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Chris Madel, a Republican running for Minnesota governor, ends his bid and criticizes ICE

By Jeff Zeleny, CNN (CNN) — Chris Madel, a Minneapolis lawyer who represented the immigration agent who fatally shot Renee Good, said Monday that he was ending his Republican campaign for governor of Minnesota after a second protester was killed by federal authorities. “I cannot support the national Republicans’ stated retribution on the citizens of

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Celebrating 65 Years of Broadcasting: Governor Brad Little proclaims Jan. 23 as “KIFI Local News 8 Day”

Today marks a historic milestone for the region’s airwaves. January 23, 2026, officially marks the 65th anniversary of KIFI Local News 8, celebrating over six decades of dedicated service to southeast Idaho and western Wyoming.

In honor of this achievement, Idaho Governor Brad Little has officially proclaimed January 23, 2026, as “KIFI Local News 8 Day.” The declaration honors the station’s unwavering commitment to excellence in broadcast journalism, providing essential coverage in news, weather, and sports.

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CEI new tech building update

If you have driven past College of Eastern Idaho lately, it would be hard to miss the construction of the brand new Battelle Energy Alliance Future Tech building that is nearing completion. 

“We are very excited that both Frontier Credit Union and Battelle Energy Alliance came together to name this building, and it’s going to house some of our most high-tech programs here on campus,” says CEI President Lori Barber.

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Idaho Supreme Court weighs constitutionality of Private School Tax Credits

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.

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

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

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The deal to secure TikTok’s future in the US has finally closed

The joint venture acquiring TikTok’s US assets has been formally established and has announced its leadership team, according to the company, one day before the deadline set by President Donald Trump for the app’s US assets to be spun off by Chinese parent company ByteDance.

The transaction’s close concludes a yearslong effort to secure TikTok’s long-term future in the United States and address concerns that it posed a national security risk.

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State and local leaders reflect on the life and service of former Rep. Linden Bateman

The Idaho political community is mourning the loss of a former state representative and historian. Linden Bart Bateman, of Idaho Falls, passed away on January 22, 2026, at the Lincoln Court Retirement Community. He was 85 years old.

“Linden Bateman was a close friend of mine and a true statesman. Linden was passionate about Idaho history and played a key role in establishing March 4 as Idaho Day. He listened thoughtfully, led with principle, and always sought to do what is right. Idaho is better because of his work, and his legacy of character and public service will not be forgotten.”  — Governor Brad Little.

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How CEI is using AI and tech to fight the anticipated ‘Recession Baby’ enrollment cliff

It’s been 18 years since the 2008 recession, and 2026 will be the first year “recession babies” reach college age. However, there will be fewer students nationwide due to a significant drop in birth rates.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, colleges and universities collectively experienced a 15% decline in enrollment between 2010 and 2021 due to various contributing factors. In 2025, Inside Higher Ed reported that 16 nonprofit institutions announced closures, with similar numbers reported in 2024.

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West Idaho bus driver arrested on child exploitation charges

On Wednesday, January 21, Jeremy Wakeley, 42, was taken into custody on several counts of possession of child pornography and one count of child sexual exploitation, Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador announced today.

 “We’ve found no evidence of any local victims at this time, but parents deserve to know that my team is working overtime to protect Idaho’s children,” said Attorney General Labrador in a news release. “I want to thank our law enforcement partners for their help with this arrest.”

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Idaho Democrats mark Roe v. Wade anniversary with call for end to near-total abortion ban

On the anniversary of the landmark Roe v. Wade decision, Idaho Democratic legislators marked the date with a call to restore abortion access, reaffirmed their commitment to a 2026 ballot initiative aimed at ending the state’s near-total abortion ban.

In a joint statement released Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026, Senate Minority Leader Melissa Wintrow and House Minority Leader Ilana Rubel argued that Idaho’s current laws have created a healthcare crisis, forcing patients to leave the state for care and causing a healthcare shortage in the Gem State.

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Staff illnesses force temporary closure of Hazel Stuart Elementary

As a result of a significant number of staff absences due to illnesses and other unavoidable circumstances, Hazel Stuart Elementary has been closed today, Thursday, January 22. Superintendent Doug McLaren announced the decision Wednesday night, saying the overwhelming number of staff absences has left the school unable to open.

