Month: January 2026

Par Kermani

IDAHO FALLS, IDAHO (KIFI) — Idaho drivers are enjoying a rare break at the pump this January, with gas prices sitting below the national average and about 25 cents cheaper than this time last year.

Nationally, the average price of gasoline is about 30 cents lower than a year ago. While Idaho typically ranks in the top 10 for the most expensive fuel in the nation, it is currently ranked 23rd.

“January is going to be your cheapest price,” said Matthew Conde, public and government affairs director for AAA Idaho. “We’re enjoying the savings, where it is unusual that we’re cheaper than the national average.”

The savings may not last long. Crude oil, which makes up about half the cost of a gallon of gas, remains the key factor to watch during geopolitical uncertainty.

“One of the big things you have to keep your eye on is crude oil,” Conde said, pointing to tensions involving Iran and Venezuela. “If the market becomes nervous, then the prices tend to go up for oil. And if that happens, then it’ll take those gas prices with it.”

Even if prices rise into spring and summer, starting from a lower “bar” in January could mean drivers still pay less than they did last year.

According to Conde, that could help fuel more road trips following record-breaking holiday travel last year, when about 90% of trips were by car. For those making “save more” a New Year’s resolution, experts say now is the time to maximize discounts.

“I recommend taking full advantage of those fuel rewards points,” Conde said. “The credit card companies and grocery stores want your business. I have a close friend who buys gift cards at the grocery store to accomplish two things: she uses them for restaurants she was going to visit anyway, but she also gets grocery credit for those purchases. It’s a double dip that can max out fuel rewards, saving an additional 30 to 50 cents per gallon.”

As for where to find the cheapest gas, the answer depends on the market. Some large retailers sell fuel at or near cost to draw shoppers inside, but prices can vary widely by location.

“Most people have their favorite spot,” Conde said, noting that drivers are unlikely to travel 15 miles out of their way just to save a few cents per gallon.

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News Release

The following is a news release from the city of Pocatello:

POCATELLO, Idaho — Starting today, January 20, the City of Pocatello is inviting community members to provide feedback on proposed landscape redesign options for city entryways and roadways throughout the city.

The City’s Planning & Development Services Department, in consultation with The Land Group, is seeking input on designs intended to improve the appearance of key corridors while reducing water use and wildfire risk through waterwise and firewise landscaping practices. The public comment period will remain open through January 30.

“This feedback will help guide future beautification efforts for our city’s roadways and entryways,” said Jim Anglesey, Pocatello’s Long-Range Senior Planner. “The goal is to enhance the City’s appearance while selecting landscaping better suited to our semi-arid environment. These designs will be used as funding becomes available to support landscape and irrigation improvements at various locations across the city.”

Community members can view proposed locations and design concepts and submit feedback online at: pocatello.seamlessdocs.com/f/PDSlandscapeconcepts

This project supports multiple goals identified in the City’s Comprehensive Plan. More information about Comprehensive Plan 2040 is available at: pocatello.gov/DocumentCenter/View/318/Comprehensive-Plan-2040-PDF

The project was made possible through a Western State Fire Manager’s Grant administered by the Idaho Department of Lands. The grant-funded effort focuses on reducing fuels along roadways and interstates by redesigning adjacent landscaping to better align with local environmental conditions. The proposed designs will be implemented as funding becomes available to support landscape and irrigation improvements at various locations throughout the city.

For more information about the project, please contact Jim Anglesey at 208-234-6514 or janglesey@pocatello.gov.

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Seth Ratliff

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — Nicholas Umphenour, the man accused of engaging in a deadly hospital ambush to free a white supremacist inmate, has reached a plea deal with prosecutors to avoid the death penalty.

Court documents filed on January 13, 2026, reveal that Umphenour, 30, will enter an Alford plea for the killings of 83-year-old James Mauney and 72-year-old Gerald “Don” Henderson. An Alford plea allows a defendant to maintain their innocence while acknowledging that the prosecution has enough evidence to secure a conviction.

Under the terms of the deal with Nez Perce and Clearwater county prosecutors, Umphenour will waive his right to a preliminary hearing and a jury trial. In exchange, the state will not seek the death penalty, and Umphenour serve a life sentence without the possibility of parole.

This move comes only weeks after his co-conspirator, Skylar Meade, entered a similar plea. While a hearing for Umphenour has not yet been set, Meade is scheduled for sentencing at the Nez Perce County Courthouse on January 27, 2026, at 8:30 a.m.

Background

The charges stem from Meade’s violent breakout on March 20, 2024, at Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center. While being held by the Idaho Department of Corrections on another conviction, Meade broke out of custody during a visit to the Boise area hospital. During the escape, Uphernour shot two IDOC guards who were monitoring Meade at the time.

While on the run, Idaho State Police say the pair stole 83-year-old James Mauney’s Chrysler Pacifica. Mauney’s body was discovered near Leland.

Investigators later found Gerald “Don” Henderson dead at his remote home outside Orofino. Umphenour had briefly lived with Henderson over a decade before, according to reports by KTVB. Police recovered Mauney’s dogs and Meade’s discarded shackles at Henderson’s home, eventually leading to the duo’s capture following a multi-state manhunt.

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Ariel Jensen

REXBURG, Idaho (KIFI) –  The city of Rexburg is excited to welcome a new attraction to town. They are introducing a new ice skating rink for hockey, figure skating, and recreational skating.  

“We are always, you know, just wanting more things to do in the wintertime. And so this is one more event. And like this winter, it’s been tough to get out and do cross-country skiing or skating because of the weather,” said Rexburg Mayor Jerry Merrill. “And this being an indoor facility, it’s all climate-controlled. And so you go in there, and the ice is beautiful and perfect, and people are having a great time.”

A private individual built the ice rink on city land at Riverside Park. He had an agreement with Rexburg that they could operate the facility for up to 25 years or donate it. That person chose to donate it in less than 2 years to the city.  

“I can just tell you, I’ve been here 20 years and saving for these types of capital facilities, especially for recreation, is almost impossible,” said Matt Nielson, CFO for the city of Rexburg. “To be quite frank, it’s an amazing donation to think that somebody privately built this facility and donated it to the Rexburg. You know, really, to the residents of Rexburg to be able to continue to use it for many years to come.”

The mayor says a grand opening is planned for sometime in February. 

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