Category: kifi-local-news

Hadley Bodell

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – The annual Constitution Camp in Pocatello is officially underway at Calvary Chapel. Nearly 100 campers ages 7 to 12 are participating in interactive activities about U.S. history and learning patriotic songs.

The camp usually focuses on the Revolutionary War, but this year, board members created an entirely new curriculum in honor of America’s 250th anniversary. Campers take part in a time-traveling adventure throughout the week, beginning with the Mayflower and following history through the Oregon Trail, the Civil War and World War I.

“It all accumulates into what we call Freedom Fighter Friday, which is where we have men and women from the community come and act like different people from those times throughout history,” said Michele Holyoak, Constitution Camp director. “People like Clara Barton, Abraham Lincoln, Meriwether Lewis and even Ronald Reagan.”

The week also culminates with a performance open to the public Friday at 6 p.m. at Calvary Chapel, where campers will perform a musical featuring patriotic songs. In honor of America250, the musical has changed this year as well.

“We will take our audiences on a journey, just like our kids took a journey throughout this week,” Holyoak said. “We will show them the patriotic songs and hope to be able to build a spirit of freedom and camaraderie in our community so they can remember the principles of freedom and what our country stands on.”

Constitution Camp is typically capped at 60 campers, but this year organizers are teaching 98 children. The camp also has 68 volunteers, including many teenagers who attended the camp as children and now give back to the community.

“I like seeing the kids have a good time, and it’s really important what they’re doing here,” said Trevor Martinez, a fourth-year volunteer. “Teaching kids about the Constitution is important, and it’s an incredible experience to be a part of.”

“Our 13- to 18-year-old teen volunteers are literally the heart of the camp,” Holyoak said. “They are the reason why kids love camp. They look up to those teenagers, they look up to the values they’re instilling and they are definitely role models.”

Martinez helps run the games station, including his personal favorite on Friday: dodgeball. Other volunteers include local school teachers who spend part of their summer educating campers at various stations.

“I love seeing my friends and teaching the little kids,” said Sadie Baker, a teen chaperone volunteer. “I grow really cool, special relationships with all the kids and teen helpers.”

Four local musicians and Idaho State University music education majors help campers learn patriotic songs throughout the week for Friday’s performance.

“It’s really special to see all of the kids and what they’ve learned and to show their parents and the community through their songs,” Baker said. “It’s just a really spiritual and cool experience.”

Martinez and Baker both said they would like to continue volunteering with Constitution Camp in the future.

“I encourage everyone to take the opportunity to celebrate where we have come from, to celebrate the freedoms that men and women who have come before us fought for,” Holyoak said. “We always take the opportunity during our musical to honor all of our servicemen because we know where these freedoms come from.”

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Par Kermani

TWIN FALLS COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) — Idaho State Police say more than 11 pounds of methamphetamine were seized during a traffic stop in Twin Falls.

According to ISP, a Domestic Highway Enforcement trooper stopped a northbound Ford F-150 on U.S. Highway 93 just south of Twin Falls around 4:30 p.m. on June 11 for an equipment violation.

During the stop, one of the vehicle’s occupants admitted to possessing contraband inside the truck.

A vehicle search led troops to find 11.6 pounds of methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia and prescription medication.

Three people were arrested and charged with trafficking methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia. One of the suspects was also charged with unlawful possession of a prescription drug.

ISP estimates the street value of the methamphetamine at approximately $90,000.

“Our DHE team patrols throughout Idaho to identify and disrupt the trafficking of illegal drugs on our highways and in our communities,” Sgt. Curt Sproat said. “By proactively targeting criminal activity and working alongside our local law enforcement partners, we help stop the transportation of dangerous drugs and hold traffickers accountable.”

The Idaho State Police Domestic Highway Enforcement team is a multijurisdictional narcotics task force that works across the state to identify and disrupt drug trafficking operations.

