Author: KIFI

David Pace

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) – A lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of Idaho’s new Parental Choice Tax Credits goes before the Idaho Supreme Court on Friday.

The credits provide reimbursement for up to $5,000 per child each year for educational expenses or $7,500 per child with special needs.

The new $50 million program passed the Legislature in February 2025, and was signed by Gov. Brad Little in the face of significant resistance.

In the case, the Idaho Education Association, Moscow School District #281 and other groups cite Article IX of the Idaho Constitution. They argue that the tax credits are unconstitutional because “the Legislature has acted outside the bounds of its authority by subsidizing private schools within the state of Idaho.”

“The state constitution, it talks about for the betterment of the electorate that we have to have free, uniform, thorough, common, public schools, right?” said Rep. Stephanie Mickelsen, R-Idaho Falls, who is a plaintiff in the case. “…This really is what this cases hinges upon is the intent of the framers of our state Constitution. Was it their desire to not send public tax dollars to private schools?”

But the Mountain States Policy Center, which advocated for the tax credits, says state programs, such as Idaho Launch, already send state funds to private and religious institutions in the state.

“I think one of the most dangerous parts of this case is the arguments that the petitioners are using vis à vis the state’s tax system and what the tax system allows for and what it doesn’t allow for,” said Chris Cargill, Mountain States Policy Center President & CEO. “They’re basically saying that because parents have the ability to use these dollars in ways that they don’t like that somehow that means that the program itself is unconstitutional.”

The Mountain States Policy Center reports that 64 percent of Idahoans support the tax credits, according to multiple of its polls.

However, during the last session, the Governor’s office reported receiving nearly 37,500 calls and email messages about the measure, with 86 percent of those expressing disapproval.

A decision from Idaho’s highest court is expected by the end of the Legislative session.

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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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Seth Ratliff

REXBURG, Idaho (KIFI) — Due to an unseasonal and total lack of snow, the City of Rexburg’s Winterfest 2026 has put on permanent ice. The Rexburg Parks and Recreation Department confirmed the cancellation on Facebook.

City leadership had initially put celebration on ice, postponing the event until January 24, in hopes of a late-season storm, but with no significant snowfall in the forecast, the city chose to call off the festivities entirely.

Winterfest typically serves as a highlight of the Rexburg winter season, usually held in January or February, featuring traditions like the Cupid Cup cross-country ski race and a polar plunge.

“Without winter conditions, Winterfest won’t take place this year, but we already have some big plans in mind for our 2027 event,” the city stated in their Facebook post. “Thanks for understanding, and we’ll see you next year… when winter will hopefully decide to show up.”

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KTVB

By: Abby Wilt

Published: 10:24 PM MST January 18, 2026

For updates in this story, click HERE.

BOISE, Idaho (KTVB) — Idaho Fish and Game is proposing new regulations to the Idaho legislature this session that would restrict hunters’ use of advanced technology during big game season, after concerns about advancements in hunting equipment.

The regulations stem from recommendations provided by a group of 23 hunters, bear baiters, trappers, long-range shooters and wolf hunters, who advised Fish and Game on fair hunting practices in Idaho. After a public comment period, the agency is now presenting the proposal to state lawmakers.

The proposed rules would restrict four main technologies from Aug. 30 through Dec. 31: drones, night vision equipment, thermal imaging optics and transmitting trail cameras. Hunters would not be able to retrieve animals after their death using these technologies.

Under the proposal, hunters would be completely prohibited from using drones for scouting or hunting big game animals. Night vision and thermal imaging technology could not be used for scouting, hunting or retrieval of big game animals. Transmitting trail cameras would be banned on federal, state or local land for big game hunting and scouting, though Idahoans could still use them to monitor private property and photograph wildlife.

The proposals have drawn mixed reactions from Idaho hunters.

Michael La Course, who has hunted in Idaho since 2012, said he understands the rationale behind some restrictions but worries excessive regulations could diminish both the enjoyment and practicality of hunting.

“I can see, in a sense, where they’re coming from,” La Course said. 

La Course said he agrees with the elimination of drones, but would like to still use thermal imaging and trail cameras. 

“Thermal imaging makes it a lot easier to find your animal just because you can literally walk past it 20 yards,” La Course said. “If you lost the blood trail, you would never find it, and you have to circle and circle. If you have thermal vision, [you] will be able to recover them.”

