.”

He says one pivotal moment came during high school when a teacher introduced him to Broadway.

Jackson’s French teacher organized an exciting school trip by bus to Spokane, where they would witness a touring production of “Les Misérables” at the Spokane Opera House. As he sat next to his classmates in the beautifully ornate theatre, the air filled with anticipation, and Jackson found himself lost in thought, imagining the thrill of a life illuminated by the stage spotlight and the shimmering allure of the big screen.

“I didn’t know what Broadway was,” Jackson said. “That was the first time I realized you could do that for a living.”

Building a Broadway Career

After high school and several side jobs, Jackson moved to Seattle to pursue a career in performing. By the age of twenty-seven, Jackson had built a strong resume of theatre credits in Washington and decided it was time to make a one-way flight to New York City. It wasn’t long before he found success on Broadway.

He went on to appear in several well-known stage productions, including Xanadu, All Shook Up, and Finian’s Rainbow, among many others. Fresh off a run from the Tony-winning production Oh, Mary!, Jackson decided to take his musical talents on the road in his current “Mid-Life Torso Tour”.

XanaduCredit Photo: Peter Lueders/Paul Kolnik Studio

Jackson’s stage presence eventually opened doors in television and film, helping him build a career spanning multiple entertainment genres.

A Breakout Film Role in “United 93”

After achieving success on Broadway, Jackson made his way onto film studio lots, where he began his early film and television career. One of his notable roles was in “United 93,” the critically acclaimed 2006 film that dramatizes the events aboard one of the hijacked planes during the September 11 attacks.

“United 93” film poster, nominated for Best Director and Best Film Editing at the 2007 Academy Awards

Directed by Paul Greengrass, the film was praised for its emotional realism and powerful storytelling. Jackson reflected on the film’s 20th anniversary and how its impact resonated during the shooting process.

“That was my first major movie,” Jackson said. “The takes were about 15 minutes long, and it was incredibly daunting and heartbreaking.”

Rather than impersonating the real passengers, Jackson said the cast approached the film with a sense of responsibility to honor the real people involved.

“It wasn’t about trying to do an impersonation,” he explained. “It was the duty that we all felt because we were playing real people.”

The film ultimately earned an Academy Award nomination for Greengrass’ direction.

Even now, Jackson says he still enjoys watching the Academy Awards — something that reminds him of his childhood in Idaho.

“I love the Oscars,” he said. “It reminds me of being a kid sitting there with my parents watching. It’s one moment where we all kind of come together.”

Advice for Future Academy Award Actors

For aspiring actors and performers growing up in small towns, Jackson says the most important thing is to stay open to opportunity.

“Take every opportunity that comes to you,” he said. “I didn’t go to college, but I learned by doing. Watch every person, stay inspired by their work, and absorb their creativity through osmosis. Be the sponge.”

Jackson’s journey from rural Idaho to Broadway stages and Hollywood screens serves as a reminder that big dreams can grow even in the quietest corners of the Gem State.

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Hadley Bodell

SHELLEY, Idaho (KIFI) – Families across the country deal with their childrens’ health complications every day. However, not all of them are lucky enough to have an entire town of support during their difficult times. Tonight, the community of Shelley rallied around Austin Currall and his family, uniting in love and support for the 4-year-old going through his second round of cancer.

Jenel Andersen is the mastermind behind the community fundraiser. “I just called six or eight of my friends and told them this is what I want to do for this family, will you guys help? And they said yes,” said Andersen. “We had a meeting and made some plans and went with it!”

Tanys Searle was another behind-the-scenes volunteer for tonight’s fundraiser. “We split off into teams and put everyone in charge of something,” said Searle. “So many people donated food and were so generous and we’re so grateful for that.”

The best part is that many people in attendance as well as helping with the event, didn’t even know the Curralls. “I know maybe a quarter of the people here,” said Michael Currall, Austin’s dad. “Everybody’s coming up and introducing themselves like they already know us, which in a way, they kind of do at this point. It’s just super cool, I’ve had a couple of times tonight where I’ve forgetten that we’re all here for Austin.”

The event included ticket and t-shirt sales, dinner and pie, games like a pie walk for the kids as well as a silent auction. Community members and local businesses donated to the silent auction, with all the proceeds going to the Currall family and their medical expenses.

It’s rare that a community unites in support of one cause, but locals tell us this is who Shelley is. “This is Shelley,” said Andersen. “And it’s Firth as well. This is what we do, this is what our community does.”

The Currall family could not be more grateful for the turnout and the positive experience their family had at tonight’s fundraiser.

“We just want to give a giant thank you to everybody, there’s no way we can say it enough at this point,” said Michael.

