Author: KIFI

David Pace

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – For six years, angels at the People in Need Coalition (PINC) have been providing the hungry with hundreds of free lunches – three days a week.

“People don’t have food,” said Monica Kachur, who has lived in Idaho Falls for six years. “This is the place to get something for the families.”

But the loss of Grocery Outlet in town means the non-profit is losing its primary food supplier, and the group of eight to ten volunteers are looking to the community to help fill the gap.

“I know for a lot of people, it’s the difference between eating today and not eating today,” said Rachael Christensen, a friend of the non-profit. 

On Wednesday, PINC volunteers cooked and gave out 524 Grab ‘n Go lunches with fresh, homemade Tex-Mex food, vegetables and dessert.

“Our goal is to greet them with a smile, to ask them how they’re doing, and then to find out how many meals they need,” said People in Need Coalition (PINC) Founder Bonnie Champagne.

Last year, they provided 75,394 meals to people who need it most.

“They provide food Monday, Wednesday and Friday. They have lunches at 11:30 pick up,” said Kachur, who came to visit and grab a lunch. “They also have in the front they have a table with food people donate, and people donate the clothes.”  

The nondenominational non-profit is housed at First Christian Church on 1800 12th Street in Idaho Falls.

“For something like PINC that doesn’t charge, that doesn’t make you fill out paperwork, that doesn’t demand anything from you, it really fills a tremendous gap in the people who tend to fall in the cracks,” Christensen said.

But now PINC finds itself in need as well.

“For the last several years, we have been supported by the Grocery Outlet, who just closed,” Champagne said. “They gave us their rescued food, and this worked out very nicely for us. They’re closed. We don’t know how we’re going to make up the difference, because it’s pretty substantial.”

The non-profit will have to close its doors in July without additional community support.

PINC is searching for cash donations and food contributions, and is also willing to take additional volunteers.

“Hopefully other grocery stores will donate here to help fill the gap that is going to be happening,” said Cheryl Kidd, a Pearl Health Clinic social worker.

If you’d like to contribute and keep the PINC Grab ‘n Go lunch program going, you can donate directly to PINC’s Venmo page here. You can also type in “Pinc Pinc” or search for @pincoalition on Venmo.

“We give out a lot of hugs. We give out encouragement – whatever we feel is needed at the time – along with a hot meal,” Champagne said.

A volunteer delivers a homemade, hot meal to a patron at PINC on Wednesday.

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David Pace

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – Rock band Foreigner brought the house down tonight at the Mountain America Center.

“I work with an amazing band with an incredible legacy –16 Top 30 songs. So our setlist is like, you know, a greatest hits package,” said Foreigner Musical Director and Bassist Jeff Pilson. “So it’s a great situation, and we love playing live. We love coming here.”

The group has sold more than 80 million records worldwide. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2024.

Vocalist Luis Maldanado, bassist Jeff Pilson, keyboarder Michael Bluestein, guitarist Bruce Watson and drummer Chris Frazier showed off some of the most famous numbers in rock and roll – including “Cold as Ice,” “Juke Box Hero” and “Hot Blooded.”

In the second-to-last number, Rigby High School’s choir took to the stage, joining Foreigner to perform their biggest hit single – “I Want to Know What Love Is.”

“It’s way fun. It’s a honestly a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” said Rigby High School Choirs Vice President Isabella Corbett. “It’s very fun to be singing with a band this big.”

Pilson said Foreigner loves working with local high school choirs in their performances.

“We like to give money to the schools for their music programs, because first thing that gets cut in budget cuts is the music program,” Pilson said. “I myself went to public school. My music education there was very important to me, and I probably wouldn’t be doing what I do without the orchestra conductor that I had for several years.”

Foreigner donated $500 to Rigby’s Choir program and encouraged the singers to pursue their dreams!

“This is really big for our choir because lately we’ve been losing a lot of funding for the program,” said Isaac Corbett, Rigby High School Chambers Choir president. “This will really pick us back up.”

The band that brought “Waiting for a Girl Like You” to the masses says the next generation of world-famous musicians will likely start out playing and learning music at a public school music program.

“Big advocate for public school music education,” Pilson said. “That’s one of the reasons we’re here. The other reason, of course, we want to do a great rock show and have a lot of fun with everybody.”

The Rigby High School Choir and Foreigner hit the stage Wednesday at the Mountain America Center.

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Maile Sipraseuth

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — A crash involving a truck and a sewage tanker sent an 81-year-old man to the hospital on Wednesday afternoon, March 25th.

Troopers say the crash occurred around 3:31 p.m. at the intersection of U.S. Highway 26 and 45th East, just north of Iona.

