State & Local News
ITD Headquarters Renovation
Idaho lawmakers approved an additional $9.6 million to renovate the former ITD headquarters in Boise, bringing total funding to $42.1 million—still over $22 million short of estimated costs. The money was redirected from a request to move ITD’s District 4 headquarters from Shoshone to Twin Falls.
Fatal Hit-and-Run in Canyon County
Idaho State Police are investigating a fatal hit-and-run bicycle crash last night on I-84’s mile marker 26 off-ramp in Canyon County. A 55-year-old Caldwell man died at the scene.
Education Tax Credit Panel Discussion
A community panel on Idaho’s new $5,000 tax credit for non-public education takes place tonight at 7 p.m. at the Herrett Center in Twin Falls. Educators, including Xavier Charter’s Debbi Burr, will discuss the law’s impact on public and charter school funding.
SNAP Benefits Ban on Candy & Soda Moves Forward
A bill to ban SNAP benefits from covering candy and soda is headed to the Idaho Senate. If passed, Idaho would need federal approval to implement the change. Supporters say it aligns with the “Make America Healthy Again” movement.
Media Shield Law for Journalists Passes Legislature
Idaho lawmakers unanimously passed a media shield law to protect journalists’ confidential sources. House Bill 158, now awaiting the governor’s signature, aims to prevent frivolous lawsuits and strengthen whistleblower protections.
Idaho Tax Commission Blocks $2M in Fraud
The Idaho Tax Commission blocked nearly $2 million in tax fraud. Officials urge taxpayers who receive identity verification letters to respond promptly, as refunds won’t be issued until identities are confirmed.
Twin Falls Man Sentenced in Downtown Shooting
A Twin Falls man pleaded guilty to aggravated battery in a downtown shooting last fall. Isaac Jauregui Ramos was sentenced to up to 15 years. The victim, Christopher Gonzales, was shot in the abdomen but survived after surgery.
Twin Falls Among Cities with Fastest-Rising Rents
A new report from 247wallst.com ranks Twin Falls among the top 20 U.S. cities with the highest rent increases. The city saw an 18.7% spike, with median rent climbing $231 to $1,466 for a one-bedroom. Twin Falls is now one of the nation’s toughest home-buying markets, with demand far outpacing supply. Other Idaho cities, including Boise, Idaho Falls, and Pocatello, also made the list.
Boise State President Finalist for Vermont Job
Boise State University President Marlene Tromp is the sole finalist for the University of Vermont’s top job. She is interviewing in Burlington this week, with no other finalists listed. Tromp has led Boise State since 2019, overseeing enrollment growth, rising graduation rates, and increased research funding. However, her tenure has also seen controversy, including a $4 million First Amendment lawsuit. If she takes the Vermont position, she would move to a smaller school with a strong research focus. Boise State and Idaho education officials have declined to comment on her potential departure.
Kroger Faces Another Lawsuit Over Albertsons Deal
Kroger is facing another lawsuit over its failed attempt to acquire Albertsons. C&S Wholesale Grocers sued Kroger in Delaware, claiming the company failed to pay a $125 million termination fee. This follows Albertsons’ December lawsuit demanding a $600 million breakup fee. Kroger denies wrongdoing, while its CEO recently resigned amid an unspecified misconduct probe.
Sports
High School Baseball
- Twin Falls vs. Canyon Ridge – Canceled
- Wood River 16, Gooding 0 – Ozzie Scherer, Caleb Kurtz, and Drake Orr combined for a one-hit shutout. Scherer also had three hits. Wood River (2-1) visits Filer on Thursday, while Gooding (1-1) hosts Buhl Wednesday.
- Kimberly 16, Filer 3 – A nine-run fifth inning propelled Kimberly to victory. Gunner Stringham struck out six in his start. Kimberly (1-3) hosts Preston on Thursday, while Filer (1-1) hosts Wood River.
- Nampa Christian 7, Wendell 0 – Chip Houser had Wendell’s only hit. Wendell (0-3) looks to rebound Friday against Buhl.
High School Softball
- Rigby vs. Burley and Hillcrest vs. Canyon Ridge – Canceled
- Gooding 17, Wendell 3 – Olivia Rogers hit two home runs and struck out 15 in a complete-game four-hitter. Gooding (3-1) heads to the Win the Pitch Tournament this weekend, while Wendell (1-2) hosts Firth on Wednesday.
- Glenns Ferry 16, Melba 3 – Taylor Martinez struck out 10, while Sahira Arevalo drove in seven runs, including a grand slam. Glenns Ferry (3-0) hosts West Jefferson on Wednesday.
- Owyhee 26, Jerome 1 – A 21-run explosion in two innings powered Owyhee to victory. Jerome (2-2) plays Weiser and Fruitland in the Win the Pitch Tournament on Friday.
- Kimberly 25, Filer 1 – Defending state champs Kimberly outscored opponents 68-2 this season. Mallory Kelsey struck out 11, while Hope Ward hit for the cycle, including a three-run homer in a 15-run sixth inning. Kimberly (4-0) plays Lake City and Thunder Ridge on Friday. Filer (1-1) hosts Buhl Friday at 4:30 p.m.
College Softball
- Boise State Sweeps Pacific – The Broncos (21-9) blasted four home runs in a doubleheader sweep. They host Nevada for a three-game series starting Friday at 6 p.m.
College Sports
- CSI Baseball – Jack Barker earned his fourth Scenic West Player of the Week honor, hitting .647 with six RBIs. CSI opens conference play Friday at home against Colorado Northwestern.
- CSI Rodeo – Competed at Weber State, finishing seventh. LaMerrill Winters won Bareback Riding, and Hailey Gibbs placed fifth in Breakaway Roping. CSI men rank sixth in the Rocky Mountain Region, while the women sit in second. Next up: Snow College Rodeo in Salina, Utah.
- Idaho Vandal Soccer – Kicks off its spring exhibition season with four games, visiting Gonzaga on March 29 and Washington State on April 2 before hosting Spokane CC on April 12. The season wraps up with an Alumni Game on April 26.
Weather
Today: Sunny, high near 50°F. Light south winds increasing to 6-11 mph.
Tonight: 20% chance of snow showers after midnight. Mostly cloudy, low around 34°F.
Thursday: 20% chance of morning snow. Partly sunny, high near 46°F. West wind 11-18 mph, gusts up to 29 mph.
Thursday Night: Mostly cloudy, low around 32°F.
Friday: 30% chance of rain/snow showers, high near 51°F.
Friday Night: 40% chance of showers, low around 38°F.
Saturday: 30% chance of showers, high near 54°F. Breezy. Sunday: Mostly sunny, high near 57°F.
Monday: Mostly sunny, high near 66°F.
Tuesday: Sunny, high near 70°F.
