Category: kifi-local-news

Seth Ratliff

REXBURG, Idaho (KIFI) — A multi-month investigation into internet crimes against children has led to serious felony charges against a Salem man.

Wyatt Widdison has been charged with eight counts of possessing child sexually exploitative material (child pornography) in a Fremont County court. According to an official release from Madison County Sheriff Ron Ball, the investigation highlights “the strong partnerships between local, state, and regional agencies working together to protect vulnerable individuals.”

The Investigation & Arrest

The case began on Dec. 15, 2025, when the Madison County Sheriff’s Office received an anonymous report regarding an adult contacting minors online.

Over the following months, Madison County detectives collaborated with local agencies, law enforcement across multiple western states, and the Idaho Attorney General’s Office to investigate.

On May 15th, a warrant was issued for Widdison’s arrest. Madison County detectives and patrol deputies located him in the Salem area and took him into custody.

On May 18, 2026, Wyatt Widdison was arraigned in Fremont County Court and was given a bond of $500,000.

Investigators believe there may be additional people with information related to this investigation who have not yet come forward. In a press release announcing the arrest, Sheriff Ball encouraged anyone with information to contact law enforcement.

“Anyone who may have had contact with the suspect, or who may have information relevant to this case, is encouraged to contact Madison County Detectives,” said Ball.

Editor’s Note: An arrest or formal charge is merely an accusation. All suspects are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.

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Megan Lavin

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – A national medication shortage is affecting some women in eastern Idaho, as estrogen patches become increasingly difficult to find for those treating menopause symptoms.

Estrogen patches are part of hormone replacement therapy and are often prescribed to help manage menopause and perimenopause symptoms like joint pain, mood swings, night sweats and hot flashes.

MORE WOMEN TURNING TO HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY

As menopause becomes less taboo, more women are seeking treatment, creating supply and demand problems nationwide.

Heidi Gregersen, a menopause-certified family nurse practitioner with Monarch Healthcare and one of only two menopause-certified providers in Idaho Falls, says demand has spiked.

“There’s been a huge surge — like 75 to 80% uptake in the last year — of women who are seeking treatment for hormone replacement therapy for menopause,” Gregersen said.

Gregersen says changing guidance surrounding hormone therapy may also be making women more open to treatment. In late 2025 and early 2026, the FDA began removing or revising some boxed warning language tied to certain menopause hormone therapies.

Gregersen says hormone therapy is not only about easing uncomfortable symptoms.

“This is not just about keeping women comfortable from a hot flash,” Gregersen said. “This is also about preventing her risk for hip fracture maybe 20 years down the line, reducing [her] risk for cardiovascular disease.”

She says estrogen therapy may also help improve cholesterol profiles, bone density and metabolic health for some patients.

The recent shortage has Gregersen worried some women may simply go without treatment — much like generations before them who often suffered through menopause silently.

“My mom’s generation, nobody talked about this,” Gregersen said.

“I worry that I’m not hearing from some people who aren’t able to get their patch,” she added.

OTHER OPTIONS

Gregersen says women should not abruptly stop treatment without first talking with a medical provider.

She says there are often temporary alternatives available, including:

Using two lower-dose patches instead of one higher-dose patch

Switching from twice-weekly patches to once-weekly versions

Using estrogen gels or creams

Temporarily switching to oral estrogen, if medically appropriate

MORE ATTENTION IS NEEDED

Gregersen says menopause care still has a long way to go.

“If men went through menopause, this problem would have been solved a long time ago,” Gregersen said.

She says many providers — even those specializing in women’s health — receive limited menopause-specific training, despite menopause affecting every woman and symptoms sometimes lasting for years.

“Perimenopause can last eight years,” she said. “That’s a long time to suffer with symptoms.”

WARNING ABOUT ONLINE WELLNESS TRENDS

Gregersen also warned women to be cautious about expensive online wellness treatments and social media hormone trends that may not be FDA-approved or medically necessary.

“I don’t think you need all…these ads,” Gregersen said. “We can get you really safe, FDA-approved, effective treatment available from your pharmacy.”

Gregersen encourages women experiencing menopause symptoms to talk with a trusted healthcare provider about whether hormone therapy may be appropriate for them.

“It’s not for everybody,” Gregersen said. “But it’s right for a lot of people.”

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Danielle Mullenix

Idaho Falls, ID (KIFI) – It is officially Primary Election Day in Idaho, and voters have a few things to keep in mind as they head to the poll booths today.

This election includes several races voters across eastern Idaho have been closely watching: from local county leadership positions to legislative races that could impact issues like education funding, growth, infrastructure, and property taxes.

