CRIME & COURTS
WENDELL MURDER CASE DELAYED
The preliminary hearing for a Wendell murder suspect has been postponed to February nineteenth as attorneys review what investigators call an overwhelming amount of evidence. Cesar Aguilar is accused of fatally shooting Matthew Bodsford earlier this month in Wendell. Aguilar remains in custody with bond set at one million dollars.
TWIN FALLS SHOOTING OVER HOLIDAY DISPUTE
A Twin Falls woman is facing multiple felony charges after deputies say she shot her boyfriend during an argument over Christmas cookies. Fifty-three-year-old Katheryn Welch is charged with aggravated battery, evidence tampering, and drug possession.
KIMBERLY SHOOTING UPDATE
Police have confirmed a 65-year-old man has died following a shooting in Kimberly last week. William Berks was shot December nineteenth and died Christmas Eve.
NAMPA NEWBORN DEATH CASE
Brian Lemke and Allysen Armenta are facing felony charges after a newborn was found dead earlier this month in Nampa. Both remain jailed on five-hundred-thousand-dollar bonds.
HIT-AND-RUN INVESTIGATION
Idaho State Police are asking for help to find the driver in a hit-and-run near Roberts, northeast of Idaho Falls. It happened December 16th around eight p.m. on I-15 near milepost 134. The suspect vehicle is a white Ford pickup with silver running boards, a black toolbox, and a front push bar — with possible damage on the passenger side.
HOUSING & ECONOMY
HOME PRICES UP, SALES DOWN
New housing numbers show Idaho home prices are still rising, while sales are slowing. Intermountain MLS says prices are up seven percent in Ada County with a slight dip in Twin Falls County. But sales are down about fifteen percent in both Canyon and Twin Falls, as more homeowners pull listings rather than accept lower offers.
HEALTH
FLU ACTIVITY VERY HIGH
Health officials say flu activity is now very high across Idaho. Doctors report a surge in Influenza A cases and are urging people to stay home when sick and wash hands frequently.
STATE GOVERNMENT & LAW
NEW IDAHO LAWS FOR 2026
Several new Idaho laws are taking effect in 2026. Starting January first, Idaho adopts a new anti-SLAPP law designed to protect free speech and prevent lawsuits from being used to silence public participation. And beginning July first, Idaho will make the firing squad the state’s primary method of execution.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
TWIN FALLS UTILITY BILLING CHANGE
The City of Twin Falls is switching utility billing systems at the end of January. Online and phone payments will be down January twenty-sixth through the thirtieth, with no late fees charged. A new system launches February second.
SPORTS
HIGH SCHOOL BOYS BASKETBALL
Last night, the Wendell Trojans beat the Hagerman Pirates 56 to 37 in a rare holiday break game. Wendell jumped out early and then pulled away in the second quarter behind Jordon and Jonathan Swainston, taking a 32–18 lead at the half and cruising to improve to 5-and-1 on the season. Hagerman was led by Wyatt Mavencamp with 17 points and 10 rebounds. Up next, Hagerman hosts Sun Valley next Wednesday, while Wendell hosts Mountain Home Friday night.
CSI MEN CLOSE OUT 2025 STRONG
The College of Southern Idaho men rolled past Treasure Valley 105 to 60 yesterday in their final game of 2025. CSI shot 65 percent from the floor, 50 percent from three, and out-rebounded the Chukars 44 to 28. Six Golden Eagles scored in double figures, led by Jalen Lyn with 19 and Ben Thornbrue with 15. CSI improves to 14-and-1 and opens Scenic West play Saturday at North Idaho.
BOISE STATE MEN DEFEND HOME COURT
Behind a strong defensive effort, Boise State beat New Mexico 62 to 53 last night in its Mountain West home opener at Extra Mile Arena. The Broncos had four players in double figures, led by Spencer Ahrens with 12 points and eight rebounds. Boise State held the Lobos to just 30 percent shooting and three made threes on the night. The Broncos now hit the road to face San Diego State Saturday night on CBS Sports Network.
BOISE STATE WOMEN RETURN HOME
The Boise State women return home this week, hosting Nevada today at 2 and Grand Canyon Saturday at 2 in their Mountain West home openers at Extra Mile Arena. The Broncos are 7-and-0 at home for a third straight season and have won nine in a row at Extra Mile. Boise State leads the Mountain West in three-point shooting at nearly 39 percent and scoring at 71 points per game. The Broncos look to extend that home streak starting this afternoon.
WEATHER
TODAY
Mostly sunny, with a high near 45. East wind 7 to 9 mph.
TONIGHT
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 30. East wind around 7 mph.
NEW YEAR’S DAY
Rain likely, mainly after 11am. Cloudy, with a high near 44. East southeast wind around 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
THURSDAY NIGHT
Rain likely, mainly before 11pm. Patchy fog between 11pm and 2am. Otherwise, cloudy, with a low around 37. Calm wind becoming southwest around 6 mph after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
FRIDAY
A 20 percent chance of rain before 11am. Partly sunny, with a high near 54.
Friday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 36.
SATURDAY
A 30 percent chance of rain after 11am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 52.
Saturday Night: A 40 percent chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 34.
SUNDAY
A 40 percent chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 49.
Sunday Night: A 30 percent chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 34.
MONDAY
A slight chance of rain and snow. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 48. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Monday Night: A slight chance of rain and snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 31. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
TUESDAY
Partly sunny, with a high near 45.
