STATEHOUSE WATCH
PUBLIC DEFENSE BUDGET CUTS
Idaho’s state public defender warns new budget cuts could increase attorney workloads and hurt constitutionally required legal representation. The $2.2 million reduction in 2027 may force cuts to training and contract attorneys, raising concerns about losing staff.
UTAH GAS TAX SHIFT
Utah lawmakers are backing off a controversial gas tax overhaul after pushback from Idaho leaders. A new proposal would temporarily cut Utah’s gas tax by more than 15% starting July 1, while expanding fuel supply to lower long-term prices.
2026 ELECTION SEASON
Idaho’s 2026 election season is underway, and candidates will now file online at VoteIdaho.gov. State and legislative filing runs February 23rd through the 27th, with county offices opening in early March.
TAX REFUND DELAYS
Idaho taxpayers could see refund delays this year as the State Tax Commission updates forms tied to House Bill 559. New deductions are being added, and officials say processing may take longer than usual this filing season.
LA SEMICONDUCTOR WARN NOTICE
Up to 350 jobs could be cut at LA Semiconductor in Pocatello by April 10 if a buyer isn’t found. The company filed a WARN notice as a court-appointed receiver continues efforts to sell the facility.
CAREER TECH CUTS
Idaho’s Division of Career Technical Education warns nearly $4 million in budget cuts could impact classrooms statewide. Officials say the reductions may limit training opportunities and could take up to a decade to fully recover from.
NTSB PRELIM REPORT
The NTSB’s preliminary report says Boise TV meteorologist Roland Steadham and Meridian resident Dallin Laufenberg were flying low near Montour before their plane struck power lines January 27th.
DRIVER’S ED BILL
A bill moving through the Idaho Legislature would let parents teach all of their teen’s driver’s education, expanding the option statewide. Supporters say it gives families flexibility, while opponents warn it could make roads less safe.
TWIN FALLS VERDICT
A Twin Falls jury has found 63-year-old Fikret Somic guilty of child sex abuse by soliciting a minor after a June incident at City Park. Sentencing is scheduled for May 11th.
SPORTS
DISTRICT TOURNAMENT ACTION
Big night on the hardwood! The Kimberly Bulldogs are headed to the district championship after edging Filer 53-52. The Dawgs used a 10-0 third-quarter run to swing the momentum and will face top-seed Gooding Monday on the road.
Murtaugh is championship-bound too, knocking off Hagerman 53-45. Broxton Widmier came out hot, and despite 22 from Hagerman’s Will Mavencamp, the Red Devils held on. They’ll meet Valley Tuesday at CSI for the district title.
OTHER TOURNAMENT SCORES
Minico eliminated Wood River 62-49.
Mountain Home slipped past Jerome 62-59 in overtime.
Gooding topped Buhl 58-51.
Valley beat Raft River 63-53.
Sun Valley downed Glenns Ferry 56-46.
Shoshone edged Oakley 43-41.
Carey defeated Richfield 45-38.
Dietrich beat Camas County 54-41.
BOYS DISTRICT GAMES TONIGHT
District action on the boys side tonight — Canyon Ridge, 11 and 10, travels to Highland in Pocatello at 7.
Also at 7, Declo, 11 and 10, hits the road to take on powerhouse Wendell, 19 and 1, in district tournament play.
GIRLS STATE TOURNAMENT
On the girls state tournament floor today — Jerome, 15 and 8, tips at 2 against Pocatello at Mountain View.
At 5, Carey, 17 and 3, meets Nezperce at Owyhee.
Two big 7 o’clock games — Filer, 17 and 4, faces Bear Lake at Skyview, while Dietrich takes on Mackay at Owyhee.
Liberty Charter plays Oakley at Columbia, and earlier today Kimberly matched up with undefeated Sugar-Salem at Skyview.
State hardware on the line — we’ll keep you posted with scores!
UMPIRE RULES MEETING
District Four holds its annual state rules meeting for umpires tonight at Canyon Ridge High School in Room 301 — softball at 6, baseball at 7. Officials will review new rules, including adoption of the double first base starting in 2027, plus uniform and conference clarifications for the upcoming season.
BOISE STATE MEN
Boise State men dropped their second straight, falling at Utah State 75-56. Drew Fielder led the Broncos with 14 points and eight rebounds. Boise State slips to 15-11 overall, 7-8 in Mountain West play, and returns home Saturday to host San Jose State at 2 p.m. in ExtraMile Arena.
BOISE STATE WOMEN
The Boise State women rallied from 12 down to beat Air Force 70-62 at Extra Mile Arena. Natalie Pasco led with 21, Tatum Thompson added 18, and the Broncos improved to 21-6 overall, 12-4 in Mountain West play. Boise State hits the road next to face San Jose State on Saturday.
IDAHO VANDALS WOMEN
The Idaho Vandals women, 21-5 and riding a 10-game win streak, host Portland State tonight at 6 in ICCU Arena for Star Wars Night. Idaho leads the Big Sky at 12-1 and is ranked 21st in the Mid-Major Top 25. The Vandals average nearly 80 points per game and have won 23 of the last 26 against the Vikings.
WEATHER
TODAY
Partly sunny, with a high near 37. South southeast wind around 7 mph.
TONIGHT
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 21. East wind 5 to 7 mph becoming light and variable after midnight.
FRIDAY
A 20 percent chance of snow. Partly sunny, with a high near 37. Light west southwest wind becoming west 6 to 11 mph in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 22 mph.
FRIDAY NIGHT
Partly cloudy, with a low around 20. West northwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming south after midnight.
SATURDAY
Mostly sunny, with a high near 44. East southeast wind 5 to 9 mph.
Saturday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 25.
SUNDAY
Mostly sunny, with a high near 51.
Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 28.
MONDAY
Partly sunny, with a high near 56.
Monday Night: A 20 percent chance of rain after 11pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 37.
TUESDAY
Rain likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 51. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Tuesday Night: Rain likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 36. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
WEDNESDAY
A chance of rain and snow. Partly sunny, with a high near 49. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
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