Author: KIFI

News Team

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — The Federal Government shutdown is over, but part of the reason for the fight remains—subsidies for the Affordable Care Act. Americans are now being faced with some tough choices about medical insurance.

Lance Kolbet, President of University Financial Group and an insurance expert, joined Local News 8 in the studio, to shed light about the finer details of these health insurance tax credits.

Here are the resources he shared with us that you can use for health insurance information:

Idaho Health Insurance Market Place

Idaho Department of Insurance

And if you need help finding a broker:

National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals

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Ariel Jensen

REXBURG, Idaho (KIFI) — The Wall of Warmth has helped many people get through the winter, and this year will be the last for the founder to lead the project. Valorie Blanchard started the project 9 years ago and says the program will continue after she’s gone. 

After this year, the project will be turned over to the Hall Foundation, Good to Go, Convenience stores, and Just for Kids. Blanchard says these organizations joined her cause four years ago, and she is proud they will be taking over. 

“When I told them that I would be stepping down, I was really worried about who would take it over. And because it’s a big endeavor,” said Blanchard. “They went back to their employees and said, ‘No,’ we will be taking it over. So it was such a blessing for me to know that it’s going to be taken care of. They will do a fantastic job, and they will be working hard to continue this on and keep it going.”

The Wall of Warmth started on Monday, November 13th, and they have 62 stands across Eastern Idaho, from St. Anthony to Pocatello, and including Driggs, Tetonia, and Victor.

The wall of warmth is open for two weeks and will be closed on November 21st. 

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Ariel Jensen

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — The Community Food Basket is seeing an outpouring of community support after they posted a challenge called “Show Up and Share IF.”

The Community Food Basket launched the two-week challenge on Monday morning, aiming to raise $10,000 to cover emergency costs. By Tuesday morning, the community had already met and surpassed the target.

The massive outpouring of community support came at a very important time. Local food banks were hit hard when government workers were furloughed and the shutdown stalled SNAP benefits. Amid widespread food insecurity, the Community Food Basket served twice as many families every day compared to their usual numbers.

“We’re incredibly grateful,” said Director Ariel Jackson. “We know this community is amazing. They have been the whole time we’ve been here for 45 years. But, man, when they put their minds together and decide that they’re going to accomplish something, they do it. And we are grateful.”

Though the initial goal was met, the “Show Up and Share IF” challenge is still ongoing to help prepare for future needs. The Community Food Basket has doubled its goal to now raise $20,000, with the new funds intended to help it sustain operations through the high-demand summer months. For more information or to donate, click HERE.

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News Release

The following is a news release from the Idaho Falls Regional Airport:

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho — The Idaho Falls Regional Airport (IDA) is expected to surpass its all-time passenger record this month, marking another major milestone for the region’s growing air service. The previous record of 316,044 enplaned passengers, set in 2022, will be broken when the 316,045th passenger boards a flight sometime this week.

While the airport had initially planned to celebrate this achievement, IDA leadership has chosen to forgo a public celebration in light of the recent federal government shutdown and the resulting reductions in flights nationwide. The situation has also made it difficult to determine exactly when the record-setting passenger will board a flight.

“This is a remarkable milestone for our airport and for the tremendous community support that brought us to this point. More importantly, we are deeply grateful to our federal partners at TSA who continue to show up for work despite not having received a paycheck in a month,” said Ian Turner, Airport Director of the Idaho Falls Regional Airport. “Given this unfortunate challenge, it didn’t feel right to celebrate at this time.”

Instead, the airport will provide lunch to the dedicated federal employees who continue to work without pay to ensure the safety and security of travelers at IDA.

An ongoing food drive to support these employees will also continue until they receive their next paycheck, which is expected soon. A donation table is located outside the Airport Administration Office for those wishing to contribute non-perishable food items or other essentials.

“Our TSA officers show up every day under difficult circumstances,” Turner added. “We want to do what we can to support them until this situation is fully resolved.”

IDA continues to experience strong growth and anticipates exceeding 360,000 passenger enplanements by the end of 2025, far surpassing previous records. This growth is being driven by increased flight frequencies to Denver, Seattle, and Salt Lake City, as well as larger aircraft and new destinations. The airport recently launched service to Chicago and expects additional service expansions to Chicago and Portland, Oregon, in May 2026 — likely positioning IDA for another record-breaking year.

For more information about the food drive or to learn how you can help, please visit the Idaho Falls Regional Airport on social media or contact the Administration Office at (208) 612-8221.