La Course said some regulations are necessary to protect wildlife but expressed concern about overregulation.

“If we are starting to restrict more and more, it’s going to hurt us in the long run,” La Course said. “It is very important to preserve that way of life.”

Idaho Fish and Game told KTVB they will not comment on pending legislation, and it has not yet been introduced to the legislature. 

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Seth Ratliff

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — The lottery period is officially open for Gem Prep: Idaho Falls, the city’s newest tuition-free K-12 public charter school, ahead of its scheduled opening for the 2026-2027 academic year. Interested parents of young students have until February 26, 2026, to enter the enrollment lottery.

Gem Prep: Idaho Falls marks the 8th in a network of free charter schools across the Gem State. Crews broke ground on the new Charter School last September, and construction is projected to be finished in time for students to begin classes in mid-August 2026.

“The walls are up, and the windows and doors are going in as we speak. We are one step closer to opening this campus,” the school wrote in a January Newsletter.

For more information or to directly enroll in the lottery process, click HERE. Gem Prep will also host an in-person information session for interested parents on Wednesday, January 28, at 7:00 PM at the Idaho Falls Library.

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Maile Sipraseuth

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI)– The Eastern Idaho Ag Expo kicked off today, January 20, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the ICCU Dome.

Over 150 companies were at the ICCU Dome and the Student Union Ballroom. Vendors said events like these are important for agricultural businesses to make connections with farmers.

“Everybody has this platform to show off the new products that they offer. And the things that the customers aren’t aware of that are out there. And so they get an idea of how they can better their company as well,” Corey Baumbach, outside salesman of Fairbank, said.

Vendors also saw the importance of visibility and collaboration within the agricultural sector.

“It’s important to just show the industry that we’re here and to reach out to farmers and other vendors to connect and make an impact in the community,” Anthony Schilling, sales manager, eastern Idaho salesman and agronomist of Magic Valley Compost, said.

The next three days are to focus on the potato industry, and the potato conference topics include:

Optimizing Temperature and Humidity for Storage

Management of Potato Viruses

Integrated Pest Management

Mitigating Pesticide Drift 

Over 25 hours of workshops and seminars will include Impact of Hail and Tuber Bruising, nematode management, glyphosate stewardship, Optimizing Potato Variety Selection, nutrient management, and more.

The event will be held through Wednesday, Jan. 21, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Thursday, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

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KIVI Staff

Originally Published: 5:55 PM, Jan 19, 2026

By: Brady Caskey

BOISE, Idaho (KIVI) — A new way to pay could be coming to Idaho — letting residents buy everyday items with gold or silver using a debit card linked to physical precious metals.

Lawmakers heard how the proposal might work at a meeting on Monday, January 19.

“What we would like to see is a system that is backed by gold and silver, where people can actually use it in the day-to-day sphere,” said Idaho State Sen. Josh Kohl, who is spearheading the idea in Idaho.

“I think there would be a state depository where Idahoans could put in certain accounts, their accounts, of gold and silver, and then they could use that,” he said.

Kohl says the precious metals-based system could help protect Idahoans from inflation.

“But that’s actually gold and silver that they’re using to make purchases and not a devaluing dollar,” Kohl said.

Similar systems have been implemented in Texas, Louisiana, Missouri, Arkansas, and Florida. Economic author Kevin Freeman said Idaho could benefit from creating a transactional gold and silver system.

“States can make gold and silver coin, let’s just make them modern — let’s slap a debit card on them and allow people to spend gold and silver as real money,” Freeman said.

He said the move could make owning precious metals more accessible for everyday use.

“Under the system, you could buy $100 or $10 or $50 worth of gold or silver and use it like money,” Freeman said.

For the system to work, the state would need to create a depository to hold gold and silver controlled by individual Idahoans.

“But the underlying value is gold or silver, not paper,” Freeman said.

Even so, prices for gold and silver can still fluctuate.

“It’s really optional, it’s a choice. Now the downside would be gold could go down in value, it could go down against the dollar,” Freeman said.

“The real question is, how do we make this fit for Idaho best?” Kohl added.

Kohl says he is working on legislation this session to lay the framework for gold and silver to be used in everyday transactions.

This story was initially reported by a journalist and has been, in part, converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

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