Category: kifi-local-news

News Team

 WYOMING (KIFI) — U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) announced Friday that she will not seek re-election in 2026, retiring at the end of her first term in the Senate. The 71-year-old veteran of Wyoming politics cited the physical and mental demands of the office.

In a heartfelt statement, the Senator described her tenure as “an incredible honor,” noting that representing the people of Wyoming has remained her “one-and-only priority.”

Lummis was candid about her decision to step away, comparing her time in Washington to a long-distance race.

“In the difficult, exhausting session weeks this fall, I’ve come to accept that I do not have six more years in me,” Lummis admitted. “I have felt like a sprinter in a marathon.”

Despite her decision to retire, Lummis emphasized her commitment to her remaining time in office. She highlighted her alignment with President Trump, vowing to spend the next year “throwing all my energy into bringing important legislation to his desk” and ensuring Republicans maintain control of the upper chamber in the 2026 midterms.

A Trailblazing Career

A veteran of Wyoming politics, Lummis served as a U.S. representative for the state of Wyoming from 2009 to 2017. In 2021, she became the first woman to represent the state in the U.S. Senate.

Lummis reflected fondly on her colleagues, noting her time serving alongside the late Senator Mike Enzi, Senator John Barrasso, and Representative Harriet Hageman. “We all put Wyoming first, which has cemented our cohesive working relationship,” she said.

Tributes from Colleagues and Mentees

Reaction to the news of Lummis’s retirement was immediate, with fellow Wyoming Senator John Barrasso praising Lummis as “a perfect senator for Wyoming…” who never stopped fighting for the people.”

“Cynthia is a straight shooter and a trailblazer,” said Barrasso. “We’re going to miss her infectious energy and iconic laugh in the halls of the U.S. Senate. I’m grateful we have another year to work side by side serving the people of Wyoming.”

State Superintendent Megan Degenfelder recalled meeting Lummis as a high school student, an encounter that sparked her own career in public service.

“I looked up to her instantly. When I was in college, I jumped at the opportunity to work on her first campaign for Congress and later served as an intern in her Washington, D.C. office,” said Degenfelder. “Throughout her career, she has championed Wyoming’s interests with tenacity and principle. But more than her record, Senator Lummis has been a trailblazer, a lifelong mentor to many, and a dear friend to our beloved state. Thank you Senator!”

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Curtis Jackson

JACKSON, Wyo. (KIFI) – Winter weather conditions have closed the Teton Pass on Wyoming 22 between the Idaho border and Wilson, Wyo.

It is unknown when it will reopen.

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Ariel Jensen

IDAHO (KIFI) — The season of giving is here, and the Prison Fellowship’s Angel Tree Christmas program is hoping to kids in need a holiday miracle. The program estimates that thousands of children in Idaho have parents who are incarcerated.

“This season won’t be marked by warmth and celebration; it will be marked by loneliness. Children impacted by parental incarceration often carry a heavy emotional burden. But we have the ability to change that,” said Joi Johnson, Account Coordinator for the Prison Fellowship’s Angel Tree Christmas program.

The Prison Fellowship’s Angel Tree Christmas program serves over 200K children nationwide. It delivers gifts and a personal note to children on behalf of their incarcerated parents.

“These are more than just toys—this is a powerful conduit for hope and love,” said Johnson.

Fellowship’s Angel Tree Christmas program is asking for the community’s support.

“The involvement of local Idaho churches and community groups are necessary to ensure every child in the area receives this hope,” said Johnson.

For more information on how you can help, visit here.

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Megan Lavin

IDAHO FALLS, IDAHO (KIFI) — Last night, the Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce and Teton Volkswagen held their 3rd annual Gingerbread for a Cause.

Local businesses competed in a 60-minute gingerbread house building and decorating competition. 

Advantages and disadvantages were auctioned off to help pad your chances of winning, including buying a mandatory break for your opponents. Competition was fierce, with people running around trying to grab all the toppings they could.

