Category: kifi-local-news

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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David Pace

REXBURG, Idaho (KIFI) – Madisonhealth is offering a new air medical helicopter service to expand emergency critical care access and cut down response times.

The helicopter’s arrival was celebrated at an openhouse Tuesday in Rexburg.

The aircraft is accompanied by a new medical base at the facility and is owned by Intermountain Health. 

It can carry three or four individuals, including the pilot, emergency care personnel and the patient.

The crew can respond within minutes and transport the injured individual to Madisonhealth’s Level IV trauma center.

“Once the emergency workers get there, and they see that it is a life threatening or a very, complicated critical situation, then that’s when they would call for air transport, and then they can get there quickly and airlift them to wherever facility will be best to treat those individuals,” said Madisonhealth Executive Director for Business Development Doug McBride.

In addition, to Madisonhealth’s new chopper, Portneuf Medical Center will also host an open house for its new Airbus H130 medical helicopter Thursday at 11 a.m. in Pocatello.

A new helicopter is available to serve patrons at Madisonhealth.

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Kaelyn Blessinger

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — This weekend is Mother’s Day, whether you’re a seasoned Mom or a new Mama, this Sunday is all about you! As we celebrate all mothers, a local midwife is drawing attention to the many struggles that often go unseen in the early days of motherhood.

Postpartum Depression (PPD) is a serious, long-lasting mood disorder that happens after giving birth. It is caused by a combination of rapid hormonal shifts, physical exhaustion, and emotional stress after childbirth. The sudden, severe drop in estrogen and progesterone, along with changed thyroid levels, can trigger Postpartum Depression.

“It’s very important that we erase the stigma of postpartum issues because it’s so common and it’s not anybody’s fault that it’s happening,” Valerie Morris, a local midwife and nurse practitioner at Rosemark Women’s Specialists, said. “One of the leading causes of maternal death in America is related to the mental health of the mom.”

Morris stresses that PPD is not caused by anything a mother does or does not do. Meaning, it is not a Mom’s fault for going through any of the various struggles of Postpartum and new motherhood.

“What would you say to someone if they said it’s the mother’s fault?” reporter Kaelyn Blessinger asked Morris.

“I would say that they are misinformed, and they need to revamp their understanding. It’s a very complex issue,” Morris stated, “There’s hormonal involvement. There are social and economic factors. There’s their birth experience. There’s so many things that can contribute to them having these feelings. So it’s not their fault; Those people who think it’s their fault need to reframe their paradigm.”

Some of the symptoms of PPD can be characterized by:

Intense sadness

Insomnia

Anxiety

Exhaustion and Fatigue

Irritability

Detachment from the baby

Fear that one is not a good mother

And so much more

PPD can develop at any time in the first year after giving birth, though it is most commonly developed within the first three weeks.

“It’s not something if anybody knows anything about mental health that you can just shake off or snap out of,” Morris said. “It’s very complex.”

If you think you may be experiencing PPD, be sure to reach out to your practitioner. No matter what, surround yourself with loving, supportive people.

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News Team

CHALLIS, Idaho (KIFI) — Camping in the Challis area is about to get a little pricier. Monday, the Bureau of Land Management announced it would raise fees at four campgrounds near Challis.

The sites include:

Bayhorse Recreation Site

Cottonwood Recreation Site

$20 for RV/tent campsites ($15 when water not available)

$10 for dump station use

$50 for group day use shelter

East Fork Recreation Site

$20 for RV/tent campsites ($15 when water not available)

Joe T. Fallini Recreation Site

BLM says the increases will help cover the rising costs of maintenance and upkeep while also improving camp amenities for visitors. The plan went through public comment and the Idaho resource advisory council reviewed it before getting final approval.

For more information, click HERE.

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News Team

BLACKFOOT, Idaho (KIFI) — The Idaho Transportation Department is moving forward with plans to widen Interstate 15 between Blackfoot and Fort Hall. Next week, the department will host a round of open houses to showcase the final design to improve the corridor.

The project covers the stretch between the South Blackfoot Interchange (Exit 89) and the US-26/Blackfoot Interchange (Exit 93). According to ITD, the stretch of roadway no longer meets the area’s needs.

“This stretch of interstate is reaching the end of its service life, and growing travel volumes have made it necessary to increase the capacity and improve safety and operations,” said ITD in a recent news release.

ITD is inviting members of the larger Blackfoot community to drop in and learn about the projects, ask questions, and provide feedback to the project team. The open houses will be available on the following dates:

Tuesday, May 12, from 4 to 6:30 p.m. at the Shoshone-Bannock Convention Center (777 Bannock Ave., Fort Hall)

Wednesday, May 13, from 4 to 6:30 p.m. at Ridge Crest Elementary School (800 Airport Rd., Blackfoot)

Information about the widening and redesign of the Blackfoot Interchange, as well as plans to replace the Riverton Road Bridge, will be available.

Residents who cannot attend in person are invited to join online. The digital open house will feature identical information and will accept public comments from May 12 through May 26. For more information, click HERE.

Construction is slated to begin in 2028. However, ITD says the timeline may change depending on the availability of funding.

The expansion is supported by Transportation Expansion and Congestion Mitigation (TECM) funds as part of Governor Little’s Leading Idaho program, according to ITD. The program allows ITD to accelerate project timelines to address rapid growth and build critical infrastructure today that would otherwise take many years to fund and build.

For more information on the project, click HERE.

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