Author: KIFI

Maile Sipraseuth

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI)– Gas prices in Idaho are on the rise, and while increases are typical this time of year, experts say tensions involving Iran are adding extra pressure to the market. Analysts warn prices could climb past the three-dollar mark in the coming days as global oil markets react to growing instability overseas.

Oil prices recently moved higher after concerns grew that conflict in the Middle East could slow or block shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route for crude oil coming out of Iran. The strait is one of the most important oil transit chokepoints in the world.

Short term, Matthew Conde with AAA Idaho says drivers could see prices rise five to ten cents per day.

While gas prices typically trend upward in the spring due to increased travel demand and the switch to more expensive summer-blend fuel, Conde says the situation involving Iran has accelerated that seasonal climb.

“When there is a shortage anywhere in the world, we’re also interconnected that it’s only a matter of time before it affects the global market. And so there may be a peak for a while. If things resolve fairly quickly, then it may it may be short lived. But regardless of that, the overall trend heading into the spring is that upward trend,” Conde said.

The silver lining for Idaho drivers is that some of the geopolitical risk had already been factored into oil prices, helping prevent what could have been a sharper spike. Gas in Idaho is still about 20 cents cheaper than it was this time last year and the state currently ranks #14 most expensive fuel markets in the country.

Experts say seasonal demand combined with global uncertainty means drivers should be prepared for prices to continue climbing in the weeks ahead.

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Seth Ratliff

CALDWELL, Idaho (KIFI) — A 60-year-old Caldwell woman will spend the next 15 years in prison for trafficking Meth in southern Idaho.

Kimberly Lee Freeman received the 180-month sentence from Chief U.S. District Judge Amanda K. Brailsford, followed by a court-ordered three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis announced today.

The sentencing stems from a series of drug sales from 2023 to 2025. According to court records, Freeman sold 192 grams of methamphetamine to an individual for $1,200 on December 27, 2023. Nearly a year later, on November 18, 2024, she sold an additional 226 grams of the drug to the same person in exchange for $1,300.

On January 27, 2025, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Freeman’s home. Upon her arrest, Freeman admitted to investigators that several ounces of methamphetamine were hidden inside her purse. A subsequent search of the bag uncovered 190 grams of the drug.

In a news release, U.S. Attorney Davis commended the work of the City-County Narcotics Unit (comprised of the Caldwell Police Department and Canyon County Sheriff’s Office), the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Idaho State Police, which led to the charges.

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KIVI Staff

By: KIVI Staff

Originally Posted 11:07 AM, Mar 02, 2026

LATAH COUNTY, Idaho — On Friday, Feb. 27, a federal jury decided that a TikTok influencer is liable for $10 million in damages after the defendant wrongfully accused a University of Idaho professor of being involved in the 2022 Moscow murders.

During its deliberation, the jury concluded that Ashley Guillard made “false statements” that Department Chair and Associate Professor of History, Rebecca Scofield, “orchestrated the murder of four students at the University of Idaho” and “had an inappropriate romantic relationship with a student.”

According to court records, Guillard used TikTok tarot card readings to falsely accuse Scofield of being involved in the killings and further alleged that the professor had an inappropriate relationship with a student. Those claims spread widely online and drew millions of views.

A federal judge previously ruled those videos were defamatory but left the question of damages up to a jury. Ultimately, the jury awarded $3.5 million in damages for the false statements about an inappropriate relationship with a student and $6.5 million for the allegations related to the murders of four University of Idaho students.

In a statement, Scofield responded to the jury’s verdict by saying, “I want to thank the jury for their time and attention to this case. The judge had already ruled as a matter of law that the statements were false. The $10 million verdict reinforces the judge’s decision and sends the clear message that false statements online have consequences in the real world for real people and are unacceptable in our community. The murders of the four students on November 13, 2022, was the darkest chapter in our university’s history. Today’s decision shows that respect and care should always be granted to victims during these tragedies. I am hopeful that this difficult chapter in my life is over and I can return to a more normal life with my family and the wonderful Moscow community.”

Judge for the United States District Court for the District of Idaho, Raymond E. Patricco, presided over the case. The defendant, Ashley Guillard, represented herself throughout the proceedings.

ALSO READ | Court orders Bryan Kohberger to pay $3,000 to Idaho murder victims’ families

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News Team

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — If you’re thinking about running for local office, today’s the day. The filing period for candidates running for county or local offices in Idaho is now underway.

Candidates have until March 13th at 5 p.m. To get their names on the May 19th ballot. State and federal candidates, though, are already locked in, and the race for governor is now taking shape.

