NEWS
Small Aircraft Crash-Lands Near Magic Valley Regional Airport
A small Bonanza aircraft crash-landed in a field north of Magic Valley Regional Airport yesterday afternoon after losing power. Both individuals onboard survived without injuries. Due to muddy conditions, crews will remove the plane at a later time. The FAA is investigating.
Train Derailment in Jerome
A train derailed at 300 South and 625 East in Jerome, with approximately 15 empty cars coming off the tracks. The derailment occurred at 4 p.m. yesterday while the train was traveling east. No injuries were reported.
Semi-Truck Stuck in Mud Near Chobani Plant
Police responded to a semi-truck stuck in the mud while attempting a U-turn on U.S. Highway 30 near the Chobani plant in Twin Falls. Traffic was briefly diverted, and the truck was cleared within 15 minutes. The driver was cited for an unsafe U-turn.
Twin Falls County Sheriff’s Office Seizes 6 Kilograms of Cocaine
The Twin Falls County Sheriff’s Office seized six kilograms of cocaine during a traffic stop near the Magic Valley Mall last week. The discovery was made after a deputy searched the vehicle.
Idaho Bill to Restrict Absentee Ballots Introduced
A bill aimed at limiting who can receive an absentee ballot in Idaho was introduced yesterday, citing concerns about fraud. If passed, the bill would restrict absentee voting to military personnel, the elderly, the ill, students, and certain other groups.
Lawmakers Push for Study on Housing Affordability
Idaho lawmakers introduced a resolution to create a bipartisan group that would study housing affordability and land use regulations. The resolution passed committee without opposition and now awaits a full hearing.
Medicaid Reform Bill Advances
Rep. Jordan Redman of Coeur d’Alene reintroduced a Medicaid reform bill that would cap expansion enrollment, add work requirements, and limit benefits to three years. The bill advanced in committee and will receive a full hearing.
Idaho Department of Education Seeks Sponsors for Summer Food Program
The Idaho Department of Education is seeking sponsors for its 2025 summer food program, which aims to help feed children in need. Rural areas face the greatest challenges. Training for sponsors begins in March.
Proposed Idaho Bill Would Exempt Small Sellers from Sales Tax Permit
A new Idaho bill would exempt sellers making less than $5,000 per year in nonbusiness settings from needing a sales tax permit. House Majority Leader Jason Monks stated that the change would reduce unnecessary paperwork.
Trump Drafting Executive Order to Eliminate U.S. Department of Education
President Trump is reportedly drafting an executive order that could eliminate the U.S. Department of Education. Idaho Superintendent Debbie Critchfield expressed support for greater state control over K-12 education but emphasized the need to address federal funding under a new model.
SPORTS
District Girls’ Basketball Action
The district basketball scene was busy, beginning with the Girls’ 2A Snake River Tournament at Valley High School.
- No. 5 Murtaugh vs. No. 4 Glenns Ferry
Murtaugh came out on fire, opening with a 10-0 run thanks to strong second-chance efforts. The Red Devils dominated the boards and maintained momentum throughout the game, pulling off an upset with a 41-26 victory. They will now face top-seeded Oakley on Thursday, while Glenns Ferry moves to a loser-out game against the loser of Valley vs. Raft River on February 7. - Other Girls’ Basketball Scores:
- 6A High Country Tournament: Rigby defeated Canyon Ridge 68-22.
- 3A Southeast Idaho Tournament: West Side beat Declo 43-23.
- 2A Snake River Tournament: No. 2 Valley dominated No. 7 Shoshone 59-31.
- Valley advances to the semifinals and will face No. 3 Raft River on Thursday.
- Alora Godfrey led all scorers with 20 points.
- Shoshone will play Hagerman in a loser-out game tomorrow.
- Raft River vs. Hagerman: Raft River cruised past No. 6 Hagerman 56-21 and advances to face Valley. Hagerman will play Shoshone in a must-win game tomorrow.
- 1A Sawtooth Tournament:
- No. 4 Castleford narrowly defeated No. 5 Hansen 51-48.
- Castleford will play No. 1 Carey on February 5.
- Hansen moves to a loser-out game against the loser of Dietrich vs. Richfield.
- No. 3 Richfield won by forfeit over Bliss and will play No. 2 Dietrich on February 5 at Carey High School.
- No. 4 Castleford narrowly defeated No. 5 Hansen 51-48.
Boys’ Basketball:
- Mountain Home defeated Wood River 55-43.
- Minico beat Burley63-50.
- Burley’s Nash Gillette led with 18 points.
- Burley will visit the Twin Falls Bruins tomorrow.
College Basketball:
- Boise State Defeats UNLV 71-62
The Broncos improved to 16-7 after a win over UNLV, with four players scoring in double figures.- Tyson Degenhart led with 16 points.
- Alvaro Cardenas contributed 13 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists.
- Boise State will host San Jose State on Friday.
CSI Cheer and Dance Nationals Showcase
The CSI Cheer and Dance Nationals Showcase will take place Sunday at 3 p.m. in the CSI Gym. Fans can watch performances for the USA Collegiate Nationals, with both teams showcasing their routines. Sophomores will also be recognized. The event will last one hour.
CSI Softball:
Adi Hansen of CSI Softball earned Scenic West Athletic Conference Player of the Week honors after hitting .462 with a double, an RBI, two stolen bases, and a .563 on-base percentage. CSI is off this week before heading to Florida for its final pre-season tournament.
CSI Baseball:
Jack Barker of CSI Baseball was named Scenic West Athletic Conference Player of the Week after hitting .625 with two doubles, seven RBIs, and six stolen bases. The Golden Eagles are off this weekend before hosting games on February 14 and 15.
Big Sky Player of the Week – Dylan Darling
Dylan Darling of Idaho State was named Big Sky Conference Player of the Week after averaging 25.7 points, 6.3 assists, and 5 rebounds per game. He led the Bengals to a 2-1 record, including a dominant 87-71 win over Idaho.
WEATHER 
Today: A chance of rain mixing with snow after 8 a.m., then clearing to mostly sunny skies. Temperature falling to 32°F by 9 a.m. Winds from the southwest at 9-18 mph, gusting up to 30 mph. Chance of precipitation: 30%. Little to no snow accumulation expected.
Tonight: Mostly clear with a low around 24°F. Winds shifting to light and variable.
Thursday: Increasing clouds with a high near 40°F. Light east-northeast wind at 5-8 mph.
Thursday Night: Snow developing after 11 p.m. Low around 29°F. Chance of snow: 80%, with less than 1 inch of accumulation.
Friday: Snow continues with a high near 36°F. Chance of snow: 80%, with less than 1 inch of accumulation.
Saturday: Sunny with a high near 31°F.
Stay safe and stay warm! 