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News Release

The following is a news release from the College of Eastern Idaho:

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho — The College of Eastern Idaho (CEI) Foundation celebrated campus and community excellence at its annual Celebration of Giving event on Thursday, November 6, held at theWestbank Convention Center. The evening recognized the achievements of faculty, staff, and community partners who have made outstanding contributions to CEI and its students.

The 2025 award recipients are:

Outstanding Staff of the Year – Jessica Taylor, Custodial Lead

Outstanding Faculty of the Year –Dr. Ben Burrows, General Education Instructor

Outstanding Adjunct Faculty of the Year – David Oliver, Cybersecurity

Constituent of the Year – Frontier Credit Union

“These awards represent our campus and community’s best,” said Dave Facer, Executive Director of the CEI Foundation. “We cannot say thank you enough to the recipients for the long-term, positive impact they have on so many people at CEI.”

In addition to honoring awardees, the CEI Foundation announced that it has awarded more than $400,000 in scholarships and campus grants for the 2025–2026 academic year, thanks to the generosity of donors throughout eastern Idaho.

Each year, the Celebration of Giving event reflects the Foundation’s mission to support students through scholarships, grants, and strategic initiatives that enhance the CEI experience. CEI and the Foundation extend their gratitude to all donors, alumni, and community partners who continue to invest in student success.

To learn more about the CEI Foundation or to contribute to student support, click HERE.

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News Team

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (KIFI) — In preparation for the United States’ 250th anniversary in 2026, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is kicking off its partnership with America250, the nonpartisan congressional commission preparing the momentous occasion, by launching a massive nationwide service effort.

To symbolize the milestone, the Utah-based faith announced in a news release Thursday that it has designated a fleet of 250 semitrucks to deliver food donations to 250 food banks across all 50 states.

A Historic Food Delivery

The first fleet of semitrucks was sent out on November 13, 2025. Each truck will carry approximately 40,000 pounds of food supplies, totaling an estimated 10 million pounds of aid donated by the Church. These provisions—including canned fruits, vegetables, and meats, as well as pasta, flour, and dried milk—were largely produced by Church operations or funded through member donations.

The colossal food donation comes amid heightened national food insecurity. The Church’s response is particularly timely, following the recent longest-ever government shutdown, which significantly strained national food bank resources as federal workers and SNAP recipients wrestled with financial uncertainty.

Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the faith’s Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, the Church’s governing body, emphasized the mission behind the immense effort.

“As we mark this historic milestone, we hope to foster a spirit of unity, peacemaking and goodwill,” Elder Gong said. “The anniversary is an opportunity for all to come together, serve together, and express gratitude for the freedoms that have allowed all faiths — including ours — to flourish.”

The Honorable Rosie Rios, Chair of America250, honks the horn of a semitruck at the Bishops’ Central Storehouse in Salt Lake City on Thursday, November 13, 2025. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is sending the first of 250 semitrucks, specifically designated to the America250 celebration, delivering food donations to 250 food banks across all 50 states. Courtesy: LDS Church Newsroom

Rosie Rios, Chair of America250 and former U.S. Treasurer, joined Commissioners Cathy Gillespie and Lynn Forney Young in Salt Lake City for the announcement. Chair Rios highlighted unity as the core message.

“This is truly a historic moment for all of us,” Chair Rios said. “What we just saw in our tour of the [Bishops’ Central Storehouse] reminds us all why we do what we do. Although technically, yes, we are celebrating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, I think this is really, for me, a moment of unity, not just independence. It’s unity here in what the Church is doing, what the Church has always done, and what the Church continues to do.”

Service and Collaboration

The 250 truckloads of food are an extension of the Church’s ongoing global humanitarian work, specifically dedicated to the America250 celebration. The trucks feature prominent JustServe.org and America250 logos, signifying the collaboration and encouraging nationwide service throughout 2026.

Commissioner Gillespie underscored the importance of faith-based organizations in service efforts.

“Today’s announcement is about more than just food donations. It is about inspiring a spirit of service that defines who we are as Americans,” she stated, adding that “More than 30% of all volunteer hours in the United States are generated by faith-based organizations.”

The initial five truckloads are scheduled to arrive next week, November 18-19, in cities across the U.S., including Eugene, Oregon; Lonoke, Arkansas; Columbia, Missouri; Texas City, Texas; and Grand Blanc, Michigan. According to the release, the donation to Grand Blanc is specifically intended to thank the community for its generous support following a recent tragedy at a local Latter-day Saint chapel.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is sending the first of 250 semitrucks, specifically designated to the America250 celebration, delivering food donations to 250 food banks across all 50 states. These trucks are at the Bishops’ Central Storehouse in Salt Lake City on Thursday, November 13, 2025. Courtesy: LDS Church Newsroom

The first five semitruck loads will be sent to cities across the U.S., including Eugene, Oregon, Lonoke, Arkansas, Columbia, Missouri, Texas City, Texas, and Grand Blanc, Michigan in in gratitude for the generous support given to members of the Church by the people of Grand Blanc following the tragedy at a Latter-day Saint chapel. The trucks are set to arrive next week, from November 18th to 19th.

