Category: kifi-local-news

Maile Sipraseuth

AMERICAN FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – The American Falls Police Department is urging the public to help locate a runaway juvenile, 16-year-old Leland Hawke of American Falls.

Hawke was last seen wearing a black hoodie and blue jeans. He’s described as 5’6, 120 lbs, with brown eyes and brown hair.

If you have any information about Leland Hawke’s location, please contact the American Falls Police Department immediately at 208-226-5922.

The AFPD reminds the public that harboring a runaway juvenile is a criminal offense, and anyone found to be intentionally assisting or hiding Leland could face criminal charges.

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News Team

IDAHO (KIFI) — Idaho is the first state in the nation to open its Affordable Care Act (ACA) health insurance marketplace enrollment starting October 15. But the opening is marked by uncertainty due to the potential expiration of Biden-era health insurance tax credits. If Congress does not act before the end of the year, an estimated 117,000 Idahoans who use marketplace plans could see their insurance premiums more than doubled, according to independent researchers.

RELATED: Idaho Insurance Broker weighs in on potential health insurance premium spikes

The high-stakes enrollment period, running from October 15 to December 15 through the state’s online marketplace, Your Health Idaho, comes as an ongoing federal government shutdown approaches two weeks, with the extension of the popular tax credits remaining a major political sticking point in Washington. Researchers with the nonpartisan Kaiser Family Foundation estimate that up to 25,000 Idahoans could lose coverage entirely if the tax credits expire.

“Shop and Compare” is critical

Your Health Idaho remains the only place where Idahoans can apply for and receive a tax credit to lower the cost of monthly health insurance premiums.

“There are many changes this year, and it’s more important than ever for Idahoans to shop and compare to explore all of their health insurance options,” said Pat Kelly, Executive Director of Your Health Idaho. “Having health insurance is not only for the peace of mind that you and your family are covered if the unexpected happens, but it can also provide a financial safety net from unplanned medical bills.”

While Idahoans may see higher initial premium figures due to the end of the enhanced Premium Tax Credits and other federal policy changes, the organization says it is committed to offering comprehensive options. Almost eight out of every ten current enrollees currently receive a tax credit, and many also qualify for additional savings through Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs) when enrolled in a Silver plan, according to Your Health Idaho.

Political showdown over healthcare costs

The potential rise in health insurance premiums has created a heated debate along both sides of the political aisle.

Idaho Democratic Party Chair Lauren Necochea denounced the potential end of the tax credits, framing the price hikes as a manufactured crisis.

“Families across the state are opening letters that tell them their premiums are doubling, and many are realizing they will have to give up coverage altogether,” Necochea wrote in a statement. “This is no accident. The Trump regime and Idaho Republicans refused to extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits that have kept coverage within reach for 117,000 Idahoans.”

Necochea asserted that Democrats are committed to fighting the cost increases. “Idaho families cannot afford this manufactured crisis, and Democrats will not stop fighting until every Idahoan can access affordable health care.”

An independent poll by KFF found that nearly 75% of Americans want the ACA tax credits to be extended, including a majority of Republicans.

How to enroll

Amid the uncertainty, Your Health Idaho highly recommends that citizens work with a certified agent or broker to navigate the complex enrollment process and utilize all the savings for which they are eligible; this assistance is available at no cost. New this year, Idahoans can schedule an appointment with a local agent directly from the website, YourHealthIdaho.org.

Open Enrollment is also the time when Idahoans with unaffordable employer-sponsored coverage can utilize the marketplace. The site has provided an affordability calculator to help people in the Gem State determine if their current coverage meets the federal definition of unaffordable, which may qualify them for marketplace subsidies. For more information, click HERE.

Idahoans must enroll in 2026 health insurance by midnight on December 15. Your Health Idaho is urging applicants not to wait until the last minute to secure coverage that begins on January 1.

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Danielle Mullenix

Pocatello, Idaho (KIFI) – “Garden to Give” is back again this year and helping a local food bank provide extra produce during the government shutdown. The Marshall Public Library (MPL) has partnered with the Eastern branch of The Idaho Foodbank to help get excess produce from community members’ gardens to the food bank. 

The library is currently accepting donations of locally grown fresh produce, including herbs, and will transport it to the food bank.

Since the first Garden to Give in 2019, MPL has collected several hundred pounds each year for the food bank, which will reach the people in our community who need it the most.

“We have so many devoted gardeners in Pocatello,” said Public Services Supervisor Amy Azzouzat with MPL. “And they get a lot out of our short season. The library is happy to serve as a collection point to get their garden overflow to people who need it.”

