IDAHO LEGISLATURE & STATE BUDGET
Republican legislative leaders say they will set a revenue projection early in the 2026 session as lawmakers prepare to balance Idaho’s budget amid projected deficits. Governor Brad Little says he will propose a balanced budget Monday and plans to align Idaho with recent federal tax changes, while not seeking to repeal Medicaid expansion. The 2026 legislative session officially begins Monday in Boise.
House Speaker Mike Moyle says Idaho will likely adopt many of President Donald Trump’s federal tax changes and pass additional budget cuts this session to avoid a state deficit. Moyle says reductions can be made, but warns lawmakers will face difficult choices as state agencies work to protect their budgets.
State reports show Idaho faces a $40 million budget deficit this year, with a projected $555 million shortfall next year. Lawmakers say budget cuts are coming. Moyle says repealing Medicaid expansion is “on the table,” while Democrats argue the financial crisis is the result of years of tax cuts.
NAMPA INFANT DEATH & LEGISLATION
A petition nearing its signature goal is calling for an independent investigation into the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare following the death of a 12-day-old baby in Nampa. The petition also urges lawmakers to pass “Benjamin’s Law,” which would require immediate review when children are born to parents with prior terminations. The infant’s parents remain jailed on felony charges.
UNIVERSITY OF IDAHO MURDER CASE LAWSUIT
The families of four University of Idaho murder victims are suing Washington State University, alleging gross negligence and wrongful death connected to the accused killer’s behavior while he was a WSU student. The lawsuit claims the university failed to act despite warning signs. Brian Kohberger pleaded guilty last year to avoid the death penalty.
HISTORIC REMAINS CONFIRMED
Human remains discovered at a construction site near Givens Hot Springs have been confirmed as historic Native American remains. Authorities say there is no evidence of a crime. The Shoshone-Paiute Tribes are now working with the state on respectful handling and repatriation.
COMMUNITY NOTES
People for Pets in Twin Falls will be closed to the public January 13th through the 19th for renovations. The animal shelter is installing new epoxy flooring to improve cleanliness and safety for animals.
SPORTS
HIGH SCHOOL BOYS BASKETBALL
It was a busy night across the Magic Valley. Burley picked up a big home win, edging Century 67–66 in a one-point thriller. Burley now heads to Blackfoot tomorrow. In conference play, Camas County held off Castleford 59–52, while Wendell stayed hot at 9–1 with a convincing 63–39 win at Declo. Gooding defended home court with a 51–46 win over Filer, and Madison pulled away late to beat Canyon Ridge 58–45. Preston improved to 10–2 with a 56–46 road win at Minico. Mountain Home snapped a skid by beating Wood River 58–45. Twin Falls moved to 5–5 with a 55–51 non-conference win over Pocatello.
HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS BASKETBALL
Carey dominated Richfield 44–17 to move to 7–3. Raft River stayed near the top of the standings with a 52–24 win at Glenns Ferry. Dietrich cruised past Hansen 60–23. Murtaugh edged Hagerman 38–31 in a tight conference matchup. Oakley continued its strong season at 10–1 with a 65–18 win over Shoshone. Valley picked up a 60–32 win over Buhl.
HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL THIS WEEKEND
Tonight (Boys):
Sun Valley at Oakley, Hagerman at Butte County, Leadore at Carey, Mountain Home at Filer, Homedale at Gooding, Dietrich vs. Hansen, Buhl at Marsh Valley, Shoshone at Raft River, and Murtaugh vs. Valley.
Saturday (Boys):
Riverstone at Castleford, Kimberly at Cole Valley Christian, Idaho Falls at Minico, Twin Falls at Preston, Jerome at Century, Declo at Malad, Mackay at Richfield, and West Side at Wendell.
Today (Girls):
Shoshone at Castleford, Firth at Declo, Twin Falls at Minico, Jerome at Mountain Home, Burley at Preston, Wendell at West Side, and Gooding at Wood River.
Saturday (Girls):
American Falls at Filer, Murtaugh at Grace, Kimberly at Snake River, Mackay at Richfield, and Aberdeen at Raft River.
YOUTH SPORTS DEVELOPMENT
Ground was broken yesterday on the Boot Check Sports Ranch near the Twin Falls airport. The multi-phase, JAE Foundation-funded recreation complex for Magic Valley youth will include five basketball and volleyball courts, performance centers, and equine therapy. No opening date has been announced, but a fundraising auction is scheduled for April 25.
COLLEGE BASKETBALL
The 11th-ranked College of Southern Idaho men dominated Colorado Northwestern 96–50. Every Golden Eagle scored, with five players in double figures. Nathan Ahner led with 15 points, Kobe Kesler hit four three-pointers for 12, and CSI improved to 15–1 and 2–0 in conference play.
The CSI women crushed Colorado Northwestern 92–38, holding the Spartans to just 12 first-half points. Savannah Stoker led with 10 points as the Golden Eagles hit 12 threes. Both teams play at Salt Lake tomorrow — the women at 1 p.m., the men at 3 p.m.
The Idaho men rallied from an 18-point deficit but fell to Montana 79–73 at ICCU Arena. Jackson Rasmussen led the Vandals with 16 points and seven rebounds. The Idaho women made history in Missoula, beating Montana 67–50 as Kyra Gardner scored a career-high 28 points with 11 rebounds and seven steals. Both teams play at Montana State Saturday.
Idaho State’s men fell at Northern Colorado 85–72 despite 26 points from Jamison Guerra. The Bengals drop to 8–8 overall. The women also lost to the Bears, 67–56, with Kacey Spink leading Idaho State with 13 points. Both teams are back in action this weekend.
WEATHER
Sunny and cool today, with a high near 38 and a light west wind. Clear tonight with a low around 22. Mostly sunny through the weekend — highs near 40 Saturday and 41 Sunday. Early next week stays dry and warming, with highs climbing into the mid to upper 40s by Wednesday and Thursday.
Today: Sunny, high near 38. West wind 9–11 mph, gusts up to 22 mph.
Tonight: Mostly clear, low around 22. South-southwest wind 5–7 mph.
Saturday: Sunny, high near 40. Light winds.
Saturday Night: Mostly cloudy, low around 24.
Sunday: Mostly sunny, high near 41.
Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, low around 23.
Monday: Mostly sunny, high near 44.
Tuesday: Partly sunny, high near 45.
Wednesday: Sunny, high near 46.
Thursday: Sunny, high near 48.
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