Author: KIFI

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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News Team

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — Next week, the Idaho State Capitol will showcase one of the Gem State’s most important industries, as the Idaho State Department of Agriculture hosts the annual Idaho Agriculture Day. This yearly event celebrates an industry that contributes a staggering $26 billion to the state economy, providing a platform for more than a dozen agricultural and food processing organizations to engage with the community.

Under the theme “A Taste of Idaho Agriculture at the Capitol,” the event aims to bridge the gap between state elected officials, industry leaders, and everyday Idahoans, fostering meaningful dialogue while enjoying the diverse food from local farms and ranches.

The ISDA invites the public to visit the second floor of the Rotunda from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. to participate in the festivities. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to speak directly with the farmers, ranchers, and commodity group representatives who fuel Idaho’s communities.

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CNN Newsource

Originally Published: 06 JAN 26 15:42 ET

By Don Nelson

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    BOISE, Idaho (KIVI) — The holidays have been tough for the French family out of Twin Falls County. You may remember that about three weeks ago, on Dec. 17, a strong windstorm toppled a tree that ultimately struck two of their three children as they waited at the bus stop. One of those children, Porter French, is still recovering at St. Luke’s Children’s Hospital in Boise.

“He’s a fighter, and it’ll be a long road, but I know he can do it,” said Alisha French, Porter’s mom.

Porter’s parents say they hope the 11-year-old will get out of bed for the first time this week.

Porter’s sister Viviana was released from the hospital on Christmas Eve. “She’s like a normal kid again,” said Alisha. “It’s hard to keep her from limited activity, not running, no jumping, or dancing, twirling— just try and protect her head.”

To say it’s been a rough few months would be an understatement.

Alisha French put it this way: “Speaking of, when it rains, it pours. In October, he was in a car accident, and our main car was totaled, and so we haven’t replaced the car yet.”

Two days before the tree accident, the French family says they were asked by their landlord to vacate, leaving them to find a new home when they return to Twin Falls. For now, the Ronald McDonald House is home.

Their oldest son, Charlie, is with his Grandparents back in Twin Falls.

A fundraiser at Papa John’s in Twin Falls is scheduled for Wednesday, and their GoFundMe account is still active. Ren and Alisha are overwhelmed by the outpouring of support they’ve received in Twin Falls and Boise.

“It’s just amazing to see people reach out and show concern and care that you don’t know. Often people will say, ‘we’re praying for you,’ where I never would have interacted with otherwise, and so it’s amazing to see that.”

And as far as welcoming in a New Year? The couple is praying for the best. “It’s got to be better,” said Alisha. “It’s going to be better; it’s the way you think about it— so 2026 will be better,” added Ren French.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. KIVI 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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CNN Newsource

Originally Published: 06 JAN 26 15:36 ET

By Barclay Idsal

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    NAMPA, Idaho (KIVI) — Isabella, the girl injured during the New Year’s fireworks display in downtown Boise, has a fresh new hairdo thanks to her aunt and the generosity of a local salon.

In an update shared by the family on their GoFundMe page, Stephanie Ratto said that Isabella’s Auntie Jordan, who works as a stylist at One 3 Salon in Nampa, was allowed to open the salon during off-hours to wash Isabella’s hair.

The update goes on to explain that the family has had a hard time washing Bella’s hair without getting her face wet.

Having a quiet salon for Isabella, who is autistic, allowed the child to have her first successful public outing.

“At home, it had been too difficult to remove the blood without getting her face wet, so her aunt stepped in with so much love and care.” – Stepahie Ratto via GoFundMe

During the VIP appointment, Isabella expressed peace and calm, saying, “This is the stuff,” and “feels so much better, now.”

The update concludes by thanking the community for its continued support as the family continues to support Isabella on her healing journey.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. KIVI 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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CNN Newsource

Originally Published: 06 JAN 26 14:17 ET

By Shelby Lofton

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    LEHI (KSL) — A Utah County man is in the hospital after being run over and dragged down the street by a truck on Friday as he attempted to confront two alleged thieves.

The RC cars and miniature vehicles sold at A Mad Mans Hobby Store range from $100 to $1500. Teresa Mott runs and owns the store.

“It’s not a corporate thing or, you know, a big chain of stores. It comes out of my pocket,” Mott said.

Surveillance video captured two suspects stealing a car kit.

“This young couple comes in, needed a Traxxas part, so we got him the part,” Mott said. “And then the gentleman asked if he could look around.”

The woman appears to hold the door open, then the man picks up a $1,000 car and walks out without paying.

That’s when, Mott said, she told her employee, Mark Willson, about the theft.

“I says, ‘Hey, they just stole that Maxx,” Mott said.

Willson’s daughter, Shellie Vincent, said her dad began walking toward the couple’s truck, approaching the driver’s side door to confront them about the alleged theft.

Vincent said her dad saw the truck’s backup lights and grabbed onto its tailgate, trying to hop in, “so he didn’t get smashed.” She said her dad held on tight as the truck sped off, then they pulled over.

“As he was coming down and trying to get off of the truck, so he didn’t fall off, they sped off again, and it caught his feet and pulled him into the wheel well,” Vincent said.

A witness helped Mott find Willson about a block away from the store.

“His face is all smashed and blood dripping all over. His legs (were) pointed the wrong direction. He looked like a ragdoll,” Mott said.

Willson’s family said he has multiple broken bones and will need several surgeries.

“You never expect someone you care about, your dad, to be ran over and left in the middle of the street,” Vincent said. “It’s not right. Over an item.”

The Lehi City Police Department said the man and woman haven’t been identified. Mott said they were driving a newer black dodge ram with black rims and tinted windows.

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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David Pace

SALMON, Idaho (KIFI) – Idaho is set to receive an infusion of close to $1 billion from the federal government to support rural health care statewide.

Idaho was awarded $185.87 million each year for five years to update and sustain rural health care systems.

In Lemhi and Custer counties, Steele Memorial Medical Center CEO Preston Becker said the hospital is the only source for critical services within a 2.5 hour drive over rugged terrain.

“Every corner of our facility is overcapacity, and we operate on near break-even margins every year, which creates a lot of challenges,” Becker said. “We’re unable to finance needed facility expansion, purchasing modern technology, (and) workforce incentives that are required to meet the demand.”

In addition to helping with these needs, Becker said the funding could assist with recruitment and retention of medical professionals. Steele Memorial Hospital is Salmon’s largest employer.

“We’re excited about the potential for this funding,” Becker said. “My hope is that it’s not a Band-Aid because it’s a significant amount of money, but it doesn’t begin to replace the amount of funding that’s being cut out of funding the Medicaid programs across the country.”

Aerial view of Steele Memorial Hospital.

Idaho’s grant targets five key objectives, according to a news release from Idaho Gov. Brad Little.

“Improve rural access to care through technology.

“Expand innovative care models.

“Strengthen workforce recruitment, training, and retention.

“Support population-specific, evidence-based prevention and chronic disease efforts.

“Invest in rural health infrastructure and partnerships.”

The funding comes from the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” which passed in July, allocating $50 billion nationwide for Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) grants to improve health care “access and affordability” for people in rural America.

In the upcoming Legislative session, Idaho lawmakers will still need to authorize and allocate the funding for deployment across the state, Becker stated.

Steele Memorial Medical Center CEO Preston Becker discusses rural health care needs in Salmon.

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