The team is part of Gov. Brad Little’s Esto Perpetua initiative and is supported through the Oregon-Idaho High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area program and other federal counterdrug partnerships.

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Par Kermani

FORT HALL, Idaho (KIFI) — The driver involved in a fatal Fort Hall single-vehicle crash has been identified as Kennion Martin.

On Saturday, June 13, Martin and a juvenile male passenger were ejected from a pickup truck during a crash in the Fort Hall Bottoms.

The juvenile was pronounced dead at the scene, and Martin was transported by air ambulance for medical treatment.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation. Authorities say alcohol may have been a contributing factor.

Due to the circumstances of the case, the identity of the juvenile has not been released.

According to Idaho State Police, no additional information is available at this time.

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Par Kermani

FORT HALL, Idaho (KIFI) — Fort Hall Police have identified the victim and suspect involved in a fatal shooting early Sunday morning.

According to the Fort Hall Police Department, officers responded to a report of a shooting at a residence in the Nagitsy Road area around 2:07 a.m. on June 14.

When officers arrived, they found Jordan Denny, of Box Elder, Montana, dead at the scene.

RELATED: Fort Hall Police Investigating Fatal Shooting; Suspect in CustodyPolice say Didier Tendoy, of Blackfoot, has been taken into custody in connection with the shooting.

The Fort Hall Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation are investigating the incident as a possible homicide.

No additional information has been released at this time.

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Par Kermani

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — Gov. Brad Little says Idaho is entering what could be a challenging wildfire season, but state officials believe Idaho is better prepared thanks to continued investments in wildfire prevention, forest management and emergency response resources.

“Wildfire remains one of the greatest challenges facing Idaho’s landscapes, communities, and economy,” Little said. “The good news is Idaho is prepared because we have continued to invest in the tools, partnerships, and proactive management strategies that reduce risk and improve outcomes.”

Little joined state, local and federal partners to provide an update on wildfire preparedness efforts and progress made since the release of the Governor’s 2024 Wildfire Report.

Despite those efforts, state officials stressed that the majority of wildfires are caused by people, not lightning.

“Government can invest in equipment, technology, and partnerships, but preventing wildfires starts with individual responsibility,” Little said. “One spark can change lives, threaten communities, and devastate landscapes.”

According to state officials, Idaho has expanded wildfire detection and response capabilities over the past year, including the use of cameras, satellite systems and lightning detection technology to improve evacuation planning and awareness.

The Idaho Department of Lands currently operates 11 wildfire detection cameras across the state and is installing eight more cameras with funding approved for fiscal year 2026.

Officials also highlighted the statewide adoption of the Ready, Set, Go! evacuation notification system, which is designed to create a consistent approach to wildfire evacuation messaging across Idaho communities.

The state has also continued investing in firefighting resources, including support for local fire departments and Idaho’s 10 Rangeland Fire Protection Associations. State officials say approximately 370 qualified firefighters are currently supported through those associations.

Little also highlighted Idaho’s ongoing partnership with the U.S. Forest Service through the state’s Shared Stewardship Agreement and Good Neighbor Authority programs. Since the launch of the governor’s Make Forests Healthy Again initiative, Idaho has increased forest restoration work aimed at reducing hazardous fuels and lowering wildfire risks on public lands.

Idahoans are encouraged to follow fire restrictions, recreate responsibly and remain vigilant throughout the summer as temperatures rise and conditions become drier.

Additional wildfire preparedness information is available through the Idaho Department of Lands.

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Seth Ratliff

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — A federal judge issued a preliminary injunction today partially blocking enforcement of House Bill 752, an Idaho law that criminalizes the use of public restrooms and locker rooms that do not align with an individual’s biological sex.

The law is to take effect on July 1, 2026. Today’s injunction specifically halts enforcement of the law regarding:

Single-user facilities.

Multi-user facilities when a single-user restroom is unavailable (either because none exist on the same floor, or because all same-floor single-user restrooms are occupied or out of service).