The winner was the Idaho Healthcare Institute, winning the jackpot of the night: over 10 thousand dollars!

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News Team

UPDATED:

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — Pocatello High School has returned to normally scheduled classes on Friday morning, Dec. 19, after police determined a rumored threat was unsubstantiated. While the school day continued as scheduled, administrators opted to reschedule a planned assembly out of an abundance of caution.

The incident began on Friday morning when the Pocatello Police Department received reports of a potential threat involving the high school. In response, school staff briefly placed the building under a hall check.

Following a thorough review by school administrators and law enforcement, officials confirmed the threat was unsubstantiated.

“The safety of students, staff, and our community is always our top priority,” said Chief Roger Schei. “When we receive information like this, we take it seriously and respond quickly. In situations like these, it is always better to be cautious while we work to confirm the facts.”

“The safety of students, staff, and our community is always our top priority,” said Chief Roger Schei. “When we receive information like this, we take it seriously and respond quickly. In situations like these, it is always better to be cautious while we work to confirm the facts.”

In a statement posted to Facebook, School District 25 (D25) confirmed that all students remained safe throughout the investigation. The preliminary review of the issue supports their decision to continue the school day as planned; however, today’s assembly has been rescheduled.

“We appreciate your partnership in reassuring your learner and discouraging the spread of rumors. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and will share additional information if needed,” states the post.

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Seth Ratliff

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador is leading a coalition of state attorneys general in voicing sharp opposition to the Trump Administration’s recent move to reschedule marijuana.

The pushback comes just hours after President Trump signed an executive order intended to expedite medical cannabis research—a move the administration claims will revolutionize treatment while stopping short of full federal legalization.

Rescheduling Marijuana?

During a signing ceremony in the Oval Office on Thursday, President Trump described the reclassification as “common sense”, according to CNN.

RELATED: Trump signs executive order expediting marijuana reclassification after lobbying from cannabis industry

“This order will make it far easier to conduct marijuana-related medical research, allowing us to study benefits, potential dangers, and future treatments,” Trump said. “The facts compel the government to recognize that marijuana can be legitimate… especially as a substitute for addictive and potentially lethal opioid painkillers.”

Currently, the DEA classifies marijuana as a Schedule I substance, the most restrictive category, alongside heroin and LSD. These drugs are legally defined as having “no currently accepted medical use,” according to the DEA.

Reclassifying it to Schedule III would place it in the same category as ketamine, anabolic steroids, or testosterone, drugs considered to have a “moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence.”

Labrador’s Concerns: Science and Public Safety

Attorney General Labrador, joined by attorneys general from Nebraska, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Wyoming, argued that the science supporting marijuana’s status as a dangerous drug remains clear.

In a joint statement, Labrador emphasized that Idaho has seen “firsthand the harm” the drug causes in local communities.

“The negative impacts of expanded marijuana use, especially on children and adolescents, are worrisome,” Labrador stated. “The public policy challenges, such as the exponential increase in difficult-to-combat driving under the influence, are both significant and serious.”

While Labrador noted that the group is “grateful” for the administration’s willingness to hear their views, he signaled that legal challenges or further formal opposition could be on the horizon. He states the group will “evaluate the order closely to determine how we can best continue to engage, protect the public health, and ensure the safety of our citizens.”

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KIVI Staff

Naylor is accused of killing 4 people in the Magic Valley in July

By: KIVI Staff

MAGIC VALLEY, Idaho (KIVI) — Benjamin Roy Naylor is expected to plead guilty to four counts of murder stemming from a July quadruple homicide that spanned Cassia and Minidoka counties, according to court records.

Under the agreement, Naylor would plead guilty to two counts of murder in each county — four total — in exchange for prosecutors not pursuing the death penalty. If accepted by the judge, sentencing will be left to the court, though prosecutors and the defense are jointly recommending four life sentences without the possibility of parole.

Naylor, 56, is accused of killing Kelly and Donna Jenks in their Burley home, then murdering Angelica Medina, 25, and Dennis Mix, 77, in Minidoka County.

