Author: KIFI

News Release

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

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Mayor-elect Lisa Burtenshaw and elected City Council members will officially be sworn in during the City Council meeting on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, 680 Park Ave. Members of the public are welcome to attend and witness the ceremony.

In addition to Mayor-elect Burtenshaw, Brandon Lee will be sworn in to City Council Seat 1, while Jim Francis and Jim Freeman, reelected to Seats 4 and 6, will also take the oath to begin their new terms.

This event marks the beginning of Mayor-elect Burtenshaw’s term following her election in Dec. 2025 and a new chapter in leadership for the city. Outgoing Mayor Rebecca Casper, who has served the city for 12 years, leaves a lasting legacy of dedicated public service and community-focused leadership.

“I am honored to serve the residents of Idaho Falls and to begin this next chapter with such a dedicated City Council,” said Mayor-elect Lisa Burtenshaw. “I look forward to engaging with our community, listening to their ideas, and working together to make Idaho Falls a great place to live, raise a family and grow a business.”

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News Team

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — State Superintendent of Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield officially announced Wednesday that she will seek a second term in 2026, running as a Republican to continue her leadership of Idaho’s K-12 education system.

“I’m honored to serve Idaho students, families, and educators, and I’m excited to continue building on the progress we’ve made,” Critchfield said in a press release announcing her candidacy. “There is more work to do, and I’m ready to keep moving Idaho education forward”.

A fourth-generation Idahoan, Critchfield began her education career as a substitute teacher and GEDinstructor and served on the Cassia County School Board for ten years. She later served seven years onthe Idaho State Board of Education, including two as president.

Critchfield was elected Idaho Superintendent of Public Instruction in 2022, ousting incumbent Sherri Ybarra. Critchfield says her reelection campaign will focus on sustaining momentum in academic achievement, expanding pathways to success for students of all interests, and keeping parents and educators at the center of decisions that impact Idaho classrooms while preserving Idaho values and local control.

“From reading proficiency to career pathways and real-world readiness, we are focused on results thatmatter to Idaho families,” Critchfield said. “Our students deserve an education that prepares them notjust to graduate, but to build a strong future.”

The 2026 primary election for Idaho Superintendent of Public Instruction will be on May 19, 2026.

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CNN Newsource

Originally Published: 07 JAN 26 15:33 ET

By Dan Rascon

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    SALT LAKE CITY (KSL) — A Utah County family is facing shock and heartbreak after learning their 21‑year‑old son died suddenly while serving as a missionary.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter‑day Saints confirmed Elder Caleb Martin died in his sleep over the weekend while serving in the New Mexico Farmington Mission.

“When we found out that our son had passed away, I just felt like my heart ripped open,” said his mother, Jennah Martin, to KSL.

Caleb’s parents said the news was completely unexpected.

“No one expects this kind of news,” said his father, David Martin.

The Martin family is now facing the unimaginable pain of losing a son — and a brother — without warning.

“We were blessed to have him for 21 years,” Jennah said. “His spirit was big — bigger than I think his earthly body could contain.”

Elder Martin had been serving his mission for about 19 months. He went to sleep Friday night and, for reasons still unknown, never woke up Saturday morning. His family had last spoken with him just two days earlier on New Year’s Day.

“He was happy. He seemed healthy, energetic,” his mother said.

Jennah said the family does not yet have answers as to why Caleb passed away, but they find peace in their faith.

“No matter what we find out physically, we believe it was his time, and he’s in the Lord’s hands,” she said. “God gives, and God takes, and that’s okay.”

Caleb grew up in Salem and was known by family and friends for his love of people and life.

“His high fives, his hugs and his big love,” his mother said.

“Lots of love, lots of energy,” his father added.

Caleb was also a twin. His sister Kylee describes her brother as her built‑in best friend.

“It doesn’t feel real still. I feel pretty numb. I’ve cried a lot,” Kylee said.

The twins received their mission calls on the same day — Caleb to New Mexico, Kylee to Australia. Kylee returned home from her mission in October.

“I want to be more like him,” she said. “I want to be brave like him.”

While the grief is overwhelming, the Martin family said their faith has helped them find peace in the middle of their loss.

“It’s such a mix of emotions,” Jennah said. “So much grief, but also the knowledge that we will see him again.”

The family said Caleb took part in a service project Friday night helping a family cut wood and showed no signs of illness. An autopsy has been completed, and they are now waiting for the results.

The Martin’s said they are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and support they have received.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. KSL verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

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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Seth Ratliff

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — Two Idaho Republican lawmakers are calling on the federal government to put a pause on the release of $14 million in childcare funding until the state boosts its fraud prevention, citing “systemic vulnerabilities” and high-profile fraud allegations in other states.

In a letter sent Dec. 31 to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Rep. Josh Tanner and Sen. Brian Lenney requested an immediate pause on “all solicitations, contract issuances, and disbursements authorized under Senate Bill 1206” The lawmakers argue that Idaho must implement more rigorous fraud-prevention rules before the state continues distributing the grants and subsidies intended to boost childcare in the state.