A National Call to Volunteer

The service collaboration extends beyond food. JustServe, the Church’s community service platform, is partnering with America250’s America Gives initiative to help make 2026 a record-setting year of volunteer service.

The faith is inviting Church members and all Americans to participate in community service projects listed on a special America250 landing page on JustServe.org, connecting volunteers with local organizations across the nation.

Finally, the LDS genealogy service, FamilySearch, will join the celebration in 2026 by highlighting personal family stories that have contributed to shaping the nation, inspiring others to preserve their own histories for future generations, according to the release.

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Seth Ratliff

BONNERS FERRY/IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — The Idaho community is rallying to support a local family following a devastating tragedy in Southeast Asia, where a Bonners Ferry woman’s husband and young son were attacked and killed by a swarm of what are believed to be Asian giant hornets.

Daniel Owen, 47, a native of Idaho Falls, and his 15-year-old son, Cooper Owen, died on October 15th after being stung hundreds of times by the aggressive insects while on vacation. The father and son were rushed to the Phakan Arocavet Clinic for emergency care following the attack, but did not survive.

RELATED: Idaho Falls Native and son die in ‘Murder Hornet’ attack while zip-lining in Southeast Asia

A wave of support has begun in Northern Idaho for Daniel Owen’s widow, Jessica Owen, and her mother, Nancy Wycoff, both natives of Bonners Ferry.

Bonners Ferry residents began a GoFundMe campaign earlier this month to help the family manage unexpected travel costs, funeral expenses, and financial stability during this difficult time.

Daniel Owen served as the Director of the QSI International School of Haiphong in Northern Vietnam. According to details shared in the fundraiser, both Jessica Owen and her mother are currently remaining in Vietnam to navigate the aftermath of the incident.

As of today, November 13, the fundraiser has gathered nearly $1,787 toward its $40,000 goal.

For more information on the GoFundMe, click HERE.

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Seth Ratliff

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — As the chill of winter creeps into Idaho and cold and flu season begins, Eastern Idaho Public Health is taking steps to ensure

Eastern Idaho Public Health will be holding several free flu clinics for uninsured or underinsured individuals across Eastern Idaho during November.

According to a CDC report, the 2024-2025 flu season reached the highest level of severity in influenza activity since 2018. The CDC concludes that the widespread circulation of the virus reinforces the importance of annual flu vaccinations.

“Vaccination is important for protecting yourself and your loved ones from illness,” adds Eastern Idaho Public Health. “Flu viruses are constantly changing, and flu vaccines may be updated from one season to the next to protect against the viruses that research suggests will be common this year.”

EIPH doctors emphasize that while some people who get vaccinated still get sick, flu vaccination has been shown in several studies to reduce the severity of illness.

Clinics will be held at each of the following EIPH office locations:

St Anthony | Wednesday, November 26th 8:00 am-11:30 am

45 South 2nd West, St. Anthony, ID 83445

Dubois | Thursday, November 13th 9:00am-4:00pm

332 West Main, Dubois, ID 83423

Driggs | Monday, November 17th 8:15am-4:30pm

820 Valley Centre Drive, Driggs, ID 83422

Rigby | Monday, November 17th, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm

380 Community Lane, Rigby, ID 83442

Rexburg | Tuesday, November 18th, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm.

314 North 3rd East, Rexburg, ID 83440

Mackay Senior Center | Tuesday, November 18th, 10:00 am-2:00 pm

301 Cedar, Mackay, ID 83251

Idaho Falls | Thursday, November 20th 8:00am-5:00pm

1250 Hollipark Drive, Idaho Falls, ID 83401

Salmon | Thursday, November 20th 8:30am-4:00pm

801 Monroe, Salmon, ID 83467

Challis | Tuesday, November 25th, 8:00 am-5:00 pm

610 Clinic Road, Suite A, Challis, ID 83226

For more information, click HERE.

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Megan Lavin

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — The rate of women receiving mammograms in Idaho is significantly lower than the national average, with some measurements ranking it near last. Considering that approximately 1 in 8 women will face a breast cancer diagnosis in their lifetime, this concerning trend is prompting Idaho doctors to speak out.

“Idaho has about average incidents of breast cancer, but the number of women who actually decide to have mammograms performed is one of the lowest in the nation. Last year, I think ranked 50th in the nation,” said Dr. Enslow, MD, a lead radiologist.

