Author: KIFI

Maile Sipraseuth

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI)– Several thousand southeast Idaho residents could lose in-network access to Portneuf Medical Center, along with their affiliates —Pocatello Health Services, PHS Ambulatory Services, and Portneuf Ambulatory Surgical Center — this June as contract negotiations with Regence BlueShield of Idaho fail to produce an agreement.

The dispute centers on a disagreement over costs. Portneuf Medical Center is operated by Ardent Health, a Tennessee-based company that is leading negotiations on the hospital’s behalf.

Ryan Pharis, Vice President of Contracting for Regence BlueShield of Idaho, says that the insurer is actively negotiating to reach an agreement by the deadline. However, the insurance provider claims Ardent is seeking unreasonable price hikes.

“We’re meeting regularly on a weekly basis with the teams over there to try to get a deal done,” Pharis said. “We are really working to provide access to affordable care for the people of Pocatello. (But) when Ardent Health is asking for rate increases twice the cost of inflation, despite its financials showing that they’re making double-digit margins, that makes it really tough.”

On the other side, the Portneuf Medical Center issued a statement saying that the disagreement extends beyond standard contract negotiations. The hospital stated that Regence “currently reimburses Portneuf substantially less than other major insurers in our market and less than it pays many other Idaho health systems.”

What This Means for Patients

If an agreement is not reached, patients with Regence BlueShield insurance could face substantially higher out-of-pocket costs for most non-emergency services. This could lead some patients to either pay more to continue receiving care from their current providers or seek treatment elsewhere within the insurer’s network.

Pharis assured that there are options in place to protect members if Portneuf moves out of network.

“Members will still have access to the facilities and providers at an out-of-network top share,” Pharis explained. “Emergent and urgent services will be covered. Members are protected from balanced billing by the federal “No Surprises Act.” Continuity of care for members that meet continuity of care criteria will be covered for an additional 90 days, and Regence will work diligently with members to find alternative care options.”

Portneuf Medical Center serves as a primary source of care. If the facility moves out of network, patients with Regence BlueShield insurance could face significantly higher out-of-pocket costs for most non-emergency services. That shift could force some patients to either pay more to continue care with their current providers or seek treatment elsewhere within the insurer’s network.

Should Portneuf Medical Center and its affiliates leave the Regence BlueShield of Idaho network, in-network alternatives for most Regence plans include:

Bingham Memorial Hospital 

Caribou Medical Center 

Mountain View Hospital 

Idaho Falls Community Hospital 

Grove Creek Medical Center

Bingham Memorial Clinics 

MVH PIC (Physicians Immediate Care) 

Brandon A West Clinic 

Health West 

Family Practice Group

Local News 8 reached out to both Portneuf Medical Center and Ardent Health for a statement, but as of publishing, has not received a response.

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Seth Ratliff

UPDATE:

ISLAND PARK, Idaho (KIFI) — Power has been successfully restored to residents in Island Park and West Yellowstone following a large-scale outage on Wednesday afternoon.

Fall River Electric confirmed that service was restored to all affected customers shortly after 4:30 p.m.

ORIGINAL:

ISLAND PARK, Idaho (KIFI) — Crews with Fall River Electric are responding to a large-scale power outage in Island Park and West Yellowstone.

The outage started about 2:15 p.m. According to Public Relations Manager Ted Austin, the cause of the outage is related to Fall River’s power supplier, the Bonneville Power Administration.

The utility provider anticipates the outage could last up to 2 hours.

Utility crews are on-site & working with BPA to resolve the outage. For more information or to track the outage, click HERE.

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Seth Ratliff

IDAHO (KIFI) — Time is running out if you want to vote absentee in the primary elections. Idaho voters have until Friday, May 8, at 5:00 p.m. to pre-register to vote or request an absentee ballot ahead of the Idaho Primary Election.

Voters who miss Friday’s deadline can still register at the polls on election day, which is Tuesday, May 19th. 

“Primary elections matter,” said Secretary of State Phil McGrane. “The races on the ballot range from Idaho’s Congressional seats and state legislative races down to the hyperlocal precinct committeemen who represent your neighborhood. In Idaho, we make it easy to register, vote, and preview your own ballot before Election Day. I encourage every eligible voter to make a plan and vote.”

Eligible Idahoans may also register to vote in person at any early voting location in their county or on Election Day. However, all eligible voters must present an accepted form of photo ID and proof of residence. For most voters, a current Idaho driver’s license will fulfill both requirements.

The May 19 primary election ballot includes races for U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives, State Senate, State House of Representatives, County Commissioner, Clerk, Treasurer, Assessor, Coroner, Judges, Precinct Committeemen, and other local races and measures.

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Seth Ratliff

IDAHO (KIFI) — If you live outside city limits and plan to clear yard debris this weekend, you’ll need more than just a match. Starting May 10th, Idaho residents living outside city limits will be required to obtain a new burn permit for most outdoor burning activities.

According to the Idaho Department of Lands, the new requirement is part of the annual closed burning season, which runs through Oct. 20, aimed at reducing wildfires across the state.