Key Concerns

The lawmakers are requesting that HHS work with Idaho to:

Develop a comprehensive fraud-prevention and enforcement plan addressing enrollment verification, financial transparency, inspection protocols, and coordination with the Attorney General

Review prior childcare grant and subsidy disbursements, as appropriate, to identify potential fraud, misuse, or noncompliance and assess recovery options

Provide a briefing to the Legislature outlining safeguards, implementation timelines, findings, and any recommended statutory or regulatory changes.

“Proceeding with additional disbursements without strengthened safeguards would present unnecessary risk to taxpayers,” Tanner and Lenney wrote, pointing to inadequate inspection controls and limited financial oversight as key concerns.

Minnesota Fraud Allegations and Background

The push for a freeze is largely driven by recent reports of daycare fraud in Minnesota. Those allegations gained national attention following a viral video by YouTuber and citizen journalist Nick Shirley, boosted by Vice President JD Vance and billionaire Elon Musk, which claimed several Minnesota-based Somali-run childcare centers were receiving state and federal funds while no children attended the facilities.

In response to those claims, the federal government has already taken action. On Dec. 30, HHS Deputy Secretary Jim O’Neill announced a freeze on childcare payments to Minnesota, now requiring “justification and a receipt or photo evidence” before funds are released. The state typically receives about $185 million annually in federal child care funding, supporting care for 19,000 children.

However, according to reports by CNN, investigators in Minnesota have cast doubt on Shirley’s allegations, stating all child care centers accused of fraud in the video were “operating as expected.” Despite this, on Monday, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announced the end of his reelection campaign, citing the Republican Party’s politicization of the fraud investigation.

Minnesota officials have until January 9 to provide the Trump administration with information about providers and parents who receive federal funds for child care, according to CNN.

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Seth Ratliff

KIMBERLY, Idaho (KIFI) — Three men were rushed to the hospital early Wednesday morning after a two-vehicle crash along Kimberly Road in Twin Falls County. The crash is under investigation by the Idaho State Police.

The collision took place at 12:46 a.m. at the intersection of Kimberly Road and N 3400 E. According to ISP, a 2014 Freightliner Semi, driven by a 55-year-old Kuna man, was traveling Westbound, hauling an empty tanker trailer. At the same time, a Gray 2010 Ford 150 pickup, driven by an 18-year-old man from Jerome, was traveling south on N 3400 E.

ISP says the driver of the Ford ran a stop sign and slammed into the side of the semi. The semi jackknifed from the impact, struck a power pole, and came to a rest blocking the Eastbound lanes, while the pickup blocked the Westbound lanes. Fortunately, the power pole and lines remained upright and intact despite the impact. ISP confirms that Idaho Power is on scene to facilitate any repairs.

Both drivers and the passenger in the semi-truck, a 41-year-old male from Twin Falls, were rushed by ground ambulance to a local hospital. Their conditions have not been released at this time. All the men involved were wearing their seatbelts.

The Westbound lanes have been cleared; however, the Eastbound lanes remain blocked on Kimberly Road as emergency services work to clear the scene.

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Bailee Shaw

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — The Bonneville County Republican Central Committee selected three finalists Tuesday night to fill a vacancy in Idaho House Legislative District 32 after Rep. Wendy Horman accepted a job in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Precinct committee officers chose Erin Bingham as the top nominee, followed by William Athay and Stephanie Taylor Thompson. Under Idaho law, when a legislative seat opens, Republican precinct committee officers pick three qualified candidates. The Governor then appoints one to fill the seat.

“I would like to thank all of the candidates who stepped forward and the precinct committee officers of Legislative District 32 for their willingness to serve,” said LD 32 Chair Maria Hatch. “The process was conducted thoughtfully and respectfully, and I appreciate the professionalism shown by everyone involved.”

The Governor is expected to make the appointment in the coming weeks.

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Ariel Jensen

EDITOR’S NOTE: This story has been updated to correct a typo.

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — This year, our country will be turning 250 years old. Idaho Falls is well known for celebrating the Fourth of July, and this year, they are going even bigger.

More floats, more vibrance, and more fun. In a partnership with Melaleuca, the city is working to make this year’s parade special and educational. The city is launching an emerging leadership program for high school students. Students will be traveling to D.C. to meet with Idaho’s representatives and learn about the civic process.

Middle schoolers will have a chance to participate in a national civic speech competition. The program intends to help young people identify problems in their communities and identify potential solutions.

“Such a unique opportunity for 250 years, it is such a unique opportunity. It’s really important as well that as a country, we recognize how unique and special this country is. Still very young and in terms of our age compared to other countries around the world. But it is a country that was formed as a result of great ideas, creating something new for people to move to. And like, what does it mean to be an American,” said Paul Baker CEO Chamber of Commerce

For more information about the parade, visit here.