“Despite exhaustive efforts to secure coverage and adjust staffing, we are unable to ensure appropriate instruction, student supervision, and support services,” stated the announcement.

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Utah’s first-of-its-kind water reclamation facility transforms toilet water into water plants crave

A groundbreaking $51 million water reclamation facility is about to transform how southern Utah handles wastewater. The Confluence Park Water Reclamation Facility represents 20 years of planning and construction, and it’s the first of its kind in Utah.

“As a child, I always wanted to be a marine biologist. But I also wanted to live here. So those two things don’t work together very well,” said Bradley Johnson, who grew up in Hurricane and La Verkin and now works at the facility.

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250 Trucks, One Mission: LDS Church donates 31,000 pounds of food to Eastern Idaho Community Action Partnership

In an effort to combat local food insecurity, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has delivered 31,000 pounds of food to the Eastern Idaho Community Action Partnership in Rexburg on Wednesday.

The donation is part of a nationwide collaboration with America 250, a celebration of the United States’ 250 years of independence. As part of the celebration, the Church has pledged to send 250 trucks of food to pantries across the country. Rexburg was chosen as one of the cities chosen for this donation.

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State lawmakers set public forum on invasive “Eagle Rat” surge spike in Southern Idaho

In response to a spike in sightings of invasive Norway rats across Southern Idaho, state lawmakers are hosting a public forum to address the rise in pests.

“While these rats are currently concentrated in the Treasure Valley, experts warn they will continue to spread across Idaho if not addressed,” Senator Carrie Semmelroth warned in a press release.

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Husband and wife dead in apparent murder-suicide near Idaho-Wyoming border

Multiple people are dead following a domestic disturbance at a remote property along the Idaho-Wyoming border that drew a large-scale police response on Wednesday morning.

“Once we got to the scene, we found that it was relatively contained to an area just off the road around a couple of vehicles,” said BCSO Sgt. Bryan Lovell. “We did discover deceased persons. And so right now we’re, we’re working on gathering evidence and investigating that scene.”

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Six displaced after overnight apartment fire in Pocatello

The fire was first called in just after 11 PM from an apartment at 335 North Hayes Avenue. Only 4 of the 6 apartments were occupied at the time, and all 6 residents evacuated safely, according to Kim Stouse, public information officer for the Pocatello Fire Department.

“We reached out to the American Red Cross, and they’re working to connect them to resources, as well as the landlord who put them up in the day’s inn last night,” said Stouse. “The tenants are now working with the Red Cross and the landlord to get long-term placement.”

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Where are they now? Netflix revisits Elizabeth Smart and key figures in her kidnapping case

“I’m not just that girl that was kidnapped. That happened to me, but I’m so much more,” Elizabeth Smart told CNN’s Anderson Cooper in 2013.

A new Netflix documentary premiering January 21 has renewed interest in one of the most closely followed kidnapping cases in American history. Smart was 14 when she was kidnapped from her Salt Lake City home in 2002 and rescued nine months later.

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Idaho gas prices drop below national average for first time in months

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. In Idaho, prices are roughly 25 cents cheaper. While Idaho typically ranks in the top 10 for the most expensive fuel in the nation, it is currently ranked 23rd.

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Pocatello seeks public input on city entryway and roadway redesign

“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.”

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Medical groups sue to block new CDC vaccine recommendations

even prominent medical associations on Monday sued to reverse changes to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s childhood vaccine recommendations.

The lawsuit was brought by the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American College of Physicians, the American Public Health Association, the Infectious Diseases Society of America, the Massachusetts Public Health Association, the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine and the Massachusetts Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

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Boise hospital ambush suspect reaches plea deal to avoid death penalty

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.

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How much tech is too much? Idaho hunters debate proposed legislation

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.

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Trump administration asks judge to reject Minnesota’s bid to stop immigration crackdown

The Department of Justice asked a federal judge Monday to reject a bid by Minnesota leaders to block President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown and to allow the surge of immigration agents in the state to move forward, after a lawsuit was brought by Minnesota and the Twin Cities claiming the move was unconstitutional.