Dr. Enslow sat down with Local News 8’s Megan Lavin to explain his worries and clear up several common misconceptions that are preventing women from seeking this life-saving screening.

Major Mammogram Misconceptions

Dr. Enslow highlighted several of the most common misinterpretations or errors in thinking that are keeping Idaho women from their yearly exams.

The first and perhaps most dangerous misconception is the belief that if a woman performs self-exams and doesn’t feel a lump, she doesn’t need a mammogram. Dr. Enslow says this is false and potentially life-threatening because mammograms are designed to detect abnormalities, like early-stage cancer, long before they are large enough to be felt.

“If you can feel a lump that ends up being breast cancer, usually it’s too late,” warns Dr. Enslow.

Secondly, many women mistakenly believe that screenings are too expensive or that they will have to pay out of pocket. The reality is that screening mammograms are covered by virtually all insurance plans, says Dr. Enslow, and women should call their provider to confirm coverage for their yearly appointment.

Finally, the third misconception is that women don’t need a mammogram every year. Dr. Enslow confirms that a yearly screening for women 40 and above is considered non-negotiable by medical professionals, as consistent, annual screenings provide doctors with a necessary baseline to monitor changes over time.

The Power of Early Detection

Dr. Enslow tells us the data on early detection is clear. Catching breast cancer when it is small dramatically improves outcomes and reduces the need for aggressive treatments. Leading cancer researchers note that if cancer is caught before it is 1 centimeter in size, patient outcomes are significantly better.

“Usually, they’ll remove them with a small surgery called a lumpectomy; they may offer radiation, but usually you won’t need chemotherapy,” Dr. Enslow told Local News 8.

He stressed that when breast cancer is found early, “treatments are much more effective and much less invasive than if it’s a progressed cancer.”

Putting Fears to Rest: A Reporter’s Experience

To help remove any stigma or nervousness associated with the test, Local News 8’s Megan Lavin received her own mammogram during the interview. The appointment takes only about 15 minutes and, while she noted it was uncomfortable, she stressed that it was not painful.

Results are typically sent by mail within about a week. Dr. Enslow forewarned that many patients who have their first mammogram get called back in for follow-up images; He says this is pretty standard because there is often no prior baseline image for comparison, and it is not an automatic cause for worry.

While October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Dr. Enslow reminds all women 40 and above that they can and should schedule this important test year-round.

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Seth Ratliff

MOSCOW, Idaho (KIFI) — Thursday, November 13, 2025, marks the solemn three-year anniversary of the devastating murders of four University of Idaho students.

A memorial to the victims at the Mad Greek restaurant in Moscow, Idaho: Seth Randal, December 2023.

The lives of Kaylee Goncalves, Maddison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin were tragically cut short by the violent acts of confessed killer Bryan Kohberger. The victims were discovered in the off-campus residence they shared on King Road in Moscow, Idaho.

RELATED: A timeline of the killings of four University of Idaho students

The Victims: Lives Remembered

In the years since the killings, the four students have been remembered not just for the manner of their deaths, but for the lives they led and the futures they were building.

Kaylee Goncalves (left) and Maddie Mogen (right)

Madison Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves, both 21, were best friends who grew up together in North Idaho. Mogen was pursuing a degree in Marketing, and Goncalves was a senior majoring in General Studies.

Acquired Through MGN Online on 11/14/2022

Xana Kernodle, 20, from Post Falls, Idaho, was studying Marketing and had recently joined the Pi Beta Phi sorority. Her boyfriend and fellow victim, Ethan Chapin, was a 20-year-old freshman and a triplet from Mount Vernon, Washington.

In the wake of the tragedy, the University of Idaho has taken steps to honor the memory of the four students. At the Spring Commencement in May 2023, the university awarded each of the victims with posthumous degrees. Over a year after the horrific crime, the house where the murders occurred, located on King Road, was demolished on December 28, 2023.

Last year, the university established the Vandal Healing Garden on campus, a permanent memorial for the students. Marking the third anniversary of the killings, the university shared a collection of photos taken in the garden on social media, committing to keep the four students “Forever in our hearts.”

Vandal Healing Garden, Courtesy University of Idaho

State of Idaho Remembers U of I Victims

On this solemn anniversary, the State of Idaho paused to remember the victims. Governor Brad Little took to social media to express support for the victims’ families and loved ones, acknowledging the enduring impact of the killings on the entire state.

“The tragic loss of Maddie Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin shook our state to its core,” said Little. “Idahoans continue to offer our love and support to the families and many, many loved ones of these four beautiful souls.”

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