Food banks in 2025 have seen a general decrease over the past year. The Idaho Falls Community Food Basket is managing a decline in donations, reporting a 400,000-pound decrease in supplies during 2025 compared to the previous year.

Due to the federal government shutdown in October 2025, food banks in Idaho Falls are experiencing increased demand and a drop in donations, but they have prepared for the surge.

While food banks have anticipated the shutdown’s effects, federal funding for programs like WIC is at risk, and supplies are limited. 

People in rural areas also often rely more heavily on federal assistance programs and are disproportionately impacted by disruptions to these programs. 

The typical seven-day supply of food has been reduced to about four or five days’ worth.

If you have more produce than you can eat or share with friends and neighbors, the Marshall Public Library will help you get the overflow to The Idaho Foodbank. As the temperature drops and fresh produce begins to wane, food banks are collecting as many donations of this type as possible.

The Marshall Public Library will collect all fresh produce through the end of October. For more information about the Eastern Idaho Food Bank in Pocatello, Click Here.

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News Team

With so many questions still remaining about health insurance premiums possibly spiking, Local News 8 invited insurance broker Trevor Bangerter to our studio.

Bangerter is the the local chapter president for National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals, which is a national organization that advocates for broker and insurance consumer rights. 

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Chris Nestman

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) —With the government shutdown approaching the two week mark, one of the biggest holdups in congress focuses on whether to extend the Biden-era tax credits for health insurance.

At the moment, the tax credits are set to expire. The average American who uses marketplace plans could see their insurance premiums more than double. 

Local News 8 spoke with several insurance brokers about what they’re seeing for their clients, including insurance broker Brian McKellar with the Buckner Company.

“No, there’s an individual, she cuts hair,” McKellar said. “I know her well; she doesn’t make a ton of money. I’m pretty sure she supports her kids, too. She was paying $82. Hers is going to go to $292 if I don’t make any changes.”

That’s just one of several examples McKellar has seen over the past few days. 

The reason for these increased costs is two fold. First, the amount of tax credits someone receives to help pay for insurance costs is cut dramatically. And second, those that make 400% or more over the poverty line no longer receive any tax credit at all. 

“Either way, it’s costs that’s going to increase on these families, whether it’s in terms of deductible costs like risk costs or just premium cost,” McKellar said.

At a time when costs for everything are going up faster than wages, many insurance brokers, including McKellar, think that if the tax credits are not extended, many people will simply take the risk and go without. 

“There’s 100,000 Idahoans that depend on this, and 30% is what they’re saying is going to probably drop coverage. Based on the analysis that I’m seeing right now, it could be true,” McKellar said. 

McKeller has been contacting Idaho’s congressmen about the issue and urging them to find a solution for several weeks now.

You can follow some of McKellar’s thoughts and discussions about his interactions with Idaho’s congressional delegation on his social media page.

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Stephanie Lucas

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – An expected plea agreement in the case of Robert Flores has been postponed.

RELATED: What we know about the man involved in the Econo Lodge standoff

Robert Alan Flores Jr.

Flores is accused of shooting at Idaho Falls police officers during a standoff at the EconoLodge Motel on Broadway Avenue in Idaho Falls in April 2024. No officers were hit during the incident. They did return fire, injuring Flores.

He was expected to change his plea to guilty today; however. Flores has asked for more time to discuss the details of the plea agreement with his attorney. A status hearing has been scheduled for November 18.

If an agreement is not reached soon, the case could go to trial in the spring. A judge has placed it on his trial calendar for May 11, 2026.

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Maile Sipraseuth

BLACKFOOT, Idaho (KIFI)– A 21-year-old woman from Blackfoot, Kaylanee Orr, tragically died on October 10 following a fatal accident during a hunting trip with relatives.

According to the Fremont County Coroner, Orr died from a gunshot wound. Authorities continue to investigate the incident, which occurred Friday evening in a remote area of Fremont County.

Fremont County Sheriff Bart Quayle described the situation as “the most tragic nightmare this family (or any family) can imagine.” In a statement sent to Local News 8, Quayle confirmed that emergency personnel and investigators responded swiftly and worked on the scene for several hours.

“Every indication leads us to believe this was a traumatic accident that has devastated this poor family,” Quayle said. “While we perform our due diligence, pursuing the truth and facts, we’re mindful of the extreme grief this family feels.”

He added, “If I can buy them a few days to simply process and grieve, I feel it is appropriate. Our deepest condolences are offered to those grieving at this time.”

Orr was a graduate of Snake River High School and served a mission in New Zealand for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Her faith was the foundation of her life, according to her online obituary.