In late April, the ACLU of Idaho filed a lawsuit on behalf of six transgender Idahoans against Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador. The lawsuit argues that HB 752 violates the plaintiffs’ constitutional rights to due process, equal protection, and privacy, calling the legislation an “unconstitutional intrusion on the fundamental rights of Idahoans.”

While several plaintiffs are proceeding under pseudonyms to protect their privacy, the suit names Emilie Jackson-Edney, a 77-year-old transgender Idaho resident. The lawsuit claims the new law would cause suspicion and conflict for Idahoans like Jackson-Edney who’ve transitioned.

In today’s order, U.S. District Court Judge Amanda Brailsford granted the plaintiffs’ motions for both the preliminary injunction and provisional class certification. Judge Brailsford also ruled that the plaintiffs may continue using pseudonyms, strictly prohibiting the state from disclosing their identities without express, written permission.

Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador vowed to appeal the decision.

“This is a results-driven decision that misapplies the law, confuses the issues, and misrepresents the position of the State. Biological sex is not vague, and neither is this law,” Labrador said in a statement to Local News 8. “The good news is that this ruling is narrow. Idaho’s law remains enforceable in most settings, including changing rooms and many restrooms. The injunction applies only in limited circumstances and to certain people. My office will appeal, and we will keep fighting until this commonsense protection is fully enforced.”

Meanwhile, the ACLU of Idaho celebrated the ruling as a protection for the state’s transgender community.

“This ruling means trans folks in Idaho can continue participating in public life without the threat of being arrested for using the bathroom,” said Paul Carlos Southwick, Legal Director for the ACLU of Idaho. “Trans Idahoans have been understandably anxious about the disruption this unconstitutional law would cause in their daily lives. This ruling will relieve that anxiety for our trans friends and neighbors.”

Understanding House Bill 752

House Bill 752 represents an expansion of Idaho’s existing 2023 restrictions. While the previous law (Senate Bill 1100) applied only to public schools, the new statute covers nearly all government-owned or public spaces, including libraries, highway rest stops, airports, and public hospitals.

Under the blocked statute, anyone who “knowingly or willfully” enters a public restroom that does not correspond to their biological sex could face criminal charges. A first offense is classified as a misdemeanor, while a second offense is a felony.

Governor Brad Little signed the bill into law earlier this year following decisive victories in the state legislature, where it passed 54–15 in the House and 27–7 in the Senate.

While critics and civil rights advocates argue the law targets and marginalizes transgender individuals, the bill’s sponsors have maintained that the legislation is necessary to protect public privacy and safety as a “common-sense” protection for women and girls.

With today’s injunction, the criminal penalties remain on hold until a full case determines the law’s constitutionality.

This is a developing story. Local News 8 has reached out to the bill’s legislative sponsors for comment and will provide additional updates as they respond.

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Curtis Jackson

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI)— Teachers for Idaho Falls School District 91 have voted to ratify a newl contract for the upcoming school year.

Idaho Falls School District Superintendent Karla LaOrange said the agreement will be presented to the Board of Trustees this Wednesday for approval.

“We extend our sincere appreciation to the bargaining teams from both the District and the Association for their work throughout the negotiations and mediation process,” LaOrange wrote in a news release. “Most importantly, we thank our teachers for their continued dedication to our students and schools. Their commitment to student learning, growth, and success is reflected in the work they do each day to help every student reach their potential.”

The new agreement will take effect on July 1, 2026.

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Seth Ratliff

POWER COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) — A 72-year-old Arimo man died late Monday night, June 15th, following a single-vehicle crash south of Pocatello, according to the Idaho State Police.

The accident happened just before 10 p.m. near the intersection of Mink Creek Road and Wright Lane.

Police say that the man was driving southbound on Mink Creek Road in a 2017 Genesis G80 when he failed to negotiate a curve and lost control of the vehicle.