According to ISP, an 81‑year‑old man from Idaho Falls was driving a 2006 Dodge Ram 3500 northbound on North 45th East when he failed to yield at the intersection. His pickup collided with a 2015 Western Star sewer truck traveling westbound on U.S. 26.

The sewer truck was driven by a 27‑year‑old man from Idaho Falls and a 22‑year‑old male passenger from Iona.

The driver of the Dodge Ram was transported by ground ambulance to a local hospital. The driver and passenger of the sewer truck were taken for medical treatment by a private party. The extent of their injuries has not been released.

ISP says neither driver was wearing a seatbelt, while the passenger in the sewer truck was properly restrained.

The crash caused traffic disruptions in the area. Westbound lanes of U.S. 26 remain blocked while crews work to clear the scene. The left eastbound lane was blocked for approximately two hours but has since reopened.

For updates or more information, click HERE.

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Seth Ratliff

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — The application window for the inaugural year of Idaho’s Parental Choice Tax Credit has closed, and the final numbers exceeded expectations. A total of 6,069 families applied for the program, representing 13,568 participating students.

Republican lawmakers passed the $50 million tax-credit voucher program during last year’s legislative session. The program allows families to receive up to $5,000 per child to help cover qualified educational expenses such as private school tuition, tutoring, etc.

Heidie Nesset, the vice president of implementation at the Yes. Every Kid. Foundation, noted that the high number of applications reflects Idaho families’ significant interest in alternative educational options.

“Idaho families showed up in a big way, and we couldn’t be happier that so many are choosing unique paths to best support their child’s learning,” Nesset said. She added that the foundation believes every child deserves individualized options and that the organization expects the program to grow in future years.

Pushback Amid Statewide Funding Crisis

The legislation, known as HB 93, faced unanimous opposition from Idaho Democrats in the legislature. Opponents argued that the law creates a publicly subsidized funding stream for private education that operates with fewer standards and less accountability than the state’s public school system.

The tax-credit voucher program has come under additional fire due to a sizeable deficit that resulted in significant state budget cuts. Democratic leaders have questioned the priority of the program at a time when Idaho public schools and families are facing rising costs.

During a failed legal challenge to the law, Senate Democratic Leader Melissa Wintrow stated that the state should focus on existing obligations to public classrooms before funding private educational expenses. She specifically highlighted the need to address the funding gap for students who require extra support.

“It is unconscionable for Republican leaders to defend tens of millions of dollars in tax giveaways instead of fully meeting the state’s existing obligations, including closing the special education funding gap,” Wintrow said.

House Minority Leader Ilana Rubel, D-Boise, led efforts to repeal the $50 million credit in response to the budget shortfall. In an interview with the Idaho Capital Sun, Rubel expressed frustration that Democratic proposals to address the deficit—including tapping into rainy day funds, delaying previous tax cuts, or repealing the private school choice tax credit—were not allowed to be introduced by Republican leadership.

Supporters of the legislation argue that it affirms Idaho parents’ freedom to choose the educational path that best fits their children’s needs.

Families will receive notification regarding their application status by April 15.

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Dylan Carder

IDAHO FALL, Idaho (KIFI) – “It was bit of a gut punch,” says Charlie Lansche, Board Chair of the Friends of Harriman State Park. They say they remain fully committed to protecting the park and its public purpose after Senate Bill 1300 passed the Idaho House of Representatives by a 41-29-0 vote on Tuesday. It is now on its way to Governor Brad Little’s desk. The Idaho Senate approved the bill on March 2nd by a 21-14 vote.

The bill would require the directors of the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation, Idaho Fish and Game, and the Idaho Transportation Department to be appointed by the Governor, subject to Senate confirmation. Currently, the Parks and Recreation Department Director is appointed by a bipartisan committee based on qualifications and experience.

An attorney representing Thomas Dixon, the grandson of E. Roland and Gladys Harriman, sent a letter to state Representatives. The letter stated that the bill would break an agreement the state of Idaho made with the family when the property was donated on December 4, 1961.

The letter states that land known as Railroad Ranch was donated to the state to become Harriman State Park with some conditions. One of which states that “personnel shall be chosen on the basis of merit alone.” The Harriman Family, according to the letter, believes SB 1300 would violate those conditions.

Friends of Harriman State Park say that if the agreement is breached, it puts the park at risk. The land could be given back to the family, removing the 11,000 acres from the state park system. A statement from Averell Harriman Fisk, grandson of Averell Harriman, the park “must be protected from political whims.”

