Idaho Supreme Court weighs constitutionality of Private School Tax Credits

KIFI on January 23, 2026

Stephanie Lucas

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — The Idaho Supreme Court heard oral arguments today to determine whether Parental Choice Tax Credits, a program that provides public funds to families for non-public education expenses, are constitutional.

Lawyers representing the Idaho Education Association (IEA) and the Moscow School District argue that it drains resources from Idaho’s public school system. On the other side, supporters say the bill simply returns tax dollars to families choosing to use options outside of the system.

In today’s hearing, lawyers for the Idaho Education Association and the Moscow School District asked the Supreme Court to block the credit.

“The clear meaning we believe under the dictates of the constitution is that any time public moneys are being funneled to private enterprise, even if it is an impermissible funding,” argued Marvin M. Smith, attorney for the plaintiff.

The defense maintains that Article One, Section 9 of the Idaho Constitution does not impose a limit on the legislature.

“All the text requires is that the legislature establish and maintain a thorough system of public schools. And nobody here today disputes that it’s done that,” said Deputy Solicitor General Michael Zarian.”That should be the end of the analysis.”

Program Details and Impact

The program, established by House Bill 93, was signed into law by Governor Brad Little on February 27, 2025. According to HB 93’s statement of purpose, the program allows parents and guardians to receive up to 5-thousand dollars per student for “non-public school related expenses and up to 75-hundred for students with disabilities. 

Since taking effect, over 46-hundred families have applied for the tax credit

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Zion Young charged with DWI, speeding

KMIZ on January 23, 2026

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Star defensive end for the Missouri Tigers Zion Young was officially charged on Friday with a pair of misdemeanors.

Young, 21, of Covington, Georgia, was charged in Boone County with driving while intoxicated and speeding 11-15 miles over the speed limit. Missouri State Highway Patrol reports show he was arrested on Dec. 13 and previous reporting shows he was released on summons.

A hearing in his case has been scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 25 at the Boone County Courthouse. A motion for Young to produce documents was also filed on Friday.

The probable cause statement says a trooper was parked at 1:31 a.m. Dec. 13 on Providence Road, south of Champions Drive when Young’s Dodge Durango was clocked going 64 miles per hour in a 50-mph zone.

The trooper pulled over Young, who allegedly smelled like intoxicants, according to the statement. Young had allegedly told the trooper that was coming from “My House,” a bar in downtown Columbia. The trooper wrote in court documents that Young’s speech was slurred and his eyes were watery. Young allegedly said he did not drink “too much,” the statement says.

Young then allegedly refused to take a breath test and field sobriety tests, the statement says. The trooper wrote that Young’s blood was drawn for a test at University Hospital after a search warrant was applied for, but the possible alcohol content was not described.

Young declared for the NFL Draft on Jan. 2.

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Health officials warn: Central Oregon sees high flu activity

KTVZ on January 23, 2026

Triton Notary

CENTRAL OREGON (KTVZ)– Influenza season officially began in Central Oregon as of January 2026, with a significant increase in flu cases attributed to recent holiday gatherings.

Recent data indicates that flu positivity rates in Central Oregon have surged to 22.7%, mirroring trends observed during the 2024-2025 season when cases peaked at 28% in early January. Comparatively, statewide, Ore. recorded a 16.2% positivity rate in late December.

The recent uptick in flu cases reflects a broader increase in respiratory illnesses across the state and nation, with many states reporting high activity levels. Central Oregon’s flu activity is notably high, ranking as the second highest region in the state according to the Oregon Health Authority.

In addition to flu, Central Oregon has also seen a slight increase in Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) cases. Local health officials reported the highest number of positive COVID-19 tests for this season occurred between Oct. 5th and Oct. 11th, 2025, but these cases have been decreasing recently.

Health departments in Crook, Deschutes and Jefferson counties recommend several preventative measures to protect against respiratory illnesses, including vaccination and frequent hand washing. Residents are also advised to prepare for potential winter weather by driving cautiously and dressing appropriately for the season.

For more details on the full report go the the Deschutes County Website.

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Columbia activates 27-person overnight road crew for winter weather

KMIZ on January 23, 2026

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Columbia plow crews will report for duty at 10 p.m. Friday night in preparation of impending snow that is expected to hit the area.

The ABC 17 Stormtrack Weather Team is indicating that 6-9 inches could fall throughout Boone County this weekend. The area is in a winter storm warning through Sunday.

A press release from the city says a 27-person crew will work overnight Friday into Saturday and that works will continue doing 12-hour shifts until the weather event is over.

“Pavement temperatures are expected to remain below freezing throughout the event, and extreme cold will significantly limit the effectiveness of salt,” the release says. “As a result, this is expected to be primarily a plowing operation. Drivers should anticipate slick conditions on all roadways, including those that have been plowed.”

The impending snow has led to a number of churches in the area to cancel their Sunday services or to go remote.

The city said it would focus on “first and second priority routes.”

First priority routes include “Major residential and arterial streets for public safety needs,” and includes roads like Broadway, Green Meadows Road and Vandiver Drive, according to the city’s website.

