FATAL CRASH UPDATE
A 43-year-old woman from Twin Falls has died following a crash in Jerome County earlier this month. Police say she was driving northbound on U.S. 93 when her vehicle crossed into oncoming traffic and collided head-on with a semi near milepost 64. She died at the hospital yesterday.
FOOD SAFETY ALERT
Nearly 3,000 pounds of raw ground beef produced in Heyburn by Mountain West Food Group is being recalled due to possible E. coli contamination. The USDA says the “Forward Farms Grass-Fed Ground Beef” in 16-ounce packages with a January 13 freeze-by date may be unsafe. No illnesses have been reported so far.
GAS PRICES
Idaho drivers are seeing some post-holiday relief at the pump. AAA says the average price for regular gas in Idaho is now $2.84 a gallon — down five cents from last week and nearly forty cents cheaper than a month ago. That’s just two cents above the national average.
NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATIONS
Boise’s Idaho Potato Drop and Twin Falls’ Copper Ball Drop both return this New Year’s Eve, offering Idahoans two unique ways to ring in 2026. Twin Falls’ Lamphouse Theater hosts its 22nd annual Copper Ball Drop at midnight. Police and fire officials remind residents to celebrate safely — only “safe and sane” fireworks are legal within city limits.
IDAHO LOTTERY
The Idaho Lottery has announced the winning numbers for the million-dollar raffle:
3-2-6-2-0-0 and 1-2-5-5-7-9.
STATE CAPITOL PROJECT
State officials have approved up to $28,500 to refurbish Idaho’s replica Liberty Bell at the State Capitol. The work is part of preparations for Idaho’s America 250 celebration.
RURAL HEALTH FUNDING
Idaho is receiving nearly $186 million in federal funding to boost rural health care. The money comes through a new Rural Health Transformation Program and will help improve access to care, recruit health workers, and support rural hospitals.
COMMUNITY HEALTH HONOR
South Central Public Health has earned Blue Ribbon status from the national Parents as Teachers program for the second time. The recognition highlights top-tier early childhood home visiting services in South Central Idaho. The program is free of charge.
SPORTS
BOYS HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL
At the East Idaho Holiday Shootout in Hillcrest last night, Castleford ran into a tough one, falling to Hillcrest JV 68–20.
Tonight on the schedule, Hagerman hits the road for a non-conference game at Wendell — tip-off is set for 6:00 p.m.
BOISE STATE BASKETBALL
Boise State opens its Mountain West home schedule tonight, hosting New Mexico at ExtraMile Arena. Tip-off is set for 9:00 p.m.
The Broncos have won 14 of the 29 meetings with the Lobos and took two of three last season, including the tournament semifinal. Head coach Leon Rice is also one win away from becoming the all-time leader in regular-season Mountain West victories.
IDAHO STATE WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
Idaho State opens Big Sky play on the road this week, starting Thursday night at Sacramento State, followed by Friday afternoon at Portland State.
The Bengals enter league play at 7–4 after a strong non-conference run and a two-game win streak. Tasia Jordan leads the team in scoring, and Idaho State holds a plus-seven scoring margin heading into conference action.
SKI CONDITIONS
Southern Idaho ski fans are still waiting for winter’s kickoff. Many local slopes, including Magic Mountain, haven’t seen enough snow and remain limited or closed — not typical conditions for this time of year.
Snowpack levels statewide are running well below normal, with variable or light coverage at most resorts. Pomerelle has some machine-groomed terrain open, and resorts farther north are reporting deeper snow, but warm weather and delayed storms mean Southern Idaho conditions remain mixed at best.
WEATHER
Today:
Sunny, with a high near 42°F. East wind 7 to 10 mph.
Tonight:
Increasing clouds, with a low around 22°F. East wind around 7 mph.
Wednesday:
Partly sunny, with a high near 46°F. East wind 7 to 9 mph.
Wednesday Night: A 20% chance of rain after 11 p.m. Mostly cloudy, low around 31°F.
New Year’s Day:
Rain likely, mainly before 11 a.m. Cloudy, high near 46°F. East-northeast wind 5 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation 60%.
Thursday Night: A 40% chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, low around 37°F.
Friday:
A 20% chance of rain before 11 a.m. Mostly cloudy, high near 54°F.
Friday Night: A 20% chance of rain after 11 p.m. Low around 37°F.
Saturday:
A 40% chance of rain. Partly sunny, high near 50°F.
Saturday Night: Chance of rain before 11 p.m., then a slight chance of rain and snow. Low around 32°F. Chance of precipitation 30%.
Sunday:
A chance of rain and snow. Partly sunny, high near 46°F. Chance of precipitation 30%.
Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, low around 30°F.
Monday:
A slight chance of rain and snow. Partly sunny, high near 46°F. Chance of precipitation 20%.