On the topic of anniversaries, Local News 8 will be celebrating its 65th anniversary on January 23. We are having a special ribbon-cutting ceremony outside the station and will be featuring stories about KIFI through the years.  

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Ariel Jensen

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Local leaders and members of the Idaho Falls community gathered this afternoon, Jan. 6, to talk about upcoming plans for the city. 

While there, Local News 8 spoke with Mayor-elect Lisa Burtenshaw, who tells us she is excited to engage with city residents. She says she wants to make sure Idaho Falls remains a great place to live, raise a family, and do business. 

“Going to hit the ground running. We have a communications plan that we’re going to roll out so that people know how and when the city’s going to communicate with them. We’re going to make sure that that’s a top priority. We’re working on the budget, and we are really going to work on the US 250, the America 250. We want to make it a great summer,” said Burtenshaw.

Burtenshaw will be sworn in as Idaho Falls mayor this Thursday, January 8th.  

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Seth Ratliff

WYOMING (KIFI) — Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon is calling for an immediate rehearing and a constitutional amendment after the state Supreme Court struck down two 2023 abortion bans on Tuesday, Jan. 6. In a 4-1 decision, the high court ruled that the state’s “Life is a Human Right Act” (HB 152) and its ban on chemical abortions (SF 109) violate the Wyoming Constitution.

Summary of the Court’s Decision

The ruling hinges on a 2012 constitutional amendment guaranteeing that competent adults have the right to make their own healthcare decisions. Chief Justice Lynne J. Boomgaarden wrote in the majority opinion that the state failed to justify its restrictions on a woman’s right to healthcare, affirming a lower court’s 2024 finding that abortion is a healthcare decision.

“Although we recognize the State’s interest in protecting the life that an abortion would end, we conclude the State did not meet its burden of justifying the abortion statutes’ restrictions on a woman’s right to make her own health care decisions, as is expressly protected by the Wyoming Constitution,” wrote Chief Justice Boomgaarden in the opinion.

The ruling ends nearly three years of court battles sparked by a healthcare providers and reproductive rights advocates in response to the strict abortion bans.

Governor Gordon calls for legislative action

Governor Gordon responded swiftly, directing the Wyoming Attorney General’s Office to file a petition for a rehearing within the 15-day legal window, according to reports by Jackson Hole News & Guide.

While acknowledging the legal ruling, Gordon emphasized that the moral debate remains unsettled.

“This ruling may settle, for now, a legal question, but it does not settle the moral one, nor does it reflect where many Wyoming citizens stand, including myself. It is time for this issue to go before the people for a vote, and I believe it should go before them this fall. A constitutional amendment taken to the people of Wyoming would trump any and all judicial decisions,” stated Gov. Gordon in a press release.

Governor Gordon is now urging the Wyoming Legislature to draft a clear constitutional amendment during the upcoming session. If passed by the legislature, the amendment would appear on the ballot this fall, allowing Wyoming voters to decide whether to override the court’s interpretation and allow for abortion restrictions.

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News Release

The following is a news release from Eastern Idaho Public Health:

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Eastern Idaho Public Health is reporting a case of measles in a child in Eastern Idaho. The child is a resident of Madison County who was unvaccinated against measles. The child had traveled out of state to an area with an ongoing outbreak. It is likely they were exposed at this time. EIPH does not believe that they contracted measles locally.

The patient was seen by the Madison Health ER for symptoms of measles and was not hospitalized. Madison Health has reached out to those who were potentially exposed, all of whom were educated by infection control specialists.

Aside from the ER visit, this case reports self-isolation during the infectious period and is no longer contagious. EIPH is currently monitoring the household for potential infection.

EIPH will not publish a separate press release for additional cases within the case’s household. As stated in other measles education shared by EIPH: The virus can easily spread through the air and can survive in the air up to two hours after an infected individual has left. About one in five unvaccinated people in the United States who have measles is hospitalized. Individuals who have received the measles/mumps/rubella (MMR) vaccine, have had measles in the past, or are born before 1957 are considered immune to the measles virus.

Typical symptoms include:

High fever, up to 105°F

Cough, runny nose, and watery eyes

Characteristic rash starting at the head, moving downwards

Infection can spread four days before and after the rash appears.

“Measles is very contagious. Up to 90% of people exposed to it may contract measles if not protected against it,” said Rachel Mugleston, RN, Health Strategies Program Manager at Eastern Idaho Public Health.

Although measles is considered a childhood disease, it can be contracted at any age. Eastern Idaho Public Health encourages everyone to check their vaccination records with their primary care provider.

The best way to protect you and your family from infection is through up-to-date vaccination for measles/mumps/rubella (MMR). The measles vaccine is 97% effective at preventing measles after receiving two doses.

If you believe you may have been exposed to anyone with measles, contact your health care provider, and monitor yourself for symptoms for 21 days after exposure. It is extremely important to call before arriving in person due to the contagious nature of the measles virus.

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