Idaho Governor Brad Little will be facing several challengers in May’s Republican primary election:

Office

Governor
Mark Fitzpatrick (Republican)Justin R. Plante (Republican)Sean Calvert Crystal (Republican)Ethan Giles (Republican)Lisa Marie (Republican)Daniel C. Fowler (Republican)Ron James (Republican)Terri Pickens (Democrat)Maxine Durand (Democrat)Chanelle Torrez (Democrat)Jill C. Kirkham (Democrat)Melissa-Sue Robinson (Libertarian)Paul Sand (Libertarian)Pro-Life (Constitution)John R. Stegner (Independent)

For a full list of the Federal and State Candidates, click HERE.

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Bailee Shaw

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — An Idaho Falls couple is stranded in Dubai during a service trip after Iranian retaliatory strikes paralyzed air travel across the Middle East. The regional instability follows major attacks by the United States and Israeli forces that killed Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Devere and Toni Hunt arrived in Dubai on February 26th, after a tour and service trip to India. They planned to spend a few days in Abu Dhabi before heading home. However, the atmosphere shifted instantly on Saturday while they were visiting the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

Courtesy: Devere and Toni Hunt

The Hunts describe hearing several loud booms, and within minutes, their phones lit up with emergency alerts.

As Iranian forces targeted major hubs like Dubai for hosting U.S. Military Bases, flights across the region were disrupted, with nearly 2,000 flights canceled throughout the region, according to the Associated Press.

Speaking from their hotel, the Hunts described a city on edge.

“I don’t think we’ve gone more than just a few hours without some type of incoming missile or Patriot response,” said Devere Hunt. “We’ve heard constantly the booms, we’ve seen some of the debris falling.”

Courtesy: Devere and Toni Hunt

For now, the couple is playing a waiting game, repeatedly booking and adjusting flights as the situation evolves. Despite the chaos, the Hunts praised the local hospitality and persistence in the face of uncertainty.

“In the meantime, we’ve just been told to shelter in place,” said Toni Hunt. “The hotel staff has been so nice and has taken care of us so well. We feel safe. I mean, it’s just unsettling to hear the booms and know what they are.”

U.S. citizens affected by the situation are encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), which allows the Department of State to contact citizens in case of emergency.

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Maile Sipraseuth

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – The hiring cycle for the Idaho Falls Police Department has officially started. IFPD is encouraging individuals who have never served as police officers to apply for its entry-level Police Officer positions.

The department says these positions are continuously open and applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis.

New officer test prep will be on April 11, at 8 a.m. at the Idaho Falls Police Complex, and new officer testing will be on April 25.

Those interested in serving the Idaho Falls community are encouraged to begin the application process early to ensure they meet all requirements ahead of testing dates.

To be eligible, candidates must present the following requirements:

1.  United States citizenship (this is a POST Certification requirement).2.  21 years of age by date of hire.3.  High School Diploma or GED equivalent (copy of transcripts required).4.  A valid driver’s license.5.  The ability to successfully complete all testing requirements.6.  Good written and oral communication skills.7.  The ability to function on a day-to-day basis with limited supervision.8.  Certified by the Idaho Peace Officer Standards Training (POST) Council within one year of employment.9.  Successful candidates must pass a thorough background investigation.10.  Successful candidates must pass medical, polygraph and psychological examinations (after a contingent offer of employment).

Click HERE for more information.

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Seth Ratliff

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — If your daily commute includes Grizzly Avenue, you may want to adjust your travel plans for the next week. Starting today, March 2nd, Idaho Falls Public Works crews are beginning a culvert replacement project at the Battle Creek Canal, which is set to affect traffic throughout the week.

From Monday through Wednesday, drivers can expect only minor lane closures with limited impact on travel times.

However, on Thursday at 6:30 a.m. Grizzly Avenue will be completely closed to all through traffic between Claredot Drive and the Skyline High School parking lot entrance. The closure will allow teams to excavate the roadway and install a new culvert pipe, designed to channel water beneath the asphalt.

Idaho Falls Public Works expects the road to remain closed until Friday afternoon. During this time, motorists will be detoured around the area using Skyline Drive and West 17th Street. While detour signage will be posted throughout the area, Pancheri Drive will remain fully open, and residents will be able to access their homes via Claredot Drive.

Public Works urges drivers to plan ahead, allow for extra travel time, and exercise caution when navigating near construction equipment. For more information about the project, contact the City of Idaho Falls Street Division at (208) 612-8490.