Election officials are reminding voters to double-check their polling location before heading out, bring an approved form of ID, and remember that Idaho is a closed primary state — meaning voters must be registered with a political party to vote in that party’s primary. In Bonnville County, some polling locations have been moved. For the list, see below:

PREVIOUS LOCATION…………………….NEW LOCATION

Dora Erickson Elementary Elks Lodge (640 East Elva Street)

Hampton Inn Lookout Credit Union (East Sunnyside Road)

4-H Education Complex, Taylorview Middle School, and Sunnyside Elementary School also have updated locations for today’s election.

If an absentee ballot is still at home, officials advise against mailing it today. Instead, it should be hand-delivered directly to the county elections office before the deadline tonight.

Just a reminder: Since 2011, a law has been in place allowing voters to vote only in the primary of the party they are registered with. However, if a party tells the Secretary of State in writing that they can permit other voters, such as unaffiliated voters or those registered with different parties, to join their primary election. 

“Primary elections matter,” said Secretary of State Phil McGrane. “The races on the ballot range from Idaho’s Congressional seats and state legislative races down to the hyperlocal precinct committeemen who represent your neighborhood. In Idaho, we make it easy to register, vote, and preview your own ballot before Election Day. I encourage every eligible voter to make a plan and vote.”

Polls remain open until 8 p.m. tonight, and as long as voters are in line by that deadline, they’ll still be allowed to cast their ballot.

Local News 8 will bring the latest updates to the 2026 primary elections, both online and on all shows. To view election results, click here.

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David Pace

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – For the second election in a row, Kelly Golden is facing incumbent Stephanie Mickelsen in the contest for Legislative District 32 Seat A.

Polls open Tuesday from 8 A.M. to 8 P.M. across Eastern Idaho.

The two identified their top issues in the race.

Stephanie Mickelsen: “My top three issues would be one – affordability, two is education, and three is probably public safety or water.”

Kelly Golden: “To me, the top three major issues have been an economy that works for Idaho, immigration, and school choice – so educational freedom for parents.”

They also and shared their priorities on funding for education.

Stephanie Mickelsen: “I think we have to look at the funding formula for schools. Right now, we have a differential because they’re paying online, private charter schools the same amount as they’re paying our bricks-and-mortar schools. When bricks-and-mortar schools are having to pay for things like janitors and lunch ladies, and online schools don’t have those same things, we need to have that reflected in the funding formula. We also need to make sure that we restore some of the funding to the colleges. The colleges like [College of] Eastern Idaho, for example, because we’re creating huge backlogs.”

Kelly Golden: “I’m for school choice and educational freedom. I’m a strong backer of House Bill 93. I believe that parents are the best suited to make those educational decisions for their kids. That and it’s hard because to say I’m pro-school choice doesn’t mean that I’m anti-teacher. I think there’s some amazing teachers in all of our school districts, and they are doing everything they can with the resources that they’re given.”

Watch our in-depth interviews below for their contrasting views on illegal immigration enforcement, Medicaid expansion and more.

Stephanie Mickelsen election interview.

Kelly Golden election interview.

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Stephanie Lucas

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) – Governor Brad Little’s office says more dangerous illegal alien criminals have been transported out of the country under his Operation No Return, bringing the total number of criminals removed to nearly 100.

“Through Operation No Return, we are making it clear that dangerous criminal illegal aliens who threaten the safety of our communities will not be released back onto Idaho streets. Idaho is tough on crime, and we put the safety of Idaho families first,” Governor Little said.

According to the Governor’s Office press release, Operation No Return operates under the Idaho State Police to take “dangerous, illegal alien criminals out of county jails after the completion of their sentences instead of being released back into Idaho communities. The transports are the first step necessary to remove them from the State of Idaho.”

Mugshots of criminals that have been removed can be found at https://gov.idaho.gov/operation-no-return.

Governor Little’s office, under the Idaho State Police, Operation No Return takes “dangerous, illegal alien criminals out of county jails after the completion of their sentences instead of being released back into Idaho communities. The transports are the first step necessary to remove them from the State of Idaho.”

The transports are part of the state’s agreement with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency (ICE) under the 287(g) program.

All of them were in the United States illegally and will be deported to their country of origin rather than being released back into Idaho communities after completing their sentences.

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Kaelyn Blessinger

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – It wasn’t a bird, a plane, or even Superman soaring above students at American Heritage Charter School today. It was a Black Hawk military helicopter touching down as part of the school’s America 250 Birthday Celebration.

Military and first responder vehicles, the helicopter, and the people who run them came together to honor Idaho’s military members and first responders, while introducing students to potential careers in public service.

“Today’s event is to help our students to be able to come into contact with the men and women they learn about here at school,” Superintendent Tiffnee Hurst said. “And to be able to see them and talk to them and to find out what it is to serve their country and their community.”

