Legislative Updates: Some significant decisions were made in Boise last week. Idaho is set to become the first state to use firing squads as its primary execution method, with a new law taking effect in 2026. Meanwhile, Governor Brad Little signed a bill increasing the state’s grocery tax credit from $120 to $155, offering Idahoans more tax relief. Additionally, the governor approved an anti-SLAPP law to protect free speech and curb frivolous lawsuits.
This Week’s Legislative Focus: Key topics in Boise this week include Medicaid work requirements, stricter child care regulations, and Senate discussions on water storage solutions. Plus, Idaho Agriculture Day is scheduled for tomorrow at the Statehouse.
Crime Update: Twin Falls police have arrested four out-of-state suspects from Georgia for running a check forgery scam. The group recruited homeless individuals to cash fraudulent checks, even dressing them as construction workers. Authorities believe similar crimes may be linked to the suspects. The four have posted bond and face preliminary hearings on Friday.
School Safety Incident: A security guard at Perrine Elementary left a gun unattended on school grounds Thursday. Students reported the incident, and staff quickly intervened. The Twin Falls School District stated that the guard, employed by Eagle Eye Security, is no longer with the district. Officials have promised added safety measures to prevent future incidents.
Vehicle Burglary Warning: Over the weekend, Twin Falls Police warned residents about a rise in attempted vehicle burglaries. A video posted Saturday shows suspects trying to break into cars. Police urge residents to lock doors, remove valuables, and park in well-lit areas. Stay alert and report any suspicious activity.
Landslide Closure: A landslide has closed State Highway 95 between Council and New Meadows. The Idaho Transportation Department reports damage to the highway’s shoulder. Regional traffic should detour via Highway 55. Engineers will assess the damage today.
Wildfire Insurance Concerns: As wildfire season approaches, insurance companies in Idaho are reassessing coverage in high-risk areas, leaving some homeowners without protection. Residents like Dena Neubaum report being dropped by multiple insurers. Experts urge homeowners to create defensible space and explore Idaho’s Fair Plan for coverage options.
Sports Highlights:
- Softball: Canyon Ridge opened its season with a tough doubleheader loss to Preston, falling 24-4 and 15-10. Megan Kennedy and Ella Clark led the Riverhawks at the plate. Wendell defeated Melba 22-5, fueled by Breanna Comstock’s 6 RBIs and a three-run homer. Glenns Ferry dominated Idaho City 18-0, with Taylor Martinez striking out 13 in a shutout win.
- Baseball: Buhl edged Payette 8-7 in the Bill Betts Memorial Tournament, thanks to Colin Richards’ go-ahead single in the ninth. However, they later fell to Nampa Christian 9-3. Canyon Ridge dropped its opener to Kuna 10-6, despite nine hits and three RBIs from Brodee Thomson. Wood River split a doubleheader with Nampa, bouncing back with a 6-0 no-hitter from Ozzier Scherer and Luke Hebert. Minico fell to Bonneville 12-1, and Melba topped Wendell 9-2. Burley split a doubleheader with Idaho Falls, winning 11-1 but losing 15-7.
- Twin Falls Softball: The Bruins dropped their fifth straight game, falling 16-5 to Middleton. Hadley Fowler and Kaitlyn Hudson led at the plate. Twin Falls looks to rebound against Thunder Ridge on Wednesday.
- Boise State Basketball: For the first time in four seasons, Boise State is out of the NCAA Tournament after falling to Colorado State. Meanwhile, Colorado State, New Mexico State, Utah State, and San Diego State earned tournament bids.
- Boise State Softball: The Broncos (19-9, 0-3 MW) dropped a late lead for the second straight game, falling 3-2 to Fresno State. They now head to Stockton for a doubleheader at Pacific tomorrow.
- CSI Baseball: CSI shut out Prairie Baseball Academy 5-0, led by Mack Evans’ two-run homer and strong pitching from Coleman Bobb and Caden Fenger. The Golden Eagles (22-10) open conference play Friday against Colorado Northwestern.
Weather Forecast:
- Today: Rain showers likely before 9 a.m., transitioning to rain and snow showers by noon, then rain in the afternoon. High near 45°F. Light west-southwest winds. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
- Tonight: A chance of rain and snow showers before midnight, with possible thunderstorms. Breezy, with gusts up to 33 mph. Low around 29°F. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
- Tuesday: Mostly sunny, breezy, with a high near 41°F. Winds gusting up to 41 mph.
- Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 26°F. Blustery early, with decreasing winds overnight.
- Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 49°F.
- Wednesday Night: Slight chance of snow showers after midnight, mixing with rain later. Low around 34°F.
- Thursday: Rain and snow before 9 a.m., snow between 9 a.m. and noon, then rain likely. Breezy, with a high near 46°F. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
- Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 30°F.
- Friday: Partly sunny, with a high near 50°F.
- Friday Night: A 40% chance of rain, mostly cloudy, with a low around 34°F.
- Saturday: Chance of rain and snow, partly sunny, high near 48°F. Breezy.
- Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 32°F.
- Sunday: Partly sunny, with a high near 54°F.
