Author: KIFI

Maile Sipraseuth

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI)– About 25,000 Idahoans may be forced to give up their health insurance as federal subsidies expire, leaving many unable to afford sharply higher premiums.

According to a brief by KFF, those with higher incomes and insurance are not immune to these new, expensive medical costs, and 44% of adults in the U.S. say that it’s very or somewhat difficult for them to afford their healthcare costs.

Healthcare agents like Sandi Herrin, owner of Heritage Health Advocates in Idaho Falls, sees this issue firsthand.

“I’ve had more people upset and crying and literally I’m hugging people, trying to walk them through this process as they try to make those decisions. It’s something I’ve never experienced before,” Herrin said, “and there’s a trend happening where people are having to make a decision between health care and just cost of daily living, buying groceries, affording housing and paying their rent.”

In Idaho, many residents are already planning to drop their health insurance, particularly those under the Affordable Care Act.

According to USA Today, Idaho’s insurance enrollment officials fielded a surge of calls and online chats when the state kicked off enrollment on Oct. 15, and state officials project that 25,000 Idaho residents will cancel their health insurance because expiring federal subsidies will make them pay a larger share of the plan’s price tag.

One of the most vulnerable groups that may be affected to these ACA cost increases are older, retired Americans.

“The hard part is where you have a population of people who are not yet on Medicare. They’re not quite eligible, but they’re retired. So they’re bringing in maybe Social Security, using their pension to survive and to live. But they’ve got still think of health care because they’re not of Medicare age yet. And so we have to bridge that gap. And usually that’s done through the Affordable Care Act,”

As pandemic-era subsidies end, those who earn more than four times the federal poverty level must pay the entire monthly premium to maintain ACA coverage.

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News Team

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Idaho Falls firefighters are celebrating the conclusion of the Fill the Ambulance Toy Drive, which successfully delivered hundreds of toy donations for local children and their families. Tuesday, Dec. 16, the Idaho Falls Fire Department (IFFD) and Idaho Falls Firefighters IAFF Local 1565 extended a heartfelt thank you to the community for their support.

Throughout the drive, Idahoans donated new, unwrapped toys in support of two vital local organizations: the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Idaho (RMHC) and the Idaho Falls Rescue Mission. Thanks to the incredible turnout, the RMHC says they have enough toys to support families through 2026, while the Idaho Falls Rescue Mission was able to fulfill wish lists for every child they serve.

“The Toy Drive and Light Parade were a huge success again this year, thanks to all of the help from the Idaho Falls Fire Department,” said Deborah M. Chessey, Development and Community Manager for RMHC of Idaho. “We received enough to get us through all of 2026, and the Idaho Falls Rescue Mission was able to fill their wish lists for all of their children.”

The toy collection efforts culminated with the RMHC’s 5th Annual Toy Drive Light Parade and Ugly Sweater Car Show on December 13th.

In a news release, the IFFD and IAFF Local 1565 recognized the extensive network of supporters who contributed, including the dedicated firefighters who volunteered their time, the local businesses that served as collection points and offered incentives, the media partners who amplified the message about the drive, and the various organizations that provided valuable time or financial support.

“Each played an important role in helping the community’s generosity reach those who need it most,” states the release. “Above all, IFFD and IAFF Local 1565 thank the community members who showed up, donated, and helped make a difference. Their willingness to give is what ultimately made this year’s Fill the Ambulance Toy Drive a great success.”

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News Release

The following is a news release from the BLM:

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — The Bureau of Land Management Upper Snake Field Office, in coordination with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, has temporarily closed the Stinking Springs area near the South Fork of the Snake River to all motorized vehicles and human entry to support wildlife survival rates. The annual closure began Dec. 15 and continues until May 1, 2026.

“Increasing human activity in the Stinking Springs area creates additional stress on the mule deer that winter there, requiring them to deplete their supply of stored winter fat more quickly,” said BLM Upper Snake Field Manager John Reffit. “We appreciate the public’s help every year in avoiding this area to help protect these animals.”

In addition, the annual Egin-Hamer Area Closure will go into effect Jan. 1, with restrictions lasting until April 1, 2026, south of the Egin-Hamer Road, and until May 1, 2026, north of it. This temporary closure also restricts human entry to BLM-managed public land to protect wintering deer, elk and moose. A detailed map is available online.

The seasonal closures apply to BLM-managed public lands in the vicinity of Stinking Springs and Egin-Hamer. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service also enacts similar winter closures on nearby National Forest lands. Visitors are encouraged to check with agency offices before planning travel in these areas. For more information, contact the Upper Snake Field Office at 208-524-7500.

