Idaho News
SNAP Benefits Bill Delayed
The Idaho House Health and Welfare Committee has delayed a bill that would ban SNAP benefits for candy and soda. Supporters argue it addresses poor nutrition, while critics question its impact. A vote is expected in two weeks.
Fatal Crash on US30 Near Murtaugh
Police are investigating a fatal crash that occurred yesterday morning on US30 near Murtaugh. An 18-year-old driver crossed the center line and collided head-on with another vehicle. He died at the scene, while a 74-year-old passenger in the other car later passed away at the hospital. The crash shut down the highway for three hours.
Filer Residents Raise Safety Concerns
At a transportation meeting, Filer residents voiced concerns over speeding in school zones and dangerous intersections on U.S. Highway 30. The Idaho Transportation Board acknowledged the issues and pledged to take action.
Highway 20 Temporary Closure
The Idaho Transportation Department will temporarily close U.S. Highway 20 from Anderson Dam Road to Hill City on Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 5 a.m. Crews will clear built-up snow ahead of more expected snowfall.
Twin Falls Seeks Grant for Pedestrian Safety
Twin Falls is applying for a $52,500 state traffic safety grant to install flashing lights at five pedestrian crosswalks following a fatal accident in October. The grant requires a $13,125 local match and would fund “rapid flashing beacons” at key intersections, including Hansen Street and Second Avenue East.
Ketchum Pushes for Workforce Housing
Ketchum is prioritizing workforce housing, identifying two city-owned parcels for development. The city says housing is a critical issue as short-term rentals have surged, leaving over half of homes vacant or used for vacations.
GOP Bill Seeks to Repeal Medicaid Expansion
Republican lawmakers in Idaho have introduced a bill to repeal the state’s voter-approved Medicaid expansion, aligning with a broader GOP effort to cut public health insurance spending. With President Trump back in the White House and a Republican-controlled Congress looking at reductions, some states are already moving to shrink or eliminate Medicaid expansion.
Sports
Oakley Lady Hornets Dominate Again
The Oakley Lady Hornets crushed Valley 59-31 to secure their third straight Snake River Championship and a state tournament spot. Oakley is expected to be the No. 1 seed, while Valley will face Raft River for a final state bid.
Raft River Wins 2A Snake River Tournament
Raft River defeated Murtaugh 54-23, led by Ryan Udy with 17 points and six steals. They will now play Valley for a chance at the state tournament, while Murtaugh’s season comes to an end.
Boys Basketball Recap
- Wendell beat Buhl 59-38 (Interclass action)
- Twin Falls edged Mountain Home, led by Ryker Page
- Minico topped Jerome 44-32
- Burley dominated Wood River 74-38
- Kimberly won the ‘Hollar for the Collar’ game against Filer 69-64, with Broden Anthony scoring 19
Idaho State’s Dylan Darling Named Player of the Week
Dylan Darling has been named Big Sky Conference Player of the Week for the second consecutive time. He scored a career-high 30 points in Idaho State’s 72-67 win over Weber State, marking the Bengals’ longest winning streak in Ogden. His stats:
30 points 3 assists 4 rebounds 4 steals 56.3% shooting
Idaho Supreme Court Case Could Impact Ski Resorts
A case before the Idaho Supreme Court could affect ski resorts statewide, especially small operations. It stems from a 2019 wrongful death lawsuit after Stewart Milus collided with snowmaking equipment at Sun Valley. The court ruled in December 2023 that more warnings should have been in place. If the court rules against Sun Valley, liability protections could change, raising insurance costs and increasing litigation risks, potentially hurting smaller resorts. A final ruling is expected this Friday.
Environment & Wildlife
Wolf Trapping Restrictions Extended
Wolf trapping and snaring will be restricted across most of Idaho this spring for the second consecutive year after a federal judge upheld the decision. The ruling follows a 2021 lawsuit by conservation groups, who argued that the traps endangered grizzly bears. Organizations like The International Wildlife Coexistence Network celebrate this as a victory for grizzly conservation.
Weather Forecast
Today: Sunny, high near 24°F. Wind chills between -2°F and 8°F. Winds 7-9 mph.
Tonight: Increasing clouds, low around 10°F, wind chills between -3°F and 7°F.
Thursday: Snow after 11 AM. High 32°F. Wind chills as low as -2°F. Snow accumulation ~2 inches.
Thursday Night: 50% chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, low 27°F.
Friday: Snow likely before 8 AM, then rain & snow mix through the morning. High 42°F. Friday Night: 30% chance of rain & snow. Low 28°F.
Saturday: Mostly sunny, high 39°F. Saturday Night: Mostly cloudy, low 28°F.
Sunday: Chance of snow before 11 AM, then rain likely. High 43°F. Sunday Night: Rain likely after 11 PM, low 34°F.
Washington’s Birthday (Monday): Rain likely. High 44°F. Monday Night: Slight chance of rain & snow, low 31°F.
Tuesday: Partly sunny, high 41°F.
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