Idaho News Update
CRIME & PUBLIC SAFETY 
Idaho State Police are investigating a fatal two-vehicle crash that occurred at 8:44 a.m. yesterday on US-30 near Murtaugh. An 18-year-old Burley man crossed the center line and collided head-on with a Chevy Traverse. He died at the scene. A 50-year-old passenger in the Traverse later died at the hospital. US-30 was blocked for about three hours. 
Idaho lawmakers have agreed on pay raises for teachers, state employees, and university staff. The plan includes a 5% boost for K-12 salaries and at least a $1.05-per-hour raise for state workers. The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee passed the $177.4 million package despite ongoing debate over merit-based vs. across-the-board pay increases. 
The House Education Committee voted yesterday to introduce a bill requiring public schools to read the Bible daily. Rep. Jordan Redman says it promotes morality and citizenship. Supporters cite historical precedent, arguing it would pass constitutional review. 
Crews are working to clear a train derailment east of Jerome. Fifteen empty cars went off the tracks Tuesday at 300 South and 625 East. No injuries were reported, and roads should reopen within a week or two. 
The Idaho Supreme Court upheld former Lewiston legislator Aaron von Ehlinger’s rape conviction yesterday. Von Ehlinger, convicted in 2022, appealed on multiple grounds, but the court ruled there was sufficient evidence. He remains in custody, eligible for parole in 2030. 
Twin Falls firefighters quickly extinguished a small fire at Auto Body Paint and Supply yesterday. Crews responded around 2:15 p.m. to a smoldering spot on the roof. The cause is under investigation, and no injuries were reported. 
The Twin Falls County Fair Board warns of scammers selling fake tickets. They urge buyers to purchase only through their official website and avoid third-party sellers to ensure authenticity. 
SPORTS 
The Declo Hornets remain No. 1 in 3A in the latest high school boys’ basketball poll after a three-win week, including a 57-52 victory over No. 2 West Side. They face Wendell today, aiming for a perfect 20-0 season. In 2A, Valley holds steady at No. 2.
It felt like a championship game at Valley High as No. 3 Raft River faced No. 2 Valley in the 2A girls’ semifinals. Valley dominated early, leading 19-0 after one, but Raft River surged back to take a halftime lead. The Vikings regained control in the third and held on for a 59-52 win. Lexi Huettig led Valley with 14 points, while Ryan Udy scored 19 for Raft River. Valley now faces No. 1 Oakley in the Snake River Championship on Tuesday, while Raft River plays Glenns Ferry in a loser-out game today.
The Idaho men’s basketball team fell to Portland State 69-76, despite a late rally after a rough first half. Trailing 39-19 at the break, the Vandals battled back with strong performances from Titus Yearout and Jayden Stevens, trimming a 25-point deficit to just six. Julius Mims also made history, entering Idaho’s top 10 scorers. The Vandals will return to action tomorrow at home against Sacramento State, with the game set for 2 p.m. PST on ESPN+. 
The Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2025 was revealed last night at NFL Honors, with Bengals legend Jared Allen among the honorees. A four-time All-Pro and five-time Pro Bowl pass rusher, Allen is known for his iconic sack celebrations and eccentric style. The defensive end, who started his career at Idaho State, enters the Hall with 136 career sacks, ranking 12th all-time. Joining Allen in this year’s class are Eric Allen, Antonio Gates, and Sterling Sharpe. 
WEATHER 
- Today: A 40% chance of rain before 11 a.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 43°F. Breezy, with a south-southwest wind at 9-14 mph, increasing to 20-25 mph in the morning. Wind gusts could reach 45 mph.
- Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 21°F. West wind at 9-15 mph, with gusts up to 28 mph.
- Tomorrow: Mostly sunny, with a high near 34°F. West-southwest wind at 7-9 mph.
- Tomorrow Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 18°F. West-northwest wind at 5-8 mph, becoming southwest in the evening.
- Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 34°F.
- Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 15°F.
- Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 30°F.
- Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 14°F.
- Tuesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 26°F.
- Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 10°F.
- Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 30°F.
- Wednesday Night: A 30% chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 16°F.
- Thursday: Snow likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 37°F. Chance of precipitation: 60%.
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