Second priority routes include “heavily traveled collector and residential streets for Public Safety and City/school bus routes as well as streets connecting to schools, hospitals and other critical areas,” the city’s website says. Some roads in this tier include Fairview Road, Derby Ridge Drive and Parkade, the website says.

Mizzou Athletics also gave updates to parking for Saturday’s men’s basketball game. The Tigers host Oklahoma at 1 p.m. at Mizzou Arena.

“Champions Dr. from Providence Rd. to Mick Deaver Dr. will be closed due to anticipated weather,” Mizzou Athletics wrote on its social media. “Shuttles running from Truman’s Landing could be affected for the game. Fans without a parking pass are suggested to park in the Tiger Ave. Parking Structure (TAPS), which will be free for tomorrow’s game.”

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‘Sovereign citizen’ arrested; accused of DWI, hitting house with pickup truck

KMIZ on January 23, 2026

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Law enforcement arrested a “sovereign citizen” this week in Miller County who was accused of driving drunk and trying to escape confinement.

Korey Nelson, 26, of Dixon, Missouri, was charged earlier this week with aggravated fleeing, first-degree property damage, leaving the scene of an accident and four misdemeanors, including reckless driving, driving while intoxicated, driving on the wrong side of the road and speeding by more than 26 miles per hour. He was also charged on Friday with trying to escape confinement. He is being held on a $100,000 bond.

One of the probable cause statements say that law enforcement learned of someone recklessly driving a Chevrolet Colorado in Versailles at 11:37 p.m. Tuesday. Police tried talked to Nelson while he was parked at a gas station, but Nelson drove away and a chase topping more than 100 miles per hour occurred, the statement says.

Nelson allegedly hit a house with his vehicle before continuing to flee in the truck, the statement says. He allegedly drove the wrong way on Highway 54, turned off his headlights and almost hit several cars, according to a statement from the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

A trooper used his vehicle to hit Nelson’s truck near Atchinson Road, which disabled the vehicle, but Nelson kept pressing the gas pedal as officers walked up to the vehicle, the statement says.

The trooper noted that Nelson became belligerent and declared himself as a “sovereign citizen.”  The “sovereign citizen movement” is a conspiracy-based movement typically made up of people who misinterpret the law by claiming government statutes do not pertain to them unless they consent.

Troopers noted that Nelson appeared to be drunk and allegedly tried to kick out the window of the patrol car after he was arrested. He then resisted jail staff, the statement says.

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Gov. Little signs proclamation recognizing Community Risk Reduction Week across Idaho

KIFI on January 23, 2026

News Release

The following is a news release from the Idaho Falls Fire Department:

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — State leaders and fire service professionals from across Idaho gathered at the State Capitol in Boise on Jan. 20, 2026, as Gov. Brad Little signed a proclamation recognizing Community Risk Reduction Week, reinforcing a statewide commitment to prevention-focused public safety. Idaho Falls Fire Department Fire Marshal Scott Grimmett attended the proclamation signing in support of these statewide efforts, reflecting the department’s continued commitment to applying Community Risk Reduction principles locally.

The proclamation underscores Idaho’s emphasis on prevention, preparedness, and coordinated public safety efforts and supports the work of the Idaho Community Risk Reduction group, led by Meridian Fire Department community risk reduction manager Carly Shears.

During the ceremony, Shears outlined the intent and purpose of Community Risk Reduction and emphasized the importance of proactive, data-informed strategies to reduce risk before emergencies occur.

“Community Risk Reduction is the process fire departments use to identify risk before tragedy occurs and to take intentional action to reduce it,” Shears said. “As Idaho continues to grow, Community Risk Reduction provides the strategic framework and mindset shift from reactive to proactive.”

This year’s Community Risk Reduction message focuses on the five Es: Education, Engineering, Enforcement, Economic Incentives, and Emergency Response. Together, these elements form a comprehensive approach that ensures prevention efforts are not isolated programs, but coordinated strategies that reduce risk before, during, and after emergencies.

Idaho is one of the fastest-growing states in the nation, bringing increased call volume, higher population density, expanding development, and growing wildfire risk in the wildland-urban interface. At the same time, fire departments are facing staffing and budget limitations while emergencies become more frequent, complex, and severe. Community Risk Reduction provides a framework for addressing these challenges through collaboration, planning, and prevention.

This recognition by Gov. Little reinforces Community Risk Reduction as a foundational element of modern fire service work statewide. In Idaho Falls, that commitment is carried out through the Fire Prevention team, which applies data-driven strategies to reduce risk and help protect the community before emergencies occur.

Additional information and resources related to Community Risk Reduction Week are available at crrweek.org.

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Platte County Commission passes order to put Homestead Property Tax on the ballot

News-Press NOW on January 23, 2026

Leah Rainwater

PLATTE COUNTY, Mo. (KQTV) — The Platte County Commission unanimously approved an order authorizing a ballot measure for the April 2026 election.

If approved by voters, the measure would implement a Homestead Property Tax Credit Program authorized under Missouri statute 137.1055.

Subject to some extensions, the program would limit annual property tax increases on eligible homeowners’ primary residences to less than 5% per year.