The sponsor of the bill disagrees with that assessment. Senator Doug Okuniewicz, R-Hayden, says the Governor will still appoint directors based on merit. Under the present system, the directors are appointed by a board or a commission. Those members are appointed by the governor.

Okuniewicz believes there is “zero risk” of this bill violating the agreement with the Harriman family.

“The bill is perfectly in line with the agreement and can coexist with it quite easily.” The Senator says having political appointees would improve relationships between the Legislature and the agencies.

Representative Douglas Pickett, R-27, spoke to the full House just prior to Tuesday’s vote, saying, “The language of the agreement concerns itself with the selection criteria, but not with who has the authority to make that selection and under what process that selection shall be made. And it is the consensus of a broad range of attorneys that this bill, its passage, will not affect that agreement.”

Others in the House say this bill becoming law could trigger a legal battle.

“The Harriman Family will take whatever legal steps are necessary to see that the original agreement between the state of Idaho and the Harriman family is honored.” Representative Jerald Raymond (R) District 31 added, “what’s that going to cost the citizens of the state?”

“It shows distrust in the process.” Lansche feels like this could discourage future land donations to the state. “I think it tarnishes Idaho’s reputation, integrity. A lot of people will think twice if you’ve got a lot of land out there and want to donate it.”

If signed into law by Governor Little, the next move would be up to the Harriman family and what legal action they may choose. As for your next trip to Harriman State park?

“Nothing is going to change immediately, in the near future.” However, Lansche warns, “but long term, a lot could change and a lot could be lost.”

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Seth Ratliff

MORELAND, Idaho (KIFI) — Bingham County students can rest easy this spring, knowing they are in for a longer-than-expected break from pencils, books, and all the rest.

During last month’s District 52 Board meeting on Wednesday, February 18, the board members unanimously voted to extend this year’s Spring Break. Thanks to a mild winter with zero snow days, local families are getting those unused days back. Spring Break will now span a full week, running from Monday, March 30, through Thursday, April 2.

D52 students will return to the classroom rested and ready on Monday, April 6. For more information, click HERE.

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Maile Sipraseuth

 IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — From the last-minute Christmas gifts to same-day delivery, Amazon Delivery Drivers work extremely hard to get your package to your doorstep on time. To keep them safe, the delivery drivers are undergoing hands-on safety training at the company’s Integrated Last Mile Delivery Academy in Idaho Falls.

Local News 8 had the opportunity to tour the local academy, known as iLMDA. The program launched in 2024 as part of a $2 billion investment Amazon has made in safety initiatives over the last five years. It’s purpose is to prepare drivers for regional hazards and unpredictable weather conditions before they begin their routes.

The program has expanded to more than 70 training hubs across 220 delivery stations nationwide and has provided instruction to more than 180,000 drivers. Company officials say it is now the largest last-mile delivery safety training initiative in the industry.

“Every morning we always start off with safety strategies/safety tips,” said Amazon site leader Austin Empey. “Most of my job consists of how we keep our drivers safe on the road, our workers in the warehouse safe, and all the improvements that we do to keep them safe and sound.”

Through iLMDA, delivery drivers develop specialized skills to safely navigate sudden Idaho snowstorms and extreme summer heat, protecting both themselves and the packages they deliver. Empey says that training is vital for the busy Idaho Falls station, which has been open for three years and serves a massive area.

“We’ve been able to deliver over 21 million packages out of this warehouse,” explains Empey. “Anywhere from Saint Anthony down through Pocatello, even out to Montpelier and Afton, Wyoming.

EDITOR’S NOTE: This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been 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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Maile Sipraseuth

UPDATE: March 26, 2026.

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Jersey Mike’s Subs Idaho Day of Giving has raised over thirty thousand dollars for the local athletes to compete in the 2026 Special Olympics. In total the fundraiser collected $34,982.91 in East Idaho.

Here’s a breakdown of how much was raised and where:

Ammon location- $8,350.58

Pocatello location- $6,108.59

Magic Valley- $20,572.72

ORIGINAL:

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI)– A simple meal could make a big difference for athletes today. Today only, March 25, 2026, Jersey Mike’s Subs locations across Idaho will donate 100% of all sales to support local athletes competing in the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games.

The all-day fundraiser is part of Jersey Mike’s annual “Day of Giving,” the grand finale of its Month of Giving campaign. This year, proceeds will help 32 Team Idaho athletes travel to and compete in the national event, set for June 20–26, 2026, in Minnesota’s Twin Cities.

Athletes, like Jessie Kearsley, appreciate this opportunity to go for gold. Kearsley has a gold metal in the Bocce singles and looks forward to the games this summer.