“Minnesota wants a veto over federal law enforcement,” the new filing by the Trump administration said, describing the lawsuit brought by state and local officials as an “absurdity” that “would render the supremacy of federal law an afterthought to local preferences.”

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Severe solar storm to put Northern Lights over Idaho tonight, forecasters say

Under the current forecast, the northern lights may be visible across much of the northern half of the United States, and even as far south as northern California. The only question is – will residents in southeastern Idaho be able to see the lights, considering the overcast skies in Monday night’s forecast?

If you manage to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights through a break in the weather, we want to see it! Send your photos to Local News 8 for a chance to be featured on our social media pages and during our evening broadcast.

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Trump officials investigate protesters who interrupted Minnesota church service, targeting ICE official

By Andy Rose, Elise Hammond, CNN (CNN) — A Sunday morning church service in the Twin Cities interrupted by anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement protesters is the latest flash point in escalating tensions between the Trump administration and demonstrators in Minnesota. Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon, who oversees the Civil Rights Division of the Department of

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Convicted murderer accused of brutal attack on Idaho prison guard

An Idaho Department of Corrections staff member has been hospitalized following a brutal assault by a convicted murderer at the Idaho Maximum Security Institution over the weekend.

On Saturday, January 17, 2026, the 56-year-old staff member, whose name has not been released, was attacked Saturday morning by inmate Robert David Pompa. Following the assault, the corporal was transported to Saint Alphonsus Medical Center in Boise for treatment. IDOC officials have confirmed that the staff member is in stable condition.

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Tribal Members encouraged to carry identification cards after reported ICE activity

Amid growing concerns over recent ICE operations in Southeast Idaho, Shoshone-Bannock tribal leadership is advising all members to carry valid tribal identification with them at all times.

The urgent statement from the Shoshone Bannock Tribe’s Business Council comes after confirmed ICE enforcement activities in Idaho Falls. However, leaders also said the sighting is expected due to an ICE field office in Idaho Falls, and said the move to carry identification cards is out of an abundance of caution.

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FBI director and deputy attorney general visit Minneapolis amid ongoing tensions

FBI Director Kash Patel and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche visited Minneapolis on Friday, according to a post on Patel’s X account.

The visit comes amid ongoing tensions between immigration officers and activists demonstrating against a surge in federal agents to the city, as well as open conflict between local leaders and Trump administration officials over the tactics of federal agents.

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Trump considering new tariffs on countries that oppose his annexation plans for Greenland

President Donald Trump said Friday he is considering applying new tariffs on countries that oppose his ambition of annexing Greenland.

“I may put a tariff on countries if they don’t go along with Greenland, because we need Greenland, because we need Greenland for national security. So I may do that,” Trump said during an event focused on health care at the White House.

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Tyler Robinson speaks with his attorneys before a hearing in Provo

Alleged Charlie Kirk assassin Tyler Robinson appears in court as defense pushes to disqualify prosecutors from the case

By Andi Babineau, Nick Watt, CNN Provo, Utah (CNN) — Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old man accused of killing Charlie Kirk, appeared in a Utah court Friday afternoon as his attorneys pushed for prosecutors to be pulled from the case over what they allege is a conflict of interest. Robinson’s defense attorneys are arguing the entire

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Boise man who fled Iran shares perspective as protests escalate overseas

As tensions in Iran escalate, policymakers in Washington are weighing whether the United States should get involved. For most Idahoans, the debate can feel worlds away. But for some Iranians now living in Boise, the stakes are far more personal.

Sami, who asked that his last name not be published for safety reasons, said the images coming out of Iran are not just headlines – they are home.

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Driver uninjured in rollover crash near Jefferson Lake

A 32-year-old driver escaped without injury after a single-vehicle rollover crash near Jefferson Lake late Thursday night. The crash drew a large police response to the area visible from U.S. highway 20.

According to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, the accident took place just after 10:00 PM at 441 N. 4000 E., about half a mile from the lake. Despite the significant police response at the scene, officials confirmed the driver was not hurt.

