IDAHO LEGISLATION
House Bill 135 Advances to Senate
The Idaho House has passed House Bill 135, which aims to restrict unauthorized immigrants from accessing publicly funded assistance. Sponsored by Rep. Jordan Redman (R-Coeur d’Alene), the bill seeks to prioritize legal residents for welfare benefits. Although Idaho agencies already verify lawful presence for most aid programs, this bill would remove exceptions for emergency services, including immunizations, prenatal and postnatal care, food assistance for children, and crisis shelter services.
Opponents, including Rep. Ilana Rubel (D-Boise) and Rep. Lori McCann (R-Lewiston), criticized the bill for targeting vulnerable groups such as pregnant women and hungry children. Supporters argue it prevents the misuse of taxpayer funds. The bill passed 46-22 in the House and now moves to the Senate. If approved and signed by the governor, it would take effect on July 1.
House Approves Death Penalty for Child Sexual Abuse
The Idaho House has unanimously passed House Bill 380, which would allow the death penalty for adults convicted of sexually abusing children aged 12 and younger. Sponsored by Rep. Bruce Skaug, the bill also sets mandatory minimum sentences for aggravated lewd conduct with minors. The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.
Medical Marijuana Bill Stalls
Idaho lawmakers have heard testimony on House Bill 401, which aims to legalize medical marijuana for chronic pain patients. Named after veteran Jeremy Kitzhaber, the bill seeks to reclassify marijuana as a Schedule 2 drug. Though it won’t advance this session, sponsors hope it sparks further discussion about medical cannabis in Idaho.
LOCAL NEWS
Suspect on the Run After Stolen SUV Chase
Twin Falls Police are searching for a suspect who abandoned a stolen SUV after a brief chase last night. The vehicle, reported stolen from Meridian, was ditched near Delong Avenue and Witt Street. Despite a perimeter search and K-9 units, the suspect remains at large. Police say there’s no threat to the community, and the investigation is ongoing.
I-84 Closure Postponed Due to Weather
The planned I-84 closure at the South Jerome interchange has been postponed due to wet conditions. Exit 168 will now close on Wednesday and Thursday night for bridge construction. Traffic will be detoured using frontage roads.
Proposed Drug Detox Facility Sparks Controversy
A proposed drug detox center on Main Street in Filer is facing backlash from residents, who say they weren’t informed about its location near schools and public spaces. The city council has remained silent due to legal concerns but has encouraged residents to seek more information.
Twin Falls School District to Cut 20 Teaching Positions
The Twin Falls School District is preparing for budget cuts, which include eliminating 20 teaching positions. However, officials emphasize that music programs will remain intact, though some class sizes may increase. The district reassures the community of its commitment to arts education, which continues to have strong local support.
Man Arrested for Soliciting Nude Images from Teen
Twin Falls resident Robert Halstead, 47, was arrested Friday for allegedly soliciting nude images from a 15-year-old online. He faces felony charges with a potential 45-year sentence. His preliminary hearing is set for March 26.
Burn Victim Returns Home After Three-Month Hospital Stay
Twin Falls man Tracy Fox is back home after spending nearly three months in the hospital recovering from severe burns suffered in an industrial accident in Jerome. After being in a coma for a month, Fox still faces a long recovery but is grateful for the community’s support, which has raised over $41,000 for his medical expenses.
Idaho’s Workforce Training Program Sees Success
Idaho’s LAUNCH workforce training program has led to a record increase in postsecondary enrollment, including an 18% jump at community colleges. Governor Little praised the program’s success, while student leaders expressed strong support. Officials say LAUNCH is strengthening Idaho’s workforce and economy.
SPORTS
High School Baseball Action
Monday night brought strong performances across Magic Valley baseball:
- Minico (5A) shut out Kimberly (4A) 9-0.
- Cody Carlson hit a first-inning RBI triple.
- Jase Murphy added two RBIs and pitched three shutout innings with eight strikeouts.
- Ramsey Lewis and Noah Rich closed the game in relief.
- Glenns Ferry (2A) dominated Lighthouse Christian 10-0 in five innings.
- Peyton Reynolds went 3-for-4, and Bryce Sterling drove in two runs.
- Alan Mesillas threw a no-hitter, striking out 11 in a lights-out performance.
Softball: Gooding Rallies Past Declo
In interclass softball action, Gooding (4A) defeated Declo (3A) 6-4. Declo took an early 3-0 lead, but Gooding answered with six runs on five hits in the second inning. Violet Conrad sealed the victory with a two-run single for the Senators.
Boise State Athletic Director Honored
Boise State Athletic Director Jeramiah Dickey has been named Athletic Director of the Year by NACDA. Since taking over in 2021, Dickey has led the Broncos to multiple championships and record-setting attendance. He credits his team and fans for the program’s success.
Boise State Basketball to Compete in New Tournament
The Boise State men’s basketball team will compete in the inaugural College Basketball Crown tournament in Las Vegas. The 16-team field features top programs from seven conferences. The Broncos face George Washington in the first round on March 31 at 3:30 p.m. MT at MGM Grand Garden Arena.
CSI Women’s Basketball Coach Wins 10th Coach of the Year Award
College of Southern Idaho (CSI) women’s basketball coach Randy Rogers has been named Region 18 Coach of the Year for the 10th time in his career. Under his leadership, the Golden Eagles secured another Scenic West title, bringing his career record to 561-82 over 23 seasons at CSI.
Three CSI Players Earn Region 18 Honors
- Kennedy Gillette: First Team All-Region
- Savannah Stoker & Samara Morrow: Second Team All-Region
The Golden Eagles finished the season 23-8, winning the Scenic West title.
WEATHER
- Today: Mostly sunny, high 42°F, breezy with gusts up to 41 mph.
- Tonight: Mostly clear, low 27°F, winds 15-20 mph decreasing overnight.
- Wednesday: Sunny, high 49°F, light winds.
- Wednesday Night: 30% chance of snow after midnight, low 34°F.
- Thursday: Snow chance early, then rain/snow mix, high 46°F.
- Weekend: Highs in the upper 40s, warming to 64°F by Monday.