The initiative expands on the County’s Senior Tax Credit program, enacted in 2024 and implemented in 2025, by providing broader property tax relief to help homeowners manage rising and unpredictable tax burdens.

“This unanimous decision marks another step in our efforts to deliver real, voter-driven property tax relief. By empowering Platte County residents to decide whether to implement this 5% cap, we’re taking concrete steps to protect families from unpredictable spikes in their tax burdens and promote greater financial stability for Platte County homeowners,” said Scott Fricker, Platte County’s presiding commissioner.

Voters will have the opportunity to decide on this tax relief measure during the April 2026 election.

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American Idol winner Abi Carter to perform at the 2026 BNP Paribas Open

KESQ on January 23, 2026

Jesus Reyes

INDIAN WELLS, Calif. (KESQ) – Organizers for the 2026 BNP Paribas Open announced a slate of marquee fan entertainment events set to headline the opening weekend and first week of March, which includes a performance from American Idol winner Abi Carter.

Carter, a Coachella Valley native, will headline the Village Stage lineup with a live performance on Wednesday, March 4 at 5:00 p.m. before the first evening session of the tournament.

Some of the other events taking place during the first week of the BNP include:

BNP Paribas Open Family Day on Saturday, February 28

Families with children of all ages can enjoy a fun-filled afternoon of interactive clinics, player appearances, live music, and more activities to kick off the fortnight in Tennis Paradise.

For the first time ever, Family Day will commence with the brand new BNP Paribas Open Family Day 5K Run, which will begin at 10:00am and traverse throughout the grounds of the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Family Day festivities will immediately follow the 5K race from 12:00-3:00pm.

Fans can visit bnpparibasopen.com/special-events/family-day for more information including how to register for the 5K race.

BNP Paribas Open Qualifying Days will also be of added interest to fans in 2026 as for the first time

he tournament will allow access to lower bowl seating in both Stadium 1 and Stadium 2 to watch superstar practice sessions.

From Sunday, March 1 to Tuesday, March 3, fans will be able to enter these stadiums and see top men’s and women’s players practice up close with the price of a $10 qualifying ticket.

“From an award-winning American Idol performance to expanded fan access to see their favorite players during qualifying days, we are always committed to delivering the ultimate Tennis Paradise experience,” said Philippe Dore, Chief Marketing Officer at the BNP Paribas Open. “These enhancements help create truly special moments for fans at Indian Wells.”

The 2026 BNP Paribas Open will take place from March 1-15 at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Tickets for all sessions are available now at bnpparibasopen.com/tickets.

Stay with News Channel 3 for coverage of the 2026 BNP Paribas Open.

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Man who previously served time for manslaughter sentenced 40 years for police chase

KMIZ on January 23, 2026

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A Columbia man was sentenced on Friday to 40 years in prison after he was found guilty of two felonies related to a 2024 chase with law enforcement.

Javion Lawhorn, 36, was found guilty on Dec. 10 by a Boone County Jury for aggravated fleeing and armed criminal action. He has previously served prison time after he entered an Alford plea in 2021 for second-degree assault and first-degree involuntary manslaughter in the death of 18-year-old Nadria Wright. He was sentenced to seven years in prison for that case, but served roughly three.

The probable cause statement in his recent case says police tried to initiate a traffic stop on Nov. 20, 2024 near the Clark Lane McDonald’s and Lawhorn drove off after the officer got out of the patrol vehicle.

The statement says speeds topped 137 miles per hour and the chase ended after deputies used spike strips on Lawhorn’s tires and he crashed his vehicle into a tree. Lawhorn then ran into the woods, but was arrested by deputies.

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Riverside County’s jobless rate ends 2025 lower

KESQ on January 23, 2026

City News Service

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KESQ) – With payroll gains outweighing losses throughout the regional economy, Riverside County’s unemployment rate ended 2025 lower than where it started, according figures released today by the California Employment Development Department.

The countywide jobless rate in December, based on preliminary EDD estimates, was 5.2%, compared to 5.5% in November.   

The December rate was a tenth of a percentage point lower than in January of last year, when countywide unemployment stood at 5.3%, but the rate was slightly higher compared to December 2024, when the published unemployment figure was exactly 5%.

The combined unemployment rate for Riverside and San Bernardino counties — the Inland Empire — was 5.1%, down from 5.5% in November, the EDD said.

Data showed that Cherry Valley had the highest unemployment rate countywide in December at 10.8%, followed by Coachella at 9.3%, Rancho Mirage at 8.4%, Valle Vista at 7.6% and Blythe and Hemet, each at 6.9%.   

Bi-county data indicated payrolls expanded by the widest margin last month in trade, transportation and utilities, where 3,400 positions were added, mainly in logistics.

The health services, information technology and professional business services sectors additionally grew by an aggregate 500 jobs, according to figures.

Payrolls contracted by the largest level in the construction sector, which shed 1,200 positions, while the agricultural, financial services, hospitality and public sectors declined by an estimated 1,000 jobs in December.   

The EDD said miscellaneous unclassified industries also posted a loss of 1,000.  

The mining and manufacturing sectors were unchanged.   

The statewide non-seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in December was 5.1%.

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