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News Team

REXBURG, Idaho (KIFI) — The Rexburg Police Department is urgently asking the public for help finding a missing at-risk 22-year-old.

Police are searching for Beckett McVey of Rexburg, who has a history of mental health issues. Concerned family members have requested a welfare check, and officers have been unable to locate or make contact with the individual.

Anyone with information to help police locate Beckett and complete the welfare check is asked to call dispatch at 208-372-5001.

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David Pace

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – Local farmers could be receiving a post-holiday bonus, as the Trump Administration rolls out a temporary $12-billion Farmer Bridge Payment program.

Announced a week ago by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the one-time payments are being made in “response to temporary trade market disruption and increased production costs.”

“These relief payments are going to go a long ways to help farmers who are up against it right now financially. It’s really tough in farm country right now for a lot of crop farmers,” said Idaho Farm Bureau Federation spokesman Sean Ellis. “Almost all prices for crops that I can think of that we grow in Idaho are down and some of them are down substantially.”

“I’ll give you an example. What it cost for Idaho farmers to grow 100 pounds of russet potatoes right now is about $8 to $9 total. On the open market, they’re getting about $2. So that gives you an idea of how much and how far underwater they are,” he continued.

Eligible farmers include producers of “corn, wheat, chickpeas, lentils, mustard, peas, canola, safflower and barley,” according to a United States Department of Agriculture news release.

$1 billion of the $12-billion fund will cover payments for “specialty crops and sugar.”

The Trump Administration blamed farmers’ tight economic conditions on policies implemented by the Biden Administration that resulted in  “record-high input prices and zero trade deals.”

The deadline for farmers to verify their acreage for eligibility in the program is 3 PM on Friday, December 19.

“The plan we are announcing … ensures American farmers can continue to plan for the next crop year,” said U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins in a release. “With this program serving as a bridge to the improvements President Trump and Republicans in Congress have made, it will allow farmers to leverage strengthened price protection risk management tools and the reliability of fair trade deals so they do not have to depend on large ad hoc assistance packages from the government,” she continued.

Farmer Bridge Assistance payments will roll out on February 28, 2026. 

For more information on how to qualify, visit the USDA website or email farmerbridge@usda.gov.

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Ariel Jensen

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — Idahoans in Pocatello have the opportunity to meet and discuss current issues with their local representative during a special Table-to-Table Legislative luncheon today, Dec. 16.

Tickets are currently on sale for $33 for individuals and $55 for a pair. During the event, legislators will move around the room “table to table,” with a set amount of time allocated at each table for brief discussions with attendees. When the timer goes off, they will move on to the next table.

The event is designed to ensure every attendee has dedicated time to voice concerns and ask questions.

The luncheon will take place at the Purpose Center / Purpose Tea at 224 N. Main St, Pocatello, ID 8320,4, United States.

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News Release

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

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Traffic will be temporarily detoured Friday, Dec. 19, beginning around 6:30 p.m. through approximately 9:30 p.m., as the City of Idaho Falls welcomes the public to the UTV Holiday Light Parade and the Stones Kia Firework Show.

The parade kicks off at 7 p.m. starting at Freeman Park and will follow a new scenic route designed to help reduce traffic impacts. This year, the route will travel along the east side of the Idaho Falls Riverwalk to the Pancheri Bridge before returning along the west side of the Riverwalk to Freeman Park. Leaving Pancheri Drive open this year is expected to ease overall traffic congestion. Residents can view the map that shows the updated route and suggested viewing areas here.

To ensure the safety of participants and spectators, several intersections and roadways will be temporarily impacted as the parade progresses. Closure times will vary, and traffic impacts are expected to occur between approximately 6:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. as the route is prepared, the parade moves through the area, and roads are reopened.

The following locations will be impacted:

Broadway Street westbound closed at Memorial Drive

Broadway Street eastbound closed at River Parkway

U.S. 20 eastbound lane adjustments over John’s Hole Bridge

U.S. 20 eastbound off ramp and westbound on ramp at Fremont Avenue/Riverside Drive closed during the event

A small number of homes near Freeman Park may experience limited access while the parade passes. Residents will still be able to access their homes but are asked to wait for breaks in the parade for entry or exit. Letters have been sent to residents that may be affected by the parade.

Pancheri Drive will remain open to vehicle traffic during the parade. However, UTVs will travel along the sidewalk adjacent to Pancheri Drive as part of the route. Drivers traveling near the parade route should expect increased traffic and pedestrian activity and are asked to slow down, remain alert, follow posted signage, and avoid the area if they are not attending the parade or visiting a local business.