In the wake of her passing, a Spotfund campaign organized by Amanda Graff has raised over $20,000 of its $30,000 goal to help cover funeral expenses.

As the investigation remains ongoing, authorities are asking for the public’s patience and understanding out of respect for the family’s mourning process.

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News Team

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — The Idaho Falls Police Department has released new details regarding a tense, hours-long standoff that unfolded last night, October 13, at an apartment complex near the intersection of Lomax Street and Wabash Avenue.

RELATED: Standoff ends peacefully: Idaho Falls woman in custody after SWAT response

Police took 56-year-old Wendy Burke of Idaho Falls into custody following the incident. Burke was arrested on two outstanding warrants out of Bingham County—one felony and one misdemeanor—as well as additional charges including Assault on Certain Personnel, Resisting and Obstructing Officers, and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.

Welfare Check Sparks Dangerous Encounter

According to IFPD, officers were called to the area around 3 p.m. to perform a welfare check at an apartment in the 600 block of Lomax Street. The caller was concerned that Burke may have been harmed by a man staying in the residence, saying she hadn’t been seen in some time.

When officers arrived, they found the man in question outside the apartment. He spoke with the officers but reportedly seemed evasive, claiming he worked at the residence but did not live there.

Due to the nature of the welfare check and concern for Burke’s safety, officers entered the apartment, calling out her name and repeatedly identifying themselves as police. During the search, an officer opened a closet door and found Burke inside, holding what appeared to be a handgun and pointing it directly at him.

Fearing for his life, the officer backed out of the apartment, and IFPD secured the surrounding area. They then called the IFPD SWAT team to the scene.

At this point, the officers learned of Burke’s outstanding arrest warrants.

As SWAT arrived on the scene, they called over a PA system for Burke to exit the apartment and surrender. When she did not respond, they deployed an irritant gas, similar to tear gas, into the apartment.

Shortly afterward, Burke exited the apartment and surrendered without further incident.

Fake Gun, Real Charges

After being read her Miranda rights, Burke told investigators she had hoped police would shoot her because she “did not want to go to jail.” She also admitted the weapon she pointed at the officer was not real but a toy gun, which she had left on the bed.

Officers later recovered the item—a wooden and metal toy replica that looked realistic, but was non-functional.

While conducting a further search of the apartment, officers also discovered a .22 caliber rifle hidden in the bathroom. The firearm had not been there during the initial welfare check, and officers believe Burke may have retrieved the weapon before she was taken into custody.

Because Burke is a convicted felon and legally barred from possessing firearms, officers obtained a search warrant to seize the rifle. The warrant was approved, and the weapon was recovered.

Burke was evaluated and medically cleared by emergency personnel at the scene before being transported and booked into the Bonneville County Jail.

All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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Ariel Jensen

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Five people are recovering tonight after a crash early Tuesday morning in front of Lowe’s on 17th Street in Idaho Falls.

According to the Idaho Falls Police Department, the crash happened around 8:13 a.m. and involved a grey Ford Expedition traveling west in the inside lane. The SUV was carrying an adult and four children.

At the same time, a white truck was also heading west in the outside lane. Witnesses say the truck suddenly swerved across traffic to attempt a U-turn in order to assist a motorist with a broken-down vehicle.

To avoid hitting the truck, the driver of the Expedition swerved and struck a light pole on the side of the road. All five people inside the Expedition were transported to the hospital as a precaution.

The driver of the truck was cited for making an unsafe lane change, according to IFPD.

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News Release

The following is a news release from the Idaho Secretary of State Phil McGrane:

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — Early voting for the November 4, 2025, local elections begins as early as today in some counties in Idaho and runs through October 31. To see if early voting is offered in your area and to find your county’s schedule, visit voteidaho.gov/election-information or contact your local elections office.

“Early voting is now underway in many Idaho counties ahead of the November 4 local elections. Whether you vote early, absentee, or on Election Day, I encourage every eligible Idahoan to participate. Local elections play a critical role in shaping our communities,” said Idaho Secretary of State Phil McGrane.

Any eligible resident of a county may vote at any early voting location in that county. If you are not yet registered to vote, you can register and cast your ballot at early voting by bringing an accepted form of photo ID and proof of residence. For many voters, a current Idaho driver’s license will meet both requirements.

Before heading to the polls, check your sample ballot at VoteIdaho.gov. Not every Idahoan will have something on their ballot this November. Local taxing districts operate on different schedules, and their boundaries don’t always follow neighborhood lines. You might have an election, even if your next-door neighbor does not. More information about the upcoming election can be found at VoteIdaho.gov.

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