Students toured the service vehicles, including the attack helicopter, to further enhance their understanding of first responders and military careers.

“Our whole mission at the school is for our children to understand what it is to be free and our Constitution and our founding documents and our founding fathers,” Business Manager Angela Lords said. “Also, our servicemen and women who serve to keep us safe, in our community and in other countries. So it takes a lot of us.”

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Maile Sipraseuth

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI)– Following an arrest of a suspected drug dealer that was taken into custody last week in connection with a Sugar City student’s overdose earlier this year, Local News 8 learned about how schools across eastern Idaho are working to prevent drug use among students both on and off campus.

RELATED: Madison County Deputies arrest suspect in connection to juvenile overdose

Sargent Daniel Sperry has worked as a resource officer for Bonneville High School since 2013. He’s seen the ups and downs that students face every day.

“We start off with prevention. So we’re we work with the kids. In elementary age, for instance, our DARE program, we teach them decision-making skills, how to make healthy choices, and we talk about choosing good friends and how to avoid dangerous situations,” Sperry said.

Education Over Punishment

According to Sperry, the most common issues schools encounter involve nicotine, marijuana, and alcohol. Rather than focusing only on punishment, schools are increasingly turning to education and intervention programs to help students make better choices.

“When a student is caught with, let’s say, nicotine for the first time, instead of just writing a citation or giving them a fine for it, we’ll provide cessation classes,” Sperry said. “We’ve worked closely with East Idaho Public Health to provide cessation classes to that student to help them stop so that they don’t go further on into the next step of other drugs or other poor choices.”

District 93 schools and several local charter schools have also added preventative tools on campus, including vape detectors installed in secondary school restrooms.

“All of the secondary schools here in District 93 and a lot of the charter schools in the area have vape detectors in the restrooms,” Sperry said, “we also bring in drug K-9s on occasion as well.”

Schools also work with law enforcement K-9 units to conduct periodic searches on school property. One of those dogs, Duke, is trained to detect drugs ranging from THC to heroin.

“Schools will even randomly ask us to schedule the canines to come into the school,” Sperry said. “We’ll do searches of parts of the school, lockers, classrooms, and parking lots.”

A Network of Support

Sperry says schools also partner with juvenile probation officers and the Bonneville County Prosecutor’s Office to connect students with additional resources outside the classroom.

“We all come together and discuss the incoming cases and discuss the individual needs of that student,” Sperry said. “That way, we can get the resources for that student to get them on a good trajectory.”

Sperry says one of his favorite lessons teaches students the importance of building a support system. In the activity, students write their name in the center of a piece of paper and surround it with circles filled with the names of trusted adults they can turn to if they feel pressured, unsafe or need help. He says the goal is for students to continue adding names as they grow older, creating a larger network of support over time. Sperry says the exercise reminds students that even during difficult moments, they are never truly alone and always have people they can rely on.

“I also encourage them to, as they grow up, to live their life in a way where they’re on somebody else’s trust network,” Sperry said.

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, mental health challenges, or a crisis, help is available. Call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. It is free, confidential, and available 24/7.

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Seth Ratliff

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — The clock is ticking for thousands of southeast Idaho residents who could lose in-network access to Portneuf Medical Center and its affiliates by June 15, as contract negotiations between Portneuf Health and Regence BlueShield of Idaho remain at a standstill.

If a new agreement is not reached, patients with Regence insurance will face significantly higher out-of-pocket costs for non-emergency services, forcing many to either pay premium rates to keep their doctors or find other care options.

Portneuf: “Disruptive Practices” Blamed for Delay

Portneuf Health issued a press update on Monday, May 18, stating its commitment to securing a fair agreement that ensures continuous in-network access for Regence members. Portneuf has proposed a modest increase as part of a longer-term agreement, aiming to provide stability for patients and employers.

However, the healthcare provider indicated that key issues remain unresolved, including Regence’s “disruptive practices” that lead to delayed and unpaid claims. In addition, the hospital says Regence’s parent company — Cambia Health — owes Portneuf more than $30 million in unpaid claims.

Katie Damron Quayle, Director of Marketing for Portneuf Health, detailed the ongoing issues in the press release. “In addition to delayed and unpaid claims, Regence continues disruptive practices including denials, down-coding and repeated claim reprocessing that interfere with timely patient care and create unnecessary administrative burdens that increase costs,” Quayle said.

Quayle added that these practices directly threaten Portneuf’s ability to sustain local access to care. The hospital also notes that Regence currently reimburses Portneuf substantially less than other major insurers in the market and less than it pays other Idaho health systems.

Portneuf’s negotiations are being led by its Tennessee-based parent company, Ardent Health.