Unfortunately, the driver was not wearing a seatbelt and succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

The identity of the driver has not yet been released, and the Idaho State Police are continuing to investigate the cause of the crash.

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Kaelyn Blessinger

SWAN VALLEY, Idaho (KIFI) – A mother and her two children are alive and recovering after their truck flipped upside down in a creek along Falls Creek Road, near Porcupine Creek and Rash Canyon.

It took so many people to rescue this mom and her two sons from the creek.

A part of the rescue team were five Skyline High School students:

Jeremy (JJ) Thompson

Clay Lindula

Logan Mcalevy

Donald (DJ) Carney

Colton Johnson

“We were going down the road. I see some people on the side of the road, and I kind of pull over waiting for them to pass by,” Thompson said. “They don’t come, so I think, oh, they’re probably waiting for me. So we go around the corner, and then that’s when we see the truck tipped over in the creek.”

Without a moment of hesitation, not even taking the time to throw their wallets out of their pockets, these teens dove into the creek to save the family.

The mother was able to pry herself out of the front window with some help. But her two boys were still stuck inside.

“I feel a shovel on the bottom of the creek bed,” Mcalevy said. “From there I smashed the black glass, stick my arm in the truck, and then I feel the one year old kid grab my finger.”

After pulling both kids from the car, these five teens had to find the mentality of trained adults, setting aside their own fears to help calm a distraught four-year-old, while Rylie Albertson and Danielle Williams fought to save his little brother.

“He was screaming for his mom. He was screaming for his dad. He was screaming for his little brother – very worried about all of them,” Carney recounted. “But I’m glad we were able to pull him away and put him kind of by the trailer where he could, like, be away from where his little brother’s CPR was performed, because even seeing that, like for a minute, I was like, it got bad for us and we didn’t even know.”

The group wished they could’ve done more to help resuscitate the one-year-old.

When they got home, the first phone call they made wasn’t to their parents, but a friend and retired Fire Chief who could teach them CPR. When asked if they would take CPR classes if they were offered, they all offered a resounding yes.

Red Cross CPR Certification

American Heart Association CPR Training

Idaho Falls Community Hospital

Benefit Dinner for Family

A benefit dinner will be held to support the family who was caught in the crash next month.

It will be held at the Westbank Convention Center on July 11th with dinner beginning at 6 PM. 

More details will be posted on the Signature Events Facebook Page as the event gets closer. 

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Par Kermani

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — Portneuf Health is now out of network for Regence BlueShield of Idaho members after failing to reach a new agreement before their previous contract expired on Sunday.

“Significant issues remain unresolved.” a press statement from Portneuf outlined. “Regence routinely denies a substantial portion of claims for medically necessary care provided to patients covered by their plans and has millions of dollars in unpaid claims owed to Portneuf.”

Portneuf also accused Regence of “taking the position that patients covered by theiur plans can skeek care outside their community rather than reaching a fair agreement with local providers.

In a statement to Local News 8, officials at Regence Blueshield of Idaho

“Although Regence’s prior long-standing contract with the operators of Portneuf Medical Center has lapsed, negotiations continue at an accelerated pace. Regence customer service is – as always – available to answer questions about coverage for ongoing care, emergency services and alternative provider options. As an Idaho not-for-profit insurer, we remain committed to ensuring any new agreement respects the healthcare affordability needs of our members, while fairly compensating the systems and professionals that provide care.”

Negotiations between Portneuf Health and Regence BlueShield of Idaho have been ongoing for months, but significant issues remain unresolved.

As of June 15, Portneuf Medical Center, its facilities and employed providers are considered out of network for all Regence insurance plans.

Portneuf said emergency services will continue to be covered at in-network benefit levels. Some patients may also qualify for continuity-of-care protections and are encouraged to contact Regence directly for more information.

Patients with questions about their coverage are encouraged to contact Regence BlueShield of Idaho or visit Portneuf’s network update page for the latest information.

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