For more on Austin’s story and where you can donate, visit https://localnews8.com/news/2026/03/13/slices-of-hope-shelley-community-to-rally-for-4-year-old-battling-cancer/

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Seth Ratliff

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Hazardous driving conditions and low visibility have forced the closure of Interstate 15 in both directions North of Idaho Falls.

As of 11:48 AM, the Idaho Transportation Department has closed I-15 from exit 119 to mile marker 145 in Roberts due to a large dust storm brought on by the high winds.

For updates, visit Idaho 511 HERE.

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Stephanie Lucas

IDAHO FALLS (KIFI) – High winds have necessitated changes to the festivities at Paddy’s on Park in Idaho Falls today, March 14. While the event is still happening, a few things but it shouldn’t put a damper on the fun.

“The important thing to remember is, the party is still happening,” stressed Kerry Hammon, Director of the Downtown Development Corporation. “We want you to wear green, come to Downtown Idaho Falls, connect with friends, and support local businesses for St. Patrick’s Day.”

Park Avenue is still hosting the event; the street will be closed to traffic until 9 PM tonight as planned.

Beer will have to be served inside the participating Park Avenue bars.

ID checks and wrist banding will happen inside the bars with beer purchases.

Liquor must be bought and consumed inside the selling establishment, per the City of Idaho Falls code.

Outdoor bands and dancers have been cancelled due to high winds.

Hammon also reminded party-goers the importance of drinking responsibly. “Nothing is more important than returning home safely to your loved ones,” she said. “Please remember Idaho Falls GIFT On‑Demand is available on March 14, from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM.”

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David Pace

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – The state of Idaho’s economy and budget loomed large at a Leadership Session featuring Governor Brad Little, Lt. Governor Scott Bedke and U.S. Rep. Mike Simpson on Friday.

Three of Idaho’s top leaders addressed “5 I’s” – Idaho’s economy, Idaho Launch, Immigration, Irrigation and Iran at a forum hosted by the Greater Idaho Falls Chamber at the Downtown Event Center.

Idaho EconomyGov. Little struck an optimistic tone for the state of Idaho’s economy.

“One thing that I’m proudest of is Idaho – from top to bottom – has the fastest growing personal incomes of any state in the union,” Little said. “… We’re going to get by. We’re going to have a balanced budget guaranteed.”

Bedke warned that legislators overshot in appropriating $600 million in tax and revenue cuts for 2027, triggering this year’s budget cuts.

“The people you sent to the Legislature chose to create a list of things that had short-term political bang to it – mostly tax cuts,” he said. “…C’mon Idaho, you’re acting more like the federal government than Idaho. You don’t have the luxury to go over the top here.”

On the federal level, Congressman Simpson said that 72 percent of the federal budget is spent on entitlement programs and 28 percent on discretionary programs.

“We have to have courage to tackle the entitlement programs. That doesn’t mean take away Social Security or anything else, but you better change it,” Simpson said. “… That’s the only way you’re going to address this deficit and get the economy going.”

Idaho Launch

Idaho’s executive branch highlighted the success of Idaho Launch preparing students for well-paying careers.

“There’s an Idaho job waiting for every child commensurate to their education,” Bedke added. “I think that puts Idaho in a pretty good spot frankly.”

In this year of budget cuts, the Governor acknowledged he’s battling for funding for the program.

“What I thought was probably one of the most important investments we can make was increasing post-high school opportunities, [but funding] was limited,” Little said. “In fact, I’m still trying to just hang on to the appropriations that I proposed so far.”

Immigration

Simpson also addressed immigration, highlighting his support for the HALO bill to protect ICE officers from violence and harassment.

“There’s a legal way to come into this country,  and unfortunately what’s happening right now, what you’re seeing with ICE and all this other stuff, and I don’t mean to sound partisan, but it is,” he said. “We’re trying to correct four years of an open border where 20 million people illegally came across the border.”

Irrigation

Lt. Gov. Bedke highlighted a tough year ahead for agriculture with an impending water shortage.

“We have planned before the crisis,” he said. “Now we’re going to stress test our plan, and I think we’re as well positioned as we possibly could be. We don’t have any problems a couple of wet snow storms won’t solve.”

Iran 

On foreign policy, Rep. Simpson expressed his support for the current military action in Iran.

“Every president for 50 years has made the commitment to the American people that Iran can never had a nuclear weapon,” he said. “They would not commit to not enriching uranium. Even though we took out their major enrichment facilities, they still have others that they worked in. This is the first president that’s been willing to say, you know what, we’ve got to end this now.”

Making a difference

Back at home, Gov. Little told youth in the Chamber’s Emerging Leadership program to stay involved and participate in their communities and government.”All our decisions are based on how do we create the runway, the enduring runway, for these kids to prosper here in Idaho?” he said.

Gov. Brad Little, Lt. Governor Scott Bedke, and U.S. Representative Mike Simpson address the Greater Idaho Falls Chamber Leadership Session on Friday.

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