RELATED | Suspect in dual-county homicide investigation faces four counts of first-degree murder

In November, Naylor waived his right to a preliminary hearing in Cassia County following months of psychological evaluations and a court-ordered mental competency exam. His attorneys indicated at that time they were working toward a plea agreement and planned to waive the preliminary hearing in Minidoka County as well.

READ MORE | Quadruple homicide suspect, Benjamin Naylor, waives preliminary hearing as attorneys work on plea agreement

Under the plea agreement, Naylor will also agree to pay restitution, court costs, and other statutory fees, with amounts to be determined at a later date.

Naylor will be back in court in Cassia County at 8:30 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 22. Idaho News 6 will be present in the courtroom and will continue to provide the latest updates.

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Danielle Mullenix

Idaho Falls, Idaho (KIFI) – Mountain View Hospital will begin offering a new Infant Safety class to the community this Thursday, December 18th. This class will take place on the third Thursday of each month from 6-7 pm in the Cardiac Rehab Unit. 

The hospital intends to provide the Infant Safety course at no cost. In this course, participants will learn infant CPR (including compressions and mouth-to-mouth), choking relief, and other general safety tips to help keep their new baby safe and healthy.

While this course does not meet OSHA requirements for workplace certification, it is a general safety course designed to help parents prepare for emergencies.

The hospital has suggested that participants dress casually and bring themselves and a support person or partner to learn the basics of infant safety. The class venue will be located at 3101 Valencia Dr., Idaho Falls, 83401.

To reserve a ticket for the December 18th course, click here. Each ticket is good for one couple. 

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Danielle Mullenix

Idaho Falls, Idaho (KIFI) – The Recovery Churches of America will hold its 30th annual St. Nicolas Toy Outreach today, with its annual “It’s A Wrap” Christmas drive. The festivities will take place at the Idaho Falls Public Library from Noon to 6 pm.

Since 1995, the organization has donated thousands of toys to children around the country. Volunteer Santas will hand-deliver all toys donated. Here at the Idaho Falls Public Library, people can donate and wrap toys in meeting rooms 1 and 2 on the first floor.

For those most interested in donating this year, Rev. Trimelda McDaniels recommends the most-requested toys on wish lists, including LEGO, Barbie, and Hot Wheels. McDaniels, head of the Recovery Churches of America, hopes this year’s drive will help blue-collar families in the area facing economic stress.

“These toys benefit the children of blue-collar workers,” said Rev. Trimelda McDaniels. “These people work hard every day, but their children often slip through the cracks of society because their parents don’t have money for toys after paying for food and shelter.”

Rev. McDaniels will lead outreach at the Idaho Falls Public Library, continuing the Church’s tradition of giving back to the community this holiday season.

“This is what Christmas is all about,” Rev. McDaniels said.

To learn more about upcoming holiday events at the Idaho Falls Public Library, click here for the events calendar.

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News Release

The following is a news release from the Idaho Transportation Department:

BOISE, Idaho – The Idaho Transportation Department has appointed Dave Kuisti as ITD Chief Deputy.

Kuisti has worked at ITD for 35 years. He has served in several engineering roles throughout his career, including design engineer in North Idaho, an engineering manager in Boise and district engineer in Lewiston. He has most recently served as chief engineer and division administrator over Highways Construction & Operations.

Kuisti is now responsible for overseeing more than 12,000 lane miles of highways and more than 1,800 bridges on the State Highway System. He will lead nearly 1,200 employees across multiple work areas, including the six district offices across the state, Highway Development and Highway Construction & Operations.

“Dave is an excellent leader who is well-prepared to take on this critical role in our agency,” said Director Scott Stokes. “His technical experience and leadership skills will serve him well as we continue our work to deliver a safe and mobile transportation network to the people of Idaho.”

Kuisti is a licensed civil engineer who graduated from the University of Idaho with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering.

Kuisti replaces Dan McElhinney, who had served in the role since 2022.

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