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Kevin Richert

Originally Published 2/27/2026 by IdahoEdNews

By Ryan Suppe and Kevin Richert

BOISE, Idaho — Public schools would not be allowed to grant excused absences for students attending political protests, under a new bill introduced Friday. 

Rep. Steve Tanner’s bill targets recent student walkouts over federal immigration enforcement. Leaving school for such protests would count as an all-day, unexcused absence. 

“While we recognize the First Amendment right to protest and to use political speech for all students, it’s a waste of taxpayer money for students to leave their classrooms in order to do so,” said Tanner, R-Nampa. “Students are free to protest at any other time.”

The bill would also require public schools to report annually to the state superintendent their total number of unexcused absences for political protests. The superintendent would then have to report the number to the Legislature. 

Idaho students from Boise to McCall to Idaho Falls have staged school walkouts in recent weeks to protest federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement. ICE agents shot and killed two people last month in Minnesota during an enforcement operation.

The House Education Committee voted to introduce the bill, setting the stage for a public hearing. 

But there were some questions. Rep. Jack Nelsen worried that restricting “political protests” would cast too wide of a net. The Jerome Republican wondered whether it would apply to students who testify at the Legislature, for instance, and whether it might discourage “political involvement from kids to get involved in things.”

The committee also voted to send two bills to the House floor, including: 

Senate Bill 1244, a DOGE Task Force bill that eliminates sections of state code that reference a regional library system that no longer exists.

Senate Bill 1227, which would direct the Idaho Department of Education to create a framework for the “responsible use of AI in K-12 education.”

The Senate has already passed both bills.

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News Team

FORT HALL, Idaho (KIFI) — Idaho State Police is investigating a rollover crash on I-15 near milepost 77 in Bingham County, close to Fort Hall.

The crash took place on Sunday, March 1, 2026, at approximately 1:28 p.m. Troopers say a 74-year-old man from Idaho Falls was driving a Ford F-150 northbound in the left lane when a 39-year-old man from Stevensville, Montana, tried to pass him on the right in a Toyota FJ. As the Toyota moved back into the left lane before fully clearing the truck, the two vehicles collided.

The impact caused the Ford to spin out and roll over. The Toyota remained upright and came to a stop in the right lane.

Both drivers were wearing seat belts and were not injured. The right lane was blocked for about 25 minutes while crews cleared the scene. Two additional crashes were reported in the area as traffic backed up.

The crash is still under investigation.

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KIVI Staff

Originally Published: 27 FEB 26 13:14 ET

By Lorien Nettleton

Click here for updates on this story

    TWIN FALLS, Idaho (KIVI) — Two Magic Valley residents — a refugee-turned-advocate and a child of immigrants — are sharing their personal stories as part of a community storytelling event called “Becoming Idaho.”

Chandra Upreti, director of the Twin Falls office of the United States Committee for Refugees and Immigrants, is a refugee himself. He said his parents fled their home country of Bhutan when he was only 6 months old. After leaving Bhutan and before arriving in the United States, Upreti and his family lived in a refugee camp in Nepal for nearly 17 years.

“My parents fled when I was only six months old. I did not choose to become a refugee,” Upreti said. “Today I’m a very proud U.S. citizen, a parent, and also in a place where I’m able to help fellow refugees. It means a lot to me, and I’m looking forward to sharing my own personal story.”

Upreti is one of the guest speakers at the Feb 26 “Becoming Idaho” event, part of Idaho Solutions ‘The More You Know’ lecture series.

The event is an opportunity to highlight the diversity that has long defined Twin Falls.

“It’s really nice to see folks coming from different parts of the world,” added Upreti. “And live in a community that we all share.”

Twin Falls has welcomed refugees since the 1980s, resettling people from 47 countries over the past 46 years. Prior to the Trump administration’s restrictions on refugees, the office resettled about 200 individuals each year. Today, the center is on track to resettle fewer than half that number.

A pediatrician in Twin Falls and the child of immigrants from Honduras and Costa Rica, Dr. José Peña said he grew up in a bilingual household. He said those language skills allow him to connect with patients and community members who do not speak English.

“America has always been known as a land of opportunity, a land that’s welcoming to immigrants or to people that are from outside, and one of the ideals that I hope that a lot of people really cherish is that [we are] kind of a melting pot,” Peña said.

Peña said he hopes the event changes minds about immigration and diversity.

“I think it’s good to hear a different accent or hear someone speaking a different language,” Peña said. “My hope would be the people who can go to this experience and come away thinking ‘OK, this is actually a really good thing.'”

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. KIVI verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

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