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Two men arrested for masked burglary and aggravated battery on local homeowner

Two Idaho Falls men were arrested late Wednesday night after an alleged masked burglary at a Bonneville County home, where they’re accused of attacking the homeowner with a hammer.

Brian A. Grimes, 19, and Kaden R. Taylor, 23, are currently being held in the Bonneville County Jail on felony charges of burglary and aggravated battery following the violent encounter in the 9000 South block of 5th West.

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Trump unveils health care framework aimed at lowering costs in latest affordability push

President Donald Trump unveiled a multipart proposal on Thursday aimed at lowering prescription drug prices and reducing health insurance premiums, as well as increasing price transparency within the health care system.

The White House is positioning the package – dubbed the “Great Healthcare Plan” – as a framework to help Congress craft legislation to address cost challenges in health care. Light on details, the proposal comes as the president is seeking to show Americans that he’s addressing their affordability concerns.

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Verizon says it’s fixed the massive outage that left many without phone calling and data services

Verizon said it has resolved an hours-long outage that is believed to have left tens of thousands of US customers without access to voice and data services for much of Wednesday.

“Today, we let many of our customers down and for that, we are truly
sorry,” a Verizon spokesperson said in a statement to CNN. “They expect more from us.”

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“Leadership, Humility, and Grit”: Teton County Idaho Search and Rescue mourns longtime teammate killed in snowmobile crash

The Teton County Idaho Search and Rescue team is mourning the loss of a long-standing member after a fatal snowmobiling accident over the weekend. In a deeply moving Facebook tribute shared on Thursday, the volunteer organization identified the victim as Mark Bostleman, a dedicated teammate who had served as a leading advisor since joining the group in 2018.

The fatal crash happened on Sunday in the Big Hole Mountain Range, where it appears Bostleman was recreating at the time, according to the TCISAR Facebook page. TCISAR says his passing leaves a void in the team he served with for over seven years.

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Bannock County Coroner identifies 51-year-old killed in Tuesday’s US 30 crash

Authorities in Bannock County have released the identity of the 51-year-old man killed on Tuesday after his vehicle struck a detached semi-trailer on US Highway 30.

Bannock County Coroner Torey Danner has identified the man as Bradley Bassett of Pocatello, noting that Bassett’s next of kin have been notified. “My thoughts are with Bradley’s family and friends during this time of loss,” Danner said in a statement.

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House Oversight moves forward on contempt against both Clintons after Hillary Clinton is a no-show in Epstein probe

Contempt proceedings will officially move forward against both Clintons on Capitol Hill after Hillary Clinton failed to appear for a deposition in the House Oversight Committee’s Jeffrey Epstein probe.

Republican Chairman James Comer said Wednesday that the panel will meet in a week to consider contempt of Congress charges against the former secretary of state and former President Bill Clinton. If passed by committee, Comer said it will head to a full vote on the House floor.

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YouTube announced new parental controls on Wednesday. The platform has ramped up efforts to protect young users in recent months in response to scrutiny.

YouTube will let parents stop their teens from endlessly scrolling short videos

YouTube will now let parents limit the amount of time their teens can spend scrolling through its short-form video feature, Shorts, or block them all together.

The option is part of a group of new parental controls the popular video platform announced on Wednesday. YouTube, like many tech platforms, has ramped up efforts to protect young users in recent months, in response to growing scrutiny from families, advocates and lawmakers.

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Water Tower demolition update

Idaho Falls (ID) – The original water tower demolition, previously delayed over the weekend, has officially begun. The delay, due to strong winds that began on Friday afternoon, allowed a reassessment of the equipment inventory, and a second crane was added to the demolition site as a result. According to City Official Kimberly Felker, the

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Zoo Boise welcomes rare Wolverine as latest addition

Ferocious, elusive, and tenacious— in many ways, the wolverine is synonymous with the western persona.

Now, Zoo Boise visitors will be able to interact with this new personality in the form of 11-year-old Laura, who is named after the daughter of the iconic Marvel superhero.

Laura came to Zoo Boise from Zoo Montana and has moved into her newly renovated wolverine habitat located next to the carousel. Inside, Laura will be able to play on climbing structures and cool off in “cold-weather features.”

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