“Obtaining a burn permit lets fire managers know where permitted burning is occurring so they can respond more quickly, potentially reducing the liability of the burner,” stated the IDL in a news release. “Permits also help prevent false runs to fires that are reported to dispatch, saving firefighting resources for instances when they truly are needed. And it is the law.”

The permit system applies to materials such as yard waste, brush, and crop residue. Recreational campfires are exempt. These burn permits are free and remain valid for 10 days.

The burn permits are free and valid for 10 days. Anyone conducting outdoor burning must have their permit in their possession. To register for a burn permit, visit the self service web site, HERE.

states the IDL. “No matter where you want to burn and what you plan to burn, our system will either issue you the burn permit you need on the spot or tell you which entity to contact for alternate or additional permits.”

The Idaho Department of Lands also urges individuals to check for local restrictions before lighting any fire, especially as warmer and drier weather conditions begin to develop in the region. For more information, click HERE.

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Par Kermani

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — The Natural Medicine Alliance of Idaho announced Wednesday that they have submitted more than 150,000 signatures in an effort to qualify The Idaho Medical Cannabis Act for the November 2026 ballot.

The Path to the Ballot

According to Idaho law, the Idaho Medical Cannabis Act must meet Idaho’s ballot qualification requirements, which include obtaining signatures from at least 6% of registered voters in a minimum of 18 of the state’s 35 legislative districts.

“After a rigorous signature gathering effort that stretched to every corner of Idaho, the Natural Medicine Alliance of Idaho is proud to report that more than 150,000 signatures across all 44 counties of Idaho were submitted by the May 1 deadline in the effort to qualify the Idaho Medical Cannabis Act for the November 2026 ballot,” said Amanda Watson, communications lead for the Natural Medicine Alliance of Idaho.

County clerks now have until June 30 to verify signatures before forwarding certified totals to the Idaho Secretary of State’s Office, which will determine whether the initiative qualifies for the ballot.

If certified, Idaho voters would decide whether to legalize medical cannabis in the state during the November 2026 election.

Legislative Pushback

Despite the high signature count, the initiative faces stiff resistance from the Statehouse. Earlier this year, the Legislature passed Senate Concurrent Resolution 127, urging residents to reject efforts to bring the initiative to the ballot.

In the resolution, lawmakers cited concerns about potential increases in cartel activity, health risks, and expanded access to marijuana beyond medical use.

“The Legislature has sent a strong and unifying message that it understands the danger that marijuana legalization is to Idaho families,” Sen. Scott Grow said in a statement included in the resolution.

Idaho remains one of the few states in the nation without a legal medical cannabis program. Should the Secretary of State certify the signatures this summer, the final decision will rest with Idaho voters on November 3, 2026.

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Seth Ratliff

UPDATE:

BLACKFOOT, Idaho (KIFI) — In an update posted shortly after 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, the Blackfoot Police Department confirmed that 76-year-old Tom Loefler has been located.

ORIGINAL:

BLACKFOOT, Idaho (KIFI) — The Blackfoot Police Department is searching for a missing endangered adult, 76-year-old Tom Loefler.

Loefler has dementia and was last seen leaving his home along Lilac St. in Blackfoot. Police say he left the house this morning without his phone, carrying a blue backpack, and is believed to be in danger.

If you have any information on his whereabouts, contact the Blackfoot Police Department Dispatch Center at 208-785-1234.

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News Team

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

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — City officials, Idaho Falls Rotary Club members and community supporters gathered today to celebrate the official ribbon cutting for two new picnic shelters at Heritage Park and kick off the Idaho Falls Rotary Club’s 2026 Duck Race.

Located along the western banks of the Snake River, Heritage Park is a 10-acre park designed to highlight the natural, cultural, and historical heritage of Idaho Falls, and many of the upgrades, including the new picnic shelters, were funded with money raised by the Idaho Falls Rotary Club’s annual Duck Race.

“Heritage Park connects people to the Snake River, provides space for recreation, and enhances the quality of life for residents and visitors alike,” said Parks & Recreation Director PJ Holm. “The new park shelters in Heritage Park are not just structures. They are gathering places, where families will celebrate birthdays, where friends will reconnect and where memories will be made for decades to come.”

Since 2018, the Idaho Falls Rotary Club has contributed over $800,000 to projects in Heritage Park. Projects have included: grading the property, installing the irrigation system, building pathways throughout the park, purchasing sod, and most recently paying for two shelters.

Heritage Park stands as a testament to the power of community partnership. The Smith families donated the land that made the project possible, while Ball Ventures funded construction of the parking lot. Morgan Construction transported and donated the fill material needed to bring the park to its current elevation, and volunteers from JustServe organized an effort to install more than four acres of sod in a single evening.

The shared vision and collaboration of numerous private, nonprofit and community partners has brought to life a park that will serve as a lasting community asset for generations to come.

“The Idaho Falls Rotary Club has played such a key role in developing the River Walk, and especially Heritage Park,” Holm said. “We are grateful to Idaho Falls Rotary Club for its ongoing commitment to creating beautiful spaces along the River Walk for current and future generations.”

