Local News

Your Daily Briefing – 03/06/2025

🏛 Legislative Updates

  • Idaho House Committee Reviews Immigration Bill
    The Idaho House Judiciary and Rules Committee reviewed House Bill 335, which would criminalize assisting undocumented immigrants by knowingly harboring, transporting, or providing financial, housing, or legal support. While the bill includes exemptions for law enforcement and first responders, it imposes penalties ranging from misdemeanors to felonies, including fines, business license revocation, and vehicle seizure for repeat offenders. Supporters argue it would reduce strain on public resources, while opponents, including attorneys, claim it is unconstitutional and undermines legal professionals. After a lengthy debate, the committee chose not to advance the bill, leaving its future uncertain as discussions continue.
  • Lawmakers Push to Restrict Marijuana Legalization
    The Idaho House passed a resolution to let voters decide if only lawmakers can regulate marijuana. House Joint Resolution 4 would amend the state constitution, blocking ballot initiatives to legalize cannabis. If approved by the Senate, it will appear on the 2026 ballot.
  • Idaho May Become First to Use Firing Squads as Primary Execution Method
    Idaho could become the only state to use firing squads as its primary execution method if Gov. Brad Little does not veto House Bill 37. The bill passed both chambers of the Legislature with strong support. Currently, five states allow firing squads, but none use them as the main method.
  • Grocery Tax Credit Increase Moves Forward
    Idaho’s grocery tax credit may rise by $35 per person. The Senate passed House Bill 231, increasing the credit to $155 for all Idahoans. A family of four would receive $620 annually, helping offset grocery taxes. The bill now awaits the governor’s decision.
  • Governor Praises Funding for Schools and Roads
    Gov. Brad Little praised the Idaho House for unanimously passing two key parts of his “Keeping Promises” plan. House Bill 338 allocates $50 million for rural school facilities, while House Bill 25 provides $1 billion for transportation projects over the next three years.
  • Medical Education Reform in the Works
    The debate over Idaho’s medical education system continues as lawmakers push for a new bill aimed at reducing the state’s reliance on the WWAMI program. The proposal would create new medical school seats while decreasing Idaho’s participation in WWAMI. Rep. Jack Nelsen of Jerome emphasized the need for more doctors, not less collaboration.

🚧 Local Alerts

  • Rupert Road Closure
    Rupert residents, take note: Scott Avenue between F and G Streets will be closed from March 10 to 14 for a new waterline installation at the fire station. The project aims to improve infrastructure and aid first responders. The closure will last up to four days.
  • Twin Falls Scam Alert
    Twin Falls Police are warning residents about a scam call from someone impersonating Chief Kingsbury. The department will never ask for money over the phone.

🏀 Sports

  • Magic Valley Teams Compete in State Basketball Championships
    Nine teams from the Magic Valley will compete at the Idaho high school boys’ basketball state championships, tipping off Thursday in Boise.
    • 4A: Twin Falls enters as the District 4 champion, looking for its first opening-round win since 2015. Filer and Kimberly also qualified, with Filer aiming for its first state trophy in a decade.
    • 3A: Top-seeded Declo (23-1) boasts the best defense in the state. Wendell, led by the Swainston brothers, returns to the tournament, while Kimberly eyes another deep run.
    • 2A: Hagerman makes its first state appearance since 2009, led by Ky Kendall and Martin Gonzalez. Top-seeded Dietrich boasts a high-powered offense, averaging nearly 70 points per game.
  • Vandals Head to Big Sky Tournament
    The University of Idaho men’s basketball team concluded its regular season with a 75-60 loss to Montana State in Bozeman. The Vandals secured the #6 seed in the Big Sky Conference Tournament and will face Portland State on March 10 at 8:00 PM MST.
  • Idaho Women’s Tennis Stays Hot
    The Idaho women’s tennis team is on a winning streak and looks to extend it in their upcoming match against Portland State on Sunday, March 9.
  • Soldier Mountain Expands Ski Terrain
    Soldier Mountain is opening 250 acres of new ski terrain in the Bridge Creek area for the first time in 77 years. The newly accessible slopes feature challenging glades and steep ridges. Access opens on March 8-9 and 15-16 for small groups, with free but limited tickets.
  • Sun Valley Hosts Ski World Cup Finals
    The Audi FIS Ski World Cup Finals will take place in Sun Valley from March 20-27! Top alpine skiers will compete in four events, while local law enforcement will patrol on skis for quick response times. Officers train with 30-pound packs to ensure mountain safety. Sheriff Morgan Ballis says their presence enhances public security.

🌦 Weather Forecast

  • Today: Rain and snow, high near 38°F. East wind 8-13 mph, shifting west in the afternoon with gusts up to 23 mph. 100% chance of precipitation; little to no snow accumulation expected.
  • Tonight: Rain and snow likely before 11 PM, then a chance of snow. Cloudy, low around 29°F. West wind at 10 mph, gusting up to 21 mph. 60% chance of precipitation; new snow accumulation of less than half an inch possible.
  • Friday: Cloudy through mid-morning, then gradual clearing. High near 42°F. West wind 8-11 mph, gusting up to 20 mph.
  • Friday Night: Mostly clear, low around 25°F. South-southwest wind around 9 mph.
  • Saturday: Sunny, high near 47°F.
  • Saturday Night: Mostly clear, low around 26°F.
  • Sunday: Sunny, high near 51°F.
  • Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, low around 29°F.
  • Monday: Partly sunny, high near 54°F.
  • Monday Night: Mostly cloudy, low around 33°F.
  • Tuesday: 30% chance of rain. Partly sunny, high near 52°F.
  • Tuesday Night: 30% chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, low around 35°F.
  • Wednesday: Rain likely. Mostly cloudy, high near 52°F. 60% chance of precipitation.
Terry "Tdub" West
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