“It means a lot to the athletes to go to different states to meet different athletes, different people and meet new friends and coaches,” Kearsley said.

Today was all about giving back to the community and helping local athletes attend this year’s games.

“We give to give. It’s all about giving back to our communities, because without community, we’re nothing,” Jersey Mike’s Ammon General Manager, Jared Jasmine said. “Last time we worked with the Special Olympics, back in 2022, we raised over $11,000 and we’re hoping to beat that today.”

17 participating Idaho locations are taking part in the effort, with every dollar spent in-store, online, or through the app going directly toward the cause.

The Day of Giving is part of a larger, nationwide campaign in which more than 3,200 Jersey Mike’s locations participate.

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News Release

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

POCATELLO, Idaho — The City of Pocatello continues to make progress on the Center Street Underpass project, a key investment to improve safety, accessibility, and connectivity for pedestrians and motorists.

This project is a complex effort taking place in a unique environment, with construction occurring adjacent to an active railroad line. Work is being closely coordinated with Union Pacific Railroad and carried out under strict safety standards. Because of the active rail line, certain work must be carefully timed around rail operations, which can affect sequencing and progress.

Crews are also navigating typical challenges associated with underground construction in the Historic Downtown area, including large boulders and other obstructions. These conditions require adjustments in construction methods, but work continues to move forward safely.

While the City had anticipated opening the underpass to one lane of traffic at this stage, current conditions require continued evaluation to ensure any traffic changes can be made safely. Opening one lane remains a priority and will occur as soon as it is safe for the public and construction crews.

“We know this project is important to our community, and we appreciate everyone’s patience as work continues,” said Mayor Mark Dahlquist. “This is a complex project, but the end result will be a safer, more connected Pocatello that serves residents for generations to come.”

“We are committed to delivering this project safely and efficiently,” said Public Works Director Tom Kirkman. “Our crews are making solid progress every day, and working diligently to keep things moving forward.”

The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2026. Once completed, the underpass will enhance pedestrian safety and improve connectivity while preserving the historic link between neighborhoods. The project remains on track, though timelines may adjust due to construction conditions.

The City of Pocatello appreciates the continued patience and will provide updates as work progresses.

For more information about the Center Street Underpass project, please visit pocatello.gov/m/newsflash/Home/Detail/2448.

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Linda Larsen

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — Civil rights attorneys will host a public vigil on April 4 to honor Victor Perez, a non-verbal autistic teen who was shot and killed by Pocatello Police nearly one year ago. The memorial vigil will take place at 11:00 a.m. at 703 N. Harrison Ave. in Pocatello.

The vigil, organized by the law firms Burris Nisenbaum Curry & Lacy and Snake River Criminal Defense, marks the anniversary of the fatal shooting. Perez, who also had cerebral palsy, died after four officers responded to a domestic disturbance call at his family’s home.

Organizers say the vigil is intended not only to honor Victor’s life, but also to show the Perez family that the community has not forgotten him and continues to stand with them.

The vigil program will include a moment of silence and a series of speakers close to the family and the case. Participants are invited to bring items to contribute to a memorial at the 703 N. Harrison Ave. site.

Shooting and Legal Background

The shooting happened only seconds after officers arrived at a Perez family barbecue. Perez, who was known to have violent outbursts due to his condition, had gotten hold of a large kitchen knife and was swinging it at family members as they attempted to take it from him. A neighbor called 911 to report the incident, mistakenly telling dispatchers that Perez was drunk.

Attorneys with Burris Nisenbaum Curry & Lacy highlighted the impact of the tragedy on the Perez family. “Victor was shot by Pocatello police on April 5, 2025,” the firm stated in a news release. “In the year since, his family has continued to live with the profound loss of his presence in their daily lives.”

The Idaho Attorney General’s Office investigated the incident and determined the four officers involved would not face criminal charges, noting it is legally bound to consider only the facts “known or reasonably believed” by the officers at the time of the shooting.

“None of the four shooting officers were aware of Perez’s age or his disabilities at the time of the shooting,” Deputy Attorney General Jeff Nye wrote in a letter to the press. “The officer’s knowledge was limited to what dispatch reported, and dispatch’s knowledge was limited to what the 911 caller reported.”

RELATED: Officers in Victor Perez Shooting will not face criminal charges, Pocatello Mayor responds

In June 2025, attorneys representing the Perez family filed a civil lawsuit not only for the life of Victor Perez, but also a civil suit for the endangerment of the lives of two members of the family, Victor’s sister and mother, who were standing nearby at the time he was shot.

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