After the ribbon-cutting event, the Idaho Falls Rotary Club kicked off the 2026 Duck Race with a parade featuring some of this year’s prizes, including a sedan donated by Stone’s KIA and an ATV donated by ICCU. Ducks will soon be available for sale online or at sales booths around the community this summer. This year’s Duck Race will be on Saturday, Aug. 8. Follow the Rotary Club’s Facebook page for more information.

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Kaelyn Blessinger

SOUTHEASTERN IDAHO, Idaho (KIFI) — Grab your tackle box, eastern Idaho! Idaho Fish and Game is restocking local fishing spots across Southeast Idaho with more than 13,000 hatchery rainbow trout this month.

The release began on Wednesday, May 6, aiming to bring more fishing opportunities for local anglers.

While the exact restocking schedule for each location is not set in stone, IDFG has outlined the following locations that will be restocked this month:

Over 13,000 hatchery rainbow trout are headed to various southeast Idaho fisheries in May. Courtesy IDFG.

Restrictions & Rules

Anglers ages 14 and older must have a valid fishing license. There is a standard statewide daily limit of 6 trout in lakes and reservoirs, and only 2 of those trout can come from rivers or streams.

Many Idaho rivers and streams are designated for “artificial flies and lures only,” meaning bait is not allowed. Anglers are advised to research specific regional restrictions or consult Idaho Fish and Game for more information. For more information, click HERE.

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David Pace

REXBURG, Idaho (KIFI) – Six candidates squared off on housing, immigration, infrastructure and private school tax credits at a Rexburg Chamber forum Tuesday at the Romance Theater in Rexburg.

The primary election is quickly approaching in two weeks on May 19.

In a close race for Madison County Commissioner, three-year incumbent Dustin Parkinson and challenger Madison School District #321 Trustee JC Weber addressed housing and economic development.

Dustin Parkinson: “We’ve been able to reduce, just a couple of things, almost $1 million in expenditures in my tenure. So it’s very important to me to not put any more burden on the taxpayers and make housing affordable – that’s a big part of it.”

JC Weber: “Potentially, having 0.5 acre lots there available in rural residential and building those out from the city core, as we look at making smaller lots potentially in the county. That could obviously lower some of that tax burden that would be from the property tax.”

Dustin Parkinson and JC Weber vigorously discuss how to draw more businesses to Madison County.

Meanwhile, in the race for the Legislature, District 34 incumbents explained their biggest priorities last year, while their challengers responded with the session’s biggest failures.

Britt Raybould (District 34 Seat B): “I want Idaho’s public lands to remain public and accessible to all Idahoans. That court iInterpretation of under Idaho’s Supreme Court left the door open to where the state landlord, which manages those lands would potentially be in a position of being forced to sell Idaho’s public lands. I don’t think that’s right. And so the constitutional amendment that I brought for that required a two thirds vote in both the House and the Senate. That’s a high bar, and it would have come to you on the ballot.”

Larry Golden (District 34 Seat B): “One of the things that frustrated me was when it came to illegal immigration – specifically House Bill 704 of the work. Those I would have voted different.ly on. Though as I said, and come from a family of immigrants. It’s like my family came in legally. I would expect those that come here be willing to follow the rules, to come here to do things right, the right way. They shouldn’t get advanced because they’re working on a farm.”

Doug Ricks (District 34 Senate): “So, you know, the federal government passed the big, beautiful bill in the middle of last year, and it had a lot of big tax cuts.You have no tax on tips, no tax on overtime, car interest deductions, an additional $6,000 deduction for, deduction. for seniors who are 65 and older. I was proud that I was able to get that [conformity bill] passed.”

Ethan Sanford (District 34 Senate): “I am not opposed to tax reductions and on cuts themselves. I just believe that the enacted these taxes without without consideration of, you know, the state government, whether the state government, whether it’s a big one or a limited one. And I do support limited, limited governments, but without considering, you know, how to replace those revenues and just making cuts. I think the Legislature did fail on that. If elected, I would work to reverse that.”

Legislative District 34 candidates present their opening statements at the Romance Theater.

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Curtis Jackson

UPDATED:

REXBURG, Idaho (KIFI) — The missing 12-year-old boy who became the subject of an Amber Alert Tuesday night has been located.

In a Facebook update, the Rexburg Police announced late Tuesday that 12-year-old Samuel, who was reported missing in the Millhollow community, was located with help from the public.

In the update, police thanked the community for their response

“We want to extend our deep gratitude to our great community,” states the post. “We received countless tips, volunteers came out to search on their own, businesses reviewed surveillance footage, and all the information we received helped us track him down.”

ORIGINAL:

REXBURG, Idaho (KIFI) – Rexburg Police are searching for a 12-year-old boy, named Samuel, who was reported missing in the Millhollow community. Samuel was last seen around 6:30 p.m.

He was wearing a dark blue sweatshirt with an orange octopus, black pants with white stitching, and possibly a Mario backpack.

Madison County Sheriff deputies and fire department personnel are assisting in the search.

If you have seen Samuel or know of his whereabouts, you’re asked to contact police through dispatch at 208-372-5001.

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