The city appreciates the public’s cooperation and patience during the event and looks forward to welcoming the community to the UTV Holiday Light Parade and the Stones Kia Firework Show.

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News Team

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — The U.S. Navy has a powerful new addition. Its newest fast-attack submarine, the future USS Idaho, is officially in Navy hands.

The sub was delivered yesterday, Dec. 15, by General Dynamics Electric Boat. It’s the second Virginia-class submarine delivered this year and marks the official handoff from the shipbuilder to the U.S. Navy.

The submarine and its crew will now undergo testing and sea trials before entering active service this spring.

Navy leaders say USS Idaho reflects the hard work of shipbuilders, partners, and sailors coming together to deliver one of the most advanced submarines in the world.

Built by Electric Boat and Newport News Shipbuilding, Idaho is the 26th Virginia-class sub.

When it joins the fleet, it will operate quietly, gather intelligence, and carry out missions worldwide. This is the fifth Navy ship named for the state of Idaho, continuing a legacy that spans more than 150 years.

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Curtis Jackson

UPDATE:

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — According to the Idaho Missing Persons Clearing House, Paul Eldridge Jr. has been found safe.

Pocatello Police say Eldridge was checked out by family members from the Gateway Transitional Building and was not returned as expected. After staff reported him missing, Paul’s family received the alert and returned him to the facility at approximately 10:30 a.m.

Once officers verified that Paul Eldridge was safe at the facility, the alert was canceled. In a Facebook post, Pocatello Police thanked the public for their assistance and phone calls.

ORIGINAL:

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – Pocatello Police have issued a endangered missing person alert for Paul Eldridge, Jr.

The 61 year old man was last seen at the Gateway Transitional Care Center on 527 Memorial Drive in Pocatello around 6:20 p.m. on Monday.

Eldridge is described as an indigenous male, 5 foot 4 inches tall, 170 pounds with grey hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a grey hoodie and blue jeans.

An safety alert said he left the care facility and didn’t return and is need of important medication.

If you have seen Eldridge, call the Pocatello Police at 208-234-6100.

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David Pace

CHALLIS, Idaho (KIFI) – Millions of dollars are headed to rural Idaho counties after the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) Reauthorization Act passed Congress.

Local News 8 spoke with local county officials to learn how the program impacts rural communities across Idaho.

The Secure Rural Schools program provides vital funding for rural counties with significant swathes of public land that cannot be taxed. It was created in 2000, after declining timber harvest revenues created major funding gaps for counties with large tracts of national forest.

“I can’t understate the significance of this to rural counties in Idaho. Custer County is 97 percent public lands, and we just don’t have the opportunity to expand,” said Custer County Commissioner William Naillon. “The income gathered from programs like these is absolutely essential in keeping our county running.”

Custer County is home to beautiful stretches of forest in the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness and Sawtooth National Recreation Area. The county relies heavily on the Secure Rural Schools program to fund its schools, roads and infrastructure.

“What SRS equates to for the Lost River Highway District and the Custer County Road and Bridge is about a half $1 million each for them, and then another close to a half $1 million for School Districts 181 and 182,” Naillon continued. “So it’s about $1.5 million here in Custer County.”

U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and Ron Wyden (D-Oregon) led the push to reauthorize the program, which expired in 2023.

“The SRS program is vital to maintaining schools, roads and emergency response services in rural, forested counties. We have a responsibility to these communities who house large swaths of untaxable federal land,” Crapo said in a recent statement.  “The passage of this legislation will provide retroactive pay to counties that faced deep cuts since the program’s expiration at the end of Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 and restore funding levels for FY 2026.  I continue to press for a long-term solution to provide Idaho’s county governments with more certainty.”

The last year Secure Rural Schools was authorized, in 2023, the program paid out $22.8 million to 34 Idaho counties.

Final funding will be set by a “formula that includes federal land acreage, economic activity, timber harvest levels, and other factors that vary from county to county each year,” according to Crapo’s office.

The Secure Rural School Reauthorization Act also significantly impacts Fremont, Clark, Lemhi and Teton counties in eastern Idaho.

“We put it toward special projects, so if we got a grant to rebuild a bridge or stretch of road, we use that as our match to help fund those projects,” said Fremont County Clerk Abbie Mace, who retired Friday after an exemplary career.

“We don’t plan on it until they [Congress] actually send the money to us, and then we open our budget. It’s never guaranteed,” she said.

Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness | Courtesy James Sippel, University of Montana

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