Regence: Hospital Demanding “Unreasonable” Rate Increases

On the other side of the negotiations, Ryan Pharis, Vice President of Contracting for Regence BlueShield of Idaho, stated that the insurer is actively working towards an agreement.

Ryan Pharis, Vice President of Contracting for Regence, said the insurer is actively working toward a resolution but claims Ardent Health’s financial demands are unrealistic.

“We’re meeting regularly on a weekly basis with the teams over there to try to get a deal done,” Pharis said in an interview with Local News 8 earlier this month. “We are really working to provide access to affordable care for the people of Pocatello. [But] when Ardent Health is asking for rate increases twice the cost of inflation, despite its financials showing that they’re making double-digit margins, that makes it really tough.”

What’s Next for Patients?

While Portneuf remains hopeful an agreement can still be reached, the healthcare provider has encouraged Regence members to visit portneuf.org/network-update for information about coverage options, continuity of care resources, and additional updates.

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Seth Ratliff

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — The City of Pocatello Hearing Examiner has denied the Conditional Use Permit application to build a proposed AI Data Center on the former Hoku polysilicon plant site.

According to an official Facebook post, the application by Lex Developments, an Arizona-based company that purchased the property, “does not meet the standards for approval under Chapter 17.02.130 D of the Pocatello Municipal Code.”

This decision follows a tense public hearing at City Hall in Pocatello, which saw more than 300 residents gather to voice their opinions on the project. The majority were in opposition to the proposed data center, expressing concerns that the data center would pull water from state agriculture and Pocatello’s resources.

RELATED: Tensions Rise at Public Hearing for Pocatello AI Data Center Proposal

Lex Development, however, has claimed the project would work on a “closed loop system,” using around 80-95% less water than traditional data centers.

Why the Permit Was Denied

According to official meeting minutes, the Hearing Examiner ruled that the developer failed to prove the project would not negatively impact the community. Specifically, the application did not “adequately address that the project would not be detrimental to the public interests, health, safety, or welfare of the city.”

Furthermore, the Hearing Examiner stated that Lex Developments must conduct comprehensive impact analyses before submitting any future applications.

“These studies should include at a minimum: wastewater discharge quantities; identification of pretreatment systems if needed; potential chemical discharge; water demand calculations; long term electrical infrastructure requirements and environmental impacts related to emissions, water utilization and wastewater discharge.”

Under the City code, all parties now have 14 days to file an appeal. For more information, click HERE.

This is a developing story. Local News 8 will provide additional information throughout the evening.

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Jeff Roper

WEST YELLOWSTONE, Montana (KIFI) — Good family entertainment is officially back for the summer! After months of intensive construction, the legendary Westgate Theatre is finally ready to reopen its doors, proving that everything old can indeed be new again.

Located at 29 Madison Avenue in West Yellowstone, Montana, the theater is scheduled for its grand reopening on June 4th.

For owner Kyle Benson, his brothers, and their families, the project is more than just a business venture—it’s the continuation of a longstanding family tradition.

A Major Facelift for a 100-Year-Old Icon

The 100-year-old building has been a staple of family entertainment since 1961, when Kyle’s grandfather, Lynn Benson, alongside partners from Ricks College and family, transformed a rundown West Yellowstone drugstore into a small theater.

Over the decades, it grew to become a landmark destination, treasured not only by residents but also by the more than 12,000 tourists who pass through West Yellowstone annually.

Today, the entire family is getting in on the act to bring it back to life. Kyle says it’s been a major renovation.

“We’ve gutted it down to bare studs. It’s going to get a hefty facelift,” said Kyle.

Built on a Shoestring Budget

While show business might seem glamorous from the outside, the Benson family knows theater’s survival was hard-earned.

“The first ten years were pretty rough,” Benson recalled. “In fact, my grandma would ask my grandfather regularly, ‘Is this going to be our last year? Is this going to continue on?’ And his answer was always, ‘Let’s try it one more time.'”

Kyle says the theater was built on a “shoestring budget,” with Lynn and his partners pitching in around “600 bucks apiece.”

“Granted, it was in the 60s. So I mean, that was some real money back then,” explains Kyle.

Unearthing a Time Capsule

Renovating the century-old building has felt like opening a time capsule for the Benson family. As they took the building down to the studs, they uncovered remnants of the theater’s previous life. One piece that stood out was a handwritten note dated about 1958.

“We think it’s from the pharmacy that was in here before,” said Kyle. “When they moved in, the pharmacy had walked out the door…they walked away, they left a bunch of drugs and bottles and all sorts of stuff. So that was one of the first things they [Lynn and company] had to do was to clean out the remnants from the pharmacy.”

With its rich history preserved and a completely modernized interior, Kyle says tickets are now on sale for this new season in West Yellowstone. For more information, click HERE.

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