Winter Storm Warnings
Winter storm warnings and advisories are in effect across Southern Idaho. Higher elevations could see up to a foot of snow, with 3 to 4 inches expected elsewhere.
School Closures:
- Gooding & Wendell – Closing at 1 p.m.
- Shoshone – Closing at 12:35 p.m.
Stay tuned for updates on additional closures.
Idaho Legislature Updates
Citizen-Led Initiatives
Idaho lawmakers are pushing to make citizen-led initiatives harder to pass, proposing a 60% supermajority vote and requiring signatures from all 35 counties.
- Critics call it a threat to voter rights.
- Supporters say it ensures thorough vetting of initiatives.
Government Flag Display Restrictions
A bill moving through the Idaho House would limit the types of flags government entities can display. If passed, only the following flags would be allowed:
U.S. flag State flag Military flags Tribal flags Official government flags
School Cellphone Restrictions
A new bipartisan bill proposes $1,500 grants for schools that adopt cellphone restrictions to promote distraction-free learning.
Police Impersonation Scam Warning
The Idaho State Police (ISP) are warning about scammers impersonating police officers, falsely claiming victims have outstanding warrants and must pay via online platforms.
How to Stay Safe:
Don’t trust caller ID – Scammers can spoof numbers. Never share personal info – Police will never demand payment over the phone. Hang up if suspicious – Then call the actual police to verify.
Medicaid Expansion Repeal Bill
A bill that could repeal Medicaid expansion advanced in the Idaho House by one vote.
- House Bill 138 ties expansion to new policy changes requiring federal approval.
- If these changes are not met by 2026, Medicaid expansion will be repealed.
Mask Mandate Ban
A bill to ban mask mandates in Idaho is headed to the Senate floor.
- House Bill 32 would prohibit government entities, including schools, from requiring masks during health emergencies.
Private School Choice Tax Credit
A private school tax credit bill is moving forward.
- House Bill 93 would offer up to $5,000 in refundable tax credits for private school tuition.
- For students with special needs, the credit increases to $7,500.
Early Fetal Development Videos in Schools
A controversial bill requiring schools to show “early fetal development” videos passed a close vote in the Senate Education Committee.
- Senate Bill 1046 now moves to the Senate floor for amendments.
Sports News
Girls’ Basketball
Gooding Senators are STATE-BOUND for the first time since 2006!
- They defeated Filer 55-48 and will join Kimberly in the 4A tournament, tipping off Feb. 20 at Middleton High.
Other State Qualifiers:
- Mountain Home won the Great Basin Championship, beating Jerome 49-41.
- Twin Falls edged Burley 45-41 and will face Jerome on Thursday for a state play-in game.
Boys’ Basketball
- Preston defeated Canyon Ridge 64-46.
- Valley finished the regular season undefeated, dominating Shoshone 90-30.
- Glenns Ferry beat Murtaugh 61-38.
- Hagerman crushed Lighthouse Christian 78-19, with five players in double figures and Martin Gonzales scoring his 1,000th point.
- Dietrich defeated Richfield 72-34.
College Basketball
- The College of Southern Idaho (CSI) men fell to Salt Lake 87-79 after leading 44-34 at halftime.
- Isaac Hawkins posted a double-double (14 points, 14 rebounds).
- CSI hosts Colorado Northwestern on Saturday.
- The CSI women’s team made a second-half comeback to beat Salt Lake CC 67-58.
- Mariah Mons led with 14 points, and Savannah Stoker added 13.
College of Idaho Honors NBA Legend
The College of Idaho is renaming its basketball arena in honor of Elgin Baylor, an NBA legend and former student.
- Baylor, who attended in 1954 during the Jim Crow era, was one of the first Black students to join the team, making a significant impact on inclusivity.
- He later became: The NBA’s first Black overall draft pick The Lakers’ first superstar One of the first Black NBA coaches and general managers
A dedication ceremony will be held on Feb. 21 during the men’s basketball game.
Weather Forecast
Today: Snow with highs near 30°F. Winds 8-14 mph, gusts up to 29 mph.
New snow accumulation: Around 2 inches.
Tonight: Snow likely. Lows around 26°F. Winds shifting 6-8 mph, gusts up to 22 mph. New snow accumulation: Less than 1 inch.
Friday:
Chance of snow before 11 a.m., then rain possible. High near 42°F.
Winds 6-11 mph, gusts up to 23 mph. New snow accumulation: Less than half an inch.
Friday Night:
Rain possible before 11 p.m., then slight chance of snow. Low around 26°F. Winds 11-16 mph, gusts up to 31 mph. New snow accumulation: Less than half an inch.
Saturday:
Sunny, breezy, high near 34°F.
Sunday: Snow likely before 2 p.m., then rain & snow mix. High near 42°F. Chance of precipitation: 60%.
Monday (Washington’s Birthday): Chance of rain & snow before 2 p.m., then rain possible. High near 44°F.
Tuesday & Wednesday:
Mostly cloudy, highs near 42°F. Chance of rain & snow on Wednesday: 30%.
