STATEHOUSE WATCH
5% Budget Cuts & Public Safety
Governor Brad Little says he’s concerned that new 5% legislative budget cuts could impact wildfire response and mental health courts. However, he says the budget is now in lawmakers’ hands as it moves through the House and Senate.
License Plate Sticker Debate – House Bill 533
A bill at the Idaho Legislature would eliminate vehicle registration stickers from license plates. Supporters say House Bill 533 could save the state about $300,000. But some law enforcement leaders warn removing stickers could make it easier for unregistered vehicles to slip through.
Public Lands Protection Push
Idaho State Senator Treg Bernt of Meridian is urging Congress to protect public access to federal lands and oppose any effort to sell them off. He’s introduced a nonbinding joint memorial warning that selling public lands could hurt access, traditions, and saddle Idaho taxpayers with new costs.
Isaiah’s Law
Twin Falls mom Monique Peyre is urging lawmakers to pass Isaiah’s Law, which would change foster visitation rules when abuse is substantiated. The proposal heads to a Senate committee hearing this week.
Rats Declared Public Health Nuisance
Idaho lawmakers are advancing a bill to declare rats a public health nuisance, aiming to create a statewide eradication plan by 2026. The proposal now heads for amendment amid concerns about cost.
Hunting as State Sport – House Bill 652
A Twin Falls fourth grader is behind a push to make hunting Idaho’s official state sport. Lawmakers introduced House Bill 652 after Betty Grandy brought the idea to the Capitol — and it’s already passed committee unanimously. The bill now moves to the House floor, where it must pass before it becomes law.
CRIME & COURTS
High-Speed Chase
Idaho State Police chased a driver from Jerome toward Twin Falls early yesterday after a traffic stop near Flying J. The suspect hit speeds over 110 miles an hour before abandoning the vehicle. The driver has not been found.
Guilty Plea in Kimberly Shooting
Daniel Wise has pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter in Twin Falls County in connection to a 2025 deadly shooting at a Kimberly mobile home park. Prosecutors will recommend a 20-year prison sentence.
Jim Murphy Murder Trial
Jurors are deliberating in the first-degree murder trial of Cassia County man Jim Murphy, accused of killing his wife, Whitney Murphy, in 2014 and staging a burglary. Deliberations continue today.
LOCAL UPDATES
Water Main Break in Burley
Burley crews are repairing a water main break in the Park Place subdivision after a contractor hit the line yesterday. Workers were on track to restore service early this morning.
SPORTS
District Boys Basketball Results
District tournament action last night:
- At Dietrich, Richfield pulled away from Hansen, 52 to 32. The Tigers move on after holding Hansen to just 32 points.
- At Madison, Canyon Ridge picked up a solid 69 to 59 win over the Bobcats. The Riverhawks stay alive in district play with that ten-point victory.
- Back at Dietrich, the host Blue Devils defended their home court, beating Castleford 63 to 53. Dietrich advances after a strong second-half performance.
District Tournament Tonight
Games at 6:00:
- Filer vs. Kimberly at CSI in Twin Falls
- Wood River at Minico
- Jerome at Mountain Home
- Shoshone vs. Oakley at Raft River
- Glenns Ferry vs. Sun Valley Community School at Murtaugh
At 7:30:
- Buhl vs. Gooding at CSI
- Hagerman vs. Murtaugh
- Valley vs. Raft River
CSI Golden Eagles
College of Southern Idaho Golden Eagles sophomore Nathan Ahner and Savannah Stoker have both been named Scenic West Players of the Week. Ahner averaged 16.5 points for the men, while Stoker dropped 30 against 23rd-ranked Salt Lake. CSI heads to North Idaho Saturday.
Boise State Broncos
Boise State men’s basketball hits the road tonight to face Utah State in Logan. Tip-off at the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum is set for 8:30 Mountain Time. Boise State has won 22 all-time meetings and has topped 80 points in seven of its last eight games.
Spencer Danielson added two to his Boise State staff — Stiles Satterlee joins as assistant linebackers coach, and former Bronco coach Chris Strausser returns as senior offensive analyst after eight seasons in the NFL.
Idaho Vandals
The Idaho Vandals head to Portland tomorrow for a 6 p.m. showdown with Big Sky leader Portland State, coming off their biggest win over Idaho State in more than 35 years.
The Vandals are up to No. 21 in the College Insider Mid-Major Top 25 after a 2-0 week and a season sweep of Idaho State. Idaho has won 10 straight, leads the Big Sky at 21-5 overall, and hosts Portland State tomorrow at 6 for Star Wars Night.
Idaho State Bengals
The Bengals are back home at Reed Gym this week, hosting Montana tomorrow at 7 and Montana State Saturday at 4 as the Big Sky race tightens down the stretch.
Bogus Basin Snow Boost
Nearly a foot of fresh snow has Bogus Basin spinning more lifts. Superior opens tomorrow, Pine Creek Friday, and Bitterroot Saturday, with night skiing starting Thursday as well.
WEATHER OUTLOOK
Today
A 40 percent chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 34. Breezy, with west winds increasing to 18 to 23 mph in the afternoon. Gusts could reach 37 mph. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.
Tonight
Partly cloudy, with a low around 21. Southwest wind 9 to 16 mph, gusting up to 26 mph.
Thursday
Mostly sunny, high near 37. Light southeast wind.
Thursday Night: 20 percent chance of snow. Low around 21.
Friday
20 percent chance of snow before 11 a.m. Partly sunny, high near 36.
Friday Night: Mostly clear, low around 20.
Weekend Warm-Up
Saturday: Mostly sunny, high near 42.
Saturday Night: Mostly cloudy, low around 25.
Sunday: Partly sunny, high near 50.
Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, low around 30.
Early Next Week
Monday: Chance of rain and snow. High near 55. 30 percent chance of precipitation.
Monday Night: Chance of rain and snow. Low around 34. 50 percent chance.
Tuesday: Chance of rain and snow. High near 49. 50 percent chance.
